44 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 18-24, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC Father John Misty’s two Carmel concerts are almost sold out, which is not surprising. After all, this award-winning postfolk artist is a big shot, not only commercially successful, but also a good vocalist and an even better lyricist—a rare and sought-after combination. The concerts benefiting Big Sur Park School can be partially explained by the fact that Joshua Tillman, the man behind the stage name, seems to be fond of Big Sur. One day in 2010, he left his indie folk band Fleet Foxes, where he was a drummer, and drove down the coast to Big Sur in a van with a bag of psychedelic mushrooms. He found himself naked on a limb, contemplating the place of humanity in the scheme of the cosmos. Soon he moved to Los Angeles and started working on a novel, creating an alter ego for himself, Father John Misty, on the way. His first Father John Misty album, Fear Fun, came out two years later, in 2012. The following year, Tillman was married in Big Sur, apparently taking a liking to the area that never loses its appeal of austerity that can be useful for the artistic process, per Henry Miller and Ansel Adams. While Tillman is not a Californian (born in Maryland, debuted in Seattle), his music and texts grasp the essence of modern post-hipster California life: beach, drugs, sarcasm and often a genuine search for spirituality. His biggest banger to date is “Real Love Baby” from Pure Comedy, 2017, easy yet fresh in its seductiveness. His most iconic song remains “Hollywood Forever Cemetery” from Fear Fun, known also for its video with actress Aubrey Plaza, who first became famous for her role as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation. “I’m Writing a Novel” from the same album is one of the tracks that fully demonstrates Father John Misty’s lyrical abilities, sense of humor and critical thinking. He collaborated with Lana Del Rey in “Buddy’s Rendezvous” from the album Chloë and the Next 20th Century, released in 2022. His latest album is 2024’s Mahashmashana, with the scratchy and provocative “She Cleans Up” as a single, evidence that Tillman is able to steadily evolve. With six albums as Father John Misty and several previously under the name J. Tillman, he has developed an enviable following. Father John Misty plays 7pm Thursday, Dec. 18 and Friday, Dec. 19. Sunset Center, San Carlos and 9th, Carmel. $65-$106. (831) 620-2048, sunsetcenter.org. BRADLEY J. CALDER Critical Mass The highly acclaimed Father John Misty plays two concerts in support of Big Sur Park School. By Agata Popęda Joshua Tillman was not always Father John Misty. Before embracing his current stage name, he recorded eight albums as J. Tillman. GIFT One GET One MONTEREY LANES 2161 N. Fremont St., Monterey 373.1553 VALLEY CENTER BOWL 1081 S. Main Street, Salinas 422.9031 STOP IN TODAY AND RELIEVE THAT HOLIDAY STRESS! *Promotional gift card valid 1/2/15-3/31/15. Not valid for alcohol of for league fees. is Holiday Season, spread a little cheer …and keep some for yourself! Buy $100 worth of gift cards and get a $20 Promotional Gift Card FREE* Buy $50 worth of gift cards and get a $10 Promotional Gift Card FREE* Give the perfect gi that can be enjoyed by everyone on your holiday list, PLUS get a gi card for yourself! MONTEREY LANES 2161 N. Fremont St., Monterey 373.1553 VALLEY CENTER BOWL 1081 S. Main Street, Salinas 422.9031 Buy $100 worth of gift cards and get a $20 Promotional Gift Card FREE* This Holiday Season, spread a little cheer …and keep some for yourself! STOP IN TODAY AND RELIEVE THAT HOLIDAY STRESS! *Promotional gift card valid 1/2/26 - 3/31/26. Not valid for alcohol or league fees. Buy $50 worth of gift cards and get a $10 Promotional Gift Card FREE* Give the perfect gift that can be enjoyed by everyone on your holiday list, PLUS get a gift card for yourself! Gift One Get One Your COZY STAY in the heart of Monterey! Book your stay today! elcastellmotel.com (831) 372-8176 • Minutes from the Aquarium, Cannery Row, and stunning beaches • Heated indoor pool for year-round relaxation • Clean, comfortable rooms at great rates
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