Are you kidding me!? Richard Thompson, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, the Del McCoury Band, Nick Lowe!?, and that’s only one day (Saturday) of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 8 Festival (the “8” for 8th annual), and not even the headliners. Not only that, it’s FREE! You don’t have to be a fan of bluegrass to enjoy this event, since as the name implies, it’s more than just bluegrass music. Of the above acts, only the Del McCoury Band is bluegrass. But no matter, if you’re a fan of good music this event is for you - the entire lineup from morning to night is filled with amazing musical acts that know a thing or two about pickin’ and strummin.’
It’s also a great way to enjoy a day in Golden Gate park, at one of the five stages set up on the northern edge of the park just west of Park Presidio Blvd. Whether it’s the music or the setting, Strictly Bluegrass is one of the more communal events you’ll find in the city. Of course a lot of that has to do with the people - pony-tailed hippies from Mendocino, carbenet-sipping yuppies from Pacific Heights, bikers from Oakland, tots in strollers, everyone grooving to the good vibes.
As for headliners, on Saturday Steve Earle & The Bluegrass Dukes go on at 6pm, Global Drum Project with Mickey Hart & Zakir Hussain at 5:40pm, Dave Alvin & The Guilty Women at 4:05pm and Asleep At The Wheel at 5:20pm. Sunday’s big acts are Ricky and Earl Scruggs for great traditional bluegrass, Emmylou Harris, Greg Brown, Loudon Wainwright III, Iron & Wine and Elvis Costello's High Whines & Spirits.
The five stages – Banjo, Star, Rooster, Arrow and Porch – are located in the Speedway Meadows of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, with music starting at 10:45am and ending at 7pm. Bring a blanket and a cooler, or buy some chicken or ribs, gyro or burrito, from the many vendors. And did I mention it was FREE? Check out details at www.strictlybluegrass.com