Mercenary Productions

09/24/2020

Well here is what we've been doing all year! Please tune in on October 3rd at 2pm (pst). We are really proud of this one.
www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.org

07/24/2019

The first Hardly Strictly Bluegrass medley is out for 2019! Give it a listen!

And so it begins!!! Our first artist medley is officially up on the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Website. Click on the link below and see if you can guess the first ten artists of 2019! Keep checking this space, as we'll be announcing the answers in the next couple days!

CLICK HERE: http://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/

03/15/2019

The rainy off-season has found the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass office listening to some of their Bay Area favorites and they compiled a playlist to share. If you like, follow it on Spotify as they'll be updating it every so often. What other Bay Area artists are you listening to?

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass · Playlist · 39 songs · 48 likes

02/08/2019

Nothing but good wishes for Mr. Lindsey Buckingham! We were thrilled to have him at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass this year. Here's to a full and speedy recovery!

I am sad to say that late last week Lindsey underwent emergency open heart surgery. He is now recuperating at home and each day he is stronger than the last. While he and his heart are doing well, the surgery resulted in vocal cord damage. While it is is unclear if this damage is permanent, we are hopeful it is not.

This past year has been a very stressful and difficult year for our family to say the least. But despite all this, our gratitude for life trumps all obstacles we have faced at this moment. We feel so fortunate he’s alive. As does he. He looks forward to recovery and putting this behind him. Needless to say, all touring and shows currently scheduled have been put on pause for the moment as he gathers the strength to heal completely.

Our family thought it important to share what’s happening with Lindsey with the hope that inspires someone else to seek preventative care. Lindsey’s family has a history of heart issues, having lost both his father at 56 and his brother at 46 to heart related illness. If anyone is experiencing even the mildest of symptoms we encourage you to seek the care of a physician.

We are so thankful for the kind and generous love given by the people surrounding Lindsey, me and our kids throughout this emotional time. We can’t thank you enough for all you did for our family. We will never forget you. XO

- Kristen Buckingham

06/07/2018

The Stone Foxes are a great band, and an even better bunch of guys. Please spread the word so we can help them find their gear.

04/04/2018

Hey folks, don't miss the first "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" Music in the Schools Nightime Series. Friday, April 13th at Mission High School in San Francisco. The Show is FREE FREE FREE!!!! Reserve tix at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/music-in-the-schools-nightime-series-tickets-44810272732

10/16/2017

We sure did miss the great Charles Bradley at this year's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival. Here he is hanging with our Towers of Gold stage Manager, Doug Sturgis back in 2015. Rest in Peace Charles.

08/15/2017

We're VERY excited to announce that our first medley has just been posted at www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com! Take a listen - can you guess the first round of performers confirmed for ?

04/18/2017

Today would have been Chris Hellman's birthday. We are happy to share that the City of San Francisco has officially announced today as "Chris Hellman Day". We couldn't be more proud.

02/08/2017

We are saddened to announce that Patricia Christina “Chris” Hellman - artist, ballerina, philanthropist and wife of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass founder Warren Hellman - passed away on Saturday, February 4th. Chris was a passionate supporter of the arts and that love came through in all aspects of her life. She was an avid painter and a tireless supporter of the San Francisco Ballet.

Born in London in 1933, Chris had a successful career as a prima ballerina with the London Festival Ballet before marrying Warren. They were together for 56 years before his death in 2011. Chris was the perfect foil for Warren in many ways but they both enjoyed a great sense of humor. She was often seen at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, on the stage wings or wandering among the throngs, with a twinkle in her eyes and smile on her face. When Warren picked up the banjo again in his mid-60s and put together bluegrass band the Wronglers, she was happy to sit in and sing on the occasional song. Chris and Warren’s love of philanthropy - especially programs promoting the arts, education and social equality - inspired the Hellman Foundation’s giving, which has awarded more than $25M since its founding in 2011.

In 2015, festival organizers discussed with the four adult Hellman children how to best pay tribute to Chris. The Star Stage was renamed the Swan Stage in honor of Chris and her successful ballet past, and her beautiful artwork was featured at the festival. Chris’ daughter, Tricia Hellman Gibbs, noted “We wanted to bring in a reminder of Mom’s spirit, beauty, artistry, and zany humor as a living presence at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. The many photos and the renaming of one of the stages after one of the great ballets Mom performed created just the perfect acknowledgement of her central place at the festival, and in the hearts of the many, many people who love her.” Her watercolors depicting botanicals at the height of their bloom seemed right at home in Golden Gate Park. The Swan stage has continued to be one of the most popular, hosting the likes of Cyndi Lauper & Kris Kristofferson this past year.

Now in its 17th year, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will continue to honor the traditions set forth by the generosity of Warren & Chris Hellman. This year the celebration will be held on October 6-8, 2017.

Among her many contributions to San Francisco arts and culture, Chris was Chair Emeritus of San Francisco Ballet; Chair of the San Francisco Arts Organization’s Task Force; a Board Member of the San Francisco Free Clinic - founded by her daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Tricia and Richard Gibbs; Trustee Emeritus for the Princess Grace Foundation - USA; a sustaining member of the Junior League; and a member of the San Francisco Symphony League.

Chris Hellman has four children, twelve grandchildren, and four great grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

Donations in Chris Hellman’s name may be made to the San Francisco Ballet (https://www.sfballet.org/) or the San Francisco Free Clinic (http://sffc.org/)

09/07/2016

Proud to have been a part of the Fairmont Hotel's unveiling of their shiny new Tony Bennett statue. It was a beautiful ceremony with some lovely words from the birthday boy himself. Happy Birthday Tony!