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CALIFORNIA BLUEGRASS REUNION
WITH OTTER OPRY
AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
We are SO LUCKY!!! Every year, the home-grown and absolutely amazing California Bluegrass Reunion band comes back to celebrate our state’s rich bluegrass traditions. This all-star lineup of California-based musicians will be back on Wednesday, November 11th at the United Methodist Church to do it again on the Otter Opry stage. Let’s give them a warm welcome!
California Bluegrass Reunion is highlighted by the awesome fiddling of Chad Manning and features an abundance of original instrumentals from mandolinist John Reischman and banjo player Bill Evans. Anchoring the rhythm section is Jim Nunally on guitar and vocals, Mike Witcher on dobro, Max Schwartz on bass, and Sharon Gilchrist on mandolin. The show will open with a four-song set by Nell & Jim, featuring Jim Nunally on vocals, guitar and banjo, with Nell Robinson on vocals and miniflute.
These musicians have made music in various combinations for decades, and this performance is an incredible opportunity to see and hear them together once again. Online sales will end at 11am the day of the performance, so get your tickets early!
7pm.
$35/show (CBA members $30; Children under 15 free)
Online ticket sales will end at 11am on the day of the performance.
THE CROOKED JADES
WITH OTTER OPRY
AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The highly acclaimed bluegrass ensemble, The Crooked Jades, will be at Monterey United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 5th for a foot-stompin’ Otter Opry matinee performance. This unique band explores the roots of rural Americana, pushing boundaries and blurring categories with their fiery, soulful performances. As described in Bluegrass Unlimited: “Chords in unexpected places, out of this world harmonies, and some of the most powerfully-arranged material I’ve ever encountered.”
The Crooked Jades are known for their rare and obscure repertoire, beautiful original compositions, inspired arrangements and eclectic, often vintage instrumentation. Band members include Jeff Kazor (vocals/guitar/ukulele), Joshua Zucker (bass), Lisa Berman (vocals/slide guitar/banjo/harmonium), Amy Kassir (fiddle) and Erik Pearson (vocals/banjos/ukulele/harmonium/slide guitar). The Crooked Jades began with band leader/founder Jeff Kazor's vision to revive the sounds of pre-radio music, and they are on a mission to reimagine old-world music for a modern age.
Renowned for their captivating performances and innovative approach to traditional bluegrass, The Crooked Jades have garnered widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Don’t miss this awesome matinee! Online ticket sales will end at 9am the day of the performance. Tickets will be available at the door.
3pm.
$35/show (CBA members $30; Children under 15 free)
Online ticket sales will end at 9am on the day of the performance.
JESSE APPELMAN’S WEST COAST STRINGBAND
WITH OTTER OPRY
AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Let’s start the year off right! How? By putting a big 🎶 on your calendar for Saturday, January 30th at 3pm, which is when Jesse Appelman’s West Coast Stringband will hit the Otter Opry stage full force. The band unites standout musicians from the California bluegrass scene, crafting a sound defined by strong melodies, rich vocal harmonies, and rock-solid groove. Their music blurs the lines between bluegrass, old-time, and country, focusing on collective, joyful music-making.
The group is anchored by Jesse Appelman, an Oakland-based mandolinist whose credits include work with the Sam Grisman Project and Brothers Comatose. Other artists float in and out of the band; this time it will be Billy Moore on banjo (he played with Del Williams, Leah Wollenberg on fiddle (she plays with Critical Grass), and Yoseff Tucker on guitar (he’s played with everybody). For this special performance, they’ll be joined by legendary bassist Mark Schatz, who’s added his amazing talent to
shows with Tony Rice and Béla Fleck, among others.
The West Coast Stringband offers a glimpse into the future of California’s vibrant roots music scene, delivering an energetic live show that is deeply informed by tradition while exploring fresh textures and tones. The band’s repertoire features original compositions alongside gems from the Stanley Brothers, Norman Blake, Hazel & Alice, John Hartford, Larry Sparks, and more. And it’s a matinee, so be sure to get your tickets early! Online sales will end at 9am the day of the performance. Tickets will be available at the door.
3pm.
$35/show (CBA members $30; Children under 15 free)
Online ticket sales will end at 11am on the day of the performance.
SHOWMAN & COOLE
WITH OTTER OPRY
AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Do you like – or actually *love* – fiddle and clawhammer banjo? Well, Otter Opry has just the show for you, as Showman & Coole brings their special brand of down-home music to Monterey on Friday, February 12th.
Through twenty years and a couple of thousand shows together in bands such as The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Lonesome Ace Stringband, John Showman and Chris Coole have developed a deep and instinctual musical bond. Their music lurks in a truly unique space that is somewhere on the outskirts of old-time, bluegrass, and folk. The songs of John Hartford, Hank Williams, Dock Boggs, and The Band share space with the fiddle tunes of Eck Robertson and Ed Haley. The duo’s original songs and tunes take in all these vistas and paint something both personal and timely.
Showman & Coole have performed across North America and Europe at festivals such as Merlefest, Rockygrass, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Mariposa, Wintergrass, Gooikroots, and The John Hartford Memorial Festival. In 2022, the duo released two albums; “Afield” a collection of old-time fiddle tunes, and “Much Further Out than Inevitable – A Tribute to Some Music of John Hartford.” Join us for dinner before the show to make the evening even more special ($15 in advance, $20 after February 6th).
3pm.
$35/show (CBA members $30; Children under 15 free)
Online ticket sales will end at 11am on the day of the performance.
CALEB & REEB AND THE CALI CUTUPS
WITH OTTER OPRY
AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Dust off your boots and gather ‘round for something truly special: An all-star cast of master musicians in cahoots with two genuine soul singers of country and bluegrass music, Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms. Caleb and Reeb are known to roots music fans across the globe for their soulful harmonies, driving dance tunes, classic original songs, and commitment to the raw truth of rural American music – and they’ll be gracing the Otter Opry stage on Friday, March 12th with The Cali Cutups.
The Cali Cutups is an American roots, honky-tonk, and traditional bluegrass band led by Caleb and Reeb, featuring Brandon Godman (fiddle), Jack Kinney (banjo), and Zach Sharpe (upright bass and vocals). The band’s repertoire is made up of original songs and tunes as well as gems from American roots collections, and the music they make is Americana in the truest sense of the word.
The blend of true harmonies, the sharply-written country and bluegrass songs, and the un-showy authenticity of this band strike a rich vein. They quietly pursue a musical vision without much of a care for what’s expected or in vogue at the time, and there’s a lot to admire in this singular perseverance and honesty. So c’mon down and warm yourself in the magic of this one-of-a-kind musical adventure. Join us for dinner before the show to make the evening even more special ($15 in advance, $20 after March 6th). Online sales will end at 11am the day of the performance. Tickets will be available at the door.
7pm.
$35/show (CBA members $30; Children under 15 free)
Online ticket sales will end at 11am on the day of the performance.
CONSTANT SORROW
WITH OTTER OPRY
AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
On Saturday, April 10th, a very special treat awaits you on the Otter Opry stage at Monterey United Methodist Church: Nathan Stanley’s tribute to his late grandfather, the great Dr. Ralph Stanley. Like they say, the apple don’t fall far from the tree. Nathan was the final lead singer for the Clinch Mountain Boys, and he is currently carrying forward his family’s rich bluegrass legacy with his band Constant Sorrow.
Born in the hills of Southwestern Virginia, Nathan Edmond Stanley inherited a rich bluegrass heritage that has shaped his remarkable career. At just two years old, he made his stage debut at the Grand Ole Opry, playing spoons alongside his grandfather and the famed Clinch Mountain Boys. By 2007, he had become the group’s lead singer and rhythm guitarist, stepping into a role once held by many of bluegrass and country music’s finest.
Nathan has remained committed to originality, saying, “If it’s been done, I don’t think I’ll do it that way.” Through decades of performing – spanning the U.S. and international tours – Nathan has racked up a mind-spinning number of awards and milestones. He has collaborated with music greats including Brad Paisley, George Jones, Marty Stuart, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, and Gene Watson, and now he’s coming to play for you. His grandpa would be so proud of him. Get your tickets early!
3pm.
$35/show (CBA members $30; Children under 15 free)
Online ticket sales will end at 11am on the day of the performance.
THE UNFAITHFUL SERVANTS
WITH OTTER OPRY
AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Once again, Otter Opry is breaking new ground for the sole purpose of enhancing your musical listening pleasure. This time it’s The Unfaithful Servants – one of Canada’s must-see acoustic acts – delivering a thrilling modern take on folk, bluegrass, and Americana. Known for explosive instrumentals, rich harmonies, and timeless songwriting, the band has earned a reputation as a powerhouse live draw across Western Canada. And now you get to see them as they set acoustic fire to the Otter Opry stage on Saturday, April 24th – and it’s a matinee, so you don’t even have to stay up late!
At the heart of the group is mandolinist Jesse Cobb, a founding member of The Infamous Stringdusters and a widely respected innovator on the mandolin. Alongside him is prolific songwriter and guitarist Dylan Stone, whose emotionally driven writing and commanding stage presence anchor the band’s sound. The lineup is rounded out by young fiddle standout Quin Etheridge-Pedden and anchored by bassist Mark Johnson.
The Unfaithful Servants’ sound is defined by raw emotion, intricate arrangements, and fearless
musicianship. With acclaimed appearances at Vancouver Island MusicFest, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues, Islands Folk Fest, and beyond, The Unfaithful Servants have established themselves as a formidable live act. Don’t miss it! Online sales will end at 9am the day of the performance. Tickets will be available at the door.
3pm.
$35/show (CBA members $30; Children under 15 free)
Online ticket sales will end at 11am on the day of the performance.
TANASI
WITH OTTER OPRY
AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Otter Opry just keeps booking the most incredible bands, and here we go again: On Thursday, May 27th, TANASI – a worldgrass trio that channels global folk traditions through the drive, textures, and close harmonies of an Appalachian string band – will be hitting the Otter Opry stage. With Billy Cardine on dobro and slide instruments, Anya Hinkle on vocals and guitar, and Mary Lucey on vocals, upright bass, and clawhammer banjo, the group unites three widely acclaimed roots artists whose combined careers span decades of touring, recording, and cross-cultural exchange.
TANASI’s music follows the invisible threads that connect cultures, landscapes, and hearts – from Nepal’s high plateaus and South African villages to the mountains of Appalachia – celebrating the shared human rhythms that surface wherever people gather to sing, dance, grieve, and love. The band crafts a rich, world-inspired mountain sound, blending the soulful echoes of roots artists from across the globe into music that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
“Certainly striking, certainly beautiful… everything one could look for in a bluegrass-tinged Americana,” says AmericanaUK. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime shows that you’d be really sorry to miss – so don’t! And you can make the evening even more special with dinner before the show ($15 in advance, $20 after May 22nd). Online sales will end at 11am the day of the performance. Tickets will be available at the door. See you there!
7pm.
$35/show (CBA members $30; Children under 15 free)
Online ticket sales will end at 11am on the day of the performance.
Otter Opry at Monterey United Methodist Church
1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, California 93940, United States