Music & Musicians
Performances & Dance Troupes
MUSIC has always been a vital part of the Whalefest experience, with live performances by local groups, bands, dance troupes, and orchestras filling Monterey Old Fisherman’s Wharf with vibrant sound. Each year, Whalefest is lucky to have amazing musicians join the free community event.
2027 Musicians, Performances & Dance Troupes
COMING SOON
Enjoy 2 days
of free music
2026 Musicians, Performances & Dance Troupes
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the talented musicians and dancers who have contributed their extraordinary gifts to Whalefest. The harmony of your music, paired with the elegance of your movements, brings a unique and vibrant energy to our celebration of marine life.
~Whalefest Monterey
Il Cantori
🔗HOLYSEA: Rachael Chloe Williams
Chinas Oaxaqueñas
Arthur Wu
Monterey High School
🔗 Nā Haumāna
PIANIST & WHALEFEST WHALE SONG COMPOSER
GET TO KNOW NICHOLAS FETTIS
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Check out Nicholas’s YouTube {YouTube}
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Get to know Nick {See Bio}
Nicholas Fettis, a native of California, began his music career in his junior high school orchestra, where he learned the art of playing and composing on many instruments, including piano. As a high schooler, he felt honored to have one of his first compositions, a string quartet, performed by students in memory of Robert Kennedy in June of 1968. His family life, encapsulated by Greek culture, greatly influences him through music, philosophy and spirituality. He attributes his upbringing to the inspiration he finds in life: a love for the natural world, the theosophical heritages of mankind, and the value of every living being.
After graduating from the University of California Berkeley Music Department in 1973, Baldwin Piano Company contracted Nicholas for four years, and he started his own piano business shortly thereafter. His 40 year career as a music technician and composer has allowed him the opportunity to work with every kind of piano and a variety of artists, with notable clients including Diana Krall, Francis Ford Coppola, Karl Malden, Shelly Berg, David Benoit, Tom Waits, Jonathon Lee and Tony Bennett.
He now resides in Carmel Valley, California, where he maintains a steady music practice of composing and recording. He is a veteran at the annual Big Sur International Marathon, where he serenades thousands of athletes running along the scenic Highway One. He frequently plays for local events and concerts, such as the Fisherman’s Wharf “Whalefest,” where he synchronizes his music with Humpback whale calls.
Nicholas composed the wedding music for his marriage to Mary Alice, and has composed seven full-length albums since then; his most recent is an eponymous tribute to Yosemite National Park, titled “Yosemite: the Soundtrack.” His son Peter started singing before he could walk, and he transposed those songs into piano compositions, such as “Wake Up the Rainbow” and “Cook Bananas!”
Nicholas’ next step is to record an album on acoustic piano and convert it live to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), a first in the music industry. It is his lifetime goal of sharing a love for music that continues to inspire him.
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Learn more about Nicholas Fettis’s albums at https://nicholasfettis.bandcamp.com/
Dr. John Ryan & Nicholas Fettis
MBARI has been capturing whale songs through its hydrophone since 2015. Dr. John Ryan is one of the researchers involved in this project.
Blast From The Past - Music on YouTube
Attn Musicians & Performers: Do you have past videos? Send links our way for the opportunity to be featured.
Blast From The Past Performances
* Music performance videos do not have Closed Captioning available.
Michael Martinez and David Holodiloff
* Music performance videos do not have Closed Captioning available.
🔗David Holodiloff and Friends
Il Cantori
2026 Bands, Musicians & Performers
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Arthur Wu is a musician and Carmel local and has just finished singing a last minute comprimario role with Westbay opera in palo alto, in the opera Salome by Richard Strauss. He specializes in singing classical music, particularly opera, but also enjoys singing rock, jazz, blues, you name it. Locally Arthur has sung with various groups such as the bach festival, I Cantori di Carmel, Choral artists of carmel. In addition to singing, he also enjoys playing piano works by composers like Chopin, Liszt, and Beethoven.
Arthur Wu is a local of Carmel and a musician who sings a variety of styles and plays classical piano. Bumping into him scavenging h'ordeuvres, you may ask him WHERE he sings! He will answer in riddles!! Do not ask him that, because when he tells you that he just finished singing a comprimario role with Westbay Opera in the production Salome by Richard Strauss this February as well as a whole bunch of other gigs during the holidays and a church job at First Presbyterian Church of Monterey, your mind will scramble to make sense of it. This is no ordinary man, this man talks in third person! Your interest fades as he explains what you asked him to explain and as your eyes glaze over, he smiles and asks you if you know the muffin man. You quickly regain your senses as the food on the plate you were holding is now gone. As you are reading this, he is probably also reading it with you and nodding along looking over your shoulder. You turn to look and he's gone... just a dude, doing dude things like a dude does
📧 arfoohuroo@aol.com
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Marj Ingram Viales, guitar
Paulette Lynch, Hammered Dulcimer
Jackie Pierce, Fiddle
Pat Skinner, Mandolin
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We are a group of women who form the Chinas Oaxaqueñas San Pablo Apóstol community to celebrate our religious festivities and to inspire new generations to embrace our culture and traditions.
As we celebrate our traditions, we also open our arms to the next generation. We dance so our daughters, nieces, and young community members can see themselves reflected in this heritage. We dance so they inherit pride, strength, and a deep love for where we come from.
📧 Marie Romero lunacreciente235@gmail.com
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John and Shelly Jemison sing and play classic acoustic Americana and tight harmonies including a few sea shanties from the past.
📩 Email: dirtdr59@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@better-together59/featured
🎶Is This The Land Of The Free https://open.spotify.com/album/4Q16Mfd9y87MR6XG0rWuOD
ABOUT: John and Shelley Jemison
“Shelley and John Jemison are good by themselves, but, like their band name, they are Better Together. This husband and wife musical duo is now based in Carmel, CA and they enjoy playing in California and across the west performing at wineries, musical events, breweries, and bars.
While in Maine, Shelley was a speech language pathologist working in home health. John was an Extension Professor of Soil and Water Quality for more than 30 years for the University of Maine conducting educational outreach, applied research, and teaching. Now they look forward to focusing on performing, song writing, and enjoying playing in the "golden rolling hills of California".
They are accepting bookings and look forward to new collaborations! With a Bose L1 - Pro 8 sound system, the duo is looking for opportunities to play in California, Colorado, and the Western United States. “
“Music has been very important over the course of their lives. For nearly five decades, playing guitar and singing have been John's favorite avocation. After meeting in 1993, John learned of Shelley's lovely voice and capacity for gorgeous, lilting harmonies.
John and Shelley are primarily a cover duo, but an original song or two might find its way into a set list.“
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Ocean Colored Indie Pop Music by local singer/songwriter Rachael Williams.
IG: @holysea.love
Videos:https://holysea.love/video
Instagram: www.instagram.com/holysea.love/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holysea_music
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A cornerstone of the Monterey Peninsula’s musical community brings choral masterworks, and sea shanties at Whalefest under the artistic direction of Daniel Henriks.
📞 (831) 644-8012
ABOUT: https://www.icantori.org/about/ “I Cantori di Carmel,The Singers Of Carmel, where the power of choral music meets the beauty of community connection.
Since 1981, I Cantori di Carmel (ICDC) has been dedicated to bringing classic and unexpected choral works to California's Central Coast. Now led by Music Director, Daniel Henriks, who is acclaimed for his versatility and passion in his international career as a conductor and dramatic Baritone; our symphonic choir and orchestra bring performances to life that truly connect with our audiences.
At ICDC, we believe in the power of music to change lives. We're committed to preserving the beauty of great choral works while making them accessible to everyone in our community. An organization operated mainly by volunteers, our commitment extends beyond the stage with a dynamic Board of Directors who strive to help the organization enrich both itself and the community through live performances, artist programs, and active music education tools within the choir and within the community.
You can engage with our mission in numerous ways. Support us by becoming a donor, purchasing tickets to our upcoming concerts and fundraisers, volunteering your time, or even participating as a singer.
Whether you're a seasoned choral enthusiast or new to the world of classical music, there's a place for you. Join us as we continue to share the power of music and bring people together, one note at a time.”
Videos: https://www.icantori.org/listen/
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Family focused outrigger canoe center and hula hālua based out of Monterey, founded in 1984.
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🎼Monterey High Select Strings
🎼Monterey High Jazz Band
🌐 MUSIC PROGRAM: https://montereyhigh.mpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=972217&type=d&pREC_ID=1412605
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Specializes in traditional music, dance, and cultural education rooted in Hawaiian values of aloha, lifelong learning, community, and ohana (family)
Louella Sumler, President/Director, Nā Haumāna Inc
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Nicholas Fettis & His Whalefest Monterey "Orca" - stra Pod Blends of invigorating original music and Whale Songs from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
🌐 https://nicholasfettismusic.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC66CneNYS2eLuxWPWFyuxAA
Bio: https://nicholasfettismusic.com/bio
“Nicholas Fettis, a native of California, began his music career in his junior high school orchestra, where he learned the art of playing and composing on many instruments, including piano. As a high schooler, he felt honored to have one of his first compositions, a string quartet, performed by students in memory of Robert Kennedy in June of 1968. His family life, encapsulated by Greek culture, greatly influences him through music, philosophy and spirituality. He attributes his upbringing to the inspiration he finds in life: a love for the natural world, the theosophical heritages of mankind, and the value of every living being.
After graduating from the University of California Berkeley Music Department in 1973, Baldwin Piano Company contracted Nicholas for four years, and he started his own piano business shortly thereafter. His 40 year career as a music technician and composer has allowed him the opportunity to work with every kind of piano and a variety of artists, with notable clients including Diana Krall, Francis Ford Coppola, Karl Malden, Shelly Berg, David Benoit, Tom Waits, Jonathon Lee and Tony Bennett.
He now resides in Carmel Valley, California, where he maintains a steady music practice of composing and recording. He is a veteran at the annual Big Sur International Marathon, where he serenades thousands of athletes running along the scenic Highway One. He frequently plays for local events and concerts, such as the Fisherman’s Wharf “Whalefest,” where he synchronizes his music with Humpback whale calls.
Nicholas composed the wedding music for his marriage to Mary Alice, and has composed seven full-length albums since then; his most recent is an eponymous tribute to Yosemite National Park, titled “Yosemite: the Soundtrack.” His son Peter started singing before he could walk, and he transposed those songs into piano compositions, such as “Wake Up the Rainbow” and “Cook Bananas!”
Nicholas’ next step is to record an album on acoustic piano and convert it live to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), a first in the music industry. It is his lifetime goal of sharing a love for music that continues to inspire him.”
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Philip Price Music
Phil's repertoire includes Country, Rock, Pop, Folk, Jazz, Broadway, Movie Music, and some Sea Shanties.
🔗https://philpricemusic.com/music
Performance Engagements are available through Kelly Productions (kellypro.com) in Monterey.
EMAIL: jkelly@kellypro.com
PHONE: 831-375-7270 ext. 2SETLIST: https://philpricemusic.com/set-lists
ABOUT: “Philip Price has been playing and performing music since the mid 60's and has released several albums which are available on iTunes, Amazon, and other digital services, as well as philpricemusic.com
Phil's most recent album, "Love Mix" which was released in 2022, features Phil as solo vocalist with guitar with guest vocalists and instrumentalists from California. In 2020, Phil released an Album called "Sixteen Tunes" featuring Phil as solo vocalist on guitar. Phil's 2015 album "Lend Me Your Ears" was a large-scale production with Phil as lead vocalist, accompanied by 4 other singers and over 35 professional musicians for instrumentation.
Phil plays guitar, piano, bass, and released another album called "Odyssey" in 2010, which features 11 original piano compositions.
Since coming to the Monterey Peninsula 5 years ago, Phil joined and sings with the Monterey Peninsula Voices Choir and has performed numerous times as a solo or duet vocalist with guitar in the area.
Phil's repertoire includes Country, Blues, Pop, Folk, Jazz, Broadway, and Movie Music.
Before Retiring, Phil held various executive positions in health care and information technology across the country and has a Ph.D. Degree in Biology from University of Pennsylvania.”
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A 15 piece community band, based in Hollister, that plays big band jazz as well as popular music.
📞 831-205-9396
Management & Booking with Wendy Rothwell
Pacific Pop ‘n’ Jazz has several videos from the 2024 Whalefest Monterey event. Enjoy them at:
🎥YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu5VZupi-JM&list=PLkwuvhQid5lc9poDMiYGUEMuS0iy2Msm7&index=3.
🎥Videos at Whalefest: htts://whalefest.org/pacific-pop-n-jazz
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Is a saxophone quintet that plays a wide variety of music including swing, rock and roll, and classical pieces.
Booking & Information:
Contact: Bill Nestler
📞(831) 346-7476
Performing at Whalefest
Royal Garden Blues:https://youtu.be/WHzSSFhnnWw
Charleston: https://youtu.be/_JH1nzVabSQ
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The Youth Music Monterey Chamber Ensembles consist of outstanding members from our Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras. Our Bravo Brass and Woodwind Trio cover a range of works from classical composers to arrangements of popular songs. Each group aims to create a blend and beauty of their combined instruments through challenging and invigoration music.
🌐 www.youthmusicmonterey.org
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The Youth Music Monterey Chamber Ensembles consist of outstanding members from our Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras. Our Bravo Brass and Woodwind Trio cover a range of works from classical composers to arrangements of popular songs. Each group aims to create a blend and beauty of their combined instruments through challenging and invigoration music.
🌐 www.youthmusicmonterey.org
2025 Bands, Musicians & Performers
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📩 Email: dirtdr59@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@better-together59/featured
🎶Is This The Land Of The Free https://open.spotify.com/album/4Q16Mfd9y87MR6XG0rWuOD
ABOUT: John and Shelley Jemison
“Shelley and John Jemison are good by themselves, but, like their band name, they are Better Together. This husband and wife musical duo is now based in Carmel, CA and they enjoy playing in California and across the west performing at wineries, musical events, breweries, and bars.
While in Maine, Shelley was a speech language pathologist working in home health. John was an Extension Professor of Soil and Water Quality for more than 30 years for the University of Maine conducting educational outreach, applied research, and teaching. Now they look forward to focusing on performing, song writing, and enjoying playing in the "golden rolling hills of California".
They are accepting bookings and look forward to new collaborations! With a Bose L1 - Pro 8 sound system, the duo is looking for opportunities to play in California, Colorado, and the Western United States. “
“Music has been very important over the course of their lives. For nearly five decades, playing guitar and singing have been John's favorite avocation. After meeting in 1993, John learned of Shelley's lovely voice and capacity for gorgeous, lilting harmonies.
John and Shelley are primarily a cover duo, but an original song or two might find its way into a set list.“
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🌐 https://www.daveholodiloff.com/
📩daveholodiloff@gmail.com📞 831-521-3877 Start booking inquiries via email first.
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ABOUT: https://paddle.kekai.org/about-us
“We are a multigenerational community united to preserve the Hawaiian culture and craft through hula and outrigger canoeing. We work together to support each other, to protect the land and sea, and to share Hawaiian traditions with future generations.”
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📞 (831) 644-8012
ABOUT: https://www.icantori.org/about/ “I Cantori di Carmel,The Singers Of Carmel, where the power of choral music meets the beauty of community connection.
Since 1981, I Cantori di Carmel (ICDC) has been dedicated to bringing classic and unexpected choral works to California's Central Coast. Now led by Music Director, Daniel Henriks, who is acclaimed for his versatility and passion in his international career as a conductor and dramatic Baritone; our symphonic choir and orchestra bring performances to life that truly connect with our audiences.
At ICDC, we believe in the power of music to change lives. We're committed to preserving the beauty of great choral works while making them accessible to everyone in our community. An organization operated mainly by volunteers, our commitment extends beyond the stage with a dynamic Board of Directors who strive to help the organization enrich both itself and the community through live performances, artist programs, and active music education tools within the choir and within the community.
You can engage with our mission in numerous ways. Support us by becoming a donor, purchasing tickets to our upcoming concerts and fundraisers, volunteering your time, or even participating as a singer.
Whether you're a seasoned choral enthusiast or new to the world of classical music, there's a place for you. Join us as we continue to share the power of music and bring people together, one note at a time.”
Videos: https://www.icantori.org/listen/
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🌐 https://www.kuumbwajazz.org/
📞 (831) 427-2227
📍Kuumbwa Jazz Center
320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Mission: https://www.kuumbwajazz.org/mission/
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Nicholas Fettis & His Humpback “Orca-stra”
🌐 https://nicholasfettismusic.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC66CneNYS2eLuxWPWFyuxAA
Bio: https://nicholasfettismusic.com/bio
“Nicholas Fettis, a native of California, began his music career in his junior high school orchestra, where he learned the art of playing and composing on many instruments, including piano. As a high schooler, he felt honored to have one of his first compositions, a string quartet, performed by students in memory of Robert Kennedy in June of 1968. His family life, encapsulated by Greek culture, greatly influences him through music, philosophy and spirituality. He attributes his upbringing to the inspiration he finds in life: a love for the natural world, the theosophical heritages of mankind, and the value of every living being.
After graduating from the University of California Berkeley Music Department in 1973, Baldwin Piano Company contracted Nicholas for four years, and he started his own piano business shortly thereafter. His 40 year career as a music technician and composer has allowed him the opportunity to work with every kind of piano and a variety of artists, with notable clients including Diana Krall, Francis Ford Coppola, Karl Malden, Shelly Berg, David Benoit, Tom Waits, Jonathon Lee and Tony Bennett.
He now resides in Carmel Valley, California, where he maintains a steady music practice of composing and recording. He is a veteran at the annual Big Sur International Marathon, where he serenades thousands of athletes running along the scenic Highway One. He frequently plays for local events and concerts, such as the Fisherman’s Wharf “Whalefest,” where he synchronizes his music with Humpback whale calls.
Nicholas composed the wedding music for his marriage to Mary Alice, and has composed seven full-length albums since then; his most recent is an eponymous tribute to Yosemite National Park, titled “Yosemite: the Soundtrack.” His son Peter started singing before he could walk, and he transposed those songs into piano compositions, such as “Wake Up the Rainbow” and “Cook Bananas!”
Nicholas’ next step is to record an album on acoustic piano and convert it live to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), a first in the music industry. It is his lifetime goal of sharing a love for music that continues to inspire him.”
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📞 831-205-9396
Management & Booking with Wendy Rothwell
Pacific Pop ‘n’ Jazz has several videos from the 2024 Whalefest Monterey event. Enjoy them at:
🎥YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu5VZupi-JM&list=PLkwuvhQid5lc9poDMiYGUEMuS0iy2Msm7&index=3.
🎥Videos at Whalefest: htts://whalefest.org/pacific-pop-n-jazz
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Booking & Information:
Contact: Bill Nestler
📞(831) 346-7476
Performing at Whalefest
Royal Garden Blues: https://youtu.be/WHzSSFhnnWw
Charleston: https://youtu.be/_JH1nzVabSQ
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🌐 https://philpricemusic.com/home
Bio: https://philpricemusic.com/bio
Music: https://philpricemusic.com/music
Contact: https://philpricemusic.com/contact
ABOUT PHIL PRICE: “Philip Price has been playing and performing music since the mid 60's and has released several albums which are available on iTunes, Amazon, and other digital services, as well as philpricemusic.com
Phil's most recent album, "Love Mix" which was released in 2022, features Phil as solo vocalist with guitar with guest vocalists and instrumentalists from California. In 2020, Phil released an Album called "Sixteen Tunes" featuring Phil as solo vocalist on guitar. Phil's 2015 album "Lend Me Your Ears" was a large-scale production with Phil as lead vocalist, accompanied by 4 other singers and over 35 professional musicians for instrumentation.
Phil plays guitar, piano, bass, and released another album called "Odyssey" in 2010, which features 11 original piano compositions.
Since coming to the Monterey Peninsula 5 years ago, Phil joined and sings with the Monterey Peninsula Voices Choir and has performed numerous times as a solo or duet vocalist with guitar in the area.
Phil's repertoire includes Country, Blues, Pop, Folk, Jazz, Broadway, and Movie Music.
Before Retiring, Phil held various executive positions in health care and information technology across the country and has a Ph.D. Degree in Biology from University of Pennsylvania.”
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🌐 https://www.watsonvilleband.org/
MUSIC: https://www.watsonvilleband.org/music.html
ABOUT: “he Watsonville Community Band is a non-profit public benefit corporation comprised of all volunteers. We are organized for the specific purpose of providing members the opportunity to play music, both for their enjoyment and education, and the entertainment of our community.”