A hippie word originating in 1960’
s American counterculture which essentially just means a mass gathering of ‘heads with
music or some theme of cultural importance or some sort, such as, but not limited to, a peaceful protest or demonstration. 'Happenings' blurred the rigid lines between
music concerts/festivals and the rest of the world, helping incorporate psychedelic rock/jazz and funk elements into everyday life. Previously,
music had mostly been listened to on records or enjoyed by a select few in a stadium or amphitheatre. Happenings allowed
music to be heard in parks, city streets, and rooftops, allowing the soundwaves to reach more ears than before, allowing for a subconscious shift to take place in local area residents, giving cities like San Francisco the renown they have today as a city of
music and arts, and more!
A happening represented the forefront, or the evolution of consciousness. If you were dropped out, turned on, and tuned in, you were part of it... even if you didn't even know it.