#5 Ravi Shankar Friday, August 15, 1969... 10:00 p.m.

Ravi Shankar Woodstock Setlist Live

Note: During the Intermission before Ravi, they announced the "Blue Acid Problem" again.

My Take: Ravi Shankar's attendance was a significant moment for the World Music Scene, occurring during a period when Western audiences were becoming increasingly interested in Indian music and Culture. Shankar, already a renowned Sitar Player in India, gained international recognition through his Performances at major events like Woodstock and the Monterey Pop Festival.

Although his set at Woodstock was shortened due to rain, it played a crucial role in popularizing Indian Music Globally. Shankar's influence extended to Western Musicians, most notably The Beatles, with George Harrison becoming a student of Shankar and incorporating the Sitar into the Band's Music.

Despite the positive impact, Shankar expressed concerns about the superficial reception of Indian Culture in the West. He was critical of how Elements of Indian Spirituality and Philosophy were being commodified and mixed into a cultural "Cocktail" that was eagerly consumed by the Western Public.

The Crowd was very quiet and attentive... the Sound Level was what you would expect... a 2 to 3.

Ravi Shakar's Musical Bio

Ravi Shankar was a renowned Indian Sitarist and Composer, celebrated for his role in popularizing Indian Classical Music Globally. Born on April 7, 1920, in Benares (now Varanasi), India, Shankar was raised in a Bengali Brahmin Family. He initially toured with his Brother Uday Shankar's Dance Troupe, which exposed him to both Indian and Western Music Traditions.

At 18, he chose to focus on Music, studying the sitar under the tutelage of the esteemed musician Allauddin Khan for seven years. Shankar's career was marked by his efforts to bridge Indian and Western music. He served as music director of All India Radio in New Delhi from 1949 to 1956 and composed scores for Satyajit Ray's acclaimed Apu Trilogy.

His collaboration with Western musicians, notably Yehudi Menuhin and George Harrison of The Beatles, significantly increased the global appreciation of Indian music. This collaboration led to the incorporation of Indian instruments and styles into Western pop music during the 1960s.

Throughout his career, Shankar received numerous accolades, including India's highest Civilian Honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1999, and several Grammy Awards. He was also a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper chamber of India's Parliament, from 1986 to 1992. Shankar continued to perform internationally into his 90s, often alongside his Daughter Anoushka Shankar, who followed in his Musical footsteps. Ravi Shankar's influence extended beyond Music to Cultural Diplomacy, as he became a symbol of Indian Culture worldwide. He passed away on December 11, 2012, in San Diego, California, leaving behind a Legacy that continues to inspire Musicians across Genres.