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!
Performers displayed in order of first start time. Schedule details subject to change. Last updated 12/17/2024
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**FINALE BAND** 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 StreetTimes: 10:15—11:00 | **FINALE** 11:15 —MN
BUBBA PICKENS BAND will delight first nighters with intricate 3 and 4 part harmonies and its upbeat style of music!
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 12: Franklin Street Stage, Alvarado StreetTimes: 6:15—6:45 | 7:00—7:30
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 24: Steinbeck Dance Venue, Conference Ctr. Times: 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 FOR 2025**
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 9: Bonifacio Stage, Alvarado StreetTimes: 6:30—7:15 | 7:30—8:15
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 GalleriaTimes: 7:00—7:30 | 7:45—8:15 | 8:30 —9:00
LONGTIME FAVE! Merging rap and poetry, MC LARSbrings 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 11: Golden State TheaterTimes: 7:45—8:15 | 8:30—9:00 | 9:15—9:45
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 ArtistsTimes: 7:00—8:00 | 8:30—9:30 | 10:00—10:45
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 15: Monterey Center for Spiritual Living, Conference CenterTimes: 9:00—9:30 | 9:45—10:15 | 10:30—11:00
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 StreetTimes: 6:45—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**
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 17: Serra Ballroom, Conference CenterTimes: 10:15—11:00 | **FINALE** 11:15—MN
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 9:15—9:45 | 10:00—10:30 | 10:45—11:15
RAYBURN BROTHERS BAND brings a broad range of influences to their music, playing a mix of folk, rock, world, and Americana.
**NEW FOR 2025**
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 17: Serra Ballroom, Conference CenterTimes: 8:00—8:45 | 9:00—9:45
Don't miss THE FRAGONARDS, NEW TO FNM! The Fragonards are an indie alternative band based in Monterey, performing original songs.
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 25: Colton Rooms, Conference Center.Times: 6:30—7:00 | 7:15—7:45 | 8:00—8:30
Under the direction of award-winning conductor Dr. Carl Christensen, LOS SURVIVORS is an R'n'B, Soul, Funk and Rock band that plays regularly around Monterey County.
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 11: Golden State TheaterTime: 6:15—7:15
Renaissance singer-songwriter and visual artist CASEY FRAZIER BAND, with roots in California’s outdoors, embodies the Americana spirit!
**NEW FOR 2025**
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.
Site 11: Golden State TheaterTimes: 7:45—8:15 | 8:30—9:00 | 9:15—9:45
With unique vocal stylings and dynamism on stage, AL JAMES BAND is irresistible; soulful, upbeat and innovative.
**NEW FOR 2025** 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 21: Steinbeck Ballroom, Conference CenterTimes: 8:00—8:45 | 9:00—9:45
Local bluegrass band HILLTOWN plays toe-tappin' traditional and contemporary bluegrass music!
**NEW FOR 2025** 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 15: Monterey Center for Spiritual LivingTimes: 6:30—7:00 | 7:15—7:45 pm | 8:00—8:30
GREASY PEACEFUL NEW TO FNM! All original indie rock with a southern twist!
**NEW FOR 2025** 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 StreetTimes: 9:15—10:00 | 10:15—11:00
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 StreetTimes: 8:45—9:30 | 9:45—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 StageTimes: 3:30—4:00 | 4:30—5:00
Playing styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, SINGING WOOD MARIMBA brings high-energy music from Zimbabwe.
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!
Site 18: Conference Center, Serra BallroomTimes: 6:15—6:45 | 7:00—7:30 pm
WHITE HAWK (IZTATUTLI) opens the First Night celebration with stunning costumes and traditional Aztec dances.
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!
Site 1: Colton Lawn Opening Ceremony 3:00—3:30 | 4:00—4:30 pmSite 8: Alvarado Street Galleria 6:15—6:45 pm