
Surrealistic Summer Solstice Concert and Grand Lighting!

- This event has passed.
Conservatory of Flowers
Jun 21, 2017
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love on the first evening of summer with the first public display of the light art installation that will transform the Conservatory into a canvas of elegant illuminated scenes every night through October and a free Surrealistic Summer Solstice jam revisiting the iconic songs of the late 1960s with over forty legendary musicians including members of ALO, Ratdog, The Chambers Brothers, The Jefferson Airplane, Motherhips, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Tarnation, Katdelic, Terrapin Family Band, New Monsoon, Moonalice, and more.
The flower-powered celebration is free and open to all ages. A variety of food trucks from Off the Grid will be available as well, and the Conservatory is encouraging attendees to wear tie-dye to evoke the late 60s.
At approximately 9:15pm, all eyes will be on the Conservatory for the Grand Lighting.
Developed in partnership with San Francisco Recreation and Parks, the light art installation, initiated by Ben Davis of Illuminate, the nonprofit arts group behind The Bay Lights, together with Obscura Digital, a world-renowned creative studio specializing in large scale light-based art, uses gobo projectors to transform the all-white landmark with a series of exquisite scenes inspired by the rare tropical flowers within and the legacy of San Francisco’s flower children.
Space is limited at this event, and the public is encouraged to make a free reservation by visiting our Eventbrite site!
Public transportation is highly recommended, as parking is limited. John F. Kennedy Drive will be closed between Conservatory Drive East and West for the entirety of June 21.
The Surrealistic Summer Solstice is produced by Dawn Holliday with the musical direction of Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz.
The Conservatory of Flowers and Recreation and Park Department is grateful to event sponsor Meyer Sound, whose founders John and Helen Meyer are also celebrating a 50th anniversary this year, for generously providing the sound system for the event.
They are also grateful to the San Francisco Parks Alliance, the California Historical Society, media sponsors Alice Radio and San Francisco Magazine, and numerous civic leaders and organizations for supporting the event.