This calendar-style poster showcases the incredible lineup of talent at The Boston Tea Party in Boston, Massachusetts, for May 1969. Known for hosting some of the most legendary acts of the era, this venue was a focal point of the rock and countercultural scene. Measuring 11 x 17 inches and printed on thin card stock, the poster captures a month packed with extraordinary performances.
The calendar highlights some of the biggest names in music at the time. Kicking off the month were The Jeff Beck Group & The Nice from May 6-8. Poco performed on May 9-10, followed by The Who with Roland Kirk on May 14-15. Later in the month, the stage welcomed Joe Cocker & The Grease Band (May 16-17), The Bonzo Dog Band (May 22), and It’s A Beautiful Day (May 23-24). On May 28-29, Led Zeppelin made an appearance, solidifying their rising stardom.
Of particular note are the performances on May 29-30, when The Velvet Underground shared the stage with The Allman Brothers, an eclectic pairing of avant-garde rock and Southern blues. The calendar concludes with Delaney & Bonnie & Friends with The Serfs on June 5-7, ensuring a spectacular start to the following month.
The design is vibrant yet straightforward, with the word “Spring” arching above the calendar and event details neatly organized. The name “Engstrom” is printed on the side, likely crediting the artist.
This poster is a vivid representation of The Boston Tea Party’s importance as a hub for groundbreaking music, capturing a moment in time when legendary acts shared the stage and defined an era.