KVBA is thankful for the support of these generous foundations.
Our mission: Promote, educate, and preserve the rich history of blues music as it concerns Kalamazoo and its impact on American culture and commerce in musical arts and industry.
The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation once again partnered the KVBA in 2019 to sponsor the 26 th annual
Kalamazoo Valley Blues Festival. The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, established in 1972, has as its
mission to support and enrich the cultural, social, and economic life of greater Kalamazoo. The Priorities
of the Foundation are: The Arts, Culture, and Humanities; Human Services; Education; Community
Development; and Health and Well-Being.
The mission of the Marvin and Rosalie Okun Foundation is to honor the fund’s founders, Marvin and Rosalie Okun, by supporting programs that will have a significant, long-term, and positive impact on the lives of those within the Kalamazoo community. The OKUN FOUNDATION has provided support for the KVBA blues festival as well as support for KVBA’s blues in schools program.