Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival 2014

Another year, another incredible Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park. The free festival continued Warren Hellman's vision (though sadly without him - he passed in 2011) of bringing roots music to San Francisco. 2014's lineup mixed legends with rising stars.

The Masters

Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn

Two of the world's greatest banjo players (who also happen to be married) collaborating on stage. Bela Fleck has pushed the boundaries of what the banjo can do - from bluegrass to jazz to classical to world music. Abigail Washburn brings old-time Appalachian tradition and has spent years studying Chinese folk music. Together, they create something that honors tradition while exploring new territory. Watching them trade solos and harmonize was a masterclass.

Bonnie Prince Billy (Will Oldham)

The indie-folk legend bringing his haunting, Appalachian-influenced songs. His voice is distinctive and his songs are dark, beautiful, and complex. Will Oldham's work as Bonnie Prince Billy represents the art-folk side of Americana.

The Felice Brothers

The upstate New York folk-rock band with that rough-hewn, Dylan-influenced sound. Their songs feel like dispatches from rural America, with vivid characters and storytelling.

Rising Stars

Parker Millsap

The young Oklahoma singer-songwriter brought revival-tent energy and soulful songwriting. His voice is powerful, his guitar playing fierce, and his songs blend folk, rock, gospel, and blues into something unique. If you're not familiar with Parker Millsap, fix that.

The HSBG Spirit

Even after Warren Hellman's passing, his festival continues strong thanks to his family's commitment to his vision. The fact that it remains completely free - no tickets, no corporate sponsors, no VIP areas - keeps it special and accessible.

Wandering between stages in Golden Gate Park, catching legends and discovering new artists, picnicking on the grass, surrounded by people of all ages and backgrounds - this is what music festivals should be.

The Verdict

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2014 continued the tradition of celebrating roots music in all its forms. From Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn's banjo mastery to Bonnie Prince Billy's haunting folk to Parker Millsap's revival energy - the festival showed the living vitality of Americana.

Thank you to the Hellman family for continuing Warren's gift to San Francisco. See you next year in the park.