Celebration at Big Sur
Star-studded show recorded at the Big Sur Folk Festival, Big Sur, California, September 13th and 14th, 1969. Joan Baez, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joni Mitchell, John Sebastian, and others. This film captures a remarkable moment in folk, rock, and pop history - the famous folk festival that brought traditional acts like Dorothy Morrison & The Combs Sisters and Carol Ann Cisneros together with the psychedelic rockers of the day who were most deeply rooted in the folk revival. Older songs like ‘Oh Happy Day,’ ‘Rise And Shine,’ ‘All God’s Children,’ and ‘Swing Down, Sweet Chariot’ meet Joni Mitchell’s ‘Woodstock,’ Joan Baez’s ‘Sweet Sir Galahad,’ ‘Bob Dylan’s ‘I Shall Be Released,’ CSNY’s ‘Down By The River,’ and many more of the now-classic songs of what was then called the ‘new rock.’ The scene is notably intimate and - aside from one fan’s dustup with Stephen Stills - mellow, with many rare, close-up moments with the stars.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary captures the 1970 Big Sur Folk Festival, a pivotal event in counterculture music history. It features electrifying performances from iconic folk and rock artists of the era. The film offers a vibrant snapshot of the bohemian spirit and musical talent that defined the late 1960s and early 1970s. It immerses viewers in the atmosphere of the festival, highlighting the communal and artistic energy.
Critical Reception
Celebration at Big Sur is generally regarded as a significant document of the folk-rock movement and the 1970s counterculture. While not a blockbuster, it's appreciated by music historians and fans for its raw, authentic portrayal of a landmark festival and its performers. Critical reviews often praise the musical performances and the capturing of the era's zeitgeist, though some note its sometimes loose, unpolished structure typical of documentary filmmaking of the period.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its authentic capture of the 1970 Big Sur Folk Festival.
- Highlights iconic performances from legendary folk and rock artists.
- Offers a nostalgic glimpse into the counterculture movement and its music.
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Fun Fact
The film was shot on 16mm film and captures some of the last footage of the band Canned Heat before the death of their lead singer, Alan Wilson, later that year.
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