presents

A Benefit for Templeton Music Education

Follow Whale Rock on Instagram @whalerockmusicfestival

September 13th & 14th 2025, Paso Robles, CA

Tickets

9/13 Young the giant 8pm

Chart-topping and critically acclaimed rock band Young the Giant is known for their dynamic performances and genre-defying sound. With multi-platinum selling hits like “Cough Syrup”, “My Body”, and “Mind Over Matter”, their anthemic melodies and powerful lyrics have captivated audiences with more than 1.8 billion music streams and over 2.9million tickets sold worldwide.

To date, the band has not played on the Central Coast, making this an amazing opportunity to catch them live.

9/13 the nth Power presents: rebel music, a tribute to bob marley 6pm

The Nth Power's inspirational sets have floored audiences at music festivals like Electric Forest, High Sierra, Peachfest, North Coast Music Festival and Hulaween. They maintain New Orleans as their spiritual home, and the celebratory essence of that city’s music culture is audible in each performance – garnering high profile festival appearances and national acclaim from outlets like Relix, Modern Drummer, Huffington Post, Glide, Consequence, Okayplayer and Sirius XM.

9/13 couch 4:15pm

Boston-based band Couch injects each project with their signature flavor: expressive horns, warm vocals, and bubbling synths—crafting an oasis of joy for musicians and non-musicians alike.

In 2023, Couch released their sophomore EP, Sunshower, accompanied a two-part 40-city headline tour, performances at Boston Calling and Levitate, and a sold-out UK tour.

9/13 jungle fire 2:30pm

The JUNGLE FIRE sound digs deep into Afro/Latin Funk with anapproach that is authentic and highly explosive!The Los Angeles-based 10-piece TropiFunk juggernautpulls its influences from themusic of legends such asIrakere, Ray Barretto, James Brown, FelaKuti and Manu Dibango (just to name a few) while creatingamelting pot of Afro-Caribbean andWest African rhythmswith aheavy break beat funk

9/13 Broken compass bluegrass 1:00pm

Broken Compass Bluegrass is leading the way in the contemporary bluegrass revival, combining tradition with innovation in a way that appeals to both longtime fans and new listerners alike. Their live performances are characterized by tight harmonies, truly impressive solos, and an indeniable joy that permeates with every note they play. The band's repertoire includes numerous original compositions as well as fresh takes on timeless classics, all delivered with their own distinctive style. From the moment they take the stage, it's clear that Broken Compass Bluegrass is something different.

~ Stomping grounds stage ~

9/13 broken compass bluegrass 7:30pm

9/13 jazz mafia 3:45 & 5:30pm

Based on the tried and true New Orleans brass ensemble, the Brass Maﬁa includes trombone, trumpet, saxes, drums and most importantly TUBA! But while the band is based on a 100-year-old tradition, the group's sound incorporates music from many different decades and continents, playing a wide variety of originals and unexpected mashups, with frequent rapper and vocalist guests.

9/13 imva 2:00pm

Drawing from their diverse backgrounds and musical influences, IMVA delivers captivating R&B and soul sounds that leave audiences mesmerized. These talented musicians have graced some of the most notable venues in the area, including The Siren, SLO BREW Rock, Central Coast Brewing, and the Mission Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo.

9/13 Hot 45 12pm

Hot 45, is an American R&B group based in San Luis Obispo, CA. The band is the brainchild of singer/song smith, Reese Galido, who grew up with way too much Sade in her discman. Assembled from some of the finest musicians on the Central Coast, Hot 45 is known for their dance grooves and their sweet, sweet love songs.

9/14 shane smith & the saints 8pm

For an independent band like Shane Smith and the Saints, the work is never done. "It's like you can't help but feel like you've paid your dues to get to a certain spot, but once you get there, you realize you're just starting to touch the surface of the bigger picture," Smith admits. "At the end of the day, it still feels like we're getting discovered. But maybe that's what it's all about." Norther is the soundtrack to that discovery. It's the sound of a band pushing its limits, broadening its reach, and expanding its audience.

9/14 Margo price 6:00pm

Margo Price has something to say but nothing to prove. In just three remarkable solo albums, the singer and songwriter has cemented herself as a force in American music and a generational talent. A deserving critical darling, she has never shied away from the sounds that move her, the pain that’s shaped her, or the topics that tick her off, like music industry double standards, the gender wage gap, or the plight of the American farmer. (In 2021, she even joined the board of Farm Aid.)

9/14 the philharmonik 4:15pm

Christian Gates (Born July 26, 1993), known professionally as The Philharmonik, is an American vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, music producer and genre defining artist. Recently, he has been nationally and globally recognized after winning the 2023 American Song writer contest and NPR’s 2024 Tiny Desk Contest for his song “What’s It All Mean?” (Kironic).

9/14 the nth power 2:30pm

The Nth Power believes in the healing power of music. This all-pro alignment of sharp and seasoned musical vets delivers a transcendent blend of soul, funk, rock and rhythm and blues with multi-part vocal harmonies and songs that inspire audiences to dance, groove, make love or just stand there with goose bumps. The trio features drummer Nikki Glaspie, whose credentials include Beyonce, Maceo Parker, Dumpstaphunk and countless more; guitarist and lead vocalist Nick Cassarino, known best for his previous work with Jennifer Hartswick and Big Daddy Kane; and bassist Nate Edgar of reggae giant John Brown's Body.

9/14 Cristina vane 1:00pm

More than a mere practitioner of her craft, Cristina Vane has a breadth and depthof serious musical skill compiled from countless miles across all kinds of geography. On her third studio album ‘Hear My Call,’ the pairing of a lifetime pursuit and growing treasure trove of songs makes for a record that demands to be heard. Her sound reflects and amalgam of experiences; born at the foothills of the alpsin Italy and raised between Italy, England and France, Cristina’s half American–half Guatemalan heritage is as unique as her sound.

~ Stomping Grounds Stage ~

9/14 samba loca 7:30pm

Samba Loca is an afro-brazilian drum line that has lit up the crowd for many consecutive years at Whale Rock Music and Arts Festival. A true staple of the festival, their march comes just before the Sunday night headlining artist and is not to be missed! See you there!

9/14 Vince Cimo’s hot fire 5:30pm

Vince Cimo has gathered some of the most talented musicians on the Central Coast to form a band that blends modern funk with elements of electronic music for a unique live experience. With a solid foundation of bass and drums, alongside a horn section featuring two saxophones and a trumpet, the group creates grooves that are both deep and danceable. Their sound draws from classic funk traditions while incorporating electronic textures and rhythms, resulting in a fresh, energetic vibe that moves beyond the typical dance band setup.

9/14 antonio barret 3:30pm

Based out of Santa Barbara, Antonio Barret is an emerging singer-songwriter that mixes early 2000s indie-dance with funk rhythms and instrumentation. In addition to music, he also creates his own artwork, creating a cohesive blend of visuals and music with every release. With plans to release several singles as well as his first EP later this Summer, Antonio is an artist to keep an eye on.

9/14 The funk junket 2:00pm

The Funk Junket formed in 2023 to celebrate the timeless grooves of African funk, Latin jazz, and world beat musicians such as Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Willie Colon, and Art Blakey. Our unique interpretations of global beats along with our original music highlight the power of music to unify, inspire, and elevate.

9/14 Alex lucero band 12:00pm

Late for the Train is a modern string band rooted in American folk and bluegrass music. Infused with the honest depth of the coastal redwood forests and the heartfelt community of Northern California, the group provides a playful and poignant musical experience that uplifts the spirit and rouses the soul.

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