Tune in to the Summer of Love 40th Anniversary Concert

August 30, 2007

What began 40 years ago in San Francisco is being celebrated worldwide this summer, with events across the country and in Canada, England, France, Germany, and the Czech Republic, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love and the birth of the ’60s counter-culture movement.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has issued a proclamation declaring Sunday, September 2, 2007, "Summer of Love 40th Anniversary Day" in San Francisco, in recognition of "the birthplace of the ’60s revolution that ignited a spiritual awakening that swept the world."

On that day, dozens of musicians and performers reunite in Golden Gate Park for the Summer of Love 40th Anniversary Concert, a free all-day celebration of the music and the vibe of that long-ago summer, and the lasting influence of ’60s counter-culture.

The line-up includes Country Joe McDonald, Taj Mahal, Michael McClure and Ray Manzarek (from The Doors), Moby Grape, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Squid B. Vicious with Buddy Miles, Jesse Colin Young (from the Youngbloods), The Cockettes, Jerry Miller Band (Moby Grape) featuring Tyran Porter and Dale Okerman (Doobie Brothers) and Fuzzy John Oxendine (Sons of Champlin), Banana (Youngbloods), Emit Powell and the Gospel Elites, Artie Kornfeild (producer of Woodstock), Wavy Gravy, and many more.

Sly Stone remembers the Summer of Love:

The ’60s was an incredible time for music, the San Francisco music scene exploded on the world platform as the place to be. Bill Graham and Chet Helms were both very intuitive and had the chemistry that helped change the world of music.

Little did we all know that the majority of bands that came out of the San Francisco Bay Area at that time would be a part of musical history. The Summer of Love was Chet’s labor of love for the people, everyone really loved and respected Chet as I do.

People from every corner of the globe flocked here, the energy and vibe was geared for all to be who they be and be free of the injustices and stereotypes that plague our society. When Sly and The Family Stone came onto the music scene people were ready for our music.

We took the world by storm, as we touched the hearts of millions of "everyday people." And to this day our legacy continues to live on.