Half a Century Later: The Untold Story of Summer Jam at Watkins Glen Comes to Life in Documentary Film

Article Contributed by gratefulweb | Published on Thursday, July 27, 2023

It was 50 years ago this summer when over half a million people descended upon a tiny town in upstate New York to revel in a one-of-a-kind music experience featuring The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Band. Dubbed 'Summer Jam at Watkins Glen', it went down in history as the largest concert ever held in the United States, overshadowing even Woodstock in its magnitude.

Fast forward to today, and the spirit of peace, love, rock n roll, and the legendary tales that have circulated since that time are about to be unveiled. Two Emmy Award-winning filmmakers have embarked on a journey to tell the full story of this landmark event in a gripping new documentary.

Despite the colossal crowd, the 1973 Summer Jam saw an astonishingly low number of altercations or arrests. The music filled the air and the essence of unity prevailed, marked by an impromptu two-hour sound check by The Grateful Dead, performed for the massive crowd that had assembled a day early.

The filmmakers are pulling back the curtain on this epic event, promising to dive deep into the vibrant stories, music, and cultural influences that converged at Watkins Glen that unforgettable summer. To help bring this groundbreaking documentary to fruition, a Kickstarter campaign has been launched, inviting fans and music history enthusiasts to be a part of the production process.

The Kickstarter page offers not only a chance to support the making of the film but also to immerse oneself in the magic of the Summer Jam through a rich collection of stories and photographs. Furthermore, a captivating video trailer gives a glimpse into the project, allowing potential backers to see the vision behind the documentary and the passion of those creating it.

Anyone interested in reliving or discovering the spirit of the 70s, the passion of the music, and the profound influence of the Summer Jam at Watkins Glen is encouraged to check out the Kickstarter campaign and consider backing the project. Supporters have the opportunity to choose from an array of exclusive Rewards as a thank you for their contribution.

Here's to 50 years of peace, love, and rock n roll. Don't miss the chance to be a part of documenting a pivotal moment in music history. Check out the Kickstarter campaign and trailer now at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/161601661/summer-jam-at-watkins-gl….

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