In by 3, Out by 9!
Making it an early night? Click the buttons below to display performers with sets finishing by nine pm. Enjoy the celebration and be home before 9:30!
Schedule details subject to change. Last updated 11/29/2024
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
Young musicians from South Monterey County High School District Rock Bands take the stage with energetic sets featuring ’90s grunge and indie pop rock! [Rock/Indie]
These South Monterey County High School District bands bring a blend of ’90s grunge grit and fresh indie pop rock. Rock and indie fans alike can enjoy performances by talented young artists from Greenfield and King City High Schools.
Site 12: Franklin Street Stage 5:00‒5:30 | 6:15‒ 6:30
Local Indie band, ZACK FREITAS BAND delivers powerful vocals and intimate song writing. [Indie/Rock]
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?
Site 9: Bonifacio Stage, Alvarado StreetTimes: 6:30‒7:00 | 7:15‒7:45 | 8:00‒8:30
STU REYNOLDS SAXTET presents their interpretation of well loved jazz standards as well as original compositions. [Jazz]
Stu Reynolds brings over 50 years of jazz experience to the stage, playing various saxophones and clarinets. The 'Saxtet' presents their interpretation of well loved jazz standards as well as original compositions. The group features 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 such as Billy Strayhorn, Clifford Brown, Horace Silver, Thelonius Monk and Charles Mingus.
Site 15: Monterey Center for Spiritual LivingTimes: 6:30‒7:00 | 7:15‒7:45 | 8:00‒8:30
GRUMBLING GINGER recreates the atmosphere of a British folk club; with songs, storytelling, and humor.
[Folk/Americana]
Grumbling Ginger, formed in 2000, has been described by the press as “indie folk-rock with a Celtic twist.” Band members previously performed extensively on Britain’s folk club circuit, and they bring the spirit of that rich tradition to every live show. Their performances blend songs, storytelling, humor, and a vibrant mix of acoustic instruments—including guitar, dulcimer, mandolin, celestaphone, doumbek, and bodhrán—creating an engaging, heartfelt musical experience with a distinctly Celtic-flavored folk-rock sound.
Site 20: Steinbeck 2, Monterey Conference CenterTimes: 6:30‒7:00 | 7:15‒7:45 | 8:00‒8:30
Monterey natives, MIRANDA PERL & BRICE ALBERT share their modern takes on jazz standards and classic hits from legendary artists. [Jazz]
Miranda Perl got her start in high school with the Monterey Jazz Festival Regional Honor Vocal ensemble, performing at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 2014 & 2015. Miranda and guitarist Brice Albert (also a MJF alum) perform the best of the American Songbook, featuring fresh takes on jazz standards, and classic hits from legendary artists Stevie Wonder, the Beatles, and more. Rooted in the jazz tradition, their sound is modern and innovative.
Site 21: Steinbeck 1, Monterey Conference CenterTimes: 6:30‒7:00 | 7:15‒7:45 | 8:00‒8:30
FLASHPOINT ENTERTAINMENT will entertain you with their LED light shows incorporating dance and juggling! [Entertainment]
Flashpoint Fire Show is a breathtaking display of cutting-edge entertainment straight from your wildest dreams — an experience you won’t want to miss. Prepare to be amazed as stunningly skilled fire dancers perform elegant, high-energy choreography to electrifying music 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!
Site 14: Alvarado Street Illumination ArtistsTimes: 7:00-8:00 | 8:30‒9:30 | 10:00‒10:45
Local dance troupe DI FRANCO DanceProject will present a fun-filled program of dance! [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, and even Celtic. The DiFranco DanceProject is a company of youth and young adult dancers, who all are current and former students of Dianne Lyle's Afro-Latin Jazz Dance classes, which are offered locally though the City of Pacific Grove Recreation Department.
Site 7: Alvarado Street GalleriaTimes: 7:30‒8:00 | 8:15‒8:45
BAD MACHINE crashes onto the rock scene like a thunderstorm of raw power, soul, and unrelenting energy. [Rock]
Bad Machine brings rock back to the throne—loud, fearless, and built to shake foundations. Brazilian-born guitar powerhouse Joao Brandi leads the charge with explosive, arena-ready riffs. Karma delivers vocals with grit, mystique, and unfiltered passion, channeling rock’s greatest front legends. Sindy Shen fuels the fire with virtuosic keys, a concert piano prodigy turned rock assassin. Anchored by Monterey legend Pete Hoegemeier on bass, Bad Machine crafts original anthems that feel instantly iconic, built on unforgettable riffs, driving grooves, and lyrics that cut straight to the heart.
Site 11: Golden State TheaterTimes: 7:45‒8:15 | 8:30‒9:00 | 9:15‒9:45
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!
Site 21: Steinbeck 1, Monterey Conference CenterTimes: 7:45‒8:15 | 8:30‒9:00 | 9:15‒9:45
World class ensemble of musicians and dancers ASHE ENSEMBLE, weaves healing rhythms and Sacred Dances from around the world. [World Music]
Ashe Ensemble, led by Jayson Fann, brings together a world-class group of musicians and dancers who blend African rhythms, soul, jazz, Brazilian and Afro-beat traditions, Caribbean influences, and spoken word with powerful, expressive dance. Jayson, a multi-instrumentalist and percussionist, specializes in Pan-African percussion with a focus on Afro-Cuban folkloric music, Ghanaian and Yoruba traditions, jazz, hip-hop, Brazilian and Flamenco styles, and Middle Eastern rhythms. His work centers on creating artistic and cultural collaborations that deepen our connection with nature and promote intercultural dialogue and awareness. This vibrant collective of international artists is sure to energize and enliven First Night Monterey!
Site 12: World Stage, Alvarado StreetTimes: 8:00‒8:45 | 9:00‒9:45 | 10:00‒10:45
SOUTHBOUND 101 brings high-energy, crowd-pleasing country music wherever the road leads! [Country]
Get ready for high-energy country hits guaranteed to keep the dance floor buzzing all night long. Formed in early 2020, Southbound 101 unites some of the Bay Area’s finest country musicians, each bringing a wealth of talent and a deep love for the genre. Their lively performances capture the heart and soul of modern and classic country music alike. Whether you’re line dancing with friends, boot-scootin’ to your favorite tune, or gliding through a smooth two-step, Southbound 101 delivers the kind of irresistible country sound that lifts audiences out of their seats and draws everyone straight to the dance floor. Experience SOUTHBOUND 101 with hands clappin’, boots scootin’ and smiles beamin’.
Site 18: Serra Ballroom, Monterey Conference CenterTimes: 8:00‒8:45 | 9:00‒9:45
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!
Site 21: Steinbeck 2Times: 8:30‒9:00 | 9:15‒9:45
THE KEVIN O’NEAL GROUP A jazz ensemble, presenting stunning new music: Unusual Business for these unusual times. [Jazz]
Kevin O’Neal is a Grammy winning bassist, composer, producer and educator. His credits include multiple films, along with recordings and performances with Outkast, LaVern Baker, Nnenna Freelon, Solomon Burke, Tracy Chapman, Barry Harris, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., and as a solo artist. Kevin loves his bass and applying himself to fine works representing humanity, life and good times. His Ensemble this evening includes Robert Turner, a gifted pianist that "literally sings with his fingers;" Sacramento saxophonist-flutist Darius Babazadeh, considered a mainstay of the Sacramento jazz scene; and Skylar Campbell, an excellent young drummer from Monterey.
Site 15: Monterey Center for Spiritual LivingTimes: 8:45‒9:15 | 9:30‒10 | 10:15–10:45
Welcome the New Year with MONTEREY BAY LION DANCE TEAM symbolizing the arrival of prosperity and good luck. [World Dance]
Celebrate the New Year and lift your spirits with traditional Chinese lion dancing—an exhilarating art form that blends martial arts postures with the powerful rhythms of drums, cymbals, and gongs. The performance features elaborately crafted costumes representing the Lucky Lion and the jovial Happy Buddha. Moving with dreamlike grace, the lion displays human-like emotions and intelligence, symbolizing life, vitality, and the essence of humanity. Traditionally performed during Chinese Lunar New Year festivities, the lion dance is believed to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. Complementing the lion dance, members of the Monterey Bay Healing Tao Tai Chi group will demonstrate traditional tai chi martial forms—both hand and weapons—showcasing movements used for self-defense as well as promoting balance, health, and overall well-being.
Site 7: Alvarado Street GalleriaTimes: 9:00‒9:30 | 9:45‒10:15 | 10:30‒11:00
Get ready for a soulful night of music with AL JAMES BAND serving up the perfect mix of smooth R&B grooves and heartfelt blues. [Blues/Funk]
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. His compositions and his renditions of songs by other artists have a unique flair and energy: reflective, upbeat and innovative. Backed by a stellar band featuring Jeff Langan on drums, Bill Walker on lead guitar and Jesse DeCarlo on bass, Al’s vocal stylings and dynamism on stage are irresistible. With powerhouse vocals, rich instrumentation, and an energy that lights up the stage, this is live music you’ll feel as much as you hear!
Site 10: Bonifacio Stage, Alvarado StTimes: 9:00‒9:45 | 10:00‒10:45
WROCKINFOOSE delivers a groove that’s soulful, smooth, and guaranteed to get you moving! [Rock/R&B/Funk] **FINALE BAND**
Wrockinfoose delivers a unique blend of original music and obscure covers, with sounds that are genre-bending yet deeply rooted in American traditions. Their style draws inspiration from New Orleans R&B and funk — bringing you a groove that’s soulful, steady, and impossible not to move to. Get ready to groove into 2026 with Wrockinfoose bringing the energy and great vibes!
Site 11: Golden State TheaterTimes: 10:15‒11:00 | 11:15‒Midnight ***Finale Band***
EVERYDAY PEOPLE An electrifying fusion of Classic Latin Rock, Latin Jazz, R&B, Funk, Old School, and Tejano-style Cumbias [Latin/Jazz/R&B]
Everyday People is an electrifying 11-piece band based in Salinas, delivering a vibrant and powerful musical experience that bridges generations and celebrates diverse styles. Their setlist moves seamlessly from the soulful vibes of Evelyn “Champagne” King to the rich rhythms of Buena Vista Social Club and the iconic sound of Lydia Pense & Cold Blood. Renowned for their high-energy shows, tight musicianship, and effortlessly smooth, dance-inspiring grooves, Everyday People has earned a loyal following and become a favorite on dance floors across the Central Coast and beyond.
Site 18: Serra Ballroom, Monterey Conference CenterTimes: 10:15‒11:00 | 11:15‒Midnight ***FINALE BAND***