Spike Sikes & His Awesome Hotcakes

A six-piece North Bay outfit serving up blues-soaked, Van Morrison-influenced rock and roll with heavy drums and a sound big enough to shake the redwoods. The headliner. Don't be late.

Three lead vocalists, one stage. The Okay Ultras bring together singers who have each fronted different bands and are performing together for the first time at RioFest. Expect pop-leaning originals alongside a few covers, with serious vocal firepower.

The 2026 Battle of the Bands winner, chosen by community vote. Indie, low-key, and not to be underestimated. A discovery waiting to happen.

Jackson is a rising young artist from Healdsburg, California, whose musical journey began when he picked up his dad’s old guitar and started teaching himself classic favorites.

Blending raw emotion with a growing musical curiosity, Jackson draws early inspiration from iconic bands like Nirvana, Metallica, and AC/DC, while his evolving sound reflects the influence of artists such as Radiohead, Mac Miller, and Miles Davis. The result is a unique mix of alternative, rock, and introspective tones that feel both fresh and deeply rooted.

A lifelong Monte Rio local, KJ went from spending summers here to calling Monte Rio home full-time. After high school, he picked up the guitar and never looked back — performing with various bands throughout the East Bay and developing a deep love for rock, blues, country, and folk music.

Kevin grew up on radio, bringing a classic, soulful sound shaped by decades of musical influence. He’s also played the legendary Pink Elephant three times!