The evening’s event included pre-screening gatherings in the Liquid Lounge plus a VIP meet-and-greet with Cox and Kramer in the museum’s exclusive Blue Lounge. Afterwards the capacity crowd assembled in the venue’s state-of-the-art JBL Theater to watch the feature film Jimi Hendrix: Live At Woodstock.
The new and expanded feature film stands as the definitive record of one of Jimi's most celebrated performances and is presented uninterrupted and in its original performance sequence for the first time. The expanded film includes never-before-seen versions of "Foxey Lady," "Message To Love," "Hey Joe," "Spanish Castle Magic," and "Lover Man," and an all-new 5.1 stereo soundtrack mixed by Eddie Kramer, Jimi's original studio engineer.
Kramer, who was responsible for recording the original Woodstock concert in August 1969 and remixed this expanded film’s soundtrack, provided audience members with an exclusive opportunity to see him at work as he sat at a specially installed mixing board in the center of the theater to handle the audio controls for the evening’s presentation.
Experience Hendrix teamed with Warner Bros. to restore all of the existing film footage from Hendrix's legendary Woodstock performance. The resulting film features more than 45 minutes of new footage, which was entirely re-edited by Jere Huggins, one of the original editors of the 1970 Academy Award winning Woodstock documentary. Huggins worked extensively with Experience Hendrix's Janie Hendrix and John McDermott, as well as noted Warner Bros. film restoration specialist Bill Rush to incorporate a variety of previously unseen camera angles and coverage. Rush has been involved in the careful, critically acclaimed restoration of many classic films, including Public Enemy, Casablanca, and Out Of The Past. The result is a frame-by-frame digital restoration that presents Hendrix in vibrant color and detail.
Being able to experience Hendrix’s original Woodstock performance in such a technically sound environment proved extremely enjoyable for everyone in attendance. The digitally remastered film on the theater’s big screen combined with the all-new 5.1 surround sound mix draws the audience right into the middle of this historic concert. Visually, you’re left in awe as you witness Hendrix lead his newly expanded ensemble Gypsy Sun & Rainbows tear through a lively set list, but combined with the newly mixed 5.1 surround sound audio presentation, you feel like you’ve been transported back to August 1969 and are sitting in the field amidst the thousands of other fans watching the show. With the music attacking your sense from upfront and the throngs of cheering fans surrounding you, you can’t help but being left a little breathless after this unique experience.
Immediately following the evening’s presentation of Jimi Hendrix: Live At Woodstock, EMP’s Artistic Director Bob Santelli hosted an exclusive question-and-answer session with Billy Cox and Eddie Kramer. Santelli and members of the audience posed questions to the panelists ranging from how both Billy Cox and Eddie Kramer became affiliated with Jimi Hendrix, the days leading up to the original Woodstock performance, plus several unique and personal memories of their time being on stage and in the studio with Jimi Hendrix.
BONUS PHOTO GALLERY:
{ END }