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First Night Morris County

First Night Morris County 2022 Marks 31 Years of Epic New Year’s Celebrations in Downtown Morristown

Annual Event Returns to Feature Over 70 Performances at 20 Venues on December 31, 2022 in Downtown Morristown with Complimentary Parking, Free Shuttles, 2 Firework Displays and Additional On-Demand Access through 4 PM on January 1st. Tickets (Buttons) Start at $25.

Marking its 31st year as the Mid-Atlantic’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts, First Night Morris County will feature more than 70 performances at 20 venues (18 In-Person, 1 Live Stream, and 1 On-Demand) throughout downtown Morristown, from 4 p.m. to midnight on December 31, 2022. The event brings art, film, music, comedy, and family-friendly fun to Morris County in the form of a safe, alcohol-free, and substance-free community celebration.

Thanks to its supporters, partners, and volunteers, First Night Morris County provides its attendees with outstanding value and innovative, diverse, and world-class performances, ideal for participants of all ages. This year’s performances see the return of many exceptional artists audiences have come to expect at First Night Morris County, with some great new additions!

“With more performance venues than ever before, this year’s event has a stellar line-up that spans too many genres to list,” said First Night Morris County Chairman Walter Deutsch. “We are very excited to bring back the children and family programming at Morristown High School, and also to welcome back fireworks over Morristown at two points in the evening: 9:15 p.m. and midnight, offering our youngest participants an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent display.”

With the artistic guidance provided by Dr. Lynn Siebert of Morris Arts, the program is well-balanced, offering numerous performance genres: theatre, music from around the world, visual arts, world cultures, children’s programs, and so much more. Mark Boutros and Don Jay Smith’s work to curate the First Night Film Festival, held in collaboration with the Thomas Edison Film Festival, First Contact Film Festival and MCEDA Film Committee, brings more than 50 films for all ages and interests.

Attend In Person, via Live Stream, or Watch Select Content On-Demand

For just $25, First Night attendees have access to all in-person performances, the family and children’s activities at Morristown High School, the Film Festival, two firework displays and a midnight countdown to welcome in the new year, PLUS a live stream and on-demand access to 50+ films in this year’s Film Festival, a print program, and a mobile app – all included with admission. First Night attendees also receive complimentary parking and free shuttles.
 

On New Year’s Eve…The Town Becomes a Stage

The 30th Annual First Night Morris County Returns to Downtown Morristown with 13 In-Person Venues, Live Stream, and On-Demand Access totaling 15 Venues

Contributors: Collin Schlosser, FNM365 Intern, Dr. Lynn Siebert, Morris Arts and Craig Schlosser, First Night Morris County

 Marking its 30th year as the Mid-Atlantic’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts, First Night Morris County will feature over 50 performances at 13 in-person venues throughout downtown Morristown, from 4pm to midnight on December 31st.”   This year’s event adds  a live stream of 4 different acts from the Mayo Performing Arts Center, which can also be seen live and in-person, plus on-demand access to over 40 films and select live performance through January 3rd. The live stream and on-demand access bring the venue total to 15. This is the first time that First Night will offer  a live stream from a venue and the second year of on-demand services. Attendees have access to all in-person performances, live stream, and on-demand capability included in their admission, plus complimentary parking, free shuttles, a mobile app, film festival, and a Midnight Countdown to welcome in the New Year.

Thanks to its supporters/partners/volunteers, First Night Morris County provides its attendees with outstanding value and world class performances.  Once again, this year’s performances feature the exceptional artists audiences have come to expect at First Night Morris County. Thanks to artistic guidance  provided by Dr. Lynn Siebert of Morris Arts, the program is well-balanced, offering numerous performance genres:  theatre, music (rock, jazz, classical, etc.), visual arts, world cultures, children’s programs, and so much more.

This year’s program is available HERE. 

For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.firstnightmorris.com.

“We are excited to offer a wide variety of performances from a diverse group of artists,” stated First Night Morris County President Craig Schlosser, who booked the artistic program with Dr. Siebert’s assistance . “This year, we want to put a strong emphasis on the Visual Arts, and to do that, we moved up the event start time to 4 PM with the opening of two art galleries followed by a third gallery opening at 6 PM,” Schlosser added. The exhibits included in this year’s program include the Atrium Gallery exhibit: “The Color of Life” at the Morris County Administration Building, which Dr. Siebert curated, and two exhibits opening  this month at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, “Are We There Yet?” at the Art Upstairs Gallery and the Starlight Gallery’s new exhibit featuring Artist Mike Dziomba.

Live performances start at 5:30pm  with opera stylings  provided by the Vocal Trio of Harmonious Beginnings at Saint Peter Episcopal Church. The performance delves into an array of Sacred, Broadway, Opera, and Americana with solo performances, duets, and classic presentations of three-part vocal harmony. The Trio features the powerful vocal talents of three dynamic performers: Ted Chletsos, Lauren D’Imperio, and Stephen Lasher, accompanied by pianist Kristin Dabaghian.

Following the Trio at Saint Peter’s is one of New Jersey’s leading choral arts organizations, Harmonium Choral Society.  Directed by Dr. Anne Matlack, Harmonium offers richly diverse programming and the highest caliber of choral performance].  The final two performances of the evening, at Saint Peter’s Church, are courtesy of the award-winning  Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey (BONJ). Join the Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Dr. Robert W. Butts, to explore great orchestral music of all periods, from the 17th through the 21st centuries. All the performances were specially selected to benefit from the Church’s magnificent acoustics and beautiful architecture, providing a rich experience for all attendees.

The in-person Film Festival at AMC Theaters in Morristown is a new edition to the 30th annual First Night Morris County. The Festival features 5 venues and starts at 6 PM. Under the direction of Executive Board Member and Film Festival Director Mark Boutros, MFA, and Chairman, Walter Deutsch, the offerings build on the virtual Film Festival offered last year. The Film Festival was expanded with the Thomas Edison Film Festival selections and feature films chosen specifically for the  First Night Morris County audiences. The Film Committee, which consisted of Advisory Board Members Ayne Klein Chasid, Jane Kurek, Jessica Offer,  Mark Boutros, Walter Deutsch, and Intern Adam Tang,  assembled a Festival featuring 40+ films.  With specific category segments for short films and feature films, each having their own performance blocks, most movies are for All Ages, some for Teens & Adults, and  one is for Young Adults & Adults. As a bonus, over half of the films are available on-demand through January 3rd via the First Night Morris County website or Mobile App.  Award winners will be announced during the Film Festival Discussion & Awards segment, 7:30 PM in Venues 2.

Some of the film offerings:

At 6:30 PM, performances begin at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC). This year’s program features a few new enhancements, including a live stream, courtesy of the Mayo Performing Arts Center, accessible through the First Night Morris County website and mobile app. Even more impressive is the variety of the four acts. “The Mayo is a fantastic partner, and this year they once again demonstrated it. Not only do they handle the bulk of our ticketing, but they are also handling our live stream and changing over four different acts to provide a new performance to every audience who comes in the door. It’s extraordinary, and we are grateful for their continued support,” stated First Night Morris County Chairman Walter Deutsch.

The first performance of the evening is the Family-Favorite, Dinoman Dinosaurs! The Mesozoic comes to Morristown. The program, which features life-size inflatable dinosaurs and takes the audience through the Mesozoic era, has garnered  a “Best Bet” from the LA Times, praise in the Wall Street Journal, and is a favorite at First Night.

Following Dinoman at MPAC are two outstanding jazz performances. The first is award-winning jazz pianist and accordionist Ben Rosenblum and his  Trio.   Rosenblum has toured internationally with his trio and sextet and performed as a soloist  at Carnegie Hall’s Stern-Perelman Auditorium. In 2020, his ensemble, the Nebula Project, was voted runner-up for “Best New Artist” in JazzTimes’ Readers’ Poll.

The second jazz performance of the evening is Morristown legend (his photo and bio are in the Morristown Post Office on the Wall of Fame for Morristown), Rio Clemente.  Rio incorporates multiple genres into his unique jazz style  earning him the moniker, “Bishop of Jazz.” Clemente has performed at Carnegie Hall, Avery Hall at Lincoln Center, the White House (for President Obama), and at the United Nations.

The final performance at the Mayo will rock out with the Matt O’Ree Band. The group’s leader, Matt O’Ree, is a former guitarist for Bon Jovi, NY/NJ Blues Hall of Fame inductee, and was crowned “King of The Blues” by BB King himself. The band’s newest addition and backup singer, Eryn, is also an award-winning artist and songwriter. All promise to be remarkable performances not to be missed.

Between the extended performance breaks at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, the top-rated “Behind the Curtain” series returns with a look into how First Night Morris County 2022 came to life. The series is also available to the public through TV Trucks located next to Mayo Performing Arts Center at the Vail Mansion. The video production for these pieces and the Midnight Countdown are provided courtesy of Kraus Marketing.

7 PM marks the start of two additional venues at the Hyatt Regency Morristown with the Regency Room, “Comedy Club,” and Morris Room, “World Center.” The “Comedy Club” at the Regency Room in the Hyatt Regency Morristown features two outstanding comedians, Joe Larson and Leighann Lord. Larson and Leighann will rotate shows with Larson performing at 7 PM and 9:45 PM and Leighann at 8:15 PM and 11:00 PM.

Joe Larson won “College Comedian of the Year” at The Las Vegas Comedy Festival. He was a finalist in the prestigious Johnny Carson Great American Comedy Festival and the Boston Comedy Festival. He has also made multiple appearances on television, including on The Bob & Tom ShowLeighann Lord’s “heads up humor” is stand-up comedy at its finest. Leighann received the NYC Black Comedy Award for “The Most Thought Provoking Black Female Comic” and has appeared on countless stand-up comedy shows! An enjoyable comedy experience for all.

“World Center” at the Morris Room in the Hyatt brings World Cultures to Morristown with the return of two top-rated performers, Music from China and Random Test Reggae Band. NYC-based chamber ensemble, Music from China, performs traditional and contemporary Chinese music on folk and western instruments. Praised by the NY Times and Washington Post, it has performed at the Library of Congress, Metropolitan Museum of Art,  the Smithsonian, as well as with major symphony orchestras, and such jazz greats as Ornette Coleman. Drawing members from throughout the Caribbean, Random Test Reggae Band has rocked the NJ Shore with authentic Reggae and Calypso for over a decade. Their performances pay tribute to pioneers in Reggae, Soca music and offer a chance to enjoy the joyous music that the Caribbean has to offer.

The final venue of the night offers performances starting at 7:30 PM at Saint Peter’s Parish House, featuring two First Night Morris County favorites, Mauricio de Souza’s Bossa Brasil®, and Mr. Fish: Super Circus Stuff. Both performances are family-friendly and interactive. Bossa Brasil®’s repertoire features Bossa Nova classics, other popular types of Brazilian music, and De Souza’s own compositions. The group has previously performed at First Night Morris, the Blue Note, NJPAC, and Festival International de Quebec. De Souza has also released four commercial albums.

A crowd favorite, Mr. Fish: Super Circus Stuff, brings  a fast-paced family-friendly performance featuring pure entertainment pleasure, fun circus routines, and  audience participation.  John Lepiarz, a.k.a. Mr. Fish, is an internationally known professional circus performer. He toured for seven years with the Big Apple Circus and appeared on HBO’s “Great Circus Performances of the World.” Audiences should arrive early to catch the 9:45 PM and 11:00 PM performances by the highly popular Mr. Fish, our featured evening, family-friendly act.

All attendees will have  access all 50 Performances, provided space is available, along with complimentary shuttles, free parking, mobile app, Midnight Countdown, Film Festival, access to over 40+  on-demand films and live stream included in their admission price.   Early-Bird admission runs through December 21st at $25 per admission or $22.50 each when purchasing four or more ($90 4-Pack). Regular admission pricing  begins on December 22nd and runs  through the event with $30 per admission or $23.75 each when purchasing four or more ($95 4-Pack). Following industry safety standards, all attendees ages 12+ attending a performance are required to show proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 Test taken within 48 hours of the event start time. Masks are required to be worn inside the venue except while briefly consuming concessions. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit FirstNightMorris.com, visit the Mayo Box Office at 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ, or call 973-539-8008 during regular business hours.

 

About First Night Morris County

First Night® Morris County, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, seeks to foster the public’s appreciation of visual and performing arts through an innovative, diverse, and high-quality New Year’s Eve program which offers the community a shared cultural experience that is accessible and affordable to all with Year-Round Community Development through FNM365.

Top talents, inventive options at 29th First Night® Morris County

The arts inspire creativity.  No surprise, then, that First Night® Morris County, New Jersey’s family-friendly, alcohol and substance-free celebration of the arts on New Year’s Eve, would creatively reimagine its 29 year tradition in the face of the Covid pandemic and still present outstanding performances in music, theatre/comedy, family programming and world cultures.

For all 29 years, Morris Arts has been First Night Morris’ artistic programmer, securing topflight talents who have performed at world class venues, won international recognition, performed on national radio/TV, in major films and/or collaborated with superstars of performing arts. Outstanding performers – both online and live, two virtual fireworks shows and online offerings from the First Contact Film Festival (an independent film makers’ competition) are all included in this year’s reimagined First Night Morris County. An added silver lining for this year’s largely virtual event: attendees don’t have to worry about the weather or travelling on December 31st! The event’s program offerings are available online, accessible from the comfort of one’s home – no matter where you live!

 

Intrigued by WORLD CULTURES?  Irish and all other eyes will be smiling with Champion Irish Fiddler Brian Conway and guitarist/singer John Walsh (streaming, on demand). In true Irish fiddling tradition – hallmarks of Irish county fairs and outdoor celebrations – fiddler Brian Conway and guitarist/vocalist John Walsh took advantage of a spring-like November day to record their First Night performance in a lovely landscape, evoking the green fields of Ireland (while modeling Covid 19 precautions at the same time). Widely considered one of the best Irish fiddlers of any style, Conway is a leading exponent of the tastefully ornamented Sligo fiddling style made famous by the late Michael Coleman. Winner of multiple All-Ireland fiddling titles, Conway was influenced by the legendary fiddler and composer Martin Wynne and the great Andy McGann of New York, a direct student of Michael Coleman, who further shaped Conway’s precision and skill on the instrument. The distinctness of Conway’s tone, the lift of his playing, and the deft ornamentation that he brings to his performances have placed him among the finest Irish fiddlers of any style. He has performed throughout North America, Ireland and Europe and recorded 6 CDs (including for the Smithsonian) to critical acclaim.   Conway is also considered one of the premier instructors of traditional Irish music, mentoring many fine fiddle players, including several who have gone on to win All-Ireland championships in their own right. Irish-American guitarist, singer and producer John Walsh joins Conway in the special performance for First Night Morris County.

Looking for a little MAGIC on New Year’s Eve? Be sure to check out Jason Hudy’s Mesmerizing Magic (streaming, on demand). Described as “One of the hottest wand swingers out there!” by actor Neil Patrick Harris, Magician Jason Hudy delivers mystery, intrigue, and comedy in every cutting edge show, as he draws you into the intricate world of illusion.  With over 8,000 performances in 14 countries around the world, Jason has brought his magic and illusions to over a million people across the globe! Featured in theaters, performing arts centers, cruise ships and casinos, he is a regular guest entertainer on Disney Cruise Lines, and was one of a select group of magicians invited to perform at the “House of Magic” at Studio City Casino in Macau, near Hong Kong. Jason toured 30 cities across China and headlined 950 performances of “The Magic of Saipan,” a dinner theater show on the island of Saipan (a U.S. Territory in the South Pacific). Additionally, Jason has performed for ESPN, Hersey, Mitsubishi, and appeared on national TV with CBS’ The Late Late Show. In November 2019, his TedX Talk provided an insightful and entertaining peek “behind the curtain” into the world of magic and illusion. Who doesn’t need a little extra magic as 2021 begins?

Desperately seeking some COMEDY?  Comedian Joe Larson (live with addition samples streaming, on demand) will tickle your funny bone and have you smiling all night. Joe will be performing live in two limited-attendance performances at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. This Seattle-born and raised comedian decided he didn’t have enough traffic, smog, and pastrami in his life so he moved to New York City. Working the comedy circuit on the east coast, Joe was nominated “Best Up-And-Coming Comedian” at the NYC MAC Awards, and was a finalist in both the prestigious Johnny Carson Great American Comedy Festival and the Boston Comedy Festival. His popular blog, “Man with A Baby,” is read and enjoyed by many, and online sketch comedy pieces with “Grandma’s Favorite” are a YouTube favorite. If you haven’t see him killin’ it on stage, you might have heard Joe on the nationally syndicated The Bob & Tom Show… or seen him in television appearances on The Tonight Show’s Laugh Squad, Laughs on FOX, Gotham Comedy Live and on The Speed Channel. He’s even had the time to fit in an appearance on the film, Stand-Up 360.  From a colleges to comedy clubs, Joe has been funny everywhere. Don’t miss the chance to see this great act in action! (In the event MPAC is closed due to new virus regulations, “best of” videos s of Larson’s comedy will be made available streaming and on demand to ticket holders).

For something unique and different within First Night’s CLASSICAL MUSIC offerings, savor the extraordinary skill and musicianship of award-winning harpsichord virtuoso Andrew Rosenblum (streaming, on demand). Noted for his “…beautiful shaping of phrases, his sense of color and inflection, his incisive rhythmic impulse, and his fabulous technique…,” Rosenblum enjoys a multifaceted career as a harpsichordist and pianist. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, The Kennedy Center, and The Phillips Collection, and internationally, in Mexico, Canada, Saint Lucia, Germany, and the Czech Republic. He won Second Prize in the harpsichord categories of the 2018 Leipzig International Bach Competition and the 2017 Prague Spring International Music Competition, where he also won the Czech Music Fund Foundation Prize for his performance of the newly commissioned work, Harpsycho, by Petr Wajsar. He soloed with Leipziger Barockorchester, Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra, Collegium 1704, and Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and played continuo for Music of the Baroque Orchestra, Haymarket Opera, Third Coast Baroque, and Three Notch’d Road. Rosenblum has advanced to the semi-final round of the Cedille Records Emerging Artist Competition, which will take place in May 2021.

An avid performer of new music, Rosenblum gave the world premiere of Diana Rosenblum’s Curiosities for harpsichord in 2020, performed in the 2018 Julius Eastman Portrait Concert at the Chicago Cultural Center, and played in all three concerts of the 2017 Chicago Ustvolskaya Festival. Lauded for his “beautifully responsive…warm and inviting” playing (Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine) on Living in the Body – a two-CD set of songs by Lori Laitman (Naxos, 2019), Rosenblum also serves on the Board of Directors of Kaleidoscope MusArt, an organization that explores links between new, rarely-heard, and well-known works while featuring emerging artists and living composers. On the Piano Staff of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, as well as the Piano Faculty and Harpsichord Faculty of the Heifetz International Music Institute, he has been on the Piano Staff of Lyric Opera of Chicago, Northwestern University, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus.

JAZZ aficionados can rejoice in the wizardry of the great Frank Vignola Hot Jazz Trio with bassist/vocalist Nicki Parrott (streaming, on demand).

 “Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians …Vignola’s jaw-dropping technique explains why the New York Times deemed him ‘one of the brightest stars of the guitar.’”

“There is little in this world so awe-inspiring as witnessing total mastery of a musical instrument. Like seeing Yo-Yo Ma play the cello or Placido Domingo belt out an aria – sometimes a performer’s perfection can elevate a piece of music to heights beyond the realm of imagination. By all accounts, Frank Vignola conjures just that sort of magic with his acoustic guitar.” – Matt Cauthron, Intermission Magazine

“For me, the standout musician in the ensemble was guitarist Frank Vignola, who can play more musically at ridiculous tempos than just about anyone I’ve heard.”- The Jazz Session, Jason Crane, Tanglewood Jazz Festival

After a near fatal accident, Frank Vignola, is back, better than ever! One of the top guitarists in the world according to the legendary Les Paul, the amazing Vignola has performed with Ringo Starr, Lionel Hampton, Wynton Marsalis, Tommy Emmanuel, Bucky Pizzarelli and other top stars. With his astounding virtuosity, extraordinary versatility, sly humor and incomparable musicianship, he shares the stage with longterm touring partner, dynamic rhythm guitarist Vinny Raniolo, who himself has toured 14 countries on 3 continents, performed in the world’s top venues and recorded soundtracks for HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Woody Allen’s film, Café Society.

Joining this illustrious duo for a night of jazz heaven is Aussie bassist/vocalist Nicki Parrott, who performed with Les Paul, Paul McCartney and Tommy Emmanuel, among others. Magic happens when Parrott’s irresistible voice pairs with the wizardry of Vignola and Raniolo, bringing their mega-talent trio to First Night. It doesn’t get better than this!

L-R: The British Invasion Years band- (Photo on left) Dave Hall, Jon Wolf, Bobby M and Lee Scott Howard; Phonebooth top to bottom: Bobby M, Lee Scott Howard, Jon Wolf and Dave Hall.

 

ROCK your way into the New Year with crowd favorite, The British Invasion Years  (streaming, on demand). No time machine is needed as the lads take you back to the 1960s, that golden era of classic rock from both sides of the Atlantic. If you love classic 60’s rock, you will thrill to this group’s note-perfect performances of music from The Beatles to The Beach Boys! Individually and collectively, they have performed with Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes – at the Stone Pony, on The Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman.

The band formed in 1997 as the Robert Murdock Band, blending classic 60s British and American rock, and committed to researching and performing the most faithful and joyful “covers” of that iconic repertoire. They developed the concept of an exciting, unique concert experience, meticulously recreating all the amazing 60’s hit songs, complete with period accurate outfits and multimedia.

Over the years they have appeared multiple times at First Night Morris County, packing the Mayo Performing Arts Center with standing-room-only crowds and garnering standing ovations! Their programs include chart toppers by iconic British Invasion bands (The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, The Zombies, The Dave Clark Five, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Manfred Mann and others).  The American Response followed with the band recreating mega hits by legendary artists like The Monkees, Simon & Garfunkel, The Turtles, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Beach Boys, The Mamas and The Papas, to name just a few. In 2011, they realized that dream of every British Invasion tribute band: opening for one of the original Beatles, Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band! They have since shared the stage with other legendary artists such as The Beach Boys, Herman’s Hermits, Leon Russell, connected with a major talent agency, toured and recorded widely. Rock in the New Year with this amazing band!

Part of this year’s program offerings include: Friday Night Film Nights, December 11 and 18 from 7pm (also streamed on December 31 and available on demand through Jan. 3) as well as Yousic Play Montage including clips from 4 jazz artists: Cory Henry, Jesus Molina, Robert Sput Searight and Arturo Sandoval at 5:40-6:25pm on December 31 and on demand through Jan. 3. 

Tickets to these wonderful performances will be available through www.firstnightmorris.com/buynow, through the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) by phone at (973) 539-8008 or at the MPAC Box Office at 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ. Pricing is discounted through December 21st for each of three options:
First Pass (streaming, on demand through Jan. 3) $10 through Dec. 21; $15 afterwards
Souvenir Package: (streaming, on demand through Jan. 3, button and program) $20 through Dec. 21; $25 afterwards
FNMC2021 (streaming, on demand through Jan.3, button, program and 1 live show) $30 through Dec. 21; $35 afterwards

 

Talents abounded at First Night Morris County 2020

Posted on January 9, 2020
A hallmark of First Night Morris County and perhaps one of the core reasons for its longevity and appeal is the high quality of talent on the program. This year’s roster once again showcased outstanding performers representing multiple artistic genres. Since its inception 28 years ago, First Night Morris has relied on Morris Arts, working for the last thirteen years with Dr. Lynn L. Siebert to program the artists for this unique event.

For more photos and background stories, visit multiple issues of Morristowngreen.com.

Ben Rosenblum

Rio Clemente, “Bishop of Jazz”

JAZZ:
What a treat it was to bring the trio of Ben Rosenblum for the first time to First Night Morris. An “impressive talent (All About Jazz),” award-winning NYC jazz pianist, accordionist and composer Rosenblum earned 4 stars from Downbeat for his 2017 debut album, Instead, and has toured extensively throughout the USA, Canada, Europe and Japan. A featured soloist at Carnegie Hall, he has performed at Lincoln Center (NY), Kuumbwa Jazz Center (California), the Library of Congress (DC) and other top venues. His unique narrative style connects with his audiences on an emotional, intellectual and spiritual level.

Of course, First Night would not be complete without our own Morristown star, the sizzling jazz pianist, Rio Clemente, the “Bishop of Jazz,” whose inventive and technically brilliant improvisations astonish and inspire all lucky enough to hear him.
A capacity crowd savored the jazz and enjoyed the smooth, elegant and virtuosic jazz that night.

The Ben Rosenblum Trio

Capacity audience at Methodist Church for Rosenblum Trio

VIDEOS: For some delicious excerpts of the Ben Rosenblum Trio performing at First Night Morris County 2020, click HERE, HERE and, closing their first set, a lively Samba for which Rosenblum plays accordion.

 

 

 

 

Capacity crowds at the Masonic Lodge enjoying the Asaran Earth Trio

Asaran Earth Trio

WORLD CULTURES:
Without leaving Morristown, audiences could be adventurous and sample cultural riches from Spain, Brazil, Hungary, Italy, China and Korea at First Night. New to First Night Morris, The Asaran Earth Trio is a virtuosic, all-female multinational ensemble whose unique repertoire ranges from 13th century Sephardic music to Hungarian folk song and includes contemporary and original works from around the world. Their unique arrangements for voice and percussion, colored by improvisation and contemporary harmonies, honored their own varied roots (Brazil, Hungary, Italy) and captivated listeners with their exquisite voices and the compelling, haunting quality of their music.

VIDEOS: Check out excerpts of the trio’s unique and lovely work:
Quando Veo Hijo Hermosa, a 13th c. Sephardic piece…excerpts HERE and HERE
Kis Keve Lanyom, a haunting Hungarian folk/bridal lament
An original Brazilian song by Anne Boccato (percussionist, alto in the group) about Spring/ Primavera Selah (with audience participation) and Foreign Lander (derived from a Red Molly version).

 

Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori (KTDOC) captivated the eyes and ears of audiences with their unique and fascinating blend of drumming and dancing. Preserving the rich heritage of traditional Korean dances, KTDOC performed a variety of dances showcasing the elegant costumes, their carefully synchronized, stylized gestures, dramatic drumming and movements which conveyed a wide range of emotions, related tales of village life and depicted the beauties of nature in visually stunning sequences.
VIDEOS: Here is an excerpt of their precision drumming.
Click HERE to see an excerpt of the Drum Dance solo.
Click HERE to see an excerpt of the Knife Dance, choreographed by director Eunhee Ahn.

Equally entrancing was the Music from China Trio which has been hailed by the NY Times and Washington Post for their musical artistry. This renowned NYC-based ensemble, founded in 1984, has performed at the Library of Congress, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chautauqua, the Smithsonian, festivals/residencies across the USA as well as with major symphony orchestras, chamber groups and such jazz greats as Ornette Coleman. The trio’s musicians treated the First Night audiences to an exciting and hauntingly lovely program featuring classical and folk arrangements performed on traditional Chinese instruments.
VIDEOS: Click HERE for the lively opening number, capturing a happy mood.
                 Click HERE for Sun Li’s virtuoso solo on the Pipa lute- featuring a recurring theme.

THEATER/COMEDY:

Alan Kitty as Mark Twain

Appearing for the first time at First Night Morris was The Mark Twain Experience, featuring Alan Kitty as “Mark Twain.” Writer, humorist, riverboat pilot and inventor, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was a genuine American genius. Alan Kitty’s 40 years of research, programs and performances in 22 states have made him one of the nation’s leading Twain impersonators. Kitty’s brilliantly crafted material, impeccable comic timing and uncanny likeness make audiences wonder if the real Twain is still among us. Audiences relished the wit and wisdom that “Mark Twain” offered on all facets of American life. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”

VIDEO: Click HERE to catch a little of Twain’s wit and wisdom.

 

 

 

 

Mentalist Eric Walton

Also new to First Night Morris was the critically acclaimed Mentalist Eric Walton. Does fate govern our lives? Is it possible to see the future? The international award-winning critically-acclaimed showman, raconteur, and mind-reader, Eric Walton, undertook a theatrical foray into the realms of parapsychology, metaphysics, and the paranormal, in which he read minds, identified hidden objects, predicted future events, and challenged conventional ideas about the limits of human perception. Walton is “Dazzling” (Zink Magazine) and “100% pure theatrical magic” (NYTheater.com).

 

 

 

And, as we embark on the 2020s, audiences also time travelled back a century to the Roaring Twenties with the crystalline-voiced Christine De Leon  who recreated a moment from the glittering jazz age through the enduring songs and dances of the 1920’s.

Christine DeLeon revisits the Roaring Twenties

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rob Paravonian, comedian/guitarist

To help us all laugh in the New Year, First Night featured two wonderful comedians, both new to First Night but well practiced and highly skilled in their craft. With the mind of a comedian and the soul of a musician, Rob Paravonian seamlessly fuses sharp comedy performances with top notch musicianship. This perfect blend of abilities was evident everywhere from his viral Pachelbel Rant, his observations on popular music, to his well-crafted original songs. This versatile comedian, a regular at the Chicago Improv and Zanies clubs, was on Dr. Demento Show’s Funny Five, opened for Lily Tomlin, entertained troops in Afghanistan and performed in 49 states.
VIDEOS:
HERE, Paravonian parodied Harry Chapin songs with a Disney twist, (a la the movie UP), with “Old Man in a House of Balloons.”
Inspired by the Beach Boys, Paravonian crafts his very funny Driving with Grandpa.” And then, there’s an excerpt from his hilarious “Baby in a Bar,”observing the transformation of his formerly “cool” and “edgy” Brooklyn neighborhood into a haven for young families.

 

Comedian Andy Pitz

And talented Andy Pitz is a regular at such top New York comedy sites as The World Famous Comic Strip Live, The Comedy Cellar and Dangerfield’s. He’s also appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Gotham Comedy Live, as a winner on Star Search on CBS and with national acts in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. First Nighters laughed in the New Year with Andy and Rob!

 

 

CLASSICAL:

Harmonium Choral Society, photo by Jeff Sovelove for MorristownGreen.com

Audiences were entranced yet again by the outstanding Harmonium Choral Society. From a Renaissance processional to the rich romanticism of Bruckner and the mysticism of Erik Esenwalds, Harmonium’s richly diverse programming and high artistic level had something for everyone. This year’s program strove for gender equity with gorgeous works by Patricia van Ness, Rosephanye Powell, Sarah Quartel, Melissa Dunphy, Mari Esabel Valverde, Andrea Ramsey and Annie Lennox. The capacity crowds were dazzled by this remarkable vocal ensemble under the inspired direction of Dr. Anne Matlack.

 

 

 

Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey

Classical music lovers also enjoyed the award-winning Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey which explored great orchestral works from the 17th through the 21st centuries under the baton of conductor/artistic director Dr. Robert Butts.

 

 

 

ROCK:
Folks packed the Mayo Performing Arts Center to hear some quality classic rock ‘n roll with The TONES who delivered a fresh and terrific blend of classic Rock, R&B and “Three Chords and the Truth,” recrafting the music they love. They drew on music by the Eagles, Van Morrison, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Ray Charles and the Allman brothers and they rocked the house at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on New Year’s Eve.

VIDEO: Catch a little of their rendition of the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young classic, “Love is coming to us all.”

 

 FOLK:

Lara Herscovitch, Contemporary Troubadour (photo by Frank Piercy)

Mike Agranoff, folk singer/humorist

Those who adore acoustic FOLK MUSIC caught the artistry and uniqueness of Lara Herscovitch: Contemporary Troubadour. Informed by decades of international humanitarian work, this former Connecticut State Troubadour sings her “marvelous, inventive and thought-provoking songs (NJ.com)” that inspire, inform, uplift and entertain – all with a voice “like expensive liquor” (Performer Magazine). Telling stories of misfits, underdogs, courage, love, loss, hardship, and hope, Herscovitch has performed on Prairie Home Companion and tours from Maine to Miami. Blending modern folk with blues, jazz and pop, “Lara reminds us,” as NPR’s Colin McEnroe observed, “that music can be heroic when it springs from a strong heart.”

Another treat: Mike Agranoff, that category-defying folksinger/humorist whose repertoire encompasses traditional ballads, fiddle tunes, Tin Pan Alley and his own witty pen. With a skilled hand on guitar and concertina, he captivates his audiences, delivering unforgettable stories, deliciously sly parodies and heart stopping spoken word pieces.

CHILDREN’S / FAMILY PROGRAMS:

During the early session for younger children (4:45-6:45pm), the crowds marveled at audience members encased in giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, smoke filled bubbles and other terrific bubble tricks with OMG Bubbles. Many joined in the art making activities with artist Samantha (“Sam”) Matthews’ Art 4 Kids and tried their hand building with Fun with LEGOs®. For young and old alike, Kit’s Interactive Theatre featured Kitty Jones as Grace, the Pirate and cast the audience right into the show, as part of her pirate crew! Who knew New Year’s Eve included a search for Black Beard’s hidden treasure?! Featuring circus magic, perennial favorite Benjamin Lipman’s Comedy Cascade combined circus arts, vaudeville and humor with juggling, mime and magic. Nearly 300 folks joined in Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody who called reels, line, circle and square dancing to western, jazz and Broadway tunes. Neither experience nor partner was needed to participate in the fun (and dancing) for all ages. And for those who love animals, who could resist the ever popular Rizzo’s Reptile/Wildlife Discovery which showcased live reptiles (including a 15′ python and other animals) – under the watchful eye of a seasoned animal handler. Juggles, the Clown, brought smiles to all and many enjoyed the face painting and glitter tattoos with Gina’s Facetag at The Children’s Fun Festival.
This is just a sampler of the world-class performances which have become a hallmark of First Night Morris County. There were programs to suit every age and taste along with two visual arts exhibits (displaying over 50 artworks) and two sets of fireworks. You didn’t have to travel the world or spend a fortune for tickets to experience world class live performance. It was all in Morristown on New Year’s Eve.

First Night® Morris County, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, seeks to foster the public’s appreciation of visual and performing arts through an innovative, diverse, and high-quality New Year’s Eve program which offers the community a shared cultural experience that is accessible and affordable to all with Year Round Community Development Thru FNM365.

For more photos and background stories, visit multiple issues of Morristowngreen.com.

 

Still dazzling: First Night Morris County 2020 marks its 28th season (Dec.31, 2019)

For more information, the latest program updates, to volunteer or to purchase tickets, please visit the First Night® Morris County website at www.firstnightmorris.com or call the First Night Morris official ticketing partner, the Mayo Performing Art Center Box Office at (973) 539-8008.

December 31, 2019 marks the 28th year of New Jersey’s biggest and brightest First Night, a New Year’s Eve family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts – with more than 100 artists, 44 events in 16 venues – representing dance, theatre, music, world cultures, visual arts and children’s programs. For all 28 years, Morris Arts has been First Night Morris’ artistic programmer, securing topflight talents who attract thousands from throughout the state and beyond. More than half of the program features new artists (or artists returning after several years), many of whom have performed at world class venues, won international recognition, performed on national radio/TV, in major films and/or collaborated with superstars of performing arts. On that night, one can experience everything from Korean drum dancers, a visit with “Mark Twain,” and a mind-reading mentalist, to award-winning jazz pianists, topflight comedians, virtuoso Chinese instrumentalists, adventures with a pirate queen and even a live reptile show.

On the ROCK/R&B/DRUMMMING front, The Tones deliver that terrific blend of classic Rock, R&B and “Three Chords and the Truth,” recrafting the music they love as they draw on music by the Eagles, Van Morrison, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Ray Charles and the Allman brothers. Rock your way into the new decade with this terrific band. Got rhythm? Connect with Dana McCurdy’s Community In Rhythm Drum Circle, where you can channel your inner beat with this participatory drum circle.
Hankering for JAZZ? What a treat to bring the trio of Ben Rosenblum, an impressive, award-winning jazz pianist from NYC who’s already soloed at Carnegie Hall, performed at Lincoln Center, California’s Kuumbwa Jazz Center, the Library of Congress and other top venues. Regularly honored by Downbeat, he and his trio tour throughout USA, Canada, Europe and Japan. Of course, First Night would not be complete without our own Morristown star, the sizzling jazz pianist, Rio Clemente (the “Bishop of Jazz”) whose inventive and technically brilliant improvisations astonish and inspire all lucky enough to hear him.

If FOLK MUSIC is your bag, be sure to catch Lara Herscovitch, former Connecticut State Troubadour, who performed on Prairie Home Companion, NPR and tours from Maine to Miami. Informed by decades of international humanitarian work, she blends modern folk, blues, jazz and pop in songs that entertain and uplift audiences – all with a voice “like expensive liquor” (Performer Magazine). Another treat: Mike Agranoff, that category-defying folksinger/humorist whose repertoire encompasses traditional ballads, fiddle tunes, Tin Pan Alley and his own witty pen. With a skilled hand on guitar and concertina, he captivates his audiences, delivering unforgettable stories, deliciously sly parodies and heart stopping spoken word pieces.

 

First Night’s CLASSICAL offerings include the superb artistry of Harmonium Choral Society. From a Renaissance processional to the rich romanticism of Bruckner and the mysticism of Erik Esenwalds, Harmonium’s richly diverse programming and high artistic level will dazzle you. Under the inspired direction of Dr. Anne Matlack, Harmonium will also highlight gender equity, featuring gorgeous works by multiple outstanding women composers. For those more instrumentally inclined, be sure to celebrate the New Year with the award-winning Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey which explores great orchestral works from the 17th through the 21st centuries under the baton of conductor/artistic director Dr. Robert Butts.

First Night’s rich sampling of WORLD CULTURES includes the virtuosic, all-female multinational ensemble, the Asaran Earth Trio, whose unique repertoire ranges from 13th century Sephardic music to Hungarian folk songs, and includes contemporary and original works. Their unique arrangements for voice and percussion, colored by improvisation and contemporary harmonies, honor their varied roots (Brazil, Hungary and Italy). Fascination abounds with Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori, whose elegant costumes, disciplined dance formations and intricate drumming techniques showcase the rich traditions of Korean drum dancing. And audiences will delight in Music From China, an outstanding NYC ensemble which has performed at the Library of Congress, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, festivals/residencies across USA, with major symphonies, chamber groups and such jazz greats as Ornette Coleman. Hailed by the NY Times and Washington Post for their artistry, they perform (on traditional instruments) a hauntingly lovely and exciting program of classical and folk arrangements of Chinese music.

In the category of DANCE, First Night offers not only the chance to watch the fascinating drum dancing of Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori, but also the opportunity to participate in dancing. If you love reels, line, circle and square dancing to western, jazz and Broadway tunes, or are just curious, neither experience nor partner is needed to participate in Square Dancing with caller, Mary Moody – fun (and dancing) for all ages.

Looking for THEATER/COMEDY? Laugh your way into the New Year with the wit and wry humor of comedy stars, Andy Pitz and musician/comedian Rob Paravonian. A talented regular at NYC’s top comedy clubs, Andy appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Gotham Comedy Live, as a winner on Star Search (CBS) and with national acts in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Rob blends the mind of a comedian with the soul of a musician, showcasing his unique music-infused humor at top Chicago clubs, on Dr. Demento’s Funny Five, entertaining troops in Afghanistan, opening for Lily Tomlin and performing throughout 49 states. For young and old alike, Kit’s Interactive Theatre features Kitty Jones as Grace, the Pirate and casts the audience right into the show, as part of her pirate crew! Who knew New Year’s Eve included a search for Black Beard’s hidden treasure?! Featuring circus magic, Benjamin Lipman’s Comedy Cascade combines circus arts, vaudeville and humor with juggling, mime and magic while Mentalist Eric Walton, an international award-winning showman, raconteur and mind reader will astonish his audiences as he reads minds, identifies hidden objects, predicts future events and challenges conventional ideas about the limits of human perception. Time travel back a century as the crystalline-voiced Christine De Leon brings back the Roaring Twenties through the enduring songs and dances of the 1920’s. Enjoy more time travel with The Mark Twain Experience, highlighting that legendary writer, humorist, author, riverboat pilot, inventor and genuine American genius. With 40 years of research and performances as “Mark Twain,” Alan Kitty brilliantly captures the wit and wisdom of this iconic figure and makes audiences wonder if the real Twain is still among us.

 

CHILDREN’S / FAMILY PROGRAMS: During the early session for younger children (4:45-6:45pm), watch audience members encased in giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, smoke filled bubbles and other terrific bubble tricks with OMG Bubbles. Join in the art making activities with artist Samantha (“Sam”) Matthews’ Art 4 Kids and try your hand building with Fun with LEGOs®. For a taste of the exotic, check out the elegant, intricate and exciting drumming and dancing of the Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori, join the crew of the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley with Kit’s Interactive Theatre or try your hand (and feet) at Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody. Love animals? Who could resist the ever popular Rizzo’s Reptile/Wildlife Discovery which showcases live reptiles (and other animals) – under the watchful eye of a seasoned animal handler. And feel free to clown around with Juggles, the Clown or enjoy face painting and glitter tattoos with Gina’s Facetag at The Children’s Fun Festival.

VISUAL ARTS
Two visual arts exhibits and fireworks top off that magical evening known as First Night® Morris County. To check out the full lineup of artists, visit: www.firstnightmorris.com.

One inexpensive admission (before 12/21: $20/ticket; $17.50 for 4 or more; prices go up 12/22-12/31/16) covers all events at First Night® Morris County. Every venue is indoors and a free shuttle will take you to nearly all locations. For more information, the latest program updates, to volunteer or to purchase tickets, please visit the First Night® Morris County website at www.firstnightmorris.com or call the First Night Morris official ticketing partner, the Mayo Performing Art Center Box Office at (973) 539-8008.

 

A Sparkling Lineup for First Night Morris County’s 27th season (December 31, 2018)

On the Rock/Bluegrass/Blues/ Zydeco/Drum front, The John Ginty Band rocked the house, showcasing Ginty, who toured/performed with the Dixie Chicks, Jewel, Santana and received two Grammy nominations as a founding member of Robert Randolph & the Family Band. The Feinberg Brothers’ 5pc. band, profiled expansively in a recent Bluegrass Unlimited, embodied classical bluegrass with their tight, soulful harmonies and masterful, intricate instrumentals. For gutsy, full-throated blues, wailing harmonica riffs, and raw voiced vocals (with a touch of funk, R&B, country and jazz), the Cobra Brothers  hit the mark. They’ve beenheard at blues festivals, The Stone Pony and The Bitter End.  Audience members got rhythm with Dana McCurdy’s Community In Rhythm Drum Circle. And New Orleans “Big Easy” was visiting Morristown with The Zydeco Revelators offering that sweet Cajun accordion, cool rubboard vest mixed with zydeco classics, rock and jam band in an irresistible “jambalaya” of sound.


Hankering for 
Jazz ? Miracles happen. After a near fatal accident, the legendary guitarist Frank Vignola  was back and better than ever with his Hot Jazz Guitar Trio, with guitar partner, Vinny Raniolo, and “monster” bassist, Gary Mazzaroppi. One of the top five guitarists in the world according to the great Les Paul, Vignola has performed with Lionel Hampton, Ringo Starr, Wynton Marsalis and other superstars, and brought his astounding virtuosity, sly humor and incomparable musicianship back to our stage – to two standing ovations! First Night would not be complete without our own sizzling jazz pianist, Rio Clemente(the “Bishop of Jazz”)  whose inventive and sparkling improvisations astonished and inspired all

L-R: Comedy folk singer and “professional smart aleck,” Carla Ulbrich; Americana folk singer Spook Handy; Folk band/vocal chameleons The Windborne Singers;  Harmonium Choral Society; Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey.

Folk Music fans enjoyed he wit and wordplay of comedy folk singer, Carla Ulbrich, with her songs about wedgies, Waffle Houses, Klingons and how rich she would be if she had the copyright on the “F” word. Remembering Pete Seeger, Spook Handy “kept the flame alive,” in his ongoing World Tour, sharing Seeger’s music and legacy in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces and 21 NJ  counties.  The Windborne Singers, a unique trio of vocal chameleons captivated listeners with the purity of their voices, their close harmony singing and a fascinating repertoire spanning centuries / cultures.

L-R: Moldovan piano virtuoso, Maria Sumareva; The Solid Brass Quartet; Electro/acoustic Oboe Master, Matt Sullivan; Champion Irish Fiddler, Brian Conway; Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre.

First Night’s Classical offerings include the superb artistry of Moldovan piano virtuoso, Maria Sumareva, winner of international piano competitions who dazzled with a repertoire spanning the Baroque through contemporary.. Audiences gave her standing ovations for both performances.  The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey explores great orchestral works from the 17th through the 21st centuries while the Solid Brass Quartet’s grand and resonant brass features music from the Renaissance, Baroque and contemporary eras. Known for its inventive, international programming, Harmonium Choral Society will feature South and Central American Christmas music, spirituals, Yiddish and American works. And, for “something completely different,” check out the Electro/acoustic Oboe mastery of Matt Sullivan whose sonic explorations/improvisations produce sounds you’ve probably never heard from any double reed instrument

First Night’s generous sampling of World Cultures included the global fusion ensemble, Afrika meets India,  which blendedthe rich rhythmic and melodic traditions of India and Africa. Irish (and other) eyes were smiling at the music of champion Irish Fiddler, Brian Conway while Tavche Gravche, a gypsy/neo-Balkan trio, offered a unique, fiery mix of Balkan/Eastern European and Mediterranean melodies while maintaining the explosive dance rhythms of Balkan music. Audiences danced in the aisle  to the lilting, joyous music of Random Test Reggae playing Caribbean reggae, soca and calypsoAlborada Spanish Dance Theatre showcased Spanish flamenco traditions while Shubanjali’s dancers highlighted Indian Classical/Folk Dance

And, speaking of Dance, after sampling the power, passion, and castanets of the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre and the stunning costumes and intricate gestures/footwork of Shubanjali’sIndian Classical/Folk Dance, First Night audiences also enjoyed the dynamic rhythms of NJTAP2, whose young artists showcase the great American art form of rhythm tap dancing. For those who love line dancing, square dancing or were just curious, neither experience nor partner were needed to participate in Square Dancing with caller, Mary Moody –  which was great fun for all ages.

Looking for  Theater/Comedy?  Large crowds laughed  their way into the New Year with the wit and wry humor of two comedy stars, Erin Jackson and Tom McTiernan. Erin’s megawatt smile and keen insights have made her a regular at NYC’s top comedy clubs, on numerous TV comedy shows and as a semifinalist with NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Tom is one of the East Coast’s best (and cleanest) comedians, featured at top clubs on both the East and West Coasts, on TV and opening for top acts in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. More laughs were in store with Mr. Hypno’sComedy Hypnotism as hypnotized volunteers discovered such hidden talents as ballet dancing or cow milking! Illusionist Benjamin Lipman’s Comedy Cascade combined circus arts, vaudeville and humor with juggling, mime and magic. Billing themselves as “Manhattan Transfer meets Second City,” The Loose Canons were master purveyors of musical parody. A semifinalist with America’s Got TalentDavid Darwin, the one-man sideshow, astounded audiences with  sword swallowing, magic, juggling,  unicycling and comedy. And, if you love history,  Living Voices: Our Revolution, provided a profoundly moving account of the American Revolution, told from the perspective of an African-American soldier (portrayed by a professional actor) and enhanced by riveting documentary graphics.

Children’s/ Family Programs: Who could resist Dinoman Dinosaurs! with Bob Lisaius’ life size, inflatable dinosaurs? Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery shared livereptiles (and other animals) – under the watchful eye of a seasoned animal handler. There were clowns, face painting and glitter tattoos at The Children’s Fun Festival and Transformations Facepainting turned eachface into  a living work of art.  Perennial favorite and skilled circus performer, Mr. Fish explored The Mystery & History of Magic, making things float in the air, appear/disappear and replicating signature feats of legendary magicians. Another favorite, Storyteller Julie Pasqual, brought her uniquely playful, physical theater skills, sharing stories from around the world.

The early session for younger children (4:45-6:45pm) included hula hooping with Whirled Revolution, art makingactivities with artist Samantha (“Sam”) Matthews’ Art 4 Kids and Fun with LEGOs®. New to this year’s early session was the NJTAP2, an ensemble of young tap dancers, sharing their skills in rhythm tap dancing as well as Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody, with fun for the whole family.  

 

VISUAL ARTS

No experience was necessary to try Zentangle, a unique method of drawing using structured patterns, guided by art teacher Mimi Topping.

And, as in years past, three visual arts exhibits (displaying over 300 artworks) and two sets of fireworks topped off that magical evening known as First Night® Morris County. To check out the full lineup of artists, visit: www.firstnightmorris.com.

For more information, please visit the First Night® Morris County website at www.firstnightmorris.com

Check out our interview at WMTR from December 19, 2018:

 News Channel 12 covered the events at the Morristown High School here.

And Kevin Coughlin, editor of MorristownGreen.com, along with his staff covered the event in multiple writeups highlighing specific performers in advance as well as sampling the actual performances that evening. Be sure to check out the writeups HERE and HERE.

Here are some PHOTOS taken by Jeff Sovelove for MorristownGreen.com:

Enjoy these VIDEOS, courtesy of Jeff Sovelove and Marion Filler for www.morristowngreen.com:

NJTAP 2

Square Dancing with caller Mary Moody

Champion Irish Fiddler, Brian Conway with guitarist John Walsh

Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey 

Jason hoops it up with Whirled Revolution at First Night

Glitter the clown (with Tiffany and Preston)

 

Enjoy additional VIDEO glimpses of First Night performances …

Get a taste of the exquisitely expressive Frank Vignola and his Hot Jazz Guitar Trio

Catch a little of John Ginty’s solo on Hammond B3 organ as his band performs an Allman Brothers’ hit

Hear the Windborne Singers trio in their excellent close harmony a capella renditions of Poor Soldier (very short excerpt) and  Fire in the Hole  

And hear Harmonium Choral Society heroically “singin’ in the rain” – with their version of Auld Lang Syne

And catch a little of The Cobra Brothers blues 

Here are some additional PHOTOS  from First Night Morris County: 

 

First Night Morris County keeps its WOW factor for the 26th year (December 31, 2017)

Check out post-event coverage on national networks:

CBS news 

NBC news

and on our own hyperlocal media, www.MorristownGreen.com  – which has provided broadbased coverage by editor Kevin Coughlin and outstanding photographer, Jeff Sovelove, both  before and during First Night itself,  HERE
as well as  VIDEOS  of performances by:
1. Metropolitan Opera soprano Jennifer Check (with pianist Andrew Rosenblum), Harmonium Choral Society and Marimba master Greg Giannascoli (with pianist Ron Stabinsky)HERE and another set of videos of Jennifer Check/Andrew Rosenblum and Greg Giannascoli HERE

2. The John Ginty Band (in a Tom Petty tribute)  HERE

3. Folk singer Christine De Leon, Music of the Middle East/Dinkjian-Morrison Duo, The New Jersey Festival Orchestra, A Night of Broadway Stars and Korean Traditional Dance of ChoomnooriHERE 

MORE VIDEOS  taken by Morris Arts
1. Hear champion Irish Fiddler, Brian Conway with John Walsh on guitar  playing Spike Island Lassies , Irish jigs, reels  HERE and a sampler of some Scottish style fiddle tunes HERE

2. Hear Marimba Master Greg Giannascoli performing “Maria”  HERE  and “I want to Live in America” from Bernstein’s West Side StoryHERE.

3. See the flashing feet of NJ Tap Ensemble soloists Maurice Chestnut and Jeffry FooteHERE

4. Thrill to the exquisite voice of Metropolitan Opera Soprano Jennifer Check with pianist Andrew Rosenblum as they perform
Bernstein’s Build My House
Puccini’s O Mio Bambino Caro
Gershwin’s Someone to Watch Over Me 
Dvorak’s Song to the Moon and
Puccini’s Vissi d’arte (from Tosca)

And here are PHOTOS taken at First Night Morris County on Dec. 31, 2017:
1. From Steve Hockstein of the Jersey Tribune (NJ Advance Media)

2. From Morris Arts:

3. From Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori

 

4. And, from Jeff Sovelove  (and Kevin Coughlin) of MorristownGreen.com

 

 

And here are photos of the many performers whose talents lit up the night:

And how could anyone resist hearing the soaring, heart-stopping songs of BroadwayA Night of Broadway Stars transported the Great White Way to First Night, featuring actual Broadway stars singing their unforgettable songs from Broadway productions such as Phantom, Wicked, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast.

If Folk Music is your bag, we hope you caught the crystalline voice of award winning singer /songwriter Christine DeLeon. Those who preferred musical satire packed the performances by “the Jon Stewart of Music,” John Forster, a four-time Grammy nominee whose works were recorded by Judy Collins, Roseanne Cash, heard on NPR and admired by the great musical satirist, Tom Lehrer, himself.

 Classical Music   was in full flower with the superb artistry and rare musical magic of Metropolitan Opera Soprano, Jennifer Check, whom the NY Times called “a rare talent that can send chills down a listener’s spine.” She has sung under the world’s top conductors (Levine, Maazel, Ozawa), in top venues (the Met, Covent Garden, Tanglewood, Spoleto Salzburg, etc.) and was joined by award-winning pianist, Andrew Rosenblum who has performed internationally, as well as at the Kennedy Center and Alice Tully Hall. On the Juilliard faculty, Grammy-nominated mallet master Greg Giannascoli performed at Carnegie Hall, on NPR, PBS and has been called “astonishing…in artistry and virtuosity.” First Night also offered the artistry of the New Jersey Festival Orchestra, the piano virtuosity of Laryssa Krupa (with her trio), the grand brass of Solid Brass Lite and the polish and inventive programming of the award winning Harmonium Choral Society.  “Beethoven” himself  was “in the house” as Dennis Kobray’s Meet the Musicians shared the life and works by the great composer.

Love Theater/Comedy?  Crowds laughed their way into the New Year with the wit and warm humor  of Comedian Moody McCarthy, featured on late night shows with David Letterman (twice), Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, Last Comic Standing, Star Search, America’s Got Talent and Gotham Comedy Live. Others laughed along  with HypnoMarc’s Comedy Hypnotism persuading some to feel an imaginary heatwave. Laughs also accompanied award-winning Master Magician and Illusionist Great Scott!, who, with his feathered partner Thurston (a blue/gold macaw), spellbound audiences on Conan O’Brien and David Letterman. Beethoven is not the only historic “giant” appearing at First Night: Robert Costello became Abraham Lincoln, sharing his folksy stories, sorrows, and triumphs as the 16th President. Lou Del Bianco told the story of his grandfather, the Master Carver of Mt. Rushmore while the theater-trained verbal virtuosi known as The  Mayhem Poets blended poetry, hip hop, improv, stand-up comedy and theatre to tell gut-wrenching truths about life. For children of all ages, Kit’s Interactive Theater drafted the audience directly into the performance of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and Storyteller Extraordinaire, Julie Pasqual, brpught her uniquely playful, physical theater skills into play, sharing stories from around the world.

 

Children’s/ Family Programs: Who could resist Dinoman Dinosaurs! with Bob Lisaius’ life size, inflatable dinosaurs? And Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery shared livereptiles (and other animals) – under the watchful eye of a seasoned animal handler.  Clowns, face painting balloons, and juggling brought extra delight at The Children’s Fun Festival and kids of all ages visited  Transformations Facepainting where each face became a living work of art.  Perennial favorite and skilled circus performer, Mr. Fish  amazed audiences with Phenomenal Physics, sharing tricks that actually have scientific explanations.

The early session for younger children (4:45-6:45pm) included hula hooping with Whirled Revolution, art making  activities with artist Samantha (“Sam”) Matthews’ Art 4 Kids and the always popular Fun with LEGOs®. New to this year’s early session was the acclaimed Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori, with their dazzling costumes and choreography, and Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody, with fun for the whole family.  

Three visual arts exhibits (displaying over 300 artworks) and two sets of fireworks top off that magical evening known as First Night® Morris County. To check out the full lineup of artists, visit: www.firstnightmorris.com.

One inexpensive admission (before 12/21: $20/ticket; $17.50 for 4 or more; prices go up 12/22-12/31/16) covers all events at First Night®. Every venue is indoors and a free shuttle will take you to nearly all locations. For more information, the latest program updates, to volunteer or to purchase tickets, please visit the First Night® Morris County website at www.firstnightmorris.com or call (973) 455-0708.

December 31, 2016: First Night Morris County celebrated its 25th Anniversary – bigger and better than ever!

 

Check out the FIRST NIGHT MORRIS PROGRAM HERE and visit www.firstnightmorris.com for more information, to purchase tickets or to volunteer for the event.

On the Rock/Pop front, Brian LaBlanc’s multi-artist tribute band (which opened for Grammy winners such as Blind Boys of Alabama), features dazzlingly authentic performances of Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, John Lennon, and more!  Making big sounds with tiny instruments, the ukulele rock band Cousin Earth not only offers Rock, but also Fusion, Ragtime, Funk, Bluegrass, Hip-Hop and even Electronica.

For Blues/Bluegrass and Modern Country, First Night is the place. Groove with the “real deal” in Blues, R&B (and funk) as Yankee Stadium organist Ed Alstrom’s Quartet features Rob Paparozzi, the Grammy-nominated vocalist/harmonica virtuoso from the original Blues Brothers Band and Blood Sweat & Tearsbands. Another solid pro, jazz singer Maggie Worsdale pays homage to the earthy, innovative Nashville sound of legendary Patsy Cline and, if you prefer traditional Nashville-style bluegrass, check out the tight, soulful harmonies and serious fiddle/guitar and mandolin chops of the Feinberg Brothers – with champion banjo master Terry McGill. If the modern country/folk sound of Alison Krauss and James Taylor is your taste, don’t miss the haunting, clear, pure voice of rising talent, Frances Catherine Ihling.

Clockwise from top Left: Jazz bassist/vocalist Nicki Parrott performing with jazz guitar greats Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo;  Modern troubadour Lara Herscovitch; Mauricio de Souza, Bossa Brasil bandleader;Folk singer/humorist Mike Agranoff;  “The Bishop of Jazz,” pianist Rio Clemente. 

Experience Jazz heaven with the amazing Frank Vignola Trio. One of the top jazz guitarists in the world, Vignola and talented Vinny Raniolo join forces this year with a fellow Les Paul colleague, the irresistible Aussie vocalist/bassist, Nicki Parrott (who has performed with Paul McCartney and Tommy Emmanuel, among others). Mauricio de Souza’s band, Bossa Brasil®, adds a touch of smooth, Brazilian-tinted jazz and, First Night would not be complete without our own sizzling jazz pianist, Rio Clemente (the “Bishop of Jazz”) whose inventive and sparkling improvisations astonish and inspire all. 

Do you like the soaring, heart-stopping songs of Broadway? A Night of Broadway Stars brings the Great White Way to First Night, featuring actual Broadway stars singing unforgettable songs from Broadway productions such as Phantom, Wicked, The Color Purple, Fiddler on the Roof, and Cats.  Who could resist?

If Folk Music is your bag, be sure to catch the “pure musical poetry” of troubadour Lara Herscovitch who’s appeared on the Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, or check out the witty and sly humor of the Folk Project’s own Mike Agranoff. If your musical tastes are more Electic, break out your kazoo and washboard to jam with the Philadelphia Jug Band or feel the beat with Carol Peña in the Gefyra Participatory Drum Circle.

 

Clockwise from top Left: Dennis Kobray as Bach/Meet the Musicians;Shuang Guo Wroe,  conductor of  the NJ Festival Orchestra; Laryssa Krupa with Nova Chamber Ensemble ; Solid Brass Lite; Peter Saleh’s Marimba & Percussion Ensemble; and Harmonium Choral Society.

If you prefer Classical Music, First Night offers the artistry of the NJ Festival Orchestra, the piano virtuosity of Laryssa Krupa (with her trio), the grand brass of Solid Brass Lite and the polish and inventive programming of Harmonium Choral Society. Hear Peter Saleh’s distinctive Marimba & Percussion Ensembleor travel back in time and meet Bach himself with Dennis Kobray’s Meet the Musicians.

Clockwise from top Left:  Random Test Reggae; Eco Del Sur; Afrika Meets India; Nai Ni Chen Dance Company; Taikoza; Kleztraphobix; .

First Night also offers a generous sampling of World Cultures such as the renowned Nai Ni Chen Dance Company, blending traditional and contemporary Chinese dance or Taikoza’s thundering, powerful drumming, folk dance and delicate shakuhachi flute music from Japan. With its pre-colonial instruments, colorful costumes, music and dance, Mexico Beyond Mariachi explores the long cultural history of Mexico while Eco Del Sur performs ancient and contemporary music from multiple Latin American regions on indigenous instruments.  Dance along with the infectious Latin salsa, merengue and tangos of Daniel Herrera’s DREAMS dancers or savor the rich musical blend, performed on tabla, bansuri, mbira and kora by the global fusion ensemble, Afrika Meets India. A hot group with a cool name, the Kleztraphobix blends the traditional and contemporary with its mix of klezmer, Macedonian music and jazz and you can always channel your inner Bob Marley with the lilting, joyous Caribbean sound of that great shore band, Random Test Reggae.

  

Clockwise from top Left: Comedian Keith Alberstadt; Comedienne Erin Jackson; Shakespeare Theatre of NJ’s comic actors Connor Carew and Patrick Toon; Mr. Fish who will demonstrate his knife throwing and bullwhip skills; and  Mr. Hypno (comedy hypnotist, Stephen Christopher).

Do you love Theater/Comedy?  Laugh your way into the New Year with exceptional Comedians Keith Alberstadt (featured on late night shows with David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon Seth Meyers and appearances on SNL), and Erin Jackson (seen on Last Comic Standing, Ellen DeGeneres, Comedy Central and Standup in Stilettos). Not to be outdone, the Bard also provides laughter as Connor Carew and Patrick Toon of the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ present the Abbott & Costello classic skit, “Who’s on First?” – but in Elizabethan English: Who Doth Inhabit the Primary Position?!

 

L-R:  Johnny Peers & the Muttville Comix; Storyteller Julie Pasqual; Flea Circus Ringmaster  George Esparza.

Laugh along with Mr. Hypno’s humor and hypnotism which can make people lose the number 6 or have an urge to ballet dance. Ringling Brothers grad Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix (and 18 “rescue” dogs) combine the circus with slapstick humor. Picture a Bassett Hound on a skateboard! Dish the political dirt on first ladies with Maggie Worsdale’s First Ladies According to Martha Washington and join the enchantment cast by Storyteller extraordinaire, Julie Pasqual.  Check out street performer and flim-flam man, George Esparza who presents his suitcase Flea Circus & Wahoo Medicine Show.

 

 

Clockwise from top Left: Alborada Spanish Dance Theater; Latin dance with D.R.E.A.M.S. Dancer; NJ Tap Ensemble Soloists  Jeffry Foote and Maurice Chestnut; Nai Ni Chen Dance Company; Aztec dances performed by Mexico Beyond Mariachi.

When it comes to Dance, First Nighters can savor the fancy footwork and dazzling routines of NJ Tap Ensemble soloists Maurice Chestnut (who danced with Savion Glover) and Morristown’s own Jeffry Foote or sample the swirling costumes and fiery flamenco dancers of the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre.  Love salsa, tango and merengue? Try your hand at Latin dance with Daniel Herrera’s DREAMS dancers, and enjoy dances from Aztec times to the present day with Mexico Beyond Mariachi. The award-winning Nai Ni Chen Dance Company highlights ancient and contemporary Chinese Dance in all its power, elegance and grace.

Clockwise from top Left: Illusionist Benjamin Lipman; Facepainting by Gina Velazquez at Children’s Fun Festival; Rizzo of Rizzo’s Reptile Discover, with frog friend; Creative Caravan’s Tiny Book Workshop; Keith Leaf, light up juggler; Art 4 Kids with Christine Wagner .

For Children’s Programs: Kids of all ages love Illusionist Benjamin Lipman’s Comedy Cascade with its magic and humor as well as Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery which shares the excitement and wonder of live reptiles (under the watchful eye of a seasoned animal handler). Perennial favorite and skilled circus performer, Mr. Fish will be back to amaze audiences with his knife throwing and bullwhip skills!

L-R: Hula hooping with Whirled Revolution; Fun with LEGOs; Clowns “Glitter” and “Juggles,)  at the Children’s Fun Festival.

The Early Session for younger children (4:45-6:45pm) includes hula hooping with Whirled Revolution, art making  activities with artist Christine Wagner’s Art 4 Kids and  the always popular Fun with LEGOs®. New to this year’s early session is the highly acclaimed Nai Ni Chen Dance Company, whose dazzling costumes and inventive choreography showcase traditional and contemporary Chinese dance – and the Creative Caravan’s Tiny Book Workshop where participants can create their own unique tiny books. Additionally, both early and regular sessions will feature the Children’s Fun Festival, with a lively mix of magic, juggling, balloons, facepainting, kazoos and even an organ grinder!

 

 Clockwise from top Left: Artworks at the ATRIUM GALLERY: Doug DePice’s oil, Rembrandt; Raymond Sigicinano’s oil, Mare, Sean Carney’s carved wood portrayal of the Lambertville Train Station; at ART UPSTAIRS, Medy Bozkurtian’s The Rolling Hills of Tuscany; At the STARLIGHT GALLERY, Nina Nemeth’s collage, All Things Illuminated; at the ATRIUM GALLERY,  Nicholas Gammarello’s oil, Eric Clapton with Black Beauty.

Three Visual Arts exhibits (displaying over 300 artworks) and two sets of fireworks top off that magical evening known as First Night® Morris County. To check out the full lineup of artists, visit: www.firstnightmorris.com.

One inexpensive admission (before 12/21: $20/ticket; $17.50 for 4 or more; prices go up 12/22-12/31/16) covers all events at First Night®. Every venue is indoors and a free shuttle will take you to all locations. For more information, the latest program updates, to volunteer or to purchase tickets, please visit the First Night® Morris County website at www.firstnightmorris.com or call (973) 455-0708.

 

 

2fnm_logo-2016-orange-Buy-Now-MA-Logo4 Years of top talents on New Year’s Eve

 

December 31, 2015 was an amazing night, marking the 24th year for New Jersey’s biggest and brightest New Year’s Eve family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts – with nearly 200 artists, over 85 events in 24+ venues – representing dance, theatre, music, world cultures, visual arts and children’s events.  For all 24 years, Morris Arts has served as First Night’s artistic programmer, securing topflight talents who attract thousands of people from throughout the state and beyond.  More than half of the program featured new artists (or artists returning after several years), many of whom have performed at top venues (the White House, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden), won international recognition, performed on national radio/TV, in major films and/or collaborated with superstars of performing arts. On that night, for a remarkably affordable price ($17.50-$25!), one can experience everything from classical chamber music to the Australian aboriginal didgeridoo!

There was a palpable energy in Morristown as sizeable and happy crowds filled the venues with enthusiastic audiences for all of the events that night.

 

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Photos and Videos from December 31, 2015’s First Night:

1. With thanks to the Daily Record’s photographer, Karen Mancinelli:

2. and, for a special treat, click HERE to see the wonderful videos and photos taken by www.Morristowngreen.com’s editor, Kevin Coughlin and photographer Jeff Sovelove.

Photos by Kevin Coughlin

Photos by Jeff Sovelove:

3.  Some photos courtesy of the Recorder Newspapers

4. And here are some additional photos and videos from Morris Arts:

Videos:

Click HERE to see people hula hooping with Whirled Revolution.

Click HERE to see/hear the Music of China Youth Orchestra under the baton of Wang Gouwei.

For a taste the jazz guitar wizardry of The Frank Vignola Trio (with Vinny Raniolo and Gary Mazzaroppi) playing Frank’s Gypsymania, click HERE.

Click HERE to see Galumpha dancers bring their muscles and merriment to bear.

Click HERE to hear the Australian didgeridoo played with the Didge Project ensemble.

Click HERE to hear the jazzy, pizzicato performance by the Sweet Plantain Quartet…or to HERE to listen to  the same quartet with first violinist Eddie Venegas playing trombone and HERE to see how they transform a lilting Swedish folk tune into a jazzy Latin piece!

Click HERE to hear Verdi’s duet toast to love from his beloved opera La Traviata, performed by the MidAtlantic Opera.

On his way to NYC’s fabled Rainbow Room, catch the urbane James Langton singing Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” in his Salute to Sinatra, click HERE.

And for your chance to hear the rare Norwegian Hardanger fiddle and its distinctive music played by Dr. Dan Trueman, click HERE.

Photos:

On the jazz/rock front, audience favorite The British Invitation Tribute (which opened for Ringo Starr) performed note-perfect classic 60’s rock while the Zydeco Revelators shared the infectious Cajun rhythms from the Big Easy.The audiences were awestruck by the sheer virtuosity of jazz guitar masters, the fabulous Frank Vignola Trio with Vinny Raniolo, and our own sizzling jazz pianist, Rio Clemente (the “Bishop of Jazz”) and others or “cooked” with the 1920s-30s hot jazz of Dr. Dubious & the Agnostics.

Delaying his performance at NYC’s Rainbow Room that night, James Langton  shared his period-perfect Salute to Frank Sinatra with SRO (standing room only) First Night audiences while folk singer Spook Handy remembered folk singing legend Pete Seeger.  SRO crowds enjoyed the classic bluegrass, fiddlin’ and banjo pickin’ of the irresistible Feinberg Brothers,  savored Paul Butterfield-style blues with The Two Bobs Street Band or feel the beat with Carol Peña in theGefyra Participatory Drum Circle.

L-R by row: Jazz guitar masters of the Frank Vignola Trio (Vinny Raniolo and Frank Vignola); the  Zydeco Revelators; James Langton Salutes Frank Sinatra; Spook Handy remembers Pete Seeger; The Feinberg Brothers bluegrass band; Mid-Atlantic Opera; The Sweet Plantain Quartet; Organist Gordon Turk; and Electro-acoustic oboe master Matt Sullivan.

Great voices distinguished the Mid-Atlantic Opera Quartet’s program of Broadway and Opera favorites and, with their hallmark virtuosity, the award-winningSweet Plantain Quartet combined Latin, Hip Hop, Blues, Jazz and classical music in one amazing, genre-bending program. Electro-acoustic oboe master Matt Sullivan  astonished ears with tape loops and oboe as you’ve never heard it, while the costumed Early Music Players played music of the Early Americas on period instruments. Audiences met Chopin (Dennis Kobray) and heard his music expertly performed. Others savored the artistry of select classical ensembles and soloists such as Harmonium, The NJ Festival Orchestra, Solid Brass Lite, organist Gordon Turk, and piano virtuoso Laryssa Krupa (with her chamber ensemble).

First Night also offered cultural experiences from around the world such as Music from China’s Youth Orchestra (with traditional Chinese instruments), the haunting sounds of the Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle played by McCarthur “genius” Dr.Dan Trueman and the elemental, meditative drone of the Didge Project’s Australian aboriginal didgeridoo. Audiences sampled the compelling rhythms and high energy movement of Féraba’s West African Dance, Drumming and Tap, the infectious Latin salsa, merengue and tangos of Daniel Herrera’s DREAMS dancers and the beautiful costumes and elegant choreography of the Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori .  

L-R by row, top down: Dan Trueman plays Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle; Féraba’s West African Dance, Drumming and Tap;  A.J.Block of The Didge Project plays the didgeridoo; Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori  performing the Fan Dance; Slam in the Schools/The Mayhem Poets; Galumpha dancers defy gravity; Robert Costello as Abraham Lincoln; The Traveling Literary Theater’s Your Ghost Story and Comedian Jon Fisch.

Who knew cats could spout poetry? Audiences grooved on the poignant and hilarious poetry slamming by the mesmerizing Mayhem Poets or trembled with terror at Your Ghost Story performed by the actors of Traveling Literary Theatre.  Ever popular President Abraham Lincoln (Robert Costello) held forth on every aspect of his life and times while lines snaked out the door as people waited to laugh their way into the New Year with Comedian Jon Fisch (hand-picked to open for Jerry Seinfeld and featured on Late Night With David Letterman), with Tom Lehrer-like musical satirist John Forster or the parody ensemble, The Loose Canons.  And others stopped by to see street performer, George Esparza, whose flea circus/medicine show brings flim-flam to a new level.  Fans of Dance, humor and physics packed the Mayo Performing Arts Center to see the amazing Galumpha, whose human “architecture” formations defy gravity and mix muscle with merriment – engaging the audience with feats of strength and hilarity. And, was that a marble statue in the Hyatt? Wait, it moved!  Alissa Dirato, the Living Statue, was at First Night too.

Kids of all ages delighted in Benjamin Lipman’s Comedy Cascade which mixed illusions, magic and comedy.  Few (including Jon Stewart and Conan O’Brien!) could resist The Story Pirates’ irrepressible improvisations as they acted out hilarious and often improbable stories written by real kids.  Keith Leaf brought his amazing light-up juggling to a dark winter’s night while perennial favorites, Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery and Mr. Fish brightened the evening with live animals and amazing circus and magic stunts.

The early session for younger children (4:45-6:45pm) included hula hooping with Whirled Revolution, Art 4 Kids with artist Christine Wagner and Snapology (LEGO® fun)…all filled to capacity with happy families. The early session also included the elegant appearance and beautiful sounds of the Music From China Youth Orchestra (young people performing Chinese music on traditional instruments) while the extended Children’s Fun Festival offered a lively mix of magic, juggling, balloons, facepainting, kazoos and an organ grinder!

L-R, by row from top: Illusionist Benjamin Lipman; The Story Pirates; Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery; Keith Leaf, light up juggler; Janet Boltax’s portrait of Arno Roland at the Atrium Gallery; facepainting; Whirled Revolution hula hooping; Snapology (LEGO) fun; Music From China Youth Orchestra.

Three visual arts exhibits (displaying over 200 artworks) and two sets of fireworks topped off that magical evening known as First Night® Morris County. To check out the full lineup of artists, visit: www.firstnightmorris.com.

Here is some additional information about some of the world class performers at First Night® Morris County:                      

 A hallmark of First Night Morris County and perhaps one of the core reasons for its longevity and appeal is the high quality of talent on the program.  This year’s roster is no exception, with outstanding performers representing multiple artistic genres. Since its inception 24 years ago, First Night Morris has partnered with Morris Arts, working first with Carolyn Ward and, for the last nine years, with Dr. Lynn Siebert, to program the artists for this unique event.

ROCK: In the world of classic rock, The British Invasion Tribute band opened for Ringo Starr and presents meticulous, note-perfect performances of music from The Beatles to The Beach Boys. Individually and collectively, band members have performed with Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes – at the Stone Pony, on The Tonight Show and on Late Night with David Letterman.

JAZZ:  Embodying the best of jazz are jazz guitar wizards of the Frank Vignola Trio. Identified by Les Paul as one of the “Five most admired guitarists” in the world, Vignola has toured and recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Lionel Hampton, Queen Latifah, Ringo Starr, Madonna, Mark O’Connor, Bucky Pizzarelli and Les Paul, among others. Showcasing his “monster technique, extraordinary musical versatility, sly humor and astonishing musicianship, Vignola and his guitar colleague, Vinny Raniolo, masterfully navigate an impressive variety of styles, coupling technical wizardry with nuanced sensitivity…all with self-effacing, irresistible humor. Other jazz guitarists simply pale in comparison.

Another consummate jazz musician who has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and NJPAC, Rio Clemente, the “Bishop of Jazz,” holds his audiences spellbound with the sheer brilliance of his improvisations and his unique fusions of classical passagework and jazz. His Juilliard training blends magnificently with his inexhaustible improvisatory talents.

POP:    Bridging the worlds of jazz and pop, James Langton marks the centennial of “old blue eyes” with his Salute to Sinatra at this year’s First Night. Internationally renowned as a re-creator of big band swing, Langton led the storied Pasadena Roof Orchestra, and also leads his New York All-Star Big Band, which performs at such top venues as NY’s legendary Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center. At First Night, his witty and sophisticated style will swing new life into Sinatra’s standards – backed by his first rate jazz trio.

FOLK:  Or, if folk music is more your style, Spook Handy’s Remembering Pete Seeger is like a fine vintage wine. With over 50 performances alongside Pete Seeger, Spook learned Pete’s songs and stories firsthand and is now on a three-year Remembering Pete Seeger World Tour, sharing Pete’s musical legacy in all 50 US States, all 13 Canadian provinces and territories, all NJ counties as well as internationally. Spook was named “Best Folk Artist” by Upstage Magazine, Gannett New Jersey, The Courier News, The Home News and About.com.

CLASSICAL: And Classical music stars abound at First Night as well. A performer, composer, improviser and professor at Princeton and NYU, electro-acoustic oboe master Matt Sullivan plays the oboe magnificently, exploring classical and avant-garde realms, producing sounds you have probably never heard coming from an oboe. Called “gorgeously lyrical” by the NY Times and “cutting edge” by The New Yorker, Sullivan creates a highly original, mesmerizing improvisatory sonic world.

And, speaking of originality, the Sweet Plantain Quartet gives a whole new meaning to the classical string quartet. Bridging the genre and generational gap, they’ve toured Russia, played at Birdland, collaborated with Grammy award-winning composers, performed with John Faddis, Tito Puente, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys and Smokey Robinson among others and trained at top conservatories. Artfully fusing western classical traditions in which they were trained with extended percussive techniques and the jazz improvisation, hip hop and Latin rhythms on which they were raised, these virtuoso musicians (from the Bronx, NJ and Venezuela) are at once contemporary, urbane, multicultural and truly fascinating.

Organist Gordon Turk has concertized with principal instrumentalists of the NY Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra as well as with folk singer legends Peter, Paul & Mary while the sextet  Solid Brass Lite includes musicians who have performed at Lincoln Center (with the Metropolitan Opera, the NYC Ballet), on Broadway, recorded and toured internationally, appeared on PBS-TV and received NEA grants for their work.

WORLD CULTURES: The unique, award-winning multi-ethnic performance group, Féraba explores the universal language of rhythm and fuses traditional sounds and movements of West Africa with American tap dance, hip hop and jazz. The group has performed on international radio and TV, at Lincoln Center, Town Hall and venues throughout USA, Europe and West Africa. Fabled dancer Gregory Hines stated, “I am so impressed. I have never seen anything like this!”

Our audiences can also enjoy the rare opportunity to hear the distinctive Norwegian Hardanger fiddle played by the world-class proponent, Dan Trueman, a Princeton professor, composer, performer and recipient of Guggenheim and MacArthur “genius” grants. Trueman performs traditional Norwegian music on this rare, unusual instrument and explores how its sound has spread to Ireland and the USA.

THEATER: From the Late Show with David Letterman to being hand-picked to open for Jerry Seinfeld at the Gotham Comedy Club, award winning comedian Jon Fisch was featured on Celebrity Apprentice and is a staple of the NYC comedy scene, performing regularly at the Gotham Comedy Club, The World Famous Comic Strip Live, Comedy Cellar and Broadway Comedy Club.

Called a “self-contained Capitol Steps” and “the Jon Stewart of music,” musical satirist John Forster and songs have been featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” collected on a duet album with Tom Chapin, and recorded by Judy Collins, Roseanne Cash, Christine Lavin and Cissy Houston, among others. Praised by the legendary musical satirist Tom Lehrer, John is also a prolific Broadway theater writer and four-time Grammy nominee whose fierce and original musical satire will keep you laughing.

Other top theater talents include The Story Pirates and Slam in the Schools/The Mayhem Poets. Called “crazy entertaining” by Jon Stewart and featured on Stewart’s Daily Show and on Conan O’Brien, The Story Pirates, whose professional actors and musicians are drawn from Second City and other renowned improv troupes, are irrepressible as they act out hilarious and often improbable stories written by real kids.

At once poignant and hilarious, Slam in the Schools/The Mayhem Poets have been dubbed “an amazing ride” by the NY Times. This theater trained, comedically gifted trio blends hip hop, theater, improv and stand-up comedy, performing on The Today Show and Eyewitness News after winning 1st place and a grant for $100K in the Microsoft Idea Wins Challenge.

DANCE: Seen on David Letterman, MTC, A&E Showtime, Just for Laughs, on tour in North and South America, Europe and the Middle East and by over a billion TV viewers around the world, the extraordinary, award-winning dance troupe Galumpha combines stunning acrobatics, striking visual effects, physical comedy, experiments in “human architecture” and inventive choreography, creating a world of imagination, muscle and merriment and consistently bringing audiences to their feet.

This is just a sampler of the world class performances which have become a hallmark of First Night Morris County. There are performances to suit every age and taste along with three visual arts exhibits (displaying over 200 artworks) and two sets of fireworks.  You don’t have to travel the world or spend a fortune for tickets to experience artistically excellent live performance. It was all in Morristown on New Year’s Eve.

One inexpensive admission (before 12/22: $20/ticket; $17.50 for 4 or more; prices go up 12/22-12/31/14) covered all events at First Night®. Every venue was indoors and a free shuttle took people to all locations. For more information, please visit the First Night® Morris County website at www.firstnightmorris.com or call (973) 455-0708.

First Night has raised the entertainment bar very high. Consequently, it is a tough act to follow. Yet, that is exactly what it does every Dec. 31…I touted First Night to a doctor pal …Weeks later, he still is raving about one of his most enjoyable New Year’s Eves. In this era of abundant entertainment choices, that’s saying a lot.”   Kevin Coughlin, Editor, MorristownGreen.com