The Road to Woodstock 1969... February - March

Introduction

During February, Michael and Artie negotiated feverishly with the New York Financiers ( Roberts and Rossman) and they reached an Agreement of February 28... and it was off to the Races.

The Quartet's Roles in the Venture:

Michael Lang: Hands-on Producer on the Festival, Book the Talent, Design and Supervise the preparation of the Site, and put together the Production Team.

Artie Kornfeld: He had already established himself as a successful Musician, Record Producer, and Music Executive. By 1966, he had written over 75 Billboard-charted Songs and participated in over 150 Albums. This Background provided him with the necessary Expertise and Industry Connections to help Organize such a massive Music Festival. Artie was instrumental in shaping the ethos and spirit of what would become known as "The Woodstock Generation."

New York Financiers, John Roberts and Joel Rosenman would bankroll the Event and have a Pool of Emergency Funds.

Note: Obviously, such a Grand Event would cause some uneasiness but lang was a true Leader and convinced the Team that the Event had to be "Authentic' from Top to bottom.

There were 3 very important Tasks to be completed ASAP to "Kick-the-Can-down-the-Road" if this all was going to happen:

1. Nail down the Property and prepare the Proposal to present to the Woodstock Town Board for the Permit...

2. As they all agreed that a mix of Genres was important to "have something for Everyone"... who to invite... everyone?... (Right)... as there is no real documentation on the "Who", I chose from the Top Bands and Artists to make a List.

3. Secure a Contract for a Location, notify the Utilities and Medical Support, and form a Security and Food Groups List.

The Proposal Highlights:

1. A Comprehensive Medical and Operations plan.

2. Details on Security, Transportation, Capacity, Toilets, Telephone, Parking, Mosquito Control, Camping, and Noise Levels. (Note: This is a laugher as they knowingly lied about the potential Attendence)

3. Proof of Financial Resources sufficient to execute the Plan.

4. A Public Impact Statement, including input from Local Public Safety Officials and coordination between all Agencies overseeing the Permit.

5. Plans for at least two Emergency Health Care Facilities onsite for events over 50,000 People. (just how much over? - LOL)

6. A detailed Site Map to be provided to every Guest. (Right)

7. Specific Plans for issues like Food and Beverage Service. (LOL)

Nail Down the Site: On the last Sunday of March, lang, John, and Joel hopped in Johns's Porshe and headed up Route 17 to search for a place... amazingly, within a few miles they saw a Sign... "MILLS INDUSTRIAL PARK FOR RENT." (200 acres in the Township of Wallkill about 90 minute drive from NYC. The asking price was $10,000 for a 4 month Lease, pending approval from the Zoning Board... they put $1,500 for as a Deposit for a "Two-way, 30-day Option for the Land... they were to appear before the Board on April 18.

Who to Invite? A List by Priority:

Artie began calling his Friendly Contacts at Radio Stations and got them to hype the Event on air... which threw gasoline on a "Smoldering Fire." Both Lang and Artie began soliciting the best Sound and Production Crews trying to instill what this all would do for their Careers. They were highly successful, indeed. Lang signed one Stan Goldstein, a Master Sound Engineer to bring those Logistics together for $500/week... $100 more than he was making. The Slogan "Three Days of Peace and Love" was adopted and the idea of having a Guitar and a Dove on the Poster was accepted and designed by Arnold Skolnick.

And so, the Train has left the Station and the Boys celebrated with Mary Jane and a Toddy in the pool... till then it is in the April issue... Willie

Lang was working with one Hector Morales from the William Morris Agency who helped him at the Miami Event... he soon realized that his credibility was at question and knew he must grab some early Top Bands. He knew that he would have to pay-up for Big Names to be taken seriously by Artists Agents and Managers... His Top choices were Jefferson Airplane ($15G), Credence Clearwater Revival ($10G), and Canned Heat ($12,500). Next came Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Buffalo Springfield, and the Byrds (all fo $10G)... Joe Cocker and Mountain were totally new to the World and would introduce them .