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POSITIVE VIBE, GREAT MUSIC, HUGE CROWD HELP COMMEMORATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF SUMMER OF LOVE
By Cecily Burt: San Jose Mercury News
Article Launched: 09/02/2007
It wasn't quite the reincarnation of 1967 famous Human Be-In, but the vibe was definitely mellow and friendly as tens of thousands of gray-hairs converged on San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, decked out in flowers and paisley and in some cases, a 40-year-old cache of tie-dyed shirts, flowing skirts, peace signs and anti-war buttons.
They swayed and grooved to their favorite psychedelic-era music played by the rock bands, who epitomized the San Francisco Sound. If attendance and vibe are the benchmark, the free, 40th anniversary concert of the Summer of Love was a groovy hit.
Former hippies stood shoulder to shoulder with music-lovers of a younger generation. The age difference didn't stop them from dancing, singing and in some cases, sharing a joint together.
Or was that sweet smell just sage sticks?
The music was interspersed with traditional Lakota Indian blessings. Michael McClure, Beat author, recited poetry to music played by Rob Wasserman and Ray Manzarek of the Doors. The original cast of Hair sang "Aquarius" and "Hair." And Jim Post sang his trademark lyrics: "I think it's so groovy now that people are finally getting together."
Groovy it was; groovy it is.
Ben Fong Torres, one of the founding editors of Rolling Stone Magazine said, "1967 was not just about love, it was resistance, we levitated the Pentagon," he said. "If you really love this planet you'll do more to save it. It's never too late to have another Summer of Love."
People were packed in as far as the eye could see, from the front of the stage in Speedway Meadow all the way back past the barbecue area.
Lester Chambers of the Chambers Brothers showed up, minus his brothers. And his set, culminating with "Time Has Come Today," rocked the house with his son Michael Dillon and the other musicians sitting in.
It wouldn't have been a Summer of Love concert without political messages and the day was filled with the anti-war variety. Country Joe McDonald wore a pink shirt and got the theme started with his "Give me an F! Give me a U? What's that spell?" from Woodstock.
He launched into "Fixin? to Die Rag," the anti-Vietnam anthem that resonates more than ever now. Needless to say, thousands sang along.
The show was going from early morning until its last note, promptly at 6 p.m. as promised.
Lee Housekeeper, a publicist with San Francisco Stories and one of the event's organizers who was around 40 years ago, made sure everything, and everyone, stayed on schedule.
And when they didn't, he could be heard jokingly, muttering. "We're running four minutes behind schedule, those damn hippies."
ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUMMER OF LOVE
By CLO for The SF Daily News
Sept 1, 2007
San Francisco, CA — Over 50,000 people from all over the world will descend this Sunday on San Francisco's Golden Gate Park for the 40th anniversary of the "Summer of Love." One hundred plus 60's music icons will take the stage in Speedway Meadows for an all day celebration of the 1967 birth of the "counter culture." Taj Mahal, Lester Chambers (from The Chambers Brothers) and Friends, Canned Heat, Moby Grape, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood, New Riders of the Purple Sage, are just a few of the Psychedelic-era bands that will perform. This is not just a concert…it is an important event! And remember, if you’re going to San Francisco, dont' forget to wear some flowers in your hair.
THOUSANDS GATHER TO CELEBRATE SUMMER OF LOVE'S ANNIVERSARY
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 09/02/2007
SAN FRANCISCO—Even the closing of the Bay Bridge could not keep thousands of nostalgic flower children away from San Francisco's Golden Gate Park on Sunday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love.
More than 100 performers, some who were there the first time around, took the stage for the free concert commemorating the year San Francisco became the world's countercultural capital.
An estimated 50,000 fans came together to celebrate peace, love and understanding, organizers said, despite the Labor Day weekend shutdown of the bridge connecting Oakland to San Francisco for repairs.
The nine-hour event began with blessings by Native American shamans and ended with Jolie Valente, son of the late Dino Valente of Quicksilver Messenger Service, singing his father's song "Get Together." The highlight of the show was Lester Chambers and his all-star band doing “Time Has Come Today”…a song so reminiscent of the psychedelic era.
San Francisco police said the gathering proceeded harmoniously, with no major incidents reported.
"Just nothing but love," police Sgt. Mark Im said.
By Cecily Burt: San Jose Mercury News
Article Launched: 09/02/2007
It wasn't quite the reincarnation of 1967 famous Human Be-In, but the vibe was definitely mellow and friendly as tens of thousands of gray-hairs converged on San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, decked out in flowers and paisley and in some cases, a 40-year-old cache of tie-dyed shirts, flowing skirts, peace signs and anti-war buttons.
They swayed and grooved to their favorite psychedelic-era music played by the rock bands, who epitomized the San Francisco Sound. If attendance and vibe are the benchmark, the free, 40th anniversary concert of the Summer of Love was a groovy hit.
Former hippies stood shoulder to shoulder with music-lovers of a younger generation. The age difference didn't stop them from dancing, singing and in some cases, sharing a joint together.
Or was that sweet smell just sage sticks?
The music was interspersed with traditional Lakota Indian blessings. Michael McClure, Beat author, recited poetry to music played by Rob Wasserman and Ray Manzarek of the Doors. The original cast of Hair sang "Aquarius" and "Hair." And Jim Post sang his trademark lyrics: "I think it's so groovy now that people are finally getting together."
Groovy it was; groovy it is.
Ben Fong Torres, one of the founding editors of Rolling Stone Magazine said, "1967 was not just about love, it was resistance, we levitated the Pentagon," he said. "If you really love this planet you'll do more to save it. It's never too late to have another Summer of Love."
People were packed in as far as the eye could see, from the front of the stage in Speedway Meadow all the way back past the barbecue area.
Lester Chambers of the Chambers Brothers showed up, minus his brothers. And his set, culminating with "Time Has Come Today," rocked the house with his son Michael Dillon and the other musicians sitting in.
It wouldn't have been a Summer of Love concert without political messages and the day was filled with the anti-war variety. Country Joe McDonald wore a pink shirt and got the theme started with his "Give me an F! Give me a U? What's that spell?" from Woodstock.
He launched into "Fixin? to Die Rag," the anti-Vietnam anthem that resonates more than ever now. Needless to say, thousands sang along.
The show was going from early morning until its last note, promptly at 6 p.m. as promised.
Lee Housekeeper, a publicist with San Francisco Stories and one of the event's organizers who was around 40 years ago, made sure everything, and everyone, stayed on schedule.
And when they didn't, he could be heard jokingly, muttering. "We're running four minutes behind schedule, those damn hippies."
ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUMMER OF LOVE
By CLO for The SF Daily News
Sept 1, 2007
San Francisco, CA — Over 50,000 people from all over the world will descend this Sunday on San Francisco's Golden Gate Park for the 40th anniversary of the "Summer of Love." One hundred plus 60's music icons will take the stage in Speedway Meadows for an all day celebration of the 1967 birth of the "counter culture." Taj Mahal, Lester Chambers (from The Chambers Brothers) and Friends, Canned Heat, Moby Grape, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood, New Riders of the Purple Sage, are just a few of the Psychedelic-era bands that will perform. This is not just a concert…it is an important event! And remember, if you’re going to San Francisco, dont' forget to wear some flowers in your hair.
THOUSANDS GATHER TO CELEBRATE SUMMER OF LOVE'S ANNIVERSARY
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 09/02/2007
SAN FRANCISCO—Even the closing of the Bay Bridge could not keep thousands of nostalgic flower children away from San Francisco's Golden Gate Park on Sunday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love.
More than 100 performers, some who were there the first time around, took the stage for the free concert commemorating the year San Francisco became the world's countercultural capital.
An estimated 50,000 fans came together to celebrate peace, love and understanding, organizers said, despite the Labor Day weekend shutdown of the bridge connecting Oakland to San Francisco for repairs.
The nine-hour event began with blessings by Native American shamans and ended with Jolie Valente, son of the late Dino Valente of Quicksilver Messenger Service, singing his father's song "Get Together." The highlight of the show was Lester Chambers and his all-star band doing “Time Has Come Today”…a song so reminiscent of the psychedelic era.
San Francisco police said the gathering proceeded harmoniously, with no major incidents reported.
"Just nothing but love," police Sgt. Mark Im said.
1 comment:
Dear Lester and Dylan,
We met at the 40th aniversary summer of love in 07. You were kind to me and allowed me to come back stage to photograph you both. I have some wonderful pic's and would like to share them with you. My husband and I are local artists in the bay area. I want to thank you for your kindness and generosity of alowing me to be able to meet you beautiful people!
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