We are so very lucky in San Francisco. The lineup for the Stern Grove festival was just released, and it feels unfair how good it is. We are already lucky enough to live in the greatest place on Earth, but to see this array of acts FOR FREE?!?!?! In an absolutely stunning outdoor amphitheater? The rest of the world is full of envy for us.
I kinda want to go to everything… I mean, it opens with jazz experimentalists Snarky Puppy on June 18th. Then a bill where NEKO CASE IS THE OPENER?!?! Of course, she’s opening for the legendary Indigo Girls on June 25th for a bill that’s way more than closer to fine. (Sorry!) Avant-Pop icon Santigold on July 2nd. Lyle Lovett with our dear friend Andrew St James on July 9th. Legendary singer Angelique Kidjo is gracing our presence on July 16th. Jammy Funksters Lettuce is playing with the SF Symphony, which is just, um, !!!!!!. On July 20th, we’ve got the house double bill of Bob Moses and Neil Frances. August 6th brings us the FINAL SF PERFORMANCE from Buddy Guy. Competing with Outside Lands on August 13th (Damn right, I’m angry) is Patti Smith, possibly the most captivating live performer I’ve ever seen, paired with former Husker Du and Sugar frontman Bob Mould. And closing the whole thing out? The Flaming Lips on August 20th.
As with the last two years, tickets are free but do require RSVP. RSVP Links are below, along with the day and time they go live. (Which appears to be the same date as the show in the prior month at 2pm) And, as usual, they are selling tables to The Big Picnic with The Flaming Lips on August 20th.
June 18 Snarky Puppy, Isaiah Sharkey (RSVP Opens May 18th at 2pm)
June 25 Indigo Girls (with Full Band), Neko Case (RSVP Opens May 25th at 2pm)
July 2 Santigold, Ogi (RSVP Opens June 2nd at 2pm)
July 9 Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Andrew St. James (RSVP Opens June 9th at 2pm)
July 16 Angelique Kidjo, Jupiter & Okwess (RSVP Opens June 16th at 2pm)
July 23 SF Symphony with Special Guest Lettuce (RSVP Opens June 23rd at 2pm)
July 30 Bob Moses, Neil Frances (RSVP Opens June 30th at 2pm)
August 6 Buddy Guy Damn Right Farewell Tour, Eric Gales (RSVP Opens July 6th at 2pm)
August 13 Patti Smith, Bob Mould (RSVP Opens July 20th at 2pm)
August 20 The Big Picnic Featuring The Flaming Lips, Alan Palomo (Neon Indian DJ Set) (RSVP Opens July 20th at 2pm)
When listening to Molly Tuttle and the Golden Highway, your entire person will elevate to a higher positivity. The upbeat, quick rhythms with elated smiles between the band and the audience were contagious. During a few short pauses of confession and conversation, she referenced San Francisco as her home. Upon each return, she witnessed the changes and felt the nostalgia for the original San Francisco and California Dream. This is the origin of the “San Francisco Blues.” Of the entire set, my personal favorite was “Crooked Tree” with the stand-out lyrics “who am I to wish I wasn’t the way I am.” All of the songs appeared to resonate with a strong positivity encouraging self-appreciation and acceptance. Safety of self and home. 
