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This Year's Performers... Here's an alphabetical directory of this year's performers, to help you learn more about them. Just scroll down the page, or click on a letter of the alphabet below. You can also use the search box to find them. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZEnjoyment for Everyone... New Year's Eve with First Night Missoula is filled with theater, dance, art, poetry readings, plays, comedy, music, food, and all-ages entertainment. Each year is packed with a combination of favorite traditions and fun new arts experiences. The variety and community spirit are why over 8,000 people attend every year! Map
_______________________________ Volunteer! Thank you! Thanks to the support of our sponsors and supporters, we pay our artists. Please consider contributing to help First Night Missoula continue to grow.
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Missoula Cultural Council |
(Just down the block from Command Central, First Night's Headquarters) First Night offers a special exhibit this year, made of light! During the week of December 27th through December 31, go to Zoo City Apparel, on the corner of East Main and Pattee, to see an original installation by Amber Bushnell, designed especially to bring in year 2011! The theme is inspired by New Year's Eve traditions of initiating good luck through the ideas of lucky birds,” evergreens, the color green, circles, and more.; 11 is an experience brought to you with hand illustrations and animations of “characters” from the Missoula area that represent these New Years’ Eve good fortunes. For those of you who are up for a fun challenge, the installation will engage viewers in a game to search and find elements in a continually evolving animation. Come visit 11, have fun, and soak up some good luck for 2011! See the below video for a sample of Amber's work, and go to her website to see more. amberstudio.net Thank you Zoo City Apparel for sponsoring Amber's artwork! The Park from Amber Bushnell on Vimeo.
Wilma Theatre 6:30 PM Join us for a spectacular highlight, Raven Summer, who is performing with a troupe of dancers and acrobats. An aerialist is an acrobat that performs graceful and amazing movements on hanging ropes, fabric, and hoops. Raven is Missoula's own Aerialist, and because her act is so unusual, she is First Night 2011's Featured Artist! It's going to be a treat to see this classic circus act being performed in the historic Wilma Theater -- join Raven and her troupe of Fan and Silk dancers for some thrilling entertainment!
University Theater
Although Amy was born on an Iowa farm, Missoula has been her home for 11 years, 8 albums, and 10 consecutive First Night Missoula performances. In that time, Amy has written hundreds of songs and been lucky enough to open for some of her musical heroes, such as Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco (although she's still waiting for the call from Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell). After leading the Missoula Coyote Choir earlier in the evening, Amy will play an acoustic set of her original "adult" music -- which sounds naughtier than it is. Website: www.amymartin.org
Missoula Children's Theater
Born and raised in the heart of Missoula, with a powerful, supple voice and a passel of outstanding original songs, Andrea is more than just a major talent—she’s a force of nature! She moves freely between bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and rock ‘n roll. Her latest release, 2009's 'Rock and Roll Love Child' spent four months on the Roots Music Report's Internet Airplay Top 50 Roots Rock Chart. She is a magnetic stage presence, with loads of passion that reveals a love of her music as well as a strong connection to her audience. Website: www.andreaharsell.com
University Theater Website: www.balletartsacademy.org
The Big Sky Mudflaps are celebrating 35 years of perfoming together. They have toured nationally, making appearances on both Prairie Home Companion and the NBC Today Show, but their favorite audiences are here in Montana. They have performed for every First Night since its inception, and are still one of the most popular groups of the event. Website: www.cdbaby.com/cd/salsaloca
Missoula Children's Theatre
Enjoy an exciting combination of gymnastics, acrobatics, and dance with theatrical themes. Approximately 40 youth artists and adults will dazzle you with "acrodance," trampoline exhibitions, and plenty of tumbling fun.
UC Second Floor Lounge
Song writer Rhanda Johnson, and her partner, Bruce Allen, are starting their fourth year of making beautiful music together. The duo performs originals, folk, bluegrass and jazz. Rhanda's song writing style, inspired by her life's journey, is personal and welcoming. Together they’ll warm your hearts with lyrical and engaging songs and sweet harmonies.
Burning River Trio UC Commons The Burning River Trio is a bluesy, funk-rock concept fronted by Missoula guitarist and songwriter John Floridis, along with the very fine rhythm section of Bruce Threlkeld on drums and Ron Setzer on bass. Together they bring an eclectic mix of solid songs with very danceable grooves, creative renderings of Floridis' original material as well as unique arrangements of well known and obscure covers, ie., Muddy Waters done Bo Diddley style.....The Who performed with Lyle Lovett country swing.....a Jimi Hendrix groove with Greg Brownlyrics. If you like your dance music diverse with many stylistic flavors, The Burning River Trio will keep you on your feet!
Map:
Ride the ponies free with a button all day!
Map: A perennial favorite at every Missoula First Night, the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band plays ensemble music with bagpipes and drums in the Scottish regimental style. Montana’s premier pipe band is pleased to perform throughout the Northwest and in Canada, and especially at home for the holidays.
Downtown Dance Collective The Childbloom Guitar Quartet, made up of teenage classical guitarists Duggan Backhouse-Prentiss, Arthur Befumo, and sisters Jaymi and Jenna Wevers, play a dynamic mixture of classical, jazz, and world music. The group moves smoothly from Bach to Bossa Nova, playing beautiful and complexinstrumental arrangements of both modern and classical music with a sensitivity, confidence, and nuanced technique that is surprising for a group of such young musicians. The quartet members are all students at the Missoula Childbloom Guitar Program, and have been studying guitar individually and in ensemble for the last 6 years with Program Director and Instructor Nathan Zavalney. Website: missoulachildbloom.com
Free swim with button from 10 to 6 Map: Currents Aquatics Center Currents is the year-round indoor water park in McCormick Park and is home to Parks and Recreation headquarters and Headwaters, a state-of-art community room available for public use. The sun is always shining at Currents! Website: http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/index.aspx?nid=165
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Dan Dubuque is Missoula's one man soul band. On his Weissenborn lap slide guitar and dobro, he plays blues, rhythm, and soul. Website: www.myspace.com/dandubuque www.facebook.com
MONTANA ON MY MIND is an acoustic 45 minute set of original music that is inspired by the lifestyle, characters, past & present, and scenic landscape of Glacier Park, Montana, and the American West. David will perform various songs along with dynamic storytelling from his five indie CDs: Chasin' Moons; West For America; Cabin Song; Life Under The Big Sky; and Singing For A Living. Website: www.DavidWalburn.com
Map: Derailed starts on the tracks of hot, toe-tapping traditional bluegrass but are ready to jump the rails for imaginative arrangements, unexpected original material, and exciting new acoustic music! The core of the band is comprised of three award-winning pickers who are in high school: Jesse Brown swings on his fiddle and sings lead, Wesley Douglas plays flatpick guitar, and Caleb Dostal plays a five-string banjo. Whether they are exploring an old fiddle tune with fresh ideas , slowing it down with a ballad, or sharing one of their originals, you'll get a kick from their sizzling musicianship and enthusiasm! Website: http://myspace.com/derailed
Drum Brothers would like to offer a special finale performance in the Copper Commons of the U of M or the Wilma Theater from 11 pm to 12:30 am. In addition to performing new and favorite selections from our repertoire which feature a lot of audience participation, we'll be inviting dancer, Tracy Topp, and members of Djebe, a local African dance group (a minimum of 5 dancers), to join us for two special dance performance pieces. We'll then have the dancers stay with us through our set to encourage audience dancing and singing by moving through the crowd and sharing simple steps with those interested. We won't need any additional staging since the dancers will be on the floor at the front of the stage for the two performance pieces, but some additional downstage lighting would be appreciated. Website: www.drumbrothers.com
Dance Music (Big Band Swing), suitable for all ages. Instrumentation is guitar, saxophone, trumpet, bass, drums. The Ed Norton Big Band is Missoula's only professional large swing orchestra, specializing in the classic sounds of the great American swing era. 5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, piano, guitar, bass, drums. The band has performed for almost every First Night finale, and we would love to do so again. Website: www.cdbaby.com/cd/salsaloca
El 3-oh! El 3-Oh plays Jazz from jangled side of the tracks, exploring the terrain from swing to bop through standards and originals and always with more than an ear towards the gypsy sensibilities evinced by the great Django Reinhardt and his hot club forays. This atypical jazz line up with Barrett Meigs on guitar, John Rosett on mandolin, and Steve Kalling playing doublebass creates a dynamic, inventive, whimsical, and wild excursion into swing and improvisation.
Five Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines and The Rocky Mountainnaires The Five Valley Chorus and the Rocky Mountainaires are choruses of singers who love to entertain and to hear the chords ring. Their style of harmony is an original American art form called barbershop harmony - singing four part chords unaccompanied by instruments. These choruses hope to put a smile on the faces of the First Night audience as they sing as individual choruses and together (eight part harmony!) for your enjoyment. Website www.fivevalleysweetadelines.com
The Frederico Brothers is an accomplished folk act in which the star of the show is the song. The Frederico Brothers are: Bruce Carlson, vocals and guitar; Phil Hamilton. harmonicas; Paul Kelley, vocals, bass; Roger Moquin, vocals, drums; and Peter Walther, vocals, electric guitar, mandolin. All five live in Missoula, have day jobs and families, and approach music for the creative joy of it. Besides singing songs about trains, death, and love gone wrong, the group focuses on vocal harmonies and great songs - both original and otherwise. The 2003 CD, “Rails,” was the group’s first collective recording project and is available online at cdbaby.com.
Full Grown Men Full Grown Men focuses on blues and jazz-based dance music, with the emphasis on rhythm, swing, energy and soul. The band was formed among old friends and fellow musicians, based on the idea of playing straight-ahead dance music with lots of fire and fun.
Ring in the New Year singing! Gaelic Meadowlark invites revelers of all ages to join them for this celebration. Gather around the piano on the third floor of the University Center for a sing along. They're compiling a songbook called, "Aires, Carols, Jigs, Marches and Reels". If you like Celtic Music, Welsh Choirs or Robert Burns this is for you!
This is your chance to particpate in the great mental sport of chess with a chess champion, along with 25 other players. 14-time Chess Champion,(plus three times in Idaho, and once in Wyoming) The Octopus uses 25 chess sets laid out in a rectangle. Players come and go all evening until 11 pm. He makes his moves in 5 to 15 seconds, more often 5, and players must have a move ready to play IMMEDIATELY when he gets to them, then he replies. The Octopus has been a First Night tradition since the beginning, 16 years ago! To celebrate, he'll also have some stickers for sale, so you can prove to the world that you participated in this amazing and fun activity!
Map: Ice carving has become a special tradition at First Night Missoula! Each year several chefs from the University of Montana Dining services spend all day creating a dazzling display of ice sculpture. This year's ice carving spectacle will take place at the Missoula County Court House. From 10:00 a.m. on, you can drop by to see them at their craft. By nightfall, the work is completed and well lit for all to see. Missoula Courthouse, 10:00 a.m. – midnight.
Jack Gladstone's "Native Anthropology" is the landmark recording effort in a career that has spanned over 3 decades. Produced by Phil Aaberg and David Griffith, the album both seriously and humorously inventories the challenges and choices faced by contemporary human society. A fully produced visual presentation will accompany the concert. In concert, Jack will guide his audience through tribal stories, animal legends, character portraits and historical eras into a richer appreciation of Native American heritage. A great grandson of Red Crow, legendary Blood Indian Chief, Jack is a masterful storysmith who blends enlightening narrative with his well crafted poetry and songs. Website: www.jackgladstone.com
Missoula Art Museum
Music (Jazz), suitable for all ages. Instrumentation is guitar, saxophone, trumpet, bass, drums. Jazz Graffiti is Missoula's multi-generational jazz ensemble, specializing in high-quality listenable jazz of all styles, from classic swing to bebop to contemporary, including original compositions in these various styles. The group includes both veterans of the Missoula music scene as well as promising young musicians. Website http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/salsaloca
John Floridis With over a decade of performance in the Western region, John Floridis has performed with artists as diverse as Shawn Colvin, Derek Trucks, Patty Griffin, Richard Thompson, Emmylou Harris, Bruce Cockburn, Kelly Joe Phelps, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Patty Larkin. He is also a producer of Musician's Spotlight and Friday Morning Freeforms for Montana Public Radio and a former Registered Music Therapist. He's released five recordings that mix bluesy, folk-rock vocal tunes with adventurous solo acoustic guitar compositions, and he performs on acoustic/electric guitar, vocals and sometimes uses sampled and looped sounds. As a 15-year resident in the "Big Sky," he moved here from the strong-shouldered, down (but never out) city of Cleveland, Ohio. In 2008, he was named Missoula's best musician by the Missoula Independent.
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Award winning belly dancer Kelli Marie is an accomplished performer, instructor, and innovator of middle eastern dance (Belly Dance) and Hawaiian Hula dance. Join Kelli and student/guest dancers as they bring you "The Ancient Art Of Belly Dance" and a variety of performances in this fun filled evening of entertainment.
Zootown Brew 7:00 PM Hailing from Corvallis, Montana, this four-piece outfit will make you smile. With influences that range from Bluegrass to Barenaked Ladies, Kent and his band serve up a heapin' helpin' of positive, fun-lovin' original tunes. Zootown Brew is a new addition to the First Night venues - if you haven't been there before, this will be a great chance to check them out, have a cup of coffee, and enjoy what Kent Curtiss brings to the evening.
Downtown Dance Collective 4:30 PM Kira kicked off 2010 with winning the First Night Star Competition and then she released her first CD, "Hello," in March. Kira is a fifteen year old singer/songwriter who plays guitar and piano and writes beautiful and poetic songs. Local musicians have said, "She has a crazy beautiful voice", "She's maybe the most naturally talented musician I've ever dealt with," and "She blew me away." Don't miss your chance to see Kira in the comfortable, intimate environment of the Downtown Dance Collective. Website: www.myspace.com/kirameans
University Ballroom 9:30 PM
This eight-piece funk band has a full horn section, rhythm section, and vocals. Their mix of classic funk covers and originals. make it impossible to stay sitting and brings people together. All the members of the band are currently music majors at the University of Montana's school of music, and have made a refreshing, energetic impact on the Missoula music scene over the past year. Website www.facebook.com/pages/Kung-Fu-Kongress/107923662564772 Learn African Dance! with Unity Dance and Drum, featuring Tarn Ream Senior Center 1:00 PM Tarn will teach an introductory African dance class for people of all ages, experiences, and abilities—accompanied by live drum music. Participants will learn to listen to the rhythms of the drums with a warm-up that includes movement familiar in everyday life, now set to music. The class will then learn specific steps for a traditional dance, and experience how the rhythm drives the movement. This is an energetic event and fantastic family activity for First Night. Tarn says, "First Night is a good time for people to try something new, and this class provides a great opportunity for people to “test the African dance waters” with their friends and families. It is always amazing to see the diversity of ages and folks that come to this class—lots of groups of high school students, families, grandparents, and kids, kids, kids! We always have a bunch of fun!" Website: Facebook
Missoula Art Museum 2:00 PM The shortest distance from the head to the heart is through the cello: Montanaʼs Lee Zimmerman takes audiences there and back again on the song of his fivestring. He dazzles with an eclectic mix of classical technique, soaring improv,and shameless whimsy. He may surprise you with a 16th century dance tune from the courts of Europe, a jazz number with vocals, or one of his own songs from the heart.
Lefty Lucy Zootown Brew5:30 PM Map: 
Lefty Lucy is a six-piece band with female vocal leads playing danceable pop rock, country, blues and originals.
Urey Lecture Hall
A clown, orphaned by The Galactic Circus, brings his act to Earth. In 3D! First Night Missoula is lucky enough to be one of his stops on his tour! Come to the Children's Theatre to see what Lonnic + Mimeo is all about, and don't forget to bring your imagination!
Luminary Peace Sign Caras Park Help create a luminary community Peace sign in Caras Park. Bring your votive candle in a paper bag (lunch size) with a small amount of sand to Caras Park, light it from the World Peace Flame, and place it in the circle with your wish for peace. Volunteers from the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center will have extra candles, bags and sand for those who forget materials but want to participate. Weather permitting, the sign will shine a message of peace throughout the night. Sponsored by the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center since First Night 2001. Caras Park, 4:00 pm - midnight.
Wilma 5:00 PM Join Malarkey for a high-energy Irish traditional music performance. They promise to have you "jigging and reeling" in your seats with their brand of Montana made music from Ireland. A song or two may even have you singing along as Malarkey celebrates First Night Missoula.
4:45 PM Manik Harum plays traditional music from Bali, Indonesia on beautifully carved percussion instruments called gamelan. Joining the performance are the "Movement Explorers," 3rd-5th grade students from Lewis and Clark Elementary, with original choreography. Artwork created by Sentinel High School and Sussex School students is woven into the program to complete this colorful feast for your eyes, ears and heart.
Missoula Children's Theater Singer/Songwriter Maren Christensen writes from the heart. The lyrical intimacy of her songwriting speaks to all of us as if we were speaking to ourselves. Her songs captivate us with delicate intrigue and charm while reminding us that our own dreams and hearts desirescan be real regardless of how complex the world may seem around us. She will be joined by a few members of Her Really Big Small Band; Pete Hand on bass and Laura Hibbs on accordion. Website: www.marenchristensen.com
Margi Cates has been singing and performing all her life. She grew up in Missoula, and attended the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy where she studied jazz , voice, and theatre. Her innate musical intuition and artistry connects with musicians and audience members alike. The Smokin' Jackets have performed in Western Montana the past four years and have consistently been a favorite at Jazzoula. Cates' honey voice and Montgomery's sultry sax captivate the audience playing a mixture of old jazz standards and hot swing. Ed Stalling's vibrant and artistic drumming is evident from his many years of playing big band swing in Minnesota. Bill James, a member of the Missoula Symphony, is a talented and versatile musician who adds great musical insight. Keyboardist Bob Skogley rounds out the sound drawing on years of gigging in Montana and Wyoming.
Wilma Theatre Mark King began his career in magic as a “Professional Entertainer” in 1980. Since that time, he has become one of the most frequently requested performers in the Northwest. Mark has made numerous appearances at major corporation trade shows, grade, middle and high schools, colleges, universities, fraternities, sororities, churches, country clubs, restaurants and fairs. His unique blend of comedy and magic are appropriate for all ages.
UC 3rd Floor Theater Map: Mark King began his career in magic as a “Professional Entertainer” in 1980. Since that time, he has become one of the most frequently requested performers in the Northwest. Mark has made numerous appearances at major corporation trade shows, grade, middle and high schools, colleges, universities, fraternities, sororities, churches, country clubs, restaurants and fairs. His unique blend of comedy and magic are appropriate for all ages. Marshall McLean Zootown Brew The show is laid back and features Marshall Mclean on the guitar, singing songs that he has written. He will be accompanied by two other players, singing harmonies and playing electric guitar, and stand up bass. The show is very listener friendly and has already acquired a large following in Missoula. Although the tools heuses are much the same as many artists in the genre, what sets him apart is not only his instrument and his voice, but the seamless nature of his life being his story and this story being his song. As with all our experiences and the voices we use to tell them, McClean's voice reminds audiences of their own. Website www.marshallmclean.com www.myspace.com/marshallmclean
Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT) MCAT's MovieClub will be showcasing a number of short films produced by local filmmakers. The screening will be family fun-filled, video art, music videos, short films, and short documentaries. Some of the movie shown will be award winning films from MCAT's MovieClub's Night of Shorts Film Festival, come watch some come watch them all. The Space Taxi is also available for those who want a fun ride!
Missoula Senior Center Map: Mark Twain once said, " Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place." Mark Twain is still widely thought of as one of America's most clever storytellers, and Michael Delaney's convincing portrayal makes an enriching stop in your First Night adventure. This is a great chance for everyone to unwind after a long day of First Night romping, or a chance to transport yourself to another time before you set off for more fun this New Year's Eve. Followed by the City Slickers. Website www.montanatwain.com
UM Music Recital Hall Map: The Missoula Brass Consort dishes out the spectacularly brilliant sounds of brass and percussion in this special collaboration between the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and The University of Montana School of Music. Superlative musicians from both institutions draw from a repertoire 500 years in the making. From the brass band to the brass jam! The Missoula Brass Coonsort presents thrilling and uncommon concert experiences for audiences of all ages!
2:30 PM to 5 PM Map: Bring your parents and join us as little ones as we welcome the New Year building, and dancing at the Missoula Community School. Get in out of the cold and shake off that extra energy constructing shoots and ramps for run-away-marbles, and shaking our little legs to bubble machines, and super fun dance grooves. Balloon animals and face painting too!
University Theatre 7:30 PM
"We love the Earth / We love to sing / We love to share the gifts we bring / We use our voices to inspire / We're the Missoula Coyote Choir." So goes the gathering song for this group of 25+ kids, ages 7 to 12, led by songwriter Amy Martin. Committed to musical excellence and environmental stewardship, the Coyotes perform regularly throughout Western Montana, inspiring two-leggeds of all ages to turn off the tv, get outside, and learn from the millions of creatures with whom we share this beautiful planet.
UC Ballroom 4:30 PM Map: The Missoula Folklore Society will guide all comers through fun, easy-to-learn community folk dances -- mainly New England contra (a variation of English country dance) and circle dances. Callers teach each dance, & with the help of experienced dancers, guide the beginners through the dance. No partner or experience needed. Sleeping Child String Band will accompany the dances with lively Appalachian & Irish folk tunes on fiddle, guitar, mandolin, & banjo. Dances work well for dancers aged 8 to 80; younger kids will need an adult guide. Missoula Taekwondo Map: The MTC Demonstration Team, led by Master Steve Rosbarsky, is comprised of martial artist of all ages who practice Taekwondo on a regular basis. The Demonstration will consist of useful self defense, dynamic kicking and Taekwondo based movement and, of course, board and brick breaking
Southgate Mall Map: Missoula Fencing Association provides instruction in the sport of Olympic fencing for children and adults in Western Montana. This First Night event gives you a unique opportunity to see some of our fencers in action, and to learn a little about the rules and the history of this great sport.
UM Music Recital Hall Map: The Montana A Capella Society is a tradition at First Night Missoula. They present a wonderful holiday program in replica 1800's costumes.
UM Recital Hall Enjoy the unique haunting harmonies and melodious calls from these natural, over twelve feet long horns, played by the Montana Alphorn Trio for your enjoyment. Dressed in traditional Tyrolean outfits, the trio plays music from Switzerland, where the Alphorn is the official national instrument. Image courtesy Deerlake Video: www.deerlakevideo.com You can also see video of the Alphorns playing in Glacier National Park at that website.
UC Atrium Map: Montana Clown Work celebrates 15 years at First Night with the popular Curly’s Funtastic Kid Zone. which offers a wide variety of fun-centers . Bubbles, spin-art, and bowling (just to name a few) are annual fun-center delights for patrons as they move with their children through the UC. Curly's Funtastic KidZone---Interactive FunCenters for the Family---includes: Blaster Center - Get ready for a blast! By peddling theGiggle Blaster you create a column of air that supports up to four balls at a time and that’s just the beginning! You can push all the balls through the “Peek-a-Boo Pipe”. Bowling Center - Even the little ones can roll strikes and spares. The alley is slightly inclined so that toddlers can get a good shot at the pins. The bigger kids love to see the pins scatter when they give the ball the right spin. Block Center - Build a castle, a house, a Taj Mahal or anything the imagination can create. 200 hardwood blocks in 28 shapes along with “Pipe Blocks“ to make you feel like a plumber. We have four flat, colored block decks on which to build and a sturdy center in which to put the pipes. Beach Center - It's actually a sandbox, but it feels like a day at the beach. Plenty of beach toys, a hanging funnel and a lot of clean sand give big and small kids a chance to exercise, scoop, scrape and pour their imaginations. Beautiful Center -We provide the paper, watercolor markers and spinners so your kids can create a real masterpiece! It's simple fun, but children of all ages love to make a thing of beauty. Bubble Center - Combine exercise and fun at the Bubble Center! The unique and original Bubblecycle combines a stationary exercise bike and a fan to create more bubbles than the Lawrence Welk Show! Keeps kids entertained and fills the air with millions of soap bubbles. Website: mtclownwork.com
UC Atrium 2:00 PM to 4 pm Map: The Friends of MontanaPBS have invited "The Cat in the Hat" and "Curious George", beloved favorites from PBS KIDS programs, to join parents and children at Missoula's 2011 First Night Celebration. Come meet and greet these kid idols, take photographs together, and enjoy the afternoon activities. Website: montanapbs.org
Parsons' Pony Farm Pony Rides from 3 to 5 pm Caras Park Pavillion Map: Website www.parsonsponies.com
Children's Theatre Experience the music, dance, and song of Patio Andaluz, and the spirit of flamenco! In the words of Teo Morca: "Why flamenco? Flamenco was born of the human soul crying out for eternal freedom of spirit...the art of living each day to the fullest, fulfilling your individuality as a unique creative expression of life. Flamenco is understood throughout the world as the essence of all human feelings and emotions in music, in rhythm, in song, in dance, and in art." From the pure joy of cante chico to the depths of cante jondo, share the aire and gracia of flamenco. With Sonia Chessin, Karen Gonzales, Eileen Cummings, Jennifer Corbin, Beatrice Pujol, Steve Gonzales, Lori Stevens, Karen Kleinklaus, Marlene Hutchins, Nathan Zavalney, Victoria Lenihan.
Break Espresso Map: Pinegrass has been playing weekly since 1988. The over-all sound of the band is a result of the individual influences and passions of each player. The common denominator for all Pinegrass members is to play each number with feeling - they strive to play good tunes, the way they're "supposed" to be played. You will hear traditional Bluegrass played "true" to the original (mostly), and a bit of Swing, Dylan and whatever else strikes the fancy of the band-mates at the moment. Members are John Joyner, fiddle and vocals; Bill Neaves, guitar and vocals, Chad Fadely Mandolin; Jack Mauer, banjo, dobro and vocals; and Ted Lowe, bass and vocals. Tidbit: "Pinegrass" (scientific name: Calamagrostis Rubescens) is a native grass.
Map: Pete Hand, bassist, sometimes plays with other bands in the event. RIO specializes in contemporary renditions of Brazillian Bossa Nova. We're a quartet with Julia Yates on Portuguese and English vocals and percussion; Dennis Unsworth on drums, Pete Hand on stand-up bass, and Tim Drackert on guitars. Visit their website to hear some of their songs: www.riobossanova.com. Website riobossanova.com
University Theater 2:00 PM Map: Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre has dazzled audiences by blending artistry and accessibility into a uniquely entertaining dance experience. RMBT performs throughout Montana, nationally and internationally. They recently returned from China where they performed in Montana’s sister state of Guangxi and at the World Expo in Shanghai. The aspirations of Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre have been fueled by a singular mix of imagination, generosity and community pride. Website: www.rmbt.org
UC Ballroom Salsa Loca is Missoula's premier Latin-music dance band. The group has performed for numerous venues and events in the area, including both Out To Lunch and Downtown Tonight, as well as at the Missoula Children's Theater and the University of Montana. Website http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/salsaloca
UC 2nd Floor Lounge 7:45 PM Map: Voice and guitar duo Michael and Keleren Millham have taken their classical training and applied it to the music that moves them. The resulting sound is an enchanting blend of classical, fingerstyle, folk and world genres. They build upon and blend these traditions in exciting new ways, creating performances that are both energetic and soothing—and always uplifting.
UM Music Recital Hall Map: This vocal trio sings jazz standards and big band favorites from the 1930s and 1940s, with instrumental jazz trio composed of piano, bass, and drums. They match the music with costuming and choreography, their "witty repartee," and share the history of songs, singers, and musicians. Website www.silkstockingseamless.webs.com/
MCAT Map: MCAT's Space Taxi:
SpectrUM Discovery Area The University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area will bring its popular Hands on Health exhibition to First Night Missoula 2011. Website: www.spectrUM.umt.edu
9:00 PM Map:
Stan is a fly fishing guide in and around Missoula, Montana. He writes and performs original songs that capture the essence of being on a river fly fishing in Montana. Of course there will be stories about the ones that got away and also of course the older the story the larger the fish grows. Recapture the summer and your favorite memories with this family friendly performance. This is a multimedia program of original songs about flyfishing. The music performed will be live with projection of backing images of the rivers and streams around Missoula. Songs will be proceeded by stories describing the significance and motivation for each song. Website http://www.myspace.com/stananglen
Super Skippers UC Ballroom 2:00 PM Map: The Montana Super Skippers is an educational program designed to acquaint students throughout Montana and the United States with the art of precision rope-skipping. The Super Skippers perform for many community events and compete in local, regional and national tournaments. They have traveled to Florida and Tennessee to compete in national championships, bringing home many ribbons and medals from these tournaments.
Tangled Tones UC Commons 2:00 PM Map: Tangled Tones Music Studio & Club Shmed Studios Presents: World Rhythm & Playing With the Band. Take a trip through time on the waves of music. Beginning with West-African Drumming, then traveling to America on the notes of Folk Music, Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, Country right on through to good old Rock 'n Roll! Be prepared for a diverse and energetic show! Groups have been formed from local Missoulians of all ages to perform songs on guitar, piano, banjo, voice, bass and more. Directed by Matthew Nord, director of Tangled Tones & Ryan Maynes, owner of Club Shmed Studios. Visit the website to get involved – Tangled Tones believes we are all musical, we all have something to share, our souls dance whether our bodies know it or not! www.tangledtones.com
Wilma Theatre 6:30 PM Join us for a spectacular highlight, Raven Summer, who is performing with a troupe of dancers and acrobats. An aerialist is an acrobat that performs graceful and amazing movements on hanging ropes, fabric, and hoops. Raven is Missoula's own Aerialist, and because her act is so unusual, she is First Night 2011's Featured Artist! It's going to be a treat to see this classic circus act being performed in the historic Wilma Theater -- join Raven and her troupe of Fan and Silk dancers for some thrilling entertainment!
The Bluegrass Coalition Downtown Dance Collective 7:00 PM
The City Slickers Senior Center 9:00 PM The City Slickers are a swing band and play standards of the 30s 40s and 50s in the dance tradition. Dick Skultin plays accordian, Don West is vocals and trumpet, Chuck Hurt plays bass, and Jack Souligny on drums and vocals is the band leader. They have been playing at the Senior Center since Feb. 2010, replacing Dick and Mardi Lockwood and the Versitiles when they retired. On New Year's Eve they offer everyone a wonderful chance to dance into the New Year.
The Discount Quartet Command Central 6:15 PM The Discount Quartet, a dynamic jazz trio with DR Halsell or Eric Keeling on guitar, percussionist Raleigh Charbonneau, and Steve Kalling on double bass, balances classic and modern sounds while playing swing to bop, bossas, blues, ballads and beyond. Exploring the spectrum of acoustic and electric jazz and improvisational music, they swing hard and put the ‘B’ in subtle.
The Keaton Wilson Conspiracy Command Central 7:30 PM The Keaton Wilson Conspiracy plays modern and classic jazz along with a original compositions all drawing heavily on the contemplative sensibilities of Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and (of course) the great Duke Ellington. This year they appear at the First Night Headquarters, otherwise known as Command Central.
The Mime Christian Ackerman Missoula Children's Theater 3:30 PM Christian Ackerman performs the art of pantomime, impersonations, dance, and slapstick comedy synced to swinging music all in a stage performance. His show is wildly popular for all ages, and we're thrilled to have him back again for First Night 2011. See www.christianackerman.com. Website www.christianackerman.com
The Singing Sons of Beaches CANCELLED! SORRY! University Center 3rd Floor Theater 10:00 PM Map:
Turning the Wheel UC Commons 4:15 PM Map: Hop, shimmy, laugh, stand still, make shapes - and much more - with your family and friends during a Turning the Wheel First Night Community Romp from 4:15-5PM! Play theater and movement games to live, improvised music by Nathan Zavalney. After the Romp, Dance Mob with us! We’ll roam throughout the UC playing, dancing, and picking up friends on the way! Facilitated by Lizzi Juda and the Turning the Wheel team. Website http://turningthewheel.org/
Unity Dance and Drum University Theatre 4:30 PM Map:
Unity Dance and Drum performs traditional and contemporary music, song, and dance from many regions in Africa. From the heartening mbira (thumb piano) music, leg-rattle dance, and singing of the Shona traditions in Zimbabwe to the energetic, stage-thumping gumboot dance of South Africa to a women’s dundun drum and dance piece, as well as numerous breathtaking West African songs and dances—this group has ENERGY! Unity encourages the audience to participate by singing and dancing in the final piece. In the tradition of Africa (and now our First Night tradition), the community shares in the celebration—all ages singing and dancing together to bring in the New Year. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712614674&v=wall&story_fbid=400716879674#!/UnityDanceDrum?v=info
10:30 PM till Midnight Wartime Blues is Indie Americana instrumentation includes acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, electric guitar, keys, drums, bass, cello, and maybe a little bit of tambourine, a massive 30' harp, and 15-300 vuvuzelas. Website: www.wartimeblueslovesyou.com
UC Commons Map: Without Annette is the latest acoustic trio from Mark Chase. Backed by Carla Green on double bass and her daughter Rachel Wogsland on the fiddle, Without Annette cuts to the core - delivering commanding performances of songs by the likes of Richard Thompson, Tim O’Brien, Greg Brown and Steve Earle. Mark is the front man for the popular Missoula rock band Ball ‘n Jack, and is known for his passionate vocals and assertive guitar playing. Carla is known for her versatility and style and has shared the stage with countless performers in the Missoula area. Her strong jazz background, remarkable sense of harmony and adept use of the bow turn her upright bass into a vibrant accompaniment for this trio. Rachel Wogsland, who has performed with the Broken Valley Roadshow and the Lil’ Smokies will be providing the fiddle for this performance.
UC Ballroom Zeppo, MT is an 8 piece Old School Rockin\' Rhythm and Blues band with 3 horns keyboards, vocals, guitar, bass and drums for weddings, parties and concerts. - Timeless music for all ages. $12 in advance ($15 on December 31), Children ages 7 and under free. Buttons are available at 20 locations throughout Missoula and in the Bitterroot Valley, online, or by calling 532-3240. To View Retail Locations, and to purchase online, click Here.
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The Amazing Aerialist, Raven Summer
Amy Martin
Andrea Harsell 
Ballet Arts Academy 
Big Sky Mudflaps 
Bitteroot Gymnastics 
Bruce and Rhanda Johnson 
A Carousel for Missoula
Celtic Dragon Pipe Band
Childbloom Guitar Quartet 
Currents Aquatic Center
Dan Dubuque 
David Walburn 
Derailed 
Drum Brothers 
Ed Norton Big Band 
Frederico Brothers 
Gaelic Meadowlarks 
Gregory Nowak "Octopus" 
Ice Carving Chefs 
Jack Gladstone 
Jazz Grafitti 
Kelli Marie Neumayer
Kent Curtiss Band 
Kira Means 
Kung Fu Kongress 
Lee Zimmerman 
Mathemagician
Malarkey 
Manik Harum 
Maren Christensen and Her Really Big Small Band 
Margi and the Smokin' Jackets 
Mark King: MAGICIAN
MCAT Movie Club
Michael Delaney 
Missoula Brass Consort 
Missoula Community School
Missoula Coyote Choir
Missoula Folklore Society 
Missoula Youth Fencing Association 
Montana A Cappella Society 
Montana Alphorn Trio 
Montana Clown Work: Curly's Funtastic KidZone 
Montana PBS KIDS "Cat in the Hat" and "Curious George" 
Pinegrass 
RIO 
Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre 
Salsa Loca 
Sidhe 
Space Taxi 
Stan Anglen 
Wartime Blues 
Without Annette
Zeppo , MT
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