Lion of Judah Band and Mystic Rays Benefit Concert Flyer (Santa Cruz, CA)

This flyer promotes a benefit concert featuring the Lion of Judah Band and Mystic Rays, presented by KCAH-25 in Santa Cruz, California, to support the California Community Television Network. The event took place at "The Back Door" venue.

During the 1980s and 1990s, reggae concert flyers exhibited distinctive design elements that reflected the cultural and musical ethos of the time. Common motifs included lions (representing strength and African royalty), palm trees, and Rastafarian symbols, aligning with the themes of reggae music. Hand-drawn and bold typefaces were prevalent, conveying a grassroots, DIY aesthetic that resonated with the community-driven nature of reggae events. Many flyers were produced using photocopying methods, resulting in a raw, unpolished look that emphasized authenticity and accessibility.

This flyer not only serves as a promotional piece for a local music event but also as a cultural artifact reflecting the community engagement and cultural expressions of Santa Cruz during the late 20th century. It highlights the role of community television in promoting local arts and the DIY approach prevalent in event promotions of that time.

Website: Lion of Judah Band
Lion of Judah Band. "Lion of Judah Band: Impacting Lives Through Music." Accessed November 29, 2024. https://lionofjudahband.com.

Article: Rave Flyers
The Ransom Note. "A Brief History of Rave Flyers." Accessed November 29, 2024. https://www.theransomnote.com/art-culture/a-brief-history-of-rave-flyers/.

Encyclopedia Entry: Reggae
Encyclopedia Britannica. "Reggae." Accessed November 29, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/art/reggae.