‘Summer of Love’ 50th Anniversary Organizers Appeal Park Permit Denial, Rally Supporters With Celebs
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Organizers of the San Francisco Summer of Love 50th Anniversary on
Thursday will appeal the San Francisco Park and Recreation staff’s
denial of a permit to present free public concerts in Golden Gate Park
this June.
Summer of Love concert organizers hold a news conference Thursday, 9:30
a.m. at San Francisco City Hall, (1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Rm.
416, San Francisco 94102) kicked off with talks by psychedelic rock
legends David Freiberg, famed bass guitarist of the Jefferson Starship,
and comedian Will Durst. The full Parks and Recreation Board of
Commissioners is to meet beginning at 10 a.m.
“In all my 40 years of organizing these free public concerts, this is
the first time we have been denied a permit,” said Boots Hughston, chief
organizer of the 50th Anniversary Summer of Love celebration.
“Suddenly, it’s all about money. We’re a non-profit and cannot pay the
same million dollar-plus fees some big, for-profit promoters now pay. We
present this concert free to the public and we volunteer all of our
services.” Hughston is expected to donate several hundred thousand
dollars of his own money to fund the event.
Hughston said his group asks Parks and Recreation Board commissioners to
reverse their permit department’s decision or to send the decision back
for further staff review.
“San Francisco has as a global reputation at stake,” added Hughston.
“This city’s heritage is steeped in the values forged by the Beat
generation in the 50s, then morphed into the Diggers and hippies of the
1960s. It is part of our identity – not as visible as the Golden Gate
Bridge but just as real.”
Hughston said 21 rock bands, including several with original members
from 1967 performances, have confirmed plans to perform on the
previously announced date of June 4. He said San Francisco itself has
been promoting his Summer of Love concert around the nation, gaining
publicity and booking hotel rooms for tourists who plan on attending an
event that Park Board staff intends to prevent.
The Summer of Love celebrates San Francisco’s welcoming of an estimated
100,000 young people during the summer of 1967, when the city’s
Haight-Ashbury District became a global beacon for young, free spirits
embracing the principles of peace, love and compassion. It grew into the
worldwide movement known as the hippies and flower children.
Contacts
for Summer of Love
Boots Hughston, 415-871-9852
www.boots2b1@yahoo.com
