Sneak Peek — First Night Monterey 2025
The diversity of these groups is sure to captivate and entertain! Stay tuned—more performers will be unveiled soon! Click or tap the card to read more.
Last updated: 11/18/2024
THE COFFIS BROTHERS
FINALE BAND! The Coffis Brothers band plays original compositions of rock and roll and Americana music.
THE COFFIS BROTHERS
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!
LOS SURVIVORS
NEW TO FNM! Los Survivors is an R'n'B, Soul, Funk and Rock band that plays regularly around Monterey County.
LOS SURVIVORS
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.”
MC LARS
LONGTIME FAVE! Merging rap and poetry, MC Lars brings a joyful celebration to First Night Monterey!
MC LARS
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.
DAN AND LAUREL
Dan and Laurel's inventive songs, rooted in traditional Celtic and Americana, will linger in your head and heart.
DAN AND LAUREL
Meeting in 2012 via a chance YouTube sighting and fueled by a 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.
THE FRAGONARDS
NEW TO FNM! The Fragonards are an indie alternative band based in Monterey, performing original songs.
THE FRAGONARDS
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.
LATIN JAZZ COLLECTIVE
with John Nava
FINALE BAND! The Latin Jazz Collective is a versatile seven-piece Afro Cuban Latin Jazz ensemble.
LATIN JAZZ COLLECTIVE
Latin Jazz Collective is a versatile seven-piece Afro Cuban 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.
RAYBURN BROTHERS BAND
NEW TO FNM! The Rayburn Brothers Band bring a broad range of influences to their music, playing a mix of folk, rock, world, and Americana.
RAYBURN BROTHERS BAND
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, with unexpected twists. The Rayburn Brothers sing from the soul, touching in their audiences a chord of the human experience.
SHINSHO MUGEN DAIKO
Shinsho Mugen Daiko introduces a contemporary style of Taiko drumming with movements and powerful sounds!
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.
LE JAZZ HOT
NEW TO FNM! Swing music with a French flair, music created in Paris in the 1930s played on all acoustic stringed instruments.
LE JAZZ HOT
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.
MONTEREY BAY LION DANCE
Welcome the New Year with the Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team symbolizing the arrival of prosperity and good luck.
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.
CASEY FRAZIER BAND
NEW TO FNM! Renaissance singer-songwriter and visual artist with roots in Denver, Nashville, and California’s outdoors, embodying Americana spirit.
CASEY FRAZIER BAND
Rooted in the expansive landscapes of the American West, Casey’s intimate songwriting embodies the spirit of Americana. Casey has shared the stage with musical icons like Kenny Rogers and Joan Armatrading. After spending a decade in Monterey, Casey is now based in the artistic enclave of Carmel-By-The-Sea, drawing inspiration from the Central Coast.
AL JAMES BAND
NEW TO FNM! With unique vocal stylings and dynamism on stage, Al James Band is irresistible; upbeat and innovative.
AL JAMES BAND
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.
GREASY PEACEFUL
NEW TO FNM! All original indie rock with a southern twist!
GREASY PEACEFUL
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!
HILLTOWN
NEW TO FNM! Local bluegrass band playing toe-tappin' traditional and contemporary bluegrass music!
HILLTOWN
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!
SHANNON AND THE NIGHT DIVERS
Local Monterey based band that explores a repertoire from Pop, Funk and R&B through the ages. Fun, energetic songs for dancing!
SHANNON AND THE NIGHT DIVERS
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.
DIFRANCO DANCEPROJECT
The DiFranco DanceProject will present an energetic, fun and eclectic program of Afro-Latin Jazz Dance!
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 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.
FLASHPOINT FIRE SHOW
When it is New Year's Eve in Monterey, Flashpoint brings the entertainment to the next level for First Night Monterey!
FLASHPOINT FIRE SHOW
Flashpoint Fire Show is a spectacle of the most cutting edge entertainment only experienced in your dreams and should not to be missed. You will witness 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 will not disappoint to truly bring light and magic to First Night Monterey!
SINGING WOOD MARIMBA
Playing styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, SINGING WOOD MARIMBA brings high-energy music from Zimbabwe!
SINGING WOOD MARIMBA
Singing Wood plays the Shona style of marimba. 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. A glorious learning experience and playing experience is what Singing Wood aspires to be; come be a part of it!
WHITE HAWK (IZTATUTLI)
NEW TO FNM! White Hawk Indian Council for Children opens the First Night celebration with stunning costumes and traditional Aztec dances!
WHITE HAWK (IZTATUTLI)
White Hawk seeks to provide safe environments where youth can develop trust, to enhance the quality of life within their families and community and to develop a spiritual awareness through participation in traditional ceremonies and cultural arts. As they dance, ankle bands of seed pods and hand-held gourd rattles keep time to their steps while their feathered headdresses and fans shake colorfully as they move!
BUBBA PICKENS BAND
NEW TO FNM! Bubba Pickens will delight first nighters with intricate 3 and 4 part harmonies and its upbeat style of music!
BUBBA PICKENS BAND
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!
CENTRAL COAST CIRCUS
NEW TO FNM!Central Coast Circus with aerial silks, rope, hoop, and trapeze, is known for their skillful, vibrant and feminine energy!
CENTRAL COAST CIRCUS
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!