The summer of 1967 in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco was unlike any other. Named the Summer of Love, 1967 saw an influx of 100,000 “hippies” to San Francisco who forever changed the city (and arguably the country) with their ideals of activism, art, culture, music, and fashion. Everyone had their own reason for coming to the area. Some were in protest of the Vietnam War, some were poets or painters, some were exploring psychedelic drugs, others were exploring religion, but all sought peace and love in a time of turmoil. What these people found in San Francisco (0r possibly created themselves) was an accepting community who wished to share their opinions, talents, and dreams with each other.
Fifty years later, much has changed, but the influence of the Summer of Love has continued to impact the city, and the people who led the movement have not been forgotten. Today, high rents in Haight-Ashbury and the surrounding areas have somewhat deterred the types of artsy, free-spirited people that flocked to the area in the late 60s. Nonetheless, San Francisco has remained a cultural hub for music and art.
This summer, in celebration of the Summer of Love’s 50th anniversary, the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department are producing a free event in Golden Gate Park on June 21st, after twice denying independent promoter Boots Hughston’s plans for a similar concert.
The celebration, named the Surrealistic Summer Solstice, will include a concert featuring the psychedelic rock sounds of the era, with performances by ALO, The Chambers Brothers, Jefferson Airplane, Katdelic, Messenger Service, New Monsoon, Moonalice, Motherhips, Quicksilver, Ratdog, Tarnation, Terrapin Family Band, and more. The concert is produced by Dawn Holliday and music director Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz. A special light exhibit will also debut at the Conservatory of Flowers for the Grand Lighting around 9:15pm. The art installation aims to commemorate the “flower children” of San Francisco, with scenes of exotic flowers projected onto the white structure. The installation was created by Ben Davis of Illuminate, along with Obscura Digital.
Event:
Surrealistic Summer Solstice
Date & Time:
June 21st, 2017 | 6 PM
Location:
Outside of the Conservatory of Flowers
100 John F Kennedy Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Age Restriction:
All ages
Go out tonight, and any night. Jukely is a concert subscription that gives members guestlist access to hundreds of music events – for one price. Whenever you want to go out, you’ll always have something to do. Learn more and sign up at jukely.com.
