The Bethel Woods Center For The Arts-the music venue located where the Woodstock festival was held in 1969-has planned a tribute to one of the names most associated with that historic event. A special tribute concert to singer/songwriter Richie Havens will take place at the venue on August 18th, the 44th anniversary of the festival which Havens opened.

Havens was famously the first performer to play at Woodstock, an event that did wonders for the singer’s career. His performance of “Freedom” is still considered one of the highlights of the festival and the film that followed. Woodstock organizers Michael Lang and Joel Rossman will speak at the event, as will actors Danny Glover and Louis Gossett, Jr. (Gossett also co-wrote “Handsome Johnny” with Havens.) Scheduled performers include Jose Feliciano, John Hammond, John Sebastian, Guy Davis, Dayna Kurtz, and more to be announced. Havens’ ashes will also be spread on the Woodstock site as part of the ceremony.

For more information on the event, visit www.richiehavens.com