82 DIGS.NET | 10.9.2015
D I G S | T H E G O O D L I F E
Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution
More than 400 objects comprise this compelling
retrospective of a major force in rock music. Of these is
a handbill from the first Bill Graham concert, "an appeal
party for the San Francisco Mime Troupe, a cutting-edge
theatrical group of social and political activists led by
actor Ronnie G. Davis and managed by Bill," says Curator
Erin Clancey. Historically significant, she adds, because
"When Davis was arrested in Lafayette Park for putting
on a play the city deemed 'offensive, indecent, and
obscene,' Bill organized a benefit party on November
6, 1965, to raise money for Davis' legal costs." It was a
turning point; Jefferson Airplane appeared and Graham
"found something he was born to do." Also displayed
is original poster work for many Bill Graham Presents
productions, including one by psychedelic art movement
leader Bonnie Maclean, promoting a 1967 concert at the
Fillmore Auditorium featuring supergroup The Doors.
"When designing the gallery experience, we tried
to strike a very careful balance between evoking an
era and going completely kitsch," says Clancey. Hence,
hints of the period—"little touches that help you get into
the era and feel as if you are kind of living the Fillmore
experience." Through Oct. 11, 2015
FROM LEFT BILL GRAHAM, CA. 1972, PHOTO BY BARON WOLMAN,
© BARON WOLMAN DAVID BOWIE PERFORMS AT SHORELINE AMPITHEATER, 1995,
PHOTO BY KEN FRIEDMAN ROCK PROMOTER BILL GRAHAM BEFORE THE FINAL
CONCERT AT FILLMORE EAST, 1971, PHOTO BY JOHN OLSON
