Main Stage Entertainment Lineup

Our Main Stage will showcase some of our favorite local bands and hot tribute bands, along with an artichoke eating contest, and artichoke canasta (harvest) contest.

Main Stage Performers Family Stage Performers

The 2022 Artichoke Festival invites bands and entertainers to email booking queries to our Entertainment Committee for consideration in this year’s event. Thank you!


2022 Main Stage Performers

Shane Dwight Main Artist

Shane dwight

Loaded with his six string gun, Shane Dwight fires away his own mix of blues-rock, country and soul to create a swagger sound. He astounds other players with his prowess and his confidence oozes out showing the crowd he’s boss. 

Shane grew up on a ranch in Morgan Hill, CA a few hours from San Jose and Monterey, where the air was fresh, and the sun was hot. Shane began to learn how to play guitar in high school, playing with friends and bands along the way, he started The Shane Dwight Blues Band at 28. His musical roots were FM radio, Album Oriented Rock artists like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. More influences from Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Albert King gave him the nod to take it even further.

His band went on to win the Monterey Blues Festival Battle of the Bands in 2001, and that’s when it began. When Shane stood on the same burn spot where Jim Hendrix once stood at the famed Monterey Blues Festival, he felt the mysterious aura seep into his bones. He has since crisscrossed this country and the world many a time, to bring the people what they want, his music – a blend of rock and blues with a little dash of country. 

Shane has performed over 3500 shows over the past 20 years, headlining at some of music’s most significant events; Beale Street Festival, Portland Waterfront, Reno Blues Festival, Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, Ottawa Blues Fest; sharing the stage with household names such as Blake Shelton, The Doobie Brothers and B.B. King. He’s backed off the 200 dates a year he once did, but he still brings the rock to the table and the blues to the dance floor.

Read more

The Lost Boys Band

THE LOST BOYS feat. James Durbin

THE LOST BOYS, FEAT. JAMES DURBIN, have been entertaining fans on the Central Coast for the last 7+ years with their blend of Classic Rock Covers, mainly from the 70’s & 80’s. The 4-piece band has been hired to perform for companies like Lockheed Martin, LifeAid, KSBW, Jacob’s Heart & more. Their high-energy shows have earned “The Lost Boys” annual headliner slots at The Capitola Art & Wine Festival, The Crow’s Nest Beach Parties & The Fallen Officer’s Ball. Featuring “American Idol” Alum & Frontman James Durbin, who’s 4 octave vocal range can be found on full display throughout their sets, performing classic hits by Journey, Foreigner, Billy Idol, The Cure, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, Led Zeppelin & many many more.

Read more

Money Band

The Money band

Fronted by charismatic lead vocalist and harmonica player Zoe Alexander, The Money Band performs with a remarkable intensity and fire that garners new fans and critical acclaim wherever and whenever they play. Playing every style from country to funk to disco to classic rock, reggae, modern rock and pop, with songs from The Beatles, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones, Kid Rock, David Bowie, KC & The Sunshine Band, AC/DC, Bruno Mars, Maroon 5 and many more of your favorites, The Money Band is famous for having a packed dance floor all night long! They have won Best Band in Monterey County more than 10 years including 2021.

The Money Band has shared the stage with many major acts including Steve Winwood, Journey, The Dixie Chicks, Kenny Chesney, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dave Mason, Link Wray, Justin Moore, The Stray Cats, The Byrds, Smash Mouth and many, many more. They have toured and performed all over the United States as well as internationally, with dates in the UK and Europe including England, The Netherlands, Italy, and France.

Read more

Monterey county line

Headquartered out of Carmel CA, this collection of exceptionally talented musicians brings collectively nearly 100 years of experience, stage shows, recording, and touring. Members include: Chris Olsen, Jon McClean, Jack Aiello, and Lisa Kincaid.

Read more

Artichoke Festival Chicano All Stars on the Main Stage

CHICANO ALL-STARS

The Chicano All Stars, led by Sam Martinez (lead vocals, guitar and percussion) are perennial favorites at various clubs and festivals all over the Central Coast. Their upbeat, danceable repertoire is rooted in a great mix of Latin rock, Old School, R & B, classic Rock’n’Roll, and danceable Reggae. A talented, dynamic and energetic band, The Chicano All Stars band members are all professional musicians with many years of experience in the music business. The CAS have a solid and highly polished horn section making them an 8-piece ensemble (also available as a 6-piece without brass). Their Latin rhythms, strong percussive backbeat and excellent vocals appeal to a wide variety of audiences, young and old alike, and are guaranteed to keep your dance floor packed.

Read more

John Michael Band

John Michael Band

The John Michael Band is an excellent rockin’ dance band who will take you on a musical adventure from one song to another! Lead vocalist John Michael, from Dún Laoghaire Ireland, is an eclectic and proficient vocalist, who is is adept at creating an atmosphere with his audience, resulting in a dedicated following.
Formed in 2010 and playing along the Northern California Coast from Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz to Hollister, Carmel, and Monterey, the John Michael Band is a Classic Rock and dance band, which also plays funk, soul, reggae, blues and 90’s rock. The band features many stellar musicians: Drummers John Brearton, Keith Wieland, Keith Graves (played with Starship, The Tubes and Quicksilver Messenger Service) Bassists David De Silva, Tiran Porter, (Doobie Brothers) Avey Gonzalez, Guitarists, Markus Yamamoto, Dylan Rose (AKA: Duane Stringfellow), D.B Walker and Vinny Johnson.

Read more