After more than a year of waiting, live music has once again returned to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. They kicked off their summer concert series on Tuesday, July 20 with “An Evening With Chicago and Their Greatest Hits.”

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts CEO Eric Frances walked out on stage before the concert began and touched on the significance of the return of summer concerts.

“Fifty two years ago a tolerant and caring farmer named Max Yasgur walked these fields with the promoters of the original Woodstock Festival. They originally walked and felt the vibe immediately. They felt that magic that’s here … under that simple banner of peace, love and music it made something memorable for the rest of their lives,” Frances said. “It’s moments like these that and it's our time to be together under that same banner of peace, love and music.”

According to Bethel Woods, some 5,500 people attended Tuesday night’s concert.

Two of those people were Michael Hafenecker, owner of the Captains Table restaurant in Monroe, New York, and Renee Kierzkowski.

Hafenecker has been a diamond-level member at Bethel Woods Center for arts for 10 years.

“I’m a big Chicago fan. I think everyone just wants to get out, especially after this past year with COVID,” Hafenecker said.

Hafenecker and Kierzkowski were both excited to see Bethel Woods return for live concerts.

“We’re out here and we’ve got a beautiful day,” Hafenecker said.

The music returns with the Zac Brown Band on August 6, as well as Harry Connick, Jr. and his Band on Aug. 19, Lynyrd Skynyrd with special guest Kansas on Aug. 20, James Taylor on Aug. 21 and more.