First Night 2024 Performers!
The diversity of these groups 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, reggae, world music and dance, and youth artists!
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YAOCUAUHTLI CULTURAL DANCE opens the First Night celebration with stunning costumes and traditional Aztec dances. [World Dance]
Yaocuauhtli Cultural Dance is a calpulli (social unit) dedicated to the cultural enrichment of the community of Salinas thru Aztec dance, music, song and culture. Since its founding in 2003, Yaocuauhtli is dedicated in strengthening the identity of the Mexican community by teaching indigenous traditions of their ancestors to future generations. They handcraft their regalia utilizing exotic skins, natural stones and beads, genuine leather and naturally molted exotic feathers for their headdresses.
Site 8: Alvarado Street Galleria 6:45—7:15
Hear the thunder of the drums! SHINSHO MUGEN DAIKO opens First Night Monterey with traditional Japanese drumming. [World Music]
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.
Times: 3:15—3:45 | 4:00—4:45
Fun and inspiring performers age 7-17, GUITARS NOT GUNS will perform a mix of Rock, Folk, Pop, and Blues. [Rock/Blues]
The Guitars Not Guns 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.
Time: 5:00—5:30 | 6:30—7:00
Pure Drop Celtic! BANISH MISFORTUNE plays traditional music of the Emerald Isles. Come join us for a wee drop of fun!
**NEW FOR 2024** [World Music]
With fiddle, bodhrán, guitar, and vocals, we enjoy performing Celtic music in the Monterey area. Jackie Pierce (Fiddle), Christopher Beem (Guitar, vocals) and Rebecca Bruemmer (Bodhrán, vocals).
Times: 6:30—7:00 | 7:15— 7:45 | 8:00— 8:30
Local Indie band, THE DEAD CASSETTES deliver powerful vocals and intimate song writing. [Rock]
The Dead Cassettes are a modern, energetic indie alt-rock band hailing from Salinas. Comprised of two brothers - Jacob (lead vocals and guitar) and Matthew Gonzales-Butorac (synth and piano), with Alex Bezdjian (lead guitar), Kito Rayburn-Garcia (bass), and Adam Renteria (drums). Compared to the likes of The Kings of Leon, Deer Hunter, & Manchester Orchestra, their catchy melodies, Jacob’s powerful vocals, and epic synth and guitar solos capture the eclectic NorCal sound.
Times: 6:30—7:15 | 7:30—8:30
NĀ HAUMĀNA brings the spirit of Aloha to First Night! [World Dance]
Nā Haumāna (“the student”, in Hawaiian) is a Marina based hālau hula (hula school) that brings the islands of Polynesia to life through music, dance, and education while perpetuating the values of lifelong learning, community, ohana, and the foundation of Aloha.
Time: 6:30—7:30
RIVER VOICES is a local Americana group with lush harmonies, soaring violin and driving guitar. [Americana]
River Voices is an Americana influenced band comprised of world-class artists performing a dynamic mix of original songs with soulful, heartfelt ballads and straight-on, hook-driven rockers that incorporate country, roots-rock, bluegrass, R&B and blues styles, sung with powerful, distinctive voices.They sing songs seeped in the pleasure and pain of this meandering journey 'tween the cradle and the stone, always with a nod toward the generous beauty that surrounds us, even in the dwindling light of your worst day.
Times: 6:30—7:00 | 7:15—7:45| 8:00—8:30
Listen to a diverse group of local authors from SALINAS LIVING POETRY AND PROSE, helping authors in Monterey County publish their work! [Spoken Word]
The Salinas Living Poetry and Prose Project authors share the roots of their work and perform at First Night 2024 along with Patricia "La Consentida" Alejandres dynamic vocal interpretation of Salinas Valley composer Andres Hernandez's compositions.
Times: 6:30—7:00 | 7:15—7:45
Playing styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, SINGING WOOD MARIMBA brings high-energy music from Zimbabwe. [World Music]
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!
Times: 6:30—7:00 | 7:15—7:45
Enjoy a program of cultural music and dance featuring WILLIAM FAULKNER AND PILAR MENDOZA, WITH TRIQUI DANCERS [World Music]
Jalisco Harpist and world-renowned harpist William Faulkner will tickle your ears with enchanting sounds of the Mexican harp. Pilar Mendoza, folkloric dancer will join William, presenting her interpretive dance of original choreography. Based on the Mexican folklore tale "La Llorona" this dance performance represents the legend of the weeping woman who laments the loss of her missing children. Not to be missed!
Indigenous Triqui women will dance to traditional Oaxacan music wearing the traditional 'huipil', a hand-woven garment. 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.
Time: 6:30—7:15
FLASHPOINT ENTERTAINMENT will entertain you with their LED light shows incorporating dance and juggling! [Entertainment]
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!
Times: 7:30—8:00 | 8:45—9:15 | 10:00—10:30
You're the star! FIRST NIGHT PRESENTS "JUST DANCE!" VIDEO GAME [Dance]
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 —get ready to dance!! You're the star! There's something for all ages.
Times: 7:00— 9:15
Perennial FNM favorite BLACK IRISH BAND opens the night with their highly entertaining Folk, Americana, and Celtic Pub-Rock! [World/Americana]
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!
Times: 7:30—8:00 | 8:15—8:45 | 9:00—9:30
