To say that the 1960s were a time of culture clash is a stereotypical historical understatement. Even in this corner of the United States, peace marches, The phenomenon of the multi-day music concert (of a sort) had its birth in the Pacific Northwest, and one of the most impactful festivals of its kind happened 50 years ago this summer just north of Tenino.
The expected nightmares of crime and rampant drug use on an old cattle ranch just north of Tenino never really materialized following the Sky River Rock When you go out to the location of the concert now, there is literally no evidence of a massive concert ever being held there.
My first concert was Willie Nelson in January of 1984. I was only eight years old. My mum took me as her date since my dad was sick. We trekked across town to the Universal/Gibson Amphitheatre which was later demolished for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. I remember it being cold and rainy. Regardless of the weather, Angeleno’s were decked out in their country finest. Dark denim, blinged out belts, rhinestone-embellished cowboy hats and Americana regalia filled the theatre.