2017-01-09 13:39:44
SUMMER OF LOVE 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN 1967 NEARLY 100,000 YOUNG PEOPLE CONVERGED ON HAIGHT-ASHBURY, turning San Francisco into the epicenter of a cultural phenomenon known as the Summer of Love. During this transformative time, music, fashion and art flourished and, according to a 1987 recollection published by the San Francisco Sunday Examiner & Chronicle, there was a “feeling that everything was possible.” That feeling hasn’t gone away. If anything, it’s stronger. The sons and daughters of those pioneers who wore flowers in their hair and danced their way into the unknown, went on to create the “sharing economy,” dared to question authority and still flock to the Haight-Ashbury. This year, San Francisco celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love with a variety of special events and exhibitions. Visitors also can enjoy walking tours, apps and hop-on, hop-off tours that follow the footprints of this seminal summer. EXHIBITS Feb. 8–May 21 “Hippie Modernism: The Struggle for Utopia,” University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive bampfa.org Examines the art, architecture and design of the 1960s and early 1970s counterculture. April 15–Aug. 20 “Summer of Love,” de Young deyoung.famsf.org Featuring a wide array of psychedelic art, iconic rock posters, interactive music and light shows, and out-of-this- world clothing produced by print studios, boutiques and workshops in the years surrounding the 1967 Summer of Love, this immersive exhibition celebrates the rebellious and colorful counterculture of San Francisco and a generation in search of personal fulfillment and social change. May 12–Sept.10 “On the Road to the Summer of Love,” California Historical Society californiahistoricalsociety.org In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, this exhibition looks back at the movements and events that led up to this transformative moment in California history. Guest Curator Dennis McNally brings together photographs and ephemera to tell the story of how the Summer of Love came to be and explores the cultural context from the Beat poets to the experimental art scene. June 16–Oct. 1 “Flower Power,” Asian Art Museum asianart.org Showcasing the expressive powers of flowers in the arts and cultures of Asia, 40 masterworks reveal the potent symbolism of celebrated blooms found on the finest lacquers and ceramics of the past, as well as in immersive contemporary installations. EVENTS In addition to annual events (see Special Events, pages 20-23) that evoke the spirit of the Summer of Love, be sure to note these not-to-miss festivals and concerts. Mid-June The 40th annual Haight-Ashbury Street Fair and “Summer of Love” features arts and crafts, food booths and three musical stages. June 30–July 4 The Marin County Fair blends art, agriculture and community around a Summer of Love theme. Aug. 6 Annual “Jerry Day” concert pays homage to San Francisco’s native son Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Dates To Be Announced Stay tuned for more tribute concerts, literary events and other celebrations. FOR THE LATEST UPDATES VISIT: summerof.love created by the California Historical Society and summeroflove2017.com
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