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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:
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Perfect weather. National media. History preserved.
Now help us finish strong and launch the next 99 stories.
We did it, Deadheads! On December 4th, hundreds gathered at San Jose City Hall for a night that will echo through music history. The weather was flawless. The performances were magical. Trixie García, Jerry Garcia's daughter, joined San Jose Rocks founder Dan Orloff to unveil the bronze plaque, marking the exact spot where her father and the Grateful Dead performed under that name for the first time 60 years ago. Mark Purdy and Ira Meltzer brought the story of that legendary 1965 Acid Test to life. TV cameras rolled, radio broadcast live, and the press captured every moment as San Jose finally claimed its rightful place as ground zero for the Grateful Dead's journey.
The bronze plaque is cast. The psychedelic lights danced on City Hall's rotunda. The story is now permanent. But here's the truth: we're $20,000 short of covering the full cost of making history.
114 donors got us to $50,479—so close to our $75,000 goal. If you were there that night, you felt the magic. If you couldn't make it, you can still be part of preserving this legacy. Every dollar brings us closer to completing this chapter AND launching the next one.
This plaque is just story #1. San Jose Rocks exists to tell 99 more stories that trace innovation, technology, and music back to the 15 cities across Santa Clara County. Stories of mariachi legends, hardcore punk pioneers, EDM innovators, and classical virtuosos. Stories that show young people: if you can see it, you can be it.
Premium donors receive limited-edition Stanley Mouse commemorative prints—featuring artwork from the same legendary artist who created the iconic Grateful Dead imagery you've loved for decades. Stanley Mouse designed t-shirts are also available with your donation, bringing that same artistic legacy into wearable form.
The event was perfect. The mission continues. Help us close this gap and open the door to the next 99 stories.
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