Artie Kornfeld on The Spirit of Woodstock in 2010

The spirit of the Woodstock nation is something that original Woodstock 1969 promoter Artie Kornfeld believes very strongly in. With multiple installments of events resembling Woodstock 2010 in the works, the Pied Piper of Woodstock has been working dilligently to bring music, peace, and social change to the world. Two of these projects, the Imagine Concert in Toronto and a Woodstock type festival in Korea, Kornfeld believes are more important now than ever because it is obvious the world needs positive change.

Woodstock Story recently got to speak to the promoter of Woodstock 1969 and get his thoughts on the spirit of the Woodstock nation in 2010 and what it means to the world. The world we live in today is riddled with social problems that need to be addressed. Kornfeld believes that bringing the spirit of the Woodstock nation back will be an important key in dealing with social strife and give individuals motivation to create a better world. The Woodstock related festival in Korea will be geared toward reuniting families and rebuilding a country riddled with social problems, while the Imagine Concert in Toronto will address global issues.

"It's about the Summer of Love and bringing the spirit of the Woodstock nation to the people. Korea and Toronto need the spirit and also for people to take action. It's not about the name Woodstock, it's about bringing people together and making a difference," said Kornfeld.

Woodstock '94 and '99 were seen as failures in the eyes of the Woodstock nation as well as Kornfeld due to their violence and extreme corporatization. 2010 will once again have the original promoter of the festival behind the promotional wheel as a visionary who believes it's always been about the music and the message. Although no official lineups have been announced, Kornfeld believes that bands and fans alike will embrace the message.

"I love music and bringing the true meaning of Woodstock to the People. Many large music acts nowadays are asking too much. I promoted many of these bands and got them to where they are. Once people see that the message is pure, the big names are sure to follow," said Kornfeld, whose nickname as The Pied Piper of Woodstock comes from his recently published autobiography.

After releasing his book, 'The Pied Piper of Woodstock' Kornfeld has been committed to spreading the message globally. His memoirs cover not only the original festival, but dealing with personal tragedy, sparking social change, and the importance of Woodstock 1969 in the world we live in today.

With plenty of support for his cause from all around the world, both the Imagine Concert and the Korean festival are currently in the works. Teaming with visionary artist David Kam on the IMAGINE concert which would take place at Downsview Park in Toronto, the artists hope to produce an event rich in social relevance. Half of the ticket proceeds will go to charties such as Amnesty International and Feed the Children while the festival will feature speakers on topics including poverty, the extinction of species, green business, and many other social and environmental problems needing attention.

"Woodstock was one generation uptight about one war. Canada is multiple generations uptight about the fact that the world could end in 60 years. That's why Canada is a cause and that's why 50% of the ticket proceeds are going to charity. If we don't make a statement and show the world that we can pull together, there might not be a world for our grandchildren to live in," said Kornfeld.

With houses being foreclosed, the education system declining and many other social problems plaguing the modern world, the world direly needs the spirit of Woodstock to return in 2010 more than ever. By bringing the spirit of the Woodstock nation to these countries, people can join together in order to improve the overall quality of life. With plenty of support including the Korean Broadcasting System, these concerts might be the largest social and musical events since the original Woodstock Music and Art Festival over 40 years ago.

"I pray to my higher power that justice prevails and these concerts come off well because we all need it. Everyone needs to take charge and get involved; unless we take action, we're going down. And if these concerts don't happen, people will remember that Artie Kornfeld never struck out with the bat on his shoulder, he went out swinging," said Kornfeld.