Article Contributed by Denise Lamott
Published on 2026-09-10
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — No band embodies the soul and spirit of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass more directly—or more literally—than Marco and The Polos. On Sunday, October 4, at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026, the beloved Bay Area ensemble will join forces with Hills to Hollers, an East Bay supergroup featuring Barbara Higbie, Vicki Randle, and Laurie Lewis, for a special collaboration celebrating the rich and diverse roots of Americana music.
Evolving over the lifespan of the festival and fronted by the children of founder Warren Hellman, what began as a front-porch jam has grown into a fully formed musical collective characterized by intricate four-part harmonies that blend and resonate the way only family singing can.
Hellman siblings Frances, Marco, Patricia, and Judith perform heartfelt originals interspersed with unexpected folk and rock covers, accompanied by a veteran band featuring fingerstyle guitarist Stevie Coyle, multi-instrumentalist Barbara Higbie, bassist and musical director Joshua Zucker, and vocal director Amber Morris.
As comfortable gracing festival stages as they are in intimate listening rooms, the group has established itself as a mainstay of the Bay Area acoustic music scene and a beloved fixture at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.
Hills to Hollers explores the rich intersection of cultural and musical influences across the spectrum of the American folk tradition. Soulful, explosive, unpredictable, and fun, the group has been featured at the Kate Wolf Music Festival, Wintergrass, and The Freight. Individually, Higbie, Lewis, and Randle have performed on major stages around the world alongside an extraordinary roster of acclaimed artists.
Together, Marco and The Polos and Hills to Hollers promise an unforgettable performance filled with excitement, musical surprises, and a moving exploration of the many traditions upon which American roots music has flourished.
Event Details
What: Marco and The Polos and Hills to Hollers Unite for a One-of-a-Kind Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Performance
When: Sunday, October 4, time TBD
Where: Stage TBD, Golden Gate Park
Tickets & Info: FREE
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass runs Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4. Visit hardlystrictlybluegrass.com for details and updates.
