Welcome Letter

The San Diego Music Awards Foundation welcomes you back to Humphrey's, the annual site of the San Diego Music Awards. Back when we started this event, we had a dual goal: Recognizing great local talent and raising money so that musical instruments find their way into the hands of our community's youth. With much credit to everyone who has been involved, this goal has now become a reality.

It's no surprise that San Diego music continues to thrive on a national, and even on an international, level. During the past year, many San Diego artists have taken their success to even greater heights. From charting acts like P.O.D., blink-182, Jewel and Nickel Creek to the relentless touring success of Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Robert Walter's 20th Congress, Pinback, Black Heart Procession and so many others.

As for the kids and the music in the schools programs that SDMA supports, it truly blows my mind to think about the fact that we've surpassed $150,000 in our fundraising efforts during the past 11 years-all of which is donated to assist elementary music programs in San Diego County schools.

And our Taylor Guitars for Schools program has just entered its 18th school within our county. There are now elementary-age school children learning to play on a Taylor Guitar-one of the finest acoustic instruments in the world-at elementary schools all over San Diego County. This includes schools in the communities of Alpine, Chula Vista, Clairemont, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Pacific Beach, Pt. Loma, San Diego and Santee.

Most importantly, we'd like to mention those of you who have had a hand in the success that SDMA shares with the community. Those who purchase San Diego Music Awards tickets all have willingly paid for their tickets, donated additional money or purchased a t-shirt, knowing where that money goes. Because of this tremendous support and our forward-looking sponsors, the goal this year alone is to add another 12 schools and put 300 more guitars in the hands of the kids.

On behalf of everyone involved, we send out sincere congratulations and thanks to all the nominees and winners for giving us great music all year long. And, equally as important, to you who continue to attend and support San Diego music.

Kevin Hellman
Executive Director
San Diego Music Awards Foundation