FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, Dec. 3, 2007
CONTACT: Kimberlee McKee
330-762-8555 (phone); 330-762-6622 (fax)
kmckee@downtownakron.com
First Night® Akron showcases diverse artists during New Year’s Eve celebration
Weekly spotlight on Artists
Akron, Ohio -- First Night® Akron 2008 will be packed with entertainment so diverse that every member of the community will find a way to celebrate the final hours of 2007 in downtown Akron!
Here are just a few of the great performances that will be happening at First Night® Akron 2008.
Howard Street Blues is a First Night favorite that leaves the crowd wanting more! Howard Street Blues is led by the legendary Sonny Robertson who has played with greats Albert King and Jimi Hendrix. Wrap up the night with the Howard Street Blues band from 9 – 9:45 p.m., 10-10:45 p.m. and 11-11:30 p.m. at the John S. Knight Center. Get your seats early, because they are sure to fill up fast!
A lively performance of jogs, reels, hornpipes, and more will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Presented by some of Tim O’Hare’s best dancers, reminiscent of the Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, along with some traditional numbers. The O’Hare Irish Dancers will dance the night away from 6-7 p.m. and 7:15- 8 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre, a performance you won’t want to miss!
Literature Leap is a literacy based program, “Bringing Books to Life” through storytelling and music.
Bring the kids to the Akron Art Museum Auditorium from 5-6 p.m. and watch as the written words come to life and jump right off the page.
First Night invites everyone to participate in traditional Kwanza Celebration with live music and dance. Come experience this special holiday tradition from 6-9 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre.
First Night is family-friendly and alcohol free with entertainment packed into 21 downtown sites. More than 30 visual and interactive art activities and 50 performing artists and groups, representing dance, theater, and music make the evening one you’ll never forget. Metro buses make it easy to stay warm while you see it all! They’ll transport your family and friends as you discover the magic of First Night. The excitement will culminate when the Midnight Countdown Show begins at 11:30 p.m. featuring Cats on Holiday. Then kiss 2007 goodbye with a bang as the FirstMerit Fireworks display fills the sky to Today’s Best Music courtesy of 98.1 WKDD.
Admission to First Night Akron is a $10 button. Children under 10 years old are admitted free. Buy admission buttons online at www.firstnightakron.org until December 25. Buttons are also available at all Acme Fresh Market stores and participating FirstMerit bank branches.
For more information, including a complete schedule of First Night entertainment, visit the website: www.firstnightakron.org. First Night is a program of Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding Partners of the program are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal.
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