Here are Some of the Best Places to Remember the Life of Janis Joplin

Jan 18  / Thursday
Words by: Olivia Viana If you've ever wanted to discover the life and times of one of rock's greatest heroines, you've found the right place. From the windy hills of San Fransisco to the bright lights of Manhattan, Janis Joplin has breathed life into the world with her wild-child spirit and legendary music. Follow in her footsteps and visit some of the landmarks that celebrate her one-of-a-kind legacy.

The Capitol Theatre

We're lucky to call ourselves home to so many legendary performances, including the time Janis rocked the stage on August 8, 1970. With her band Big Brother and The Holding Company, she performed some of her most famous songs, such as "Piece of My Heart" and "Move Over". She also performed "Mercedes Benz" for the first time on our stage, having written it just hours before the show right in the neighborhood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxNT2X1Owr0

Port Arthur, TX

On the surface Port Arthur might just seem like another small town, but it's actually the birthplace and hometown of Janis Joplin. Step foot there and you'll find yourself celebrating her legacy with the rest of the town, with a historical placard marking her childhood home. There's also the local Museum of the Gulf Coast, which has an exhibit dedicated to the life and times of the rock 'n' roll legend, displaying her psychedelic car and other groovy belongings that help share her story.

Haight-Ashbury

This psychedelic San Fransisco neighborhood has been home to the likes of countless counter-culture enthusiasts of the late '60s, including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and, of course, Janis. It was also a nucleus for social change during the turbulent '60s, and played a major role in unifying individuals with the common desire for change. While the neighborhood has been cemented in legend with its one-of-a-kind legacy, it still embraces its history, with hippie culture alive and well.

Whiskey a Go-Go

Los Angeles' vibrant rock 'n' roll history can't be fully enjoyed without a trip to the Whiskey a Go-Go. Many groups of the late '60s and '70s have rocked the stage there, including The Doors and Led Zeppelin. Janis Joplin has also left her mark at the iconic venue, and you can still feel the energy of all the legendary performances that have taken place there.

Hotel Chelsea

This historic NYC landmark is one of the city's most famous, and for a good reason. From Bob Dylan to Jimi Hendrix, The Chelsea has seen it all. Janis Joplin has stayed within its age-old walls, which still embrace the hotel's artsy and eclectic heritage.

Monterey County Fairgrounds

Home to the Monterey Pop Festival of 1967, you can step on the same grounds that Janis Joplin once rocked. Her performance at Monterey Pop is one of her most famous, and helped to create the festival culture among rock musicians and enthusiasts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bld_-7gzJ-o

Bethel Woods

This former dairy farm is now a music museum and venue that is dedicated to celebrating the area's unique legacy. The fields at Bethel Woods are the exact location of where the legendary Woodstock Festival of 1969 took place. Just outside of the small town of Woodstock, NY, it's a great rock 'n' roll getaway surrounded by a community that still breathes life into its history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBJnoMP1Uyc

Harvard Stadium

This arena saw the last performance that Janis ever gave. Home to a variety of forms of entertainment, its music legacy can't be overlooked. Her performance there almost didn't happen due to delays, but the audience enjoyed a fantastic show and rocked out to her revolutionary vocals. No matter where we are, her legacy is still rocking out in our hearts, and we'll always be celebrating her music and life.
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