Woodstock: 40 Years Since the Seeds Were Planted
On August 15, 1969 the first notes rang out at the music festival that struck a cord around the world: Woodstock. It's now been 40 years since some of the best musicians of that time performed for a crowd nearly half a million strong, and many of the ideas, philosophies, and dreams that grew from those fields in Bethel, New York are still paving the way today. More than just a concert, the event became a stand against war, a peaceful revolution, and a cultural forum for ideas and positive global change--including the environmental movement that lead to TreeHugger. It also sparked the likes of festivals dedicated to making a difference, including Coachella and Bonnaroo. (Check out 8 Music Festivals that Rock to see more on this track.) So here is our anniversary tribute to Woodstock--perhaps the greatest music event of all time--and the Age of Aquarius. -produced by Mairi BeautymanMusic Plays Vital Role in Greenpeace Activism
by Guest 
on 08.19.09
Photo left: Jerry Garcia plays a benefit concert in front of the James Bay, San Francisco Embarcadero, 1977. Photo copyright Rex Weyler. Photo right: James Taylor and Joni Mitchell at the Don’t Make A Wave Committee Fundraiser, Vancouver Coliseum, October 1970. Photo copyright Robert Stowe.
When rock music came to prominence in the 60s, it was accompanied by a strong sense of optimism, a belief that rock-n-roll could change the world: feelings that rose to new heights at the decade's musical pinnacle, Woodstock. Whether or not any form of pop music can change the world is perhaps still up for debate. What’s certain, though, is that music can and always has inspired the people who actually do change the world. That’s definitely true of Greenpeace’s founders right through to the activists who get involved with Greenpeace campaigns today. In fact, music has meant much more than just inspiration to Greenpeace throughout the years. From a valuable fund-raising tool that helped get the organization off the ground to a means of organizing and an opportunity for activism in and of itself, music has always played a vital role in the work Greenpeace does.
7 Woodstock-Era Songs Just as Influential Today
by Blythe Copeland, Great Neck, New York on 08.10.09
Photo via Times Are Hard for Dreamers
Sometimes the drama of Woodstock overshadows one basic fact: In the beginning, it was all about the music. The songs of the time were powerful tools in the '60s' movement toward social, political, and environmental change--and they're as relevant, important, and effective today as they were then. Whether you heard them at the festival or yesterday on the car radio, there's no doubt that these tunes had--and continue to have--an impact. We've listed seven, but feel free to chime in with your favorite Woodstock-era global-change tunes in the comments below. Plus, read more of our Woodstock 40th anniversary tribute here. A few of these bands have also landed on our list of 10 Woodstock-Era Bands Still Rocking the Green Movement.
Where Are They Now: 10 Green Visionaries from the Woodstock Era
by Emma Grady, New York, NY on 08.10.09
John Sebastian On Stage at Woodstock 1969. Credit Henry Diltz/Michael Lang
The Woodstock-era environmentalists set the stage for the green movement today. These green visionaries have kept up a vocal attack, approaching heavy-hitting topics like global warming, population growth, renewable energy and nature conservation. From American Entomologist Paul R. Ehrlich, who published The Population Bomb in 1968 to James Lovelock, best known for the Gaia hypothesis, find out who is living on a tugboat in California and who is now writing for TreeHugger in Where are they now: 10 Green Visionaries from the Woodstock Era. Plus, read more of our Woodstock 40th anniversary tribute here.
10 Woodstock-Era Bands Still Rocking the Green Movement (Slideshow)
by Blythe Copeland, Great Neck, New York on 08.10.09
Photo via More Things
Woodstock may have been a one-of-a-kind concert, but the artists and bands that performed there didn't let their commitment to global, political, and social change end with the departure of the last muddy audience member. In the 40 years since the concert, several original Woodstock performers--ranging from Joan Baez to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young have turned attention to the environmental issues facing the world today, joining other major voices of the era, including Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie. Learn more about these green enthusiast-performers and more in our 10 Woodstock-Era Bands Still Rocking the Green Movement slideshow:
