During the 1970s commune boom, a charismatic man known as Father Yod founded a vegetarian restaurant in Los Angeles. Named The Source, this and his background in several religious movements led to Yod attracting a group of followers who viewed him as both father figure and spiritual guru. This “family” went on to form a psychedelic rock group known as Ya Ho Wa 13 but was forced to flee to Hawaii when local authorities began questioning its unconventional activities. Barely a year later, Yod died in a hang-gliding accident.
This is an abbreviated history of The Source Family.
In 2006, Drag City started reissuing the recordings of Father Yod and Ya Ho Wa 13, and in 2012, it debuted a documentary at SXSW through its Drag City Film Distribution arm. Entitled The Source Family, the film is now opening in 20 cities in May, with more still to be announced. Check out the film’s trailer and then see if it’s coming to your city.