Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Musical Performers for the Brown Bag Concert Series in November, December, and January, and Approval of Additional Performers for an Extended Series in February, March, and April
REPORT IN BRIEF
Approval of musical performers for the Brown Bag Concert Series in November, December, and January, and approval of three additional performances for an extended series in February, March, and April.
RECOMMENDATION
Arts and Culture Advisory Commission - Adopt a motion
A. Approving musical performers for the Brown Bag Concert Series in November, December, and January; and,
B. Approving three additional performances for an extended series in February, March, and April 2026
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Ordinance #2489, Section 2.54.060 Jurisdiction of the Commission.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the Council Goals and Priorities.
DISCUSSION
As part of the 2024/25 Budget, the City Council set aside $100,000 for art installations throughout the City of Merced. One of the initiatives identified by the Arts and Culture Arts Project Subcommittee was the Brown Bag Concert Series, a three-part program designed to bring live music to Bob Hart Square.
Funding for the inaugural concert series at Bob Hart Square in Downtown Merced has been approved by City Council as part of the 2024/25 budget, paving the way for residents and visitors to enjoy a diverse lineup of live musical performances. Each event will feature a single musical act, with a budget of $1,500 per concert-$1,000 allocated to performers and $500 for promotional expenses-totaling $4,500 for the first three shows.
In July, the City issued a call for musicians and received 12 impressive submissions spanning genres such as jazz, R&B, country, alternative rock, pop punk, Top 40, and classic rock. The Arts Commission Subcommittee recently met to evaluate these entries, using criteria that emphasized genre diversity, performance quality, and suitability for all ages.
Following their review, the subcommittee recommends the following performers for the first three concerts:
• November 13, 2025 - R&B: Brian Cade
• December 11, 2025 - Classic Rock: Cheryl Locket and 2 Hoots and a Hollar
• January 8, 2026 - Family Favorites and Retro Hits (Youth Group Performance): Madison Mitchell, MAC Theater Camp
The subcommittee also recommends extending the series to include three additional concerts in February, March, and April 2026. This recommendation reflects the strong interest in the program and the availability of high-quality performers. The proposed additions are:
• February 2026 - Top 40 Pop with Rock Influence: The Wrecking Balls
• March 2026 - Country, Rock, and Pop: William Bailey
• April 2026 - Classic Rock: Zoey Rae
Funding for the additional concerts, totaling $4,500, is proposed from the Fiscal Year 2025/26 City Council Art Project budget. This amount will cover the $1,000 stipend for each performer as well as $500 for related promotional expenses.
The subcommittee believes that extending the Brown Bag Concert Series will strengthen the cultural offerings in Downtown Merced, draw more visitors to the area, and provide an ongoing platform for local and regional musicians to share their talents with the community.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
$4,500 Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget for the first concert series expense in the City Manager’s Professional Services Account Line 10001000-511012.
$4,500 Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for the first concert series expense in the City Manager’s Professional Services Account Line 10001000-511012.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Selected performers