In between are nearly 70 acts on five stages spread across Speedway, Marx and Lindley meadows that range from local favorites like The Wronglers, fronted by festival bankroller Warren Hellman, to international stars including Elvis Costello.
Reflecting the "hardly strictly" theme, M.C. Hammer will perform during the early children's program affiliated with the Daniel Pearl Music Foundation opening day.
In addition to annual favorites Harris, Steve Earle, the Del McCoury Band, Buddy Miller and festival inspiration Hazel Dickens, notable names at this year's show include Richard Thompson, Loudon Wainwright III, Nick Lowe, Tift Merritt, Gogol Bordello, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Dave Alvin, Odetta, Carlene Carter and Jerry Jeff Walker.
Other festival highlights will include Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys, Guy Clark and Verlon Thompson, Mark Olsen & Gary Louris from The Jayhawks, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Iris Dement, Robert Earl Keen, Global Drum Project featuring Mickey Hart and Zakir Hussein, Earl Scruggs, Pegi Young and Los Centzonles featuring Santiago Jimenez.
The laid-back feel of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass lends itself to unique collaborations and surprise appearances, such as 2005's billing of "The Coward Brothers" - which turned out to be Costello, Burnett and Harris. This year, Dave Alvin is replacing his Guilty Men band with the Guilty Women, and Costello is billed as "High Whines and Spirits."
Named one of America's Top 10 festivals by Forbes magazine, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has only gown in stature over its seven previous installments. Launched as the Strictly Bluegrass Festival in 2001 with nine artists, the party in the park expanded its roster, reach and name in 2003 when it added the "hardly" to more accurately reflect the popular event.
It grew to a three-day event in 2005, and has flirted with Woodstock-like daily attendance estimates since. With its eclectic lineups and tree-lined, sprawling locale, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has become a "can't miss" event in the Bay Area and beyond.
The free shows require no ticket for entry, but parking is extremely limited and public transportation to Golden Gate Park is highly encouraged. Maps and more information can be found at HardlyStrictlyBluegrass.com.