heaps-o-heathens
Saturday, October 15th, 2011Mingling within the crushing yet friendly crowds of San Francisco’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass concert in Golden Gate Park the weekend before last, I managed to see a baker’s dozen of bands. I could have seen more given stricter organization, a keener sense of direction, and less sleep. However I can still claim to have had a great time.
Watched over by pines of loving grace
For those keeping score, the acts I saw in chronological order were: John Prine, The Band of Heathens, Ruthie Foster, Kris Kristofferson & Merle Haggard, Irma Thomas, Buckethead, Conspiracy of Beards, Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands, Bela Fleck w Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer, Bob Mould, Ollabelle, Justin Townes Earle, and last but not least The Jayhawks.
Heathens
Approximately half of those bands were new to me. The quality was overall outstanding, although there were pros and cons, likes and dislikes.
Nazi tarp plan
Best Overall Transcendent Music award goes to Bela Fleck Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer. Best Hitherto Unknown Band award [aka Frog’s Latest Discovery] goes to The Band of Heathens. Most Robotic Metal award goes to Buckethead [although the wafting strains from Broken Social Scene while I was at an adjacent stage were quite intriguing]. Most Fearless Performer award goes to battle-worn Bob Mould who performed solo without backup. Most Interesting Arrangements award goes to Ollabelle. Best GD Cover award goes to Band of Heathens’ rendition of Broke-Down Palace.
L-R: mystery Indian flute playe, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Zakir Hussain
I had been looking forward to seeing The Jayhawks, my only familiarity being the occasional broadcasts of homie radio station KEXP. They could be described as roots-rock, alternative country, somewhat REM-influenced. With doses of god, which turned little old atheist me off.
My biggest regret was missing the Punch Brothers. Maybe they’ll schedule a gig in the PNW?
Finally, a big shout out of appreciation to fellow travelers Sandy, Peter, Nancy and Bob for all they did to make our SF weekend a great time!

Let’s start with a disclaimer: I am not a Christian, or a Jew, or a Muslim. Or a Hindu, or a Sufi. Maybe I have some Buddhist sympathies but I don’t practice any organized religion, and don’t believe in a God other than admitting that there is much about nature and the universe that we don’t understand, and trying to treat all living things with respect.
Rocked out with The Tripwires at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard last night. Opening were Orange Peel, a young pop band from San Francisco, and Spanish for 100, energetic rockers with an insanely hot lead guitar cat.