The 1968 Lee Conklin Santana Grateful Dead San Francisco Concert was a legendary event that showcased some of the most influential bands of the psychedelic rock era. The concert, held at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, California, on August 27-31 and September 1, 1968, featured performances by Santana, the Grateful Dead, Steppenwolf, the Staple Singers, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the Sons of Champlin, and lights by Holy See. Lee Conklin created this amazing Lions Head poster for the event and it quickly became a collector's favorite.
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Artists: Lee Conklin
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Year: 1968
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Edition: BG-134 RP-2
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Numbering: NA
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Signature: NA
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Dimensions: 14" x 21 "
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Material: Original Concert Poster
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Venue: The Fillmore West
The Artists: Lee Conklin
Lee Conklin, a visionary artist of the psychedelic era, captured the essence of the counterculture movement in his vibrant and evocative concert posters. His masterful use of color, intricate patterns, and bold imagery transformed ordinary advertisements into cultural artifacts, immortalizing the era's transformative spirit and its embrace of experimentation.
The Bands: An Amazing 'Lion Up'
The 1968 Lee Conklin Santana Grateful Dead Lion's Head San Francisco Concert was a legendary event that showcased some of the most influential bands of the psychedelic rock era. The concert, held at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, California, on August 27-31 and September 1, 1968, featured performances by Santana, the Grateful Dead, Steppenwolf, the Staple Singers, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the Sons of Champlin, and lights by Holy See.
Santana
Santana, formed in 1966 in San Francisco, was a pioneering band that fused blues, rock, Latin music, and jazz. Their music was characterized by Carlos Santana's soaring guitar solos, soulful vocals, and extended improvisations. The band's performance at the Fillmore West in 1968 is considered one of their most iconic, and it helped to launch them to international stardom.
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead, formed in 1965 in San Francisco, was a legendary band that blended rock, blues, jazz, and improvisational music. Their extended jams, communal ethos, and exploration of altered states of consciousness made them a central figure in the psychedelic rock movement. The Grateful Dead's performance at the Fillmore West in 1968 is considered one of their finest, and it showcased their virtuosity and their ability to connect with audiences.
Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf, formed in 1967 in Los Angeles, California, was a hard rock band that played a key role in the development of heavy metal music. Their music was characterized by their heavy riffs, bluesy vocals, and driving rhythms. Steppenwolf's performance at the Fillmore West in 1968 was one of their most memorable, and it solidified their reputation as one of the leading bands of the psychedelic rock era.
Staple Singers
The Staple Singers, formed in 1944 in Mississippi, were an influential gospel and soul group. Their music was characterized by their powerful vocals, uplifting messages, and soulful harmonies. The Staple Singers' performance at the Fillmore West in 1968 was a highlight of the concert, and it showcased their ability to move and inspire audiences.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, formed in 1961 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a traditional jazz band that has been preserving and performing New Orleans jazz for over six decades. Their music is characterized by its lively rhythms, soulful improvisations, and traditional New Orleans instrumentation. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band's performance at the Fillmore West in 1968 was a welcome contrast to the rock and roll acts on the bill, and it showcased the rich tradition of New Orleans jazz.
Sons of Champlin
The Sons of Champlin, formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, was a rock and roll band that blended elements of blues, soul, and pop. Their music was characterized by their catchy melodies, strong vocals, and tight musicianship. The Sons of Champlin's performance at the Fillmore West in 1968 was a crowd-pleaser, and it demonstrated their versatility and ability to appeal to a wide audience.
Lights by Holy See
Holy See was a light show collective that provided visual accompaniment to the music at the Fillmore West. Their light shows were known for their innovative use of color, lasers, and projections, and they helped to create the immersive and psychedelic atmosphere of the venue. Holy See's light show at the 1968 Lee Conklin Santana Grateful Dead Lion's Head San Francisco Concert was one of their most memorable, and it further enhanced the experience of the concert for the audience.
The 1968 Lee Conklin Santana Grateful Dead Lion's Head San Francisco Concert was a landmark event in the history of music, and it showcased the diversity and creativity of the psychedelic rock era. The concert's enduring legacy is a testament to the power of music to connect, inspire, and transport listeners to a different world.
The Venue: The Filmore
The Fillmore West, a legendary music venue in San Francisco, emerged as a beacon of psychedelic rock, hosting a diverse array of groundbreaking artists, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and the Grateful Dead. Its pulsating atmosphere, fueled by music and a shared sense of rebellion, became a sanctuary for the counterculture movement, a place where music transcended entertainment and evolved into a catalyst for social change.
