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The Russian Woodstock
Nikita Shokhov
The festival held on summer gathered from 30,000 to 70,000 people from many Russian regions and some former Soviet republics although the event has never been widely advertised. It is difficult to count the exact number of participants as admission to the festival is free. It is a non-profit event with no admission fee or sponsorship.
Unlike most music festivals, Empty Hills, which is often called Russian Woodstock, has no specific musical format or style. Among genres represented on the festival, there are folk music, blues, rock music, reggae. Musicians, who have never been featured on popular Russian TV channels and radio stations, perform at several wooden stages built in the field by volunteers. But music at the Empty Hills is not that important. What is really important is the unique and unforgettable atmosphere of freedom, love, spiritual relaxation, positive energy and creativity.