The 40^th Anniversary Celebration of Woodstock in San Francisco

When I was in my early twenties during the 1980’s era of Ronald Reagan, AIDS, “Peace Keeper Missiles”, and preppy conservative kids – I wondered what happened to “Woodstock Nation“. What happened to this great wave of peace and love that was going to wash the whole world clean of war, hate and poverty? What happened to the nearly half a million young people who celebrated love, peace and music near Woodstock, NY during 1969?

Had it been merely a fad that fell out of fashion like bell-bottom jeans and day glow? Or does Woodstock still impact us today?

I now believe that love – the very glue that holds us together – is a classic that never completely goes out of fashion. Love and the spirit of Woodstock certainly made a strong come back at “West Fest” the 40 year anniversary celebration in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. This free event drew over 70,000 people who came to listen to speakers and the 42 bands that played on 3 stages.

[View as slideshow]

[View as slideshow]

The Magic Love Bus –

Some of the sweetest moments for me were on top of the Magic Love Bus, while basking in the sun surrounded by lovely people and an intimate birds eye view of one of the main music stages.

[View as slideshow]

Scotty, the Magic Bus Tripmiester, waved the flag of peace and love above the sea of people and invited others to also wave the flag.

[View as slideshow]

On this day of celebration, love and peace reigned supreme and the spirit of Woodstock could be heard in the park and seen on the faces of those who came to reincarnate Woodstock Nation.

Peace Out.

Now for a Woodstock Flashback Video –

The annual post Burning Man “Decompression” Party in San Francisco

Going back to the “default world” of traffic jams, strangers and the hustle and bustle can be a shock after living for a week in a utopia of human creativity and acceptance during the Burning Man Festival. To ease the shock many burners attend “decompression” parties a few weeks after the Burning Man Festival in various cities to get a one day fix of Burning Man creativity and culture.

While it’s not the full on Burning Man community that lives and thrives in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada for a week each year, it’s enough of a fix to keep most burners from spiraling into withdrawal.

The culture and spirit of Burning Man live on before and after this annual one week event. A “Burner” is still a Burner, even when returned to the “default world”. Most take the spirit of creativity and unconditional acceptance they experienced home with them when they leave the Burning Man Festival. Burning Man is far more than a one week festival. It’s a cultural phenomenon.

For those who want to tune in and get their fix of life in the Black Rock Desert, we’ve created Black Rock TV.org. This webcast will be feeding the good news from Black Rock worldwide through out the year. Highlights from Black Rock TV were projected during this years San Francisco Decompression party.

[View as slideshow]

Check it out at www.BlackRockTv.org, subscribe for updates and consider joining the Black Rock TV news team in the desert during next years Burn.

Be Well and Burn Bright!

Photos from the 2009 San Francisco Decompression Party

[View as slideshow]

1234►

To view more photos, click the forward arrow >

Love is alive and powerful. I saw it streaming like a raging river through the streets of San Francisco and spilling on to the steps of City Hall. It flowed from the hearts of tens of thousands of lovers who streamed up Market Street to City Hall during the annual SF Lovevolution Parade.

[View as slideshow]

[View as slideshow]

Will love conquer fear, despair and greed? I don’t know. But I know in my heart that only love can. In the long struggle between love and fear I want to serve on the side of love.

So on the morning of the Love Parade I marched off to the parade wearing a “Love Army” uniform. I had sewn a “Love” patch over the words “U.S.”, while below the words “Airborne” I sewed a blue butterfly patch. I believe the “Love Army” is the only army that will ever bring lasting peace. It’s the only army I care to serve in.

I climbed on to the “Magic Love Bus” that was to lead the love parade and reported for duty with the man at the wheel leading the charge – Scotty Miller the Magic Bus Tripmaster. It’s easy to follow and serve with those you love and respect. The military has its parades. Today was ours.

[View as slideshow]

I was joined by a few beautiful loving friends and surrounded by those I’d love to know as friends. With great joy, humor and love Scotty put the Love Bus in gear and we flowed through San Francisco on a river of love.

“Lovelution” – let’s hope this revolution over turns greed, violence and fear with love. Climb aboard brothers and sisters and take the ride! But watch out for the Love Security (see below 🙂

[View as slideshow]

See images from the 2008 Love Parade.