Donate
We wouldn’t exist without you.
As a nonprofit, San Jose Rocks depends on donations from organizations and people like you.
We currently have two ways to donate:
For Deadheads: Celebrate the Birth of the Grateful Dead
You have a unique opportunity to contribute to the legacy of the Grateful Dead, whose first performance on December 4, 1965 was at a house in downtown San Jose. It was here that five musicians, who had just named themselves the Grateful Dead, plugged in their amps and launched a musical journey that continues to this day. With official approval from the City of San Jose, we plan to install a prominent bronze plaque at the original site — now home to the City Hall’s council chambers — to commemorate this milestone. We aim to raise $75,000 to fund the plaque and a dedication ceremony on the 60th anniversary, December 4, featuring live entertainment and community events. Every donation counts, so join us in honoring this significant moment in music history!
Donors
San Jose Rocks Legacy Builders Campaign
San Jose and Silicon Valley have profoundly influenced music history, being the birthplace of the first radio broadcast, the first DJ, multitrack recording, Dolby noise reduction, iTunes, and AI-powered sound, while also hosting the Grateful Dead’s first show and inspiring artists including Stevie Nicks and the Doobie Brothers. Despite this rich legacy, San Jose and Silicon Valley remain largely overlooked in the music scene, but San Jose Rocks aims to change that. After dedicating the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary plaque at City Hall this December, we plan to expand our presence at major 2026 events such as the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup, promoting the area’s hidden music history. We seek to raise a $150,000 startup fund to support 50 curated stories, an SEO-optimized website, educational programs for students, and partnerships with local stakeholders, marking the first phase of our $500,000 funding goal to ensure operational sustainability through 2026. Join us in telling San Jose’s music story — and inspiring the next generation of musicians and innovators.
Donors & Sponsors
It is with great gratitude that we thank all who have helped San Jose Rocks fulfill its mission. Thank you!
Golden Road Circle
San Jose Earthquakes
Sharon McCray
Coleen & Tom Clark
Dan Orloff
Skull & Roses Society
American Federation of Musicians - Local 6
Dale Huber
Daniel Hirsch
Francesco DiMeglio
Gregg Dye
Bill & Janet Guardino
Jon & Paula Ball
Kathleen Thomas
Kimberly & Michael Mulcahy
Law Office Daniel Mayfield
Milton K Bosch MD
Pat Reilly
Rachel Houde
Richard Ravel
Sandie Huchko
Ira & Ira Meltzer
Thomas Bondi
Tim Regan
Grateful Dead Founders Circle
Anthony Calvitti
Daniel Linberg
Joe Scuncio
Judee Weinstein
Kathleen Eagan
Mark Merino
Mark Purdy
Maureen Beacom
Michael Donohoe
Kata & Michael Gross
Mike Bohrer
Vice Mayor Pam Foley
Phil & Kathy Costanza
Rick Cummings
Robert Steven Petit
Sarah Clish
Sean Mellen
Stephen Ellis
Tim Edmunds
Tim Owens
Tracy Hemmeter
Acid Test Crew
Adam Debner
Andrew Siegler
Brian Adams
Bunny Laden
Carol JonesSchaefer
Cathie Porter
Charles Cook
Dennis Mattish
Gary Tyrrell
Geoff Dyer
Gloria Porter Landry
Jame F Illich
Jane Pearcy
Jeffrey T Hall
Jennifer Weinstein Bruckner
Jesus Flores
Katherine Orloff
Kim Buller
Krista Van Laan
Lance Lubarsky
Linda Piantanida
Mom
Francis Howley
Noah Eckert
Oliver Yun
Pam Kelly
Patrick Wilder
Peter Dassenko
Peter Delevett
Peter Howard
Rachelle Vogler
Randolph Santo
Richard Scharaga
Rita Hutchins
Rob Gelphman
Roni Depue
Scott Knies
Seamus McCracken
Steve Stone
Tom Heckley
Wendell Fiock