Hall, John: Baltimore-born singer/guitarist John Hall is a founding member of Orleans, a soft rock group most recognized for their hits "Dance with Me" and "Still the One." Hall began his music career early and had already written songs for Janis Joplin, performed with Seals & Croft and did studio time with Bonnie Raitt before he formed Orleans in 1972. Hall left Orleans in 1978 to pursue a solo career. He later formed The John Hall Band in 1981. Hall disbanded his group a short time later, but continued writing songs for others, releasing solo recordings and forming Siren Records. In addition to a successful recording career, Hall has served as political activist and public servant. Along with Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Graham Nash, Hall formed Musicians United for Safe Energy, "No Nukes." And he was elected to the Saugerties (Ulster County; near Woodstock) Board of Education as president from July 1998 to January 2000. Although no longer a fulltime Woodstock-area resident, he still has a strong presence in the region. Hall's discography, as well as other independent artists' works, can be found at: http://www.sirensongs.com or http://www.johnhallmusic.com.

Hand, Frederick: Classical guitarist Frederick Hand has been in the music industry for decades, composing, performing, recording and touring with legends such as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and others. Hand arranged and performed the theme from the 1979 film Kramer vs. Kramer, a winner of five Academy Awards, and he won an Emmy in 1996 for his composition for the daytime soap opera The Guiding Light. Additionally, Hand is an accomplished teacher: he's taught classes at several major universities, including Emory and Yale.

Havens, Richie: Legendary folksinger Richie Havens was born in Brooklyn. He first hit the music scene in the early 1960s, playing folk music in Greenwich Village. He landed his first record deal in 1967, after signing with manager Albert Grossman. He performed at several big-name pop festivals during the '60s, but it wasn't until his appearance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival that his career launched -- he kicked off the infamous festival and played for nearly 3 hours. Havens toured heavily throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s and has over two dozens albums to his credit. Additionally, Havens' resume includes writing and acting acclaim: his book, "They Can't Hide Us Anymore," was released in 1999; he played himself in the 1990 Woodstock: Lost Performances documentary; and his song, "Hands of Time," was used in the 2004 movie Collateral. Havens continues to entertain his audiences with the same passion, warmth and distinctive style that define the musical icon. www.richiehavens.com

Helm, Levon: To this day a Woodstocker in every sense of the elusive word, Band legend Levon Helm is sometimes visible around town and usually at work in his studio in the hills here. The famed drummer of The Band grew up on a farm in Arkansas. He sprung from his country music roots to the Hawks, which had a couple of early hits, before becoming a member of Bob Dylan's band when Dylan went electric. It was in nearby West Saugerties, at a big pink house rented by Band bassist Rick Danko, that Helm and the boys began creating a string of classic albums that would help redefine the rock/country music landscape and ultimately find The Band immortalized in the Martin Scorsese film, "The Last Waltz." The Band went on to produce a number of classics - "Music From Big Pink," "Stage Fright" and "Jericho." In 1994 Helm and The Band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. All along, Helm stayed busy - in films, on the road (including with Ringo Starr) and at home, where he has played frequently and usually in intimate settings. These days, Helm is still a Woodstock fixture. And his Midnight Ramble Sessions at his studios are becoming classics. These sessions, open to a limited number of ticket-buying fans, have included Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, John Sebastian, Garth Hudson and Levon's daughter, Amy, to name a few. It's roots music at its best - and a new Woodstock tradition is being hatched in the process. http://levonhelm.com

Hendrix, Jimi: Guitarist Jimi Hendrix's career launched in 1967 and he reigned as an electric rock guitar superstar/showman/hero/icon since grinding his guitar with his teeth and setting it on fire. And he performed his famous "machine-gun interpretation" of "The Star Spangled Banner" to close the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival. Hendrix started working with greats like Little Richard and The Isley Brothers. He joined John Hammond Jr.'s band for a while, playing in New York clubs. He was eventually spotted by Chas Chandler, bassist for the Animals. Chandler talked Hendrix into moving to London as a solo act and created the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The group made the Top Ten in 1967 with "Hey Joe," "Purple Haze" and "The Wind Cries Mary." Hendrix's group disbanded in 1969 and he formed the Band of Gypsies. He disbanded Gypsies and reunited in 1970 with the Experience. Hendrix died in London on Sept. 18, 1970 from drug-related complications while working on a new album. Most of Hendrix's material was issued posthumously, including several live concerts tapes and the rights to Hendrix's estate - along with all his recordings - went to his father in 1995. The time he spent in Woodstock is debatable, but nonetheless written into town lore. Rumors range from recording at what is now the town's lone alternative movie theater to countless "I remember when Jimi stopped by..." stories.

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Herald, John: The onetime voice of bluegrass' Greenbriar Boys, John Herald was a Woodstock mainstay. The Greenwich Village native was a prolific songwriter and singer/guitarist. His distinctive voice and songwriting are legend in these parts. For the rest of the world, his songs have been recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Peter, Paul and Mary, Maria Muldar and others. His "Alligator Man" recorded with the Greenbriars is one of many classics. And "Stewball," also recorded with the Greenbriars, made it into the movie The Champ with Jon Voight. Herald died on July 18, 2005. http://www.johnherald.com

Hersey, Baird and PRANA: PRANA is a Woodstock original. This group of singers uses their natural, textured voices to recreate the sacred music of Tibetan Buddhism. The group, formed by musician Baird Hersey, can be heard on his "Waking the Cobra." Hersey is a well-known guitarist and composer. In the '70s-'80s, he played with and wrote for Year of the Ear, a band noted for blending of different musical styles. Other members who have played with PRANA include: Peter Buettner, Kristi Gholson, Amy Fradon, Julie Last, Julian Lines, Bruce Milner, Jonji Provenzano, Leslie Ritter, Bar Scott and Joe Veillette. http://www.pranasound.com

Hodgkinson, Mick ("Johnny Average"): England-born guitarist Mick Hodgkinson -- a.k.a. "Johnny Average" -- came to Woodstock in the late 1970s. He formed his first band, Johnny Average and the Falcons, shortly afterwards. The band became known as "Woodstock's band" during the late '70s and the members worked regularly at Bearsville Studios. Hodgkinson later formed The Johnny Average Band and signed on with Albert Grossman, manager of Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, The Band, Richie Havens, Todd Rundgren, Gordon Lightfoot, Peter, Paul and Mary, and others. Their "Some People" album was released in 1980 on Bearsville Records. Over the years, Hodgkinson worked with numerous artists, including fellow Woodstockers Cindy Cashdollar, Mick Ronson and John Sebastian. Hodgkinson passed away June 18, 2007, after a bout with cancer.

Holland, Dave: Born in Wolverhampton, England, current reclusive Woodstocker Dave Holland is an acoustic bass master. In the '60s, he studied under James Merritt, who was then the lead bassist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Influenced by the music of Ray Brown and Leroy Vinnegar, he began on a career path that found him working with John McLaughlin, John Taylor and others before moving to New York in the late '60s. Holland then toured with Miles Davis, and in 1970 formed a band with Chick Corea. The Circle Band lasted only a year, but the band's album "Paris Concert" was declared a classic by jazz insiders. Through the decades, Holland has remained an essential player. In 1990, he toured with fellow Woodstocker Jack DeJohnette's "Parallel Realities" band, which included Pat Metheny -- another Woodstocker -- and Herbie Hancock. And in 1997, the Dave Holland Quintet was born. They released "Points of View" in 1998. Holland's complete discography can be found at: http://www.daveholland.com

Hoppen, Larry: Long Island-born Larry Hoppen is a founding member of the band Orleans -- he's considered "the voice" of the group. Orleans is primarily known for their hits "Still the One" and "Dance with Me." Hoppen released his first solo album in 1996, "The Unherd's Looking for the Light," and "HandMade" in 1998. He has toured and/or collaborated on numerous projects with artists such as Lulu, David Sancious, Tony Levin, Blues Traveler and Graham Parker. Hoppen and his wife, Patricia, co-founded Sunshine for HIV Kids in 1993, and all profits earned from Hoppen's CD sales go directly to his organization. His book, "A Career in Music: How to Stand a Chance," was released in early 2006. Hoppen lived and recorded in Woodstock for nearly 30 years before relocating to Florida in 2000 with his family. http://www.larryhoppen.com

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Hudson, Garth: Born Eric Garth Hudson in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Hudson was a member of the legendary group The Band. He began his musical career in the late 1950s with Paul London and the Capers and toured in the early 1960s with Ronnie Hawkins, fellow member of The Band. Hudson and Hawkins eventually became members of Bob Dylan's band, which led to them relocating to Woodstock. "Music from Big Pink" was The Band's first release and is one of the most influential records of all time. Hudson mastered a variety of instruments, including the piano, keyboards, horns, saxophone, accordion, and the Lowrey organ, a centerpiece for The Band's sound. Hudson and The Band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Following his departure from The Band, Hudson began working with numerous artists, such as Emmylou Harris, Cyndi Lauper, Neil Diamond and Muddy Waters, among others. The Band reunited in the '80s and '90s; however, without the Lowrey organ. As a solo artist, Hudson remains busy. He released his first official solo CD, "The Sea to the North," in 2001 and in 2004, he worked with Norah Jones on her "Feels Like Home" and Los Lobos' "Ride." Hudson is a current Woodstock resident and frequently performs around town with his wife, Maud. http://theband.hiof.no/band_members/garth.html or http://www.garthhudson.com

Johansen, David: Staten Island-born and Woodstock-area resident David Johansen is best known as the front man for New York Dolls, a "cross-dressing, drug-fueled" band that created a new form of punk-rock bands. The Dolls disbanded quickly, but produced two of the most popular cult records in history. Before joining the Dolls, Johansen was with two different bands: Vagabond Missionaries and Fast Eddie and the Electric Japs. Johansen then joined the band Actress, which later became The New York Dolls. Following the Dolls, Johansen recorded his self-titled solo debut in 1977. He resurfaced in 1984 as Buster Poindexter, a comedic nightclub singer/performer, and went on to tour NY clubs. Poindexter's popularity helped revive Johansen's musical career. In 1988, he was cast in two movies: Married to the Mob and Scrooged. Johansen later formed David Johansen and The Harry Smiths, a country-blues group.

Johnson, Howard: Composer/arranger/tuba player Howard Johnson, a former Woodstocker, is considered one of the top tuba soloists. Johnson began working in the early 60s with jazz bassist/composer Charles Mingus and jazz arranger Gil Evans, who worked with Miles Davis on three albums: "Miles Ahead," "Porgy and Bess" and "Sketches of Spain." Johnson formed Substructure in the late 1970s and a second tuba band called Gravity in the 1990s. Gravity released "Gravity!!!" in 1995 and "Right Now" in 1998 and played at the 1996 Monterey Jazz Festival. Johnson was in the first Saturday Night Live Band from 1975 to 1979 and later directing the band in 1980. Johnson has recorded with fellow Woodstockers Jack DeJohnette, The Band and Paul Butterfield, along with many others. He also completed horn arrangements for Paul Simon, John Lennon and Chaka Khan. And Johnson's featured on several film soundtracks, including "School Daze" and "Malcolm X," both directed by Spike Lee. http://hojozone.com

Joplin, Janis: Janis Joplin is one of the most recognizable white female rock and blues singers of the 1960s and all time. She is best known for her hit single "Me and Bobby McGee," a posthumous release in 1971. And she performed at the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Joplin grew up in Port Arthur, TX, and began singing in her teens and playing with Jorma Kaukonen -- Kaukonen later became the guitarist for Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. She relocated to California in 1966 and started her career as front woman for Big Brother & the Holding Company. Joplin's strong, bluesy voice helped make the band a hit at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival with her "Ball and Chain" performance. The band signed with Albert Grossman and the Bearsville label for their second album, "Cheap Thrills." Joplin left the band in 1968 to pursue a solo career; however, the venture was short lived. She struggled for years with drug and alcohol addiction and died of a heroin overdose in a Hollywood hotel in October 1970. http://www.officialjanis.com

Katz, Bruce: Hammond B3 organist Bruce Katz hails from the New England area and is best known for his affiliation with Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. After leaving the Broadcasters, Katz went on to record several albums and formed his own band, the Bruce Katz Band. He majored in Jazz Performance at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Additionally, he's worked and/or toured with legends Chuck Berry, Bo Didley, Emmylou Harris, Levon Helm and many others. Katz joined Helm's Midnight Rambles and resides in West Shokan, near Woodstock. www.brucekatzband.com

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Kaukonen, Jorma: For more than 30 years, Jorma Kaukonen, a former Woodstock resident, has been nurturing and celebrating his unique contributions to the rock/country/folk/blues worlds. Kaukonen's finger-picking fret mastery is legendary. While he is perhaps best known for his stints with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, Kaukonen's brilliance stretches across genres and now generations. Of late, he has been touring with Jack Casady in an acoustic and electric version of Hot Tuna. There are more than 40 releases on Kaukonen's resume. And to this day, he is well remembered around town where he lived for years before creating a music camp, Fur Peace Ranch, in Ohio. This unique guitar boot camp is set on a 119-acre ranch and designed to offer unique learning experiences for all ages and skill levels.

Keith, Bill: Boston-born, bluegrass banjo player Bill Keith was inspired by several folk-music artists, like Pete Seeger.  He also learned to play ukulele, piano and steel pedal guitar.  While attending Amherst College, Keith joined classmate Jim Rooney to form the Connecticut Folklore Society, which led to an extensive touring schedule throughout the New England area. He and Rooney later formed the Kentuckians.  In the late 1960s, Keith became a member of Blue Grass Boys, Jim Kweskin's Jug Band and the Blue Velvet Band.  He relocated to Woodstock in 1970, where he worked with Jonathan Edwards for a brief period, and has performed for the Woodstock Mountain Review.  He's published several instructional videos for Woodstock-based Homespun Tapes.  Keith -- a longtime Woodstock resident -- has been designing and selling quality banjo tuners since 1964 and can be found at the Beacon Banjo Web site: http://www.beaconbanjo.com

Kniceley, Charlie: Born and raised in Ohio, electric bassist Charlie Kniceley came to the Hudson Valley via Southern California after being on the road for several years in the early '70s. He is best known as a sideman, having worked with a variety of artists, including Woodstock-area musicians Betty MacDonald, Jack Dejhonette, Warren Bernhardt, Mike DeMicco, Pete Levin and others. He has also led his own bands which have included New York musicians Ron Finck, Bob Shaut, Ed Xiques, Rashid Ali, Barry Altshul and many others. Kniceley performs locally with The Charlie Kniceley Quartet and The Retro Rockets, a cross-genre band featuring singer/guitarist Jim Eppard, keyboardist Levin and drummer Paul Verdon. http://www.charliebass.com

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