San Francisco - October 02, 2009

Whoa, Nellies!

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, According to the Barefoot Nellies

Being barefoot and pregnant sounds like a bad country song.

But being the Barefoot Nellies, a kick-ass all-gal bluegrass band, sounds sweeter than banjo pickin’.

Between prepping original songs, bluegrass standards, and a George Strait cover for their debut this weekend at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, the girls gave us their must-sees.

Strictly Bluegrass
Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers (Banjo Stage, Saturday, 2:40 p.m.)
“He’s been playing banjo since he was 17 and has joined up with a group of hot young pickers.” What a wild and crazy guy.

Earl Scruggs (Banjo Stage, Sunday, 2:45 p.m.)
“Still a mean banjo player after 60-plus years in the biz.”

The Del McCoury Band (Banjo Stage, Sunday, 5:20 p.m.)
Get high. Or, rather, “ ‘high lonesome,’ the raw, emotional singing style” this maestro is known for.

Hardly Bluegrass
Hayes Carll (Arrow Stage, Saturday, noon)
“He writes smart songs about drinking, heartache, and more drinking that make you kind of wish you knew how to two-step.”

The Brothers Comatose (Porch Stage, Sunday, 3:20 p.m.)
“SF locals who have been playing together for more than a decade and still have a blast.” You will, too.

Neko Case (Star Stage, Sunday, 5:20 p.m.)
“Probably the best country singer who doesn’t sing country (anymore).”

The Nellies also recommend printing an online schedule beforehand.

Here’s to a smokin’ grass fest.

Learn more about the Barefoot Nellies at barefootnellies.com or catch them on the Porch Stage, Saturday, 12:35 p.m. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass runs through Sunday in Golden Gate Park. For more information, go to hardlystrictlybluegrass.com.

Photo: Mike Melnyk/Courtesy of the Barefoot Nellies

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