After the efforts of Tom Mazzolini , producer of the San Francisco Blues Festival , started in 1974 , and the efforts of recording companies like Arhoolie and HighTone , the West Coast is one of the most important blues areas in the country . Through the effort of Tom Mazzolini , producer of the legendary San Francisco Blues Festival , founded in 1974 , and with the presence of excellent recording companies like Arhoolie and HighTone , the West Coast is one of the most important blues areas in the country .