US Flag TRAVIS PIKE'S TEA PARTY (1967-1969) Mass State Flag
Boston, Massachusetts
TRAVIS PIKE'S TEA PARTY PLAYING
AT THE PSYCHEDLIC SUPERMARKET
AND THE UNICORN COFFEE HOUSE!

    In early 1968, pundits predicted the Boston Sound would eclipse the San Francisco Sound, but what was the Boston Sound. The most popular sound in dance clubs was Motown, and James Brown and Wilson Pickett were the premiere headliners. Folk was still big in coffeehouses, but apart from Bob Dylan (who had gone electric), folk was no longer considered commercial.
    The Psychedelic Supermarket in Kenmore Square booked out of town acts by arrangement with their promoters, who sought exposure for their groups in the Boston area. Travis Pike's Tea Party was one of the local exceptions. They played the Supermarket on several occasions, primarily as an opening act for groups like Moby Grape, Spirit and The Fugs.
    What Travis Pike's Tea Party did, as well any other band in New England, was perform concerts of original music for college, high school, coffee house, art festival crowds and anyone young or old, who actually listened! The Boston Sound was as eclectic and inclusive as the city itself, easily accommodating a myriad of musicians and styles from Pops to Mancini!

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