4th Annual Folk Festival at Big Sur Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA 6/28/67

Esalen Institute was founded by Michael Murphy and Dick Price in 1962. Esalen soon became known for its blend of East/West philosophies, its experiential workshops, and the steady influx of philosophers, psychologists, artists, and religious thinkers. Part of the property that Esalen was situated on contained natural hot springs that have since become a tourist attraction and spa.

In 1965, Joan Baez led a workshop titled “The New Folk Music,” which featured a free, open performance. This grew into the first of seven “Big Sur Folk Festivals” featuring many of the music luminaries of the era. The 1969 concert included performers who had just come from the Woodstock Festival, and is featured in the 20th Century Fox film “Celebration at Big Sur.”

This poster is from the 1967 festival and features Joan Baez and Judy Collins, as well as Al Kooper, Mimi Farina, and the Chambers Brothers. The poster, which was silk-screened by hand, is incredibly rare, and few have survived. In fact, the one pictured here is the only one we have actually seen. Apparently, there were also handbills made for the event, but we have yet to see one of those.

The original poster was printed on white stock and measures approximately 19″ x 26″.