1/24: Richie Havens at Kent Stage

By Frank Lewis on Wed, Jan 20, 2010 at 12:35 pm

[
      {
        "name": "Ad - NativeInline - Injected",
        "component": "38482495",
        "insertPoint": "3",
        "requiredCountToDisplay": "5"
      },{
        "name": "Real 1 Player (r2) - Inline",
        "component": "38482494",
        "insertPoint": "2/3",
        "requiredCountToDisplay": "9"
      }
    ]

The hype surrounding 40th-anniversary of Woodstock last year brought a new audience to the music made during those three days in upstate New York. Richie Havens — whose legendary three-hour performance opened the festival — just turned 69 and continues to regularly perform, record and support activist causes. Havens still relishes his Woodstock association, even recording a new version of his timeless “Freedom” for the Taking Woodstock soundtrack last year. He recently collaborated with New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz band on the upcoming Preservation album, which also includes performances by Tom Waits, Merle Haggard, Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird, Pete Seeger and more than a dozen others. Havens performs at 8 p.m. at the Kent Stage (175 E. Main St., Kent, 330.677.5005) with Harry Manx opening. Tickets: $28. — Ernest Barteldes