Katoya Bowling Ball Taster Boxes - 2 Colors

(Courtesy Classic Posters)

Avalon Ballroom 
u201cThe Blues Projectu201d
Artist Wes Wilson

Many of the most famous rock acts of the 1960s played San Franciscou2019s Avalon Ballroom, shows that gave local poster artists steady work. Legendary Avalon acts immortalized in their art include the Steve Miller Band, Big Brother and the Holding Company (with Janis Joplin) and Quicksilver Messenger Service, to name a few. Most of the events at the Avalon were promoted by company/commune known as The Family Dog. Promoter Chet Helms, who ran The Family Dog, famously had the phrase, u201cMay the baby Jesus shut your mouth and open your mind,u201d painted over the venueu2019s entrance. This 1966 poster, done by Big Five member Wes Wilson, featured what went on to become an iconic image for the Avalon u2014 a Native American with a joint drawn in his mouth.

by Bruce Kennedy