Traffic congestion on the Quickway causes delays and frustration
In the days leading up to Labor Day in 1971, Monticello Raceway in Sullivan County became the focal point of a unique musical event. The event featured two benefit concerts that brought together fans from different music cultures. Just a few years following the legendary Woodstock festival, this concert was held in an era with stricter laws aimed at preventing unpermitted large gatherings. However, this event managed to proceed without the barriers that had hindered past festivals due to a strategic legal argument.
Promoter Jerry Purcell, married to David Cassidy’s manager, Ruth Aarons, cleverly navigated the legal landscape by hosting the concert at a permanent facility and framing it as a “Hospital Benefit.” This allowed the event to be seen as regular entertainment rather than an unruly festival, enabling thousands of fans to gather without legal repercussions. The event served as a significant contrast to the disastrous Mountaindale Bach to Rock festival the previous year.
The concerts began in the afternoon with David Cassidy taking the stage at 2:30 p.m. Riding high on the success of his hit song “I Think I Love You,” Cassidy, a teen idol from “The Partridge Family,” showcased his musical talent with a 16-piece band, delivering a powerful performance to his predominantly teenage female fans. The concert atmosphere was frenzied, with fans overcome by heat and excitement, leading to some fainting in the heat.
As the evening set in, the concert transitioned to a more laid-back vibe, featuring local acts and culminating with The Band’s performance. The Band, enjoying a homecoming gig, delivered a professional and energetic show, pushing the limits of noise curfews with their late-night performance.
However, the unique scheduling of the two concerts led to chaotic traffic on Route 17 (the Quickway), with departing parents and arriving rock fans caught in a gridlock. Despite estimates placing the crowd size between 10,000 and 15,000, specific attendance figures were never confirmed. Ticket prices were reasonable, and the memory of the event remains vivid for those who experienced it firsthand.
The day, September 5, 1971, solidified itself as a memorable moment in the history of music events in the Catskills, bringing together a teen idol and revered musicians in a single-day affair that showcased a diverse range of musical styles to a captivated audience.