It was founded in New Orleans in 2002[1] and produced by the non-profit Mystic Knights of the Mau Mau (MK Charities, Inc & Ponderosa Stomp Foundation), a 501(c) 3 cultural organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of American roots music.

The first Festival was held at the Fine Arts Center in New Orleans' Garden District.

[2] The Festival moved back to New Orleans the following year and was held at the House of Blues in the French Quarter.

The 2021 Stomp is being held in September at the Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans; since 2019, this festival has been on hiatus.

[3] The Ponderosa Stomp Foundation organizes varied programming, ranging from music education initiatives in public schools and museums to the signature annual concert event, The Ponderosa Stomp.