The holidays always seem to slow the live music scene to a trickle, but The Siren in Morro Bay keeps the beat flowing.
The Industry kicks the week off on Friday, Jan. 2 (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.; 21-and-older). This Central Coast cover act plays music from the 1980s through the 2000s in a mix of styles, “blending soulful country, high-energy pop, and hard rock attitude into one unforgettable live experience,” according to their bio. “From the smooth ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ of Chris Stapleton to the powerhouse vocals of Kelly Clarkson and the raw edge of Ozzy Osbourne, The Industry covers it all with style, skill, and serious heart.”
Next up at The Siren, The Rivals play a free matinee show on Saturday, Jan. 3 (2 to 5 p.m.; 21-and-older). They formed in 2017 when musicians Jordan Lewis and Kelly Pray teamed up in Bakersfield. Later, they recruited longtime friend Travis McNinch to play drums, and Todd Bentley to play bass.
“Kelly’s delicate vocals and affinity for country music coupled with Jordan’s love of all things blues and grunge gave rise to their attitude, and name, The Rivals,” their bio explained. “Since their beginning, The Rivals have leaned heavily into their varied influences creating a style all their own.”
During their tenure, the band has opened for Grammy Award-winning country star Suzy Bogguss, CMA nominee Easton Corbin, and up and comer Jimmie Allen. In addition to some popular covers, they’ve incorporated originals into their sets—songs like “Country Song,” “Let Me Feel You Breathe,” “Firestorm,” and “Won’t Give In.”
Later that same day, The Deudze play a free evening show on Saturday, Jan. 3 (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.; 21-and-older). This Paso Robles-based quartet plays alt-pop, rock, funk, and more. Formed in 2019 over social media, they found they had a shared love of Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, or anything funky and catchy.
Influences include MGMT, Cake, and Weezer, and with all members combined, they have 60 years of experience. Expect two-part vocal harmonies and killer guitar solos.
Lastly, Different Drum (A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt) comes to Morro Bay on Sunday, Jan. 4 (5 to 7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $13.17 presale at tixr.com or $15 at the door). Fronted by Cassi Nicholls, she and her band strive for a faithful re-creation that takes you from the early days with the Stone Poneys on through the decades as Ronstadt became a superstar.
Expect to hear songs such as “Long, Long Time,” “You’re No Good,” “Silver Threads,” “Blue Bayou,” “When Will I Be Loved,” “Tracks of My Tears,” “It’s So Easy,” “Desperado,” and, of course, “Different Drum.”
With 79-year-old Linda Ronstadt now retired from performing, Different Drum may be the next best thing.
Country gold
The five musicians of the band The Hit Men of Country have toured and recorded with tons of country stars. Now they’re coming to The Clark Center on Saturday, Jan. 3 (2 p.m.; all ages; $45 to $65 at clarkcenter.org) to perform fan favorites like “Big Green Tractor,” “Somebody Like You,” “I Swear,” “No One Else,” and “God Bless the USA.”
You can also expect to hear behind-the-scenes stories from the road.
“These are intimate, funny, and heartfelt moments from years spent touring with some of the biggest names in country music,” their bio explains. “It’s a rare peek into the real-life experiences of the players behind the stars.”
The performers include Doug Carter (keys, vocals), who’s toured with Lee Greenwood, the Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Debbie Boone, Sam Moore, Doug Stone, Little River Band, Pam Tillis, and the Bellamy Brothers.
Jayson Chance (electric guitar, vocals) is a third generation professional Nashville musician who’s worked with Gretchen Wilson, Ty Herndon, Thompson Square, Tyler Farr, Tracy Lawrence, Montgomery Gentry, Jamie O’Neal, Colt Ford, and numerous others.
Jeff Zona (acoustic guitar, vocals) was featured in the Spotlight column of Guitar Player magazine at the age of 19 and has toured with folks like Grammy winner David Ball, The Bellamy Brothers, and Lorrie Morgan.
David Northrup (drums) has worked with John Waite, The James Brown Horns, John Mellencamp, Les Dudek, and The Disco Biscuits, as well as country artists such as Wynonna Judd, Travis Tritt, Joe Diffie, Doug Stone, Tanya Tucker, Lila McCann, Jo De Messina, Jo-El Sonnier, Pam Tillis, Ty Herndon, Connie Smith, Gene Watson, Deborah Allen, and Louise Mandrell.
Don Mott (bass, vocals) is a former Marine who played bass for the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden Gate in California and for the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band in Hawaii. He’s worked with Kevin Sharp, Mark Wills, and Wade “Old Enough to Know Better” Hayes.
This ought to be an amazing night for country music.
Jersey goombah
It’s not live music, but DJ Pauly D will pump you up when Good Vibez brings him to the Fremont Theater on Thursday, Jan. 8 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $63.32 at prekindle.com).
Née Paul DelVecchio, he’s a well-known DJ, television personality, and entrepreneur who rose to fame as a cast member of MTV’s Jersey Shore.
“Known for his high-energy DJ sets and infectious personality, Pauly D has performed at major venues and festivals around the world, securing his place in the EDM scene,” his bio explained. “His hit singles, successful Las Vegas residencies, and role on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation have kept him in the spotlight. Pauly D’s iconic style and ability to get the crowd pumped make him a fan-favorite wherever he performs.” ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in 2025 Year in Review.