Stern Grove Festival Canceled for First Time Ever
It was announced on Thursday that the 83rd Stern Grove Festival has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the continued moratorium on large gatherings.
The Bay Area’s original free outdoor music festival was initially scheduled to take place on Sundays from June 14 through August 16, 2020. It is the first time in the Festival’s long history that it has been canceled.
Who Was Going to Play in 2020?
It’s like peeking at a Christmas present that you can never open but Stern Grove announced the 2020 line-up was supposed to include Animal Collective, Jimmy Cliff, Cuco, Billy Ray Cyrus, Macy Gray, Hanson, San Francisco Ballet, San Francisco Symphony, Tank and the Bangas, and Tower of Power.
Virtual “Best of the Fest” Concert Series Coming
This summer, in place of canceled performances, the Festival is creating Best of the Fest, a virtual video series featuring highlights from the Festival’s vast library of concert footage from the past 13 years. Hosted by TV and radio personality and seasoned emcee Liam Mayclem, Sheila E. (2012), Pink Martini (2013), The Doobie Brothers (2015), and George Clinton (2016) are among the musicians to be included in the weekly concerts.
Best of the Fest will also feature artist interviews, scenic footage of the Grove, and special guests. It will be posted on the Festival’s website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page every Sunday from June 14 through Sunday, August 16.
Beginning Sunday, May 31, visit sterngrove.org for each Sunday’s lineup.
In addition to Best of the Fest, the Festival will be offering a virtual arts education program utilizing many of the teaching artists who would have participated this summer. Classes in music making and dance will be offered online on the Festival’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
