San Francisco Blog

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Seun Kuti performs at Stern Grove, 2008

The 72nd annual series of free summer concerts at Sigmund Stern Grove--one of San Francisco's best traditions--has been announced. As always, the lineup of artists spans a diverse range of genres and styles. Performers include Roberta Flack and Davell Crawford, Les Nubians and Asa, the San Francisco Symphony and Inouye Jazz, Joan Baez and Blame Sally, Sergent Garcia and Curumin, The Lyrics Born Revue, Kailash Kher's Kailasa and Delhi 2 Dublin, Totó La Momposina y Sus Tambores and Nation Beat, the San Francisco Ballet, and the San Francisco Opera. Truly a little something for everyone.

Stern Grove concerts are great for summer picnics with a bunch of folks - just make sure you get there early as the seats fill up by noon, or even sooner -- arrive tardy and you might have to hear the show from the meadow adjacent to the concert bowl. The dates we're circling on our calendars are July 19, when Garcia, "the French king of salsa-reggae," pairs with Brazilian funkster Curumin; July 26, when alt.hop superstar Lyrics Born showcases his Revue, which includes the Mighty Underdogs and, we presume, his wife Joyo Velarde; and August 9, when Colombian diva La Momposina plays along with Nation Beat's bizarre-seeming mix of country rock and Brazilian maracatu rhythms. For more info, click here.