Step back in time to the electrifying era of 1960s San Francisco and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and psychedelic imagery of this iconic concert poster by legendary artists Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley. Created to promote a performance by the folk-rock band The Youngbloods at the Avalon Ballroom, this masterpiece epitomizes the artistic spirit of the era, capturing the essence of the band's music and the transformative power of live performance.
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Artists: Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley
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Year: 1966
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Edition: FD-39 RP-3
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Numbering: NA
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Signature: NA
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Dimensions: Approximately 14"x20"
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Material: Original Concert Poster Silkscreen
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Venue: The Avalon Ballroom
The Artists: Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley
Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley's partnership began in 1965, when a chance encounter sparked a creative synergy that would forever shape the landscape of psychedelic art. Mouse, a skilled draftsman with a flair for the dramatic, brought his technical expertise to the forefront. Kelley, a visionary with a penchant for the surreal, infused their work with a dreamlike quality. Together, they formed Mouse Studios, a creative hub that became synonymous with the psychedelic poster movement.
The Band: Youngbloods
Emerging from the vibrant music scene of 1960s Greenwich Village, New York, The Youngbloods rose to prominence as pioneers of folk-rock, blending folk melodies with elements of rock, blues, and psychedelic music. Their music resonated with the spirit of the counterculture movement, capturing the essence of social consciousness, environmentalism, and personal liberation.
Early Days and Folk Roots
The Youngbloods' origins can be traced back to the late 1950s when Jesse Colin Young, a young singer-songwriter from Queens, New York, began performing in local folk clubs. In 1962, Young met Jerry Corbitt, a fellow folk musician from Georgia, and the duo formed the core of The Youngbloods.
Musical Evolution and Folk-Rock Fusion
In 1965, The Youngbloods expanded their lineup to include Lowell "Banana" Levinger on guitar and electric piano and Joe Bauer on drums. This new configuration marked a turning point in their sound, as they began incorporating elements of rock, blues, and psychedelic music into their folk-based repertoire.
The Venue: The Avalon Ballroom
The Avalon Ballroom, a legendary venue in San Francisco, emerged as a sanctuary for the counterculture movement. Its psychedelic ambiance, pulsating with music and energy, provided the perfect backdrop for Mouse and Kelley's art. The Quicksilver Messenger Service 1966 Concert Poster, designed for their performances at the Avalon, became an emblem of the venue's transformative spirit, a visual representation of the era's rebellion, its rejection of conventional norms, and its pursuit of a more enlightened world.
