SAN FRANCISCO (CelebrityAccess) — Organizers for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival announced the remaining artists for 2019’s lineup, which includes The Brothers Gibb, Bill Frisell, The Flatlanders, Joan Osbourne, Fantastic Negro, and numerous others.
Set for October 4th-6th, the free admission festival will take place at Hellman Hollow (formerly Speedway Meadows), Lindley & Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA.
Now in its 19th year, the festival also announced updated security policies for 2019, including new controlled entry points at four locations around the bar and an increased police presence at the event.
As well, fans are no longer allowed to bring coolers to the event but festival organizers promised that festival concessions have been updated for 2019 to accommodate customer needs.
The festival has also closed off access from side paths that had previously been used with the event and that the area of the park used for the festival will not be accessible until 9AM.
“Be aware that the side paths that have been used for years will be closed off with fencing for the protection of everyone involved. People who arrive early to lay down blankets will have to wait until 9 am. This was a difficult but necessary decision. Please be courteous and patient with fellow music lovers as we make this significant change. As usual, fans are asked to respect the park, to clean up after themselves, and to take everything out that’s been brought in,” organizers said.
Organizers apologized about the increased security for the event, writing: “As the world changes, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass feels the need to respond, prioritizing safety over convenience. We understand that these changes will make our event differ from years past, but are hopeful that our long-time fans will embrace these new rules and enjoy the performances as they always have. Please work with us as we make these changes. As Mavis Staples sings in “Dedicated,” “And if it’s us against the world, well, I would bet on us to come out on top. But if you go yours and I go mine, all bets are off.”