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Blues in the Boardroom: Directors’ Cut
December 3, 2023 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Tabard Theatre
About the Event
Join us for an afternoon of blues, beats, and board members grooving for a good cause: the Fountain Blues Foundation. This event is your chance to witness the musical talents of members of the Fountain Blues Foundation’s Board of Directors.
What’s in store for you at Tabard Theatre:
- Live performances by the president of the Fountain Blues Board of Directors, Bob Gonzalez, leading The Bob Gonzalez Band
- The soulful tunes of Suzanne St. John-Crane, lead singer with the blues band Pearl Alley and the newest addition to our Board
- Cameo performances by Fountain Blues Foundation board members David Goray, Jay Meduri and Dan Orloff
- Hors d’oeuvres by Poor House Bistro
- No host bar available
Reserved Cabaret Table Seating $45
Reserved Tiered Seating $35
Hors d’oeuvres by Poor House Bistro included
Sausage Bread with Marinara Sauce
Fried Chicken with Marinara & BBQ Ranch Sauce
Caprese on a Stick (Grape Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella & Basil with Balsamic Drizzle)
Nestled in downtown San Jose, the Tabard Theatre combines historic charm with modern comfort for an intimate live entertainment experience. The venue features exceptional acoustics and carefully arranged seating, ensuring a cozy setting for music enthusiasts. With sophisticated lighting setting the mood, the theater offers a memorable evening. Plus, patrons can enhance their experience with a visit to the full bar, making the Tabard Theatre a perfect blend of ambiance and entertainment in the heart of the city.
A Very Special Thanks
Thank you Tabard Theatre Company for your generous donation of
your space to Fountain Blues Foundation.
Pearl Alley
Get ready for a night of soulful blues with Pearl Alley – a dynamic blend of The Black Crowes and Janis Joplin’s raw energy!
For nearly 20 years, Pearl Alley has been rocking stages, opening for legends like Lydia Pense & Cold Blood, James Hunter, and Canned Heat.
Imagine The Black Crowes meeting Janis Joplin, and you’ll get the essence of Pearl Alley’s unique sound. Front woman Suzanne St. John Crane channels Janis Joplin’s power and presence, Guitarist Dave Crane, a lifelong music enthusiast, brings hard-hitting blues to life with his exceptional skills.
Backing them up are blues veterans Dennis Dove (drums), Jim Greiner (percussion), Doug Mancini (bass), and Pamela Arthur (keys), who collectively elevate Pearl Alley’s sound to new heights.
And speaking of Jim Greiner, the man behind the drums, he’s no stranger to accolades! A rare seven-time winner of Drum! Magazine’s annual Readers Polls, Jim is a true percussion virtuoso.
Pearl Alley’s sophomore album, ‘Bout Time, drops in Spring 2024, following their 2003 debut.
“This local five-piece blues band heats things up like a red-hot poker to the tush. David Crane tears out the juke-joint rockin’ guitar licks, but it’s Suzanne St. John-Crane that spits the flames for this blues quintet, bringing Bonnie Raitt’s smoldering sensuality and Janis Joplin’s jaw-dropping intensity to the mic together at last.”
-Metro Santa Cruz
The Bob Gonzalez Band
Step into the heart of rock ‘n’ roll and blues with the Bob Gonzalez Band, featuring the legendary Aaron Madsen. Bob Gonzalez (our board president), a founding member of the Syndicate of Sound, takes you on a journey back to the golden era of rock with their Top Ten hit in May of ’66. From sharing stages with icons like James Brown to the enduring legacy of their hit, “Little Girl,” Gonzalez’s influence is unmatched.
Bob Gonzalez’s musical journey includes touring from ’66 to ’70, where he shared stages with legends like Paul Revere and the Raiders, Neil Diamond, the Yardbirds, the Rascals, and Jefferson Airplane. His experience is a living testament to the evolution of rock, and this event promises to capture that rich history.
Joining him is Aaron Madsen, lead guitarist and songwriter for the Honey Wilders. With a fresh take on classic rock and Power Pop, Aaron’s guitar prowess and songwriting skills promise a modern twist to the night. Together, the Bob Gonzalez Band and Aaron Madsen create a seamless blend of past and present, delivering a musical experience that resonates with rock ‘n’ roll and blues enthusiasts alike.
December 3rd, 4 – 7PM
Reserved Cabaret Table Seating $45
Reserved Tiered Seating $35
Hors d’oeuvres by Poor House Bistro included
Let’s make history together at “Blues in the Boardroom: Directors’ Cut”. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable afternoon of music and fun, all to benefit the Fountain Blues Foundation. Because when the blues thrive, our community thrives!
About Fountain Blues Foundation
The Fountain Blues Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the indigenous American music genre known as the blues. Through various initiatives, including live performances, broadcasts, lectures, and community education, the foundation strives to uphold the rich history of the blues. The centerpiece of its efforts is the San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival, the longest-running blues festival in the Bay Area.
The foundation recently integrated the Silicon Valley Blues Society as a partner, enhancing its ability to promote and staff events. Key collaborations with the San Jose Downtown Association and San Jose Jazz further strengthen its impact. A proactive Board of Directors focuses on year-round fundraising events, showcasing regional blues artists and embedding the blues in the community’s cultural fabric.
Foundation Goals:
1. Provide a Platform: Offer live performance opportunities for blues musicians amidst diminishing prospects.
2. Community Exposure: Introduce the broader music community, especially young artists and audiences, to the blues genre.
3. Mentorship Opportunities: Create avenues for musicians to find mentorship and industry experiences fostering professional growth.
4. Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local venues and merchants to promote the blues art form and contribute to San Jose’s economic development.
Learn more about Fountain Blues Foundation at FountainBlues.com
About Tabard Theatre
The Tabard Theatre in downtown San Jose is a nonprofit venue that stands as a beacon of artistic expression. Known for its commitment to fostering the performing arts, Tabard Theatre offers an intimate space where creativity thrives. As a nonprofit organization, the theater channels resources into creating a vibrant artistic community that celebrates diverse voices. By attending events at Tabard, patrons not only enjoy a rich cultural experience but also contribute to the flourishing of the local arts scene. With its cozy ambiance and dedication to accessibility, Tabard Theatre invites everyone to join in the celebration of creativity and community. Your attendance at our upcoming music event supports the mission of this remarkable nonprofit venue in San Jose.
Learn more about Tabard Theatre Company at TabardTheatre.org
Here’s Tabard Theatre in action.
Details
Date:
December 3, 2023
Time:
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Purchase Tickets
About the Venue
Tabard Theatre
Quick Link: Tabard Theatre
Fountain Blues Foundation
The Fountain Blues Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is organized to preserve and promote the indigenous American music known as the blues, and related genres like rock 'n' roll and R&B. Activities take a variety of forms, including live performances, broadcasts, lectures, and community education, culminating in the longest-running blues festival in Northern California: the San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival and live music events throughout the year.
New This Year: Follow the Music
We are thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between Fountain Blues Foundation and Follow the Music, a pioneering music education and emerging artists program. Follow the Music, spearheaded by a passionate group who recognize the profound impact of music, boasts honorary guests such as 49er legend and NFL Hall-of-Famer Ronnie Lott, alongside Oakland music icon and Elevate Oakland co-founder Sheila E.
This innovative program, developed in partnership with Elevate Oakland and key stakeholders in arts, entertainment, media, and sports, serves as the gateway into the vibrant South Bay community. By joining forces with Follow the Music, Fountain Blues Foundation aims to enrich the lives of young people by bringing the transformative power of music directly into their lives. Together, we envision a future where music becomes a catalyst for inspiration, creativity, and community engagement, and we invite you to be a part of this impactful journey.