Mysteryland 2014: Woodstock 2.0

Posted 8/21/12

I’ve always wondered what it would have been like to attend the iconic Woodstock Music Festival held in Bethel, NY, in the summer of 1969. Since I wasn’t even a twinkle in my parents eyes at that …

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Mysteryland 2014: Woodstock 2.0

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I’ve always wondered what it would have been like to attend the iconic Woodstock Music Festival held in Bethel, NY, in the summer of 1969. Since I wasn’t even a twinkle in my parents eyes at that point—and time machines haven’t been invented yet—I didn’t think I would ever get the chance to experience it firsthand. Last year’s Mysteryland wasn’t exactly Woodstock, but from what I experienced, it was about as close as one could get.

This gathering of people from far and wide boasted a friendly atmosphere. I didn’t expect any less, after being told about the countless hours of community service these folks had done in the area.

Mysteryland was the first festival since Woodstock where people were allowed to camp on the now-famous grounds. So on Friday night I wandered the “holy ground,” to see what 7,500 people were doing in tents peppering the field. Though there was considerable rain and quite a bit of mud, everyone was happy, friendly and eager to share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience of being the first group back camping at the location since ’69. There was quite a bit of mud back then, too.

Heavy electronic dance music and the legacy of Woodstock is an unusual combination in theory; but in practice, it came together better than anyone could have expected. The different stages all had the familiar sound of big bass, and large crowds of dancers were everywhere. What I didn’t see was an unhappy person anywhere.

Though it poured on day one, people were happily dancing in the rain, seeking shelter with others under the tents, and just wandering around in some of the most creative costumes I had ever seen. Unicorn girl? Check. A well-balanced meal? Check. (Seriously, there was a group dressed as vegetables.) Sugar skull makeup? Check. Glow bands and candy bracelets? Double check.

Everyone I met was happy to have their picture taken—especially a couple who got married during the three-day festival. In front of a little “love shack,” these two said their vows and subsequently walked around Mysteryland in their wedding attire, as more than 150 photographers from 27 countries captured the moment for posterity.

I picked up some new vocabulary. “PLUR” being my favorite. Peace. Love. Unity. Respect. It seems the culture of EDM (electronic dance music) draws on the essence of exactly what Woodstock was all about. I was handed a Kandi bracelet. Pony beads? Why did someone hand me those? Turns out those beads were part of the PLUR way. A conversation starter, a way to show friendship. Made sense to me when I saw them being traded back and forth all weekend.

People proudly displayed bracelets they had gotten, trading with others who came from places all over the globe. I like to think that I made friends from all around the world that weekend, too. Some people who called themselves “Q Dance” were so happy that I took a group picture, and I felt like I was more family than friend.

And that’s what this whole event was. A family. The same as the original Woodstock was, but with the twist of a new generation.

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