Hardly Strictly Bluegrass today announces a third round of artists for their highly anticipated 2023 return to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park September 29-October 1. The three-day, multi-stage free music festival that last month announced an initial list of participants today adds Rufus Wainwright, Say She She, Sierra Hull, Steve Earle, Margo Cilker, Mighty Poplar, Bombino, Brennen Leigh, Thee Sacred Souls and Irma Thomas, all of which were teased yesterday and are streaming exclusively on the HSB23 app, easily downloadable on Apple and Android devices. In addition, last week Rickie Lee Jones and City Lights Poetry with Tongo Eisen-Martin, Kim Addonizio and Evan Kennedy were part of an Artists Sneak Peek available on the app and have been added to the 2023 slate of artists performing.
"Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is quite legendary in my book and I always wanted to play there. I am honored that after 50 years I finally am worthy of being on one of the stages in the Golden Gate Park.”– Rufus Wainwright.
The acts revealed today will join the previously announced groups at this year’s festival. The first announcement included Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Leyla McCalla, The Church, John Doe Folk Trio, Valerie June, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, John Craigie, Neal Francis, Bahamas, and Gaby Moreno. The second announcement had Kurt Vile & The Violators, Lilly Hiatt, Nora Brown w/ Stephanie Coleman, Lucero, The Travelin’ McCourys, Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express, Buffalo Nichols, Beth Orton, and Carrie Rodriguez.
Earlier this month, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announced a change to the festival’s landscape. In case you missed it, the Arrow Stage will return to the grounds this year at the west end of Hellman Hollow. The stage is slightly larger than Porch, but will have a low footprint to maintain an intimate atmosphere. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Curator Chris Porter is excited about Arrow coming back: “Many have wondered in recent years if we’d ever bring back the Arrow Stage. We felt this would be the ideal year for it to make its way back into the festival’s landscape, as it will present music on a significant stage in another lovely area of the park. I’m equally excited about Horseshoe Hill as it allows us to present some particularly eclectic programming in a more intimate setting than we would have been able to in the past.”
Look for more updates to the lineup on August 30 exclusively through the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass app.
How to prepare for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023:
The following items are allowed:
•Backpacks and clear insulated bags no larger than 22″ x 15″ x 10″
•Small bags, fanny packs and purses smaller than 6” x 8” x 3”
•2.5 liter or smaller hydration bladders or packs, refillable water bottles
•Small soft side cooler for medical or childcare needs 9” x 6” x 3”
The following are not allowed:
•Large bags or hard-sided coolers
•Large lounge chairs (respect your neighbors)
•Cases of beverages (this pertains to alcohol, soft drinks and water)
•Camping in Golden Gate Park
In addition:
•Free water refills will be available between Banjo Stage and Arrow Meadow
•All attendees will go through a security checkpoint with metal detectors
