Fountain Blues Foundation

I booked the 3rd and 4th annual Fountain Blues Festivals as a student concert booker at San Jose State University. John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray. Over the years, this free festival introduced this American music to thousands of students and the downtown SJ community. I've returned most years as a volunteer.  The festival no longer receives funding from SJSU. A non-profit 501-C3 has been formed to help the founder/SJSU Student Advisor, Ted Gehrke, keep it going.  Made up of all volunteer SJSU Alumni, downtown SJ event promoters, media folks, downtown residents/business owners, the Board's goal is:

1) Blues Preservation, by presenting this 35 year legacy festival.  The Foundation is organized to promote this indigenous American blues/roots music. Activities include live performances, broadcasts, lectures, clinics and outreach to community shools, culminating in the annual Fountain Blues Festival (which features a wide diversity of local and touring national blues/roots acts).

2) New Audience Development/Artist Support.  FBF supports blues musicians by facilitating performances, partnering with local venues and merchants to promote this live music in the community.  We attract new listeners by engaging with SJSU, local schools and the South Bay community.  We will have a student side stage day of show, to allow young performers the chance to play at a large scale festival.  

3) Keep the festival affordable.  Our ticket price this year is $20 advance, $25 day of show.  Your donation will go a long way in allowing us to provide national headlining acts at a price that is affordable to families, students and residents of our community.

Our past performers include Etta James, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Derek Trucks (Allman Brothers), Tommy Castro, Koko Taylor, Son Seals, Canned Heat, Elvin Bishop, Magic Slim, John Primer (Muddy Waters), Otis Taylor and others from Chicago, Austin, New Orleans, Memphis.....

Family friendly, food and beverage booths. The festival is now held at Cesar Chavez Park adjacent to the Fairmont Hotel.