Original 1st printing (1st state/version, "June 1-15") 10 x 13&3/4" concert poster for the Charlatans appearing at the Red Dog Saloon in Virginia City, NV from 6/?-?/1965 (*unknown exactly how long the engagement lasted, but the opening was delayed until June 21st).

 

 Art by Charlatans members Mike Ferguson and George Hunter, image ("The Seed") is featured in the Art of Rock on page 90 (plate 2.2). This is the LIGHT-BLUE ink version (there is also a darker blue version) and it has been HAND-SIGNED (in black pen) by original Red Dog/Family Dog staff member (and legendary poster artist) Alton Kelley (*Kelley probably had something to do with this one, or he probably wouldn't have signed it... but it's not exactly clear what his contribution was).

 

 Medium flat index stock poster is in used (B-/C+) condition; numerous creases, a moderate to heavy amount of edge/corner wear, a decent-sized dark stain/discoloration in the upper right margin, a fairly heavy amount of surface wear/toning, several horizontal creases/folds, numerous tack/pin/staple holes... as you can see by the photo, this one has definitely been around the block a few times. THAT SAID... conditional issues aside, this is a fairly remarkable artifact from the earliest of the early days of the Red Dog- the seed of "the Seed", if you will.

 

 Check out this fascinating clip from the 2005 documentary "Rockin' at the Red Dog" for a brief background on the genesis of the San Francisco psychedelic scene: