As the final hours of 2024 ticked away, Napa was treated to a special hometown celebration with Shannon and the Clams and fellow friends, La Luz. Known for their mix of garage rock, surf, doo-wop, and psych-pop, the band’s New Year’s Eve performance at Jam Cellars Ballroom became a memorable event for friends, family and fans. 

Shannon and the Clams, fronted by the charismatic Shannon Shaw, have built a dedicated following over the years with their infectious energy and unique sound. Shaw, with her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence lead the band through a setlist filled with fan favorites and new tracks. Their live performances have always been an integral part of their charm, combining vintage-inspired melodies with an exuberant, modern edge that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.

Napa’s intimate setting was the perfect backdrop for the band’s homecoming. For Shannon and the Clams, performing in their hometown added a layer of nostalgia and excitement to an already electric evening. Fans, many of whom have been following the band’s journey since their early days in the Bay Area, filled the venue with anticipation. The crowd, a mixture of locals and out-of-towners, eagerly awaited the familiar, catchy tunes that have earned the band recognition far beyond their California roots.

Throughout the night, Shannon and the Clams delivered their signature blend of infectious rock ‘n’ roll, mixing upbeat tracks like with the more melancholic, yet beautiful ballads that have become a hallmark of their songwriting. Between songs, Shaw’s wit and charm kept the energy high, her banter with the crowd further fueling the sense of community and shared celebration.

As midnight approached, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. Fans joined in unison chanting “tick-tock”and when the clock struck twelve, the venue erupted in cheers as billions dropped from the ceiling, marking not just the arrival of a new year, but the continued ascent of Shannon and the Clams as a force in the indie rock world. With their signature style and infectious spirit, Shannon and the Clams proved once again that they’re not just a hometown favorite—they’re a band that knows how to make any show feel like a celebration. The celebration continued with the band playing a song near and dear to Shaw called The Vow. Meant to have been performed at her wedding to her late Fiancé Joe Haener (whose birthday was also January 1st)- the crowd grew quiet as the ballad played.

For Napa, this New Year’s Eve show was more than just a concert; it was a testament to the deep connection between Shannon and the Clams and their community—a perfect way to ring in 2025.


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Natalie Baeza

Natalie is a photographer based out of the San Francisco Bay Area.