Continuing with its "Summer of '69: Vegas or Bust" festivities, Fremont Street Experience named designer John Van Hamersveld as the event's official artist.
Last week, Hamersveld, who's best known for his 1960s iconic image of the Pinnacle Indian, the cover of the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" album and poster for the 1966 surf documentary "Endless Summer," opened Hippie Nation Gallery & Records inside Neonopolis, the entertainment complex on Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard.
The gallery will house Hamersveld's newest show, "Signs of Life," a custom-painted vintage school bus to be used during the Vegas or Bust series.
Vegas or Bust will offer free concerts throughout the summer with performances by iconic bands from 1969, including the Guess Who, Blood Sweat & Tears, Rare Earth, Janis Joplin's original band Big Brother & the Holding Company, the Grass Roots, Jefferson Starship, the 5th Dimension, Canned Heat and Three Dog Night.
"We invite everyone to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic and influential year 1969," Fremont Street Experience President Jeff Victor said in a statement. "Fremont Street Experience is presenting an impressive lineup of major music artists from 1969 to the public at no cost. It will be a groovy summer of music, entertainment and lots of fun. With downtown Las Vegas consistently offering great deals on rooms, dining and entertainment, there is no better vacation spot to have a great time at a great value."
