Students Need Athletics, Culture, and Kicks! SNACK! That is what legendary concert Impresario Bill Graham called his March 23, 1975, benefit concert. This single day, star-studded event was more than just a concert—it was a bold response to a financial crisis threatening extracurricular programs in San Francisco public schools. Bill Graham was at the forefront of uniting rock music and social activism in a way that electrified the counterculture and defined an era. SNACK not only raised essential funds but also cemented its place as a pivotal moment in the history of benefit concerts and the power of music to drive change.

The SNACK benefit came at a time when the public was becoming increasingly aware of the importance of preserving arts and physical education in schools. The fundraising goal of $200,000 highlighted the desperation of the situation and the growing divide between public needs and government funding. Bill Graham’s ability to gather such a legendary lineup, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Santana, The Doobie Brothers, Joan Baez, Tower of Power and the Jefferson Starship, made the event a cultural phenomenon, drawing an audience of around 60,000 people to Kezar Stadium on the edge of the Haight Ashbury neighborhood, known as ground zero for the psychedelic zeitgeist that was the Summer of Love.

What made this benefit stand out was how it framed rock music as not just entertainment but as a tool for activism and community building. SNACK wasn’t the first benefit concert, but it emphasized the role of musicians as change-makers, able to mobilize their fans to rally behind causes that extended beyond just their music. The event is often considered a precursor to later global efforts, such as Live Aid and Farm Aid, in showing how popular culture could effectively address pressing social issues.

Retro Photo Archive photographers Alvan Meyerowitz, Greg Gaar and Elizabeth Sunflower documented the event, immortalizing key figures including MC Marlon Brando, Sports legend Willie Mays, and film maker Francis Ford Coppola in a moment of artistic unity and purpose. These images are not just snapshots of celebrity; they convey the energy, tension, and camaraderie that characterized the day. Their photographs of Bill Graham capture the promoter in his element—coordinating a massive event with logistical precision and creative vision. Graham’s presence was a reminder of the bridge between art and activism, showcasing how organizers can use cultural capital to address social issues.

In his on-stage portraits of Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Meyerowitz captures their raw charisma and unspoken connection to the cause. Young, with his ever-present air of introspection and rebellion, stands as a symbol of the 1960s counterculture’s lingering influence, while Dylan represents a more complex figure—an artist who transcended the protest songs of the early ’60s to become an icon of both musical and social evolution.

The juxtaposition of these figures in the images offers a visual commentary on the potency of collective action, with their stances reflecting a unity of purpose that continues to be mirrored in today’s social movements. Just as musicians of the ‘70s used their platforms to call attention to social causes, today’s artists are doing the same, raising awareness of issues like climate change, racial injustice, and gun violence.

Fast forward to today, the themes that SNACK touched upon — the importance of funding arts and education, public access to cultural experiences, and the power of collective action — continue to resonate. Modern-day benefit concerts, such as the Global Citizen Festival, have adopted similar models of leveraging celebrity influence to support broader social causes, whether it’s climate change, poverty alleviation, or social justice. The spirit of using music as a vehicle for change remains as strong today as it did in 1975. Artists across various genres are harnessing their influence to address social issues, reinforcing the timeless connection between art, activism, and community support.

Musicians today are involved in activism like the SNACK Benefit’s focus on education, community, and social causes. Jack White is a strong advocate for music education, having donated instruments and funding to schools through his Third Man Records. Brandi Carlile, a prominent Americana artist, co-founded the Looking Out Foundation, which supports programs for disadvantaged youth, education, and LGBTQ+ rights. Pearl Jam has a long history of activism, including supporting public schools and funding programs that help underprivileged communities. Alicia Keys, through her Keep a Child Alive foundation, supports education and health services for families affected by HIV/AIDS, often highlighting the importance of youth empowerment. These artists continue the legacy of blending rock music with activism, much like the SNACK Benefit did in 1975.

Furthermore, the SNACK Benefit’s focus on supporting underfunded public schools speaks to current debates surrounding equitable access to education. While today’s public discourse often emphasizes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, there is a growing awareness of the need for a well-rounded curriculum that includes the arts and athletics. The SNACK Benefit reminds us of the perennial need to invest in these programs as they shape well-rounded individuals and contribute to the health and culture of communities.

Photographers like Alvan Meyerowitz, Greg Gaar, and Elizabeth Sunflower played a crucial role in documenting the SNACK Benefit, ensuring that the cultural significance of the event endures through their iconic images. Their ability to capture the essence of the performances, the energy of the crowd, and the unity of purpose among the artists and audience has preserved the memory of this historical moment. Through their lenses, these photographers created a lasting visual record that not only honors the music and activism of the time but also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of collective action. Their work allows us to relive the event’s impact, bridging the past and present, and keeping the spirit of the SNACK Benefit alive for future generations.

As we reflect on the ongoing efforts to fund education, promote equitable access to the arts, and leverage cultural events as platforms for activism, the SNACK Benefit remains both a historical milestone and a blueprint for how art, community, and social responsibility can unite to shape a brighter future. In this same spirit, there are organizations today working to continue this legacy by supporting schools and students in need.

One such nonprofit is DonorsChoose, which aligns perfectly with the SNACK Benefit’s focus on arts, education, and extracurricular activities in public schools. DonorsChoose allows individuals to contribute directly to classroom projects, where teachers across the U.S. post their specific needs—ranging from art supplies and athletic equipment to funding for educational trips—and donors can choose which projects to support. This model mirrors the SNACK Benefit’s goal of bridging the funding gap and ensuring students receive the resources they need to thrive.

Please consider donating to support arts and education through DonorsChoose, and help continue the legacy of fostering creativity, opportunity, and community.