San Jose's Musical Heritage Takes Center Stage: South Bay Flashback Exhibit

"History Park's Leonard and David McKay Gallery hosts an exhibit that dives into San Jose's pivotal place in rock history. Titled South Bay Flashback: Riffs, Rhythms, and Revolution, the display features '60s rock posters from concerts that shaped the era. Icons like Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane performed here, laying groundwork for cultural shifts that extended beyond music into technology and innovation."

"San Jose played a key role in the counterculture movement, influenced by figures from the Beat generation such as Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Ken Kesey. While places like Haight-Ashbury and Monterey gained wider fame, the South Bay quietly fueled these transformations. This collection reminds visitors of the city's contributions, encouraging a fresh appreciation for its archives preserved through efforts like those of the McKay family."

"Recent events build on this legacy, including the December 4 unveiling of a Grateful Dead plaque at City Hall by San Jose Rocks. Such markers honor the band's ties to the area and draw attention to ongoing stories. Meanwhile, the independent live music scene thrives at unexpected spots like AJ's Bikini Bar and Jade Cathay Cantonese restaurant, where performers keep the spirit alive despite venue changes."

History Park's Leonard and David McKay Gallery presents South Bay Flashback: Riffs, Rhythms, and Revolution, an exhibit of 1960s rock posters from concerts that helped define the era. The collection highlights performances by Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane, and connects musical innovations to broader cultural and technological shifts. San Jose's role in the counterculture linked to Beat figures such as Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Ken Kesey is emphasized. Ongoing recognition includes a Grateful Dead plaque at City Hall and a vibrant independent live scene at local venues like AJ's Bikini Bar and Jade Cathay.

Read at Thesanjoseblog