28 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY FEBRUARY 1-7, 2024 www.montereycountyweekly.com MUSIC On any given weekend, local wineries, brewpubs and restaurants are luring customers by tapping into the talent of local musicians here in Monterey County. That’s how many of us first encounter local artists. There is, however, a way to learn more about emerging talent and favorite veterans: the Monterey Music Scene Podcast. Launched in July 2023 by local musician Kito Rayburn, the podcast is exactly as the name implies and is already generating a buzz. Rayburn plays bass and drums with several area bands, so he’s no stranger to the potential of the county’s music community. He began out of his own apartment, aided by his sound engineering expertise. His signature for conducting the show is speaking with artists oneon-one, whether or not they are in a multi-person band. Rayburn starts each episode with announcements about upcoming events and shows—both underground and promoted—relevant to the time it is released, then moves into a roughly 45-minute interview with a performer. He also solicits questions from listeners ahead of each interview via his Instagram account, @kitorayburnmusic. Episodes conclude with a recorded live performance by the artist. There’s a unique twist to Rayburn’s presentation. While he is a skilled sound technician, he has chosen not to edit the interviews. This brings a liveon-the-air feel to the episodes, while at the same time disciplining himself in the art of timing. “The problem is that the interviews are so fun,” Rayburn says. “I’m always interested in how other people write music, and I’m interested in their process.” In nearly every episode, the artist/guest has some lightbulb moment, as well, leading them to understand their own process on a deeper level. The Monterey Music Scene Podcast should see no shortage of upcoming interviewees because, according to Rayburn, the area is characterized by strongly motivated musicians. “There’s a strong DIY scene,” explains Rayburn, who feels that the artistic community’s attitude can be summed up like this: They will find ways to make spaces for themselves to perform. Rayburn’s program adds to the collective voice declaring that there is a scene worth listening to. The Monterey Music Scene Podcast is available on Apple Music and Spotify. It is hosted by Kito Rayburn, who attempts to put out a new episode monthly. DANIEL DREIFUSS Air Bud A new podcast built locally in Monterey is uplifting the local music scene, one artist at a time. By Sloan Campi Kito Rayburn in his podcast studio. The musician-turned-interviewer spends an hour— give or take—with a local performer each episode. Indoor and outdoor dInIng and takeout Eat + Drink Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 BEST PIZZA ’98-’23 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’23 OPEN FOR INDOOR DINING AND TAKE-OUT Everyday 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. 763 Wave St., Monterey 831.373.3778 thewhalingstation.com ’23 Best Steak and Martini Indoor, Outdoor Dining & Take Out Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Valentine’s Day 4-Course Dinner Wed. Feb 14, 4:30-8:30pm. Reserve now! 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com ’23 JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 5pm TWO HAppY HOURS DAILY 5-6pm & 8-9pm Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, monterey, 831-373-3775 BEST RESTAURANT IN mONTEREY! BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ Indoor dInIng & Take-ouT daIly, 4:30pm 620 Ocean View BlVd. Pacific GrOVe 831-375-2345 • beachhousepg.com lovers poInT Beach cafe Is also offerIng Take-ouT daIly, 9am-4pm WOOD FIRED PIZZAS, BURGERS, PASTA, SALADS, SANDWICHES AND MORE 11:30AM MON-FRI, 10AM SAT & SUN melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 HAPPY HOUR FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS Daily 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375
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