Pomona Celebrates its ’60s Garage Band Era with Vibrant Exhibit

In the heart of Pomona, a resounding ode to the rock spirit of the 1960s is bringing life to downtown. The dA Center for the Arts is showcasing 'Sounds of Pomona: Coming of Age in the Golden Era of Music, 1955-1975', an exhibit centered around the Latino-dominated music scene that once thrived in the city. Enthusiastic about music history and the local scene, the opening event for this exhibit saw over 150 individuals reliving the past with vibrant energy and nostalgia.

The Beat of the Past Echoes Today

The exhibit not only features memorabilia and cherished artifacts such as photographs, concert posters, and records, but it also incorporates interactive elements including audio and video oral histories. This ensures the memories of the time can be both seen and heard, capturing the essence of these formative years for so many from the area. Shooting to prominence following the British Invasion led by the Beatles, Mexican American youngsters formed their own bands, mirroring the White teens of the time. Now older, they rekindled their youthful spirit, jamming to classic tunes at the dA Center for the Arts.

Communal Efforts and Lasting Legacy

Driven by community collaboration, the exhibit included input from local residents who shared their memorabilia and stories. Historical insight provided by professor Tomas Summers Sandoval and his students from Pomona College solidified the display. The presence of music in the lives of these Pomona residents marked not just entertainment but also acted in forging identity amidst a segregated town, bridging social gaps, and coming of age pressures.

A Continued Celebration of Heritage

The exhibit has spurred a series of related events, including reunion performances by iconic groups like Thee Midniters, reflecting the enduring influence the music scene has on the community. Even as the exhibit offers a trip down memory lane, it also highlights the city's persistent reverence for its musical roots and the connection its people have to the rhythm and beats that once mapped their youth.

music, culture, heritage