San FranCelia

Summer isn’t summer in San Francisco without a trek to the Sunset’s outer limits to hit up the weekly Stern Grove Music Festival.  For 72 years, this tradition had shaped and inspired not only concert goers, but also other musicians, as you sit amidst a grove of massive eucalyptus, fir, and redwood trees, and watch a free concert.  With everyone from Joan Baez to the San Francisco Ballet, you’re sure to hear and view some great acts – and best of all, did I mention it’s free.  This is one of my favorite ways to spend a lazy Sunday in the City.  Taking mass transit (or being prepared to walk) is the best way to go, but once you get there, you are welcomed with a fun community of people who are giving, unique, and friendly.  The concerts all start at 2pm, so if you want to have any semblance of good seating, you usually need to arrive around noon.  Yes, that’s two hours in advance, but the wait it well worth it.  You enter through a large archway that greets you with the

[caption id="attachment_243" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The masses at the Stern Grove Music Festival"][/caption]

feel of the grove, and from there are met with a plethora of huge trees that tower over you bringing in flickers of light and warmth.  It’s so lovely.  Every time I go, we end up hiking into the hills of the grove – yes, most of the grove is on a slope with only minimal seating is in the flat areas – set out a picnic blanket, crack open some spirits and eat a great picnic lunch with friends while waiting for the music to begin.  Keep in mind they sell only limited food and no alcohol at the grove, so be prepared and stop by a grocery store before you go.  By the time 2pm rolls around, most people are generally a bit toasted, which generally ensures a fun and jovial vibe for the concert that day.  As you are sitting there, you see the grove get more and more crowded with people, and the smell of the trees and nature consume your senses.  The occasional waft of marijuana coming from some ambiguous, low key person(s) is generally ever-present, as well… contact high anyone?  It’s a great spot to really take some time to relax and slow down your hectic pace.

When the music starts it’s an even better experience.  If you are in the hills, it’s generally hard to see the musician, but hearing them in no problem, so simply laying back and enjoying the sounds as they bounce off of the trees and sloped hillside is absolute heaven.  With the sun lightly caressing your face as you lay back, and the natural feel of the place slipping you into a more and more peaceful state, you feel as if you’ve entered another world.  Even though the grove is close to one of San Francisco’s most busy thoroughfares, all that sound melts away and you are left solely with music and the rustle of the trees; pure bliss.

[caption id="attachment_248" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The Grove"][/caption]

If you want a cheap and brilliant way to spend your Sunday, the Stern Grove Music Festival is the way to go, most definitely.  This Sunday, July 19^th, Sergent Garcia and Curumin are playing, so it’s sure to be a funky and upbeat vibe.  For a complete list of acts playing the rest of the 2009 season – which runs through August 23^rd - click here.  This annual San Francisco event is definitely the place to be at the end of the weekend – it may be just what the doctor ordered to start your week off right.

Peace and love Xo

Tweet This Post Delicious Digg This Post Reddit