The eighth installment of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival kicked off this afternoon in Golden Gate Park under threatening skies. Nevertheless, there seemed to be over 40 thousand people at the Banjo Stage to hear Alison Krauss and Robert Plant perform their unique blend of music. Backed by T-Bone Burnett and Buddy Miller plus others (can’t remember) on drums, stand-up bass and banjo/fiddle, it was a fun show that featured folk (Carter family and traditional British ballads) and rock (various Led Zeppelin standards), which clearly was a major draw for many. Opening was Jerry Douglas and his band with another virtuoso performance ranging from Weather Report to Bill Monroe, with stops at interesting spots along the way.