Friday, October 4, 2013

Girls on Your Turntable Top 5 Picks for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2013

  1. Tift Merritt - Sunday, 5:10 - 5:55PM, Porch Stage
    I was first introduced to the lovely Tift Merritt when she played the HSB stages in 2002 (back when it was still "Strictly Bluegrass"), and I immediately went to Amoeba Records after the festival and bought her record.  Like many of the artists gracing the stages this weekend, she is hard to pin down to a specific genre, as her sound seamlessly blends together influences from traditional country, soul, and rock 'n' roll. 






  2. Martha Wainwright - Saturday, 4:50 - 5:35PM, Porch Stage
    I was thrilled to see Martha Wainwright was going to be making her HSB debut this year.  She is a favorite of mine in recent years, whether it be the self-penned emotionally-driven songs only Martha could get away with (ie, Blooding Mother F****** A*******) to channeling the Edith Piaf, to carrying on the legacy of her late mother, the great Kate McGarrigle. 

    On Sunday, she will be joined by her aunt, Sloan Wainwright, as well as special guests (such as Emmylou, no doubt) in paying tribute to Kate.  If the recent "Sing Me the Songs That Say I Love You" film and album is any indication, this set will be filled with emotion and remembrance for a truly great artist.



  3. Patty Griffin - Saturday, 4:05 - 5:05PM, Rooster StagePatty is becoming a regular at HSB.  Although she is perhaps best known for her songwriting, Patty is a captivating performer who can command your attention with nothing more than her acoustic guitar.  Her strong lyrical talent is matched by her vocal delivery, which combine to create an unforgettable sound.  Often times she is joined on stage by the likes of Buddy Miller and Robert Plant, which adds an extra bonus to her set.

     



  4. Bonnie Raitt - Friday, 5:45 - 7:00PM, Banjo Stage
    The famed blues singer and guitarist needs no introduction, especially around the Bay Area.  Thank you HSB for finally bringing her to the festival. 



  5. Emmylou Harris - Sunday, 5:45 - 7:00PM, Banjo Stage

    Emmylou is the reigning Queen of HSB, and thanks to the absolute generosity of Warren Hellman, we have been able to see her close out the festival all 13 years.  In fact, I have come to associate Ms. Harris so closely with HSB, that every time I hear her music (which is often), I can't help but picture her singing to a crowd of thousands as dusk settles in to an early fall night in Golden Gate Park. 

    One of my favorite memories from the many years is when she invited Warren to join her band in playing a rendition of the Bill Monroe classic, "Get Up John".  Warren was beside himself, naturally, as he was getting to play on stage with one of his musical heroes.  But the feeling was mutual, as Emmylou was clearly glad to be playing along side a man she so respected.