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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: 11/8/2024

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 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.

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

The 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, full of surprises and 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.

HILLTOWN

NEW TO FNM! Local bluegrass band playing toe-tappin' traditional and contemporary bluegrass music!

HILLTOWN

Welcome to 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 and vocals), Rebecca Stone (fiddle and vocals), Gene Mason (guitar and vocals), Bob Mannix (Bass)

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 and arrangements. 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.