27strings

27strings (FK)

Site 20: Conference Center Ferrante

8:45 - 9:15; 9:30 - 10:15 PM

A Bluegrass ensemble blending styles of old and new with hard-driving rhythm, tight harmony singing and tasteful instrumental solos. This band will delight your ears and keep your toes tapping.

Art Attacks!

Site: In the streets, venue lobbies and any place First Nighters are!

Time: During First Night!

Bringing together youth and adults, these spontaneous celebrations light the streets on fire! Our lively troupes of drummers, dancers and stilt walkers will warm you with the spirit of the coming year.

Park Ave. Studio Belly Dancers

A Park Avenue Studio of Bellydance (DA)

Site 8: MIIS Irvine Auditorium

8:45 - 9:15; 9:30 - 10.00; 10:15 - 10:45 PM

You will be transported to another time as the many faces of belly dance, from classic to modern, traditional to pop, come alive! Suitable for the entire family.

Abdoulaye Diallo

Abdoulaye Diallo & Casa Mansa (DA/WM)

Site 12: Alvarado Street/Franklin

8:30 - 9:15; 10:15 - 11:00 PM

Master drummer, Abdoulaye Diallo, a native of Senegal, will lead his multicultural performance group in playing traditional West African rhythms.

Alta California Dance

Alta California Dance Company (DA, FK)

Site 24a: Conference Center Colton

4:00 - 4:30; 4:45 - 5:15 PM

Celebrate the life and customs of California's Mexican rancho era as this ensemble brings to life the dances, music, and dress of old California!  Audience participation is encouraged!

Ballet Folklorico "Aquila Real" (DA)

Site 11: Alvarado St. Ordway

4:00- 4:30, 4:45 5:00 PM

Folkloric dance, representing the state of Jalisco, Mexico, accompanied by Mariachi music.

Brett Mikels

Brett Mikels (FK/RR)

Site 24a: Conference Center Colton

8:45 - 9:15; 9:30 - 10:15 PM

LA-based singer-songwriter brings First Night soul sound with an indie edge, blending R&B, folk and rock elements. Brett has recently released his single "Love Says So," and a new album is imminent. Tonight is a chance to preview his new tunes.

Cantus Monterey

Cantus Chamber Singers (CL/FK/JZ)

Site 25: Carleton Hall (Rel Sci)

7:30 - 8:00; 8:15 - 8:45 PM

A mesmerizing 13–voice a cappella ensemble performs a variety of styles including renaissance, baroque, classical, pop and jazz. Cantus is a nonprofit whose proceeds provide grants to local choral programs.

Carmel Academy of Performing Arts

Carmel Academy of Performing Arts (DA)

Site 21: Conference Center Steinbeck

4:00 - 4:30; 4:45 - 5:15 PM

Dancers from 7 to 18 years of age perform jazz, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary style dances to various genres of music.

Claudia Villela

Claudia Villela (JZ, LT)

Site 25: Carleton Hall (Rel Sci)

9:15 - 10:00; 10:15 - 11:00;

Acoustic Latin jazz from Brazil! Claudia Villela has been described as "the greatest expression of Brazilian music in the US today." Listen and be transported by her soaring vocals and evocative lyrics to the colorful sights and sounds of life in South America.

First Film CSUMB

CSU Monterey Bay, First Night Film Festival (FM)

Site 13: Golden State Theater

3:15 - 4:00; 4:15 - 5:15 PM

CSU Monterey Bay's Teledramatic Arts and Technology department presents a selection of internationally recognized and award-winning student short films. Documentaries: Monica Martinez's Surcos de Esperanza - a young woman's portrait of her mother, a field worker. Music videos: Nick Kova's Star Spangled Banner – a portrait of the decaying history on Fort Ord. Narratives: Jack Scott's The National - a story about the legacy of heroes. Community-based productions: Juan Ramirez and Stephen Sprague's film, Voices from Within, made in collaboration with incarcerated teens. Experimental films: Robert Graham and Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck's Ella and the Astronaut.

Greek Village Dancers of Monterey

Greek Dancers of the Monterey Peninsula (DA)

Site 11: Alvarado Streer Galleria

6:15 - 6:45; 7:00 - 7:30; 7:45 - 8:15 PM

The lively and vibrant Greek Village Dancers will perform intricate folk dances wearing stunning authentic costumes. Audience participation is welcome; simple dance steps will be taught.

Grumbling Ginger

Grumbling Ginger (FK/RR)

Site 20: Conference Center Ferrante

6:15 - 6:45; 7:00 - 7:30; 7:45 - 8:15 PM

Original acoustic folk-rock with a Celtic twist that First Nighters love. Featuring vocals and songwriting by UK recording artist Jana Heller, a Grumbling Ginger concert recreates the atmosphere of a British folk club with songs and storytelling.

Hootenanny

Hootenanny (FK)

Site 8: MIIS Irvine Auditorium

6:15 - 6:45; 7:00 - 7:30; 7:45 - 8:15 PM

Stop by for a fun sing-along to tunes from the 40's to the 70's. This group is a hoot and you will want to join in – lyric sheets are provided!

Jonah and the Whale Watchers

Jonah and the Whalewatchers (RR/WM) FINALE BAND

Site 13: Golden State Theatre

9:30 - 10:00; 10:15 - 10:45; 11:15 - Midnight

Monterey's premier reggae and world music group! Young and old alike connect with this heartfelt, positive music that fuses Caribbean and African beats with American jazz, blues and soul to create a unique reggae sound. Finale: ticket with FNM button required.

"Mami Wata Save the Sea!" FNM Puppet Art Theater (CH, PT)

Site 2: Pacific Street Stage

3:30 - 4:00; 4:30 - 5:00 PM

Adapted from the Ghanaian folklore, Mami Wata is the story of this high priestess of the sea and a FNM outreach project. The puppets

and the script are original and the highly entertaining story of how Mami Wata saves the fish from the plastic monster!

Mario Flores Latin Jazz Band

Mario Flores Latin Ensemble (JZ)

Site 17a: Conference Center Serra Ballroom

7:00 - 7:45; 8:00 - 8:45 PM

Hot Latin Jazz delivering rhythmically vibrant soundscapes in the tradition of Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Chano Pozo, Mongo Santamaria and Willie Bobo. Get ready to rumba, swing, salsa or just plain dance!

Marylee

Marylee (FK, CH)

Site 20: Conference Center Ferrante

4:00 - 4:30; 4:45 - 5:15 PM

One of Monterey's best-loved children's entertainers, Marylee is the winner of four Parents' Choice Awards and two American library Notable Children's Recording Awards. Her performances delight and entertain with songs and audience participation.

Bay Belles Womens Barbershop Chorus

Monterey Bay Belles Women's Barbershop Chorus (FK)

Site 7: Monterey Art Museum Upstairs

4:30 - 5:00; 6:15 - 6:45; 7:00 - 7:30 PM

Monterey's only women's chorus dedicated to the craft of four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style.

Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team

Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team (DA)

Site 11: Alvarado St. Galleria

8:30 - 9:00; 9:15 - 9:45; 10:00 - 10:30 PM

This traditional Chinese Lion Dance troupe performs fun, high-energy dance to the rhythms of drum, cymbal, and gong players. They will capture your imagination and lift your spirit

Monterey Symphony Brass Quintet (CL)

Site: 25: Carleton Hall (Rel Sci)

4:30 - 5:15; 6:15 - 7:00 PM

Music from a variety of eras, starting with the Baroque period and ending with jazz and swing. Something for every taste from members of Monterey County's top orchestra.

Sadza Marimba & Mbira Band

Sadza Marimba (WM)

Site 21: Conference Center Steinbeck

8:45 - 9:15; 9:30 - 10:15 PM

Ecstatic, polyrhythmic dance music performed on six handmade wooden marimbas with gourd shakers, drum and vocal accompaniment. Songs are based on the traditional melodies of the Shona people of Zimbabwe.

Red Beans & Rice

Red Beans & Rice (BL) FINALE BAND

Site 17a: Conference Center Serra Ballroom

9:30 - 10:30; 11:15 PM - Midnight

This popular Monterey Bay band specializes in up-tempo danceable blues. Formed in 1993, their blend of Chicago, Texas swing, Louisiana, contemporary and original music has garnered them numerous awards. Finale: ticket is required with FNM button.

Sambahemians

Sambahemians (WM,DA) FINALE BAND

Site 12: Alvarado St. /Franklin St.

7:00 - 7:45; 11:15 PM - Midnight

Energetic, upbeat, and a real crowd pleaser best describe this local Brazilian percussion group. Playing an arrangement authentic Brazilian carnival beats and syncopated rhythms from all regions of Brazil. This spirited and colorful group of drummers and dancers are known for getting crowds to dance in the streets!

Peter Meuse Mobile Recording Studio

Site 12: Alvarado Street

4:00–10:00 PM

The Mobile Recording Studio presents a very unique opportunity for people of all ages to step into a professional audio recording environment. You can learn about the equipment, make your own music, listen to playback and even take home your own CD.

Shinsho-Mugen Daiko

Shinsho Mugen Daiko (Taiko Drummers) (WM)

Site 1: Colton Lawn Stage - Opening Ceremony

3:00 - 3:30; 4:00 - 4:30; 5:00 - 5:30 PM

Shinsho means "Celestial Bodies" and Mugen means "Source of Dreams." Experience the thunderous roar and exquisite physicality of these Taiko Drummers as they perform traditional Japanese drumming.

Spector Dance

SpectorDance (DA)

Site 21: Conference Center Steinbeck

6:15 - 7:00; 7:15 - 8:00 PM

Spector Dance presents four dance productions.

The Little Match Girl: Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's poignant story. Using a blend of traditional dance, classical music, and storytelling, this piece will touch your heart.

Four Essays: Music by Handel, choreographed by guest artist Mark Foehringer.

It's a Secret: Drumming and music by Mickey Hart, choreographed by guest artist and dancer, Pamela Keindl.

Opus XVII: Inspired by the music of London-based composer, Christiane Boesch. This work is about making choices.

Black Irish Band

The Black Irish Band (FK)

Site: 13: Golden State Theatre

6:15 - 6:45; 7:00 - 7:30; 7:45 - 8:15; 8:30 - 9:00 PM

Hailing from historic Gold Rush Country, this five-member band has a musical style that is as timeless as the rugged landscape of the west. The band captures the spirit of the pioneering immigrants to this land, with Irish, Scottish, Italian, and American folk music. The Black Irish band will be performing a special CD album release party at FNM. The occasion marks the bands 20th album release titled "TWENTY." The new project contains some of the bands most interesting historic ballads and instrumentals yet. Many of the songs were written in the early 1700s.

Sirenz

Sirenz (WM)

Site 24a: Conference Center Colton

6:15 - 6:45; 7:00 - 7:30; 7:45 - 8:15 PM

An a capella quartet with dynamic harmonies, funky beats and soul stirring lyrics. These talented young women compose their own originals and arrange traditional songs from around the globe.

The Wharf Rats

The Wharf Rats (RK/BL) FINALE BAND

Site 15: Rabobank

9:15 - 10:00; 10:15 - 11:00; 11:15 - 12:00 PM

Characterized by tight harmonies and bluesy guitar licks, The Wharf Rats is your smooth rock alternative for your New Year's Eve celebration.

Twistyman Balloons and Tattoos

Twistyman and Friends

Site 5: Colton Lawn

3:30 - 5:00 PM

Site 19: CC Mezzanine

6:00 - 10:00 PM

Watch for Twisty Man and Friends making balloon sculptures and doing face painting. Also check out the Henna Tattoo station in the Conference Center – get in line early!

Richard Myer Magic Show

The Magic of Richard Myer and Phil Ackerly (Magic, CH)

Site 17a: Conference Center Serra Ballroom

4:00 - 4:30; 4:45 - 5:15; 6:15 - 6:45 PM

A family magic show filled with visual wonder, gasps of astonishment and peals of laughter. Children of all ages will enjoy this entertaining performance.

Usual Suspects

The Usual Suspects(RR)

Site 15: Rabobank

6:15 - 6:45; 7:00 - 7:45; 8:00 - 8:45 PM

The Usual Suspects bring back their searing blues and rock enjoyed by past First Night visitors. The band features Alan Shapiro on lead vocals, a Nashville artist who has written two songs for Johnny Cash.

Yacocuauhtli Danza Cultural (DA)

Site 15: Colton Lawn

3:00 - 3:15 PM

Traditional Aztec dancers provide an Opening Blessing and Invocation to the Four Directions to mark the closing of the old year and the beginning of the new.