First, don’t forget the New Times Music Awards is at Rod & Hammer Rock on Friday, Nov. 21 (7 p.m.; all ages; $15 at my805tix.com). You’ll hear performances by Dubwise Collective, Gehrig Kniffen, Harmony Chabot, Hot 45, Miss Leo, Pete Pidgeon, The Flower Machine, and The Vargo Paradox.
The next day, turn around and head back to Rod & Hammer for Central Coast Sessions, a KCBX benefit concert, on Saturday, Nov. 22 (noon to 9 p.m.; all ages; $28.62 at my805tix.com).
“Central Coast Sessions is a celebration of community spirit and resilience,” organizers announced. “With the elimination of federal funding for the crucial resource that is public radio, it’s up to the SLO community to keep KCBX strong. Help us keep the sound waves rolling by enjoying the music of legendary local musicians.”
It’s a heckuva an all-day lineup starting with funk act The New Analog (noon), folkies Two Paper Squares (1 p.m.), soulgrass band Miss Leo & the Handsome Fellers (2 p.m.), indie rock and pop group B & the Hive (3 p.m.), reggae band Eric Cotton & One Love Bomb (4 p.m.), alt-folk group Arthur Watership (5 p.m.), country rockers Low Power Trio featuring Mark Adams (6 p.m.), singer-songwriter Jade Jackson (7 p.m.), and ending with R&B and soul ensemble Hot 45 (8 p.m.).
“Really, really honored to be part of this show supporting a local station that’s been spinning my songs since the very beginning,” Jade Jackson, formerly of Santa Margarita but now of Nashville, wrote on social media. “Their support means the world. Don’t sleep on these tix—can’t wait to share the night with y’all. Joining me onstage will be my two all-time favorite musicians, Josh Wolfe and Matt Pynn.”
In addition to music, there’ll be a community raffle featuring donations and gifts from local businesses. KCBX-branded merchandise, along with commemorative items from Sight Study, will also be available for purchase.
“Join us for a day of incredible music, community connection, and heartfelt giving as we raise funds to support KCBX,” organizers added. “Together, we can make a difference!”
Retro-soul, man
Good Medicine and Good Vibez have teamed up to present The California Honeydrops on their Redwood Highway Tour at the Fremont Theater on Sunday, Nov. 23 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $50.96 at prekindle.com).
Led by their energetic Polish frontman and trumpet player, Lech Wierzynski, the Honeydrops mix R&B, blues, soul, and more into a super danceable blend of originals and select covers.
The band formed in the subway systems of Oakland and went from busking to becoming mainstays at music festivals such as Byron Bay Bluesfest (Australia), Outside Lands, Monterey Jazz, Lightning in a Bottle, and our own Live Oak Music Fest.
Also at the Fremont, see comedian Alfred Robles on his Banned in the USA tour on Saturday, Nov. 22 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $39.11 to $57.14 at prekindle.com). According to his bio, “After getting kicked out of the police academy, Alfred Robles rose to become one of the hottest young comedians in the country.”
Monster mash
Numbskull and Good Medicine are bringing Danish psychobilly band Nekromantix back to The Siren on Saturday, Nov. 22 (8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $26.47 at goodmedicinepresents.com). Founded in 1989, the band is led by singer and bassist Kim Nekroman, who plays a custom coffin-shaped instrument and whose lyrics focus on monster and horror themes.
They’ve released nine albums, and the punny titles clue you in to the theme: Hellbound (1989), Curse of the Coffin (1991), Brought Back to Life (1992), Demons are a Girl’s Best Friend (1996), Return of the Loving Dead (2002), Dead Girls Don’t Cry (2004), Life is a Grave & I Dig It! (2007), What Happens in Hell Stays in Hell (2011), and A Symphony of Wolf Tones & Ghost Notes (2016).
The Rumours open.
The Kings of Americana
Also this week at The Siren, Jeffrey Halford & the Healers play on Friday, Nov. 21 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; free). Halford, a terrific singer-songwriter, credits Wolfman Jack and AM radio for his musical awakening. As a kid, he loved everyone from Curtis Mayfield to Howlin’ Wolf, and he began to write his own music at 14 when he received his first guitar.
“After moving to San Francisco in 1977, Halford wandered the streets in search of live music,” his bio explained. “Persistence and feel earned him a regular spot alongside Harry Spider and Jimmy Ventilator, two of the city’s finest street musicians. These frequent sidewalk appearances earned him gigs with Oakland blues legends Sonny Lane, Mississippi Johnny Waters, and J.J. Malone.”
He and his band have been touring the U.S. and Europe for 30 years, and today he calls Taj Mahal, Los Lobos, George Thorogood, Gregg Allman, Etta James, John Hammond, and Texas Greats Augie Meyers, Guy Clark, and Robert Earl Keen influences.
“We’ll have a local drummer, Daryl ‘Fireman’ Vandruff, and Myron Dove on bass from Santana,” Halford said.
The Thanksgiving Eve extravaganza!
Murder Hornets are back with their beloved annual pre-Thanksgiving show that really brings out the locals. Head to The Siren on Wednesday, Nov. 26 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $8.45 at tixr.com), and prepare yourself for a night of the Murder Hornets’ rock ’n’ roll with a splash of surf, psychedelic, and punk. They mix covers and original tunes.
“There’s an opening set by The HERacanes, an all-female band from Laguna Beach,” Hornets vocalist and guitarist Glenn Shannon explained. “Also, this will be the fourth year with The Mad Alchemy (aka Lance Gordan). Lance has been providing his Analog Liquid Light Show with oils and paints since the early ’70s around the world, working with U.S. and world touring acts. Put your dancing shoes on and come on down and enjoy the music of this band of misfits.”
The HERacanes were started by former local dance teacher Karen Garman in early 2025, and the six members hail from far and wide but share a passion for rock ’n’ roll.
Guitarist Christine Taunton is from Lodi and is an ambassador of Venus Guitars, a line of instruments handcrafted especially for women. Bassist Holly West is from LA and is a member of the Led Zeppelin tribute act Zepperella. Vocalist Debi Red is from Morro Bay, as is percussionist Jaime Parker, who owned the Otter Rock Cafe for years. Guitarist Kelly G is from San Francisco.
This is a don’t-miss show for local rock fans.
City of Big Shoulders
Chicago, what can’t you do? You brought us the deep-dish pizza, the Ferris Wheel, Playboy magazine, and amazing blues and jazz. Now one of Chicago’s greats, soul singer Katie Kadan, comes to the Clark Center on Saturday, Nov. 22 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $45 to $65 at clarkcenter.org).
Once hailed “The Best Kept Secret in Chicago,” Kadan became a national sensation when she appeared on Season 17 of The Voice. John Legend, no slouch in the vocal department, even called her one of the best vocalists to ever grace the show. She blends gospel, blues, and soul, and has a potent, emotive delivery.
All that jazz!
There are two great shows for jazz fans this week. The SLO County Jazz Federation presents Charlie Shoemake Meets the Central Coast Jazz All-Stars in SLO’s Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church (1701 Fredericks St.) on Saturday, Nov. 22 (doors at 7, the show at 7:30 p.m.; all ages; $35 general, $25 for Jazz Fed members, and $10 for students at my805tix.com).
Shoemake is a masterful vibraphonist who toured with the George Shearing Quintet for seven years and recorded with jazz luminaries such as Phil Woods, Harold Land, Tommy Flanagan, and Hank Jones among many others. He’ll be joined by Dave Becker on sax, Jamaal Baptiste on piano, Ken Hustad on bass, and Darrell Voss on drums.
The next day, the Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club presents John’s Jazz All-Stars in the Oceano Elks Lodge (410 Airpark Drive) on Sunday, Nov. 23 (jam at 11 a.m., concert from 1 to 4 p.m.; all ages; $15 general, $10 for members and Elks, $5 for jammers at my805tix.com).
John’s Jazz includes top-notch players like saxophonist Scott Martin (of War), pianist Jim Barnett (former music director for Johnny Mathis), percussionist Darrell Voss (too many bands to name), bassist Michael Diaz (of Three Martini Lunch), and trumpet player and band leader David Johns. Mitch Latting and Kathryn Loomis provide vocals.
The Early Risers will open the show, and car lovers will be happy to learn the Paradise British Car Club will have autos on display. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Holiday Guide 2025.