Anyone Could Perform
The Woodstock Free Stage was akin to a Hippie Disneyland. Attendees engaged in diverse activities, encompassing music jams, impromptu performances, and recreational endeavors. The atmosphere mirrored Woodstock’s open spirit, with people enjoying drugs, free hugs, and massages. This photo portrays individuals engaging with hanging gongs, showcasing the uninhibited creativity that defined the space.
However, experiences varied. Renowned sitar player Ravi Shankar, a Woodstock attendee, described the festival as “terrifying.” The massive, mud-covered crowd didn’t align with his vision of a transcendent musical experience, instead evoking imagery of water buffaloes in India.
Next: Sly and the Family Stone at Woodstock.
