Act #6 Melanie Safka Friday, August 15, 1969... 10:00 p.m.

Melanie Safka Woodstock Setlist Live

My Take:

Melanie described her performance as an "out-of-body experience," feeling terrified yet exhilarated as she walked onto the stage. Despite her fear, she managed to connect deeply with the Audience.

Her set was marked by Rain, which created a unique atmosphere. The announcer suggested that lighting candles could help keep the rain away, leading to a hillside filled with flickering lights. This visual inspired Melanie's Song "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)".

The act of lighting Candles and Fire Pits became a signature part of her concerts following Woodstock. It was so impactful that some of her Shows were banned due to fire safety concerns, as the lighting was seen as a fire hazard.

Her performance was more than just a musical set; it was a moment of cultural affirmation. She reflected on the Festival as a time when people acknowledged their shared humanity and questioned societal norms, including opposition to the Vietnam War.

Her original Composition "Birthday of the Sun" was a standout Performance... in particular, it captured the Spirit of the Moment as she sang while the rain fell and candles glowed throughout the audience. Her unique voice was both powerful and ethereal. She accompanied herself on acoustic guitar, delivering a Set that blended Folk and Pop Elements with a touch of Psychedelia.

Note: It is my "Personal Ears" that do not like the Tone of her Voice as it seems too hard for the delicate undertones... sorry Mel!

The Crowd was polite and mostly docile and they Clapped so... I gave the Crowd Noise between 3 to 5. But, I will say this, they shouted for "More" and she did (Song?).

Note: She was inspired so much by the Rainy Experience that when she got Home, she wrote, "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)"... it became a Hit in 1970.

Her Take:

"As I walked that plank, I left my Body. That was my very first out of Body experience. I actually left my Body. Everything was quiet, and I saw myself sit down. I saw myself sing, it was all quiet. I was watching a Girl sing. And, at some point, I came back, and when I came back, I was looking at a field that had started to alight with little flickering Candles. And it was just the most amazing, spiritual experience. I felt this incredible flow of Human connected power. This sort of warm, total caring from a mass of humanity."

Melania Safka Musical Bio

Melanie was raised in a Musical Family; her Mother, Pauline "Polly" Altomare, was a Jazz Singer, and her Father, Frederick M. Safka, had Ukrainian Roots. She began performing at a young age, making her first Public Appearance at just 4 years old on a Radio Show. After moving to New Jersey, she graduated from Red Bank High School in 1966 and later studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Career Highlights

Melanie's Music Career took off in the late 1960s. She gained recognition in the Folk Music Scene, performing in venues like Greenwich Village's Bitter End. Her breakthrough came with her Performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, where she was one of only 3 Female Solo Artists to perform. This experience inspired her hit Song "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," which became a major success, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970.

Her most famous Song, "Brand New Key," released in 1971, topped the charts for 3 weeks and sold over 3 million copies. Other notable songs include "Ruby Tuesday (written by Keith Richards), "What Have They Done to My Song Ma," and "Peace Will Come (According to Plan)." Throughout the 1970s, Melanie's unique Voice and Songwriting Style earned her a dedicated following, and she was recognized as one of the top Female vocalists of the era.

Personal Life

Melanie married Record Producer Peter Schekeryk in 1968, and they had 3 children: Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau-Jarred. She remained active in Music throughout her life, continuing to perform and record until her later years. Melanie was known for her independent spirit, often resisting industry pressures to conform to commercial expectations. Her music has been covered by numerous Artists, showcasing her lasting influence on the Music Industry.

Melanie's legacy is characterized by her contributions to the Folk and Pop Music Ccenes, her iconic Performances, and her ability to connect with Audiences through her heartfelt lyrics and melodies.