The Inciters

theinciters.com

Time: 5:00pm

The Inciters are from Santa Cruz, but travel the world in support of their internationally released records.

The Inciters play Northern Soul music. Northern Soul takes the Motown/Stax ethic but adds a stronger back-beat with more adventurous production, and The Inciters continue this tradition in grand style. With ten members (sometimes more!) wielding drums, bass, guitar, a full horn section, and three female vocals, The Inciters have no problem filling a room with the powerful sound of soul. The three vocalists lead the band through finely crafted original songs as well as traditional soul music that will get you out of your seat and start to dance!

Since the bands inception in 1995, through today, The Inciters have relentlessly packed dance floors, released numerous albums and singles, played hundreds of shows and, above all, have had the most fun doing so.

Adam Stafford

He/Him

Time: 12:00pm

Adam Stafford is a musician from Salinas,Ca. His musical journey started in the mid 1980s and has continued through today with over 1000 shows under his belt from Hollywood to San Francisco. Starting on drums, expanding to guitar then lead vocals, his influences ranged from KISS, AcDc and Led Zeppelin, to The Police, Pearl Jam and Mazzy Star. Adam interprets these artists in his own style acoustically and vocally, guaranteed to provide a musical experience like no other.

Mariachi Alma de Mexico

Time: 3:30pm

Youth Mariachi band from Watsonville.

Angeles Danzantes

Time: 1:00pm

Angeles Danzantes is a local ballet Folklorico group from Watsonville. Under the direction of Alan Tirado, the group has grown from four students to an outstanding 25 members. Their mission is to give the youth in Watsonville an avenue to express themselves through dance, while honoring their culture. The group is completely free and only requires dedication and willingness to learn. They dance many regions including Jalisco, Michoacán and Nayarit.

Bhakti Yoga Ceremony

Time: 11:00am

Auspicious Invocation Ceremony will be led by the joyful Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram of Soquel. This powerful performance blends the sacred rhythms of Bhakti Yoga, live Vedic music, and uplifting mantras—inviting everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, to come together in a burst of unity and joy.

Danielle Arce

@daniellearcecomedy

She/Her

Comedian
Time: 2:00pm

Danielle Arce is an experienced stand-up comedian of over 13 years! She has since performed in numerous comedy clubs, theaters, and venues all across the country AND overseas. She’s performed for the US Troops in Yokosuka, Camp Fuji, & Yokohama in Japan, has headlined in Tokyo and in Melbourne, Australia. In 2021, she was featured on an episode of To Tell the Truth on ABC & Hulu. She is the co-host of the Secret Minorities Podcast with her hilarious husband, Nick Larson. She’s a mom, stepmom, vegan, and an all-around witty person with many hilarious jokes about her very unique upbringing and life in general.

Matt Gubser

@mattgubser

He/Him

Comedian
Time: 2:30pm

Touching on topics ranging from parenting, dating, sex, politics, & religion, Matt Gubser intermingles personal anecdotes and biting social commentary, all couched in a comfortable, relaxed delivery. Matt was  part of SF Weekly’s “Best of the Bay” and was named “Comedian’s Comedian” in the Bay Area Stand Up Comedy Awards. His most recent album, “Before He Was Famous,” reached #2 on Amazon Music’s comedy chart.

Storytime with Vaidehi Normand

Vaidehi Normand

She/Her

Time: 2:00pm

Vai (Vaidehi) is a multi faceted expert of Bhakti Yoga, entrepreneur, fashionista, event coordinator and wonderful mother of her two beautiful daughters Karuna and Lila. She trained in Fashion at the FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-San Francisco). With a strong sense of compassion and affection Vaidehi coordinates inclusive cultural experiences for children education at the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in Soquel.
There, at the weekly Sunday program, she offers free and upifting practices of Bhakti Yoga that can be experienced by all ages. At the Sunday Feast kids have their own chance to explore deep philosophical, compassionate and spiritual concepts in the most playful ways by making thoughtfu art pieces, playing inclusive games, cooking multicultural meals, tasting meals of compassion, exploring the natural beauties of the Ashram and expressing their hearts while making meaningful friendships.

Storytime with Preethi: “Vijay Visits a Farm”

Time: 4:00pm

Preethi is the founder and CEO of Befriend Cows, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that is on a mission to inspire families to be more outdoors and build respectful and loving human-animal relationships. As a sought-after keynote, TEDx speaker and author, Preethi passionately weaves her commitment to animal welfare into captivating storytelling, inspiring audiences through dynamic talks on compassionate leadership and well-being. Her books serve as vital fundraising tools that directly support sanctuary operations worldwide via micro grants that Befriend Cows offers. Recognizing the power of experiential learning, Preethi also designs and leads immersive experiences like workshops, enriching field trips, and hands-on volunteering opportunities that create profound connections between individuals and sanctuary residents.

Drag Storytime with Xinistra Gi’Amour

Drag Artist
Time: 12:00pm

Xinistra Gl’Amour is a local drag artist and is part of the Drag Story Time collective of Santa Cruz county. Xinistra is also a board member of Pajaro Valley Pride and often helps with the production of drag events the organization has in the Watsonville area. You can find Xinistra at different events in Santa Cruz County, from local Pride events to drag shows at local breweries and other local venues. Xinistra is bringing the magic of story telling to Vegfest this year!