Grateful Dead - March 15, 1969; Black & White Symphony Ball. Incredibly scarce March 15, 1969 concert poster for performance at San Francisco's Hilton Hotel featuring The Grateful Dead (1st and only printing). This event has been written about extensively.
The "Black & White Symphony Ball" was organized as a fundraiser for the San Francisco Symphony. Bob Weir's mother was the chair of the entertainment committee, so the Dead were likely asked to play to make the event more attractive to younger members of the local "High Society". The Dead were poorly received by most in attendance. The Black & White Ball was not held again for 20 years! The poster is printed on foil stock (similar to the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival poster) and as such it shows wear more easily than most paper stock posters.There is mild to moderate creasing around the edges and a couple small dings, and one barely noticeable dent/tear at the bottom edge measuring less than 1/4. Some sporadic scratching in the foil. Considering the rarity of this poster and the foil stock it was printed on, it's in great condition!
Guaranteed 100% authentic as this was acquired directly from a long time San Francisco psychedelic poster collector. A note on grading: As a collector, I understand the frustration and disappointment with getting an item that is not in the condition in which it was listed. I grade conservatively, both for yours and my protection. I'd rather under-grade (and over-explain) conditional issues and have you be pleasantly surprised than deal with an unsatisfied customer. My gradings are: Still Sealed, M-, VG++, VG+, VG, VG-, G.
Check out my other auctions for more vintage 70s & 80s rock concert and promo t-shirts. The item "GRATEFUL DEAD 1969 Hilton Hotel Black & White Ball Concert Poster BILL GRAHAM" is in sale since Sunday, May 22, 2016. This item is in the category "Entertainment Memorabilia\Music Memorabilia\Rock & Pop\Artists G\Grateful Dead\Posters". The seller is "airlinervsheaven" and is located in Los Angeles, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.