Meanwhile, in the music industry, the 1970s witnessed a vibrant fusion of music, culture, and fashion, characterized by a focus on individuality and authenticity. Musicians like David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin charmed audiences with both their innovative sound and their daring fashion choices. The androgynous glam-rock style, exemplified by Bowie's flamboyant outfits and gender-nonconforming aesthetic, challenged societal norms and became an emblem of self-expression. The disco era brought forth glittering ensembles, platform shoes, and extravagant outfits, creating an atmosphere of hedonism and liberation. Today, these iconic 70s looks are experiencing a revival, captivating new generations through artists like Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe, who pay homage to this era through both their music and fashion choices.

By the late 1980s, Jay had begun shooting professional assignments for magazines, leading him away from his hippie roots. He found his camera pointed in the direction of what was more mainstream at the time—the punk/goth era and the beginnings of “grunge.” The late 1980s started to introduce a seismic shift in fashion, fueled by boldness and excess. This era saw the rise of pop music icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson, and of punk artists like Fugazi and The Ramones.

Travel through some of the most electrifying moments in music history through the lens of Bay Area–based photographer Jay Blakesberg. RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped presents photographs of legendary musicians that reveal the evolution of San Francisco’s unique music culture and its wide-reaching influence. Featuring images of the Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Neil Young, Soundgarden, Carlos Santana, and many more alongside original tickets stubs, press passes, and other ephemera, this exhibition invites visitors to experience a visual history of the sounds and stories that have shaped the Bay Area and beyond.