A tie-dye Levi's jacket, dyed by The Lovin' Spoonful founder, John Sebastian, and worn on stage on multiple occasions including at the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair in Bethel, New York held on August 16, 1969.

The custom tie-dye, non-stretch relaxed fit cotton denim jacket, with the cotton fabric originally being a cream/off-white shade, features design elements including a fold-over collar, riveted Levi Strauss & Co. metal buttons, two chest pockets, single button cuffs, and two adjuster tabs at the back hem. There is an embroidered radish on the left shoulder. No manufacturer or size tags present.

When Sebastian hitched a ride to the Woodstock Festival via helicopter called for The Incredible String Band, he had no intention of performing, but came as a guest to enjoy the music of his friends and colleagues. After Santana's set on Day 2 of the festival, Woodstock lighting coordinator and friend of Sebastian, Chip Monck, ushered the former Lovin' Spoonful member, clad in his hand tie-dyed ensemble (including this jacket), on stage to hold the crowd over. Sebastian performed a set of five songs (How Have You Been, Rainbows All Over Your Blues, I Had a Dream, Darlin’ Be Home Soon, Younger Generation) on Saturday afternoon, August 16, from 3:30–4:00 pm.

While on stage, Sebastian prefaced each number with stories and words of wisdom including: "Just love everybody all around you and clean up a little garbage on your way out and everything gonna be alright."

Sebastian also wore the jacket on many other occasions, on stage and in his personal life, including on stage at the Big Sur Folk Festival primarily alongside Crosby, Stills, & Nash, as well as Joni Mitchell held on September 8-9, 1968 in Big Sur, California; on stage at the Concert at Anaheim held on June 14, 1970; on stage at the Isle Of Wight Festival held on August 31, 1970; and at home on "The Farm." Photos of Sebastian wearing the jacket are also featured on the interior of his debut solo album, John B. Sebastian.

A photo of Sebastian on stage at Woodstock wearing the jacket is featured on the back cover of his debut solo album, John B. Sebastian, which is included with this lot.

PROVENANCE From the Collection of John Sebastian

Clothing & Jewelry, John Sebastian