Warren Hellman: R.I.P.

THE MAN BEHIND HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS PASSES AWAY

F. Warren Hellman (July 25, 1934-December 18, 2011) was a private equity investor who masterminded and funded the beloved Hardly Strictly Bluegrass free music festival held annually in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Hellman passed away on December 18, 2011 of complications from his treatment for leukemia. A unique man, Hellman was a Republican with many enthusiasms and causes who loved banjo with a rare passion. His gift to music, a festival attended by hundreds of thousands, will continue due to his generosity, extending the legacy of this fascinating man. The Bay Citizen has an excellent article about Hellman here.

Warren Hellman @ Hardly Strictly 2011 by John Margaretten