Landy, Elliott: Woodstock-area resident Elliott Landy's images of Bob Dylan, The Band, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and numerous other '60s' legends stand in a class by themselves. Landy was a fixture on the music scene of the late '60s. He amassed a remarkable collection -- from album covers, to performance photos, to rare backstage images. He remains a resident of the area and is frequently seen around town. www.landyvision.com

Lang, Michael: One of four organizers of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair -- better known as the original Woodstock concert - from Aug. 15-17, 1969. The festival, billed as "Three Days of Peace and Music," drew 500,000 to Max Yasgur's milk and cheese farm in Bethel, NY, becoming the defining moment of the 1960's counterculture. The concert featured Jimi Hendrix, The Who and a litany of acts who persevered through rain, mud and general mayhem. Lang, the most prominent organizer of the show, also orchestrated a reunion concert 25 years later in Saugerties, NY, with one of his co-promoters, John Roberts. Roberts, Artie Kornfeld and Joel Rosenman comprised Woodstock Ventures, which put on the original festival. Lang has been a longtime resident of the area.

Legnini, Ralph: Multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Ralph Legnini worked for years in the studio as a musician with legendary producers like Todd Rundgren and operates his own studio, E Boy Music Studio in West Shokan.  Customers of Legnini's studio include Bar Scott, Jerry Marotta, Robert Burke Warren, Dorraine Scofield, Blind Mice and other Woodstock artists.

Leon, Rob: For years, the burley warmth of bassist/multi-instrumentalist Rob Leon was felt around town. His distinctive slap-bass rants, lightening-quick guitar licks and quiet, soulful demeanor were part of the town's music lore. He left Woodstock years ago, but remained well known throughout the region, largely for his work with Dan Brubeck and The Dolphins, the jazz fusion band popular in the '90s. Leon passed away in Key West, FL, in 2004. His passing numbed many in town. He left a powerful, endearing legacy.

Levin, Pete: Keyboardist/composer Pete Levin has been in the music scene for more than 30 years. He has recorded and/or performed with a multitude of jazz and pop artists that landed him on hundreds of music and film scores and recordings. The long list includes Gil Evans, Jimmy Giuffre, Miles Davis, Robbie Dupree, Gregory Hines, Tony Levin, Chuck Mangione, Charles Mingus, Paul Simon, Annie Lennox, Salt 'N Pepa, David Sanborn, Sting, and on and on. Levin began his career majoring in the French horn at Julliard. While in school, he worked gigs around New York playing a Hammond Organ, before getting a call in 1974 to play French Horn with legendary jazz arranger Gil Evans. He recorded and toured with Evans for over 15 years. In the early 70s, he began experimenting with the Moog synthesizer, and subsequently became one of the pioneers of the electronic music scene in New York.  He is the brother of famed bassman Tony Levin and has lived and worked in the Woodstock area for years. http://www.petelevin.com

Levin, Tony: Born in Boston, Tony Levin is most well known for his work with Peter Gabriel and King Crimson. He began studying at the Eastman School of Music in classical music, but eventually went into rock and jazz, playing the upright bass. He relocated to New York City in 1970 and worked with legends like Lou Reed, Robbie Robertson, Yes, Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel on Gabriel's 1977 debut album. Levin, who's brother Pete is a well-known, Woodstock-based musician, later joined Gabriel on tour, playing on the Chapman Stick, a unique 12-stringed instrument where strings are tapped, not plucked, and can be played with both hands. Levin relocated to Woodstock in the late '70s, and shortly after agreed to join guitarist Robert Fripp and King Crimson, where he remained a member for over 20 years. Levin is credited with designing Funk Fingers, chopped off drumsticks used to hammer on bass strings. He created his own record label, Papa Bear Records, and made his solo debut with "World Diary." Levin formed Bruford Levin Upper Extremities in 1998 with Bill Bruford (King Crimson drummer), David Torn and Chris Botti. In recent years, locals and fans across North America sing the praises of the Tony Levin Band. The band released "Resonator" in 2006, Levin's first album to contain lyrics and vocals.  http://www.papabear.com

Lovelett, Ken: Percussionist and composer Ken Lovelett is the owner/engineer for Sonart Recording Studios in Mount Tremper.  Additionally, he creates a unique line of percussion and sound instruments -- known and played around the world -- under the company name American Percussion.  Lovelett has performed and/or recorded with James and Livingston Taylor, Karl Berger, Joe Beck, Warren Bernhardt, Pete Levin and others. http://www.sonartrecordingstudio.com or  http://www.americanpercussion.com

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Lyonhart, Charles: Bronx-born singer, songwriter and guitarist Charles Lyonhart has made the Woodstock area his home for years.  During the '90s, Lyonhart played regularly at Woodstock's Tinker Street Cafe.  He briefly spent time as a music journalist before taking his music on the road, playing venues around the state.  In 1994, he performed at the 25th Anniversary of the Woodstock Festival held in Saugerties.  Over the years, he's worked with artists Chris Zaloom, John Herald, Larry Campbell, Warren Haynes, Steve Raleigh, Dennis Cotton, George Quinn, Teresa Williams and Julie Last, just to name a few.  Since receiving a liver transplant in 2005, Lyonhart has returned to performing and writing songs for his "I Came Back" CD, which is being recording in Bearsville and includes Cotton and Quinn.  www.charleslyonhart.com

 MacDonald, Betty: Betty MacDonald is a jazz violinist, composer, vocalist and longtime Woodstock resident. MacDonald had a nightly jazz show on WDST, a Woodstock based FM station, lasting 16 years. She began her career in Woodstock in the early 1970s and worked and/or recorded with local and prominent musicians, including Jimmy Cobb, Dave Brubeck, Jack DeJohnette, Marc Black, Warren Bernhardt, Dave Holland and Vinnie Martucci, to mention a few. MacDonald performed at the Women's Jazz Festival in Kansas City and JazzFest on WAMC in Albany. She released "Dream Come True" in May 2004. http://www.bettymacdonaldmusic.com

Mainieri, Mike: New Yorker Mike Mainieri is primarily known as a jazz vibraphonist.  He began playing vibes when he was 14. By the age of 17, Mainieri was playing with Buddy Rich and won the International Jazz Critic's Award at 18. He also played with Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Wes Montgomery, Coleman Hawkins and the legendary Dizzy Gillespie. He later joined Jeremy & The Satyrs, performing with greats Jimi Hendrix, Richie Havens and Frank Zappa. Mainieri formed Steps Ahead, a jazz/R&B fusion band, in 1979 that included former Woodstocker Steve Gadd; replacement artists have included legend Tony Levin, among others. Mainieri's resume also includes credit as composer, producer and arranger: he's collaborated with numerous artists, including Aerosmith, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Dire Staits and many others. Mainieri once lived in Woodstock, but is now New York based. http://www.nycrecords.com

Manual, Richard:  Canadian Richard Manuel was one of the original members of The Band, playing the piano and drums and singing lead and backup vocals. Before joining The Band, Manuel was a member of the Hawks, along with Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson.  Throughout his time with The Band, Manuel was troubled by alcohol and drug problems and on March 4, 1986, he hanged himself in a motel room in Florida.

Marconi, Paul: Paul Marconi worked as a sound engineer at Bearsville Studios.  He served as second engineer on The Band's 1996 release "High on the Hog," and he has assisted in mixing and engineering on numerous projects, including RUSH's "Test for Echo," The Lemonheads' "Car Button Cloth," Ronnie Earl's "Eye to Eye," Matthew Ryan's "Mayday," the Rollins Band's "Come in and Burn" and the 1997 movie soundtrack Godmoney, which includes the Rollins Band's single "Saying Goodbye Again."

Mark, Tom:  Tom Mark owns and operates The Make Believe Ballroom, an analog studio he opened in 1991.  Mark came to Bearsville Studios in the early 1970s looking for work and began hanging around the studio, hoping that then-studio manager George James would hire him.  Mark was hired and his first session was working with Billy Squire.  He later went on to meet and work with artists like Paul Butterfield, Todd Rundgren, The Isley Brothers, The Parliament Funkadelics, Jack DeJohnette and others.  http://mbballroom.com

Marotta, Jerry: Jerry Marotta is an accomplished drummer, singer, arranger and producer. He was born in Cincinnati, OH, and is best known for his success as a drummer for Peter Gabriel. Marotta has also toured with Orleans, Hall and Oates, The Indigo Girls, Tears for Fears, Paul McCartney, Suzanne Vega, Elvis Costello and many others. He has been with the Tony Levin Band since 1995. Marotta is also credited with composing and recording numerous scores for TV shows, video games and movies. In addition to touring with the Tony Levin Band and his own band, Marotta Griegraber Jones, he stays busy running his recording studio, Jersville, in Woodstock. http://www.jerrymarotta.com

Mason, Molly (Jay and Molly): Molly Mason grew up in Washington State, playing clubs and colleges on the West Coast. She met Jay Ungar in the late 1970s at the Towne Crier in Pawling where they were both playing. They reunited when they joined Fiddle Fever, a string band that included fiddlers Matt Glaser and Evan Stover, and guitarist Russ Barenberg. Fiddle Fever released two albums together and Mason and Ungar later married in 1991. Mason collaborated with Ungar on their Grammy Award-winning song "Ashokan Farewell" from the PBS documentary, "The Civil War," produced by Ken Burns, as well as other documentaries by Burns, and on the soundtracks to "Brother's Keeper" and "Legends of the Fall." Mason and Ungar released "Harvest Home" in 1999 and "A Song of Home" in 2002 for RCA. Mason, along with Ungar and their band, Swingology, released "Relax Your Mind" in 2003. Mason continues to host workshops at their Fiddle & Dance Camps at Ashokan, located in the Catskill Mountains near Woodstock. http://www.jayandmolly.com

Medeski, Martin & Wood: World-class jazz/fusion trio Medeski, Martin & Wood first met in the late 1980s, but didn't officially begin performing together until 1991.  Their first album, "Notes from the Underground," was released in 1992.  The trio consists of keyboardist John Medeski, drummer and percussionist Billy Martin and bassist Chris Wood.  DJ Logic became the unofficial fourth member of the band in 1997 and began touring with the trio.  Since 1992, the trio has released over a dozen albums/CDs, including "Note Bleu-Best of the Blue Note Years 1998-2005" in 2006.  As sidemen, the band members have contributed on numerous other projects.  And they collaborated on two live releases and toured with Phish in 1996.  Wood currently lives in Saugerties.  http://www.mmw.net

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Merchant, Natalie: Natalie Merchant was born in Jamestown, NY, and began her career with the popular folk-rock band 10,000 Maniacs. The Maniacs' 1989 "Blind Man's Zoo" was recorded in Woodstock.  Merchant is widely considered one of the premiere female performers in contemporary pop.  She's collaborated with artists like David Bowie, Paul Simon and others.  Merchant left 10,000 Maniacs in 1994, becoming an even greater solo artist.  She released "Tigerlily" in 1995, her debut solo album which contained the hit "Carnival." And she sang the theme song for the movie "One Fine Day," starring George Clooney and Michelle Phieffer.  Additionally, she's an avid social activist, campaigning against homelessness, domestic violence and animal cruelty.  Merchant lives in the Hudson Valley. http://www.nataliemerchant.com

Merians, Ron:  Ron Merians was born in Brooklyn and was the creator/owner of Woodstock's Joyous Lake, a local music venue that promoted cutting-edge artists and showcased many legendary performers who were recording in town at the time.  The Lake became an integral part of Woodstock's music culture during the 1970s.  To this day, there are countless stories about the many musicians who had "dropped in" announced.  Merians built the Lake next door to his Guatemalan clothing store and opened it in 1971.  His interest in building the Lake followed his work with Michael Lang on the 1969 Woodstock festival.  Merians managed and promoted numerous artists before closing the Lake in the early '80s and moving to California.  During that time, the Lake went through several ownership changes.  Merians relocated back to New York, with plans of returning to Woodstock and opening a new club similar to the Lake.  However, those plans were halted when, in 1989 at the age of 55, Merians suffered a massive brain aneurysm and died.

Metheny, Pat: Missouri-born jazz legend Pat Metheny got an early start as a musician and teacher. He was playing the trumpet at 8, guitar at 12, working with legendary jazz musicians by 15 and teaching at the University of Miami and Berklee College of Music at 19. Metheny hit the international jazz scene in 1974 and released his first album, "Bright Size Life," in 1975. He has performed with Herbie Hancock, David Bowie and keyboardist Lyle Mays, Metheny's writing partner for over 20 years. Metheny's used his electronic knowledge to develop new kinds of guitars and customized instruments. And he has won numerous Grammy Awards - over a variety of categories - including "Best Jazz Guitarist," "Best Contemporary Jazz Recording," "Best Jazz Instrumental Solo," "Best Rock Instrumental" and others. Current projects include working and touring with his band, The Pat Metheny Group.  http://www.patmethenygroup.com

Minasi, Dom: Dom Minasi is a veteran jazz guitarist/composer who splits his time between New York City and Woodstock.  Minasi has worked with numerous legendary artists -- pianist Dennis Moorman, among others -- and has performed in prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall.  Minasi began his career in his early teens as a back-up singer and has been performing with a jazz trio since he was 15.  He joined the legendary Blue Note and spent his free time freelancing, performing, writing music for off-Broadway shows and penning books.  Minasi became the composer for the Manhattan Improvisational Chamber Ensemble in 1993.  Along with wife Carol Mennie, Minasi formed CDM Records and CDM, Inc., a non-profit company promoting music in schools.  One of his most notable releases is "Takin' The Duke Out," Minasi's interpretation of Duke Ellington's music. http://www.domminasi.com

Morrison, Van: One-time Woodstocker "Van" Morrison was born George Ivan Morrison in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  Morrison's parents were deep into the music scene - his mother a singer and his father an American jazz and blues recordings collector - which led to his quitting school at 15 to join the Monarchs, a local R&B band. Morrison left the Monarchs to form his own band, called Them. In 1964, Them recorded their debut single "Don't Start Crying Now."  And, in 1965, Them reached U.K.'s Top Ten with "Gloria," a classic song that's been covered by The Doors, Patti Smith, Eddie & The Hot Rods, Blues Magoos, Simple Minds and others. Morrison left Them in 1966 and returned to Belfast. Morrison eventually relocated to New York City to pursue a solo career, ultimately releasing his most familiar Top Ten hit, "Brown-Eyed Girl," in 1967.  The '70s proved the most fruitful for Morrison -- he released a total of 10 albums.  Morrison continued recording through the '80s and '90s.  In 1998, he won a Grammy for his collaboration with John Lee Hooker on "Don't Look Back" and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003.  http://www.vanmorrison.co.uk

Muldaur, Geoff: Guitarist Geoff Muldaur was a founding member of the Jim Kweskin Jug Band and Woodstocker Paul Butterfield's Better Days group. He played with the bands during the 1960s and 1970s, as well as collaborated with then-wife Maria, known for her '70's hit "Midnight at the Oasis," and other legends like Bonnie Raitt, Eric Von Schmidt and Jerry Garcia. Muldaur and Maria worked together for 4 years before relocating to Woodstock. After divorcing Maria in 1972, Muldaur continued on his own. He's performed in high-profile venues like Carnegie Hall, The Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Royal Festival Hall and others.  After a sabbatical in the 1980s, Muldaur released "The Secret Handshake" in 1998. http://www.geoffmuldaur.com

Muldaur, Maria: Born Maria D'Amato, Muldaur grew up in Greenwich Village and is best known for her '70's hit "Midnight at the Oasis." Although her early influences were country & western songs, she turned to rock & roll in her teens and formed the Cashmeres.  She moved to North Carolina briefly, then returned to New York to join the Even Dozen Jug Band that included John Sebastian, David Grisman and Stefan Grossman -- the band disbanded shortly after their debut album in 1964. She joined the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, where she met her future husband, Geoff Muldaur. They married and relocated to Woodstock and, when the band broke up in 1968, they continued to record together as Geoff & Maria Muldaur. They divorced in 1972 and Muldaur went on to pursue a solo career. She released her first album, "Maria Muldaur," in 1973, containing her Top Ten hit "Midnight at the Oasis." Muldaur later turned to Christian music in the '80s and toured with Dr. John briefly.  She was in two musicals -- The Pirates of Penzance and Pump Boys and Dinettes -- and went on to record seven albums in the 1990s. http://www.mariamuldaur.com

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Neil, Fred: Blues and folk singer/songwriter Fred Neil is best known for writing two Top 40 hits: Roy Orbison's "Candy Man" (a B-side hit on "Crying") and Harry Nilsson's "Everybody's Talkin." Additionally, Neil penned songs for other legendary artists, including Jefferson Airplane, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and James Taylor, just to name a few.  As a singer, he's collaborated with the likes of Paul Anka, David Crosby, Bobby Darin and the Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian, a fellow Woodstocker.  Neil left Woodstock in the mid-'70s and moved to Florida.  He died July 7, 2001, from cancer. 

Newman, David ("Fathead"): Jazz saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman was born in Texas and is best known for his work with Ray Charles in the '50s and '60s, a relationship that lasted over 14 years. Newman was portrayed in 2004's Academy Award-winning movie Ray, a biopic about Charles, and his 2005 album "I Remember Brother Ray" is a tribute to his late friend. Newman has stayed busy since those days, touring, recording and serving as a sideman for numerous musicians -- he can be found on hundreds of recordings. He's worked with many jazz, and non-jazz, musicians, including: James Clay, King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Red Garland, Eddie Harris, Dr. John, Herbie Mann and many, many others. Newman is a current Woodstock resident. http://www.davidfatheadnewman.com

Knight, Steve: Keyboardist Steve Knight is best known for his work with Mountain.  Mountain formed in 1969 in New York and has one of the best recognizable rock songs, "Mississippi Queen," from their debut album, "Climbing!" The band performed at the '69 Woodstock Festival and the 1970 Atlanta International Pop Festival, along with The Allman Brothers and Nantucket.  Mountain was considered one of the best live bands around, banging out remarkably loud performances that closely resembled their studio work.  Before disbanding in 1972, the band produced three gold albums.  Knight lived with his family in Woodstock from 1938-1950, before relocating to New York City.  He returned to Woodstock in the mid-90s and severed on the Woodstock Town Board until 2007.   http://www.myspace.com/mountainfans   

NRBQ: Longtime fixtures on the Woodstock scene, the New Rhythm and Blues Quartet (NRBQ) was formed in 1967 in Miami. The group performs a wide range of music, from country to pop to R&B to bluegrass to jazz. The band relocated to New Jersey, working the bar/club scene, and released their self-titled debut album in 1969.  NRBQ released numerous recordings during the '70s and '80s, some on their own label, Red Rooster Records.  The band eventually signed with manager Albert Grossman on the Bearsville Records label and released "Grooves In Orbit" in 1983.  A feud between Grossman and NRBQ ensued, and the band was locked into their contract until Grossman's death in 1986.  Members of NRBQ have worked with Chuck Berry, Skeeter Davis, Carl Perkins and Woodstockers John Sebastian and Carla Bley, among others. Captain Lou Albano, professional wrestling star and manager, appeared on NRBQ's 1986 release "Lou and the Q," a wacky, nonsensical album. Bassist Joey Spampinato was a member of the back-up band in the 1987 Chuck Berry film "Hail! Hail! Rock 'N' Roll."  http://www.nrbq.com

Oakes, David: David Oakes has been a sound engineer for Pat Metheny since 1981 -- Oakes was hired to work the sound and boards when Metheny played, and he was the only person allowed in the studio when Metheny recorded solo.  Oakes also worked on Jack DeJohnette's "Parallel Realities," Lyle May's "Solo," Charlie Hayden's "Missouri Sky," Brad Mehldau's "Art Of The Trio Vol. 4: Back At The Vanguard" and many others.

O'Brien, Peter: Drummer Peter O'Brien grew up in Queens, NY, and attended the Power Memorial Academy on a music scholarship. He moved to the Woodstock area in 1988 and it's been his home ever since.  O'Brien played with John Hall and Orleans, best known for their hits "Still the One" and "Dance With Me," in later years.  He has collaborated regularly with local bands, but over the years has laid down the groove for Mose Allison, Warren Bernhardt, Nick Brignola, Jack DeJohnette, Kenny Drew, Robbie Dupree, Hubert Laws, Brother Jack McDuff, J.R.Montrose, Tracy Nelson, Eric Person, Dr. Lonnie Smith and the Edgar Winter Band.

Orleans: Founded in Woodstock in 1972 by John Hall, Larry Hoppen and Wells Kelly, Orleans is best known for its hits "Still the One" and "Dance With Me." Lance Hoppen, Larry's brother, later joined the band in 1973, just before the band signed with ABC Records and released "Orleans" that same year. "Dance With Me," was released in 1974 and was recorded at Bearsville Studios, just outside Woodstock. "Waking and Dreaming" was released in 1976 with a fifth member, new drummer Jerry Marotta. Kelly was still in the band as a drummer, but was featured on keyboards and vocals. Hall left the group in 1977 to pursue a solo career and Marotta soon followed. Kelly died in 1984 of a heroin overdose and Hall returned to Orleans in the early '90s. Their "Orleans Live, Vol 2" album was also recorded at Bearsville Studio in October 1990. The Hoppen brothers left the group after the release of their 1995 "Analog Men." http://www.orleansonline.com/home.html

Orr, Ted: Guitarist Ted Orr works as an engineer at Midnight Modulation.  Orr has collaborated with big-name artists, including Garth and Maud Hudson, Bill Laswell, and has performed with local bands The Dharma Bums, Ras T & Asheber Posse, Gary Windo's Holiday Din and others. www.myspace.com/tedorr or www.myspace.com/tedorraudio

Pacheco, Tom: In the market for the best, most engaging 5-minute introduction to Woodstock and its inhabitants? Check out Tom Pacheco's "The Hills of Woodstock." The on-again, off-again Woodstocker is a folk music classic. His distinctive voice and narrative song-writing style are unique local treasures. Pacheco frequently plays gigs in the area and can warm the coldest winter night. On 1997's "Woodstock Winter," he captures the town's many moods with the help of (The) Band members Garth Hudson, Rick Danko (since deceased) and Levon Helm, as well as numerous other Woodstock mainstays. But to truly appreciate how authentic he is, see him live. http://www.tompacheco.com

Parker, Graham: Graham Parker was born in London and emerged into the rock scene in the 1970s. Parker and The Rumour formed in the summer of 1975; their debut album "Howlin Wind" was released in 1976 and was well received worldwide. Before disbanding, the group released "Stick to Me" in 1977, "The Parkerilla" in 1978, "Squeezing Out Sparks in 1979 and "Up Escalator" in 1980, featuring Bruce Springsteen. Parker went on to work on his solo career, recording numerous albums since. He's even taken his hand to writing books: The Great Trouser Mystery (U.K., 1980), Carp Fishing On Valium (2001) and The Other Life Of Brian (2003.)  Parker lives in Woodstock and plays in a local indoor soccer league. http://www.grahamparker.net

Peter, Paul & Mary: Legendary folk group Peter, Paul & Mary (Mary Travers, Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey) was formed in New York City in 1961 and is primarily known for their classic songs: "If I Had a Hammer," "Blowin' in the Wind," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" and many others. They have had an extraordinary, long-standing career: winning five Grammys and producing 6 gold and 3 platinum albums with 13 Top 40 hits. They released their self-titled debut album in 1962 and have remained strong ever since.  The trio was at the heart of the Civil Rights and Anti-war movements of the 1960s and campaigned for world hunger and homelessness. John Denver, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Laura Nyro, Gordon Lightfoot, and others have penned songs for the trio. In February 2004, the group released a five-disc boxed set, called "Carry It On," which covers the group's musical career from 1960 through 2003. The famed trio's roots in Woodstock are deep, falling under the wing of mogul Albert Grossman and his Bearsville recording and record label empire. http://www.peterpaulandmary.com

Petito, Scott: Bassist, guitarist and keyboardist Scott Petito grew up near Woodstock. He was the bassist for and founding member of the rock group The Fugs and is producer/owner of NRS Recording Studios located on the edge of a corn field in nearby Hurley. Some of the people who have recorded at NRS include: The Band, The Fugs, Tom Pacheco, Kat Mills and Rick Danko, who recorded his last studio album, "Times Like These," at NRS.  Danko was working on this album when he died in December 1999. Petito is a well-known record producer and has recorded and/or preformed with The Band, Dave Brubeck, David Torn, James and Livingston Taylor, Keith Richards, Happy & Artie Traum, The Dolphins, Stevie Wonder, John Sebastian and many others. Petito's work has earned him Grammy nominations and can be heard on film and TV. Petito performs with his wife, singer Leslie Ritter, known as the Leslie Ritter and Scott Petito band. http://www.leslieandscott.com

Pierson, Kate: Over 25 years into a career that began as a low-rent lark in Athens, GA, the lead singer and be-wigged style maker of The B-52's is a longtime Woodstock-area resident.  Pierson opened the Lazy Meadow Motel in Mount Tremper in 2004, her own little resort in the Catskills where the rustic cabins are equipped with a "retro-chic interior."

Ponce, Lorenza: Violinist Lorenza Ponce, who splits her time between Woodstock and New York, began her career by studying classical violin. She is most noted for her performance with famous Japanese composer Kitaro during his 1994-1995 tour. However, she has performed and/or recorded with many others, including Blondie's Deborah Harry, Jon Anderson from Yes and Bon Jovi, just to name a few.  Additionally, she was lead violinist for The Dixie Chicks' 2003 tour.  Ponce released her debut solo album "Imago" in 1997.  She can be found on the 2001 movie I Am Sam soundtrack and was featured on the cover of New Age Voice magazine in 2002. http://www.lorenzaponce.com

Professor Louie: Born Aaron Hurwitz, Professor Louie hails from Brooklyn and is best known for his association with The Band.  Professor Louie is credited with co-producing and engineering -- as well as performing on -- three Band albums. He also toured with Rick Danko shortly before Danko's death and co-produced/performed on "Times Like These," a posthumous tribute to Danko.  The producer and multi-instrumentalist eventually moved to Woodstock in the '80s in order to collaborate with Garth Hudson and Marie Spinosa, his writing partner.  They later formed Professor Louie & the Crowmatix.  In addition to working with members of The Band, the Crowmatix have opened for headliners Cyndi Lauper and Taj Mahal, just to name a few.  http://www.woodstockrecords.com

Putnam, John: This New York session guitarist's resume reads like a Who's Who of pop music.  John Putnam has recorded with numerous artists, including Cher, Madonna, Manhattan Transfer and Southside Johnny.  He's played guitar on the Broadway cast album for The Whos Tommy with George Martin. Additionally, he's backed Ben E. King, Brookes and Dunne, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., The Bacon Brothers, Wayne Newton, Soozie Tyrell (of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band) and David Johansen, just to name a few.  Putnam splits his time between Manhattan and his Woodstock-area home.

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R.E.M.: R.E.M. formed in 1980 in Athens, GA and is best known for songs like "Stand" and "Losing My Religion."  Bill Berry and Mike Mills attended high school together in Macon, playing in several bands. Michael Stipe moved to Athens in 1978 and met Peter Buck. Stipe and Buck later hooked up with Mills and Berry and formed R.E.M. They released their first single, "Radio Free Europe," in 1981 and their first debut album, "Chronic Town," in 1982.  R.E.M.'s "Murmur" was named the best album of 1983 -- going up against Michael Jackson and The Police -- and launched the group into the Top 40. They went on to release seven albums in the '80s, including 1987's "Document," which hit the Top Ten in the U.S. and the British Top 40. They took 6 years off from touring following their 1988 "Green" release, which generated "Stand," a Top Ten single.  R.E.M. returned strong, producing some of their most popular single recordings: "Losing My Religion," "Man on the Moon" and "Everybody Hurts." They began touring again in 1995; however, there were problems early in the tour: Berry collapsed on stage from a brain aneurysm, Mills underwent surgery for an intestinal adhesion and Stipe had emergency hernia-repair surgery. Berry left the group in 1997 while the other three continued on, recording 1998's "Up." Stipe, in particular, has been known to frequent the area and the band and Stipe have recorded in Woodstock. http://www.remhq.com

Rhodes, Happy: Multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter "Happy" Rhodes -- born Kimberley Tyler Rhodes in Poughkeepsie, NY -- legally changed her name to "Happy" at 16.  Rhodes obtained her first guitar at age 11; she began performing her original songs at 14. Rhodes' first signing deal was with Aural Gratification, a small, cassette-only label -- she released nine albums with Aural before leaving in 1997.  She went on to sign with newly-formed label Samson Music in 1998. Rhodes currently lives in Woodstock and has collaborated with fellow residents David Torn and Jerry Marotta, among others. http://www.auntiesocialmusic.com

Ritter, Leslie:  Growing up in her Philadelphia home with musician parents, Leslie Ritter was singing at an early age.  After relocating to Woodstock, she joined Amy Fradon in a band called Amy and the Shoppers.  She later rejoined Fradon in the early 1980s to form Amy & Leslie. During the nine years performing as a duo, Ritter and Fradon collaborated on six albums. Their "Take Me Poem" in 1993 was considered to be their most successful. Ritter and Fradon parted ways in 1995 to pursue solo careers.  Before settling in Woodstock, Ritter performed in several off-Broadway plays. She has performed and/or recorded with legendary Woodstockers Rick Danko, Robbie Dupree, John Hall, Todd Rundgren, Jules Shear, John Sebastian, and many others.  Ritter currently performs as a duo with Scott Petito -- they are Woodstock-area residents.  http://www.leslieandscott.com

Ronson, Mick: Born in England, guitarist/songwriter Mick Ronson is best remembered as a sideman for such legends as David Bowie and Ian Hunter.  Ronson worked with Bowie from 1969 until 1973; he joined Bob Dylan's "Rolling Thunder" tour in 1975.  Ronson reunited with Bowie one last time in 1993 for "Black Tie White Noise" and at Freddie Mercury's Tribute Concert.  Ronson's final album, "Heaven 'n Hull," included Hunter, Bowie and John Mellencamp and was released in 1994, following his death.  Ronson worked with various musicians during his career, including Lou Reed, David Johansen and Pure Prairie League, among others. Ronson was a Woodstock resident for years and is still remembered fondly around town.  He died of cancer in 1993.

Rundgren, Todd: The "Hermit of Mink Hollow" is an apt snapshot of the musical legacy multimedia artist Todd Rundgren has left on Woodstock. At the time, the 1978 release marked Todd's brief return to crafty popmanship following years of over-the-edge experiments. "Hermit" also was one of the numerous one-man-show masterpieces Todd created during his 20-year connection with the town. Todd lived at the end of Mink Hollow Road, on the outskirts of Woodstock in Lake Hill. He was a Woodstock mainstay through the '70s and '80s, but spent most of his time in Sausalito, CA, during the '90s before eventually moving his family and operations to Kaui, HI. Still, the wizard's imprint is all over Woodstock. As a solo artist, the leader of Utopia, a producer (Meat Loaf, XTC, Patti Smith, Grand Funk, the Tubes, Cheap Trick, Hall and Oates - to name just a few), a video pioneer and perhaps the single most important player in blending the computer and music worlds, the lion's share of Todd's most creative work was done in Woodstock. While he is popularly known for his hits "Hello It's Me" or "Bang the Drum" or "We Gotta Get You a Woman," his core, cult following swears by the depth and remarkable edge of his creative energies, which have defied convention - sometimes giving tradition a swift kick to the balls - for nearly 40 years. For more, there's a definitive fan-driven site that stands out above the hundreds of other sources: www.trconnection.com

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Sancious, David: Born in Long Branch, NJ, composer, keyboardist and guitarist David Sancious is a founding member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. Sancious joined the band in the early 1970s while he was still a teenager and appeared on three albums before leaving the band in 1975 for a solo career. He released his solo album in 1975, called "Forest of Feelings." He released six more albums between 1976 and 1981. Sancious did not compose another album for over 19 years - "9 Piano Improvisations" was released in 2000.  "Cinema" was released in 2005.  Sancious has backed and/or toured with a variety of musicians, like Sting, Patti LaBelle, Robbie Dupree, Billy Squire, Peter Gabriel, Santana, Seal and Eric Clapton. Sancious lives in Woodstock. http://www.davidsancious.com

Sanders, Ed: Poet, author, musician, journalist and Fug. Woodstocker Ed Sander is all that. The Kansas City native is a longtime Woodstock resident, whose roots in poetry helped shaped a number of different artistic trails. It was in 1964 that Sanders helped establish the folk rock band The Fugs. Influenced heavily by Beat generation poets, most notably Allen Ginesberg, the Fugs recited poems, chanted and rocked their way to underground respect. All along the Fugs early journey, Sanders maintained other ventures, including running a bookstore in New York City, publishing journals and writing books, including "The Family," about Charles Manson. In later years, he organized the Amazing Grace project at St. Mark's Church on Manhattan's lower east side. Poets and singers contributed verses to the beloved gospel song. Through the years he has worked with many Woodstock artists and published the Woodstock Journal: www.woodstockjournal.com

Scott, Bar: Singer/songwriter Bar Scott has recorded with artists Phoebe Snow, Tony Levin, Donald Fagen and Ian Anderson. Scott's resume includes several original-work recordings, a music video, a musical children's book and teacher.  Scott also accompanied Beth Nielsen-Chapman to NY's Beacon Theater to film "Voices of Inspiration," which aired nationally September 11, 2002.  She's a member of Baird Hersey and PRANA and her "Sweets for the Soul" was filmed and recorded in Woodstock.  She is a Woodstock-area resident.  http://www.barscott.com

Sebastian, John: John Sebastian was raised in Greenwich Village in New York City and evolved into a legendary songwriter and performer. A longtime Woodstock resident, Sebastian was the backbone of the Lovin' Spoonful during the '60s and later became one of the definitive folk singers of his generation. While younger folks might remember him for writing and performing the theme song from "Welcome Back Kotter," the popular '70's TV show, Sebastian made his mark as leader of Spoonful, America's answer to the British invasion. The group scored a number of hits, including: "Summer in the City," Daydream," and, of course, "Do You Believe in Magic." But, as an unscheduled performer at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, Sebastian's mark as one of the signature voices of his age was set. From that point, he produced several solo albums; wrote a children's book; performed with everyone from The Doors to Peter, Paul and Mary, to Tom Petty, to Phoebe Snow; and has had many of his songs appear in major movies. http://www.johnbsebastian.com

Seeger, Pete: Musician, activist, environmentalist and storytelling legend Pete Seeger, born in Patterson, NY, has long graced the Hudson Valley with song and voice. While his unrelenting efforts to help the "little guy," save the environment and speak (and sing) loudly for peace are the subjects of countless books, articles and documentaries, banjo-playing Seeger has long been a remarkably accessible, down-to-earth neighbor in the Hudson Valley. In 1969, he launched the sloop "Clearwater" along with a few friends as a powerful reminder that the Valley's most precious resource, the Hudson River, needed protection. It was a loving and lasting initiative to clean up the damage done by corporations that polluted the delicate river over the decades. Seeger has given the world scores of albums and has delighted audiences for generations playing the banjo and singing songs that have become part of America's folk music lore. http://www.peteseeger.net

Sertso, Ingrid: A Woodstock resident since 1972, vocalist/poet Ingrid Sertso was a co-founder, with Karl Berger and Ornette Coleman, of the legendary Creative Music Studio. Through her recordings and performances with Don Cherry, Berger, Baba Olatunji, Steve Gorn and many others, Sertso established herself as a thoroughly original vocalist and poet who "engages the listeners with her intensity" (NY Times). Sertso continues to appear on festivals internationally, mostly with "Karl Berger & Friends." Her participation in the Cherry recording "Multi Kulti" and her album "Dance With It" led to broader international attention for her utterly unique approach. Her latest album is "On+On," duets with Berger. She records regularly at her Sertso Studio, founded with Berger and the legendary engineer/musician Ted Orr, where she also sponsors and supports recordings by young, emerging singer/songwriters and musicians. www.myspace.com/SertsoStudio, www.myspace.com/IngridSertso,  www.creativemusicstudio.org

Shear, Jules: Pittsburgh-born singer/songwriter Jules Shear originally gained recognition after moving to Los Angeles and joining the Funky Kings.  He later formed Jules and the Polar Bears and recorded three albums.  Seeking a solo career, Shear relocated to Woodstock in the early '80s.  His first album, "Watch Dog" -- a critically-acclaimed solo effort produced by Todd Rundgren -- came in 1983.  Over the years, Shear has collaborated with and/or penned hit songs for many legendary artists, including The Band, Roseanne Cash, Carole King, Cyndi Lauper, Johnny Rivers, as well as others.  Shear is also credited with the idea for MTV's Unplugged series.  Shear and his wife, Pal Shazar, are current Woodstock residents.  www.julesshearmusic.com

Skolnick, Arnold: Arnold Skolnick is an artist, graphic artist, illustrator, book designer and the owner and founder of Chameleon Books, which has produced more than fifty books on fine art.  A prolific artist and writer, some of his best known artwork is rarely associated with his name.  His most widely recognized image is the Woodstock Festival's dove-and-guitar symbol from the famous 1969 poster.

Sobule, Jill: Hailing from Denver, Jill Sobule began playing guitar in her high school band.  Never able to read music, she played by ear.  She debuted in 1990 with "Things Here Are Different," which she recorded with producer Todd Rundgren in Woodstock. The album was an artistic success, but a commercial failure.  The singer/songwriter hit it big in 1995 with her hit single "I Kissed a Girl" and "Supermodel," featured on the soundtrack for the hit comedy movie Clueless.  In addition to releasing solo recordings, Sobule appeared in off-Broadway musicals and on TV, shared the stage with legends like Neil Young and performed onstage for Neil Diamond's induction into the Songwriting Hall of Fame. She frequently performs in the Hudson Valley. http://www.jillsobule.com

Starer, Robert: Composer and pianist Robert Starer was born in Vienna, Austria. He was a well-respected composer of ballets and operas, as well as many other instrumental works. He moved to the United States in 1947 and studied at NY's Juilliard School, where he later taught composition. Starer is best known for his composition for the 1962 ballet Phaedra and his "Sketches in Color" piece. He died April 22, 2001 from heart failure at the age of 77. A funeral service was held in Woodstock, where he resided until his death, that included a piece from his last work, "Evening," completed two days before his death.  Starer is buried in Woodstock's Artists' Cemetery. http://www.robertstarer.com

Swallow, Steve: NYC-born jazz electric bassist Steve Swallow started playing the acoustic bass as a teenager.  He met Paul and Carla Bley while attending college and left to join The Paul Bley trio in 1960. He played with several bands over the years, including The Stan Getz Quartet and The Art Farmer Quartet, where he began writing music. Swallow played electric bass with The Gary Burton Quartet and continued on and off with them for 20 years or so. He joined The Carla Bley Band in 1978 and has been performing as a duo with Bley since 1988. He started The Steve Swallow Quintet in 1996. His songs have been recorded by jazz legends Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, Lyle Mays, Pat Metheny and others.  Swallow lives with Carla Bley in the Catskills.  http://www.wattxtrawatt.com/biosteve.htm

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Torn, David: In addition to being a renowned solo guitarist, David Torn is an accomplished composer, engineer and producer. Torn joined The Everyman Band, Lou Reed's recording group, in 1979 for an international tour with Don Cherry. Throughout the '80s, he toured with Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek and formed his own band. In 1992, Torn was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a non-cancerous brain tumor that interferes with hearing and balance. The surgery left Torn deaf in his right ear. He went on to earn "Best Experimental Guitarist" in Guitar Player Magazine Reader's Poll in 1994. Torn has recorded several solo albums and can be found on many movie soundtracks, such as AirHeads and Friday Night Lights, starring Billy Bob Thornton and country singer Tim McGraw. Torn has collaborated with artists David Bowie, Tony Levin, Happy Rhodes and Bill Bruford, as well as many others. He currently runs his own recording studio, The Loop Pool, in Bearsville and his instructional videos can be found at Homespun Tapes in Woodstock.  http://www.splattercell.com

Traum, Artie: Award-winning, Woodstock-based singer/songwriter Artie Traum was born in the Bronx and worked the music scene in Greenwich Village. Traum moved to Woodstock in the late '60s, producing records and writing film soundtracks. He and his brother, Happy, united in 1970 and were managed by Albert Grossman, legendary music manager. The Traum's second album, "Double Back," was recorded partly at Bearsville Studios and in Nashville. The brothers also co-hosted a live folk show in 1988, featuring guests like Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Jay Unger and Molly Mason. Traum's produced or recorded with artists John Sebastian, The Band, Tony Levin, Richie Havens, Pete Seeger, plus numerous other top artists. Traum received an award for Best Acoustic Instrumental Album of 1999 for his "Meetings with Remarkable Friends." He has also written dozens of instructional books, tapes and DVDs which are published through Homespun Tapes, Happy's company, in Woodstock. http://www.artietraum.com

Traum, Happy: Singer/songwriter -- and longtime Woodstock resident -- Happy Traum currently runs Homespun Tapes, a company founded by Traum and his wife Jane in 1967 after relocating to Woodstock. Homespun Tapes sells instructional tapes narrated by well-known folk, jazz, blues and rock musicians. Homespun's instructional videos have, for years, reached into Woodstock's remarkable well of talent to use local and national "names" to provide "hands-on" instruction in playing a variety of instruments. In addition to working with his brother, Artie, Traum has played or appeared on recordings with Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Maria Muldaur and countless others. Additionally, he recorded several tracks that appeared on Bob Dylan's "Greatest Hits, Volume II." Traum has written over a dozen instructional guitar books and was the editor for folk magazine Sing Out! http://happytraum.com/happytraum

Ungar, Jay: Bronx-born fiddler Jay Ungar is best known for the Grammy Award-winning song "Ashokan Farewell" from the PBS documentary, "The Civil War." He's also on the soundtracks to Brother's Keeper and Legends of the Fall. Ungar started traveling in the early 1960s, ultimately returning to New York and forming Cat Mother and the All Night Newsboys band in the Greenwich Village area. He joined The David Bromberg Band in the mid-'70s and played with Fiddle Fever, one of the "most electric groups in string band history."  The band included his future wife, acoustic bassist Molly Mason. Ungar and Mason released "Harvest Home" in 1999 and "A Song of Home" in 2002. In addition to his recording career, Ungar, along with Mason, founded the Fiddle & Dance Camps at Ashokan, located in the Catskill Mountains.  http://www.jayandmolly.com

Veillette, Joe: Joe Veillette is a guitarist, guitar maker, singer, songwriter and more.  The Brooklyn native co-founded Veillette-Citron guitars, along with Harvey Citron, in 1975 and currently builds quality, custom-designed electric and acoustic guitars, basses and mandolins under his own company, Veillette Guitars.  Some of his customers include Eddie Van Halen, Lauryn Hill, James Taylor, notable Woodstockers and many others. Veillette is a member of Blind Mice, Baird Hersey and PRANA, and he co-founded The Phantoms.  The Phantoms have performed with several legendary artists, such as Todd Rundgren and John Sebastian in well-known venues, including Radio City Music Hall.  http://www.veilletteguitars.com

Visceglia, Mike: Born in New York City, bassist Mike Visceglia is best known for his work with Suzanne Vega -- he recorded with Vega on her big hit "Luka."  Visceglia's touring and recording career began with a 2-year stint with John Cale and working with Hot Tuna's Jorma Kaukonen, Flo & Eddie and many others.  Additionally, he's toured with Curtis Stigers, opening for Eric Clapton, Elton John, Rod Stewart and others.  When he's not on the road, he splits his time between Manhattan and his Woodstock-area home.  http://www.mikevisceglia.com

Weider, Jim: Jim Weider was born and raised in Woodstock.  He's known for his mastering of the classic telecaster guitar and for his stint with legendary group The Band. Weider moved to Nashville early in his career and began touring with Johnny Paycheck. However, he returned to Woodstock in the early '80s and began working with Robbie Dupree. Weider met Levon Helm, former drummer for The Band, in the early '80s.  He joined Helm's touring band and eventually joined in The Band's reunion tour in 1985, taking Robbie Robertson's place. His stint with the group includes Bob Dylan's tribute concert at Madison Square Garden and Woodstock '94, among others. His debut solo album, "Big Foot," was released in 1999. In addition to Band members, Weider has performed and/or recorded with other well-known Woodstock artists, such as Tony Levin, John Hall, Graham Parker, Paul Butterfield, Tom Pacheco, Hot Tuna and many more.  Weider's pre-show ritual includes a glass of red wine while he warms up on the guitar. http://www.jimweider.com

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Weissberg, Eric: He may appear to be a one-hit wonder, but Woodstocker Eric Weissberg is a musician's musician, and a world class one at that. Weissberg is a master of at least ten instruments, though his fame links him to the banjo.  Weissberg, along with singer/guitarist -- and fellow Woodstocker -- John Herald formed the Greenbriar Boys in 1958.  He has played with countless folk and pop artists, including Judy Collins, Tom Paxton, Billy Joel, the Talking Heads and many others. He's also played with jazz legends Herbie Mann and Bob James, among others. He plays guitar, fiddle, Dobro, mandolin and several other instruments. But it's 1973's "Dueling Banjos" that brought the Weissberg name into the mainstream. http://www.wfma.net/weissbrg.htm  

Wilson, Cassandra: Born in Jackson, MS, Grammy-award winner Cassandra Wilson started playing guitar and piano at the age of 9 and moved to New York City in the early '80s where she began working with bassist Dave Holland.  Wilson worked as the original main vocalist with M-Base Collective, eventually going solo and recording her first album in 1985. Performing original work at first, Wilson switched to performing country blues and folk remakes for Blue Note.  She became a top '90's jazz singer and was recognized as Time Magazine's America's Best Singer in 2001. Wilson released "Traveling Miles" - a Miles Davis tribute - in 1999, "Belly of the Sun" in 2002, "Glamoured" in 2003 and "Thunderbird" in 2006, dubbed a 4-star album by USA Today. http://www.cassandrawilson.com

Windo, Gary:  England-born saxophonist Gary Windo worked with numerous artists throughout the years, including Carla Bley, Jack Bruce, Don Cherry, Chick Corea and others.  Windo eventually relocated to Woodstock with wife Pam and, by the mid 1980s, was performing as a semi-regular with NRBQ, Todd Rundgren, the Psychedelic Furs and others.  He also had his own band, The Gary Windo Quartet, which included fellow Woodstocker Steve Swallow.  Windo died on July 25, 1992 at the age of 50.

Yamagata, Rachael: Born in Arlington, VA, singer, songwriter, piano-playing Rachael Yamagata compared to Fiona Apple, with her raspy vocals and passion-filled songs.  Yamagata studied flute for a short time as a child, but quickly moved on to the piano.  After attending college for a brief time, she left to pursue a singing career.  She started her career performing in musical theater and serving as a vocalist in the Chicago-based funk band Bumpus. After several years with Bumpus, Yamagata's solo career catapulted after attending an open mic night in 2001, which led to her performing at LA's famed Viper Room later that year.  Her first solo show was at the Living Room in New York City. Her second show -- a much more unforgettable performance -- had her opening for David Gray in front of a sold-out audience at Madison Square Garden. Yamagata signed with RCA Victor Group in 2003 and her recording efforts brought her to the Woodstock area. For Yamagata, 2004 was a busy year. She released her self-titled EP and her first full-length solo album, "Happenstance," and she headlined her first tour. Yamagata is currently a Woodstock resident.  http://www.rachaelyamagata.com

Zaloom, Chris: Steel pedal guitarist Chris Zaloom is considered one of the best telecaster players around and has been performing and recording for decades in the Woodstock area.  He is best known for his work with the band Fear Itself, a late-'60s psychedelic blues band from Atlanta.  Fear Itself performed at the '69 Woodstock Festival.  Other members included Ellen Mcllwaine, Paul Album and Bill McCord.  Zaloom was also a member of The Bugs, The Cats, The Pups, The Reptiles, The Scrubs and Enormous Johnson.  And he's worked with numerous artists, including members of the Band, Cindy Cashdollar, Dave Holland, Bruce Katz, Rob Leon, Charles Lyonhart, Dave Sanborn, Happy and Artie Traum, Jim Weider and many more.  He's an accomplished instructor and has played in recent years with Woodstock-based band Mechanical Bull.  Zaloom is a longtime Woodstock resident. 

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