944

FASHION OR FICTION: TALKING WOODSTOCK

Every decade has its defining moments. For the 1960’s, Woodstock was revolutionary! Forty years later, we’re still talking about it, recreating it, and featuring it on the big screen like in Ang Lee’s latest flick, “Taking Woodstock.”

Woodstock defined an era. Thirty-two acts (many extinct) performed outdoors in front of a half million happy, often, tripping hippies. It was billed as “An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace and Music.” From what I hear, it was that and so much more, especially, if you factor in the drugs, which were as integral to the festival as the music, itself. For those of us who missed it, and for generations to follow, we have powerful images that captured the wonders of Woodstock. And there, on that dairy farm in the town of Bethel, New York, on August 15, 1969 was one of the world’s most talented photographers, Baron Wolman. (pictured below)



Flash forward forty years and a few days. It’s mid August, 2009. I’m en route via Southwest Airlines to New Mexico for a set visit. If you know anything about me at all, you know I’m TERRIFIED of flying. So, let’s just say, on this specific day, I’m about two dirty martini’s in, next to a window seat, fingers crossed, and ready for take off. Phew, once we’re in the air and I’m able to catch my breath again, I look over two seats (aisle seat) and am greeted by a very friendly face, which immediately puts me at ease. It’s Baron Wolman. Maybe he could smell my fear and wanted to distract me with conversation or was it that he hoped to tune out the wacky stewardess?? Either way, the first question out of Baron’s mouth was, “Are you into rock and roll??” My first thought?? “Ding, ding, ding!!!” See, another thing most people know about me is that I’m absolutely obsessed with the music and culture of the sixties and early seventies! I answered with, “Yeah, I love the old stuff.” Then, the unthinkable happened!! He handed me a little book of postcards with Jimi Hendrix on the cover, rocking out with his guitar in a legendary, semi-erotic “Jimi” pose. I flipped through the book only to find that one page was better than the next. Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, The Grateful Dead…and the list goes on. I thought, “Have I died and gone to heaven!?!?!” Then I hear Baron say, “Those are all my pictures.” At that point, I regressed back to being a 14 year old girl at her first Hanson concert. Let’s just say I was in total awe! I began firing questions…What was Janis like? And Grace Slick ??(seen below) How were “The Doors” in concert? Did you ever see Jerry on drugs? Who was the best? Who was a diva…blah blah blah.



As we continued talking and looking through the pictures, it dawned on me that I actually recognized most of the images. Turns out, this guy ain’t no small fry. I also learned that Baron was the very first Chief Photographer of Rolling Stone Magazine in the late sixties when music was at its peak. In 1970, Baron, left the Stone to start his own magazine, Rags, the "Rolling Stone of fashion” which was said to be a journalistic success.

(Image of Santana at Woodstock)


Needless to say, the flight landed safely, I made a new friend and felt more inspired than ever. Baron gave me his email address and as it rarely happens, I actually used it. I figured what better way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Woodstock and the release of the movie then by paying tribute with some of Baron’s famous photos taken at the festival. Funny enough, a man who has such talent behind the camera also has a real knack with his words. I think Baron’s website explains his motto best: “Mixing business with pleasure since 1965.” And many more years to come.

(The glorious Jerry Garcia--not taken at Woodstock but one of my favorites!)



If you’re interested in Baron’s photos or want to learn more about the man behind the camera, feel free to email him at www.baronwolman.com

**Check out my website at www.adriannacosta.com
Become a friend on facebook or follow me on Twitter at Adrianna Costa