Meet the Ace of Cups, the Haight's {Almost} Forgotten All-Girl Band

  
In the summer of 1967, San Francisco’s first all-female rock band burst onto the scene. But despite their success during the Summer of Love, no record label ever signed The Ace of Cups. 50 years later, they’re breaking all the rules — again — to record their first full album. The Ace of Cups didn’t set out to be an all-girl band. The group’s original five members — Mary Gannon, Marla Hunt, Denise Kaufman, Mary Ellen Simpson and Diane Vitalich — came together guided by the communal spirit that blanketed Summer of Love-era San Francisco. Up to that point, most all-female bands had worn matching outfits and played cover songs. But with original songs that reflected their circumstances, the Ace of Cups played with groups like The Band, Jefferson Airplane, and even Jimi Hendrix, an avowed fan. —KELLY WHALEN