The First Strawberry Jam'n Toast To The Arts was held on May 26, 2001 in Downtown Ponchatoula, LA.  It hosted 40 bands on 6 different stages and 20 artists.   Around 4000 visitors enjoyed this inaugural event and was very successful in providing a new venue for local bands.

Strawberry Beat was a song that was written by Dr. Ted J. Hudspeth, the founder of the Strawberry Jam'n Toast To The Arts Festival and the Northshore Regional Endowment For The Arts.  Strawberry Beat was recorded by him and sold as a single song CD at the first Strawberry Jam'n Toast To The Arts Festival in May 2001.  It was re-recorded for the Funky Jambalaya CD with Mary's Den as the back up band and serves as the theme song for the festival.

The above is the 2001 Festival poster that was designed by Dr. Ted J. Hudspeth.   The main design has been retained as the logo for publicity for the Northshore Regional Endowment For The Arts and the Strawberry Jam'n Toast Festival.