May 27, 2009
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Stampe, Communications Dir., estampe@greenbelt.org, (415) 543-6771 x307
Eliote Durham, eliote@sbcglobal.net (415) 430-5559
Bluegrass for the Greenbelt is June 28
For 4th year, expanded festival offers full day of music to benefit Greenbelt Alliance
On June 28, 2009, Greenbelt Alliance will host Bluegrass for the Greenbelt, an outdoor music festival held on the meadow of the Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate in Oakland, CA. In this, its fourth year, Bluegrass for the Greenbelt has expanded into a festival format that has two stages and features seven bands. The festival benefits Greenbelt Alliance’s work to protect local landscapes and make the Bay Area an even better place to live.
This year’s line-up features The Waybacks, The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, The Wronglers, Eric and Suzy Thompson, Nell Robinson and Red Level, and 49 Special:
- The Waybacks are a bluegrass band that doesn’t shy away from experimenting with the genre. With their diverse repertoire—from witty original pieces to covering Led Zepplin classics—the Waybacks merge classic with new bluegrass.
- The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band is led by Peter Rowan, who grew up playing bluegrass and has been a major cult figure in bluegrass since the 1980’s, both nationally and internationally. The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band returns from a tour of Europe to play at Bluegrass for the Greenbelt.
- The Bay Area’s own Grammy-winning Laurie Lewis brings her band, the Right Hands, from their European and US tour to Bluegrass for the Greenbelt. Laurie Lewis is one of the founders of Bluegrass for the Greenbelt and has played at the show since the beginning.
- Also returning for a second year, The Wronglers, a bluegrass band that combines their bluegrass, folk, and old-time techniques to produce an intelligent and intimate sound.
- The second stage features three local bands that have cultivated their own bluegrass sound from traditional to modern: Eric and Suzy Thompson, Nell Robinson and Red Level, and 49 Special.
Solar stage:
In keeping with Greenbelt Alliance’s work to promote environmentally sustainable growth, Bluegrass for the Greenbelt is presenting the music on a solar-powered stage.
Kid-friendly:
Also a family-friendly event, this year Bluegrass for the Greenbelt offers free admission for children 12 and under, with kid-specific events that include a petting zoo and other activities geared children.
Perfect for picnics:
Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch, or buy food and drink at the festival to enjoy on the lawn.
Tickets are $40; kids 12 and under are admitted for free. All concert proceeds will benefit Greenbelt Alliance. Tickets can be purchased onwww.bluegrassForTheGreenbelt.org.
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For 50 years, Greenbelt Alliance has been the San Francisco Bay Area’s advocate for open spaces and vibrant places, with offices in San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek, San Rafael, and Santa Rosa. www.greenbelt.org
