Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival 2023

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is proof that the best things in life really are free. Three days, seven stages, incredible artists ranging from bluegrass legends to international stars, all in Golden Gate Park - and it doesn't cost a penny. HSB 2023 showed the festival is still going strong, bringing together multiple generations for a celebration of roots music in all its forms.

Day One: September 30, 2023

Hermanos Gutiérrez

The Swiss-Ecuadorian guitar duo opened my festival with their cinematic instrumental music. Their guitars created atmospheric landscapes that felt like movie soundtracks - think Morricone meets Latin American folk. Absolutely mesmerizing way to start the day.

Bahamas

Afie Jurvanen's laid-back folk-rock was perfect for a sunny afternoon in the park. His smooth voice and melodic guitar work created such a relaxed, positive vibe.

Nora Brown

The young old-time music prodigy is carrying forward the Appalachian tradition with incredible skill on the banjo. At just 18 years old, her command of traditional mountain music is astonishing. The future of old-time music is in good hands.

Rickie Lee Jones

The legendary singer-songwriter brought her jazzy, poetic songs to Golden Gate Park. Her voice may have changed with age, but her artistry and unique phrasing remain captivating. Hearing "Chuck E.'s In Love" live was a treat.

Bombino

The Tuareg guitarist from Niger brought desert blues to San Francisco. His electric guitar work, blending traditional Tuareg music with rock and blues, was absolutely hypnotic. The crowd swayed to rhythms from half a world away, proof that music truly is a universal language.

Day Two: October 1, 2023

Leyla McCalla and Shawn Myers

The Haitian-American cellist and folk musician brought beautiful, politically conscious music rooted in Creole traditions. Her voice and cello playing were haunting.

Doc Watson Tribute (100 Years)

A celebration of the late, great Doc Watson on what was his 100th birthday. Multiple artists paying tribute to the flatpicking guitar legend.

Nora Brown, Stephanie Coleman, Andrew Marlin

More traditional old-time music showcasing young talent keeping the tradition alive.

Mitch Greenhill, Laurie Lewis, Valerie June

A mix of folk veterans and newer artists. Valerie June's voice is pure magic - soulful, with blues and country all mixed in.

Tommy Emmanuel

The Australian fingerstyle guitar virtuoso absolutely destroyed. Watching him play is like watching a magician - you know there's no trickery, but you can't quite believe one person can make a guitar sound like an entire band. Jaw-dropping technical skill combined with genuine musicality and showmanship. One of the best pure guitar performances I've ever witnessed.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris is a national treasure. Her voice remains crystalline and pure, and her song selection spanning country, folk, and Americana standards was impeccable. When she sings, you stop everything and listen. A perfect way to end the day.

Mighty Poplar

The alt-country band brought energy and youth to traditional sounds.

The Hardly Strictly Spirit

What makes HSB special is the diversity of artists and the accessibility. You can catch a Tuareg guitarist from Niger, then walk 200 feet and hear traditional Appalachian banjo, then wander over to hear a legendary folk singer-songwriter. All free. All in one of the most beautiful urban parks in America.

Families spread out on blankets, older folks in lawn chairs, young people discovering roots music for the first time - it's a true community gathering. Warren Hellman's vision of a free festival for all San Franciscans lives on.

The Verdict

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023 proved that the festival is as vital as ever. From Tommy Emmanuel's guitar mastery to Emmylou Harris's timeless voice to Bombino's desert blues to Hermanos Gutiérrez's cinematic soundscapes - this wasn't just bluegrass (it never is "strictly"). This was a celebration of American and international roots music in all its beautiful, diverse forms.

The fact that it's free makes it even more special. No $400 tickets, no VIP sections, no corporate sponsors plastered everywhere - just music, community, and the generous legacy of Warren Hellman.

See you in Golden Gate Park next year. I'll be the one bouncing between stages, trying to catch everything, failing, and loving every minute of it.