The Big Twang! — A Book Event Honoring 25 Years of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Please register to attend this free in-person program presented by Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and the Jewish Community Library, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of San Francisco’s most beloved cultural traditions. The Library is located at 1835 Ellis Street in San Francisco, with free garage parking at 1227 Pierce Street between Ellis and Eddy.  

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at 25: The Big Twang! is a newly released coffee-table book capturing the festival’s rich history through stunning photography and behind-the-scenes stories. Featuring hundreds of images from Jay Blakesburg and other distinguished photographers, the book chronicles the unforgettable artists, devoted fans, and the one-of-a-kind spirit that has filled Hellman Hollow for a quarter century. It offers a vivid look into how the festival—founded as a gift to the city by philanthropist Warren Hellman—grew into a free cultural phenomenon drawing hundreds of thousands to Golden Gate Park each fall. The book includes a heartfelt foreword by Emmylou Harris and an afterword by Steve Earle, offering reflections from two pillars of the festival’s history.

In celebration of the festival’s origins and impact, the event will feature a conversation with:

Tricia Hellman Gibbs, daughter of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass founder Warren Hellman
Frances Dinkelspiel, journalist and author of Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias Hellman Created California, which chronicles the history of the Hellman family
Sarah Davis, Creative Director of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

The afternoon will feature live music, including several original songs written by Warren Hellman, performed in tribute to his creative legacy.

“What better way to remember my father on his yahrtzeit than in celebrating his favorite gift to San Francisco, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, which has brought light and joy to the world now for a quarter century! I’m looking forward to gathering with the community that has embraced and sustained his vision.” – Tricia Hellman Gibbs

This festive afternoon will weave together the magic of storytelling, live music, and the spirit of community, culminating in a special candle-lighting ceremony to mark the first night of Hanukkah—a festival of light and hope symbolic of HSB itself. We’ll finish the day with a selection of seasonal snacks, along with soft drinks, tea, and coffee. The event will be a perfect intersection of Hanukkah warmth and San Francisco musical heritage.

Copies of HSB At 25: The Big Twang! will be available for purchase.