Chet Fest Review

CHET FEST – JULY 29 TH – GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL

Darby Gould and Diana Mangano

The spirit of Chet Helms and “The Hippie Highway” of San Francisco was resurrected on Friday. The haunting echoes of his off beat humor resonated with the darting eyes of a court jester. Could it be possible that he was cognizant of his “circle of friends” that came to pay homage and in tribute to his legacy? It was a gathering of psychedelia icons that would include musicians Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Peter S.Albin, Dave Getz, David Nelson, Barry Sless, Leigh Stevens, Prairie Prince, Country Joe, Terry Haggerty, Shana Morrison, David Freiberg, Linda Imperial, Paul Kantner, Darby Gould, Diana Mangano, poster artists, Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley, David Singer, and other luminaries from The Golden Age. Emceed by the venerable Wavy Gravy, these were royalty of “rock n roll' , friends and musicians who were fortunate enough to have been a part of the brief but legendary existence of The family Dog, i.e., The Avalon Ballroom..

All had come to honor the life of counter culture pioneer Chet Helms who systematically changed the face of popular music as people once knew it and along the way enriched all of our lives by simply being “Chet”. At times it seems as if time has stopped and a bleak, sinister cloud has settled over the same grassy meadows of Golden Gate Park and the streets of the hallowed Haight Ashbury district that had become synonymous with Chet and the magic that he once supplied on a regimented basis on Sutter & Van Ness until his untimely demise a few weeks ago.

David Nelson

I can hear him in the distance, “Don't weep for me” as he was not one to exploit limitations predicated on injuries or illness and although his life was shortened by a myriad of medicinal complications, he will forever be etched in the folklore of the counter culture and flower power. Lots of miles on this road we traversed together, never about the money and very minimal business acumen but…..everything isn't about money. Success comes in a variety of ways and touching the lives of all those he came in contact with was more than large increments of money could ever replace. Benefits of given magnitude and the gratitude that exudes from all those involved or who attended signal his obvious absence but also rekindle the remembrance of the music he so dearly loved. The iconic figures and survivors of the storied past allocated their time and skills to generate money for the bills incurred by Chet during the latter days of his life.

How strange to have such a gala event amidst the opulence of The Great American Music Hall without Chet in tandem with Wavy Gravy to introduce the bands and members. All had come to pay tribute to The Mayor Of Haight Ashbury and express their sorrow for his departure from this planet. We have truly come full circle now as The Avalon Ballroom is officially closed for concert performances and Chet no longer available to address the burgeoning crowds that once flocked to his prized venue on the corner of Sutter & Van Ness & then The Great Highway.

I think of him daily, as I knew I would but the event is not to mourn the passing of Chester Leo Helms but to exult in his few but fruitful years amidst the backdrop of political unrest, a musical revolution and the appalling oppression and events of racial tension. Acquisition of tangible items and business acumen were not a priority and he lived a humble existence of being perpetually broke for nearly four decades. He was a story teller with a vast knowledge of his rightful place in the pantheons of sixties immortality. It was his impact on society and music that always seemed to brighten his day and allow that sheepish, cherubic grin to define his face. When the notes of the first tune resonated through the corridors of GAMH in San Francisco, I have no doubt that the bearded face could be envisioned by all who were fortunate enough to witness this once in a lifetime event.

Peter Albin with Karen

This was for you Chet, the true mayor of this noted, mystical, musical bastion and capitol of “hippiedom”. It comes to an almost abrupt halt and we bid you adieu. I will think of what could have been yet; you live on vicariously through all of us. The ball is now in our court as we attempt to perpetuate what you stood for all these years. The Rowan brothers may have capsulated the meaning of your life in their song, “Circle of friends”.

You will be missed….

Rock In Peace

Cheers

Don

Image By Don Aters