This small poster, measuring approximately 9.5 x 12 inches, advertises the Hilltop Pop Festival held on August 2, 1969, in Mason, New Hampshire. Headlined by The Velvet Underground, the festival showcased a diverse lineup of acts, including The Wild Thing, Far Cry, Country Funk, and many others. Organized as a benefit for the Mason Volunteer Fire Department, the festival promised a day of music and community spirit, running from noon until late.
The design combines a bold, hand-drawn typography style with a photograph of festivalgoers, evoking the grassroots, countercultural vibe of the late 1960s. The upper portion of the poster announces the event in striking black lettering: “Hilltop Pop Festival,” with the tagline, “The Citizens of Mason, New Hampshire Welcome You.” Below, the list of performers is presented in bold, playful font, making it easy to identify The Velvet Underground as the headliner.
The photo at the bottom features a group of smiling people, including a man on a motorcycle with a child, surrounded by a carefree crowd in a pastoral setting. This image perfectly encapsulates the communal and celebratory ethos of outdoor music festivals during the era.
Tickets were priced at $3.00 at the gate or $2.50 in advance, with details about ticket outlets such as Krackerjacks provided. Directions to the festival grounds are also included, reflecting the DIY promotional style typical of the time.
While the artist behind this design is unknown, the poster captures the essence of the Hilltop Pop Festival as a grassroots celebration of music, culture, and community, featuring one of the most influential bands of the era. It’s a charming artifact of The Velvet Underground’s live performances during their transformative years.