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For full list of performances click here
Here a few of the Performers for this year
Audrey Auld
Location: Kimball Theatre
A memorable and uplifting entertainer, Audrey Auld performs country, folk, and Americana with a presence as big as the Outback! Her songs are the wry and poignant observations of an Australian girl living in California and Nashville for the past five years. Audrey is passionate with a most contagious heartfelt laugh and has recorded several albums. www.AudreyAuld.com
 Bagels and Fraylox Klezmer Band
Location: Sadler Center – Tidewater Room
Known for centuries as the wedding and party music of Jews in Eastern Europe, klezmer is alive and well in Williamsburg. It is Balkan and blues, ancient Jewish culture and prayer, history, spirit and jazz all mixed together.
 The Bennetts
Location: Bruton Parish House
Guitarist Stephen Bennett (a worldwide touring musician and First Night Williamsburg regular) will be joined by his piano-playing brother Jim for three sets of music, ranging from rollicking to reflective. www.harpguitar.com
 Bobby Blackhat Blues Band
Location: Kimball Theatre
Blues harmonica player, vocalist, and songwriter Bobby "BlackHat" Walters brings together the finest blues musicians in Hampton Roads to perform classic, modern, as well as original blues tunes that will keep your toes tappin’ and your hips shakin’ all night long.
 Clan McCool
Location: Matthew Whaley School – Gymnasium
The Hysterically Correct Pirate Show
There has never been a better time to learn how to be a pirate! Come sing and dance along as Willoughby Caught and her seafaring friends provide just the lesson you need. Hear traditional sea chanteys, stories of brave pirates in our past, and try out your pirate skills in drills at the capstan, line, flintlock, and cutlass. Children of all ages will enjoy this show.
 The Company Store
Location: Andrews Hall
The Company Store stocks and delivers American-made string-band music with energy and enthusiasm sure to satisfy the pickiest of ears and shuffle the clumsiest of feet. Featuring robust fiddlin’, exuberant singin’, and family humor, they create brand-new old-fashioned good times! www.companystoreband.com
 Coyote Run
Location: Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall
Using instrumentation ranging from the ordinary bagpipes and guitars to mandolins, didgeridoo, tuba, trombone and much more, Coyote Run performs full-throttle Celtic music in the tradition of the ancient bards. www.coyoterun.com
The Delvers
Location: Sadler Center – Lodge 1
 Ron Fetner
Location: Sadler Center – Study Lounge
A nationally awarded songwriter, Ron Fetner’s music has been labeled a "unique blend of New England Folk and the soul of the South." Incorporating elements of folk, southern Appalachian, rock and jazz, Ron has found a voice in our American music. www.ronfetner.com
Rich Follett
Location: Muscarelle Museum of Art
Actor, director, musician and songwriter Rich Follett lives in the Shenandoah Valley and works teaching, writing songs and poetry, and singing for contemporary folk audiences.
 Skip Friel
Location: Williamsburg United Methodist Church – Old Fellowship Hall
Spirited performances that capture the art and joy of music. With award-winning, finely crafted songs often featured as the backdrop for public radio spots, his lively instrumentals and vocals continue to receive regular airplay. Skip Friel and the Resonators offer a blend of acoustic and new folk music.
Friends of Appalachian Music (FOAM)
Location: Campus Center – Trinkle Hall
A lively mix of old-time Appalachian and New England fiddle tunes invites the audience to join in the fun. No previous experience is needed to take part in simple square dances, circle dances, contra dances, waltzes and Virginia reels.
 Geddy the Gecko
Location: Matthew Whaley School – Gymnasium
It’s the New Year’s Fiesta for ALL ages, featuring First Night’s returning lizard, Geddy the Gecko. Non-stop laughter, international beats, and audience participation: YOU become the star of the show as Geddy teaches you dances from around the world! www.geddythegecko.com
Bill and Pam Gurley
Location: Bruton Parish House
Pam’s warm, crystalline voice backed by Bill on banjo, fiddle, guitar or mandolin creates honest, natural music that draws on Celtic, bluegrass and swing influences. www.billandpamgurley.com
Harris Simon Trio
Location: Ewell Recital Hall
College of William & Mary jazz instructor and performer Harris Simon brings a trio to First NIght for the first time. Simon specializes in jazz piano and harmonica.
 Jae Sinnett Trio
Location: Williamsburg Library Auditorium
Drummer, composer and jazz producer/announcer on Norfolk public radio, Sinnett is joined by pianist Justin Kauflin and bassist Terry Burrell in a program of performance and discussion of jazz music. www.jaesinnett.com
 Kim Kalman
Location: Sadler Center – Study Lounge
Kim Kalman’s inspiring melodies, crisp vocals, and understated guitar licks have made her one of the area’s most popular acoustic solo acts. Kim will be performing songs from all of her CDs including her two newest CD releases, I’m Not Alone and A Christmas to Remember. Visit Kim’s website for more information and audio clips of her CDs. www.KimKalman.com
 Made From Scratch Bluegrass Band
Location: Williamsburg Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall
Take five individuals of varying ages and background. Add a cup of Bluegrass. Stir in a tablespoon of Gospel. Fold in a teaspoon of country and a pinch of Rock and Roll. Mix well and you have "Made From Scratch Bluegrass Band." www.madefromscratchbluegrassband.com
 Molasses Creek
Location: Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall
Molasses Creek’s high-energy acoustic music continues to win loyal followings from audiences that rave about their captivating stage presence, elegant harmonies, blazing instrumentals, and quirky sense of humor. Members of the Southern Arts Federation and award-winners from Garrison Keillor’s "A Prairie Home Companion," they have been featured at Our State magazine’s "Best of NC." www.molassescreek.com
No Strings Attached
Location: Williamsburg Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall
No Strings Attached is a group of friendly, lively guys who mix it up like no one else. The band can perform any style of music with the folk instruments they choose to perform with, from a hammer dulcimer to a slide bouzouki.
Pittman Juggling and Magic Productions
Location: Matthew Whaley School – Auditorium
Dr. Julian Pittman blends amazing juggling feats (International Silver Medalist Juggler) with world-class stage illusions. Classic ball, ring and club routines; mouth juggling while playing a xylophone; backward somersault while spinning 3 balls; illusions guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat! www.PittmanMagic.com
 Poisoned Dwarf
Location: Sadler Center – Tidewater Room
Plays driving traditional Celtic music. You’ll want to dance while listening to and seeing this acoustic quintet’s melding of diverse musical backgrounds, driving rhythms, and a few surprises. www.poisoneddwarf.com
 Puckett and Person
Location: Temple Beth El
Singer/Songwriters Lana Puckett and Kim Person are known in the music industry for their award-winning songwriting, heartfelt vocals, precision harmonies and intricate guitar work. Their original music has been described as songs "written in the Key of Life, with an innate sense of honesty and sincerity that shines through; warm and inspiring music that communicates to the inner self."
 Red Hawk Speaks
Location: Campus Center – Little Theater
A teller of enthralling tales about animals, plants and people and a traditional Native American dancer, Red Hawk is chief of the Bird Band of the American Cherokee Confederacy and a co-founder of the United Indian Nation Inc. www.redhawkspeaks.com
Rockin’ in the New Year
Location: Community Building
Featuring 3 local high school bands: Advice to Passengers, Neurotypical, and Sweet Josephine. Guaranteed a hot night in a cool atmosphere.
 The Runaway String Band
Location: Ewell Recital Hall
Includes four long-time Williamsburg-area musicians playing a wonderful variety of bluegrass, old time, and swing music. With lush vocal harmonies and hot instrumentals, the band combines the sound of early string bands with a strong New Acoustic edge. www.runawaystringband.com
 Timothy Seaman
Location: Muscarelle Museum of Art
Timothy plays engaging original compositions and traditional interpretations focusing on Jamestown’s 400th, Appalachian folk hymns, and adventures in Virginia’s forests. Tim’s instruments are the hammered dulcimer and flute. www.timothyseaman.com
Some Assembly Required
Location: Andrews Hall
Influenced by traditional and contemporary Bluegrass and acoustic artists, Some Assembly Required brings a heartfelt, vibrant, and fresh approach to the music. There is always something new and different with every performance. www.assemblyrequiredbluegrass.com
 Soundworks
Location: Sadler Center – Commonwealth Room
Formed in 2005, SOUNDWORKS is Central Virginia’s premiere men’s a cappella vocal ensemble. SOUNDWORKS has a versatile repertoire spanning many a cappella singing styles from Barbershop to Bop to Franz Biebl. Soundworks is the 3-years running International Barbershop Harmony, Mid-Atlantic District, Southern Division Champions.
Suwabi African Dance
Location: Williamsburg Library Auditorium
A traditional African dance company that showcases the culture and heritage of West Africa. Suwabi utilizes authentic costumes, live drumming and classical dances that have been passed down through the generations for thousands of years.
Three Jolly Coachmen
Location: Williamsburg United Methodist Church – New Fellowship Hall
Relive and fall in love all over again with the lively, infectious music of the Kingston Trio. If songs like "The MTA," "Tijuana Jail" and "Tom Dooley" bring the memories flooding back, you don’t want to miss this. We dare you not to sing along!
 Thunder Creek
Location: Williamsburg United Methodist Church – New Fellowship Hall
Success for Thunder Creek has been in leaps and bounds since the formation of the group in November 2003. One thing that sets Thunder Creek apart is the tight harmonies. The talents and experiences of the individual musicians are immense. Along with the instrumentation and vocals, a couple of band members have written and produced original songs.
 Bill Jenkins and the Virginia Mountain Boys
Location: Sadler Center – Lodge 1
The music performed by Bill Jenkins and the Virginia Mountain Boys is inspired by ancient and southern folk tunes, legendary performers such as The Stanley Brothers, Johnny and Jack, the Louvin Brothers, and many others. The group’s arrangements are truly unique harmonies, and they have been playing in various capacities for almost forty years.
Williamsburg Chamber Players
Location: Catholic Campus Ministry Chapel
The Williamsburg Chamber Players is an outstanding ensemble of talented, professional musicians from the Peninsula area. They present concerts, educational workshops, special programs for families and children, and music for many special events and occasions. For First Night 2008, they will perform works of Mozart, Stamitz, Joplin and more.
Williamsburg Classic Swing Orchestra
Location: Campus Center – Trinkle Hall
A 16-piece authentic big band that plays all the best music from the height of the swing era, 1930’s and 1940’s, as well as some popular swing hits of today. Hear the original arrangements from many of the bands that played and recorded those all time favorites. www.williamsburgclassicswing.com
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First Night Williamsburg is a non-alcoholic fun event for singles, couples and families! More than 60 different acts, including singers, dancers, instrumentalists, magicians, storytellers, puppeteers, jugglers, clowns, ballet, bands, and more, all indoors on 41 stages in 24 of historic Williamsburg’s most beautiful buildings. Performances run mainly through 11:45 p.m. There’s something for everyone!
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