Here’s What’s Coming for the 35th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival — Reimagined

Rather than cancel this year’s Festival, the Board chose to reimagine it, taking advantage of what an online event can offer, while preserving the flavor of a Woodstock event. Long time co-hosts Chuck VanderVennet and Rich Warren will welcome everyone, and viewers will be treated to a virtual tour of the historic Square.

The heart of the event will be two half-hour segments, each featuring music and conversation with performers. One segment will feature Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway, and the other, Christine Lavin and Megon McDonough. While the Festival is known for the high quality and variety of music, it generally cannot present conversations between performers, something it is uniquely positioned to do this year.

Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway, both renowned solo performers, toured the country with their “Deeper Than the Skin” show. Friends for over 30 years, one black, one white, one from the North, one from the South, they come together as musicians, storytellers, students of history and world travelers. Through music and conversation, their separate narratives are forged into one powerful friendship aimed at finding common ground and helping others to do the same.

Early in their careers Christine Lavin and Megon McDonough came together as half of the Four Bitchin’ Babes. Christine has entertained audiences with a mix of humorous and tender songs. She also nurtures and promotes new generations of performers. Megon, who will be next year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, began writing songs as a child. Her vast repertoire has led her from performing in Patsy Cline shows to writing and performing in a solo cabaret show. She has performed on stages such as Carnegie Hall, The Birchmere, and Wolf Trap. She has also served as music director and performed at Unity centers and churches.

Festival founder Amy Beth and award-winning singer-songwriter Crys Matthews will also perform. The Festival will finish with its hallmark All-Sing Finale, featuring past performers. There may be a surprise guest or two.

Donations

Donations are welcome at any time through the Donation tab on the site. The Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, made possible in part by Radio Partners WDCB, WFMT, and WNUR, the City of Woodstock, and Real Woodstock (www.realwoodstock.com).

Woodstock Wednesdays

“Woodstock Wednesdays” will be segments of 5 to 15 minutes, featuring a song and a reflection by a past or future Festival performer. They will be available through the website each Wednesday, beginning July 1st.

Other Happenings

For more information on these and future events, such as our new Fan Forum, and, in August, a commemoration of the “100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in the U.S.” with special web features, go to www.woodstockfolkfestival.org.