amenities, while preserving the natural beauty of the Grove for generations to come.Stern Grove Festival’s 68th Season is made possible with support from Major Sponsor Wells Fargo, Grants for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Hewlett Foundation, and season media sponsors SF Weekly/East Bay Express, KPIX Channel 5, and SFGate
June 19 – Lucinda Williams and John Doe
Stern Grove Festival’s 68th Season kicks off with three-time Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams. Known for her eclectic blend of rock, country, and blues influences and evocative lyrics, Williams is releasing a live album recorded at the Fillmore in San Francisco and has been hailed as “America’s best songwriter” by Time magazine.
Crossing the boundaries of rock, blues, punk, and country, John Doe is a modern day renaissance man of music. Doe was a former member of the influential punk band X and recently released the critically acclaimed solo album, Forever Hasn’t Happened Yet.
June 19th’s performance is dedicated to the memory of Rosalie M. Stern, donor of Sigmund Stern Grove to the people of San Francisco and founder of the Stern Grove Festival Association.
Radio sponsor is KALW 91.7 FM.
June 26 – Ojos de Brujo and O-Maya
Stern Grove will come alive with the electrifying sounds of Barcelona sensation Ojos de Brujo. A progressive flamenco group, Ojos de Brujo combines flamenco’s traditional guitar and rhythms with modern urban sounds ranging from hip-hop, to Latin and funk.
Formed in the Bay Area in 1999, O-Maya is a 10-piece collective combining Afro-Latin and hip hop influences while incorporating samba, reggae, and salsa beats.
Radio sponsor is KPFA 94.1 FM.
July 3 – San Francisco Symphony
A Stern Grove tradition and an annual favorite, the San Francisco Symphony performs with conductor Edwin Ou*censored*er. Under the leadership of Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas, the Grammy-winning San Francisco Symphony has built a reputation as one of the finest and most innovative orchestras in the world.
July 3rd’s performance is dedicated to the memory of Rhoda H. Goldman and is made possible with support from the Rhoda H. Goldman Memorial Fund. Concert sponsored by Target. Radio sponsor is Classical 102.1 KDFC. Pre-Concert Talk with Geoff Gallegos of daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra at the Trocadero Clubhouse.
July 10 – Khaled “King of Rai”
with Don Was, Elan Attias, Walfredo Reyes, Jr., Cheb i Sabbah, and Special Guests
An international star, known as the “King of Rai,” Khaled combines modern rhythms with the traditional music of Algeria. Khaled will perform with Grammy-winning producer/musician Don Was, reggae singer Elan Attias, percussionist Walfredo Reyes, Jr., dj Cheb i Sabbah, and other special guests.
The lead singer of the Wailers, reggae sensation Elan Attias recently recorded a song with Gwen Stefani on the 50 First Dates movie soundtrack and is set to release a solo album.
A renowned and versatile percussionist, Walfredo Reyes, Jr. has performed with Santana, The Grateful Dead, Christina Aguilera, and more. A native of Algeria and a fixture on the San Francisco club scene, Cheb i Sabbah is a well-known producer and recording artist.
Presented in association with the Consulate General of France. Radio sponsor is
KPFA 94.1 FM.
July 17 – Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir
tern Grove Festival is proud to present the harmonies of internationally renowned vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Formed in South Africa in 1964, Ladysmith received worldwide recognition when they were featured on Paul Simon’s Graceland album. Since then, Ladysmith has won two Grammy Awards and has performed at the Olympics, the inauguration ceremony for Nelson Mandela, and at several Nobel Prize ceremonies.
Formed in 1993 and based in the East Bay, Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir performs a capella renditions of traditional African American spirituals, along with soul, R&B, and gospel music.
Radio sponsor is KALW 91.7 FM.
July 24 – The Funk Brothers and Broun Fellinis
With more #1 hits than the Beatles and Elvis combined, The Funk Brothers bring their classic Motown hits to the Grove. The anonymous studio band providing musical backing on Motown classics like “Heat Wave”, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”, and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, The Funk Brothers were featured in the documentary, Standing In The Shadows of Motown, and were given Grammy’s highest
honor, the lifetime achievement award in 2004.
Opening the afternoon’s performance will be the innovative and smooth sounds of Bay Area-based jazz and funk trio Broun Fellinis.
Radio sponsor is KBLX 102.9 FM.
July 31 – San Francisco Opera featuring Carol Vaness and friends
Stern Grove Festival is pleased to present the eagerly anticipated return of San Francisco Opera to the Grove. The performance features arias and ensembles from the best of Grand Opera, featuring one of San Francisco’s favorite divas, the internationally renowned Carol Vaness, joined by some of the most talented singers of the San Francisco Opera.
Concert sponsored by the Koret Foundation. This performance is dedicated to the memory of Elise S. Haas, Festival Chair from 1957 to 1969. Radio sponsor is Classical 102.1 KDFC. Pre-Concert Talk in the Trocadero Clubhouse.
August 7 – Waldemar Bastos and Maria de Barros
“The voice of Angola,” Waldemar Bastos has gained worldwide recognition for his soulful singing, evocative lyricism, and blend of Brazilian, Portuguese, and African music. He has collaborated with Peter Byrne and released his first album on the Luaka Bop label.
The god-daughter of the famed “Barefoot Diva” Cesaria Evora, Maria de Barros enchants audiences with her stirring music and sultry voice. A native of Senegal, de Barros draws her inspiration from the island of Cabo Verde and mixes African, Cuban, Spanish, and Portuguese rhythms.
Radio sponsor is KALW 91.7 FM.
August 14 – BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
The Grove comes alive with the Cajun rhythms of the Grammy-winning group BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet. Regarded as the best Cajun band in the country, BeauSoleil upholds the traditions of Cajun music while mixing in zydeco, Tex-Mex, folk, and even Caribbean rhythms.
Adding to this Bourbon Street bash is The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, known for their high-energy performances. Originally started as a traditional brass band, The Dirty Dozen incorporate jazz, bebop, funk, R&B, pop, and rock and have performed with Dave Matthews, Modest Mouse, and others.
August 21 – daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra and Youth Speaks Slam Champs
Stern Grove Festival closes its 68th Season with a bang when the innovative daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra takes the stage. Through brilliant orchestration and meticulous arrangement, the 60-piece daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra bridges the classical and urban music worlds.
Youth Speaks Slam Champs, winners of the national poetry slam competition, will perform original pieces. Youth Speaks is the premier youth poetry, spoken word, and creative writing program in the country.
Radio sponsor is KPFA 94.1 FM.
Outreach and Education Programs
In addition to the 10 mainstage performances, Stern Grove Festival invites the community to enjoy our free education and outreach events. The Festival’s outreach programs are sponsored by The Gap, Providian, the David B. Gold Fund, and the Stanley S. Langendorf Foundation. Each of the following events is admission-free.
Kids’ Days at Stern Grove
The Festival offers a free series of fun and interactive arts education programs for children ages 4-14. These programs are open to the public and admission free. Pre-registration is required. Contact Stern Grove Festival at 415.252.6252 or visit www.sterngrove.org to register online. Presented in association with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department.
World Beats
When: Tuesday, July 12, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
Hip Hop Expressions
When: Tuesday, August 16, 11:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
Hip Hop Expressions
When: Wednesday, August 17, 11:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
Youth Education Programs
The Youth Education Programs are open to the public and admission-free.
Pre-registration is required. Contact Stern Grove Festival at 415.252.6252 or visit www.sterngrove.org to register online.
Linda Tillery and The Cultural Heritage Choir
When: Wednesday, July 14, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: African American Art and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton Street, San Francisco
Geoff Gallegos of daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra
When: Thursday, August 11, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Where: Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission Street, San Francisco
Geoff Gallegos of daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra
When: Friday, August 19, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Where: Destiny Arts Center, 3900 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
Geoff Gallegos of daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra
When: Saturday, August 20, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Where: La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Musical Conversations
Enjoy free, live performances and engaging discussions with artists at community venues.
O-Maya
When: Saturday, June 25, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Where: Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission Street, San
Francisco
Maria de Barros
When: Saturday, August 6, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: Community Music Center, 544 Capp Street, San Francisco
Geoff Gallegos of daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra
When: Wednesday, August 10, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Where: SFSU College of Extended Learning, 425 Market Street, 2nd Floor, San
Francisco
Presented with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Pre-Concert Talks
Join in informative pre-concert talks with featured Festival artists at the Grove’s Trocadero Clubhouse. Pre-concert talks will take place on the following
dates:
July 3 Geoff Gallegos of daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra
July 17 Ladysmith Black Mambazo
July 31 San Francisco Opera
August 7 Maria de Barros
August 14 The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
August 21 Geoff Gallegos of daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra
Blood Drives
Stern Grove Festival and Blood Centers of the Pacific invite patrons to donate blood at the Trocadero Clubhouse on June 26, July 10, and July 24. Your donation can help save lives.
Admission and Access to Stern Grove Festival
All concerts begin at 2:00 p.m. at Sigmund Stern Grove, located at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard (in San Francisco’s Sunset/Parkside district). Sigmund Stern Grove is a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering eucalyptus and redwood trees.
Admission to all Stern Grove Festival events is FREE; no tickets or advance reservations are required. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early for the best lawn seating and may bring picnics, low beach chairs, and ground covers. Tall chairs, beach umbrellas, and pets are prohibited in Stern Grove during concerts. Patrons may be required to restrict the size of blankets or tarps due
to space limitations. Unoccupied blankets are subject to removal. Designated benches are reserved for seniors over the age of 65 and disabled persons with one guest until 30 minutes prior to concert time. To ensure the safety and comfort of patrons at each performance, the concert meadow will be closed to further admission if capacity is reached. Patrons are not guaranteed seating in the meadow.
Food and drinks are available from the Festival’s commissaries. Free shuttle service within the Grove is provided to seniors and disabled patrons. Limited parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the Vale Avenue entrance to Stern Grove off Sloat Boulevard.
Sigmund Stern Grove is a 33-acre recreation area with meadows, picnic facilities, hiking trails, and a lake. The audience is advised to come prepared for both sun and fog.
For more information visit the Stern Grove Festival website at www.sterngrove.org or call (415) 252-6252.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
