First Night 2025 Performers!

The diversity of our performers will delight and entertain you!

Your First Night Monterey Button includes admission to performances in multiple downtown Monterey venues and include jazz, folk, rock, blues, bluegrass, world music and dance, and youth artists!

Schedule details subject to change. Last updated 11/29/2024

Sort by Genre

With unique vocal stylings and dynamism on stage, AL JAMES BAND is irresistible; soulful, upbeat and innovative.

NEW TO FNM! Singer, guitarist, and composer Al James hails from Seaside. His music has been an integral element of his life and his rootsy, soulful delivery has an eclectic vibe flavored by influences from Jimi Hendrix to Stevie Wonder. Backed by a stellar band, his compositions and renditions have a unique flair. The band's energy on stage is irresistible.

Site 9: Bonifaacio Stage/Alvarado St.
Times: 6:30—7:15 | 7:30—8:15

BLACK IRISH BAND opens the night with their highly entertaining Folk, Americana, and Celtic Pub-Rock!

BLACK IRISH BAND, has been performing for 34 years and has recorded 27 albums. The band has performed at the First Night Monterey event longer than any other group, and has performed to large crowds of very happy people who love the fun spirited music of the band that entertains, as well as educates. The band performs original as well as traditional music: Celtic, Maritime/ sea shanties/ as well as Americana. Happy New Year!

Site 11: Golden State Theater
Times: 7:30—8:00 | 8:15—8:45 | 9:00—9:30

BUBBA PICKENS BAND will delight first nighters with intricate 3 and 4 part harmonies and its upbeat style of music!

NEW TO FNM! Bubba Pickens is a bluegrass, folk, Americana group from the Monterey Bay. Nominated multiple times as best local band, six of the seven musicians are local educators! Marc Stafford on banjo , Jason Maas-Baldwin on guitar, Steve Geer on bass, Brian Handley on dobro, Kenna Little on violin and accordion, Victoria Deckelmann on guitar and violin, and Mike Deckelmann on mandolin. Bubba Pickens continues to delight crowds with its upbeat style of music and its intricate 3 and 4 part harmonies. The band's motto has always been "have fun"! We do our best to help our audience do the same!

Site 23: Colton Rooms, Conference Center
Times: 6:30—7:00 | 7:15—7:45 | 8:00—8:30

Renaissance singer-songwriter and storytelling Americana singer/songwriter CASEY FRAZIER , with roots in California’s outdoors, embodies the Americana spirit!

NEW TO FNM! Rooted in the expansive landscapes of the American West, Casey’s intimate songwriting embodies the spirit of Americana. Casey has entertained audiences all across the country, sharing stages with musical icons like Kenny Rogers and Joan Armatrading. From the raw lifestyle of herding cattle to the emotional pull of the Pacific Ocean, Casey’s music and art is influenced by his surroundings.

Site 20: Steinbeck Ballroom, Conference Center
Times: 9:00—9:45 | 10:00—10:45

CENTRAL COAST CIRCUS with aerial silks, rope, hoop, and trapeze, is known for their skillful, vibrant and feminine energy!

NEW TO FNM! Central Coast Circus is a group of local Monterey Bay aerialists with a combined 35 years of aerial performance experience as well as other performance arts, including various forms of dance, theater and fire arts. Several members of the troupe are also aerial instructors at Sanctuary Climbing & Fitness in Seaside. Members include creative director Emily Garber, assistant director Callie Dailey, Bailey Duffield, Ramona Hutchinson and Alex Cox. Central Coast Circus is known for their skillful, vibrant and feminine energy!

Site 18: Serra Ballroom, Conference Center
Time: 6:30—7:30

Enjoy Groove-based Jazz with the CHARLIE LINDNER TRIO!

The Charlie Lindner Trio plays originals, jazz standards and re-imagined pop tunes in the modern style. Featuring Charlie Lindner on Piano, lead in the Pickle Mafia; Patrick Tregenzaon on Drums, founder of Along Came Betty; and Tony Bianchini on Bass, beloved Monterey Peninsula Jazz musician.

Site 15: Monterey Center for Spiritual Living
Time: 6:30—7:00 | 7:15—7:45 | 8:00—8:30

Born and raised in the Santa Cruz Mountains, THE COFFIS BROTHERS band plays original compositions of rock and roll and Americana music.

**FINALE BAND** Raised in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Jamie and Kellen Coffis play honest, heartfelt roots-rock (with an emphasis on the roots). "It's all-American music," says co-frontman, Kellen. "There's rock, blues, acoustic folk, and country in there." It will be a night of dancing and fun!

Site 11: Golden State Theater, Alvarado Street
Times: 10:15—11:00 | **FINALE** 11:15 —MN

Rooted in traditional Celtic and Americana, DAN AND LAUREL's inventive songs will linger in your head and heart.

Meeting in 2012 via a chance YouTube sighting and fueled by a once-in-a-lifetime musical chemistry and friendship, Canadian-American Roots-Folk duo Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen are “prodigious players with songwriting that sets them apart.” With soaring violin, diverse guitar styles, compelling storytelling, a dash of harmonica and humor, and unique vocal rapport they deliver a dynamic, engaging, polished performance.

Site 23: Stevenson I, Conference Center
Times: 6:30—7:00 | 7:15—7:45 | 8:00—8:30

Local dance troupe The DIFRANCO DANCEPROJECT will present an energetic, fun and eclectic program of Afro-Latin Jazz Dance!

The DiFranco DanceProject will present an energetic, fun and eclectic program of dance, based upon a variety of cultural influences...American Jazz, African, Latin, Caribbean, even Celtic. The DiFranco DanceProject is a company of youth and young adult dancers, current and former students of Dianne Lyle's Afro-Latin Jazz Dance classes, offered locally though the Pacific Grove Recreation Department.

Site 8: Alvarado Street Galleria
Times: 7:30—8:00 | 8:15—8:45 | 8:30 —9:00

FLASHPOINT ENTERTAINMENT will entertain you with their LED light shows incorporating dance and juggling!

The Flashpoint Fire Show is a spectacle of the most cutting edge entertainment that perhaps has only been experienced in your dreams and should not to be missed. You will witness some of the most talented and beautiful fire dancers execute the most elegant maneuvers ever seen to exciting music that is sure to blow your mind. These professional performing artists known as Flashpoint will not disappoint to truly bring light and magic to First Night Monterey!

Site 14: Alvarado Street Illumination Artists
Times: 7:00—8:00 | 8:30—9:30 | 10:00—10:45

Don't miss THE FRAGONARDS, an indie alternative band based in Monterey, performing original songs.

NEW TO FNM! The Fragonards are an alt-rock band based in Monterey. Fronted by Gin Fragonard and backed by Zach McDaniel (percussion), Jason Thompson (bass) and Alex Bezdjian (electric guitar). Gin’s vulnerable songs and eccentric vocals paired with the band’s intimate chemistry will leave you feeling like one of the gang! Gin's diverse set of original songs have captured the hearts of those on the Central Coast and beyond.

Site 12: Franklin Street Stage, Alvarado Street
Times: 9:00—9:45 | 10:15—11:00

GREASY PEACEFUL plays all original indie rock with a southern twist!

NEW TO FNM! Greasy Peaceful is an up-and-coming three-piece band with a passion for making authentic music. Made up of Joseph Scardina on guitar and vocals, Kevin Call on bass, and Steven Belleci on drums, the band blends elements of rock, folk, and indie into a unique sound that reflects their roots. Their heartfelt writing and raw energy have already started to turn heads. With a DIY spirit and a growing local fanbase, Greasy Peaceful is ready to share their music and make their mark, one song at a time!

Site 12: Franklin Street Stage, Alvarado Street
Times: 6:45—7:15 | 7:30—8:00 | 8:15—8:45

Fun and inspiring performers age 7-17, GUITARS NOT GUNS MARINA will perform a mix of Rock, Folk, Pop, and Blues.

The Guitars Not Guns Marina Band features Monterey County youth, alumni, and adult volunteers who gather every Saturday at the Marina Teen Center for free guitar lessons. Playing a blend of American classics and contemporary hits, these kids are fun and inspiring, with groovy rhythm stand out vocal and solo performers. Under the direction of Amy Warren, Guitars Not Guns provides free instruments and lessons throughout Monterey County. The band performs at local festivals and events including the West End Festival, County Fair, and First Night Monterey. Not to be missed!

Site 12: Franklin St Stage, Alvarado St.
Time: 5:00—5:30 | 6:15—6:30

Local bluegrass band HILLTOWN plays toe-tappin' traditional and contemporary bluegrass music!

NEW TO FNM! Hilltown, where you'll find traditional Bluegrass picking intertwined with elements of old-time mountain music, fiddling, blues, gospel and jazz. Chuck Hurd (banjo), Rachel Bennett (mandolin/vocals), Rebecca Stone (fiddle/vocals), Gene Mason (guitar/vocals), Bob Mannix (Bass). Jamming is very popular among Bluegrass musician fans. So come and watch Hilltown play traditional Bluegrass and join in on the fun!

Site 23: Colton Rooms, Conference Center
Times: 8:45—9:15 | 9:30—10:00 | 10:15—10:45

JAYSON FANN RHYTHM presents Rhythms of Life—a Celebration of rhythms from across the globe!

Jayson Fann, percussionist, and celebrated musicians with his band of international drummers and dancers will bring alive FIrst Night Monterey with a celebration of rhythms from around the globe. Jayson is a multi-Instrumentalist, percussionist and drummer, specializing in Pan African percussion and drums with a special emphasis in Afro Cuban folkloric, Ghanaian, Yoruba, Jazz , Hip hop, Brazilian, Flamenco and middle eastern music. His work is centered in the creation of arts and cultural collaborations that foster connection with nature, intercultural dialogue and awareness.

You're the star! BEST BUY PRESENTS "JUST DANCE!" VIDEO GAME

Step to the beat and get into the rhythm as you play the Just Dance video game! From Taylor Swift to Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish to Meghan Trainor —get ready to dance!! You're the star! There's something for all ages. Presented by Best Buy.

Site 10: Best Buy Stage, Alvarado Street
Times: 7:00—9:15

LATIN JAZZ COLLECTIVE WITH JOHN NAVA received a standing ovation from a full-house crowd at the 2017 Monterey Jazz Festival!

**FINALE BAND** The Latin Jazz Collective is a high energy, eleven piece Latin Jazz ensemble that received a standing ovation from a full-house crowd at the 2017 Monterey Jazz Festival. Led by percussionist John Nava, saxophonist Stu Reynolds, and drummer Martin Binder, the band creates a rich and eclectic blend of original compositions and highly acclaimed standard Jazz arrangements steeped in authentic Latin rhythms. LJC members have shared the stage, recorded, and performed with the likes of Carlos Santana, Pete Escovedo, The Yellow Jackets, Malo, Kim Stone (Rippingtons), Wayne Wallace, and many other well-respected artists from around the world. Members of LJC maintain active performance schedules as band leaders, arrangers, and music educators throughout the Central Coast and Bay Areas.

Site 18: Serra Ballroom, Conference Center
Times: 10:15—11:00 | **FINALE** 11:15—MN

LE JAZZ HOT QUARTET Swing music with a French flair, music created in Paris in the 1930s played on all acoustic stringed instruments!

NEW TO FNM! Members of the Hot Club of San Francisco play locally in the Bay Area as Le Jazz Hot. The Hot Club of San Francisco has been experimenting with the musical tradition of Django Reinhardt for over 35 years. They are celebrated in the USA and abroad for their fusion blend of American jazz and European based Gypsy folk songs.

Site 15: Monterey Center for Spiritual Living
Times: 8:45—9:15 | 9:30— 10:00 | 10:15— 10:45

LOS SURVIVORS is an R&B, Soul, Funk and Rock band that plays regularly around Monterey County.

NEW TO FNM! An 8-piece Band playing Rock, Soul, and Funk. Steve Vasquez has assembled a fine bunch of local musicians who carry on the tradition of sharing material from the timeless age of R&B greats as well as the great blues artists. His group’s soulful style of rhythm and blues are filled with joy, inspiration and just “good ol groove.”

Site 18: Serra Ballroom, Conference Center
Times: 8:00—8:45 | 9:00—9:45

LONGTIME FAVE! Merging rap and poetry, MC LARS brings a joyful celebration to First Night Monterey!

MC Lars is the creator of post-punk lit-hop, extended into a fusion of rap, punk, rock, ska, pop and other genres. He combines his music with powerful lyrics; packing concerts with raps about everything from Edgar Allen Poe to Game of Thrones, the Simpsons and cyberbullying. He does so with energy and wit, joined with a strong sense of humor and perspective.

Site 23: Stevenson I, Conference Center
Times: 8:45—9:15 | 9:30—10:00 | 10:15—10:45

Welcome the New Year with MONTEREY BAY LION DANCE TEAM symbolizing the arrival of prosperity and good luck.

Celebrate the New Year and lift your spirits with traditional Chinese lion dancing, a challenging art form complete with martial art postures and exciting rhythms of drums, cymbals and gongs. Elaborate costumes characterize the Lucky Lion and Happy Buddha. This dreamlike lion mimics human-like emotions and intelligence, symbolizing life and humanity. The lion dance is customarily performed during the Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrations, for the lion brings prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year. In conjunction with the lion dance team program, Monterey Bay Healing Tao Tai Chi members perform traditional Tai Chi martial hand & weapons forms for self-defense application as well as health and wellness.
Site 8: Alvarado Street Galleria
Times: 9:00—9:30 | 9:45—10:15 | 10:30—11:00

RAYBURN BROTHERS BAND brings a broad range of influences to their music, playing a mix of folk, rock, world, and Americana.

NEW TO FNM! Singer-songwriters Craig and Keith Rayburn harmonize as only brothers can, with graceful melodies, poignant singing and deft instrumentation. Their entire collection of songs is infused with elements of rock, folk, country, reggae and jazzy blues, full of surprises and unexpected twists. The Rayburn Brothers sing from the soul, touching in their audiences a chord of the human experience. Their upbeat music is sure to get you up and dancing!

Site 20: Steinbeck Ballroom, Conference Center
Times: 6:30—7:00 | 7:15—7:45 | 8:00—8:30

SHANNON AND THE NIGHT DIVERS is a local Monterey based band that explores a repertoire from Pop, Funk and R&B through the ages. Fun, energetic songs for dancing!

Shannon & The Night Divers are a Monterey-based band. The band explores repertoire from Pop, Funk, and R&B, including works by Al Green, Chic, Jamiroquai, and Diana Ross, as well as original compositions. Lead Vocalist Shannon Casapia is joined by Back up Vocals Amber Guzman, Lead Guitarist Manuel Aguilera, Bassist Glenn Bell, Drummer Thomas Fidler, Keys Robb Naimark, Rhythm Guitarist Jorge Casapia..

Site 9: Bonifacio Stage, Alvarado Street
Times: 9:00—9:45 | 10:00—10:45

Hear the thunder of the drums! SHINSHO MUGEN DAIKO opens First Night Monterey with traditional Japanese drumming.

Experience the exquisite physicality of these Taiko Drummers as they perform traditional Japanese drumming, incorporating elements of martial arts. Shinsho Mugen Daiko, founded in 1999, is a group of drummers who are interested in studying the art of Japanese drumming. Taiko, which means “big drum or big drums”, have been played at festivals, religious rituals, the theater and orchestras of the Imperial Palace. The founding director, Ikuyo Conant, emphasizes cultivation of energy, self-awareness and social and personal harmony in Taiko drumming.

Site 1: Pacific Street Stage
Times: 3:15—3:45 | 4:00—4:30

Enjoy a program of cultural dance featuring TRIQUI DANCERS in traditional Huipil garments.

Indigenous Triqui women will dance to traditional Oaxacan music wearing the traditional huipil. The Triqui huipil is 100 percent hand-made and is full of symbolism. It represents rebirth and a caterpillar’s transformation to a butterfly. The collar, made of triangular-shaped ribbon, symbolizes the sun; the hanging ribbons on the back, the rainbow; the red strips are the caterpillar’s path and the figures and patterns that symbolize a butterfly’s flight. The Triquis are one of many indigenous groups in southern Mexico; many have migrated to California to work in the fields as agricultural laborers. These women live in Greenfield.

Site 11: Golden State Theater
Time: 6:30—7:15