Today, the anticipation for this year’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival reached new heights as organizers announced the addition of a new group of artists to the already impressive lineup. The free three-day music event is set to take place at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park from Sept. 29 to Oct.1, and this latest addition of artists marks the third time the event has expanded its roster.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass initially unveiled a selection of participants last month, and today’s array of new talents promises to make this year’s event unforgettable. The fresh batch of performers include Rufus Wainwright, Say She She, Sierra Hull, Steve Earle, Margo Cilker, Mighty Poplar, Bombino, Brennen Leigh, Thee Sacred Souls, and Irma Thomas. These artists were exclusively streamed yesterday on the festival’s HSB23 app.

Rickie Lee Jones and City Lights Poetry, represented by Tongo Eisen-Martin, Kim Addonizio, and Evan Kennedy, were part of a recent Artists Sneak Peek on the app and secured their spots in the festival’s 2023 lineup.

Reflecting on this opportunity, Wainwright shared, “Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is quite legendary in my book and I always wanted to play there. I am honored that after 50 years I finally am worthy of being on one of the stages in the Golden Gate Park.”

These newly announced acts will join the ranks of previously disclosed performers. The festival’s first reveal included the likes of Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Leyla McCalla, The Church, John Doe Folk Trio, Valerie June, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, John Craigie, Neal Francis, Bahamas, and Gaby Moreno. The second announcement introduced Kurt Vile & The Violators, Lilly Hiatt, Nora Brown w/ Stephanie Coleman, Lucero, The Travelin’ McCourys, Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express, Buffalo Nichols, Beth Orton, and Carrie Rodriguez.

In a strategic move to enhance the festival’s layout, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has announced the return of the Arrow Stage to the grounds. This year, the Arrow Stage will be located at the west end of Hellman Hollow, offering an intimate atmosphere despite its slightly larger size compared to the Porch Stage. Chris Porter, the Curator of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, expressed his enthusiasm for this addition, stating, “I’m equally excited about Horseshoe Hill as it allows us to present some particularly eclectic programming in a more intimate setting than we would have been able to in the past.”

Look for more updates to the lineup on Aug. 30 through the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass app.

Learn more about Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and find tickets here.