28 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 25-31, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com Al James Band | RB Site 9: Bonifacio Stage, Alvarado St 9:00-9:45 | 10:00-10:45 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. Ashe Ensemble | WM **NEW TO FNM** Site 12: World Stage, Alvarado Street 8:00-8:45 | 9:00-9:45 | 10:00-10:45 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. Kevin O’Neal Quartet | JZ **NEW TO FNM** Site 15: Monterey Center for Spiritual Living 8:45-9:15 | 9:30-10 | 10:15–10:45 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. Everyday People | JZ RB **NEW TO FNM** Site 18: Serra Ballroom, Monterey Conference Center 10:15-11:00 | 11:15-Midnight 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. Bad Machine | IND **NEW TO FNM** Site 11: Golden State Theater 7:45-8:15 | 8:30-9:00 | 9:15-9:45 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. AM=AMERICANA | DA=DANCE | IND=INDIE/ROCK | JZ=JAZZ/LATIN | RB=BLUES/R&B | 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 22: Steinbeck 2, Monterey Conference Center 8:45-9:15 | 9:30-10:00 | 10:15-10:45 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 Lion Dance Team | DA More than just physical exercise or a fitness routine, MPC Taiji Qigong students perform a short, early-form Yang-style sequence known as Taiji Qigong I. Monterey Bay Healing Tao & MPC TAaiji Qigong | DA 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. Featuring youth and young adult dancers from Dianne Lyle’s AfroLatin Jazz classes at the Pacific Grove Recreation Department. Di Franco Dance Project | DA Site 7: Alvarado Street Galleria 7:30-8:00 | 8:15-8:45 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 | EN Site 14: Alvarado St. Illumination Art 7:30–8:00 | 8:45–9:15 | 10:00–10:30 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. Miranda Perl & Brice Albert | JZ Site 21: Steinbeck 1, Monterey Conference Center 6:30-7:00 | 7:15-7:45 | 8:00-8:30 This South Monterey County High School District band brings a blend of ’90s grunge grit and fresh pop rock. Rock fans can enjoy performances by these talented young artists from King City High School. South Monterey County High School District Rock Bands | IND Site 12: Franklin Street Stage 5:00-5:30 | 6:15- 6:30 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. Singing Wood Marimba | WM Site 21: Steinbeck 1 8:45-9:15 | 9:30-10:00 | 10:15-10:45 This group recreates the atmosphere of a British folk club; with songs, storytelling, and humor and has been described by the press as “indie folk-rock with a Celtic twist.” Site 22: Steinbeck 2, Monterey Conference Center 6:30-7:00 | 7:15-7:45 | 8:00-8:30 Grumbling Ginger | AM **NEW TO FNM** **NEW TO FNM** Site 7: Alvarado Street Galleria 9:00-9:30 | 9:45-10:15 | 10:30-11:00 Site 7: Galleria, Alvarado Street Times: 6:45-7:30 Experience the power and precision of ShinshoMugen Daiko, a Taiko drumming group founded in 1999. Combining traditional Japanese drumming with martial arts elements, Taiko—meaning “big drum”—has long been featured in festivals, religious rituals, and orchestras of the Imperial Palace. Shinsho-Mugen Daiko | WM Site 1: Serra Ballroom, Monterey Conference Center 3:15-3:45 | 4:00-4:45 EN=ENTERTAINMENT | CO=COUNTRY ***FINALE BAND*** 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. Southbound 101 | CO Site 18: Serra Ballroom, Monterey Conference Center 8:00-8:45 | 9:00-9:45 **NEW TO FNM** EVENING PERFORMING ARTS
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