FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 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 -- With more than 30 visual and interactive art activities and 50 performing artists and groups representing dance, theater and music, this New Year’s Eve at First Night® Akron will be one you’ll never forget.

Here are just a few of the great performances that will be happening at First Night® Akron 2008.

Alex Bevan is back with his flawless performance! A fixture of the Northeast Ohio music scene, Bevan lets his guitar playing capture you from 9-9:45 p.m., 10-10:45 p.m. and 11-11:30p.m. at The O’Neil’s Building. Sponsored by Roetzel and Andress.

Studio Hope creates a digital rhythm jam session that allows First Night revelers to play with state-of-the-art soundbeam technology. Join the jam from 5-9 p.m. at The Shoppes at Akron Centre. Sponsored by the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Adddiction and Mental Health Services Board.

Experience Melissa Daubert’s “Baby New Year Jam”—a kinetic, interactive art experience that allows visitors to create music, motion and memories through art. Come play with the band at the Akron Art Museum from 5-11:30 p.m.

You will be taken on an imaginary trip around the world as the dancers from Mitzi and Ed Waring Dance Company recreate the styles of dancing, music and costumes that are native to the nationalities portrayed. Get your seats early for this trip around the world from 5:30- 6:15 p.m. and 6:30-7 p.m. at the John S. Knight Center.

Join local theater company, The Illusion Factory, as they take you on Winne-the-Pooh’s frantic adventures from 5-6 p.m. in the Main Library’s Auditorium’s Akron Community Foundation stage. This is one the little ones won’t want to miss.

First Night is family-friendly and alcohol free with entertainment packed into 21 downtown sites. 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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