About Spring Harp Fest

Spring Harp Fest is more than just a music festival; it’s a celebration of the harmonica and its vibrant community. Every year, harmonica enthusiasts gather to enjoy a diverse lineup of performers, from local talents to renowned artists. The Spring Harp fest also extends beyond entertainment. As a non-profit event, we focus on supporting youth music programs in San Diego. Your donations help provide harmonica instruction and instruments to children, fostering the next generation of musicians.

Join us in this unique experience where music meets community, and every note played supports a brighter future for harmonica music.

Our Mission Statement: Spring Harp Fest promotes understanding and appreciation of the harmonica and endeavors to pass love of the harmonica on to the next generation.

Founded in 1999 by Harmonica John Frazer, Chet Cannon and Budd Willis, the Spring Harp Fest was created to promote this American artform, the blues harmonica. This event remains a first of it’s kind for San Diego County where everyone involved; from webmaster, to set-up crew, from sound man, to musicians, emcee to clean up crew, and all points in between; volunteers’ time, talent and expertise, working together to build a better future. Every year, we hold a festival during Easter weekend, and some of Southern California’s finest harmonica players perform at our Spring Harp Fest.

The Spring Harp Fest is a family-friendly, outdoor event located at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa, California. Although the event is free, there will be a $20 suggested donation requested upon entering the festival. Everyone is invited to pack a frisbee or hula hoop for the kids, water, sunscreen, blanket or beach chair. Join us for good old fashioned afternoon in the park. You can even bring your leashed dog and a cooler. And don’t forget your smile. The address is 9550 Milden St. La Mesa, CA 91942. It is behind Grossmont High School. Again, suggested donation is just $20. Please donate what you can afford as every dollar helps.

This festival is 100% funded by contributions from the local community and other donations from people like you. All of the people that bring this event to the San Diego/La Mesa community are volunteers. No one is paid, yet we have a great many expenses and we need your help. We accept donations. If you would like to offer your support, please donate here. We suggest a $20 donation at the event and you can also help by participating in our raffle which is held during the festival. All of our prizes are donations from our generous sponsors. Let them know you appreciate their support of the Spring Harp Fest.

Every year, we make a generous contribution from the proceeds of our festival to youth music programs, specifically ear-marked for harmonica inclusion and we are supported by Blues Lovers of San Diego (BLUSD). While raising funds to provide scholarships for the Blues Summer Camp from our proceeds, we hope to also increase the visibility of the harmonica in general, as well as showcase some of the many talented local blues and roots musicians that are available in and around San Diego and Southern California.

Please join us for this most enjoyable and important event in a fun family environment. You’ll be glad you did!

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TEL: 619 709 2217 EMAIL: [email protected]

Spring Harp Fest 501(c)(3) Board Members

• John Frazier
• Kris Wott
• Karl Dring
• Anne Daughtery
• Paula Roberts
• Jennifer Wade