About the Harp Fest
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, MC 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. 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 another 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 the people that bring this event to the 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 donating cash to 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. 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 see our Sponsors page for live
videos of youth participating in a Summer Blues Camp.
Please join us for this most enjoyable and important event in a fun family. You'll be glad you
did!