Whalefest Music
MUSIC has always been a vital part of the Whalefest experience, with live performances by local bands and orchestras filling Old Fisherman’s Wharf with vibrant sound.
MBARI has been capturing whale songs through its hydrophone since 2015.
John Ryan is one of the researchers involved in this project.
2025 MUSICIANS lineup featured:
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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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🌐 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 (PPnJ) has several videos from the Whalefest in 2024 on their YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu5VZupi-JM&list=PLkwuvhQid5lc9poDMiYGUEMuS0iy2Msm7&index=3.
Videos from past Whalefest https://whalefest.ort/pacific-pop-n-jazz
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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.”
David Holodiloff and Friends
Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band
Il Cantori
HOLYSEA: Rachael Chloe Williams
David Holodiloff
Hālau Hula Hi’ilani ‘O Ke Kai Dancers
Pacific Pop ‘n’ Jazz
Better Together, Shelley & John Jemison
Phil Price
Michael Martinez and Dave Holodiloff
Nicholas Fettis
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