On Sunday, August 18, the ashes of Richie Havens will be scattered across the field where the Woodstock Festival was staged in 1969.

Today, it is the site of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which has scheduled a day of song and remembrance honoring Havens. The event is free and open to the public.

The Bethel Woods grounds include the Museum at Bethel Woods and features temporary exhibits. It will open at 10 a.m. and the memorial celebration will begin at 3 p.m. Guest speakers include Havens’ longtime friends and fellow activists Danny Glover and Louis Gossett, Jr. (who co-wrote “Handsome Johnny” with Havens), along with Woodstock organizers Michael Lang and Joel Rosenman, with musical appearances by Jose Feliciano, John Hammond, John Sebastian, Guy Davis, and others. Following the performances, Havens’ ashes will be scattered with flower petals, from the air, across the field of Max Yasgur’s farm.

“Richie was one of the world’s greatest gifts, a consummate songwriter and performer,” said Darlene Fedun, Chief Executive Officer of Bethel Woods. “He was very supportive of Bethel Woods, our museum, and our mission to educate and inspire expression. We are proud to have known him and to be able to honor his wishes. He will be greatly missed.”

For more information visit www.richiehavens.com and www.BethelWoodsCenter.org.