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Schedule of Events, Saturday, December 31, 2011
Giant Ice Sculptures
10 a.m. - midnight; South Allen Street and Sidney Friedman Park | Map
First Night® State College Ice Sculptors in Action
10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; South Allen Street
Celebrating their 16th year, The First Night State College Ice Sculptors will carve over 100 blocks—that’s more than 10 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, Robert Higareda, Gary Glenn, Jared McAlister, Joe DiMartino, Ryan Crosby and James Kowalczuk. 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.
One Block Ice Sculpture Exhibit
10 a.m. – midnight; Downtown and Sidney Friedman Park | Map
The One-Block Ice Sculpture Exhibit runs through noon on January 1st. Sponsored by State College area businesses, over seventy-five 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!
Resolution Exhibits
Noon - Midnight; Sidney Friedman Park | Map, South Allen Street and
State College Municipal Building | Map
The Puppet Factory presents The Precious Pearl
Sponsored by Agora Cyber Charter School
1:00 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 for schools, theaters, and community groups throughout the mid-Atlantic area.
The Precious Pearl tells the story of a poor orphan girl named Chau, who is made to work hard all day for the village chief and never gets enough to eat. One day, she goes to the edge of the sea to fetch water. Suddenly, out of the sea foam appears a great fish who calls out to her, “The Sea Queen’s daughter is very sick. You know how to use herbs to heal, so you must come with me to help her!” Chau jumps on to the back of the fish and travels to the Undersea Kingdom where she finds the princess and brings her back to good health. “What reward shall I give you?” asks the princess. Chau wishes only to protect her people from the village chief. Touched by Chau’s compassion and bravery, the princess gives her a gift greater than all the treasures of the sea, a Precious Pearl.
Deacons of Dixieland
2:00 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ | Map
The Deacons were formed in State College by John Kepler in 1988 in State College, Pennsylvania to play Dixieland music as a Christian ministry. Through the years, they’ve found that their joyous Dixieland style also works for hymns, blues, waltzes, polkas, and the occasional country tune. In 2001, the band opened they opened in New Orleans’ Preservation Hall for the internationally renowned Preservation Hall Jazz band.
Middle-earth Studios presents The Gypsy Princess
2:00 p.m., Westminster Hall, State College Presbyterian Church | Map
dress-up story theatre
Since ancient times storytelling has enchanted people of all ages. Middle-earth Studios’ kind of story-telling is an interactive celebration that brings out the kid in everyone. Anyone can be a part of our story and they costume up to 100 people from the crowd. For days afterwards you’ll still hear people talking about the show where they did things they never thought they’d do.
In this year’s show, The Gypsy Princess, a new-born princess is switched in her cradle by a band of Spriggans, who leave an impostor baby in her place. The baby princess is rescued by forest animals and raised by a tribe of gypsies. She returns as a young woman to prove her royalty, save her kingdom, and reform the impostors. The tale features colorful gypsies, a king and queen with nursemaids and ladies-in-waiting, royal knights, a group of wicked Spriggans with horns and tails, and a host of friendly forest animals. Bring your camera to capture the magic of the experience. Contact: Carl Odhner (610) 756-4234
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Chuck Flayhart: Comedy, Magic and Other Stuff
Sponsored by Babst/Calland Attorneys at Law
2:30 p.m.; Penn State Downtown Theatre
Chuck Flayhart has established himself as one of the region’s best variety entertainers. With more than 20 years experience, his show is a unique mix of comedy sleight of hand, misdirection, with amazing escapes and a fun personality that appeals to all ages. Along with his magic, Chuck has performed thousands of shows at venues from The White House to M&T Stadium as well as at schools, colleges, festivals, and corporate events. He is a regular on the Washington DC society and political circuit. Come be amazed, astounded, and mystified at this fun show designed for kids ages five to one hundred and five.
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Billy Kelly & the Blahblahblahs
3:00 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church | Map
Billy Kelly is a singer/songwriter from Lewisburg, PA. Since then I've been busy making videos for kids, writing more songs for kids, and playing shows for kids with my band Billy Kelly and The Blahblahblahs. On January 1st, 2009 he made a New Year's resolution to record and release a CD of some of the songs I had written over the years for his two daughters. A few months later Thank You for Joining the Happy Club came out and a new family music sensation was born. The band has followed up with two other CDs, Is This Some Kind of Joke, and The Family Garden.
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The Puppet Factory presents The Precious Pearl
Sponsored by Agora Cyber Charter School
3:00 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 for schools, theaters, and community groups throughout the mid-Atlantic area.
The Precious Pearl tells the story of a poor orphan girl named Chau, who is made to work hard all day for the village chief and never gets enough to eat. One day, she goes to the edge of the sea to fetch water. Suddenly, out of the sea foam appears a great fish who calls out to her, “The Sea Queen’s daughter is very sick. You know how to use herbs to heal, so you must come with me to help her!” Chau jumps on to the back of the fish and travels to the Undersea Kingdom where she finds the princess and brings her back to good health. “What reward shall I give you?” asks the princess. Chau wishes only to protect her people from the village chief. Touched by Chau’s compassion and bravery, the princess gives her a gift greater than all the treasures of the sea, a Precious Pearl.
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Toot-in-Common
3:30 p.m.; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church | Map
flute choir
After returning from a tour of the Baltic States with the International Flute Orchestra, Judy Moore was inspired to form State College’s flute choir, Toot-in-Common. 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 other festivals and events in Central Pennsylvania. Contact: Judy Moore (814) 235-6125
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Callanish
Sponsored by Hold-It Self Storage
4:00 p.m. State College Presbyterian Church
Celtic traditional
Callanish, State College’s own Celtic band, takes its name from the standing stone circle located on the Isle of Lewis, one of the Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. The band shares the music of their heritage and passes traditions along with Irish reels and jigs, polkas and hornpipes, and songs of love and longing for homeland. In addition to traditional Irish music, the band plays Scottish tunes and 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 three CDs. Contact: Patty Lambert (814) 692-8966
Middle-earth Studios presents The Gypsy Princess
4:00 p.m., Westminster Hall, State College Presbyterian Church | Map
dress-up story theatre
Since ancient times storytelling has enchanted people of all ages. Middle-earth Studios’ kind of story-telling is an interactive celebration that brings out the kid in everyone. Anyone can be a part of our story and they costume up to 100 people from the crowd. For days afterwards you’ll still hear people talking about the show where they did things they never thought they’d do.
In this year’s show, The Gypsy Princess, a new-born princess is switched in her cradle by a band of Spriggans, who leave an impostor baby in her place. The baby princess is rescued by forest animals and raised by a tribe of gypsies. She returns as a young woman to prove her royalty, save her kingdom, and reform the impostors. The tale features colorful gypsies, a king and queen with nursemaids and ladies-in-waiting, royal knights, a group of wicked Spriggans with horns and tails, and a host of friendly forest animals. Bring your camera to capture the magic of the experience. Contact: Carl Odhner (610) 756-4234
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Trombone Chowder
4:00 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ | Map
Trombone Chowder is a trombone quartet based in the State College Area. The group performs a wide variety of music styles, including traditional chamber music, folk songs, marches and jazz, and some which are just plain fun. The quartet members are all semiprofessional musicians, very active in the local music community, and include three former music educators. If you're one who thinks trombones just play loud all the time, you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise when you hear Trombone Chowder!
ZUMBA
4:00 p.m.; State College Municipal Building Upstairs Lobby | Map
Ditch the workout and join the party! Are you ready to party yourself into shape? That’s exactly what the Zumba® program is all about. It’s an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health.
Zumba Fitness® blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a "fitness-party" that is downright addictive. Contact:
Teresa Soler (814) 867-3888
Hexagon Jazz Sextet
4:30 p.m.; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Imagine the musical love child of Dave Brubeck, Tito Puente, Radiohead, and Charles Mingus. Or, save yourself the trouble and come listen to Hexagon. Jazz-ometry at its finest. The band is the new thing by local jazz favorites Rick Hirsch, Kevin Lowe, Joshua Davis, Mac Himes, Barry Long, & Jay Vonada. Contact: Rick Hirsch (814) 867-9935
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Chuck Flayhart: Comedy, Magic and Other Stuff
Sponsored by Babst/Calland Attorneys at Law
4:30 p.m.; Penn State Downtown Theatre
Chuck Flayhart has established himself as one of the region’s best variety entertainers. With more than 20 years experience, his show is a unique mix of comedy sleight of hand, misdirection, with amazing escapes and a fun personality that appeals to all ages. Along with his magic, Chuck has performed thousands of shows at venues from The White House to M&T Stadium as well as at schools, colleges, festivals, and corporate events. He is a regular on the Washington DC society and political circuit. Come be amazed, astounded, and mystified at this fun show designed for kids ages five to one hundred and five.
Ice Skating – Accompanied by the sounds of Larry Moore Productions
Sponsored by Geisinger
5:00 p.m.; Penn State Ice Pavilion | Map
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 2011. 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 $2.00.
Pepper Lotus Tribal Belly Dance Troupe
Sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield
5:00 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church | Map
Middle Eastern dance
Pepper Lotus Tribal is a professional belly dance troupe based in State College, PA. Directed by Shannon Bishop, Pepper Lotus performs Improvisational Tribal Style Belly Dance, every performance is unique! Through non-verbal cues, the dancers “talk” to each other to create a one of a kind performance that features traditional Middle Eastern belly dance. The troupe has performed at Rakkasah East, the largest belly dance festival on the East Coast. Contact: Shannon Bishop (814) 883-1131
Worship Service:
Two downtown churches will offer New Year’s Eve services. The public is invited to attend.
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church will offer Holy Eucharist at 5:00 p.m. | Map
The Puppet Factory presents The Precious Pearl
Sponsored by Agora Cyber Charter School
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 for schools, theaters, and community groups throughout the mid-Atlantic area.
The Precious Pearl tells the story of a poor orphan girl named Chau, who is made to work hard all day for the village chief and never gets enough to eat. One day, she goes to the edge of the sea to fetch water. Suddenly, out of the sea foam appears a great fish who calls out to her, “The Sea Queen’s daughter is very sick. You know how to use herbs to heal, so you must come with me to help her!” Chau jumps on to the back of the fish and travels to the Undersea Kingdom where she finds the princess and brings her back to good health. “What reward shall I give you?” asks the princess. Chau wishes only to protect her people from the village chief. Touched by Chau’s compassion and bravery, the princess gives her a gift greater than all the treasures of the sea, a Precious Pearl.
Giant Puppet Display
6:00 p.m.; Canterbury Hall, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church | Map
Discover the well-populated menagerie of giant papier-mâché 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.
Ice Skating – Accompanied by the sounds of Larry Moore Productions
Sponsored by Geisinger
6:00 p.m.; Penn State Ice Pavilion | Map
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 2011. 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 $2.00.
Tr-HANDS-formation
6:00 p.m State College Presbyterian Church | Map
Tr-HANDS-formation is a State College musical group devoted to creating music in the moment for healing, transformation and joy. Using instruments from around the world and around the home, they delight, inspire and challenge their audiences to find rhythm and music all around them. The members of the group are accomplished musicians in many different musical genres including, classical, rock, African, Celtic, folk, and jazz.
Live Mannequins
6 p.m; Appalachian Outdoors
You won’t want to miss the State College High School Thespians as live mannequins in the windows.
Below Centre
6:30 p.m.; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church | Map
Instruments that play the bass parts are often the unsung heroes of the symphonic band. The public can name famous trumpeters and flutists, but it’s pretty difficult to name a famous euphonium player. The gentlemen of Below Centre might just change that, as they create a melodic presence for First Night State College. Contact: Leif Jensen (814) 234-7810
State College Area High School Jazz Band
Sponsored by Connections Clothing
6:30 p.m.; Grace Lutheran Church
The State College Area High School Jazz Band is among the finest in the United States and has an international reputation for excellence. The band has received 30 consecutive years of superior ratings in festivals and competitions. In 2003 and 2006, the band travelled to Europe and performed at both the Vienna Jazz Festival and the Montreaux Jazz Festival. In 1998, 1999, and 2006, the State High jazz band performed at Lincoln Center in New York City as a finalist in the prestigious Essentially Ellington Competition. The 2001 and 2005 the group won the North American Music Festivals Megafest championship given to the highest scoring jazz ensemble from among their twenty festivals. The band is under the direction of Paul Leskowicz.
Worship Service:
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 7:00 p.m. | Map
Carriage Rides
Sponsored by Centre Area Transportation Authority, The Atherton Hotel and Downtown State College Improvement District
+ $ 7 p.m.; Mayor Welch Plaza
$3.00 per person plus a 2012 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. Contact: David Hershey (814) 684-3400 Jim Swartz (717) 527-4782 Terry Woodring (814) 224-4999
Ice Skating – Accompanied by the sounds of Larry Moore Productions
Sponsored by Geisinger
7:00 p.m.; Penn State Ice Pavilion | Map
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 2011. 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 $2.00.
Ron Ray – Organ Grinder
7:00 p.m.; State College Municipal Building Plaza | Map
The hand cranked street organ was developed in 18th century Europe as a small instrument used to aid in training songbirds to sing specific songs. From this humble beginning, this small musical box evolved into larger instruments that we think of as street organs. As in pipe organs, sounds are created when a bellows forces air through organ pipes of different sizes. A roll of perforated paper, like a piano roll, controls which pipes open and which close, to create the enjoyable melodies we hear.
Amazing Feats of Comedy by Michael Rosman
Sponsored by StateCollege.com
7 p.m.; State College Municipal Building | Map
From a high school start in 1984 with juggling and unicycling, through a University Of Delaware Finance degree, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown College, street performing in Europe and a year in the circus, Michael has become one of the most respected and sought after performers from the east coast. A comedy and juggling sensation, Michael is a two-time winner of the prestigious Maryland State Individual Artist Grant Award for excellence in the arts. Contact: Michael Rosman (410) 833-6763
Middle-earth Studios presents The Gypsy Princess
7:30 p.m., Westminster Hall, State College Presbyterian Church | Map
dress-up story theatre
Since ancient times storytelling has enchanted people of all ages. Middle-earth Studios’ kind of story-telling is an interactive celebration that brings out the kid in everyone. Anyone can be a part of our story and they costume up to 100 people from the crowd. For days afterwards you’ll still hear people talking about the show where they did things they never thought they’d do.
In this year’s show, The Gypsy Princess, a new-born princess is switched in her cradle by a band of Spriggans, who leave an impostor baby in her place. The baby princess is rescued by forest animals and raised by a tribe of gypsies. She returns as a young woman to prove her royalty, save her kingdom, and reform the impostors. The tale features colorful gypsies, a king and queen with nursemaids and ladies-in-waiting, royal knights, a group of wicked Spriggans with horns and tails, and a host of friendly forest animals. Bring your camera to capture the magic of the experience. Contact: Carl Odhner (610) 756-4234
Nittany Highland Pipe Band
7:30 p.m.; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church | Map
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 Spy Glass Ridge Winery Celtic Festival and the Ligonier Highland Games. Contact: Jan Hill (814) 359-2920
Nittany Knights
8:00 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ | Map
The Nittany Knights are living proof of the enduring popularity of barbershop music. Barbershop music, with its close, unaccompanied four-part harmonies, is a uniquely American musical folk art. Although scholars cannot pinpoint where or when this art form was born, the growth of the tradition was certainly aided between the 1860s and 1920s by the types of songs popular at the time - songs characterized by sentimental lyrics and uncomplicated melodies that could be easily harmonized with a variety of four-part chords.
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Joshua Davis Group
8:00 p.m.; State College Presbyterian Church
Led by bassist/composer Joshua Davis, this band brings a balance of lyricism and ferocity to a modern jazz interpretation of tunes by composers as diverse as Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Marvin Gaye, and Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms. This quintet features voice, keyboard, sax, bass, and percussion, and creates new music in and around old and sometimes familiar tunes. Bassist Davis, the director of jazz studies at Susquehanna University, is joined by vocalist Tammy Scheffer, Kevin Lowe on drumset, and Barry Long on flugelhorn.
Contra Dancing with Bob Nicholson and Smash the Windows
8 p.m. Harkins Hall, Grace Lutheran Church
Bob Nicholson is a long time favorite among "old timers" of the State College Contra Dance. His easy calling style, relaxed attitude and clear teaching makes him especially "dancer friendly" for all levels and ages. Smash the Windows is Bruce Young on fiddle, Patty Lambert on flute, whistles and concertina, and Peggy Shutes on piano with various other musicians sitting in on the side as circumstances dictate. Their music features Sligo-style Irish and New England jigs and reels but also includes Bluegrass and Old Timey tunes as well as a nice selection of waltzes and couples dances. Smash The Windows Requests the Pleasure of Your Company, a CD of dance tunes and traditional songs, was released June 2011. Dancing beats sitting every time!
Bruce Young, (814) 237-1602
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Chuck Flayhart: Comedy, Magic and Other Stuff
Sponsored by Babst/Calland Attorneys at Law
8:00 p.m.; Penn State Downtown Theatre
Chuck Flayhart has established himself as one of the region’s best variety entertainers. With more than 20 years experience, his show is a unique mix of comedy sleight of hand, misdirection, with amazing escapes and a fun personality that appeals to all ages. Along with his magic, Chuck has performed thousands of shows at venues from The White House to M&T Stadium as well as at schools, colleges, festivals, and corporate events. He is a regular on the Washington DC society and political circuit. Come be amazed, astounded, and mystified at this fun show designed for kids ages five to one hundred and five.
Ice Skating – Accompanied by the sounds of Larry Moore Productions
Sponsored by Geisinger
8:00 p.m.; Penn State Ice Pavilion | Map
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 2011. 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 $2.00.
RockFest
8 p.m., Fairmount School Auditorium. Use Fairmount Avenue Entrance
ROCKFEST- the ZOMBOCALYPSE
Now celebrating its 8th year, Rockfest features eight fantastic high school bands who are dying to show off their talent in showcase of music that is sure to raise the dead. Come dressed as a zombie for the costume contest!..Bring your Ghoul friend and anyone else DEADicated to having a good time, Attending ROCKFEST is a no brainer! Will you survive the ZOMBOCALYPSE?
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Voxology
8:00 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church | Map
Kevin Neidig and Les Vonderlin make up this award-winning duo. The band has played at music and arts festivals in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Arkansas, Virginia, West Virginia and Utah. One of their most unusual gigs was playing sixteen times in fourteen days at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. More recently, Les Vonderlin secured one of the top prizes at the 2010 Susquehanna Music and Arts Festival.
Les Vonderlin (717) 795-6206
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Bruce Foley and Mary Coogan
8:30 p.m.; Grace Lutheran Church • Celtic
Mary Coogan is well known to those who enjoy the music of Cherish The Ladies. She is a founding member of the group and has been playing guitar, banjo, and
mandolin for enthusiastic audiences around the world for over 25 years. Singer/guitarist Bruce Foley has played with numerous Irish groups since 1974.
He has accompanied Tommy Sands on low whistle and uilleann pipes, most notably at New York’s Madison Square Garden for Pete Seeger's 90th birthday celebration.
Bruce and Mary began collaborating musically in January 2011. With strong encouragement from many friends they have developed a wonderful repertoire of music that reflects a strong respect for tradition and is instilled with a lively Celtic spirit.
Amazing Feats of Comedy by Michael Rosman
Sponsored by StateCollege.com
8:30 p.m.; State College Municipal Building | Map
From a high school start in 1984 with juggling and unicycling, through a University Of Delaware Finance degree, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown College, street performing in Europe and a year in the circus, Michael has become one of the most respected and sought after performers from the east coast. A comedy and juggling sensation, Michael is a two-time winner of the prestigious Maryland State Individual Artist Grant Award for excellence in the arts. Contact: Michael Rosman (410) 833-6763
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Anne Sullivan
8:30 p.m.; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church | Map
Anne Sullivan began her career as a concert harpist at age twelve when she appeared twice as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. A native of the Philadelphia area and a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, she is in demand as a recitalist, chamber musician and symphonic soloist. She is the author and arranger of more than two dozen works for harp and has published a series of ear training books specifically for the harp student. Her dedication to the development of complete musicianship skills in her students has brought her acclaim both as a teacher and a lecturer. Currently, she is the harp instructor at the University of Delaware and at Swarthmore College.
CANCELLED - Westminster Handbell Ensemble
8:30 p.m.; Grace Lutheran Church
Ice Skating – Accompanied by the sounds of Larry Moore Productions
Sponsored by Geisinger
9:00 p.m.; Penn State Ice Pavilion | Map
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 2011. 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 $2.00.
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Christopher Guzman, pianist
9:30 p.m., St. Paul’s United Methodist Church | Map
Pianist Christopher Guzman has entertained audiences throughout North America, Europe and Asia. A prizewinner in many international competitions, he has performed as soloist with many large ensembles, including the San Antonio Symphony and the Fort Worth Symphony. An avid chamber musician, Mr. Guzman has performed in such venues as Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, Leipzig’s Gewandhaus, and the Kennedy Center. He performs regularly with sought-after soloists such as violinists Tai Murray and Stephan Jackiw, and trombonist Joe Alessi of the New York Philharmonic. Of special interest to Mr. Guzman is music of our time. He has collaborated with one of the nation’s preeminent contemporary chamber ensembles, Speculum Musicae, and numerous times with the New Juilliard Ensemble, including tours of the U.S. and France. A Texas native, Christopher Guzman began studying piano at age nine and is currently Assistant Professor of Piano at The Pennsylvania State University
Contra Dancing with Bob Nicholson and Smash the Windows
9:45 p.m. Harkins Hall, Grace Lutheran Church
Bob Nicholson is a long time favorite among "old timers" of the State College Contra Dance. His easy calling style, relaxed attitude and clear teaching makes him especially "dancer friendly" for all levels and ages. Smash the Windows is Bruce Young on fiddle, Patty Lambert on flute, whistles and concertina, and Peggy Shutes on piano with various other musicians sitting in on the side as circumstances dictate. Their music features Sligo-style Irish and New England jigs and reels but also includes Bluegrass and Old Timey tunes as well as a nice selection of waltzes and couples dances. Smash The Windows Requests the Pleasure of Your Company, a CD of dance tunes and traditional songs, was released June 2011. Dancing beats sitting every time!
Bruce Young, (814) 237-1602
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Chuck Flayhart: Comedy, Magic and Other Stuff
Sponsored by Babst/Calland Attorneys at Law
10:00 p.m.; Penn State Downtown Theatre
Chuck Flayhart has established himself as one of the region’s best variety entertainers. With more than 20 years experience, his show is a unique mix of comedy sleight of hand, misdirection, with amazing escapes and a fun personality that appeals to all ages. Along with his magic, Chuck has performed thousands of shows at venues from The White House to M&T Stadium as well as at schools, colleges, festivals, and corporate events. He is a regular on the Washington DC society and political circuit. Come be amazed, astounded, and mystified at this fun show designed for kids ages five to one hundred and five.
Ice Skating – Accompanied by the sounds of Larry Moore Productions
Sponsored by Geisinger
10 p.m.; Penn State Ice Pavilion | Map
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 2011. 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 $2.00.
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Summit Hill Bluegrass
10:00 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ | Map
Strasburg, Pennsylvania’s Summit Hill Bluegrass is comprised of four members, Roger Eberlin on bass fiddle, mandolin and lead vocals, Ron McVey on fiddle, Elvin Burkhart on the banjo and Tim Kilby on guitar. The group has been playing together for over fifteen years and has been a fixture at First Night® Wilmington, Delaware. Their shows typically include bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, country, and old time fiddle tunes. Contact: Ron McVey (717) 687-0265
Phil Spangler & Joel Blunk
10:00 p.m.; State College Presbyterian Church | Map
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 embracing 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.
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Buffalo Valley Brass
Sponsored by Country Inn & Suites
10:15 p.m.; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church | Map
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. Contact: John P. Letteer,(570) 523-3756
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Deirdre Flint
10:15 p.m.; Grace Lutheran Church
No two ways about it, Deirdre Flint is a perennial favorite with First Night-ers.
With songs about cheerleaders, the metric system and past life regression, 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. Deirdre’s songs have been heard on TLC’s A Dating Story; and FX’s Nip/Tuck. 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.” Contact:
Deirdre Flint (215) 668-6472 .
Amazing Feats of Comedy by Michael Rosman
Sponsored by StateCollege.com
10:15 p.m.; State College Municipal Building | Map
From a high school start in 1984 with juggling and unicycling, through a University Of Delaware Finance degree, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown College, street performing in Europe and a year in the circus, Michael has become one of the most respected and sought after performers from the east coast. A comedy and juggling sensation, Michael is a two-time winner of the prestigious Maryland State Individual Artist Grant Award for excellence in the arts. Contact: Michael Rosman (410) 833-6763
Zak Sobel Band
10:15 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren • folk rock
The up and coming Zak Sobel Band is starting to make a splash at festivals and clubs on the East Coast. The band’s single, Make Me Change My Mind and Stay was certified as an International Top Ten by the International Association of Independent Recording Artists in 2010. The band’s most recent album is Target Rock, released this fall.
Contact: Zak Sobel (631) 662-6021
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Borough of State College Giant Ice Sculpture Exhibit & One-Block Ice Sculpture Exhibit
10 a.m. - Noon. South Allen Street and Sidney Friedman Park | Map
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, 2011. EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 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
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