Wavy Gravy 90: The Counterculture Symbol Celebrates His Birthday with Top-Tier Musicians, Receives Official Mayoral Recognition and Namesake Day in San Francisco

May 18, 2026

Photo via Seva Foundation via Facebook

On May 16, the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco served as the setting for Wavy Gravy’s 90th birthday celebration. The counterculture symbol–who emceed Woodstock [where he gave his famed “breakfast in bed” speech and initiated the “please” force], filled the role of the Grateful Dead’s official jester, in addition to providing compassionate giveback through do-good initiatives–was honored by friends and a rotating lineup of musical guests on Saturday.

On the 90th birthday bill were Steve Earle, Todd Rundgren, Rickie Lee Jones, Cat Power, Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz, Peter Rowan, Maria Muldaur, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Harper Simon, and The Mold Peaches, supported by a house band that consisted of Tony Garnier, Greg Leisz, Matt Rollings, Jenny Fongheiser, and Vicki Randle.

Prior to the show, the night’s charity beneficiary, Seva Foundation, recounted co-founder Wavy Gravy’s actionable longtime quest, writing:

Wavy has always had a remarkable way of turning big dreams into real-world impact. With his unmistakable humor, warm heart, and commitment to bringing joy to others, he helped create an organization that has restored sight to millions of people worldwide.

For decades, Wavy has reminded us that activism doesn’t have to be cold or serious to be powerful. It can be joyful. It can be imaginative. It can make people laugh while still changing lives.

His generous spirit continues to inspire everyone around him to lead with compassion and find creative ways to care for others.

It fills our hearts to celebrate another year with you, Wavy. Thank you for making the world brighter in every sense of the word.

…

The concert leaned into collaborative moments, with artists sharing material and leaving an impression with an outstanding list of choice songs that flexed meaning and moments that spoke to Wavy Gravy’s legacy, such as an early-set rendition of Country Joe and the Fish’s “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag,” synonymous with Woodstock ‘69 and led by Harper Simon.

Later on, Peter Rowan and company helped carve out a section reserved for Old & in the Way material, hitting on “Panama Red,” “Midnight Moonlight,” before moving into the Dead’s “Attics of My Life” with help from Campbell and Williams. Bay Area stalwart, Muldaur, contributed Percy Mayfield’s “Please Send Someone to Love” and “Don’t Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down.”

Cat Power beckoned to Bob Dylan via “4th Time Around” [with help from Campbell] and “Ballad of a Thin Man,” before swapping places with Steve Earle, who lent his own “City of Immigrants” and “Bolber Celaya.” Rundgren contributed “I Saw The Light,” “Hello It’s Me,” and “Bang on the Drum All Day.” Everyone took part in the concert’s final numbers, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and the subject’s own “Basic Human Needs” to cap the occasion.

As an added note of significance, the San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie declared May 16, 2026, as Wavy Gravy Day. In a post recognizing the achievement, the Seva Foundation extends, “Wavy has always shown the world that laughter and love can be powerful tools for change. His influence can be felt in countless communities, from the stage to the streets to global efforts restoring sight and hope.” See more below.

Wavy Gravy co-founded the Seva Foundation, an international non-profit organization dedicated to curing preventable blindness and advancing other health initiatives. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.seva.org.