This poster promotes The Velvet Underground concerts on August 15, 16, and 17, 1968, at The Boston Tea Party, located at 53 Berkeley Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The shows featured Eden’s Children as the supporting act, with lighting provided by The Road. The poster, created by artist David Jenks, measures approximately 17 x 22.5 inches and is printed on card stock. A smaller 8.5 x 11-inch flyer with the same design was also produced, printed on standard paper.
The design features a striking color gradient transitioning from deep blue at the bottom to vibrant pink at the top, evoking the psychedelic aesthetic of the late 1960s. The bold visual effect is accented by brushstroke-style typography, with the band’s name, The Velvet Underground, hand-lettered in an organic, painterly style at the bottom of the poster. The minimalist layout creates a sense of modernity and sophistication while maintaining the raw energy of the band’s music.
Above the gradient, the event details are listed in clean pink text, including the dates, venue address, ticket price of $3.00, and advance sales locations such as Krackerjacks and George’s Folly. The inclusion of “Lights by The Road” emphasizes the immersive, multi-sensory experience typical of The Boston Tea Party concerts.
This poster exemplifies the fusion of avant-garde design and rock music promotion, capturing the Velvet Underground’s pioneering spirit during a pivotal era of their career and the countercultural movement.