30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 26, 2024-JANUARY 1, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com AL JAMES BAND | RB **NEW TO FNM** Site 9: Bonafacio Stage, Alvarado St. 6:30–7:15 | 7:30–8:15 Singer, guitarist, and composer Al James from Seaside delivers a rootsy, soulful sound inspired by Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Wonder. Backed by a stellar band, his unique compositions and vibrant stage energy captivate every audience. Bubba Pickens, a bluegrass, folk, and Americana group from Monterey Bay, features six local educators among its seven members. A multipletime “Best Local Band” nominee, they charm audiences with upbeat tunes, intricate harmonies, and their motto: “Have fun!” Site 22: Conference Ctr., Colton Rooms 6:30–7:00 | 7:15–7:45 | 8:00–8:30 BUBBA PICKENS | AM **NEW TO FNM** CASEY FRAZIER | AM **NEW TO FNM** Site 20: Conference Ctr., Steinbeck Ballroom 9:00–9:45 |10:00–10:45 Rooted in the American West, Casey’s songwriting captures the spirit of Americana. Having shared stages with icons like Kenny Rogers and Joan Armatrading, Casey now calls Carmel-ByThe-Sea home, drawing inspiration from the Central Coast. CENTRAL COAST CIRCUS | DA **NEW TO FNM** Site 18: Serra Ballroom, Conference Ctr. 6:30–7:30 This group of Monterey Bay aerialists has 35 years of combined performance experience including dance, theater, and fire arts. Several members are aerial instructors at Sanctuary Climbing & Fitness in Seaside. They’re known for their skillful, vibrant, and feminine energy! AM=AMERICANA/BLUEGRASS| DA=DANCE | IND=INDIE/RAP | J=JAZZ/LATIN | RB=ROCK/BLUES | WM=WORLD MUSIC Black Irish Band has been performing for 34 years and recorded 27 albums. As First Night Monterey’s longest-running act, they draw happy crowds with their fun, spirited music that entertains and educates. Their repertoire includes original and traditional Celtic, Maritime sea shanties, and Americana. BLACK IRISH BAND | AM Site 11: Golden State Theater 7:45–8:15 | 8:30–9:00 | 9:15–9:45 Site 15: Mry Ctr. for Spiritual Living 8:45–9:15 | 9:30–10:00 | 10:15–10:45 LOS SURVIVORS | RB **NEW TO FNM** Site 18: Conference Ctr., Serra Ballroom 8:00–8:45 | 9:00–9:45 An 8-piece band bringing Rock, Soul, and Funk to life, Steve Vasquez has assembled a talented group of local musicians. They celebrate the timeless era of R&B and blues greats with a soulful style that radiates joy, inspiration, and pure “good ol’ groove.” Jayson Fann’s drum circles are all about unity, rhythm, and creativity. Feel the pulse of the group, catch the beat, and let your hands flow with the drum’s vibration. Whether you’re a seasoned drummer or new to the rhythm, everyone’s contribution matters. JAYSON FANN RHYTHM | WM Site 8B: Drum Circle, Alvarado St. 6:30–8:30 LE JAZZ HOT QUARTET | J **NEW TO FNM** 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. Longtime First Night Monterey favorite! MC Lars, creator of post-punk lit-hop, blends rap, punk, rock, ska, and pop with powerful lyrics. His concerts feature energetic raps on topics ranging from Edgar Allan Poe to Game of Thrones, The Simpsons, and cyberbullying, all delivered with wit, humor, and perspective. MC LARS | IND Site 21: Conference Ctr., Steinbeck 1 8:45–9:15 | 9:30–10:00 | 10:15–10:45 Site 8: Alvarado Street Galleria 9:00–9:30 | 9:45–10:15 | 10:30–11:00 Celebrate the New Year with traditional Chinese lion dancing, featuring martial postures and rhythmic drums, cymbals, and gongs. The Lucky Lion and Happy Buddha symbolize life, humanity, and good fortune, bringing prosperity for the year ahead. Monterey Bay Healing Tao Tai Chi members also perform Tai Chi hand and weapons forms for self-defense, health, and wellness. MONTEREY BAY LION DANCE TEAM | DA GREASY PEACEFUL | IND **NEW TO FNM** Site 12: Franklin St. Stage, Alvarado St. 6:45–7:15 | 7:30–8:00 | 8:15–8:45 Greasy Peaceful is an up-and-coming three-piece band with a passion for authentic music. Made up of Joseph Scardina, Kevin Call, and Steven Belleci, they blend rock, folk, and indie into a unique sound. With heartfelt writing, raw energy, and a growing local fanbase, Greasy Peaceful is ready to make their mark, one song at a time! The Guitars Not Guns Marina Band features Monterey County youth, alumni, and volunteers gathering weekly at the Marina Teen Center for free guitar lessons. Led by Amy Warren, they play American classics and contemporary hits with groovy rhythms, standout vocals, and solos. GUITARS NOT GUNS | RB Site 12: Franklin St. Stage, Alvarado St. 5:00–5:30 | 6:15–6:30 HILLTOWN | AM **NEW TO FNM** Site 22: Conference Ctr., Colton Rooms 8:45–9:15 | 9:30–10:00 | 10:15–10:45 Hilltown blends traditional Bluegrass with old-time mountain music, blues, gospel, and jazz. With Chuck Hurd (banjo), Rachel Bennett (mandolin/ vocals), Rebecca Stone (fiddle/vocals), Gene Mason (guitar/vocals), and Bob Mannix (bass). Hear their lively music and join the fun! JUST SING & DANCE | DA Site 10: Alvarado St. Karaoke Stage 7:00–9:15 Join us at the FNM Dance/Karaoke Lounge where the stage is yours and the vibes are electric! Sing your heart out, dance like no one is watching, and create unforgettable memories. LATIN JAZZ COLLECTIVE WITH JOHN NAVA| J **FINALE BAND** Site 18: Conference Ctr., Serra Ballroom 10:15–11:00 | 11:15–12:00 The Latin Jazz Collective, high-energy 11-piece ensemble, earned a standing ovation at the 2017 Monterey Jazz Festival. Led by John Nava, Stu Reynolds, and Martin Binder, they blend original compositions with Jazz standards and Latin rhythms. Members have performed with legends Carlos Santana and Pete Escovedo and are active musicians and educators in the Central Coast and Bay Area. THE COFFIS BROTHERS | RB **FINALE BAND** Site 11: Golden State Theater 10:15–10:45 | 11:15–12:00 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! Meeting in 2012 via a chance YouTube sighting, Canadian-American Roots-Folk duo Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen are “prodigious players with songwriting that sets them apart.” With soaring violin, diverse guitar, harmonica, humor, and unique vocal rapport, they deliver dynamic performances filled with storytelling. DAN AND LAUREL | WM Site 21: Conference Ctr., Steinbeck I 6:30–7:00 | 7:15–7:45 | 8:00–8:30 The DiFranco Dance Project presents an energetic program inspired by American Jazz, African, Latin, Caribbean, and Celtic styles. Featuring youth and young adult dancers from Dianne Lyle’s Afro-Latin Jazz classes at the Pacific Grove Recreation Department. DIFRANCO DANCE PROJECT | DA Site 8: Alvarado Street Galleria 7:30–8:00 | 8:15–8:45 | 8:30–9:00 The Flashpoint Fire Show is a cutting-edge, must-see spectacle! Watch talented fire dancers perform elegant maneuvers to exciting music, bringing light and magic to First Night Monterey with an unforgettable performance. FLASHPOINT FIRE SHOW | DA Site 14: Alvarado St. Illumination Art 7:30–8:00 | 8:45–9:15 | 10:00–10:30 This Fragonards are an alt-rock band from Monterey, fronted by Gin Fragonard with Zach McDaniel, Jason Thompson, and Alex Bezdjian. Gin’s vulnerable songs and eccentric vocals, combined with the band’s chemistry, create an unforgettable experience. Site 12: Franklin St. Stage, Alvarado St. 9:15–10:00 | 10:15–11:00 THE FRAGONARDS | IND **NEW TO FNM** CHARLIE LINDNER TRIO | J **NEW TO FNM** Site 15: Mry. Ctr. for Spiritual Living 6:30–7:00 | 7:15–7:45 | 8:00–8:30 This trio plays originals, jazz standards and reimagined pop tunes in the modern style. Featuring Charlie Lindner (piano), lead in the Pickle Mafia; Patrick Tregenzaon (drums), founder of Along Came Betty; and Tony Bianchini (bass), beloved Monterey Peninsula Jazz musician.
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