The first round of artists set to perform at this year’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival has been revealed. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Bahamas, Valerie June, and Neal Francis are among the acts confirmed to appear.
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Set for September 29 to October 1 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California, the 23rd annual event will also feature sets from Leyla McCalla, Gaby Moreno, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, The Church, and the John Doe Folk Trio. Additional performers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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The three-day music festival returned to Golden Gate Park in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the event to move to a digital streaming format. The decision to shift back to in-person performances was “essential to our well-being,” remarks Sheri Sternberg, Executive Producer of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, in a release. “The artist’s joy was palpable and evident with all the amazing collaborations that took place… Everyone needed to have an exceptional year; the artists did not disappoint, and the audience rejoiced.”
Although music fans will have to wait until October to find out if that collaborative spirit will continue into 2023’s roster of performances, Isbell voiced his eagerness to be a part of this year’s festivities.
“Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is as good as a music festival gets, in my opinion,” Isbell says in a statement. “The location, the weather, the lack of corporate signage, the opportunity for beautiful and unique musical moments to happen—I love it all. This is one festival I always get excited about.”
Admission to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023 is free and open to the public. Music fans can find more information about the event by visiting the festival’s official website.
Photo Credit: Alysse Gafkjen
