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  • WES WILSON FATHER OF PSYCHEDELIC FONT

    wes wilson fillmodre jan 1967

    In psychedelic art Wes Wilson’s art helped to define the psychedelic style that defined the era of the 60’s and 70’s.  In fact he is generally acknowledged as the father of the 60’s rock concert poster.  His poster feature  his admiration and respect for the feminine form and are considered to be an enduring representation of the entire period.

    It is about the recognizable balloon shaped writing with complimentary colors right next to each other in very exciting ways.  He wanted a poster that people liked to look at.  He wanted to use up all the space on the poster.  His art was based on a combination of a whole bunch of things and all based on his idealism that things are going to get better.

    Wilson’s idealism had him doing posters and fundraising for the “Appeal”and  the Merry Prankster Acid Tests  were dance hall concerts to benefit  anti involvement in the Vietnam War.  He was also doing posters for, the Family Dog, Fillmore Auditorium.  In May of 1967 he had a dispute with Bill Graham over money and Wilson no longer did posters for Graham.   However, he continued to produce posters the Avalon and other venues.

    Seth and I have had the good fortune of meeting Wes and have a few of his postcards available for our customers. They will not be on the Website and you can call Mom at 856 424 6166.  At this time I have 4 of each of these post cards “The Sound” which 8” x 4” and Grateful Dead Fillmore Jan. 1967  5 1/2” x 3 ½”  .    I also have in my personal collection a copy of his newsletter that was a tribute to Rick Griffin which is not for sale .

     

     

  • Rick Griffin

    Mom, Seth Randy & Doc at Postermat with Rick Griffin, Bob Schnepf and Ben Friedman circa 1989
    Mom, Seth Randy & Doc at Postermat with Rick Griffin, Bob Schnepf and Ben Friedman circa 1989

    Rick Griffin was born near Palos Verdes, California June 1944.  During his childhood he would accompany  his father, who was an archaeologist on digs in the Southwest.  His exposure to Native American and ghost town artifacts influenced his art work.  He was introduced to the art of surfing at a very young age, this along with his love of cars and motorcycles were influences in his professional art work. His character Murph the surf was well known in surfing circles.

    rick griffin wake of the flood

    Destiny played a profound roll in his life at the time he was about to leave the US and emigrate to Australia, Rick hitched a ride and was involved in an auto accident that left him near death.  He remembers hearing the words of the 23rd Psalm.  In later years this event proved a factor in his later conversion to Christianity.  The event also caused his left eye to be dislocated and it is thought that this influenced his characteristic fluid lettering.

    rick griffin eye ball

    In 1967 he produced a poster for the Human Be-In in Golden Gate Park this was advertised as the “Gathering of the Tribes”  and as the Summer of Love continued he was in high demand.  He produced a series of posters for Chet Helms,( Family Dog) and Bill Graham (Avalon Ballroom and the Filmore).

    Along with Alton Kelley, Stanley Mouse, Victor Moscoso and Wes Wilson, he became known as one of the “Big Five” of psychedelia.  In 1967 they founded the Berkeley-Bonapart distribution agency to produce and sell psychedelic poster art.  The famous “Flying Eyeball” poster is among one of the most important of contribution to the psychedelic art movement. In  the 70’s he produced the illustrated Book of Saint John and later created work for the Calvary Chapel in Costa Messa.rick griffin axomox

    It was on August 15, 1991 that Rick placed a phone call to the Robert Beerbohm’s gallery from a payphone in a grocery store.  He learned that one of hjis paintings had just sold for $1800.  On his way home he was forced off the road by a van and he died three days later from his injuries.

    rick griffin without a net

    I am so happy to have had the opportunity meet him and know that his work will be appreciated for generations to come.  His loss was overwhelming he was a true visionary and an outstanding talent.

    Many of his art work is represented in Woodstock Trading Company in poster, magnets, clothing and products for the home.

     

  • THE BEGINNINGS OF PSYCHEDELIC ART

    The "big Five" San Francisco poster artists Lto R Alton Kelly, Victor moscosso, Rick Griffin, Wes Wilson, Stanley Mouse
    The “big Five” San Francisco poster artists Lto R Alton Kelly, Victor moscosso, Rick Griffin, Wes Wilson, Stanley Mouse. Photo by Bob Seidemann

     

    Where would psychedelic music be without the art that accompanied the sound of visual experiences that represented the spirit of the times from then until now and into the future, forever!

    When you think about psychedelic music do you not automatically think about the art that accompanied and enhanced the experience?  It is probably the time around 1966 to 1971 when the San Francisco Music Poster had its impact in the arena of graphic art.  This resulted in all sorts of posters, handbills and flyers advertising rock concerts

    Bill Graham,  who promoted concerts at the Fillmore Auditorium,  Winterland and a dance hall he renamed The Fillmore West  along with Chet Helms, who headed  an organization called The Family Dog, were influential in having art posters that “rocked the world” to help promote their shows.

    At this time there were a handful of San Francisco artists that were commissioned to produce much of this art work.  The had become known as THE BIG FIVE.  They included Wes Wilson, Alton Kelly, Stanley Mouse, Victor Moscoso, Rick Griffin.  Their influences were that of the masters in the Art Nouveau moment  In addition, Mouse and Kelly had some expertise in advertising art.They founded the Berkely-Bonaparte distribution agency to produce and sell psychedelic poster art.

    Outside of Moscoso, who taught lithography, the artists had no formal training in printing techniques   and it was the wonderful pressmen of firms like Tea Lautrec Lito and West Coast Litho  that helped to produce the art work we have come to love and recognize.

    Further Blogs are being written about each of the artists…keep in touch

     

     

  • THINK PINK WHEN YOU THINK SPRING BEADS

    pink beads

     

    Seth and I have had a passion for beads almost our entire lives.  Beads of all kinds from all over the world.  It was a natural for us to add an extensive bead collection into the equation when we started to formulate what we wished to showcase in our store.  The Woodstock/hippie phenomenon certainly included art music and crafts.  What would the 60’s be without love beads.

    Our interest spurred us on and we not only collected beads for our store from every corner of the world and type but to make beads of our own.  We have become lamp workers and have and have slaved over our torches to produce hand blown beads for Woodstock Trading Company.

    The key words for pink are love, passion, romance, purity, kindness, power, tolerance, compassion courage, loyalty, faithfulness, happiness, protection and softness.

    My thoughts today have turned to spring colors and one of the most interesting colors to use in the torch is pink.  One of the major colorant for pink glass is erbium for light transparent pinks.  Neodymium can be used for purple pinks.  The most famous is the use of Gold in glass to produce that cranberry pink called “gold ruby” However they are hard to use in the flame and must be heated very gently or they “pop”  Seth who usually sits to my left when we blow glass can tell you, mom has not patience and very often sends particles of beautiful pink glass every which way.

    The meaning of the color pink (4th chakra) and an air element is the universal color of love.  Emotional love of self and others,   It is a color of friendship, affection, harmony  and inner peace.

    We have brought in a large supply of natural stones both polished and rough for wire wrapping or other uses.  Pink stones are calming, soothing, relaxing.  They attract increases in love for yourself, family and friends.

    Pink stones include pink agate, rhodochrosite, pink tourmaline,  rose quartz, rhodonite.

  • SMUDGINB blog 2

     

     

     

    sageBefore you take any action with this strong and powerful ritual, consider your intention.

    Keep this thought clearly in your mind.  Smudging should be done with care and reverence along with a positive attitude and that of love.

     

    The flame from a candle is recommended to light the smudge that the bundle starts to smoke.  If there is a flame blow it out so that the smudge bundle is smoldering and not burning.   When smudging a room, after the bundle is smoking, you walk around the perimeter of the room.  Give special attention to the corners and the places behind doors.  You can also fan the smoke through the room with a large smudge feather.  If you wish, you may state a payer of gratitude  for the cleansing and keep in mind your intention of removing negativity during the ritual,

     

    Many people like to break off loose leaves and a candle may be used for them as well.  In the very near future, Dr. Seth will have, along with the wonderful hand-made ceramic incense burners, smudge pots for the use of Smudging rituals.

  • SMUDGING blog 1

     

     

    sageOver the years I have sold many bundles of sage and for the most part my customers knew what it was that they wanted to do with it and how they would and why they would “smudge” their environment.  It has come to my attention that there is an interest in this activity.  I will give some information and I am not professing to say these are the total of reasons and/ or activities of this technique.  It is just a small taste of a ritual that is many centures old and used in many different ways with different herbs.

    At Woodstock, we have provided Sage for most of our customers Smudging techniques.  Smudging is the name given to the cleansing technique from Native American.  This tradition of burning herbs for emotional, psychical and spiritual cleansing is practiced among many religious, healing and spiritual traditions.  It is a ceremonial way to cleanse a person, place or object of negative energies.

    Smudging can be helpful for when you feel depressed, angry, and/or restful,  You can smudge your home, work space or crystals to remove negative energy.

    In blog Smudging blog 2 I will talk about how to perform a smudging technique

  • DR. SETH, THE INCENSE GURU OF WOODSTOCK TRADING COMPANY

     

    photo seth incense talk

     

    Dr. Seth has an enormous collection of incense fragrances from around the world. His keen sense of smell coupled with scientific knowledge of the composition and aesthetics of materials have made Woodstock Trading Company the “GO TO” place for incense and other fragrance products.

     

    He earned an M.D. degree in 1993 and decided his inner self would be better served working with his partner and mother (aka MOM) at Woodstock Trading Company. In addition, his creative talents and interests have led him into the world of ceramics. The wonderful hand made incense holders are hand thrown and designed by him.

    Come by and chat with Seth about his favorite subject and get some free samples!!

    Mention this Blog and he will see to it that Mom will pick up the tab on the sales tax of your order.

  • STEELY DAN MASSIVE TOUR 2016

     

    steely-dan-facebook-cover-timeline-banner-for-fb

    Steely Dan is an American jazz rock band whose music also blends elements of funk, R&B, and pop. Founded by core members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen in 1972, the band enjoyed great critical and commercial success in the late 1970s and early 1980s before breaking up in 1981 and reunited in 1993 and has toured steadily ever since.

    There will be a return to the road this Spring and Summer for a massive tour that will reach from sea to shining sea. The tour kicks off with a pair of shows at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY on April 18-19 . In addition, beginning June 7th at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, the band will be joined by longtime friend and British rocker Steve Winwood. Steely Dan Tour Dates.

    Mom & Seth hope to go to the Borgata Event Center on 4/30. Hopefully we will see you in Camden at the BB&T Pavilion on July 3rd (Great way to celebrate the festivities for the 4th of July) We would have loved some of the other venues, especially the performances with Steve Winwood. Let us know how you enjoyed the shows…keep in touch…fondly MOM

    4/18 Port Chester, NY @ Capitol Theatre
    4/19 Port Chester, NY @ Capitol Theatre
    4/22 New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
    4/24 Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at the BJCC
    4/27 Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Oakdale Theatre
    4/29 Niagara Falls, NY @ Seneca Niagara Events Center
    4/30 Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Event Center
    6/7 Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center*
    6/8 Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre*
    6/10 New Buffalo, MI @ Four Winds Casino Resort*
    6/11 Chicago, IL @ FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly*
    6/13 Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
    6/14 Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre*
    6/16 Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre*
    6/18 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl*
    6/19 Las Vegas, NV @ The Colosseum at Caesars Palace*
    6/22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center*
    6/23 Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre*
    6/25 Little Rock, AR @ Verizon Arena*
    6/26 Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre*
    6/29 West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheatre*
    6/30 Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
    7/2 Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion*
    7/3 Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion*
    7/6 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center*
    7/7 Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center*
    7/9 Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts*
    7/10 Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center*
    7/12 Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live*
    7/13 Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*

  • BILL KREUTZMANN. GRATEFUL DEAD DRUMMER!!!

    Bill Kreutzmann on drums performing with The Dead at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA on April 15, 2009. Furthur Tour - Grateful Dead - Stock Concert Photos
    Bill Kreutzmann on drums performing with The Dead at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA on April 15, 2009. Furthur Tour – Grateful Dead – Stock Concert Photos

    One of the most technical and influential drummers in the world of rock is part of the dynamic duo called: THE RHYTHM DEVILS (Mickey Hart being the other half) was the first drummer to become a member of the Grateful Dead. He has performed with this hard rocking touring group for over 50 years. He is a somewhat quite person and many people do not realize the great contribution he has given to music over these 5 decades and he is still going strong.
    In his youth, he wanted to play drums and in fact his music teacher actually threw him out telling him he was unable to keep a beat. Determination and hard work certainly proved this teacher wrong. If you have a calling sometimes the nay Sayers are not always correct. Bill took lessens from another teacher and he kept time with his mother when she was choreographing dance routines. You know the rest.

    Bill Kreutzmann is also well known for his wonderful paintings and uses digital compositions in his art. In addition, like Jerry Garcia he has great love for the oceans. He has also authored an autobiography called “Deal”…definitely worth a read. He has had solo projects namely 7 Walkers as well as Billy and the Kids.

    bill kreutzmann painting from the heart
    painting by Bill Kreutzmann called From the Heart

  • MOM LOVES THE MANN

    a concert at the Mann. inside jpg

    I have enjoyed so many different kinds of entertainment over the years at the Mann. It is just a wonderful venue to spend an evening meeting and greeting everyone. I always feel excited and relaxed at the same time…there is something so special at the Mann.

    The Mann Center for the Performing Arts located in the Centennial District of Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park, founded in 1935 as the summer home for the Philadelphia Orchestra. It has since hosted numerous world-class artists and touring companies just to name a few: The American Ballet Theatre, Marian Anderson, Leonard Bernstein, Buena Vista Social Club, Ray Charles, Judy Garland, the Metropolitan Opera, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Paul Robeson, Itzhak Perlman, Lang Lang, Midori, and Yo-Yo Ma. Major Philadelphia premieres have included the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Bolshoi Ballet and Orchestra’s production of Spartacus, and Britain’s Royal Ballet’s productions of Romeo and Juliet and Swan Lake. Among the scores of award-winning popular artists presented by the Mann in recent years are Jack Johnson, Ed Sheeran, Phish, Tony Bennett, Mary J. Blige, Roger Daltrey, Bob Dylan, Furthur, Arcade Fire, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Jill Scott, James Taylor, Damien Rice, Alabama Shakes, Bon Iver, Lana Del Rey, The National, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 2010, 2011 & 2014, the Mann was nominated by Pollstar, as “Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue” in North America.
    If you are planning to spend a day at the Mann, be sure to come prepared. I have brought my lunch and had a picnic under some of the shade trees.

    It is on the list of the top things to do when in the Philadelphia area…also included should be a visit to Woodstock Trading Company either before of after an event at the Mann…Mom says bring in your ticket stub within that week and get a 10% discount store wide…However she will make you talk about your experience…be prepared to chat!!!