Sneak Peek — First Night Monterey 2026
New groups and old favorites! Stay tuned as more performers are unveiled!
Last updated: 12/3/2025
SOUTHBOUND 101
Southbound 101 brings high-energy, crowd-pleasing country music wherever the road leads!
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SOUTHBOUND 101
High-energy country hits that keep the dance floor moving. Formed in early 2020, Southbound 101 brings together some of the Bay Area’s top country musicians. Whether you’re line dancing, boot-scootin', or two-stepping - Southbound 101 plays the kind of country music that gets everyone out of their seats and onto the dance floor!
GRUMBLING GINGER
A Grumbling Ginger show recreates the atmosphere of a British folk club, with songs, storytelling, and humor.
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GRUMBLING GINGER
Grumbling Ginger has been described by the press as “indie folk-rock with a Celtic twist”. Both members had previously played extensively on Britain’s folk club circuit. The group brings this tradition to its live performances; featuring songs, storytelling, humour and an array of acoustic instruments.
KEVIN O’NEAL QUARTET
A jazz ensemble, presenting stunning new music: Unusual Business for these unusual times.
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KEVIN O’NEAL QUARTET
Kevin O’Neal is a Grammy winning band leader, bassist, composer, producer and educator. He leads a band with stunningly original compositions and arrangements. Quartet members are Robert Turner, a gifted pianist that literally sings with his fingers; Sacramento saxophonist-flutist Darius Babazadeh; and Skylar Campbell, a young drummer from Monterey.
SINGING WOOD MARIMBA
Playing high-energy dance music and polyrhythmic trance music from Zimbabwe, from traditional to contemporary.
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SINGING WOOD MARIMBA
Singing Wood offers the Shona style of marimba ensemble playing. This music offers exceptional melodic and polyrhythmic variety, from the very simple to the extremely complex, and its ancient spiritual roots strike common chords in all people who are open to it. Come be a part of it!
EVERYDAY PEOPLE
**FINALE BAND** An irresistible fusion of Classic Latin Rock, Latin Jazz, R&B, Funk, Old School, and Tejano-style Cumbias.
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EVERYDAY PEOPLE
Everyday People is an electrifying band out of Salinas, delivering a powerful blend of sound spanning generations and genres. Known for high-energy performances and smooth, crowd-moving grooves, they’ve become a staple on dance floors throughout the Central Coast and beyond.
BLACK IRISH BAND
Long-time FNM favorite, they capture the spirit of the immigrants of this land; the people who tamed the Wild West!
BLACK IRISH BAND
Hailing from the historic Gold Rush Country of America, the Black Irish Band of 28 years, has a musical style as timeless as the rugged landscape of the west, a tribute to the people who built the world we now take for granted. The band has a large complement of traditional maritime and railroad music, as well as ethnic tunes in their repertoire. They excel at Celtic and American folk music with an assortment of original songs and traditional ballads.
BAD MACHINE
Crashing onto the rock scene like a thunderstorm of raw power, soul, and unrelenting energy!
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BAD MACHINE
Bad Machine isn’t just playing music—they’re reigniting the raw electricity that once defined rock's golden age. Joao Brandi's explosive playing powers the band's signature sound. Bad Machine is crafting original tracks instantly iconic, built on unforgettable riffs, driving grooves, and lyrics that cut straight to the heart.
STU REYNOLDS SAXTET
Presenting their interpretation of well loved jazz standards as well as original compositions.
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STU REYNOLDS SAXTET
The 'Saxtet' presents their interpretation of well loved jazz standards as well as original compositions, featuring Adam Astrup on guitar, Antony Bianchini on bass and Billy Jones on drums. The Saxtet specializes in lesser-known compositions by some of the great masters of the idiom.
FLASHPOINT FIRE SHOW
When it is New Year's Eve in Monterey, Flashpoint brings the entertainment to the next level for First Night Monterey!
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FLASHPOINT FIRE SHOW
Flashpoint Fire Show is a breathtaking display straight from your wildest dreams! Prepare to be amazed as fire dancers perform elegant, high-energy choreography that will leave you in awe. These world-class artists promise to ignite the night with light, artistry, and pure magic at First Night Monterey!
AL JAMES BAND
With unique vocal stylings and dynamism on stage, Al James Band is upbeat and innovative.
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AL JAMES BAND
Music has been an integral element in the life of Seaside singer, guitarist, and composer Al James. 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.
MONTEREY BAY LION DANCE
Welcome the New Year with the Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team symbolizing the arrival of prosperity and good luck.
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MONTEREY BAY LION DANCE TEAM
Celebrate the New Year and lift your spirits with traditional Chinese lion dancing, a challenging art form with martial art postures and exciting rhythms of drums, cymbals and gongs. 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.
ZACK FREITAS BAND
A passionate rock/pop songwriter from Monterey with indie/alt leanings! Freitas crafts soundscapes that hit hard and heal deep.
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ZACK FREITAS BAND
An indie alt-rock powerhouse; the grit of Nirvana and Foo Fighters with a modern, introspective edge. His guitar-driven anthems explode with distorted riffs, melodic hooks, and lyrics that unpack heartbreak, mental battles, and the wild ride of life on the road. From headbanging choruses to haunting acoustic confessions, Freitas crafts soundscapes that hit hard and heal deep. Ready to feel alive?
DIFRANCO DANCEPROJECT
The DiFranco DanceProject will present an energetic, fun and eclectic program of Afro-Latin Jazz Dance!
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DIFRANCO DANCEPROJECT
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 current and former students of Dianne Lyle's Afro-Latin Jazz Dance classes though the Pacific Grove Recreation Department.
WROCKINFOOSE
**FINALE BAND** Wrockinfoose delivers a groove that’s soulful, smooth, and guaranteed to get you moving!
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WROCKINFOOSE
Wrockinfoose is a band made up of some Monterey’s finest. They bring a blend of original music and obscure covers. Their music is at times genré bending, but mostly steeped in American roots music, and often tinged with a strong and steady New Orleans R&B/funk.
SHINSHO MUGEN DAIKO
Shinsho Mugen Daiko introduces a contemporary style of Taiko drumming with movements and powerful sounds!
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SHINSHO MUGEN DAIKO
Shinsho Mugen Daiko is a group of drummers who are interested in studying the art of Japanese drumming. Shinsho means “celestial bodies” and Mugen means “source of dreams.” The word “taiko” literally means “big drum” or “broad drum”. The founding director, Ikuyo Conant, emphasizes cultivation of energy, self-awareness and social and personal harmony in Taiko drumming.