Akron Derbytown Barbershop Chorus
St. Bernard Church
9-10
Experience barbershop harmony at its best – then join in as the audience sings along.
Akron-Summit County Public Library: Make & Take
Main Library- Children’s Room
5-9
Take your pick and make a “Shooting Star Toy” or a “Jingle Stick” to carry in the First Night Procession.
Amazing Grace Land
Ocasek Gov. Office Building – Auditorium
5:30-6:15, 6:30-7:15
It’s Elvis with a twist! Don’t miss this intimate performance with the king.
Aquarius Rising
John S. Night Center - Main Floor 1
5:30-6:15, 6:30-7:15, 7:30-8
This exciting, summer of love pop rock orchestra delivers a dazzling musical journey with its timeless repertoire and visual display. Aquarius Rising is one groovey musical celebration!
Ashely Photography Presents…First Night Family Memories
Main Library - Main Street Level
5-10
Stop by to receive your free photo with family and friends!
The Average White Broads
Zion Lutheran Church
9-9:45, 10-10:45
Singing the songs you remember from ‘40s BeBop to ‘70s Funk and everything in between! Listen closely…you’ll feel like a teenager all over again!
B. Roddy Juggling Art
Main Library
7-10
Amazing juggling demonstrations followed by juggle art painting shows. Each show renders 15 paintings, using objects that only paint in mid-air! Free raffle for all paintings.
Alex Bevan
Akron Art Museum - Lobby
9-10, 10:30-11:30
Alex is back with his flawless performance. A fixture of the Northeast Ohio music scene, let his guitar playing capture you!
BoBo and Gabby
Roving throughout the First Night Footprint
6-10
Face painting, balloon animals, laughter…oh my!
Bongo Joe and Little Steve-O
The O’Neils Building
9:30-10:30, 10:45-11:30
A uniquely intense and passionate acoustic blues duo featuring Bongo Joe on guitar and Little Steve-O on harmonica and vocals. When these guys perform, you’ll feel it deep down in your soul.
Bonnie Baughman
Zion Lutheran Church
5-5:45, 6-6:30
Adult contemporary and traditional gospel music sung straight from the heart. This singer/songwriter will delight and encourage all ages!
Braids and Beads
Akron Children’s Hospital
5-9
Hair Designer Toni J. Weems will dazzle the kids with trendy braids and colorful beads. A First Night favorite!
Brass Band of the Western Reserve
John S. Knight Center - Exhibit Hall 1
6-7, 7:15-8:15
Rediscover big band favorites and light classics. From 6-7 p.m. watch the Mitzi & Ed Waring Dance Company dance along with the band. The Brass Band’s concluding performance will be The Stars and Stripes Forever and Auld Lang Syne.
Canal Dragon
On the Canal
5-11
Make your way along the lighted canal and catch a glimpse of the First Night Canal Dragon! Look for the dragon near Akron Children’s Hospital and Canal Park.
Case Sensitive
The Landmark Building
9:30-10:15, 10:30-11:30
This young, progressive teen rock band, ages 13-16, provides a fun, eclectic performance that includes classics by Frank Zappa and Yes.
Cats on Holiday
Ocasek Gov. Office Building – Lobby
9-9:45, 10-10:45,11-11:30
This hard rockin’, swamp poppin’ group will serve a healthy dose of American influenced roots, country, cajun and blues. Armed with an arsenal of well-crafted original tunes and an eclectic blend of party songs, it’s hard for most listeners not to swing and sway!
Chil
The Landmark Building
5:30-6; 6:15-6:45
This four-person teen band, ages 11-13, plays music from popular acts such as Green Day, Switchfoot, Blink-182, Plain White t’s and many more.
Children in Bloom & Community Garden
Ocasek Gov. Office Building
Make & Take located in the Lobby
Garden located outdoors on the High Street Level
6-10
In this work by artist Y. Joy Qiu, figures of children that each represent a different cultural heritage form the petals of a blooming flower. “First Night Akron 2009,” is written in five languages around the perimieter. Be inspired by the artist’s work and create your own flower that celebrates your cultural heritage. Place your flower in the Communinty Garden that will grow throughout the night!
Children’s Hospital Doggie Brigade
Akron Children’s Hospital
5-9
The 60 furry members of Akron Children’s Hospital’s Doggie Brigade live to make sick children smile. All dogs are tested for sustainability for the progam. Pets and their owners visit patients who doctors have OK’d this special kind of medicine.
City of Akron: Make & Take
City Hall
5-9
Colin Dussault’s Blues Project
Mainstage
9:30-10:30, 11-11:45
Mainstage revelers will enjoy this award-winning, harmonica driven, blues based roots rock ‘n’soul band.
Community Corridors
Western Summit County: Main Library, 5-11
Northern Summit County: John S. Knight Center, 5-11:30
Central and Southern Summit County: Ocasek Gov. Office Building, 5-11:30
Akron: The O’Neils Building, 5-11:30
Eastern Summit County: The Shoppes at Akron Center, 5-9
Visit the Community Corridor for the area of Summit County you live in to draw or write your favorite memories and thoughts about your community. Everybody will have the opportunity to artistically represent their favorite things about their city or town!
Dance du Soleil Bellydance Theater
Ocasek Gov. Office Building - Audiorium
9:45-10:15, 10:30-11:15
Let Dance du Soleil take you on a journey around the Middle East, India and beyond as they present various styles of bellydance, from traditional to modern, bhangra and more.
Dr. Eldoonie’s Magic
High Street Christian Church – Fellowship Hall
9-9:45, 10-10:45
Dr. Eldoonie will perform a family program using audience participation with a positive approach. It’s “Magic Medicine” to cure your daily blues!
Elegant Ice Creations
Main Street – In front of Cascade Plaza
5:30-6:30, 6:45-7:45, 8-9
Olympic ice sculptor Aaron Costic and his crew will amaze you with their skills and designs! Watch as they sculpt blocks of ice into masterpieces.
Faces in the Crowd
John S. Knight Center - Lobby
5-10
Artist Linda Hutchinson will paint faces from the crowd in watercolor throughout the evening. Come watch her paint and hear all about her process. Paintings finished during previous First Night celebrations will be available for viewing.
Fergie and the Bog Dogs
UA Polsky Building - Main Street Level
5-5:45, 6-6:45, 7-7:30
One of the area’s favorite Irish Pub Bands. This five piece group plays jigs and reels, hard hitting rebel tunes and lifting ballads.
First Night Idol
John S. Knight Center – Goodyear Ballroom
6-7:30
Guests will enjoy this 6th annual high school singing competition. Watch as talented area finalists compete to claim the top prize!
First Night Rockband Competition
John S. Knight Center – Goodyear Ballroom
7:30-10:30
Have you always wanted to be a Rockstar? Come take a shot at your dream during the first ever First Night Rock Band video game competition. Sign up at the door to play the song of your choice with your family and friends.
Frida’s Fiesta
Akron Art Museum – Classroom
5-9
Frida Kahlo was perhaps the most colorful and charismatic woman painter of the twentieth century! Come join her to create Pre-Columbian art designs with inks and handmade papers and beaded bracelets.
Galgozy/ Zeleny Duo
Zion Lutheran Church
7-7:45, 8-8:30
These two artists are beyond any preconception of contemporary Folk music – a wonderful fusion of original songs and tradtional styles.
Geldryk – The World’s Tallest Elf
Main Library – Children’s Room
6-6:30, 6:45-7:15, 7:30-8
Visit with Geldryk, the world’s tallest elf, as he sings songs, tells stories and encourages silliness!
Get Painted Temporary Tattoo
FirstMerit Tower
5-9
Come get your own airbrush temporary tattoo!
Jim Gill
Summit Artspace – Gallery
5:30-6:15, 6:30-7:30
This singer/songwriter mixes spirited folk-rock and heartfelt ballads with outrageous humor all delivered with an “absolute killer voice!”
Girl Scouts of Northeastern Ohio: Make & Take
Akron Children’s Hospital
5-9
Make a musical instrument to help ring in the New Year with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio!
Tom Guarino
The O’Neil’s Building
5:30-6:15, 6:30-7
Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Tom Guarino plays a wide variety of musical styles including rock, blues, folk and classical. Though an Akron native, Tom recently returned after living in NYC for 10 years honing his songwriter and performance skills.
Hard Day's Night
John S. Knight Center - Exhibit Hall 2
8:30-9:15, 9:30-10:15, 10:30-11:15
Recreating the authentic look and sound of the Fab Four, Hard Day’s Night brings the excitement of Beatlemania back to life by performing magical note-for-note sounds of The Beatles. A must-see performance!
Harmonica Hotshots
Main Library - High Street Level
5-5:30, 5:45-6:15, 6:30-7
This dynamic duo delights audiences of all ages by combining harmonica artistry with light humor. The Harmonica Hotshots are truly an international muscial act. For more than 10 years they have delighted audiences in England, Holland, France, Canada and Japan and are a smash hit on Cruise Ships and Mississippi River Boats.
Brian Henke
Main Library – High Street Level
7:30-8:15, 8:30-9:15, 9:30-10:15
Brian Henke composes and performs his music like a painter putting images on canvas, drawing his inspiration from the world around him. Be inspired by this award-wining virtuosic fingerstyle guitarist. Supported by the Akron Aeros.
High Street Praise Team
High Street Christian Church – Sanctuary
6-6:45, 7-7:30
The house band at High Street Chrstian Church gets the party started with their upbeat, inspirational music. It’s contemporary Christian music at its best!
Horns & Things
John S. Knight Center – Main Floor 2
6-6.45, 7-7:45, 8-8:30
Exciting! Powerful! Energetic! That’s the only way to describe a Horns & Things performance. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the last hours of 2008 with this wildly entertaining group.
Ian Ross Trio
UA Polsky Building - High Street Level
6-6:45, 7-7:45, 8-8:30
The Ian Ross Trio is an exciting young jazz band. In 2008, the trio played music festivals at Big Bend Jazz and Blues Fest, Oxford Jazz Festival (Michigan), Altoonia Jazz Festival (Pennsylvania) and the Taste of Cincinnati.
Jack, the First Night Jester
Roving throughout the First Night Footprint
5-midnight
Jack, the First Night Jester is back for more fun. He’ll be roving around the First Night footprint all night. See if you can find him!
John & Dan Acoustic Duo
John S. Knight Center - Exhibit Hall 2
5:30-6:15, 6:30-7:15, 7:30-8
A vast array of music from Johnny Cash to Jimi Hendrix, along with originals. This duo plays something for everyone in a family-friendly environment.
joyUNSPEAKABLE Productions
The Shoppes at Akron Centre
5-9
Is he a statue? Or is he living? Decide for yourself!
Kwanzaa Celebration
Ocasek Gov. Office Building – Auditorium
7:45-9:15
Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday celebrated for seven days. Featuring drums and dance, this performance will portray the unity of the African-American culture.
Land of Ice and Snow
Akron Art Museum – Terrace
5-11
Through the depths of wonder, exists a land to ponder, formed by a collison, we bring you our vision, a land of ice and snow, Come! Enjoy the show! Created by artists Daniel Coffield & Kevin Smalley of SmallField Studios.
Lightly Seasoned
FirstMerit Tower
5:30-6:15, 6:30-7:15, 7:30-8:15
This barbershop quartet performs songs from all genres including old songs, new songs, show songs, light jazz and ballads.
Lisa and Heather Malyuk
Akron Art Museum – Lobby
5-5:30, 6-7, 7:30-8:30
Old-time, celtic, world and original folk music! Come hear energetic reels and jigs, bittersweet waltzes, driving international rhythms and even old fashioned hymns on the hammered dulcimer, guitar, fiddle and banjo-uke. Supported by the Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Foundation.
Brian Lisik
Summit Artspace - Gallery
8-8:45, 9-9:45, 10-10:45
Enjoy the melodic tunes of this Ohio-based singer/songwriter.
Lock 3 Make & Shake
Lock 3 Park – O’Neil’s Commons
5-8
Make your own festive shaker or bring one back that you’ve created at Lock 3 throughout the holiday season and carry it in the Lights & Beats in the Streets procession to the Mainstage at 8:15 p.m.
Magical Theatre Company
Main Library – Auditorium
5-6, 6:30-7:30
See what happens when that little pip of a princess has to prove herself! The Princess and the Pea is a funny and delightful fairy tale that will come to life before your eyes.
Magic Mike Productions
City Hall
5:30-6:15, 6:30-7:15, 7:30-8:15
Come be a part of the magic! Your mind will be read and things will appear and disappear. Lots of comedy and audienece participation. Come see Magic Mike before he disappears!
Marlowe the Magic Clown
The Shoppes at Akron Centre
5-9
Marlowe, a friendly hobo clown, will circulate among the First Night crowd with his “gag bag” of sight gags, make balloons and perform pocket magic.
Pat Catan’s Mask Making
The Shoppes at Akron Centre
5-9
First Night’s favorite Make & Take returns! From glitter and sequins, to feathers and beads – you’re sure to find the perfect supplies to create a masterpiece. Show off your creation as you enjoy the New Year’s festivities!
Steve McClain
The O’Neils Building
7:30-8:15, 8:30-9
Originally from Kent, Ohio, Steve McClain is a singer/songwriter based in Nashville. His music has been featured on 91.3 The Summit in Akron as well as Lightning 100 in Nashville. His music style is comparable to David Gray and Five for Fighting and as influenced by Lennon and McCartney, Jim Croce and John Mellencamp.
Seona McDowell
Akron Art Museum- Auditorium
5:30-6, 6:30-7
12
Mainstage
7:30-8
Let your imagination take you on a magic carpet ride as award winning international artist Seona McDowell celebrates the customs and music of Australia and around the world. Performing traditional, contemporary and original material on guitar and autoharp, Seona brings the folklore and rich heritage of her music to children and adults alike.
Michael Roy’s Folding Paper Art
Akron Children’s Hospital – Considine Building
5-9
Dexterity. Quick wit. One colorful square of paper. By folding alone, Oragami Artist Michael Roy makes a magical memory and an exquisite keepsake! No cuts. No tears. No glue.
Mitzi & Ed Waring Dance Co.
John S. Knight Center - Exhibit Hall 1
5-5:45, 6-7
“Around the world with dance” is a recreation of the styles of dancing, music and costumes that are native to the nationalities portryed by the dancers. From 6-7 p.m. watch as the Mitzi & Ed Waring Dance Co. dance along to the music of the Brass Band of the Western Reserve.
Mixed-Up Strings
High St. Christain Church – Santuary
8-8:30, 9-10, 10:15-10:45
This dulcimer/folk music group centered in Summit County plays a wide variety of instruments, but mountain dulcimers prevail! Check out these interesting instruments and enjoy fiddle tunes, waltzes, hymns, ballads and jigs.
Mo’ Mojo
Akron Civic Theatre
8:30-9:30, 10-11:30
This Zydeco jam band, featuring button box and fiddle, blends Creole and Cajun melodies with blues and pop. Their dynamic energetic show appeals to the ears, the eyes and the feet.
Natural Bridges & the NB Puppets
Main Library - Main Street Level
5:30-6, 6:30-7, 7:30-8
“NBTV Presents” is NOT a puppet show or a show just for kids. “NBTV Presents” is a live-action, family-friendly comedy show that everyone can enjoy. Audience participation required!
NEOTANGO
John S. Knight Center – Main Floor 2
9-9:45, 10-10:45, 11-11:30
Tango dancing at its finest! Watch the professionals tango the night away.
O’Hare Irish Dancers
Akron Civic Theater
Ensemble: 5-5:30, 7:15-8
Interactive: 6-7
A lively performance of jigs, reels, hornpipes and more! Presented by some of Tim O’Hare’s best dancers, this performance is reminiscent of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. This year you’ll have the chance to join the dancers on stage!
Paint with the Artist
The O’Neils Building
5-9
Add your creative touch to a unique 3-D painting that celebrates First Night and your community, led by artist Terry Klausman.
Poetry Machine
Main Library – Outdoors, Northeast corner of Main St. and Mill St.
5-11
The Poetry Machine is a sound installation that causes your mind to form order from chaos, and to create an original poem you can take with you.
Raw Umber
Installation: University St. and Main St.
5-11
Make & Take: The Landmark Building
5-11:30
Check out this outdoor sculpture which can also be played as a percussion instrument! Come create a rhythm with the sculpture then make your own instrument at the Make & Take in the Landmark Building. Raw Umber was recently featured at the Ingenuity Festival of Art and Technology in Cleveland.
The ReBeats
John S. Knight Center - Main Floor 1
8:30-9:15, 9:30-10:15, 10:30-11:15
Activate the time portal! Join The ReBeats in the swingin' sixties! The ReBeats’ performance is stunningly smiliar to original recordings and features cameo costumed appearances by icons of the era!
Regrets and Resolutions Wall
John S. Knight Center – Lobby
5-11:30
Do you have regrets from 2008? What are your resolutions for 2009? Put them in writing at the Regrets and Resolutions Wall
Return of the Midnight Sun
Summit Artspace
5-11
This project follows last year’s successful presentation of the Land of the Midnight Sun, A Black Light Art Installation and Exhibition at Summit Artspace. Return of the Midnight Sun will include hundreds of art works designed to be seen under black light. Families and children are invited to add to the installation by creating artworks that can be experienced in the black light environment.
Rufus D. Dufus
Roving throughout the First Night Footprint
5-9
Rufus D. Dufus, the world’s most incompetant magician, will roam the streets of Akron looking for someone who can do the magic that eludes him.
Adam Sarata
Main Place
6-10
Adam Sarata will perform romantic classical, jazz and popular solo guitar music for “Chapel in the Moonlight” wedding ceremonies.
Show and Tell with Trish and Mel
Akron Children’s Hospital
6:30-7:15, 7:30-8:15
Show and Tell with Trish and Mel is a hilairous interactive variety show for the preschool through primary set. Books come to life with a host of props, dances and silly gags.
Silent Lion
Akron Art Museum – Auditorium
Interactive: 8:30-9
Ensemble: 9-10, 10:30-11:30
Awaken your own inner 'silent lion' listening to the fiery instrumentals of John Saunders and the pure, clear vocals of Barbiel. This duo passionately recreates Medieval/Renaissance, Celtic music and performs their own mystical originals.
Silver Eclipse
The Landmark Building
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This four piece band plays a mix of modern and classic rock with several originals that appeal to all ages and generations.
The Singing Angels
St. Bernard Church
7:30-8:30
Let these young angels delight you with holiday favorites. The Singing Angels, founded in 1964, is dedicated to youth development through the highest level of artistic aceivement. You won’t want to miss these talented young singers!
Soap Box Derby Photos
Main Library
6-10
Families, children and couples can mark the new year with a free commemorative photograph in an authentic Soap Box Derby Car. Courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of West Akron, the Akron Health Department Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and the Akron Area Soap Box Derby.
The Speedbumps
UA Polsky Building - High Street Level
9-9:45, 10-10:45, 11-11:30
The Speedbumps showcase a mix of songs from slow and acoustic to plugged-in and experimental. All members are from the Kent/Akron area brought together through various musical interests and avenues.
Starmaker Performing Arts Center
The Shoppes at Akron Centre
5-5:45, 6-6:45
Enjoy an evening of dancing with award winning performers. This year the Starmaker Performing Arts Center invites you to bring your “dancing shoes” and will teach your little dancers a dance to celebrate the new year.
Stow Heritage Ringers
High St. Christain Church – Fellowship Hall
7-7:45, 8-8:30
Enjoy the sounds of the season! Stow Heritage Ringers is an advanced handbell ensemble that welcomes the opportunity to share their passion for handbells with an audience.
Street Beat Drummers
Roving throughout the Fist Night Footprint
7-midnight
The Street Beat Drummers will keep you on your toes! Watch for them as they make their way through downtown with a smile on their faces and a rhythm drum that will get your toes tapping!
Studio Hope
The Shoppes at Akron Centre
5-9
Join the jam! Anyone can have fun with music using digital technology. Studio Hope provides a digital mobile studio that allows children and families to play digital music together.
Summer Arts Experience Lights Up Downtown
Chemstress Park and Commerce Park
5-11:30
The Summer Arts Experience provides work readiness training and meaningful education in the arts to Akron’s youth, ages 14-17. View two past Summer Arts Experience projects when they are lit up at First Night in Chemstress Park and Commerce Park on Main Street.
Summit Chidren’s Touring Choir
St. Bernard Church
6-7
A choral show that’s not to be missed!
This City Reads: Make & Take
Main Library – Main Street Level
5-9
Decorate a bag to carry all of your First Night goodies!
Toying With Imagination: A Plastic Camera Exhibition
Akron Art Museum – Corbin Gallery
Some of the most popular cameras today are plastic models. These cameras are making quite a splash in the world of photography, allowing anyone to create fun, breathtaking and experimental images. The Akron Art Museum invited locals to submit photographs taken in and around northeast Ohio using these plastic cameras.
The University of Akron Steel Drum Band
UA Polsky Building- Main Street Level
Interactive: 8-9
Ensemble: 9:30-10:15, 10:30-11:30
Discover what thousands of their fans already know! The highly-acclaimed UA Steel Drum Band performs Caribbean music at its best.
Weathervane Community Playhouse
Main Library – Auditorium
8-9, 9:30-10:30
P.D. Eastman’s classic children’s book comes to life on stage. Children of all ages will enjoy Go, Dog. Go! Big dogs, little dogs, green dogs, black dogs, white dogs and spotted dogs. Dogs at work, dogs at play, dogs all over the place! Eight crazy dogs and one memorable day!
What a Character!
FirstMerit Tower
5-9
Don’t take yourself too seriously this New Year’s Eve! Have a caricature of yourself or your family drawn and keep it as a First Night souvenir!
Xaingo!
Lock 3 – Holidayfest Tent
6-6:30, 6:45-7:15, 7:30-8
XainGO!, created and performed by artist Todd V., is a new brand of theater/performance art. The fast movement of the performers, mixed with the creation of a new work of art, all set to modern music creates an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages! Watch the creative process as a large scale abstract painting is created.
Yiddishe Cup
John S. Knight Center - Exhibit Hall 1
8:45-9:30, 9:45-10:30, 10:45-11:30
Get ready to dance! Yiddishe Cup is back with with their eccentric mix of Yiddish music. You won’t be able to stand still!
Zydeco Kings
Ocasek Gov. Office Building – Lobby
6-6:45, 7-7:45, 8-8:30
The Zydeco Kings have been entertaining Northeast Ohio fans for years with the music of Louisiana artists such as Clifton Chenier, Dr. John, The Meters, Huey "Piano" Smith, Nathan & the Zydeco ChasChas.
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