2019 marked the 50th anniversary of several monumental pop culture events: the Stonewall riots, the moon landing, and Woodstock Music Festival. Arlo honored the “Summer of Love” with a groovy pop-up, complete with psychedelic cocktails, flower power decor and even a 1969 painted Volkswagen Bug.
Alyson Cambridge, an accomplished Opera and Broadway singer, recently shared why she wanted to experience Arlo’s “Summer of Love” pop-up, and why it’s important to look back on the 50th anniversary of the famous festival. Read on to see why Woodstock still matters, and check out her new and upcoming projects like her solo concert at Carnegie Hall in December, her newest album “Sisters in Song” and more here / @alysoncambridge.
How did you hear about the Arlo Hotel Woodstock celebration?
I heard about it through a good friend of mine who has attended events at Arlo in the past, and suggested I look into it. I happened to be home in the city between my performances at The Glimmerglass Festival, and thought I would check it out!
Why did you want to participate in it?
As a musician, and one who enjoys all types of music, I have always been so intrigued by Woodstock and all of the epic artists that performed there. So, when I heard Arlo was having a celebration, I was more than eager to check it out. In fact, one of my musical collaborators and dear friend, guitarist Tony Bruno, and his family (which coincidentally includes son Hendrix!), actually have a home in Woodstock, and I have been trying to find time for a visit. He is always raving not only about how the legacy of the epic music festival still resonates there, but how Woodstock is the best of all worlds — small town country living with big city personality, great food, great music, great people all year round. As for Arlo’s celebration, I think it’s a great way for those of us who weren’t alive during the original Woodstock to experience it, and for those who were to relive it all over again!
What does the 50th anniversary of woodstock mean to you? Why does it matter?
Woodstock is arguably the most iconic and legendary music festival ever. Moreover, it was part of social and political movement and awareness in this country and around the world. 50 years later, I think we find ourselves in a very similar time of awareness, debate and heated conversations. Often times, we look to and take comfort in musicians and artists who interpret, protest, and comment on social issues with their powerful story-telling and in musical ways only they (we) can. I am eager to look back on that era and how those who experienced Woodstock back then may find parallels to today. As a musician, I am honored to be a part of that community, and am grateful to the artists to paved the way, stood up and made music for social and political change… in our current day and political climate, I think we could all take an important page out of the Woodstock handbook.
