San Jose City Hall, 801 North First Street, Room 500, San Jose, CA 95110 (408)277-5800

Mayor Ron Gonzales Announces
"House of Blues" Plans in San José

San José, CA -- 9/20/00: "House of Blues" intends to develop a new live concert venue in downtown San Jose, announced San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales today.

House of Blues has signed a letter of intent with the San Jose Redevelopment Agency that would lead to the opening next summer of a major new nightclub located in the former Woolworth Building on South First Street. The new venue will have the capacity to serve 1000 people in the music hall and 450 persons in the restaurant.

"I am thrilled that the House of Blues will fill our downtown with great music, great food, and breathe life into this historic area," said Mayor Gonzales. "By bringing first rate jazz, blues, and rock acts to our community, House of Blues will be great for our downtown, and I know San Jose will be a great place for them."

House of Blues, based in Los Angeles, currently operates seven live-concert club venues and 20 arenas and amphitheaters across the nation. It books, promotes, and engineers more than 2000 live music performances a year.

"We felt that our House of Blues brand and our ability to bring top-level live touring acts and a new entertainment experience to San Jose would be a great success in one of the nation’s fastest growing markets," said Liam Thornton, House of Blues senior vice president for development.

The San Jose Redevelopment Agency is scheduled to consider the House of Blues letter of intent at its meeting on October 3. The Agency is the owner of the former Woolworth Building.

# # # # # # #