1970–The Village Gate-TIMOTHY LEARY Imprisoned! Come Together Benefit Invitation-JIMI HENDRIX PERFORMED! PAE Graded Near Mint “83”

This is the FIRST EXAMPLE of this super rare Benefit Invitation to appear in our auction! The legendary JIMI HENDRIX appeared and performed at this historic event held at the Village Gate! There are conflicting reports of the actual date in May 1970 this Leary benefit occurred as sources use May 4th as the correct date and not May 11th as listed on the invitation. Here is an archived silent video of Jimi performing at the event. 

Here is some backstory on the benefit. On December 26 1968 Dr. Timothy Leary was arrested in Laguna Beach California for possession of two joints and was harshly convicted. 

A year later Leary announced his candidacy for Governor of California against Ronald Reagan. His campaign slogan was "Come Together Join The Party." He also joined John Lennon and Yoko Ono at their Montreal Bed-In and Lennon subsequently wrote Leary a campaign song called "Come Together". 

On January 21 1970 Leary received a 20-year sentence for his 1968 offense and was sent to prison. He was assigned to work as a gardener in a lower-security prison where he later escaped in September 1970 saying that his non-violent escape was a humorous prank. 

In May 1970 an aptly named “Come Together” benefit held at the Village Gate was organized while Leary was in prison. It featured a long list of participants most notably JIMI HENDRIX! Also john & Yoko Lennon Wavy Gravy Allen Ginsberg and many more. This original invitation has “Subpoena” on the front cover and freedom fund artwork on the back cover with a full itinerary of the event inside. 

Timothy Leary was one of the most visible figures of the 1960's counter culture. The one time Harvard professor was an early advocate of the psychedelic experience and consciousness expanding substances. He helped open the minds of many of us whom would not be here today had he not. An amazing piece of history! 

Invitation – Come Together benefit at Village Gate

Grade – PAE Near Mint 83

Date – 5/11/70

Dimensions – 5 1/8 X 7 1/4” (closed)

Printing – OHB-A Original First Printing

Series/Promoter – The Freedom Fund

Condition Details - 100% Original with no restoration. Creases toning. View the detailed high res photo of this lot. Click on the thumbnail photo to see an enlarged photo. Click a second time on the magnifying glass in the upper right corner of the enlarged photo. A super high res image with every millimeter will now be clearly displayed. For a personalized eyewitness examination call 410-464-6180 11:00 am to 6:00pm eastern.

*****This invitation is available for inspection at our gallery by appointment. *****

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