Art & Music Schedule Of Events - By Time - By Artist

This program contains all information available as of November 1, 2008 and pertain to First Night® 2009 State College. EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE without prior notice. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please call the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, producer of First Night®State College, at (814) 237-3682.  The Festival office is located at 403 South Allen Street, Suite 205A.  The mailing address is P.O. Box 1023, State College, PA 16804.

Artists listed in alphabetical order

Schedule of Events, Wednesday, December 31, 2008

B indicates that a First Night® button is required for admission.

Resolution Exhibits - Click for details
Noon - Midnight; Central Parklet, South Allen Street and State College Municipal Building

Borough of State College Giant Ice Sculptures
10 a.m. - midnight; South Allen Street and Central Parklet

One Block Ice Sculpture Exhibit
10 a.m. – midnight; Downtown and Central Parklet
The One-Block Ice Sculpture Exhibit runs through noon on January 1st. Sponsored by State College area businesses, over one hundred one-block ice sculptures are displayed for your enjoyment. Please follow the Ice Sculpture Map in our program guide for a walking tour of visual enchantment. Be sure to bring your camera and allow plenty of time to see our spectacular display!

First Night® State College Ice Sculptors in Action
10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; South Allen Street
Celebrating their 15th year, The First Night State College Ice Sculptors will carve 200 blocks—that’s more than 25 tons!--of crystal clear Pennsylvania ice for this year’s First Night. Under the direction of captain Ernie DiMartino, the Ice Sculptors are expected to include Ernie DiMartino, Richard Alfred, John Goehler, Gary Glenn, Jared McAlister, Mark Mastrangelo, Mike Musial, Joe DiMartino, Mitch Schrader, James Kowalczuk, and Elliott Fejes. The large walls and sculptures are created from blocks that are produced in a special Clinebel freezing process that makes beautifully clear ice. FNSC uses ice blocks manufactured by Strickler Ice Company of Huntingdon.
Ice sculpture sponsors and map information.

Allegría Ensemble
B 4:30 p.m. Citizens Bank Downtown Theatre
Debbie Trudeau (814) 237-0979
Allegria Ensemble performs music for flute/piccolo, violin/viola, and cello, exploring music of many genres including Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century and contemporary music. Recent performances include 2008 Music at Penn’s Woods in State College and Juniata College Concert Series in Huntingdon. Allegría Ensemble musicians are experienced, conservatory trained professionals in solo, symphonic, and chamber music repertoire. As freelance performers members of the group we appear locally with the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, the Nittany Valley Symphony and the Altoona Symphony.

Chuck Bollinger, Comedy Hypnotist
B 4:30, 8:00, 10:15 p.m.; Community Room, State College Municipal Building
Chuck Bollinger's comedy hypnotism is a fascinating excursion into the inner depths of the human mind. Sounds pretty heavy to me! Never fear, the show is a fun-filled, laugh packed romp that leaves audiences delighted and amazed. The laughs are fast and furious with Bollinger's rapid fire wit leading the way, in a playful, non-threatening manner. A group of spectators become the stars of the event while under the benevolent spell of the Master Hypnotist. Rest assured, all participants will leave with dignity intact.
— www.hypnoaid.com/comedy_hypnotism

Buffalo Valley Brass
B 10:15 p.m.; St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
John P. Letteer, (570) 523-3756
classical and traditional brass
Judy Blee, David Heberlig, John P. Letteer, Karen Mansfield, Tom Mecouch,
As their name suggests, the members of the Buffalo Valley Brass hail from Lewisburg and Mifflinburg. Founded in 1982, they have played in many communities in Central Pennsylvania as well as in Washington, D.C. at the White House. Their performances have included summer “concerts in the park”, Christmas concerts and carol strolls, arts festivals and even building dedications. Over the last twenty years, their repertoire has included classical transcriptions, marches, folk, jazz and even a rock and roll tune or two.

Callanish
B 6:30 p.m State College Presbyterian Church
Patty Lambert, (814) 692-8966
Celtic traditional
Callanish takes its name from the standing stone circle located on the Isle of Lewis, one of the Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. They perform traditional Irish and Scottish music in addition to other traditional music of the British Isles. The five members of Callanish perform on the fiddle, flute, whistle, concertina, bodhran, guitar, and voice. The group has performed at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, the Lemont Village Green Concert Series, Lewisburg’s Celtic Day, and for the Empty Bowls and Ulster Projects. Callanish has released two CDs and is planning a third.
— www.callanishband.com

Carriage Rides
Sponsored by Downtown State College Improvement District, Rex Energy and The Atherton Hotel
B + $ 7 p.m.; State College Municipal Building Plaza
Terry Woodring (814) 224-4999
David Hershey (814) 684-3400
Jim Swartz (717) 527-4782
$3.00 per person plus a 2009 First Night Button
Three carriages drawn by Percheron draft horses will take you back in time as they take you through downtown State College. Dress warmly—it’s difficult to turn up the heat in an open carriage.
Rides are on a first come, first served basis. Due to high demand, not all of those wishing to ride may be accommodated.

Catherine Dupuis with Jazz Generations
B 3:30 p.m.; St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Local girl made good Catherine Dupuis has made a name for herself singing in New York City, where she performs a broad spectrum of music from Cole Porter to Sting. She has performed at such notable New York venues as Smoke, the Caviarteria at the Soho Grand and Metronome. Her band will include Billy Test on piano, Kevin Supina on sax, John Sullivan on drums, and Jim Robinson on bass. They will provide just the right backup to her sultry vocals.
— www.catherinedupuis.com

Chinese New Year’s Party brought to you by PNC Bank (children ages 3-10)
State College Municipal Building Plaza
5:15-6:15 p.m.
Are your little ones too young to stay up and ring in the New Year at midnight?  Bring your children to PNC Bank’s Chinese New Year’s Party where they can participate in traditional Chinese New Year’s activities and enjoy an American invention, the fortune cookie.
At Chinese New Year celebrations, people wear red clothes, decorate with poems on red paper, and give children “lucky money” in red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire, which according to legend, can drive away bad luck. 
At the end of the party, children will be able join the First Night Grand Procession using our special Chinese dragon puppet.

Deirdre Flint
Sponsored by Connections Clothing
folk/satire
B 4:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. State College Presbyterian Church • folk/satirical
With songs about cheerleaders, Nancy Drew, and online dating, Deirdre's music and humor land her at the intersection where folk music and stand up comedy collide. Since her first CD, The Shuffleboard Queens was released, she has toured the country, performed at Kerrville Folk Festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, the Kennedy Center, and World Café. Her second CD Then Again proves that she is a major talent to be watched. The New York Times, USA Today agree with Billboard Magazine when they speak of Deirdre...."This is grown up satire with a non-cynical wink and easily more compelling than so much that reaches the million-selling mark.” Deirdre Flint, (215) 668-6472
— www.deirdreflint.com

Easterly Chamber Players
B 8:30 p.m.; St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
classical
This delightful trio consists of Diane Gold Toulson, flute, Smith Toulson, clarinet and Anne Sullivan, harp. Diane Gold Toulson is an active orchestral and chamber music flutist, who has performed throughout the Commonwealth, the United States, and Europe. Smith Toulson, faculty member in Penn State's School of Music, is a member of the Pennsylvania Quintet and is principal clarinet for the Penn's Woods Festival Orchestra, The Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, and the Altoona and Nittany Valley Symphonies. Harpist Anne Sullivan has accompanied many artists including Luciano Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra. She is the harp instructor at the University of Delaware and at Swarthmore College.

First Night State College Reindeer LIVE!
Sponsored by The Atherton Hotel
2 - 10 p.m.; Central Parklet
Visit with and learn about the live reindeer which were the inspiration for the First Night State College logo. The reindeer are provided by JB Tree Farm in Alexandria, PA.

The Folkjazz Project
Sponsored by Hold-It Self Storage
B 10:15 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church
Composer-pianist Stephen Hopkins describes the Folkjazz Project as performing “with sensitivity, expressiveness, grace and daring”. Pianist Arthur Goldstein has been lauded for both his recitals and recent recordings of 20th century piano music. Rick Hirsch is known internationally for his unique compositions for saxophone quartet and large jazz ensemble. Don’t miss the Folkjazz Project—it will be a night of great music.
Rick Hirsch (814) 867-9935
— www.HirschMusic.biz

Giant Puppet Display
6:00 p.m.; Canterbury Hall, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 208 West Foster Avenue
Discover the well-populated menagerie of giant papier-m® ché creatures made to be worn or carried in the First Night Procession. Dragons, lions, fish, carousel animals and everything in between will be primping before their big moment in the First Night® procession. We have something for everyone—men, women, short, tall, big, little, young, old. When it comes to puppets, one size does not fit all. The procession starts promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Heritage Brass Quintet
B 4 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ
Jim Ressler (717) 667-6342
Brass
Comprised of music teachers – past, present and (one hopes) future – Heritage Brass has played at many festivals and events in Central Pennsylvania, including the Christkindl Market in Mifflinburg, Music in the Park in Lebanon and the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

Homecoming Rikshaw Brass Band
9 p.m. Allen Street and Central Parklet
The Homecoming Rikshaw Brass Band is a New Orleans style “street band” but with a twist. HRBB first appeared in the 2005 PSU Homecoming Parade and made its second appearance in this year’s parade. Led by Chris Byrne, a former bike messenger in Manhattan and San Francisco, now owns a bike taxi, which makes possible something no other marching jazz band has – a regular trap kit for the drummer. Hard-core cyclist Chris Lernihan serves as chauffeur so Byrne is free to play the sax. The band draws on full time residents as well as students, especially when Penn State is not in session. The First Night line-up will include Daryl Branford , Duane Bullock, Chris Gamble, Phil Jensen, Ben Jones, and Jahdiel Lowery Jr.

Ice Skating – Accompanied by the sounds of Larry Moore Productions
B 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10 p.m.; Penn State Ice Pavilion
Ice Pavilion, (814) 865-4102; Larry Moore Prod. (814) 466-7643
CATA Shuttle bus service runs to the rink from College Avenue.
One of FNSC’s most popular events, skating at the Ice Pavilion is a fun way to slide into 2007. Skaters glide and dance to music provided by LMP. Ice will be resurfaced at 45 minutes past the hour. Ice skates may be rented for $1.75.

Jeong hee Lee
B 4:30 p.m.; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
organ recital
Lee holds a master’s degree in organ performance form Ewha Woman’s University in Seoul, Korea, and continued her organ studies at Duquesne University, and Shenandoah University, where she is currently pursuing post graduate education. She currently holds the position of organist at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, Vienna, Virginia.

Live Mannequins
6 p.m; Appalachian Ski & Outdoors
You won’t want to miss the State College High School Thespians as live mannequins in the window.

Middle-earth Studios presents Pirates of Buccaneer Isle
B 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., & 7:30 p.m., Westminster Hall, State College Presbyterian Church
Carl Odhner, (610) 756-4234 dress-up story theatre
By representing themselves as wealthy noblemen, a group of lonely, shifty pirates entice a party of noble English ladies to sail to their tropical island, to become their brides. The pirates’ plans are foiled by a colony of lovely mermaids and by the efforts of the brave sailors of the ship Flying Pegasus.
— www.middlearthstudios.com

Nittany Highland Pipe Band
B 7:30 p.m.; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Jan Hill, (814) 359-2920
Bagpipe band
The Nittany Highland Pipe Band was founded in 1973. Based in State College, it draws its members from across Central Pennsylvania. They recently performed at the SpyGlass Winery Celtic Festival and the Ligonier Highland Games.

The Puppet Factory, presents The Flying Tortoise
B 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., & 5:00 p.m. Days Inn Penn State
Puppet show
Since 1970, master puppeteer Carolyn Koerber has presented puppet theater that excites the imagination. An outstanding artist, she has performed for the Smithsonian Institution’s Discovery Theater, The National Theater, and thousands of schools, theaters, and community groups throughout the mid-Atlantic area.
Carolyn returns to First Night® State College with The Flying Tortoise, a trickster tale from Nigeria. This is the story of a mischief-making tortoise named Mbeku, who has a beautiful golden shell and thinks he deserves the best of everything. Every day, he finds clever ways to trick the other animals and steal their food. One day, the animals plan a trick of their own that leaves Mbeku with a dull, bumpy shell. But this trickster is a true survivor who outsmarts them all in the end!

Rock Fest
B or $ 8 p.m., Fairmount School Auditorium

It’s a feast for the eyes and ears! Marvelous music, movies, and the occasional mixed metaphor. Local high school bands will rock in the New Year while competing for cash prizes. Bands appearing this year include: Don't Worry About It, Clockwork, Pangea Ultima, Solvo, Skelesaurs, Jester, In Good Company, and Destined for Berklee. This year's show will also feature student films. The show will be over in time for teen rock aficionados to see (and perhaps hear) the fireworks at Community Field. Cover charge of $5 or a First Night® button.

Phil Spangler & Joel Blunk
Sponsored by Fulton Bank
B 10:00 p.m.; State College Presbyterian Church
Contemporary folk
Phil and Joel perform original songs that help us understand that our everyday hopes, fears, joys, and sorrows are anything but pedestrian. Phil and Joel pursued musical careers in Los Angeles and Nashville before succumbing to the delights of Happy Valley and alternate careers as a contractor and a minister. Their thoughtful original songs and soft folk sound has garnered them a large and loyal following.

Stained Grass Window
Sponsored by Webster’s Bookstore & Cafe
B 5:00 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church
Ken Shafranko (570) 322-6005
Bluegrass
In 2006 Stained Grass Window participated in the 2006 Bell Buckle Records Bluegrass Cruise. The band was founded in 1990 at an event known as the Jerseytown shindig. They have performed at a wide variety of bluegrass festivals and events regionally. You’ll enjoy their home grown brand of bluegrass music.
— www.stainedgrasswindow.com

Summit City Saints
B 3:00 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church
Fred Lynn, (814) 234-6069
Dixieland
The Summit City Saints specializes in old fashioned American Dixieland music. They have performed on Harrah’s Casino Riverboats, opened for The Smothers Brothers, and have played at more tailgate parties that you can shake a stick at. Their lively brand of entertainment is perfect for a Sunday afternoon, not to mention a First Night® celebration!
— www.saintsdixieland.com

The Tarnished 6
B 10:00 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ
John Kovalchik (814) 667-2333
traditional jazz/Dixieland
The Tarnished 6 have been together over forty years after getting started in 1967 at the Phyrst in downtown State College, Pa. They have played at jazz festivals and concerts throughout the United States and even a couple visits to the United Kingdom including the Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. They have many recordings including two released last year, "Live at HiWay Pizza" and a DVD of their fortieth anniversary concert at the State Theatre.

Tempest Productions presents Ye Merrie Three
B 3:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. Citizens Bank Downtown Theatre
Comedy theater
By royal order of her Majesty, Elizabeth I, a band of actors has been tasked to bring to you the tales of royal knights and their conquests in preparation of the Queen’s arrival. Once friends, sometimes foes, this merry band of three finds themselves lost and wandering in the forest green. Join our merry band as they spin a few yarns, yodel a few tunes and taunt their way off the cutting block. This 45-minute interactive performance incorporates Elizabethan verse, prose and song with an updated modern touch and is designed for all ages!
— www.tempestproductions.org

Tolins Bluegrass Revue
B 6:30 p.m.; St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
country
The Tolins Bluegrass Revue has opened for Del McCrory, Smoked Country Jam, and has played at Zeno’s in State College regularly for several years. Andy Tolins (814) 237-2977

Toot-in-Common
B 1:30 p.m.; St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Judy Moore (814) 235-6125 flute choir
After returning from a tour of the Baltic States with the International Flute Orchestra, Judy Moore was inspired to form a flute choir in State College. Toot-in-Common is the result. The group’s repertoire consists of popular and classical favorites arranged for flute choir and works written especially for flute choir. Instrumentation includes one piccolo, six to eight C flutes, two alto flutes, one bass flute, and one cello. In addition to performing at First Night® State College, the group has performed at The People’s Choice Festival, Bellefonte Victorian Christmas, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

Tr-HANDS-formation
B 2:00 p.m.; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Carol Lindsay percussion
Tr-HANDS-formation is a local improvisational percussion plus group that utilizes world percussion, world flutes and soprano saxophone. The group members are Chris Bittner, Jennifer Bittner, Marty Gillespie, Cathy Herrera and Carol Lindsay. They play with a healing intention and create music in the moment that is delightful, provocative, inspirational and visually engaging.

Trombone Chowder
B 6:00 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ
Mike Loewen (814) 238-7409
Trombone Quartet
Trombone Chowder is a group of four trombonists from Central Pennsylvania performing a mix of jazz, marches, ballads, chamber music, and vocal transcriptions. Their past performances include The People’s Choice Festival, and the Fisher Plaza Concert Series at Penn State.

Virago
B 7:30 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church
Maire Tashijan (732) 616-0497
rock/percussion
Virago is a high-energy guitar and percussion duet consisting of musicians/composers Amy Schindler and Maire Tashjian. Their music is an edgy rock sound with elements of blues and samba. Virago has performed at the Clearwater Festival in Asbury Park, and at the Red Bank Jazz and Blues Festival. They frequently perform at clubs like the The Saint in Asbury Park, NJ. Their repertoire original tunes but also some Rock 'n Roll covers including songs by KT Tunstall, Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls.
— www.viragomusic.com

Voxology
B 9:30 p.m.; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Les Vonderlin (717) 795-6206
Folk
Kevin Neidig, Les Vonderlin and Bob Arbogast make up this award-winning trio.
Voxology celebrated its fourth anniversary while performing at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. It has have been featured at music and arts festivals in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Arkansas, Virginia, West Virginia and Utah.
— www.voxology.com

Will Mills and Curtis Rockwell
B 2:00 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ
The duo of fiddle player Will Mills and guitarist Curtis Rockwell plays Celtic and other traditional tunes. Will has previously performed at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

Worship Services:
Two downtown churches will offer New Year’s Eve services. The public is invited to attend.
Faith United Church of Christ will hold a Worship Service at 8:00 p.m.
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church will offer Holy Eucharist at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Borough of State College Giant Ice Sculpture Exhibit & One-Block Ice Sculpture Exhibit
10 a.m.- Noon.; South Allen Street and Central Parklet
Sponsored by the Borough of State College and Downtown and State College area businesses, ice sculptures are displayed for your enjoyment.

This program contains all information available as of November 1, 2008. EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE without prior notice. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please call the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, producer of First Night® State College, at (814) 237-3682. The Festival office is located at 403 South Allen Street, Suite 205A. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1023, State College, PA 16804