Arts Benefit Concert at Wave Studios

Vincent Randazzo blames an ambiguous Facebook invitation he sent out months ago for ending up with a 10-piece band.

“I kept everyone who showed,” Randazzo, also the Moses Nose guitarist, explains. “I’m addicted to a large sound.”

Randazzo’s new mega-group The Beholder Band quickly gained a following during Battle of the Bands last May. There wasn’t a sliver of empty stage after the expansive crew of merry men went on at Planet Gemini. (It’s now a septet.) Randazzo strapped on his acoustic guitar and conducted the small army through a couple originals, including “Poplar Tree.” This tune demonstrates Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes-like orchestral folk paired with sing-a-long harmonies, intricate instrumentation, unexpected time signatures and intense lyrical depth.

Randazzo takes pride in his prose.

“[Bright Eyes’] Conor Oberst is definitely an inspiration,” he says. “He never wastes any words.”

Also appearing at the four-band benefit: Mozzo Kush, a consistent local favorite since the band’s debut EP Spirit Bear offered early proof of the outfit’s ability.

“That One Song,” which features only one verse of vocals, satisfyingly intertwines an ’80s New Wave bass line with air-tight drumming. Then enters the lead guitar, soothing like a David Gilmore or Trey Anastasio solo.

Multi-instrumental dynamo Brent Smith, drummer Taylor Jones, singer/guitarist Kyler Mello and bassist Mikey Cho are scattered geographically, but when back in town, picks right back up.

“When we get together, we’re psyched to play the old songs, but we’re also writing new stuff,” Smith says.

The quartet delivers easy-to-digest rock, with a smidge of guilt-free pop. On Sunday that will be balanced with garage rock from trio El Camino Sutra on songs like “Timeline,” tasty noise rock that simultaneously spins melody-driven gold, and Bernie & The Wolf, a duo churning out unassuming acoustic folk tunes like “Something Beautiful.”

The holiday timing inspired Smith and Randazzo to donate the proceeds to a nonprofit. They went with Youth Arts Collective, which will curate visual art exhibit during the show featuring new work by YAC artists.

Randazzo puts the pieces together. “When I see a painting, I can write a song,” he says. “I’d like to meet up with [visual] artists and play a song that may inspire a painting.”

Sound & Vision: A Concert Benefitting the Arts In Monterey County 7pm Sunday, Dec. 20. Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave St., Monterey. $10/advance; $15/door. 510-965-5900, matthewhable@yahoo.com.