"Oct. 20, 2005

Dear S.F. Chronicle,

What is going on ! There is less coverage about the Celebration of Chet Helms’ life this Oct. 30th in Golden Gate Park in the Chronicle than in a London paper someone sent me. Joel Selvin has said nothing. Has he forgotten where he came from? I remember him as a kid trying to gain access to the SF music scene. Is it Clear Channel or nothing now? Is he too slick now for “that old hippie scene”?

Take a look around you Joel. You of all folks should know what the origins of SF’s music and art scene is. You should know what a major role Chet played. Sure, Graham made the money, but Chet created the spirit, had the vision. Burning Man is the Dionysian theatre that Chet created with open dance floors and light shows taken into the new millennium. Do you remember what a concert poster looked like in 1963, pre Family Dog?.... a boxing flyer. Who first put together art and music? Maritime Hall and Reggae on the River are direct descendants of the Family Dog as well.

Maybe we should thank you, because being ignored or oppressed is always a more rich and fertile ground for creativity. More art comes from frustration than from acceptance and complacency. There are always those who will capitalize on a scene, but don’t really want to be seen with the creators of that scene. Chet wasn’t rich or slick. He lacked that New York aggression. He was mild and, if you knew him, a true intellectual.

And of course and as usual, we have the best damn parties of anybody. Sorry you’ve missed the point and the opportunity. But we’re inclusive, so you’re all invited and it’s free. It was never about the money for some of us. Is that so hard to understand in this day and age? Are you beginning to get the picture?

Doug Green"

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We love you Doug