Memphians who were at Woodstock recall magical weekend of music, mud, madness

Feature story for The Commercial Appeal

August 13, 2009

For our country, the summer of 1969 was a time of violence and uncertainty, and the perfect time in history for the sea change that the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend, could offer. The three-day celebration of peace, love, music and more left everyone involved with lifelong memories.

For former Memphian Bonnie Roberts, then 19, memories of Woodstock begin with a wedding in New England. Or, more precisely, a bridal shower, hosted by a friend who offered to take her to Woodstock on the back of her boyfriend’s Harley Davidson.

Getting there, it turned out, would be part of the adventure … (read more)