Jay-Z and Chance The Rapper will be headlining the 50th anniversary of the iconic Woodstock Festival this August 16 through 18 in Watkins Glen, NY. Woodstock 50 will also feature acts among the likes of Janelle Monáe, The Raconteurs, Sturgill Simpson, Brandi Carlile, Courtney Barnett, Run the Jewels, Portugal. the Man, The Lumineers, Gary Clark Jr., Halsey, Dawes, Pussy Riot, Margo Price, and Bishop Briggs, and more to be announced.
The lineup has not yet officially been unveiled, but a number of the participating acts have been revealed thanks to a new Billboard story concerning the festival’s financial hurdles. Billboard reports that talent agents were anticipating a February lineup announcement, but after some artists went unpaid, there were concerns that the festival was in financial trouble. (Because it’s a first-year event, many artists require 100% of their fee up front.) Ultimately, Lang and his financial backers Dentsu, a Japanese advertising conglomerate, were able to work through their issues and, as of Monday, Woodstock artists have been paid in full, Billboard reports.
The full lineup announcement — featuring 80+ acts – is expected in the next two weeks.