San Francisco Times

03/08/2026

The great talents who have defined a unique era in the history of youth music since the 1950s worldwide. San Francisco has been one of the starting points of the counterculture, alongside all its musicians and bands of that time. On this occasion, we want to bid a heartfelt farewell to Joe McDonald, an excellent musician and exponent of the social lyrics of the counterculture. Our great musicians are leaving us, but their works will remain forever as proof of an era that opened doors to creativity and youthful expression that continues to this day. Rest in peace, Country Joe.
😢

07/16/2025

Happy birthday Peter Lewis, july 15, 1945

06/14/2025

Happy birthday Barry Melton, june 14, 1947.

01/02/2025

Happy birthday Country Joe McDonald, january 1, 1942

12/24/2024

https://youtu.be/k777g1jp9RI?si=S0lUvQ1rS-118J8U

00:00 Bass Strings04:01 Thing Called Love06:38 Section 43Personnel:“Country Joe” McDonald: rhythm guitar, vocals on Bass StringsPaul Armstrong: tambourine, m...

12/24/2024

Happy birthday Jorma Kaukonen, december 23, 1940.

10/24/2024

Here is the seldom seen poster for the "Second" Family Dog production that took place here in San Francisco which predates any of the actual Family Dog series posters that we are most familiar with. It was billed as "A Tribute to Sparkle Plenty". While not a really a psychedelic style piece, it is indeed historical and quite sought after and…. oh so Rare! If you can find one of these "Posters From The Past" it will set you back a few thousand at best in almost any condition! The phrases used in the descriptions of the bands i.e. "the rigorous strains of" the Lovin' Spoonful and the "slightly applied-cheeked illusion" of the Charlatans, are amusing. At the bottom it finishes up with "a marvelously oblique way to strike it rich"! I think that's accurate!

It was 59 (WowZeR) years ago back in 1965, that The Lovin' Spoonful, The Charlatans, Larry Hankin, and Russ the Moose Syracuse as M.C. were billed at this seminal event at The Longshoreman's Hall. This rock poster was created by Ami Magill. It is a fairly large piece at 20" X 26". About 30 years later, she re-printed it, only this time on a gold colored paper stock with actual glitter for the "Sparkle". Look closely and you will see Ami signed this piece lower right corner.

Sparkle & Glitter Approved
💥✨Professor Poster ✨💥

10/21/2024

Ah yes…. A handsome portrait of a young and dapper looking Jerry Garcia in a leather jacket taken by legendary Rock photographer Herb Greene graces the central image on this "Poster From The Past". It is indeed a sought after iconic piece for just about any Grateful Dead/Jerry Garcia fan or enthusiast. Despite the fact that this poster is in black/white it holds up beautifully with the stylized psychedelic lettering and graphics flanking the photo. It really is quite stunning. I must say that the group of bands that were on the playbill here are totally OUTSTANDING! This was a great show to attend and a wonderful poster to go along with it! It was created by the Big Five Master Rock Artist Wes Wilson and photo by Herb Greene.

It was 58 years ago, back in 1966, that The Grateful Dead, Lightnin' Hopkins, and The Loading Zone took stage and played for two nights of dance/concerts at The Fillmore Auditorium here in our CIty by the Bay, San Francisco. On Sunday the 23rd, an afternoon show was added with, the Yardbirds and Country Joe and the Fish for just $3 bucks at the door! This is BG Fillmore poster number #32 in the original series, printed an astonishing six times!.... Not surprised at all!

Click the pic of you need to!

Great shot of Jerry t'share
Approved in Black & White by
💀⚡️ Professor 🎩 Poster ⚡️💀

10/09/2024

Tipping my hat in his direction and sending off my Very Best wishes to my Dear old friend and original CHARLATAN…George Hunter on this his 82nd Birthday. Somewhere I have read he was documented as the “First Hippie”! Whatever the case he surely is a character that has his roots right here helping to create the San Francisco Sound. Loved by All and certainly a Man of Distinction. May he have many more down the Road of Life! 🤠

10/06/2024

The Matrix, a renovated former pizza shop, was a nightclub in San Francisco from 1965 to 1972 originally opened by Marty Balin of Jefferson Airplane and was one of the keys to what eventually became known as the "San Francisco Sound" in rock music.
Here is a VERY EARLY and rare handbill that predates all the posters from either Bill Graham's Fillmore Auditorium or the Family Dog's Avalon Ballroom by more than four months....58 years ago! This piece was done by the Charlatans front man George Hunter. (signed bottom right margin) The flowered corners and hatchwork that goes around the border are quite reminiscent of what appeared on their first poster from the Red Dog Saloon in Virginia City about four months prior from the poster that has become known as the "Seed" in June of '65. This was just the beginnings of where Rock Posters came from.

Simple, but Seminal
🤠 Professor Poster 🤠

10/05/2024

A favorite poster of many by my old friend and past wife of Bill Graham, the very talented Rock Artist the late Bonnie MacLean (R.I.P.).
The central image is of the head and upper torso of a winged Mercury like figure wearing a winged helmet. He is flying over a field of grass and flowers and the flowing waters of a river. The river has the name of the Fillmore in it's currents. This is another poster based on the visual puns on the names of the groups that were on the poster.

It was 57 colorful years ago on this day back in 1967, that Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Grass Roots and Mad River took stage and played for three nights of dance/concerts at the Fillmore Auditorium here in our city by the bay…. San Francisco. Awesome light show as usual by Holy See! This is BG Fillmore poster number #87 in the old series and was printed two times. You may need to click the pic to see the full image. 👁👁

Share a Winged Messenger
It Flies with Approval by
🦅💦 Professor Poster💦🦅

08/19/2024

A visit from "Frankenstein" is front and center on this "Poster From The Past". This is the Classic Family Dog poster number #22 in their series. The Grateful Dead at this point in time had not yet found their iconic logo and the artists of this piece, Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley were still looking for possible images that might serve that purpose. The Frankenstein Monster seemed like a good possibility but still not quite right.
Another notable mention about this poster is that the word "Greatful" is misspelled in the name "Grateful Dead". I made a point about discussing this issue with both of the artists over the years to find out what the actual story was all about regarding that faux-pas. After lengthy conversations with each one separately they each pretty much pointed their finger at the other and smiled. Personally, I think a BIG FAT JOINT smoked at the time of conception was to blame! Neither one of them ever disputed my deductions either! It is for that reason that to this day, this poster has been nick-named and dubbed the "Stoned-Silly Poster"!
It was 58 years ago on this date back in 1966, that the Grateful (Greatful) Dead and the Sopwith Camel began two nights of concerts at the Avalon Ballroom here in the happening city of San Francisco! Light Show that covered the walls was by Bill Ham & company. This poster had three authorized printings and three pirate printings... last one as late as 1999. Mouse and Kelley's signatures can clearly be seen at the bottom of the poster!

I have an excellent first edition that’s needs a new home…. Interested? PM me!

Share one of the Family Dog Favorites, I just did. …..
Approved by Professor💀🎩