Hardly Short of Incredible

This past weekend was the absolutely magical Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Fest in Golden Gate Park, and I feel so rejuvenated that I simply have to sing its praises. The weather was perfect—a balmy, sunny October weekend in SF—and I relaxed in the shade of the Rooster stage all day Saturday, soaking in the tunes of Nikki Lane and Shawn Colvin. We went back for more on Sunday, which brought artists Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Tweedy, and an astounding cameo from my all-time fave, Gillian Welch, between sets. Heaven!

One cannot mention the glory of Hardly Strictly without giving due recognition to the late Warren Hellman. There are many influential dreamers who have made San Francisco what it is today: a place of whimsy, imagination and creativity. Mr. Hellman, the primary sponsor of HSB who provided funding for the festival, is certainly one of these pioneers. His vision of a FREE three day music festival that celebrates our beautiful Golden Gate Park and supports artists of all types (hardly just bluegrass, after all) lives on today and grows stronger every year. There is something awe-inducing about the setting sun and the echoes of the park that fill my heart with gratitude every single year when I attend HSB, and for that, I tip my hat to Warren.