Midnight Fireworks

Sponsored by Frank Ward and Cape Dairy

The skies above Boston Harbor transform into a brilliant tapestry of light, color and sound at midnight to celebrate the New Year. Zambelli Internationale creates this spectacular display for First Night 2010.

Locations and Times:

Boston Harbor :
12:00 AM - 12:10 AM

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Actors' Shakespeare Project

Come see Actors' Shakespeare Project's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at First Night. The performance will take place at Midway Studios. Seats are given on a first come-first serve basis and you must reserve your space at tickets@actorsshakespeareproject.og.  For more information please visit our website call 617-776-2200 x225

Locations and Times:

Midway Studios :
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

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Aesthetic Evidence

“elements | response”

Aesthetic Evidence will create a partially scripted, partially improvised element- themed audio-visual environment, inspired by spoken human voice recordings. Group members recorded responses to questions from a variety of participants over the past several months. These recordings, along with video, are integrated with traditional and electronic instruments.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 210:
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM , 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM

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American Guild of Organists

Sponsored by WGBH 89.7FM

Light and Serious Music for Organ

Varied works for the organ performed by Brian Jones, Rosalind Mohnsen and Christian Lane

Locations and Times:

Arlington Street Church :
10:00 PM - 11:00 PM

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American Repertory Theatre

Best of Both Worlds

The first 100 button holders are invited to Best of Both Worlds, a joyous and celebratory gospel/r&b musical inspired by The Winter’s Tale, perfect for the whole family. Show your button at the ART box office beginning at 12:00pm to get a ticket for the show.

*Note: 2pm start time is a correction to the FN Program Guide time listed.

Locations and Times:

ART Loeb Drama Center:
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM , 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

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Anat Cohen, 89.7 WGBH’s Toast of the Nation live broadcast

Sponsored by 89.7 WGBH and Berklee College of Music

An evening of talented Berklee alumni and students is headlined by graduate Anat Cohen. Idiomatically conversant with modern and traditional jazz, classical music, Brazilian choro, Argentine tango, and an expansive timeline of Afro-Cuban styles, Tel Aviv-born Cohen has established herself as one of the primary voices of her generation on both the tenor saxophone and clarinet. The early set will be broadcast live on WGBH 89.7 FM, as part of NPR’s annual New Year’s tradition
Toast of the Nation.

Locations and Times:

Berklee Performance Center :
7:45 PM - 9:00 PM , 9:30 PM - 10:15 PM

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Andre Ward and Friends

Take a seasoned musician who can play the soprano, alto and tenor saxophone with skilled ease and passion and mix in varied elements of gospel, jazz, R & B and you have Boston’s own Chicago-born, Berklee trained Andre Ward. An accomplished purveyor of smooth jazz, Ward was the musical director for Freddie Jackson and has toured with Teena Marie, Will Downing, The Bobby Jones Gospel Group, The Four Tops, The O’Jays and Dizzy Gillespie.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Ballroom:
8:00 PM - 9:15 PM , 9:45 PM - 11:00 PM

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ARTiculation

A slick combination of interactive theater and urban poetics, Company One’s ARTiculation is a poetry-slam turned performance piece; a mosaic of life, love, youth, religion and art using spoken-word poetry, improvisation and a hard hitting hip-hop beat.  The show follows six young poets as they share their amazing love for this art form and the world it has created for them.  A unique exploration of the relationship between classical theater and underground performance poetry, ARTiculation pulls you into an artistic revolution built on urban poetics and dynamic live theatre.  Since its premiere at the Boston Center for the Arts in August of 2005, ARTiculation has been touring to colleges and high schools across the east coast.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 302:
8:15 PM - 8:30 PM , 9:15 PM - 9:30 PM , 10:00 PM - 10:30 PM

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Ben Powell Quartet

A brilliant young violinist, Berklee grad Ben Powell has already lived a couple of musical lifetimes during his 23 years, and in some ways he is just getting started. His recent debut CD Light shows just what a creative and swinging jazz violinist he is at this early stage. This will be his First Night debut.

Locations and Times:

Berklee Performance Center :
6:30 PM - 7:15 PM

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Black Taxi

Sounding like a Tarantino film in stereo, BLACK TAXI seduces with the seediness of a pulp fiction novel; a decaying sideshow that's as sexy as it is punk rock. Lyrics paint woozy pictures of Kerouac-ian misadventures, featuring a rotating cast. A cavalier concoction of carnival trumpets, swaggering bass lines and smoldering guitar, BLACK TAXI plays like a vintage spaghetti western dressed up in neon lights...the soundtrack to that desert roadtrip you should have taken back when your girl dumped you.

Locations and Times:

Copley Square :
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM

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Bombay Cinema

Boston’s own Bombay Cinema programs the best of Bollywood film for First Night. Click on the film title below to jump to the synopsis.

All Bollywood films are in Hindi with subtitles in English

12:30-3:00      Zubeidaa
3:00-5:30        Lago Raho Munna Bhai
5:30-8:20        Rang De Basanti
8:20-11:00      Om Shanti OM

Zubeidaa
Run Time: 153 minutes
The film begins with Riyaz Rajat Kapoor, Zubeida's son setting out to research her life, and to meet the people who knew her. The story is thus told in the form of memories/reminiscences. Zubeida is a Muslim actress, who's career aspirations are thwarted by her film-producer father Puri who looks down upon a woman in acting. He arranges her marriage to her friend's son, but that breaks up after the birth of her son. Zubeida is now back at her parent's home, sad and depressed. Rose Lilette Dubey her father's mistress tries to cheer-up Zubeida by taking her out. On one of these outings, Zubeida meets Prince Vijayendra Victor Singh of Fatehpur Bajpai. Quite taken with her, the Prince woos and marries her. Zubeida, now the 2nd wife of a Hindu prince, leaves her son behind with her mother Sikri and comes to live at Fatehpur. Here she meets the much older Mandira Devi Rekha the Prince's first wife, learns about the etiquette of being a Rani, and of the duties her husband has towards his first wife. Zubeida's relationship with Mandira whom she calls Mandy didi is tumultuous, seesawing between affection and jealousy. She frets about the restrictions on her as Rani and the choke-hold of royal duties on Victor, often venting out her frustrations at not having her husband to herself. When Victor decides to contest the elections, he relies on Mandira, as his Hindu consort as opposed to Zubeida, to accompany him on his political jaunts. Zubeida, angry at being spurned, in obstinacy takes a decision, which has fatal consequences.

Lago Raho Munna Bhai
Running Time: 145 minutes
In this sequel to the highly successful and much appreciated Munnabhai MBBS , the affable goon Murli Prasad Sharma aka Munna and his trusted aide Circuit are employed by Lucky Singh who's an unscrupulous builder . Munna is in love with the voice of a radio jockey named Jahnvi . He gets to meet her in person after winning a radio contest , and decides to learn about Mahatma Gandhi's life and principles to win her heart . But then something happens which is quite inexplicable : Munna begins to see Mahatma Gandhi in person , who wants to help him . Later , when Jahnvi's house is seized by the corrupt Lucky Singh, Munna embarks upon using Gandhi's principles of truth and non-violence to bring about a change in Lucky Singh's heart.

Rang De Basanti
Running Time: 171 minutes
A young idealistic English filmmaker, Sue, arrives in India to make a film on Indian revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad and their contemporaries and their fight for freedom from the British Raj. Owing to a lack of funds, she recruits students from Delhi University to act in her docu-drama. She finds DJ, who passed out five years back but still wants to be a part of the University because he doesn't think there's too much out there in the real world to look forward to. Karan, the son of Industrialist Rajnath Singhania, who shares an uncomfortable relationship with his father, but continues to live off him, albeit very grudgingly. Aslam, is a middle class Muslim boy, who lives in the by-lanes near Jama Masjid, poet, philosopher and guide to his friends. Sukhi, the group's baby, innocent, vulnerable and with a weakness for only one thing - girls. Laxman Pandey, the fundamentalist in the group, the only one who still believes that politics can make the world a better place and finally Sonia - the sole girl in the group, tomboy and vivacious spirit, engaged to Ajay - the dashing air pilot. Through her film, Sue wishes to showcase to the world the efforts of these young revolutionaries and the enormity of their contribution to the freedom movement in India. What unfolds is the inspiration behind Sue's passion for bringing their story to the world. The twist in the tale is of course the fact that more than just telling the world, Sue's film makes DJ and his friends stop and stare at themselves for being the actual descendants of these great men and never recognizing and celebrating their courage and spirit.

Om Shanti OM
Running Time: 162 minutes
Om Prakash is a junior artist and has dreams to become a hero overnight. Om's mother, Bela Makhija, inspires and encourages her son to become a success. He gets to meet Shanti Priya one day and finds out that she is very popular, after a few misunderstandings, Om finally falls in love with Shanti, but is unable to express it to her. He gets to attend her first film, Dreamy girl, by masquerading as the actor Manoj Kumar. He also saves her in a filming episode from an uncontrollable fire and both became good friends. Om asks her out on a date and she agrees. Om is ecstatic and plans a wonderful evening for her - using props and a film set and several backgrounds in a studio to woo her. And she finally attends but under the pretext of a friend. The following day, Om tries to talk to Shanti on the sets of a film but she looks very preoccupied. He follows her into a make up room,and overhears an argument with top producer Mukesh Mehra. He learns that she is married to him and is expecting his child. Om is shocked, and ends up leaving there, heartbroken. One night, Om notices Mukesh escorting Shanti to the set. He sees it catch fire and realizes that Shanti is trapped inside. Om trys to save Shanti, but is trapped and severely beaten by Mukesh's guard.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 311:
12:30 PM - 11:00 PM

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Boston Bhangra

Bhangra is a generic term that has been adopted to describe modern Asian Pop Music. However, it is actually the correct term
for the traditional agricultural folk music originating from the Punjab region in the sub-continent of India. Traditional Bhangra has always played a major part in the life of the people, and forms an integral part of the fabric of the society. Though Bhangra has changed over time, it has always kept its roots intact to the traditional forms of the dance.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Exhibit Hall A:
8:00 PM - 8:30 PM , 9:00 PM - 9:30 PM

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Boston Interfaith Clergy Group

"Interfaith Midnight Peace Service"

Make the transition to the New Year by spending the last moments of the old year at an inclusive, welcoming, interfaith service of music, songs and readings from many faith traditions, including Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Bahai, Sufi, and Zoroastrian.

Locations and Times:

St. Paul's Cathedral :
11:30 PM - 12:30 AM

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Boston Jazz Voices

An a cappella chorus of 18 singers performs harmonically complex arrangements made famous by the Singers Unlimited. The arrangements were written by Gene Puerling, who sang with the Hi-Lo’s, a close-harmony group popular in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Locations and Times:

CityPlace / The Transportation Building The Wilder Companies:
10:00 PM - 10:45 PM

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Boston Poetry Slam

Poetry slam is a fast-paced competition where poets have a limited amount of time to impress judges randomly selected from the audience. Storytelling, lyricism, and stand-up comedy all come together in what’s evolved to a modern oral tradition.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 208:
7:30 PM - 8:05 PM , 8:15 PM - 8:50 PM , 9:00 PM - 9:35 PM , 9:45 PM - 10:20 PM , 10:30 PM - 11:00 PM

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Boston Saxophone Quartet

Sponsored by the shops and restaurants of City Place

“Noteworthy Scholars”

The Boston Saxophone Quartet will perform works from music students in the Boston public schools - winners of the 2010 First Night composition competition now in its sixth year.

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Locations and Times:

CityPlace / The Transportation Building The Wilder Companies:
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM , 7:30 PM - 8:15 PM

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Buffalo Tom

Sponsered by the River WXRV 92.5 FM

One of the biggest Boston band’s of the 90’s, and still vital now, Buffalo Tom makes its First Night debut. The trio will play some of their best-known hits, like “Taillights Fade,” “Birdbrain,” and “SodaJerk.”

Locations and Times:

Orpheum Theater :
10:00 PM - 11:00 PM

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Chris Brokaw & Geoff Farina

Sponsered by AAA Southern New England

Indie rock luminaries Chris Brokaw (The New Year,Come) and Geoff Farina(Karate, Secret Stars, Glorytellers)perform pre-WWII country blues songs on acoustic guitars and vocals, from their forthcoming CD The Angel’s Message To Me.

Locations and Times:

Emmanuel Church :
9:30 PM - 10:15 PM

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Cirkestra

Cirkestra is a circus music group formed by former circus clown Peter Bufano. They’ve accompanied Circus Smirkus and the Bindlestiff Circus, and players in the group have performed individually with Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey, Big Apple Circus, and Kinoshita Circus. They have composed our orginal circus scores. The original tunes have gypsy, klezmer, and jazz
influence.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Auditorium:
9:30 PM - 11:00 PM

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Commonwealth Shakespeare Company and NEC

A Shakespearean Cabaret!

Shakespeare has inspired countless composers - Verdi, Rossini, Benjamin  Britten, Cole Porter, Rogers and Hart, and Leonard Bernstein, to name a few. In collaboration with New England Conservatory, CSC will present a collection of funny, beautiful, ouching modern and classic songs from and inspired by Shakespeare.

Locations and Times:

St. Paul's Cathedral :
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM , 9:15 PM - 10:00 PM

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Cruise Boston Harbor on New Year's Eve

Sponsored by The Boston Harbor Association and Mass Bay Lines with support from the Boston Redevelopment Authroity

Join The Boston Harbor Association for a one-hour harbor cruise, free to First Night button holders for the best seats to the Frank Ward and Cape Dairy Midnight Fireworks over Boston Harbor. Tickets distributed to First Night button holders beginning at 9:30pm. Boarding begins at 10:30pm. Ship departs at 11:30pm

Locations and Times:

Boston Harbor :
11:30 PM - 12:30 AM

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Donald Chapelle / Brilliant Ice Sculpture

“Michelangelo Sculpting David”

Return to Michelangelo’s studio in Florence in 1504, where he completed his most famous work, the Statue of David.

Created by Donald Chapelle/Brilliant Ice

Locations and Times:

Boston Common :
12:00 PM - 12:00 PM

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Drew O’Doherty

Sponsored by AAA Southern New England

You’ll be “immediately drawn in by his gentle acoustic playing, hiswarm voice, and his somber songs that evoked a little (Mark) Eitzel, a little Springsteen, a little (Jeff)Tweedy. Some lyrics may have come from his past, some told the sad yet beautiful tales of others, but all were both intimate and captivating,” accord.

Locations and Times:

Emmanuel Church :
7:30 PM - 8:15 PM

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Either/Orchestra

This Cambridge-based 10-piece jazz ensemble combines the agility and freedom of a jazz combo, the raw power and subtle coloring of a jazz orchestra and the deep grooves of Afro-Latin music. Inspired by the diverse history of jazz and enamored of the power of popular music and dance rhythms, the E/O is not a tribute band or a neo-classical museum piece. Building upon their deep respect for the audience, the E/O takes listeners on an exciting ride from America to the Caribbean and Africa and leaves you hungry for more.

Locations and Times:

Boston Public Library :
7:30 PM - 8:15 PM , 8:45 PM - 9:30 PM

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Eric Fontecchio & Alfred Georgs

Eric Fontecchio and Alfred Georgs create two monumental ice sculptures in Copley Square

“Venus”
Eric Fontecchio and Alfred Georgs recreate in ice some of the most famous work of Botticelli, one of the most famous painters of the Italian Renaissance

“Fisherman”
This sculpture is an adaptation of Winslow Homer’s classic 19th century painting set into ice by Eric Fontecchio and Alfred Georgs.

Created by Eric Fontecchio & Alfred Georgs/Brookline Coal and Ice Company

Locations and Times:

Copley Square :
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

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Fernando Otero

 Sponsored by WGBH

Argentine composer and pianist Fernando Otero found his voice as writer, musician and bandleader when, at the urging of one of his music teachers, he began to incorporate the indigenous sounds of his native Buenos Aires into his work. Twenty years have passed since Otero opened his ears to this wealth of ideas, and ever since he has pursued his vision of X Tango. On his Nonesuch debut Pagina de Buenos Aires he evokes a feeling of Buenos Aires – something you can sense even if you’ve never been there --through his innovative use of the bandoneon,the accordionlike instrument at the heart of every tango.

Locations and Times:

First Church In Boston :
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM , 7:45 PM - 8:30 PM

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First Church of Christ, Scientist

Enjoy free tours of the Mother Church.

Locations and Times:

First Church of Christ, Scientist :
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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First Night Countdown to Midnight with Fatal Flaw

Boston’s The Fatal Flaw has been gaining momentum with a playful juxtaposition of biting cynicism and shameless pop sensibility earning them distinction as a Band Worth Watching. Engaging, energetic, and thought-provoking, The Fatal Flaw captivates each successive audience they face, presenting some of rock’s catchiest songs with a brutally honest worldview

Locations and Times:

Boston Common :
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM

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First Night Frogs at the Tadpole Playground

Come see First Night's newest ice sculpture. The Frogs from the TADpole Playground next door will be set into ice. See them all lined up and lit at night. For more info on the TADpole Playground, visit www.tadpoleplayground.org/

Locations and Times:

Boston Common :
12:00 PM - 11:59 PM

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Harrison Gray Otis House Museum

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Otises. Experience the elegant life of one of Boston’s leading families just after the Revolution. The home of Harrison Gray and Sally Foster Otis, built in 1796, will be illuminated for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Refreshments available.

Locations and Times:

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Heinrich Christensen

 Sponsored by WGBH 89.7FM

An organ recital of Bach compositions performed on the historic King’s Chapel C.B. Fisk Organ.

Locations and Times:

King's Chapel :
9:00 PM - 9:45 PM

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Ice Effects

Time Travelers from 2000 BC

Master carver Steve Rose will recreate one of the MFA’s famous 4,000-yearold Egyptian sculptures, the original of which is on view in the family-friendlyexhibition, “The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000 BC.” (First Night visitors can check it out during the MFA’s free community day on December 31).

Locations and Times:

Boston Common :
12:00 PM - 12:00 PM

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Improv Asylum

Free tickets to 8pm and 10pm performance on December 31st. Subject to availability. Tickets Available starting at 4pm. One
ticket per button.

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Locations and Times:

Improv Asylum :
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

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ImprovBoston

ImprovBoston takes suggestions from the audience to weave their input, challenges, scenes, and songs into a wonderful performance for all ages, performing familiar ‘games’ as seen on TV as well as their own unique, hilarious brand of comedy.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Exhibit Hall C:
7:30 PM - 8:15 PM , 8:45 PM - 9:30 PM , 10:00 PM - 10:45 PM

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Intransitive Recordings

Perennial First Night faves Instransitive Recordings have programmed another night of their signature electronic and improvised music. This year, featured artists include Skeletons Out, Kyle Bobby Dunn, Oneohtrix Point Never, Jessica Rylan and Heathen Shame. For complete artist info, visit www.firstnight.org.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 309:
7:30 PM - 11:00 PM

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Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents

Enjoy the 60’s girl-group Stax and Motown rock and soul sound of the Boston-based Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents.

Locations and Times:

Boston Park Plaza Hotel - Terrace Room :
7:30 PM - 8:15 PM , 8:45 PM - 9:30 PM , 10:00 PM - 10:45 PM

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John Hollenbeck’s Claudia Quintet

Sponsered by AAA Southern New England

Composer/drummer/arranger John Hollenbeck, who was nominated for a Grammy, brings his New York-based ensemble to First Night. They explore the edge of innovative jazz without alienating the mainstream, proving that genre-defying music can be for everyone. With Ted Reichman-accordion, Chris Speed-Clarinet and Tenor Sax, Trevor Dunn-bass and special guest Matt Mitchell-piano.

Locations and Times:

First Church In Boston :
9:00 PM - 9:45 PM , 10:15 PM - 11:00 PM

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Jordan Valentine and the Sunday Saints

Boston-based Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints resurrect the raw rhythms of 60’s R&B, southern soul and New Orleans funk, recalling a time when songs were alive, beats blew your mind and a horn line could make all hell break loose

Locations and Times:

Boston Common: Parkman Bandstand Parkman Bandstand:
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

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Kaiju Big Battel

Massachusetts-based Kaiju Big Battel is the world’s only live monster wrestling spectacle, performing parodies of both professional wrestling and Japanese monster movies, with a dash of Mexican wrestling thrown in. “Battels” are presented in the style of pro wrestling matches, with costumed performers playing giant monsters like Godzilla and Gamera

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Exhibit Hall A:
9:30 PM - 10:30 PM

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Kristin Hersh

Sponsered by AAA Southern New England

Kristin Hersch has been performing since 1981, as a founding member of seminal band Throwing Muses, and later as a solo artist. Hersh’s music is known for its chords, sonic treatments, and a vocal style ranging from softly melodic singing to impassioned screaming. Some of her signature contributions to popular music include addressing the complexities of life through impressionistic, lyrics about everyday feelings and varying mental states.

Locations and Times:

Emmanuel Church :
8:30 PM - 9:15 PM , 10:30 PM - 11:15 PM

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Los Sugar Kings

Los Sugar Kings is a Boston-based quartet known for their energetic live performances and high level of musicianship. In their world, respect is paid in spades to the traditions and forefathers of Afro- Cuban Son, Salsa and Rumba-Flamenca, but the sound is very new, danceable, diverse and infectious.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Auditorium:
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

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Nadav Remez Quintet

Sponsored by the Consulate General of Israelto New England

Nadav Remez is an Israeli guitarist and composer, now based in Boston. Currently attending New England Conservatory, Nadav has recorded and performed throughout the United States and Israel as both a leader and a sideman

Locations and Times:

Boston Public Library :
10:00 PM - 10:45 PM , 11:00 PM - 11:45 PM

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Neil Horskey

Fluxusignment 57: a Bicycle Powered Shadow Puppet Theater

This installation engages First Night participants in a collaborative performancethat is both whimsical and nostalgic. One participant rides an exercisebicycle equipped with a generator light that illuminates a miniature stage.Adjacent to the stage is a diagram of numerous hand positions for shadowpuppets. Using this diagram and their own imagination, another participant performs a shadow puppet play cast upon the stage’s back panel.

Locations and Times:

Boston Common :
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

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New England Anime Society

Sponsored by WFNX 101.7FM

Back by popular demand! The New England Anime Society, convention organizers of Anime Boston, presents the best and most popular Japanese animation.

Locations and Times:

1:00 PM - 5:30 PM

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Old South Brass & Percussion

Sponsored by Old South Church

The best of Boston’s brass and percussion artists join pianist Harry Huff in a supersonic concert, playing electrifying arrangements of popular classics by Bach, Copland, Mussourgsky and LeRoy Anderson, as well as leading the audience in singing stirring favorites.

Locations and Times:

Old South Church Sanctuary:
6:30 PM - 7:15 PM , 7:45 PM - 8:30 PM

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OrigiNation, Inc. & O'Shea-Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance

“The First Night Beat”

OrigiNation is dedicated to promoting the importance of self-respect, health, nutrition, education and self-esteem, while emphasizing the impact that African influences have had on dance. Under the direction of Shaumba Yandje Dibinga, they specialize in hip-hop, jazz, tap, step and Caribbean dance. The O’Shea Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance presents their combination of traditional and contemporary Irish dance and costumes. Their performances have won accolades and awards  internationally. These two companies dance together, in one of First Night’s signature pairings, for some explosive cross-cultural hip-step-hop.

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www.bostonirishdance.com
www.originationinc.org

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 302:
7:30 PM - 8:15 PM , 8:30 PM - 9:15 PM

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Park Street Studios

“Beacon to a Better Year”

As humans have for millennia, we look forward with hope to a better year. The “Beacon” is a large-scale installation designed to attract a better, happier vibe for the year 2010, the beginning of a new decade. The three 20-foot sculptures are composed of bamboo armatures skinned with white shrink wrap plastic. All materials will be recycled afterwards including the shrink wrap. During the day the beacon is a stunning white, silver and mirrored machine of good will and hope. At dusk, with theatrical lighting it transforms into a magical jewel lighting up the night.

Locations and Times:

Boston Common :
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

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Roxbury Film Festival

Top of the Rox - A celebration of 11 years

The Color of Film Collaborative, Inc. curates this film series featuring some of the best films at this years 11th Annual Roxbury Film Festival. RFF is produced every summer by ACT Roxbury and The Color of Film Collaborative.

7:00-7:35         Nora
7:35-8:10         Calling My Children
8:15-8:45         Santa Claus in Baghdad
8:50-9:15         Jump the Broom
9:20-10:40       Business is War

Nora

Run Time: 35 minutes
Directed by Alla Kovgan and Produced by Joan Frosch - narrative short.
'Nora' is based on true stories of the dancer Nora Chipaumire, who was born in Zimbabwe in 1965. In the film, Nora returns to the landscape of her childhood and takes a journey through some vivid memories of her youth. Using performance and dance, she brings her history to life in a swiftly-moving poem of sound and image. The result is a film about family dramas, difficult love affairs and militant politics, which moves back and forth between the comic and the tragic, the joyful and the mournful. It is a film about a girl who is constantly embattled - struggling against all kinds of intimidation and violence - but who slowly gathers strength, pride and independence. Shot entirely on location in Southern Africa, 'Nora' includes a multitude of local performers and dancers of all ages, from young schoolchildren to ancient grandmothers, and much of the music is specially composed by a legend of Zimbabwean music - Thomas Mapfumo.

Calling My Children Run Time: 36 minutes

Directed and Produced by David Binder -  Documentary Short.
'Calling My Children' documents the impact of the life and loss of Gail Farrow, a young wife and mother. Gail's children, Kenny, Benny, Frank, Ronald Jr., and her husband Ronald speak directly about their lives in the wake of her death, while images of the past 20 years weave through their narrative.With AIDS as a subtext for this family's story, the film explores the challenges of single parenthood and family unity, revealing preconceptions about race, class, and infection. Eighteen years after her death, Gail's family remains deeply affected by her life, their loss, and AIDS.Figuring strongly in the film are the letters Gail left for her children and husband, with each family member reading from and reacting to the letters, in some cases for the very first time. Through the 20-year span of this story, the film reveals the effect of Gail's death on the children's development and on her husband's life.

Santa Clause In Baghdad
Run Time: 38 minutes

Written, Directed and Produced by Raouf Zaki - Narrative Short. 
'In impoverished Baghdad UNDER SADDAM'S DICTATORSHIP, 16-year-old Amal hopes to regain her social status at school by volunteering to find a book as a class gift for the departing literature teacher.  MEANWHILE  her emotionally fragile little brother becomes obsessed with the notion that a visiting uncle from America--whom he confuses with Santa Claus--will bring him toys.  ASHAMED NEVER TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GIVE HIS SON A TOY, the children's father sells SOME MORE PRIZED family possessions and buys a little car for his son.  Amal finds the perfect book in the STREET market and presents it to the ASTONISHED BUT immensely pleased teacher.  ONLY THEN DOES SHE REALIZE THE IRONY AND SACRIFICES THAT LINK THE TWO GIFTS.

Jump the Broom
Run Time: 31 minutes

Written, Directed, and Produced by Kena Tangi Dorsey - Narrative Short 
AYANA, a 29 year old fun loving woman, is finally settling down and getting married today.  She has chosen the all around perfectly, geeky-handsome man SEAN to do it with.  When Ayana goes to the church to get ready, SHAMAR, her tall, dark, five o'clock shadow wearing ex-flame pays her a visit.

Business is War
Run Time: 79 minutes

Directed Kemal Gordon and Produced by Ken Gordon and Magnolia Gordon - Narrative Feature.
Dutty Sykes, a young urban male, raised in a neighborhood shadowed by Boston's expanding skyline, understood the reality of business decisions from an early age. Raised by Ronesha Sykes, a single mother who indoctrinated him with the knowledge of supply and demand. Dutty's business endeavors began initially as an observer of and later a participant in his mother's home-based hustling venture. As an adolescent, Dutty's reputation as a merchant capable of attaining desired items for his client base  results in his celebrity status. However, he desires more. Dutty  uses his street knowledge as a stratagy for success  in a world that was once only relegated to his dreams - the corporate world. By utilizing his engendered values of loyalty and diligence as vehicles of salvation, Dutty eludes the trap of his enemies, formulates a strategy for success, and navigates a successful career course.

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Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 200:
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

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The Fatal Flaw

Boston’s The Fatal Flaw has been gaining momentum with a playful juxtaposition of biting cynicism and shameless pop sensibility earning them distinction as a Band WorthWatching. Engaging, energetic, and thoughtprovoking, The Fatal Flaw captivates each successive audience they face, presenting some of rock’s catchiest songs with a brutally honest worldview.

Locations and Times:

Boston Common: Parkman Bandstand Parkman Bandstand:
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM

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The Lyres

Sponsered by the River WXRV 92.5 FM

The Boston garage pioneers, led by megalomaniac Jeff “Monoman” Conolly, make their First Night debut, playing their
Farfisa-driven trash-rock, including beloved hits like “What a Girl Can’t Do” and “Help You Ann.”

Locations and Times:

Orpheum Theater :
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

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The Neats

Sponsered by the River WXRV 92.5 FM

Celebrating the recent reissue of their early recordings, Neats 1981-84, the legendary 80’s Boston favorites, who emerged from the same stylistic movement that begat bands like REM, the Dream Syndicate and the Feelies, make a rare reunion appearance, performing hits like “Red and Grey” and “Six.”

Locations and Times:

Orpheum Theater :
8:45 PM - 9:45 PM

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The Painted Lights

The Painted Lights were formed when solo singersongwriter Brendan Little paired with guitarist Brion Regan to help design a fuller sound. The band has been successful at combining introspective melodies with upbeat driving rock since drummer Ross Lohr and bass player Odell Lafaver joined in early 2009. Since then, they have been honing their live act around Boston
and preparing the release of their debut EP Fighting Fires.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 207:
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Tony V & Jimmy Dunn

Almost as much of a New Year’s tradition as First Night itself, Tony V. hosts his annual comedy show with Boston comic Jimmy Dunn, host of NESN’s Fan Attic. Join two Boston comedy veterans to ring in the New Year with so much laughter it’ll bring you to tears.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Exhibit Hall D:
7:45 PM - 8:30 PM , 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM , 10:15 PM - 11:00 PM

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Tribute to Brother Blue

Come celebrate Brother Blue's spirit with some of New England's best storytellers. An evening of funny, thought-provoking stories to honor Brother Blue's life and legacy of storytelling. Hosted by Laura Packer.

8:00-8:45
Kevin Brooks
Cynthia Maybeck
Michael Anderson

9:15-10:00
Bruce Marcus
Tony Toledo
Valerie Tutson

10:00 - 11:00
Open Mic

Laura Packer
Laura has been telling stories her whole life; her mother reports she was born talking. She has told and taught all over the world, including FirstNight Boston, Exchange Place Stage at the National Storytelling Festival and at NASA. Laura believes everyone can tell a story and helps organizations and people find their owns stories and voices.

Kevin Brooks
Kevin Brooks specializes in telling personal tales from his urban childhood of the 60´s, his 70´s adolescence, 80´s adulthood, 90’s parenthood, and the little things that spark our lives every day.  His stories for adults and family audiences resonate with humor and poignancy, and he has been a featured performer and storytelling teacher at many storytelling festivals, conferences and other venues worldwide.

Cynthia Maybeck
Cynthia is not only a storyteller, she's also the pastor Trinity Church in Northborough where she tells her way through the Bible every Sunday. Cynthia's performance stories touch all aspects of modern life, from the humorous to the poignant and everything in between.  She is a firm believer in the power of story to transform and uplift.

Michael Anderson
Michael is a First Amendment lawyer who believes there's no such thing as free speech if you don't use it. He exercises this right as a storyteller, where his high-energy stories thrill audiences. He loves storytelling because he can't talk that way in Federal Court.

Bruce Marcus
Bruce has been wowing audiences for almost two decades with his original stories, poems and crowd-pleasing rhyming tales. Bruce is a veteran performer at Boston and other First Night festivals, The New England Folk Festival, Tellabration events and many other venues large and small, from the beach to high mountain huts.

Tony Toledo
Tony's big voice and bigger heart have made him a regional favorite with folks from two to 102. A native Ohioan, he arrived in Massachusetts in 1987 and discovered storytelling. Tony studied with the best Storytellers in New England, and soon learned not to flap his feet quite so much. He took his natural ability for spinning a tale, added a bucketfull of hope and hung out his shingle in 1990. He's been telling stories full time ever since.

Valerie Tutson
Valerie is an exuberant and award-winning performer; her energy and enthusiasm captivate audiences. She draws her stories from around the world with an emphasis on African traditions.  Her repertoire includes stories and songs she learned in her travels to South Africa, her experiences in West Africa, stories from African American history.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 313:
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

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Trolley Shuttle

Sponsored by The Boston Harbor Association and Old Town Trolley Tours, with support from the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

Free continuous shuttle service for First Night button holders along Boston’s waterfront and Seaport area departing approximately every 10-15 minutes.

Locations and Times:

Boston Harbor :
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Urbanity Dance

Entering it’s third year, this Boston-based contemporary dance company is comprised of thirty company dancers that come
from strong technical backgrounds in dance, and aim to use their formal training to push boundaries and affect change. Community workshops celebrate accessibility to the arts, and Company performances are often a product of cross-disciplinary collaboration with other local musicians, fashion designers, even architects. In March 2009, they received international recognition as a member of the Conseil International de la Danse, the offi cial umbrella organization for dance around the world, and part of UNESCO

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 302:
9:30 PM - 10:00 PM , 10:30 PM - 11:00 PM

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Virago

Virago is a high-energy guitar and percussion duet consisting of musicians/ composers Amy Schindler and Maire Tashjian. Their music has an edgy rock sound with elements of blues and samba.

Locations and Times:

CityPlace / The Transportation Building The Wilder Companies:
8:45 PM - 9:30 PM

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Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys

Comparing their music to the melodies of Rasputina with the performances of Marilyn Manson and the presence of Johnny Cash, Walter Sickert’s shows can range from loud with theatrical visuals to stripped-down acoustic sets. Framing their songs around love, betrayal and heartbreak, the band says their music is for anyone who has ever been broken

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Exhibit Hall A:
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM , 8:30 PM - 9:00 PM

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WBZ-TV Countdown to Midnight

 Countdown to Midnight with WBZ-TV and Black Taxi

Join WBZ-TV Anchors Lisa Hughes and Jack Williams as we welcome in the New Year from the steps of the Boston Public Library. Televised live on WBZ-TV.

 Black Taxi

Sounding like a Tarantino film in stereo, Black Taxi seduces with the seediness of a pulp fiction novel; a decaying sideshow that’s as sexy as it is punk rock. Lyrics paint woozy pictures of Kerouacian misadventures, featuring a rotating cast. A cavalier concoction of carnival trumpets, swaggering bass lines and smoldering guitar, Black Taxi plays like a vintage spaghetti western dressed up in neon lights...the soundtrack to that desert road trip you should have taken back when your girlfriend dumped you.

Locations and Times:

Copley Square :
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM

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Winterbloom

Singer-songwriters Antje Duvekot, Anne Heaton, Meg Hutchinson and Natalia Zukerman present a new holiday show. They
perform new arrangements of traditional holiday songs alongside their own originals, and special seasonal songs written
just for this project. The show incorporates elements of their uniquebackgrounds - German, American, Jewish, Unitarian, Christian, Northeastern, Midwestern, Urban, Rural, Religious, Secular, Academic, etc. Witty, intimate, thoughtful, and fun.

Locations and Times:

Hynes Convention Center Room 207:
9:30 PM - 11:00 PM

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