In a small town where many music tastes collide, San Luis Obispo always brings in new sounds. In between the big names and traveling acts, college startups also offer nights of entertainment to the central coast. Looking into 2025, local venues such as the Fremont, Libertine, Siren and more have many names coming to their stages.
With the added responsibilities of 2025 approaching, San Luis Obispo has become a hot spot that hosts music for all to blow off steam.
Sun Room, Mike Sherm and the Altons at the Fremont Theater
Three vibrant artists are coming to the Fremont Theater this winter season: indie four-piece Sun Room, hip-hop artist Mike Sherm and retro-rockers Altons.
The first night of music will take place on Feb. 11, with the surf-rock band Sun Room taking the stage at 7:00 p.m. The band is most recognized for their hit songs, “Crashed My Bike” and “Something That You’re Missing,” featured in the Netflix series, “Outer Banks.”
Sun Room’s latest EP, “Can’t Explain,” was finished in August and features four new releases. The Southern California group has grown tremendously since 2022, with over 500,000 followers on social media.
Tickets for Sun Room can be purchased on Fremont’s website anywhere between $18.75 to $91.00.
As Sun Room hits the road to Santa Barbara the following day, The Altons will continue the fun on Feb. 21. The group’s “Club Heartache” tour brings their indie, soul-rock tunes to different places throughout the country.
Their distinct taste in music can be heard through the notable song “When You Go (That’s When You’ll Know)” and their latest single “Tangled Up In You.”
Tickets can be purchased for $30.
When February comes to an end, Mike Sherm will take San Luis Obispo by storm, performing on March 21 at 9 p.m.
The hip-hop artist is widely admired by many young adults, known for his hit songs, “Baby” and “Homecoming.”
Tickets can be purchased for $62.
Rainbow Girls and Hinds at SLO Brew Rock
Coming to SLO Brew Rock on Jan. 24 Rainbow Girls will perform their new album “Haunting.” The group seemingly aims to captivate people into a world of the unknown through their music.
Rainbow Girls embraces its branding through a strong atmospheric approach to concert setups, featuring dim lights and fog. This beyond-the-music experience is captured through spooky songs like “Dead Ringer” and “Goodnight Angel.”
Tickets for the 8:00 p.m. event are $29.27 at SLO Brew’s website.
After seeing Rainbow Girls, San Luis Obispo locals can watch Hinds live on March 22. The Spanish, indie rocker best friends have grown together through hardships and standard experiences, creating the music listeners experience today.
Hinds’ music highlights the friendship between the two, claiming their bond cannot be broken. They have opened for popular musicians such as Coldplay and 5SOS.
Tickets can be purchased for $32.26.
Black Flag and Glitterfox at the Siren
On Jan. 23, the Siren will welcome Black Flag to perform “The First Four Years + More.” The 21+ show is first-come first-serve with primarily standing room.
The American punk rock band formed way back in 1976 when it was initially titled Panic. Black Flag still has their original guitarist and songwriter, Greg Ginn, who is taking strides and continuing the band’s legacy. Since its beginning, the band has released seven studio and two live albums, with hit songs including “Rise Above” and “My War.”
If hardcore punk rock is calling your name, you can buy tickets to see the band in Morro Bay for $29 to $35.
About a week after Black Flag’s performance, Glitterfox will take over the Siren. The indie rock band has recently released five new songs in under six months.
Glitterfox is typically celebrated for its nostalgic pieces and the four-piece band’s dedication to embracing their personas. As the musicians prepare to debut their full-length album in the coming year, some of their most famous songs include “Kentucky Night” and “TV”.
Tickets for Glitterfox on Feb. 2 start at $24.41 on the Siren’s website.
Jason Eady at Club Car Bar
Need a break from the headbanging? If you are interested in a more old-school honky tonk country, Jason Eady is coming to the Club Car Bar in Templeton on March 20.
Eady, coming from his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, focuses on the value of songwriting. As a child, he always admired the songwriters more than the actual songs by themselves. Eady emphasizes this by implementing his own experiences into his music. Songs such as, “Not Too Loud” and “40 Years,” bring listeners into his personal life.
Club Car Bar is selling tickets for the concert starting at $24.41.
The Garden at the Madonna Inn
The Garden is taking on the Madonna Inn on March 6 with special guests Iceage. The SoCal duo will only be playing nine shows, naming their tour the “Nine Desperate Dates.”
Their DnB (drum and bass) and punk-influenced jungle styles have made the twins popular since their establishment in 2011. Dating back to their early years, The Garden has played at Coachella, Camp Flog Gnaw, Neon Desert and more, showcasing their three studio albums and four EPs.
Tickets for this show are $36.77
Dylan Reese at The Libertine
The R&B, hip-hop and reggae-inspired musical artist, Dylan Reese, is coming to the Libertine Brewing Company on Feb. 6. Reese’s project, The Holdup, works with writer and producer Michael Garamny who engineers the songs.
During the past year, Reese’s hit songs “always you” and “i can’t wait” have allowed him to sell out venues across the United States.
Tickets for this event start at $24.41.
The Pack Drumline and Gregory Alan Isakov at the PAC
Right on Cal Poly’s campus, students and the public can purchase tickets to a wide variety of theatrical performances and music throughout 2025. A unique recital from The Pack Drumline will take place on Jan. 26 at 2:00 P.M.
The percussion performance group started as a simple after-school program, teaching others their skills and later transforming into the ecstatic performance group they are today. They are most known for their semi-final appearance on “America’s Got Talent.”
Since this debut, The Pack Drumline has performed for the Los Angeles Lakers and the NFL Super Bowl LVII. Their performances are full of energy and excitement as they incorporate their musical talent, visuals and choreography.
Tickets are sold for $25.20 to $46.00 on the PAC website.
On the first day of February, you can catch Gregory Alan Isakov playing at the Performing Arts Center for his event, “An Intimate Evening.” Isakov’s newest record, “Appaloosa Bones,” has captured the attention of many fans.
The South African artist combines indie rock and folk-style music, creating his own distinct sound. His six studio albums are significantly recognized, with “Evening Machines” being nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album in 2019.
Tickets are currently sold out.
Daring Greatly at the Frog & Peach Pub
Originally from Canada, the country rock and Americana group Daring Greatly, is coming to Higuera Street on Jan. 24. The brother-formed band features their Canadian origins and American influences within each piece.
Their most popular track, “Never A Goodbye” won the “Song of the Year” award at the 2023 San Diego Music Awards. Throughout their musical journey, they have performed with well-known artists such as Bon Jovi and the Zac Brown Band.
Daring Greatly’s unique sound is inviting to people worldwide, with the brothers hoping to bring people together through their four albums that embrace themes of freedom and sensitivity.
