The Summer of Love in 1967 marked the convergence of thousands of lost young souls to San Francisco looking for an alternative to the mainstream lifestyle. Peace, love and personal freedom were the ideals of this anti-establishment counterculture that also embraced drugs as an escape from the reality of the Vietnam era they faced. Freedom of expression was encouraged at all levels as people experimented sexually, spiritually and chemically. People questioned authority and dug deep within themselves and their community, searching for inner peace and a communal harmony through love, art and music at the "Human Be-Ins" held in Golden Gate Park. Bands like the Grateful Dead and the Jefferson Airplane often played free concerts in the Park to support the movement.
Left:Poster image Courtesy of 2b1 Records and artist Chris Shaw, Right: Poster image Courtesy of 2b1 Records and artist Gilbert Johnson
By Joel Williams
Published: September, 2007
In the end, the scene turned out to be quite fragile and imploded upon itself as quickly as it started. But for one brief moment in the summer of 1967, many found something special and extraordinary that has never been reproduced since.
Mayor Newsom recently issued a proclamation declaring Sunday, September 2, 2007 Summer of Love 40th Anniversary Day in San Francisco. Newsom began the proclamation with, Whereas, the Summer of Love in San Francisco is internationally recognized as the birthplace of the 60s revolution that ignited a spiritual awakening the swept the world…. In the true spirit of 1967, a free concert will be held on that day at Speedway Meadows in Golden Gate Park to commemorate and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love.
Over 100 musicians will be taking the official Summer of Love Stage from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. including numerous musicians who influenced the local scene in the flower power heyday of the late 1960s. Confirmed acts include Country Joe McDonald, a Moby Grape reunion with all original members, Taj Majal, Canned Heat and New Riders of the Purple Sage. Also appearing will be members of the Doobie Brothers, the Youngbloods, the Doors, Jefferson Starship, Blue Cheer, the Sons of Champlin and the Chambers Brothers in what promises to be an unforgettable event. (More legendary San Francisco artists are expected to appear at the event; however, the promoters are not allowed to pre-announce these acts due to contractual obligations that require the bands not promote other events within 60 miles and 60 days of their other Bay Area appearances.)
Twenty-six different souvenir posters have been created to commemorate the event in the classic 60s style by some of the best artists of the era including Stanley Mouse, Chris Shaw and Gilbert Johnson. More information on the concert or purchasing the poster art can be found at www.2b1records.com/summeroflove40th.
Those heading to the concert from the East Bay should be aware that the Bay Bridge will be closed the day of the event and are encouraged to take BART. A webcast of the concert will be streamed throughout the day at the Apple Quicktime website (www.apple.com/quicktime) while A&E and local San Francisco WB affiliate YourTV20 plan on running specials to commemorate the event.
