Every year at this time I sigh with relief as the final proofreading is done and the program for First Night Morris County goes to print. With over 80 events in 21 venues in Morristown, it is always a challenge to program the right mix of performances that will entertain, educate, delight, stimulate and make this New Year's Eve celebration of the arts a truly memorable experience for as wide an audience as possible.
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| Taikoza - Japanese drum/flute/dance troupe |
Balancing yearly favorites with the need to keep the event "fresh," 2/3 of this year's program showcases brand new performers and acts. Each is matched as carefully as possible with an appropriate venue...factoring in acoustics; need for a piano, stage or sprung floor; seating capacity; accessibility; and sound equipment. The more variety in the offerings, the broader the appeal. Additional challenges come with selecting performers, negotiating rates, handling contracts and related documentation with the overriding goal of providing top quality programming for every taste: the serious, the fun-loving, the young, the mature, those eager for new experiences and those comfortable with tradition. Oh yes, did I mention that, in these lean times, all of the programming must be accomplished within very tight budget constraints?
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| Red Hawk Native American dancer |
So, I've dubbed it my annual 3D crossword puzzle. But how exciting and gratifying when the pieces finally fall into place. As Kevin Coughlin (of www.MorristownGreen.com) put it: "Where else can you enjoy a 'master of the erhu'? or pet a live skink? or hear folk songs in Klingon?(Wang Guowei of Music from China; Rizzo's Reptiles and Carla Ulbrich, respectively). Music lovers can sample blues, bluegrass and brass, baroque and the British Invasion - and that's just the letter B. There will be choral and classical, and more drums than you can shake a stick at (Richard Reiter's Drumming Circle, Taikoza, Hip Pickles Drum Band). Circus acts, magicians, Native American dancers - the list is dizzying."U:\My Documents\FIRST NIGHT\First Night Dec. 10\Start planning now for First Night Morris–the talent roster is deep! Morristown Green.mht
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| Hip Pickles championship drum band |
As a devotee of world cultures, I also try to share that experience with First Night audiences. True to that goal, this year's First Night includes performances of music or dance from Africa, the Andes, the Balkans, the Caribbean, China, Japan and Ireland.
A storyteller, The Harlem Wizards, jazz guitar great Frank Vignola, Rio Clemente's jazz piano mastery, Mark Twain readings, jazz fiddling phenom Aaron Weinstein, a meeting with "George Gershwin" (a.k.a. Dennis Kobray), giant puppet theatre, a poetry slam, symphonic music and many more unique and special acts (along with two sets of fireworks!) round out the First Night offerings.
The work is substantial but the rewards come when I hear First Night audiences excited and happy with their experience or when I get a call from a top flight First Night artist who loved performing here that evening and wants to return. Now, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the weather cooperates and that people come out in the thousands to enjoy the evening. Then, maybe I can relax a little...that is, until I start thinking about next year's program!
Be sure to visit www.firstnightmorris.com where you can purchase tickets, check the program, volunteer, etc. Tickets are also on sale at the Community Theatre/Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South Street, Morristown.
By Dr. Lynn L. Siebert, Director of Arts Participation and Communications
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