02 October 2024

BISS List 10.2.24: Spotlight on Thundercat FREE Show (10.20) + Best of BISS this Week

Happy Hardly Strictly Weekend BISS Listers!

The air is buzzing with excitement as Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is coming up this weekend! But before we dive into all the details of that epic gathering, let’s take a quick look back at the incredible live music experiences we had last week. It was even more fun since we added the Patreon opportunities to go with me as my +1 on selected shows. (You can join in the fun too and become a BISS List member on Patreon!) Thank you to Pacifica Funkster, Jenni, Phaedra, and Red Hot Mama for your support and for being excellent partners in crime on these shows!

Last Week in Live Music: My Highlights – Enjoy the clips and pics on the links below!

Thursday: The Soul Rebels at The Independent brought an infectious fusion of brass, hip hop, and funk. Huney Knuckles at Madrone delivered soulful sounds and high energy.
Friday: At The Fox Bonnie Raitt’s voice and guitar skills were as breathtaking as ever, with James Hunter Six providing the perfect warm-up. No phone cameras allowed, so no captures — but it’s Bonnie Raitt, so you know it was epic!
Saturday: Glass Beams at The Warfield mesmerized the crowd with their psychedelic and cosmic grooves, blending electronic rhythms with live instrumentation, not to mention the glass beaded masks they wear.
Sunday: At Blue Note Summer Sessions, Souls of Mischief brought that classic 90s hip-hop sound, and The Black Pumas closed the weekend with their powerful, soulful rock vibes.

Last Week in Live Music: YOUR Highlights from Goose at the Frost Amphitheater! I heard that you all had an amazing time at this funky dance party. It was a high-energy show with an epic 4-song second set to close out the tour. What a fantastic week of live music!

Here’s THE main event for this week: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass! Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is taking over Golden Gate Park from October 5th to 7th, and the anticipation is palpable! I recently asked the BISS List community who they’re most excited to see, and the responses are in! Jackie Greene and Anders Osborne are at the top of many lists, with fans eager to witness their guitar mastery together. The 50th-anniversary performance of Big Star is another highlight, featuring members of iconic bands like R.E.M. and Wilco.

Other highly anticipated acts include: Glen Hansard, Greensky Bluegrass, Molly Tuttle, Mavis Staples, and the always-electrifying Anders Osborne. Legends like Cat Power and Bob Dylan are also drawing major buzz. Over at the Towers of Gold stage, excitement abounds for Moonalice, The Wood Brothers, Fruition, Patti Smith, and Madison Cunningham. Sgt. Splendor ft Eric McFadden & Kate Vargas are closing out the sweet Horseshoe Hill stage on Friday.

Beyond the music, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a cherished reunion for many. Whether you’re there for Anders Osborne’s guitar magic, Mavis Staples’ soulful vocals, or Patti Smith’s legendary presence, this year’s festival promises to be unforgettable.

By the way, if you can’t be there in person, you can also watch the live stream on HSBTV!

Keep the Music Going: Hardly Strictly Night Shows. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! Many HSBG artists will be playing intimate shows at venues around San Francisco throughout the weekend.

Here are MY HSB Night Show plans:

Thursday: The Mad Archaic @ BBR (No Cover) – The Mad Archaic is a psychedelic dance party where nothing is what it seems but everything grooves!
Friday: Greensky Bluegrass @ Fillmore (*WIN*)
Friday (late night): Tracorum @ BBR (*WIN*)
Saturday: BISS List Presents LAZWELL ft special guests Eric Mc Fadden & Kate Vargas + DangerAte @ BBR (*WIN*)
Sunday: Snarky Puppy (Last of 4 Nights) @ SF Jazz

Additional artists and venues for the 2024 “Out of the Park” shows include: Glen Hansard at The Fillmore (*WIN*); Fruition (*WIN*) Robyn Hitchcock (*WIN*), and The Bones of J.R. Jones (*WIN*) at Sweetwater, Music Hall; Haley Heynderickx at The Guild Theatre and Big Star’s Radio City 50th Anniversary at Great American Music Hall. Proceeds from these shows benefit Sweet Relief‘s SF Bay Area Fund.

I’m beyond excited for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass this weekend! I’ll be there soaking up the music, sunshine, and community vibes. Hope to see you there!

For the complete list of shows, keep scrolling to the Best of BISS section!

Mark your Calendar: MORE FREE MUSIC in SF?! Yes, please, and thank you. Read on for info on the Thundercat show coming to Robin Williams Meadow on 10/20!

That’s it for now! Stay groovin’, keep the music flowing, and don’t forget to share your experiences with me. Also, check out my playlist, Coming to a Stage Near You, to get ready for all the amazing shows ahead!

~ Pamela aka Miss BISS
#seeyouattheshows

SPOTLIGHT ON MEADOW PARTY

Summer of Music Meadow Party ft Thundercat

Oct 20th @ Golden Gate Park

A day-long festival in Robin Williams Meadow at GGP, celebrating the end of the season and the musical culture that makes San Francisco so great. Featuring a finale concert with Thundercat, Lee Fields, and Combo Tezeta! Plus! Enjoy pop-up performances from local Summer of Music musicians. Perfect for the whole family, the Meadow Party includes tons of local vendors, delicious food and beverages, and activities. The fun starts at 12:30pm and goes until 6pm. FREE with RSVP at noisepop.com.

*Check out all of our Featured Shows.