There should be no mystery to what Alan Gerry and daughter Robin’s intentions were when they created Bethel Woods – They wanted to build the most spectacular Performing Arts Center and Museum that not only would preserve the historic Woodstock legacy but would also stimulate our economy and maintain the Borscht Belt’s reputation as an Entertainment Mecca.
Darlene Fedun the CEO of Bethel Woods has singlehandedly turned the renowned performing arts venue into a year round facility that caters to a broad spectrum of entertainment for people of all ages.
http://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/
This past weekend Bethel Woods officially kicked off its 2015 Season with the Techno/Electronic Dance extravaganza Mysteryland.
Mysteryland has become one of the most extravagant events to hit Sullivan County since Woodstock.
When Alan Gerry and his management team were initially approached by the European Promoters of Mysteryland to lease the Bethel Woods venue for Memorial Day weekend there was skepticism and criticism.
An event attracting thousands of young people coming from all over the word to Sullivan County camping out, partying, and having fun – How dare they.
Let’s not kid ourselves – if it weren’t for the Gerry name, there was no way on earth local municipalities would have given the required permits to hold Mysteryland. Thank you – Alan Gerry.
Last weekend Sullivan County came alive.
Local businesses were booming and merchants finally had a reason to smile as their cash registers were ringing.
Equally important – A younger crowd of people were introduced to Sullivan County and the Catskill Mountains for the first time – and they liked what they saw. They want to come back.
The Liberty Diner was packed on Monday with people who attended Mysteryland. I spoke to people from all over the United States, Canada, and Europe and they loved Sullivan County and our hospitality. They loved being able to camp out and enjoy our fresh air and nature.
Mysteryland is one of the most professionally organized events. There was nothing that wasn’t planned out in advance. The concert promoters did everything they promised they would do and more.
The New York State Police and The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department must be applauded for all they did to secure the safety of everyone inside and outside of the venue. Thank you – Jamie Kaminski and Mike Schiff.
Albee Bockman of Mobilemedics did an outstanding job in providing EMS services. I spoke with Albee several times during the event and visited the setup medical unit where I saw CRMC Emergency Room Nurse Adrianna Lovric caring for some partygoers who took the party too far.
I am sure many people still are confused what Mysterland was all about.
We can all go back to the famed historic Woodstock gathering of peace, love, and music to kinda of sort of understand this, but it would be mixing apples and oranges.
So, let’s go back to the disco era where non instrumental dance music originated and later evolved as clubs such as The Limelight, Palladium, Tunnel, and Twilo began to play this new form of techno/electronic dance music.
Techno/electronic music began to take a backseat in the United States as Hip Hop and Free Style dance music began to explode in our dance clubs.
In Europe however, techno/electronic dance music began to explode, and a few years ago it returned to the United States in a big way.
Aside from dance clubs playing this form of dance music, promoters began organizing dance parties and festivals such as Mysterland.
What is the attraction? The attraction is called FUN – People having a good time.
I attended Mysteryland on Saturday and Sunday night and it was truly a fun experience. The music and light shows were amazing to say the least. But, then again you need to like this music. It is not for everybody.
Sullivan County Legislator Cora Edwards who attended Mysteryland with two young friends in their twenties told me, “We arrived around noon on Saturday and explored as many of the venues and areas as we could – which each had their own rhythm and style. We didn’t leave until the closing show at 2:00 AM – So I can say after being immersed in Mysteryland for 14 hours straight that it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at Bethel Woods.”
“At one point while KYGO was singing “WE LIGHT UP THE WORLD” I looked around and EVERYONE was smiling and singing along. I felt a deeply moving personal experience inside me and while feeling connected to everyone dancing at the same time. I guess that’s where the “Mystery” lies in “Mysteryland” – it’s an unforgettable experience and that hasn’t left me.”
Edwards added, “When you think of the world “FESTIVAL” you think about the Sundance Film Festival or the Edinburgh Arts Festival – you think “World Class” and that is Mysteryland. We welcomed excellent EDM (Electronic Dance Music) performing artists from all over the world to our own Sullivan County. I am glad Mysteryland is coming back to Bethel Woods next year.”
What was fascinating about Mysteryland was the politeness and friendliness of all those in attendance. This was not a rowdy crowd. This was a fun group consisting mainly of college graduates and young professionals. People were there just to have a good time. Don’t we all need that once in a while?
And if Mysteryland is not for you – There is always the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Saturday June 27th.
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.