The San Francisco Blues Festival is the longest continuously running blues festival in the United States. Founded in 1973 by Tom Mazzolini, September 26-28, 2008 the San Francisco Blues Festival celebrates its 36th year at the Great Meadow, Fort Mason, located in the City's Marina District. The Great Meadow is one of the finest sites in San Francisco, with spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, passing ships and sailboats, and the surrounding hills of the City and Marin County.

Buddy Guy Photo by Michael Mendelson

Since its beginnings in 1973, the SFBF has featured some of the biggest names in the blues, including: B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Albert King, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Etta James, Taj Majal, Keb' Mo', Little Richard, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Gatemouth Brown, Otis Rush, Dr. John, Carlos Santana, Los Lobos, and Delbert McClinton, to name a few.

A happy crowd enjoys a day of the blues Photo by Will Wallace

Festival seating is general admission, on the grass. A reserved section, lawn seating, is also available. (ADVANCE ONLY) Lawn chairs are not to exceed 30" high. Some chairs will be available for rent. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and coverup clothing are advised. Weather is usually sunny, but ocean breezes can pick up in the late afternoons.

• Coolers not to exceed 12x12 inches! Backpacks are also allowed. No glass, alcohol, cans, video or audio recorders are permitted.
• Children under 10 free.
• No pets allowed except guide dogs.
• Wheelchair access at Franklin and Bay Streets.
• Paid Parking at Marina Middle School, Bay at Webster Streets. $10. Proceeds go to the school. (Limited parking this year due to construction)
• Entrance to Festival at Marina Boulevard and Laguna Street.
• General admission prices:
  $35 per day in advance.
  $40 per day at the gate.
  $55 two-day ticket (ADVANCE ONLY)
  No two-day tickets sold at the gate.
  See Ticket Information .
• Reserved lawn seating
  $50 single-day reserved lawn seating (ADVANCE ONLY)
  $80 two-day reserved lawn seating (ADVANCE ONLY)
  
• Gates open at 10:00 a.m. each day
• ATM available inside Festival.
• Call (415) 979-5588 for recorded details or visit sfblues.com.

For press information call 415.394.6500

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