Concert Review: Ritchie Havens at Wolf Trap

by Rick Landers.

On August 12, 2007, the crowd at the open air Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts theater (Vienna, Virginia) were enchanted by the flailing rhythm guitar style of Ritchie Havens and his deep resonating vocals while his humor and good spirit filled the venue.

Havens is forever a piece of American history having led the muddy 1969 crowd at Woodstock with his thumping resolute rhythms while growling lines from his song “Freedom”. He opened the event, setting the tone for a crowd that was patched together with their ideals, love of music, and tattered jeans.

Wolf Trap’s lawn and seating areas were filled when Ritchie, dressed in long black and gray tunic, strolled out on stage with his trio and kicked into Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower”. His set included songs of an earlier era that still captured hearts and minds like George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” and a plaintiff, almost sorrowful, rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock”.

His moving “Tupelo Honey” drifted seamlessly into Dylan’s “Just Like a Woman” and kept the audience spellbound. And a dissonant Spanish Harlem riff careened into Jackson Browne’s “Lives in a Balance” giving the piece some haunting turbulence.

Joined by Walter Parks (guitar) and Stephanie Winters (cello), Havens' remarkable off-beat strumming was complemented by Park’s licks and the sweet evocative groans of Stephanie’s cello.

Havens and his small cohort communed with the audience a magical mix of contemporary folk tunes and exquisite musicianship in a show that shouldn't be missed!

Photo Gallery

Ritchie Havens performing at the open air theater Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts on August 12, 2007. Photo © Michael G. Stewart.

Ritchie Havens performing at the open air theater Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts on August 12, 2007. Photo © Michael G. Stewart.

Ritchie Havens performing at the open air theater Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts on August 12, 2007. Photo © Michael G. Stewart.

Walter Parks performing with Ritchie Havens at the open air theater Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts on August 12, 2007. Photo © Michael G. Stewart.

Walter Parks and Ritchie Havens performing at the open air theater Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts on August 12, 2007. Photo © Michael G. Stewart.

L-R: Walter Parks, Ritchie Havens, and Stephanie Winters performing at the open air theater Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts on August 12, 2007. Photo © Michael G. Stewart.

Ritchie Havens performing at the open air theater Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts on August 12, 2007. Photo © Michael G. Stewart.

Related Links
Ritchie Havens
Modern Guitars Interview: Ritchie Havens
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
Michael G. Stewart Photography