First Night Artists
Check out the First Night Akron 2013 Event Guide - coming soon!
SELECT GENRE: Theatre | Music | Visual | Dance | Interactive | Mainstage | Performance Art
All Artists
A Band Named Ashes
Summit Artspace: 3rd Floor 6-7:30 p.m.
A Band Named Ashes is a five-piece ensemble hailing from Akron that produces what has best been deemed as a “Progressive, Funky, Folk” mix of dynamic music.
Supported by the Murdough Foundation
Site sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
Actors' Summit Presents Broadway & More
Greystone Hall-Theater, 6th Floor 6-9 p.m.
Actors' Summit, Akron's Professional Theater will present a 20 minute mini-production of Broadway numbers from many shows, featuring several company members.
This Site Sponsored by: GAR Foundation
Air Aquarium
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 6-11:15 p.m.
Experience an “under-the-sea” adventure complete with Mike the Blue Whale, a walk through inflatable; contact juggling, music and dance. Try your hand with air swimmers – sharks, clown fish and bass – via remote control.
Stage sponsored by Omnova Solutions Inc.
Site Sponsored by: Time Warner Cable
Akron Beacon Journal Make & Take
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 6-9 p.m.
Join the staff of the Akron Beacon Journal and learn the art of origami in creating your own paper hat. Kids love them!
Site sponsored by: PNC Bank
Akron Derbytown Barbershop Chorus
Zion Lutheran Church - Sanctuary 6-6:45 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church - Sanctuary 8-8:45 p.m.
Experience barbershop harmony at its best -- then join in as the audience sings along.
Site Sponsored by: Akron Community Foundation
Akron Film
Akron Art Museum: Auditorium 6-8 p.m.
Drop in anytime to refresh your senses for the New Year with 30 minutes of the most original short films Akron Film+Pixel uncovered in 2012. For kids and adults.
Stage sponsored by Kenneth L. Calhoun, KeyBank Trust.
Site Sponsored by: City of Akron
Akron-Summit County Public Library Children's Make & Take
Akron-Summit County Public Library 6-9 p.m.
Make and decorate your own kazoo from Popsicle sticks, straws, and rubber bands.
This Site Sponsored by: Acme Fresh Market
Alex Bevan
Akron-Summit County Public Library-High St. Level 9-9:45 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library-High St. Level 10-10:45 p.m.
Alex Bevan has been sharing his voice, guitar, music and stories with audiences for more than thirty years.
Stage sponsored by Roetzel & Andress
This Site Sponsored by: Acme Fresh Market
All American Soap Box Derby Pinewood Derby
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 6-9 p.m.
Try your hand at racing a replica Soap Box Derby car or take your picture in a full size model.
Site Sponsored by: PNC Bank
Amanda Joy Hall
Zion Lutheran Church - Gym/Food Court 6-6:45 p.m.
Amanda Joy Hall is a singer, songwriter and speaker from Streetsboro, OH. Amanda Joy’s songs are inspired by her battle with cancer. Her songs touch on the despair and hopelessness she felt and the encouragement, peace and joy God has give her through it.
Site Sponsored by: Akron Community Foundation
Arlington Praise
Enjoy inspirational and gospel music to ring in the New Year!
This Site Sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
Art Company Orchestra
Greystone Hall: Ballroom, 2nd Floor 6-10 p.m.
Northeast Ohio's finest vocalists and musicians teamed together to bring a powerhouse show of Classic American Dance music from the 1940's to current dance hits. Dance Band extraordinaire! Celebrate!
Stage sponsored by John S. Knight Center
Site Sponsored by: GAR Foundation
Artists of Rubber City: The BOX
Summit Artspace: 3rd Floor 6-9 p.m.
Stop by to view 30 contemporary artists showing off the latest art. This fresh talent is sure to impress!
Site Sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
Ashley Brooke Toussant
Fall marked the release of Ashley's first full length album, Sweetheart. No stranger to Akron, she opened for Country Hall of Famer Don Williams at the Akron Civic Theatre last March.
This Site Sponsored by: FirstMerit Bank
Asian Services in Action, Inc. (ASIA, Inc.)
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 6-9 p.m.
2013 is the year of the snake and ASIA Inc will provide materials for kids/teens/adults to make and take a snake home. Get free fortune cookies and bookmarks.
Site Sponsored by: PNC Bank
B.E. Mann
High energy, dance powered, crowd interactive, sing-along party reggae music.
Stage sponsored by Robert O. & Annamae Orr Family Foundation.
This Site Sponsored by: Akron Community Foundation
Bill Roddy Juggling & Painting
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 6-9 p.m.
JuggleArtPainting with Bill Roddy. Creating multiple paintings simultaneously by juggling objects that release paint in mid-air! Art beyond Abstract!
Free raffle for all paintings!
Site sponsored by: PNC Bank
Bonnie Baughman
This singer and songwriter performs a mix of show tunes, old favorites, traditional and contemporary gospel. A dynamic voice conveys that her songs are sung straight from the heart.
This Site Sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
Box Creations/Box City/Step 2
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 6-9 p.m.
Site Sponsored by: PNC Bank
Brass Band of the Western Reserve
Akron-Summit County Public Library: Auditorium 9:15-10 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library: Auditorium 10:15-11 p.m.
BBWR is a jewel in Akron's crown with programs of rich variety and dynamic, vibrant performance. We'll end with The Stars And Stripes and audience participation in Auld Lang Syne.
Stage sponsored by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
This Site Sponsored by: Acme Fresh Market
Brian Henke
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 6-6:45 p.m.
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 7-7:45 p.m.
Virtuoso acoustic guitarist and harp guitarist Brian Henke will be performing music from all 7 of his solo CD's including his latest Seven Magic Spells.
Site Sponsored by: The City of Akron
Browser Newshound
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 6-9 p.m.
Browser Newshound is the "top dog" at the Akron Beacon Journal. He is great at sniffing out important news stories!
Be sure to visit him at the Shoppes at Akron Centre in the Akron Beacon Journal make and take area!
Provided by: Akron Beacon Journal
Buck and Buffy
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 6-9 p.m.
Buck the dog and his little sister Buffy are the epitome of cool! They can be seen at the John S. Knight Center having fun with kids and their families!
Buck & Buffy Provided by: Acme Fresh Market
Cari Miller's Sunthing Special
Summit Artspace: 3rd Floor 6-9 p.m.
Fun, funky, colorful and affordable works of art abound in Cari Miller's studio/gallery. You'll find acrylic paintings, pottery, works with recycled objects, handmade cards and a unique line of "Akron pride" items.
Site Sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
Carolyn E. Lewis Studio
Summit Artspace: 3rd Floor 6-9 p.m.
Stop by to view beautiful paintings and a live demo by Carolyn. Children are welcome to create works on an easel.
Site Sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
Children's Fireworks
Mainstage 9-9:15 p.m.
Count down with Franklin T. Moose as he kicks off the fabulous FirstMerit Fireworks show at 9 p.m. at the Mainstage on Main St.
Colin Dussault's Blues Project
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 8:30-9:15 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 9:30-10:15 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 10:30-11:15 p.m.
The hardest working band in northeast Ohio. Making award-winning, harmonica driven, blues based, roots, rock n’ soul music since 1989.
Stage sponsored by Robert O & Annamae Orr Family Foundation
This Site Sponsored by: Time Warner Cable
Confucius Institute at The University of Akron
Summit Artspace 6-9 p.m.
The University of Akron's Confucius Institute is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of the Chinese language & culture around the world. Stop by to learn Chinese writing, crafts and culture.
Site Sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
Connie Bloom's Quilting Arts Studio and Gallery
Summit Artspace: 3rd Floor 6-9 p.m.
Connie’s studio features whimsical and intricate abstract art quilts, landscapes and ecology pieces made from hand dyed and hand painted or recycled cloth.
Site Sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
Constellations Dance Company
Constellations Dance Co. is a pre-professional company for those considering a career in the arts or wishing to expand their training by working with professionals in the field.
Stage sponsored by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
This Site Sponsored by: Acme Fresh Market
Craig Megyes
Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center (METRO) 6-10 p.m.
Featured artist Craig Megyes will have art on display featuring photographs of ice on windows. Spectacular lighting and colors and such make these a phenomenal showing!
Site sponsored by: County of Summit
Create Your Own Personal Garden at the Akron Art Museum
In the museum’s Corbin Gallery use magnetized design elements to create a personal garden paradise. Browse the idyllic configurations of other visitors before building upon their visions or clearing a space to design anew. Museum educators will periodically document the designs through photographs and post a selection throughout the duration of the Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism exhibition on view in the Arnstein Galleries through February 5, 2012.
This Site Sponsored by: FirstMerit Bank
Dale Galgozy
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Classroom 9:15-10 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Classroom 10:15-11 p.m.
His arrangements are a flatpickers dream. His good form on the guitar and his easy voice let you hear these old songs for the first time.
Supported by County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addition & Mental Health (ADM) Services Board
Site Sponsored by: ACME Fresh Market
Dance the Night Away
Greystone Hall: Ballroom, 2nd Floor 6-10 p.m.
Shake your groove thing to hits from the 40’s all the way to Lady Gaga.
Stage sponsored by John S. Knight Center
Site Sponsored by: GAR Foundation
Drip E. Faucet - Magician, Juggler and Plumber
Around Town 6-11 p.m.
Drip E. Faucet: Magician, Juggler, and Plumber performs amazing and amusing feats of magic and hilarious high flying, gravity defying juggling fun! Enjoy squeaky clean comedy for the whole family!
Sponsored by: METRO Transit Authority
Eyedea CJ - contact juggling
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 7-11:15 p.m.
As part of the Air Aquarium, these performers dressed as sea nymphs will entertain the crowd with skillful contact juggling.
Stage sponsored by Omnova Solutions Inc.
Site Sponsored by: Time Warner Cable
Fergie & The Bog Dogs
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 1 6-6:45 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 1 7-7:45 p.m.
One of Northeast Ohio's favorite Irish Pub Bands, Fergie & the Bog Dogs has performed on stages all across Northern Ohio, as well as a variety of venues both near and far.
Stage sponsored by The Welty Family Foundation
This Site Sponsored by: Time Warner Cable
First Knight "Decorate & Take"
Zion Lutheran Church - 3rd Floor 6:30-9 p.m.
Designed for ages 4-10, all young lads will receive a shield as they enter the arena (auditorium). The young maidens will receive a hennin, the long, cone-shaped hat commonly associated with the Middle Ages. There will be a place where children will be able to decorate their shields and hennins with paint, stickers, and other accessories.
Site Sponsored by: Akron Community Foundation
First Knight Face Painting
Zion Lutheran Church - 3rd Floor 6-8 p.m.
Face painting for all ages!
Site Sponsored by: Akron Community Foundation
First Knight Grand Tournament
Zion Lutheran Church - 3rd Floor 6-6:30 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church - 3rd Floor 7-7:30 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church - 3rd Floor 8-8:30 p.m.
Our auditorium will be transformed into an arena for a 30-minute tournament where children and families get the opportunity to decide which contestant wins it all by their interaction, clapping, and cheering. Also two lucky children will have the chance to be picked to sit as king and queen over the tournament in the seats of honor.
Site Sponsored by: Akron Community Foundation
First Night Wedding Festivities
Grand Staircase - Akron Civic Theater 9-9:30 p.m.
Watch as pre-registered couples exchange or renew their wedding vows on the grand staircase of the Historic Akron Civic Theater. Each couple will receive a free gift courtesy of C.L. Davis Jewelers.
Sponsored by: CL Davis Jewelers
Fortune Telling
Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center (METRO) 6-9 p.m.
Fortune telling for those who want to see their future.
Site Sponsored by: County of Summit
Fun 2012 Hats and Plaques
Create a hat or a plaque to remember First Night 2012 in Downtown Akron. Create a Headband Hat or a plaque to share complete with your own embellishments.
This Site Sponsored by: FirstMerit Bank
Get Painted Temp Tattoos
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 6-9 p.m.
Get painted airbrush temporary tattoo!
Site Sponsored by: PNC Bank
Goodie Bag Give-Away
Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center (METRO) 8 p.m.
500 gifts will be dropped from the roof - for the FORTUNate FOLks
Site sponsored by: County of Summit
Gospel Wonders
Zion Lutheran Church - Sanctuary 7-7:45 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church - Sanctuary 9-9:45 p.m.
Gospel Wonders love to articulate the love of God through songs, service and praise.
This Site Sponsored by: Akron Community Foundation
Hal Walker
Summit Artspace: Gallery 6-9 p.m.
Voted "Best Musician" in Scene Magazine 2010 and 2011, Kent native, Hal Walker is Ohio's musical treasure. Uniquely engaging for all ages, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, Hal Walker is truly one-of-a-kind.
Supported by Moffitt Foundation
Site sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
Hall of Resolution
John S. Knight Center: Maidenberg Concourse 6-11 p.m.
Oh No! It’s New Year’s Eve and you don’t have a New Year’s Resolution! Don’t worry, the Hall of Resolution will provide the support you need to help with your dilemma. The Hall of Resolution is for those who have a resolution in mind or who need guidance, support and ideas.
Whether you want to lose weight, learn a new skill, get organized, get healthy or just explore the possibilities of getting support for a life changing goal, you’ll be able to find something to meet your needs in the Hall of Resolution!
Vendors include: Akron Beacon Journal, Earth Fare, Fitness 19, It Works! Global, MOVABLE, Nazareth Housing Dev. Corp., Northwestern Mutual, Michael Oddo Hypnotist, Time to Spare LLC and Tubbs Chiropractic
This Site Sponsored by: Time Warner Cable
Hans F. Utter - Sitar
Enjoy traditional Indian classical music on sitar by Hans F. Utter.
Stage sponsored by The University of Akron.
This Site Sponsored by: Kenneth L. Calhoun Keybank Trust
Hard Day's Night - Beatles Tribute
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 9:30-10:15 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 10:30-11:15 p.m.
One of the top authentic Beatles tribute bands performing today and one of the very few to have performed in
Liverpool, England!
This Site Sponsored by: Ohio Arts Council
Heads Up Productions
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 6:45-10:30p.m.
Karma Café is a cabaret-style café where audiences order from a selection of delectable performances. Heads Up’s actor-waiters create private, tableside performances that are tailored to suit each guest.
Stage sponsored by Omnova Solutions Inc.
Site Sponsored by: Time Warner Cable
Horns and Things
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 8:15-9 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 9:15-10 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 10:15-11:15 p.m.
Hot, High Energy Contemporary jazz. For almost thirty years “HAT” has excited audiences with their brand of Jazz. Get ready and hold onto your “HAT”!
Stage sponsored by The Welty Family Foundation
Site Sponsored by: Time Warner Cable
Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides by Carriage Limousine
Mainstage 7-11 p.m.
Carriage Limousine Service will offer sleigh rides through beautiful Downtown Akron in a one-of-a-kind eight passenger horse drawn sleigh.
Sponsored by: FirstMerit Bank
Horse Drawn Wagon by Wells-go-Far Carriage Service LLC
Mainstage 7-11 p.m.
Horse drawn wagon rides by Wells~go~Far Carriage Service.
Site sponsored by: FirstMerit Foundation
Howard Street Blues Band
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 6-6:45 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 7-7:45 p.m.
St. Louis Blues legend Sonny Robertson will perform high energy Blues and R&B. Sonny has performed with musical greats such as Jimmy Hendricks, Janice Joplin, and BB King.
Stage sponsored by The Welty Family Foundation
This Site Sponsored by: Time Warner Cable
Hypnotist Michael Oddo
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 6-7 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 1 8-9 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 1 9:15-10:15 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 1 10:30-11:15 p.m.
Watch as your friends, family, and/or coworkers rock-out on air guitars, belly dance to Arabian music, and furiously compete in an imaginary cow milking contest, all while under Michael's power of suggestion.
Akron Civic Site Sponsored by: Ohio Arts Council
John S. Knight Center Stage Sponsored by: The Welty Family Foundation
Jason Alan Magic
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 9:15-10 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 10:15-11 p.m.
Jason Alan Magic and Mentalism performs yearly on the Bahamas Celebration Cruise line. Filled with comedy, magic and mind reading Jason puts a modern twist on an ancient art form!
Stage sponsored by Huntington Bank
Site Sponsored by: ACME Fresh Market
JERSEY - A Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 7:15-8 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 8:15-9: p.m.
JERSEY brings the power, energy and passion of the music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Rock in the New Year with a tribute to The Boss.
Site Sponsored by: Ohio Arts Council
Joan Colbert Studio
Summit Artspace: 3rd Floor 6-9 p.m.
joyUNSPEAKABLE Productions
John S. Knight Center 9:15-11:15 p.m.
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 6-8 p.m.
Motionless poses and convincing costumes will make you think it's a statue. With an expressionless face painted to match costume color, JoyUNSPEAKABLE uses only subtle but deliberate movement to communicate with the audience.
Supported by Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation
Shoppes at Akron Centre Site Sponsor: PNC Bank
John S. Knight Center Site Sponsor: Time Warner Cable
Julian & Jolan - DJ and Dancer
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 6-11:15 p.m.
DJ Julian & Lisa Jolan bring the party to its heights in the Air Aquarium. Mixed dance music/Top 40's. Come join them and make some smooth moves of your own.
Stage sponsored by Omnova Solutions Inc.
Site Sponsored by: Time Warner Cable
Kathy Johnson
Akron-Summit County Public Library-High St. Level 6-6:45 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library-High St. Level 8-8:45 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library-High St. Level 7-7:45 p.m.
Kathy Johnson is an entertaining singer-songwriter whose performances delight audiences of all ages. Listen to her eclectic and fun mix of originals, folk, cowboy songs, vintage country, standards and more!
Stage sponsored by Roetzel & Andress
This Site Sponsored by: Acme Fresh Market
Kent State Ice Carving Club
Mainstage 9:15-11 p.m.
Mainstage 11-11:30 p.m.
An amazing demonstration of ice carving performed and choreographed to music, followed by and extraordinary speed carving competition to cap off the evening’s festivities.
This Site Sponsored by: FirstMerit Bank
Kyle Magilavy Jazz Combo
Summit Artspace: 3rd Floor 7:30-9:00 p.m.
The Kyle Magilavy Jazz Combo, known for its modern interpretation of jazz standards, adds some class to First Night with silky smooth vocals, muted horn, steady bass, and light drums.
This Site Sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
L.I.O.N. Players
Zion Lutheran Church - Gym/Food Court 7-7:45 p.m.
This theater troop, based in Akron, spotlights the truth through the creative arts. In a high energy performance L.I.O.N. Players use drama, dance, music and mime.
Site Sponsored by: Akron Community Foundation
Lets Face it Caricatures
Summit Artspace: 2nd Floor 6-9 p.m.
Lets Face it Caricatures provides live humorous sketches of your family and friends!
Stage sponsored by Labels & Letters
Site Sponsored by: Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com
Lisa & Heather Malyuk
These highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalists give traditions a twist! Their performances feature old-time Appalachian, Celtic, World & original folk music ranging from energetic and driving tunes to bittersweet and haunting melodies.
This Site Sponsored by: FirstMerit Bank
Live Music
Live music will be featured from the Transit Center!
Site sponsored by: County of Summit
Lost State of Franklin
Lost State of Franklin has taken their sound around the world many times over. This group is family-friendly and loved by all – teenagers, grandmas, truckers, preachers, moms and dads!
Stage sponsored by Roetzel & Andress.
This Site Sponsored by: Akron Community Foundation
Lyrica Inc./Holly's Harps
Greystone Hall: Doric Room, 4th Floor 6-10 p.m.
Get up close with real harps, and try one yourself. Learn about vibrations, hear harp music, and play a song on one of Holly's many harps! Activities for all ages.
Workshop times: 6:00-7:15 p.m., 7:30-8:45 p.m. and 9:00-10:00 p.m.
Supported by Charles E. and Mable M. Ritchie Foundation
Site Sponsored by: GAR Foundation
Magic Mike Productions
Around Town 9-midnight
Magic Mike reappears with close intimate magic with cards, coins, and mesmerizing mind reading. Be sure not to miss him before he disappears.
Sponsored by: METRO Regional Transit Authority