Tickets were $3!!

…. this run started with Richard “Dick” Sandhaus, president of the Class of 1967, linking up with Staples Student Organization president Paul Gambaccini (class of 1966). With the support of the school’s principal, James Calkins, the two pitched a plan to the Board of Education to put on some concerts. With an approval and some funding in hand, they began cold calling talent agents in New York City.
It got them through the door of legendary promoter Frank Barsalona, who took a liking to them, and soon they were off. From May 1966 to May 1968, the Animals, the Yardbirds (with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck), the Young Rascals, the Doors, Cream and Sly and the Family Stone would perform at Staples, with performers such as the Blues Project, Richie Havens, Phil Ochs, the Left Banke and the Blues Magoos sprinkled in there. A popular regional band featured the lead singer Steven Tallarico, who is better known as Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. Most tickets were under $4, with a discount for members of the Staples Student Organization.
“The Doors came here right after ‘Light My Fire’ was at the top of the charts,” Cantor says. “In that Summer of Love, they were among the biggest groups. They appear on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ and several days later they are at Staples.”