To commemorate the impending 25th anniversary of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, the free San Francisco event has added a special feature to this year’s musical offering: a pre-festival benefit concert honoring Emmylou Harris, singer, songwriter, and participant in every edition of the lauded occasion. The musical gathering will arrive at The Masonic on Thursday, October 2, 2025. 

Dubbed “A Tribute to Emmylou Harris & 25 Years of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass,” the occasion will feature the 14-time Grammy Award winner, joined by an extensive list of friends and collaborators, including Allison Russell, Albert Lee, Margo Price, Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Sam Bush, Shawn Colvin, Steve Earle and

Buddy Miller will be the show’s musical director, supported by The Red Hot Dirt Ramblers. Moreover, the all-star lineup includes some of Emmylou Harris’ current and recent bandmates, including Albert Lee, Bryan Owings, Chris Donohue, Eamon McLoughlin, Glen D Hardin, Phil Madeira, Sam Bush & Steve Fishell.

All proceeds will benefit the foster-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit dog rescue organization Bonaparte’s Retreat, which Harris founded in 2004 and named after her beloved four-legged friend. The organization’s mission is to “focus on the neglected and forgotten—senior dogs, large dogs, or dogs in need of imminent medical care or surgery,” to ensure that the animals are well cared for and find their forever homes. 

Tickets for A Tribute to Emmylou Harris & 25 Years of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will go on sale to the public on May 22. For more information, view tickets here.

Scroll down to view the official lineup. For more information on the broader event, visit hardlystrictlybluegrass.com