Sunday, June 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco

Bay Area R&B icon Booker T. Jones and Detroit’s “Great Lady of Soul” Bettye LaVette kicked off the Festival’s 71st Season with an afternoon of soul.

Bettye LaVette opened with an impressive set that spanned her entire career.  LaVette demonstrated her strong vocal abilities and, at one point, went off mic to belt out verses that could be heard by concert goers in the far reaches of the Grove. 

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Booker T. Jones pleased the crowd with old favorites, and new takes on past hits.  A legendary figure with an impressive discography, the crowd really got moving when Jones played his million-selling hit “Green Onions.”

Today’s performance was dedicated to the memory of Rosalie M. Stern, donor of Sigmund Stern Grove to the people of San Francisco and founder of the Stern Grove Festival Association.