Annually since 1938, the Stern Grove Festival Association has presented its free summer series, the Stern Grove Summer Concert at Sigmund Stern Grove’s outdoor amphitheatre. Whether you are a local or a tourist in San Francisco, you’ll enjoy the family-friendly, relaxed park setting for the weekly Sunday concert series.

Located at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, the Stern Grove Summer Concerts welcome diverse musicians on Sundays from June 24 – August 26, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Hundreds of thousands of concert-goers have enjoyed this series since 1938 at Stern Grove. One of Northern California’s favorite concert locations, Sigmund Stern Grove is a natural amphitheater encircled by towering eucalyptus, redwood and fir trees.

The Grove’s owner Rosalie M. Stern was fascinated by the park’s natural acoustics and envisioned a preserved park, open to the public and offering admission free cultural performances.  In 1931, she gifted Stern Grove to the City of San Francisco in memory of her husband Sigmund, a well-known community leader. Stern Grove was dedicated on June 4, 1932, and just two weeks later, Stern Grove hosted its first free concert, the San Francisco Symphony. In 1938, Rosalie Stern founded the non-profit Stern Grove Festival Association, and a member of the Stern family has chaired the Festival since its inception.

In 2012, the Stern Grove Summer Concerts celebrates its 75th year, fostering Ms. Stern’s vision of an eclectic selection of performers. The 2012 summer concerts kick off on Sunday, June 24 with the annual Big Picnic, starring Anita Baker with The Family Stone & Glide Ensemble. Other performers include the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, San Francisco Symphony, and Jarreau and the George Duke Trio.

Although admission is free, limited seating is available, so early arrival is highly recommended. There is no public parking facility in Stern Grove, so public transportation is encouraged.  

Alcohol is not sold at Grove Park, but you may bring your own as beer and wine are permitted in the Concert Meadow and West Meadow.

Picnics are also permitted.  You can also purchase food and non-alcoholic drinks at the Grove Café, located in the Esplanade. A portion of these sales supports Stern Grove Festival.

What: Stern Grove Summer Concerts
Where: Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th Avenue & Sloat Boulevard.
When: Sundays, June 24 – August 26, 2012
URL: http://www.sterngrove.org/

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