Schedule of Events, Monday, December 31, 2007
B indicates that a First Night® button is required for admission.
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 14th 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, Robert Higareda, Mark Mastrangelo, Mike Musial, Joe DiMartino, 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.
Resolution Exhibits
Noon - Midnight; Central Parklet, South Allen Street and State College Municipal Building
Penn State Nittany Lion Basketball
1:00 p.m.; Bryce Jordan Center
One Heartbeat!
Catch the excitement of Penn State Men's Basketball as Coach Ed DeChellis' Nittany Lion squad takes on the Mountain Hawks of Lehigh University under head coach Murray Goodman. This cross state rivalry is sure to produce an exciting afternoon of action on the hardwood.
Any person wearing a 2008 First Night® State College button will gain admission to the game for $5.00. The regular ticket price for this game is $15.00.
The Puppet Factory, presents The Widow and The Fishes
B 1:00 p.m., B 3:00 p.m., & B 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 a tale from the lands of tall bamboo, rice paddies, and volcanic peaks, The Widow and The Fishes. A poor kindly old widow lives in a rickety hut at the edge of the forest. She is so poor that she often goes without food, yet she always shows compassion for all creatures. Her wealthy neighbor is too greedy and selfish to help her. One day, Mighty Sliwa takes pity on her and send s her a sack filled with good fortune. When her wealthy neighbor hears of this, he is jealous. His greed for money grows and grows until he demands that Mighty Sliwa send him not one but two sacks of gold. Does Mighty Sliwa answer his pleas? You'll find out as you watch this humorous and poignant story filled with exotic and colorful puppets, rhythmic music, and sacks full of surprises.
 Toot-in-Common
B 1:30 p.m.; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
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. Our literature 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. During the past year Toot-in-Common has performed at First Night, The People's Choice Festival, State College Rotary, and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.
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. Photos perfect for next year's holiday card are also available for a $5 fee/$4 with a First Night® button.
Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus
B 2 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ
Ardell Hosterman, (814) 342-7003
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.
 Middle-earth Studios presents Meistersingers of Nurnberg
B 2:00 p.m., B 4:00 p.m., & B 7:30 p.m.
Westminster Hall, State College Presbyterian Church
Carl Odhner, (610) 756-4234
dress-up story theatre
Through all their crazes, trends and fashions, there's one thing that all children will always need, one thing that will always stay the same. Since ancient times it has enchanted people of all ages. That thing is story-telling. 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.
This year's show, Meistersingers of Nurnberg, is a tale inspired by Wagner's opera of the same name. A whole kingdom prepares for a singing contest, in which the winner will win the hand of one of the king's sons or daughters in marriage. What an embarrasment it is to the king when the winner turns out to be a dragon! The tale features the king and his knights who carry swords and shields, beautiful princesses, a mayor, his daughter Clothilde and the enthusiastic villagers or burghers, a host of forest animals, a beautiful shepherdess, and the dragon.
State College Area High School Jazz Band
B 2:00 p.m. State Theatre
Instrumental Jazz
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. The band plans to tour Europe again in 2009. 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.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Hot Soup
Sponsored by The Artisan Connection
B 3:00 p.m. & B 8:30 p.m.; State College Presbyterian Church
Sue Trainor (410) 381-2834
Folk
Hot Soup is your blue ribbon recipe for harmony! Sue Trainor, Christina Muir, and Jennie Avila blend their stylistically diverse musical talents to cook up a spicy vocal trio. Audiences rave over their close harmonies and the variety in their repertoire, from ballads to blues, from retro to novelty songs. Add delicious licks on guitars, harp, mountain dulcimer, conga, and udu, and you've got a delicious recipe for a spirited and soup-erbly engaging performance.
Jim Colbert
B 3:00 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church
folk
Bellefonte singer/songwriter Jim Colbert's songs offer a cross- section of Americana as seen through the eyes of a life-long Pennsylvanian. Colbert's subject matter ranges from Eugene O'Neill, Centralia and vintage Buicks to his home town of Johnstown, including floods and the demise of its steel industry.
Colbert has shared the stage with Red Molly, Pat Wictor, Jud Caswell, Deirdre Flint, Small Potatoes and Joe Crookston, among others. He begins recording his first CD this winter with Anthony Hannigan of Hickory Project.
 Patrick Cashin with special guest Andrew Schraff
B 3:00 p.m. & B 8:00 p.m.
Citizens Bank Downtown Theatre
Family comedian
Pat Cashin is a New Jersey based writer and performer who has worked with several leading American circus companies. He has been described as "an inspired architect of slapstick silliness" whose "performances of peculiarities" are "a cartoon cavalcade of idiosyncratic oddities and imaginative absurdities".
He is a "passionate practitioner of his ageless, eccentric art", which is really just a long-winded way of saying that he's a comic that thoroughly loves his job.
With 28 years of experience as a multi-disciplinary comedy performer, Pat Cashin has succeeded like few others in combining his various unusual talents to create original performance pieces that showcase his unique imagination. He surprises, amazes and fascinates audiences with timeless physical and visual comedy that is suitable for the entire family.
In addition to many regional newspapers, he has been profiled in The New York Times, Life, and Glamour and Boys' Life magazines and appeared in several television commercials, most notably an award-winning Visa Check Card commercial with multiplying rabbits which premiered during the Super Bowl.
The Puppet Factory, presents The Widow and The Fishes
B 3:00 p.m., & B 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 a tale from the lands of tall bamboo, rice paddies, and volcanic peaks, The Widow and The Fishes. A poor kindly old widow lives in a rickety hut at the edge of the forest. She is so poor that she often goes without food, yet she always shows compassion for all creatures. Her wealthy neighbor is too greedy and selfish to help her. One day, Mighty Sliwa takes pity on her and send s her a sack filled with good fortune. When her wealthy neighbor hears of this, he is jealous. His greed for money grows and grows until he demands that Mighty Sliwa send him not one but two sacks of gold. Does Mighty Sliwa answer his pleas? You'll find out as you watch this humorous and poignant story filled with exotic and colorful puppets, rhythmic music, and sacks full of surprises.
Karen Alley
B 3:30 p.m.; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Karen is a senior at State College Area High School, and has been playing the dulcimer for several years. She has performed throughout central Pennsylvania as well as in Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, and West Virginia. She was a prize winner at the Upper Potomac Dulcimer Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
 Rick Hirsch & New Standard Time
B 3:30 p.m. St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Rick Hirsch (814) 867-9935
jazz
Rick Hirsch's jazzmen are back for another First Night® gig. This year they offer a jazz concert for people who love a great tune but don't know that they like jazz. You'll hear improvisations on songs you know: works by Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Carole King, Nirvana, and Billy Joel. Rick Hirsch will perform on saxophones and will be joined by long-time collaborators Mac Himes on guitar and Jim Robinson on double bass. This well-established trio is known for its engaging, fun, and creative concerts. As hep cats say, "Dig it!"
Heritage Brass
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.
Middle-earth Studios presents Meistersingers of Nurnberg
B 4:00 p.m., & B 7:30 p.m.
Westminster Hall, State College Presbyterian Church
Carl Odhner, (610) 756-4234
dress-up story theatre
Through all their crazes, trends and fashions, there's one thing that all children will always need, one thing that will always stay the same. Since ancient times it has enchanted people of all ages. That thing is story-telling. 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.
This year's show, Meistersingers of Nurnberg, is a tale inspired by Wagner's opera of the same name. A whole kingdom prepares for a singing contest, in which the winner will win the hand of one of the king's sons or daughters in marriage. What an embarrasment it is to the king when the winner turns out to be a dragon! The tale features the king and his knights who carry swords and shields, beautiful princesses, a mayor, his daughter Clothilde and the enthusiastic villagers or burghers, a host of forest animals, a beautiful shepherdess, and the dragon.
 Allegria 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 Juniata College Concert Series and Schlow Library for State College First Thursday programs. Allegria 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
David Hampton and the Double Barreled Bluegrass Band
B 5:00 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church
B 10:30 p.m.; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
David Hampton (570) 925-5790
Traditional rooms and contemporary touches provide the basis for the unique sound of the David Hampton and the Double Barrel Bluegrass Band. Each band member brings to the band his own unique style and developed talents, all based on a strong traditional foundation, resulting in a powerful and driving sound that is all their own.
The Puppet Factory, presents The Widow and The Fishes
B 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 a tale from the lands of tall bamboo, rice paddies, and volcanic peaks, The Widow and The Fishes. A poor kindly old widow lives in a rickety hut at the edge of the forest. She is so poor that she often goes without food, yet she always shows compassion for all creatures. Her wealthy neighbor is too greedy and selfish to help her. One day, Mighty Sliwa takes pity on her and send s her a sack filled with good fortune. When her wealthy neighbor hears of this, he is jealous. His greed for money grows and grows until he demands that Mighty Sliwa send him not one but two sacks of gold. Does Mighty Sliwa answer his pleas? You'll find out as you watch this humorous and poignant story filled with exotic and colorful puppets, rhythmic music, and sacks full of surprises.
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.
Chinese New Year's Party brought to you by PNC Bank (children ages 3-10)
Borough 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.
Back by popular demand!
 Deirdre Flint
Sponsored by Savvy State College
B 6:00 p.m. & B 10:00 p.m.
Citizens Bank Downtown Theatre
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 Cafe. 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) 574-5730
Essence of Praise
B 6:00 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ
Gospel
Essence of Praise is the adult choir of State College's Unity Church of Jesus Christ. The group was formed in 1995 and over the years has performed at various events in the Centre Region. Their urban gospel sound will energize you and before you know it, you'll be clapping your hands and tapping your feet, and maybe even humming along. and the inspirational sound will have your hands clappin' and feet tappin'.
Keith Hardin, Founder & Duane Bullock, Director
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-mache 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.
 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.
Anne Sullivan
B 6:30 p.m.; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Anne Sullivan began her career as a concert harpist at age twelve, when she appeared twice as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. A Philadelphia-area native and a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, she is in demand as a recitalist, chamber musician and symphonic soloist. She has accompanied classical and popular artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra and Roger Daltrey of The Who. In 1986, she co-founded the flute and harp duo SPARX with flutist Joan Sparks. They have appeared in concert across the country and have released three CD recordings: Reflections, The Power of Two, and Christmas Echoes.
Carriage Rides
Sponsored by Connections, Downtown State College Improvement District, and Videon Central
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 2008 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.
 Mark Jaster in Piccolo's Trunk
B 7:00 p.m., B 9:30 p.m., Community Room, State College Municipal Building
Performing popular shows worthy of his master teachers, Marcel Marceau and Etienne Decroux, Mark uses skillful movement, sly surprises, live music, humor and abundant audience participation to delight young and old. Put aside whatever you have come to expect from mime, and get ready to enjoy a world-class entertainer. In Piccolo's Trunk, a gentle, wordless and slightly kooky character engages the audience with a variety of comical and musical surprises. Piccolo's Trunk contains spectacular skill, foolish antics, playful participation and fun for all.
Ron Ray -- Organ Grinder
7:00 p.m.; State College Municipal Building Plaza
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.
Middle-earth Studios presents Meistersingers of Nurnberg
B 7:30 p.m.
Westminster Hall, State College Presbyterian Church
Carl Odhner, (610) 756-4234
dress-up story theatre
Through all their crazes, trends and fashions, there's one thing that all children will always need, one thing that will always stay the same. Since ancient times it has enchanted people of all ages. That thing is story-telling. 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.
This year's show, Meistersingers of Nurnberg, is a tale inspired by Wagner's opera of the same name. A whole kingdom prepares for a singing contest, in which the winner will win the hand of one of the king's sons or daughters in marriage. What an embarrasment it is to the king when the winner turns out to be a dragon! The tale features the king and his knights who carry swords and shields, beautiful princesses, a mayor, his daughter Clothilde and the enthusiastic villagers or burghers, a host of forest animals, a beautiful shepherdess, and the dragon.
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.
 Holy Smoke Blues
B 7:30 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church
Darryl Carter (814) 414-9886
The infectious energy of Holy Smoke Blues jumps off the stage and embraces the audience. This five person blues band has plays originals and covers tunes by Stevie Ray Vaughn, Ray Charles, and others. They have played in the area at the Blair County Arts Festival in Altoona and at Thunder in the Valley in Johnstown. Holy Smoke, you're in for a good time!
4th Annual 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. 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.
 Homecoming Rikshaw Brass Band
8 p.m. - 9:30 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.
Patrick Cashin with special guest Andrew Schraff
B 8:00 p.m.
Citizens Bank Downtown Theatre
Family comedian
Pat Cashin is a New Jersey based writer and performer who has worked with several leading American circus companies. He has been described as "an inspired architect of slapstick silliness" whose "performances of peculiarities" are "a cartoon cavalcade of idiosyncratic oddities and imaginative absurdities".
He is a "passionate practitioner of his ageless, eccentric art", which is really just a long-winded way of saying that he's a comic that thoroughly loves his job.
With 28 years of experience as a multi-disciplinary comedy performer, Pat Cashin has succeeded like few others in combining his various unusual talents to create original performance pieces that showcase his unique imagination. He surprises, amazes and fascinates audiences with timeless physical and visual comedy that is suitable for the entire family.
In addition to many regional newspapers, he has been profiled in The New York Times, Life, and Glamour and Boys' Life magazines and appeared in several television commercials, most notably an award-winning Visa Check Card commercial with multiplying rabbits which premiered during the Super Bowl.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Hot Soup
Sponsored by The Artisan Connection
B 8:30 p.m.; State College Presbyterian Church
Sue Trainor (410) 381-2834
Folk
Hot Soup is your blue ribbon recipe for harmony! Sue Trainor, Christina Muir, and Jennie Avila blend their stylistically diverse musical talents to cook up a spicy vocal trio. Audiences rave over their close harmonies and the variety in their repertoire, from ballads to blues, from retro to novelty songs. Add delicious licks on guitars, harp, mountain dulcimer, conga, and udu, and you've got a delicious recipe for a spirited and soup-erbly engaging performance.
Kim Cook
B 8:30 p.m.; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Ms. Cook has performed as a soloist in the Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, and throughout the United States. At her Carnegie Hall debut, critics admired her "ravishing colors and textures". She has toured extensively as an International Artistic Ambassador for the U. S. State Department, presenting concerts and master classes throughout the world.
A graduate of Yale University and the University of Illinois, Ms. Cook was principal cellist of the Sao Paulo Symphony and taught at New Mexico State before assuming her current position as Professor of Cello at Penn State. At Penn State, Ms. Cook's cello studio has attracted talented cellists from Europe, Asia, and the United States. The Penn State Cello Choir currently has 25 cellists, and has become recognized for its performances and for hosting cello festivals. Ms. Cook's students have won many prestigious awards and former students currently occupy positions in orchestras and music schools in the United States, Sweden, Germany, Brazil, Croatia, and Taiwan.
Arthur Goldstein Jazz Quartet
B 9:30 p.m.; University Baptist & Brethren Church
Arthur Goldstein, (814) 234-1810
Jazz
The Arthur Goldstein Jazz Quartet was founded in 1980 with the intention of playing the best of post- Charlie Parker jazz while featuring original material written by members of the group. Since then, it has appeared at numerous venues locally and regionally.
Group leader and pianist Arthur Goldstein won recognition for the music to documentary film, Magic in the Afternoon. Saxophonist Rick Hirsch appears most notably as a member of the Valley Jazz orchestra and is a special guest this evening. Bass player Bob Insko and Phil Hayes, the group's drummer complete the ensemble.
Tonight's program will spotlight original compositions.
Mark Jaster in Piccolo's Trunk
B 9:30 p.m., Community Room, State College Municipal Building
Performing popular shows worthy of his master teachers, Marcel Marceau and Etienne Decroux, Mark uses skillful movement, sly surprises, live music, humor and abundant audience participation to delight young and old. Put aside whatever you have come to expect from mime, and get ready to enjoy a world-class entertainer. In Piccolo's Trunk, a gentle, wordless and slightly kooky character engages the audience with a variety of comical and musical surprises. Piccolo's Trunk contains spectacular skill, foolish antics, playful participation and fun for all.
The Tarnished 6
B 9:30 p.m. St. Paul's United Methodist Church
traditional jazz/Dixieland
The Tarnished Six has been together as a group for 33 years. They have performed at jazz festivals in Edinburgh, Scotland; London, England; St. Louis, Denver, and Washington, D.C. The group has released several CDs including, The Tarnished 6 Does 30 Years. • John Kovalchik (814) 667-2333
Back by popular demand!
Deirdre Flint
Sponsored by Savvy State College
B 10:00 p.m.
Citizens Bank Downtown Theatre
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 Cafe. 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) 574-5730
Phil Spangler & Joel Blunk
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.
Summit Hill Bluegrass
B 10:00 p.m.; Faith United Church of Christ
Ron McVey (717) 687-0265
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 fourteen years and has been a fixture at First Night® Wilmington, Delaware. Their performance will highlight the many gospel numbers in the group's repertoire.
David Hampton and the Double Barreled Bluegrass Band
B 10:30 p.m.; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
David Hampton (570) 925-5790
Traditional rooms and contemporary touches provide the basis for the unique sound of the David Hampton and the Double Barrel Bluegrass Band. Each band member brings to the band his own unique style and developed talents, all based on a strong traditional foundation, resulting in a powerful and driving sound that is all their own.
Fireworks
Midnight; Community Field
Sponsored by Wolf Furniture
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
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.
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This web page contains all information available as of November 1, 2007. 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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