1966 Grateful Dead, Oxford Circle Avalon Ballroom Concert Handbill 
 
San Francisco 
1966 
11" x 8 1/2" 
 
This is an original concert flyer for the Grateful Dead and Oxford Circle, showcasing their performances at the Avalon Ballroom on Friday and Saturday nights, November 3 & 4, 1966. Designated as FD-33 in the Family Dog numbered series, this handbill was crafted by the talented duo Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley. Nicknamed "Logo" for its clear representation, it has been rated 8.5 Very Fine Plus by CGC (the Certified Guaranty Company).
 
This flyer symbolizes a reunion of sorts among the Grateful Dead, Oxford Circle, Mouse & Kelley, the Avalon Ballroom, and the Family Dog. The last collaboration occurred six weeks prior, resulting in the creation of the FD-26 "Skeleton & Roses" masterpiece. Consider this one the encore.
These shows took place just days after Jerry Garcia flew to Los Angeles, where he collaborated with Jefferson Airplane on the recording of Surrealistic Pillow in an RCA studio. Garcia completely reimagined "Somebody to Love," transforming it into the iconic hit we know today, played lead guitar on several other tracks, and even contributed to the album title Surrealistic Pillow. For his efforts, Garcia received credit solely as "Musical and Spiritual Advisor" on the LP jacket. The opening act, the Oxford Circle, was a feedback-heavy psychedelic band hailing from Davis, California, approximately 75 miles northeast of San Francisco.
 
One might ponder why Mouse Studios chose to amplify the company's logo for this particular poster design. Perhaps they faced time constraints, experienced creative blocks, or simply wished to showcase the FD logo in an unprecedented size. Regardless, it provided an opportunity for viewers to read the logo's slogan clearly: “May the baby Jesus shut your mouth and open your mind.”