The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art performing arts center located at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Bethel, New York. The hope of its founders is to provide artists with the opportunity to play and perform on one of music’s most legendary grounds while providing a catalyst for strong economic growth for the Sullivan County, New York area and a must-see premier cultural destination for music lovers and concert goers. “This place definitely has a vibe,” said David Crosby. CSN&Y returned “to the garden” and performed to a sold out audience at Bethel Woods on August 13, 2006.
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History
Beginning in 1996, cable television pioneer and philanthropist Alan Gerry purchased the original festival field and 1,700 surrounding acres. This provided a perfect backdrop for his plans of creating Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Bethel Woods is a multi-venue performing arts complex that can accommodate 16,800 fans at the main outdoor concert Pavilion. Scheduled to open in 2008 is a museum and event gallery dedicated to the legacy of the world famous 1969 Festival and the decade it concluded. The $70 million project, launched by the Gerry Foundation in 2004, has employed over 650 New York State laborers and artisans in every trade and skill, many from the local area. The Gerry Foundation has a keen understanding that for Bethel Woods to be economically and artistically relevant it must meet the technical and performance requirements of artists, musicians and fans. Designed by cultural venue architects, Westlake Reed Leskosky, Bethel Woods provides artists with the opportunity to perform at one of music’s most revered sites, harmonious with the perfect blending of nature, beautiful scenery and in close proximity to the New York City Metropolitan area. Bethel Woods features a 7,500 square foot stage, a 4,800 covered seat Pavilion and a naturally sloping lawn accommodating up to 12,000 people. Nicely positioned between the main entrance and the Pavilion, is a Roman-style amphitheater with space for 750 to enjoy a variety of performances. In addition, the Woodstock Site Festival Field can accommodate events up to 30,000 capacities. The inaugural season of 2006 included 9 show days, while in 2007 that number was increased to 16. The venue has not announced any performances for the 2008 concert season, although the Interpretive Center and Museum is scheduled to open in the Spring. In October 2007, Congress voted against a bill that contained $1 million earmarked for the "Woodstock" museum.
Venue Schedule
2008: No shows announced 2007 Season (16 Shows)
2006 Season (8 Shows) Bethel Woods presents concerts and events during the summer season. For the current events schedule and ticketing information, visit Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
External links
- Bethel Woods Homepage
- Sullivan Cty Visitor's Association Homepage
- Sullivan Cty Chamber of Commerce Homepage
