This poster advertises The Velvet Underground’s performances on March 13, 14, and 15, 1969, at The Boston Tea Party, a historic venue located at 53 Berkeley Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The event featured Wilkinson’s Tricycle as the supporting act. Often referred to as the “Charlie Brown” poster due to its bold, zig-zag design, this artwork was created by Bob Driscoll. The poster measures approximately 17 x 22 inches and is printed on light card stock with a slight sheen. A smaller 8.5 x 11-inch flyer with the same artwork also exists.
The design is characterized by its minimalist yet striking aesthetic. The top half of the poster features a large block of bright pink, while the bottom showcases a repeating zig-zag pattern in orange, pink, and white, reminiscent of the iconic pattern on Charlie Brown’s shirt. The bold typography prominently displays “The Velvet Underground” and “Wilkinson’s Tricycle” in clean, modern fonts. Event details, including the dates, venue, and ticket locations (Krackerjacks, Bottega2, George’s Folly), are listed at the bottom.
The mention of “Lights by The Road” highlights the immersive, multi-sensory experience typical of The Velvet Underground’s performances during this period. This event marked one of the band’s returns to The Boston Tea Party, a venue closely tied to their legacy as pioneers of avant-garde rock.
This poster is a visually compelling artifact of the 1960s music scene, blending vibrant design with historical significance as a representation of the countercultural movement.