In 2004, Levon Helm — drummer for the Band — faced bankruptcy and launched the Midnight Ramble concerts at his Woodstock barn to cover expenses. The shows drew stars like Elvis Costello and Norah Jones, and the town declared May 20 "Levon Helm Day" in 2006. After Helm's death in 2012, the peaceful legacy fractured.

Lawyers for Levon Helm Studios, Inc. accuse his daughter Amy Helm of using company funds for her lifestyle and solo career. She counters that new president Brian Parillo staged an "aggressive takeover" and says she has severed ties. A May argument between them turned physical, with a police report noting Amy pushed Parillo, though both dispute the details.

The dispute threatens the future of the beloved concert series.