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Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2015

The full lineups, maps, schedules – everything you need to know
By - posted 10/2/2015 No Comment

October 2-4 marks the 2015 rendition of one of the largest (and free-est) music festivals in the country. Be one of over 750,000 attendees at San Francisco’s own Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2015
Three days, seven stages, over 100 artists
Friday-Sunday, October 2-4, 2015
Hellman Hollow, Lindley & Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park
FREE

The meadows open at 10 am each day.

Maps & Schedules

2015 Map | 2015 Schedule | 2015 Artist Bios | Festival Info & FAQ

What’s New for 2015

Some minor changes for 2015 include the “Star” stage is now called the “Swan” stage (which honors Chris Hellman, Warren’s wife who was a ballerina). But the biggest change is the first ever HUSHcast Silent Disco at Hardly Strictly. This is totally free and takes place in the shady grove between the Roster and Banjo Stages with setlists like “Folk of the World,” “Radiohead in Remix,” “Blues to Bluegrass” and more.

Friday, October 2 Lineup (10:30 am to 7 pm)

Conor Oberst headlines the Rooster stage on Friday with all of his friends including M.Ward. In addition, one of the highlights for Friday is “Big Star’s Third,” an all-star band playing tribute to the power-pop pioneers including Mike Mills (of R.E.M.), the Kronos Quartet, an orchestral ensemble, and guest singers Steve Early and Robyn Hitchcock.

Arrow Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
Rooster Stage

Conor Brings Friends for Friday featuring:
Swan Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
Banjo Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
HARDLY STRICTLY DISCO

Starting at 2:00 pm, check out a sublime 2-channel silent disco musical affair in Shady Grove (between Banjo & Rooster stages). More info here.

Saturday, October 3 Lineup (11 am to 7 pm)

Punk, New Wave & Brit Rock pioneer (The Jam / Style Council) Paul Weller makes his first appearance ever at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Hardly Irish, Flogging Molly is a 7-piece Celtic punk band from LA (at least they have an Irish lead singer). And if you’re looking for early grooves, the UK funk & soul band The New Mastersounds lay down their fusion at the Arrow Stage at 12:15 pm.

Banjo Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
Rooster Stage
Swan Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
Towers Of Gold Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
Arrow Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
Porch Stage
Bandwagon
HARDLY STRICTLY DISCO

Starting at 12:00 pm, check out a sublime 2-channel silent disco musical affair in Shady Grove (between Banjo & Rooster stages). More info here.

Sunday, October 4 Lineup (11 am to 7 pm)

Emmylou Harris – Photo by Dave Golden

The sexiest 68-year old we’ve ever seen, Emmylou Harris makes her 15th appearance at HSB (yes every single year!) with other standouts The Blind Boys of Alabama, Indigo Girls and Los Lobos capping off the final day of 2015.

Banjo Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
Rooster Stage
Swan Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
Towers of Gold Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
Arrow Stage

Some artists from this stage will be STREAMED LIVE.
Porch Stage
Bandwagon
HARDLY STRICTLY DISCO

Starting at 12:00 pm, check out a sublime 2-channel silent disco musical affair in Shady Grove (between Banjo & Rooster stages). More info here.

Visit the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Museum

Take a break from the music of the festival to visit the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass / Warren Hellman museum that’s located at the in between the Arrow Stage and the Polo Fields (right near the bandwagon stage). You find historic and current HSB posters, iPad music listening stations, historic photos and more.

  • iPad music listing stations.
  • 2014 Autographed poster
  • 2015 Poster
  • The Go To Hellman Clan band photo.
  • Homage to Warren’s mother, Ruth, who was a pilot in WWII.
  • Warren movie and slide show.
  • Gifts by Chris Hellman (Warren’s wife) featured in the merch tent next door.
  • Three Chris Hellman “scrapbook” panels displayed with Warren panels.

 

Volunteer

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is looking for positive, capable music lovers to join in to make this year the best yet. Positions are available in a variety of departments, including decor, recycling, hospitality, and more. In exchange for your time and effort, you’ll receive an exclusive commemorative t-shirt. Learn more about volunteering.

FAQ

Here’s some of the most asked questions. Here’s the full FAQ if you need it.

Getting to the Festival / Transportation

  • Extra Muni service typically runs from 10 am to 8 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get updates at sfmta.com
  • On the north side of the park, people going to HSB should look for the buses with the 5L on the signage as this will be a limited stop bus and will be a much faster trip out to the park.
  • The SFMTA will be running the 5L which will leave from McAllister and Larkin (outside of the Civic Center BART/MUNI Station) where it will drop off passengers at 30th & Fulton.
  • Returning, people can pick up the 5L on Fulton between 25th and 30th Avenues and be dropped off at Hyde & Fulton, just a short block away from the Civic Center Station.
  • On the south side of the park, the SFMTA will be running extra N Judah LRV service which will go from Caltrain at King & Second streets to the end of the line at the beach and return.
  • Rideshare Deals: Lyft is offering 15,000 people 50% off Lyft Lines (aka shared rides) to & from Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – Enter code HSB15 for up to $6 credit per ride. Full details here.

What is parking like? 

Terrible! If you park on the street, please respect the neighborhood and DO NOT block driveways; you’re better off taking Muni, Lyft/Uber, biking or walking.

Paid parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis at a few lots that include:

  • George Washington High School – 600 32nd Ave. [enter at 30th Ave. between Geary & Anza]
  • Argonne 680 18th Ave. [enter at Cabrillo between 17th Ave. and 18th Ave.]
  • Lafayette (Sat & Sun ONLY) – 4545 Anza Street @ 36th Avenue [enter on 36th between Anza and Balboa]
  • Presidio Middle School (Sat & Sun ONLY) – 450 30th Ave. [enter on 29th Ave. between Geary and Clement]
  • Jefferson Elementary School (Sat & Sun ONLY) – 1725 Irving St. [Enter on 18th Ave. between Irving and Judah]

Can I Bring Beer Into the Festival?

Yes! Beer and wine is allowed under the normal park rules (no hard alcohol or glass is allowed though). You can also bring in coolers, blankets, and short-backed chairs. Cameras are ok (no tripods or intrusive equipment please). There will also be vendors on-site selling food and non-alcoholic beverages. No alcohol will be for sale in the park.

Is there a free shuttle?

Probably… There is a free Golden Gate Park shuttle about every 15-20 minutes on most Saturday and Sundays, and typically this does operate during Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (but no promises).

The Stages

Towers of Gold Stage

Photo by Mike Rosati / theowlmag.com

Swan Stage (formerly Star Stage)

Photo by prophead

Rooster Stage

Photo by Scott Kane

Arrow Stage

Banjo Stage

Photo by Valerie Yep