At the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival, you may arrive as an orphan, but you will leave with a close adopted family of one million. Hosted within the iconic Golden Gate Park, an all-inclusive backyard.
Each stage appeared to have a theme of strict bluegrass, Americana, funk, rock, or soul. It didn’t matter where you were all the stages hosted extremely talented artists with bookshelves of Grammy awards. Even when Marcus Mumford was introducing his guests and missed one; the trust was evident. If you were playing at Hardly Strictly, your talent is recognized, and you are welcome to collaborate. Wondering with discovery was encouraged. My least favorite part of the festival was making decisions, and my favorite was all decisions were good decisions.
Saturday’s memorable moments:
Elvis Costello opened his set with an alternative version of “[The Angels Wanna Wear My] Red Shoes,” a fun rock riff and a slice of violin. His tribute to Jerry Garcia continued from the concert the previous evening at the Great American Music Hall. The tribute was heartfelt, as his love for the Grateful Dead was born early in his career. Elvis joked he was unavailable to go on stage when the Grateful Dead were in town, as “there is just someplace I have to be.” His live release of “Blood & Hot Sauce,” written backstage and 5 minutes prior to entering, completely engaged the crowd as everyone echoed back the chorus – “Hip-hip-hooray!/ Hip-hip-hooray for blood and hot sauce!” More surprises were yet to come.
Allen Mayes entered the stage and picked up a guitar. Allen recalled his last phone call with Elvis and suggested they create an album together. Elvis countered with, “lets release the original songs we never had the chance to release.” The 50-year reunion of their 1972 band, Rusty. Who could have predicted those 19-year-olds would be where they are now?
Allen beautifully sang the lyrics to “Allison” and Elvis joined in occasionally. They ended the night with “Peace, Love and Understanding”
Bonny Light Horseman ( “Hadestown” creator Anaïs Mitchell) is best described as a folk and indie rock band. The set was very fun and light-hearted. The excitement of their new album carried through with rhythmic soulful vocals. They have a taste of country with an indie edge. Since they didn’t consider themselves bluegrass, they pulled out and played a banjo just for fun.
Marlow Williams‘ creative folklore lyrics were fun yet therapeutic. An animated live-action performance was engaging. A gifted talent for enveloping the comical side of life’s disappointments. An example, when a relationship is over with an x-girlfriend, they would sing a goodbye song together. Marlow’s full concert album 2020 premiere, “Live at Auckland Town Hall,” was good, but this character’s animated storytelling is a treat live and in person.
Waxahatchee is an indie project formed by Katie Crutchfield. The name is a reference to a creek in her hometown Crutchfield, Alabama. She performed multiple live concerts during the pandemic and it was refreshing to groove with the crowd and enjoy her sweet crooning with Banjo.
Sunday’s memorable moments:
The festival’s final day deepened the echo of the voices of a caring community, positivity for dreams, and support for change.
MoonAlice drew me in from the first note. The exciting loving soul funk, fun, and dancing were the perfect vibe for a good time. This bay area band is a unique psychedelic soul and Americana rock blend. Their musical history runs deep. Vocalist Lester Chambers co-founder of The Chambers Brothers; Bassist Pete Sears, founding member of Jefferson Starship and guest appearances with Rod Steward to Jimi Hendrix; Guitarist Roger McNamee, previous adviser to Grateful Dead and U2. The family tree of MoonAlice is linked to every corner of rock-n-roll history. The performance was something everyone should experience and check off their bucket list. Consistently moving, smiling performance was additive with all grooving in strange dance moves to their songs. Motown mixed with cowbell; this is a must-see.
Danielle Ponder was my all time favorite surprise. The festival is vast; running from one end to the other is at least 25 minutes of a 50-minute set. Ms. Ponder was moved to a larger stage when Cymande was unfortunately unable to perform. I tend to forget that artists are human and subject to illness and flight delays. However, Danielle Ponder’s voice and presence are meant for the big stage. The voice of a gospel-singing angel with passion and hope for change. Initially, she dedicated her career was dedicated to service by practicing law, which was inspired when her brother was sentenced to 22 years to life. Then five days prior to celebrating her 40th birthday, she swiveled to completely dedicate her time to her music. Encouraging everyone that it is never too late to live your dreams. After listening to her new LP Brave live debut, I believe this was a solid decision. She mentioned her gratitude and how she found God through shrooms. She then started into her song “Some of us are Brave” If the sky were to fall, I’d be the first to call. She ended the set with a Radiohead cover and “Just like an angel”; she truly is.
Rhiannon Giddens soulful voice toward awakening the world to injustice with positivity toward change. My deep appreciation for the bone-chilling and soul-yearning song “They’re Calling Me Home” recorded during the lockdown. In-person it radiates even deeper. It addresses the tragedy in life and the comfort of home. The set was moving, uplifting, and unforgettable, echoing her mission to lift up those previously repressed.
Amythyst Kiah was undeniable and would give pause to the reality of life. Her message is strong, and her voice reminded me of Tracy Chapman.
Marcus Mumford (singer and guitarist of Mumford & Sons) was an incredible summary of the festival. His fun-loving songs dished out excitement for life. He hosted my favorites of the festival thus far, Danelle Ponder, Elvis Costello, and Rhiannon Gibbons. He introduced someone he didn’t know on keyboards. This festival hosts heavily awarded veterans of their craft. Thus, anyone walking on a stage will enhance and support each other wonderfully. Each guest leads the vocals, with the original songwriter supporting them on stage. It was a fresh twist and spirited trust allowing the music to be shared and have a life of its own. It was a beautiful community and a very special authentic performance.
Galactica F: Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph performance delivered an overwhelming feeling of joy. A New Orleans jazz with an uplifting soul. The play between band members was positive, supportive, and a festival within itself. It is a powerhouse of talent, independent and collaborative. Vocals Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Guitarist Raines, Bassist Mercurio, Ben Ellman on sax, Rich Vogal on Hammond organ, and the one and only Stanton Moore on drums.
Well, this festival left everyone wanting more. Security was extremely patient, as no one wanted to leave. Yes, I am confident everyone will return next year. Thank you again Hardly Strickly ~
