Growling Old Men

The Growling Old Men don’t consider themselves old, nor do they growl very much. What they do is play acoustic music on mandolin, guitar and vocals. Playing an eclectic mix of music including bluegrass, Americana, folk, swing and original songs, these guys have made fans of their music everywhere they go.
www.growlingoldmen.com

Jack Gladstone

Jack Gladstone is masterful at blending legend, history and metaphor into song. He enlightens his audiences and provides an alternative perspective of humanism, with reverence and concern for the world and all the living beings within it. Gladstone has been called by Indian Country Today, “an eclectic Renaissance Man who deftly mixes his traditional Indian past with the contradictions of the New World present.”
www.jackgladstone.com

Christian Ackerman

Christian Ackerman has been performing mime since he was seven years old. Using the art form of traditional pantomime and that of slapstick comedy set to music, he has entered a number of talent and variety shows. He has been privileged to have participated in First Night Missoula for nine years now and has enjoyed every minute of it.
www.christianackerman.com

The Acousticals

Featuring three of Western Montana’s premier bluegrass musicians, The Acousticals will play predominantly original material in the “Acoustic Americana” vein, showcasing their fine pickin’ and duet singing.
www.myspace.com/theacousticals

A Whole Pile of Hips

Belly dancing is a beautiful art form. A Whole Pile of Hips keeps it light and enjoyable with lots of dancing and laughing. Fun for the whole family!

American Values For Our Time

Brian Kahn, host of "Home Ground Radio," presents a lecture entitled American Values for Our Time. Over the last fifty years, our nation has undergone tremendous changes, and it is hard to get our moral bearings. But given the stark national and gloabal challenges we face, it is vital that we do so. Founding values underpining and enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights can provide us with the moral compass we need in today's world. This talk explores Citizenship, Community, Checks and Balances, Conservation, Conscience and Common Ground, discussing the evolution of each in America and their direct relevance at this critical time.

Aniysa

Come join Aniysa and have fun learning veil moves used in Belly Dancing. Aniysa has taught Belly Dancing since l991. Dancing with veils has been a favorite part of her dance classes for many years. This class is suitable for all ages. Veils will be provided for class use. Class is limited to 25 participants.
www.aniysa.com

Annajane Duo

Jane Shigley and Anna Hughes present a lovely harp and clarinet duo, with a mix of classical transcriptions as well as newer pieces that are written specifically for harp and clarinet.

Ball 'n Jack

Ball’n Jack is a five piece blues/rock band.  Seattle legend and lead singer Mark Chase’s (aka Madshadow) soulful/blues sound and boogie down guitar rhythms and leads, have Missoula’s downtown jump’n.  Backed by another guitar, keys, bass and drums, Ball’n Jack’s full sound and diverse set list will have you groov’n, dancing, and wanting more.  Covers by Da Da, Jonny Lang, Allman Bros., Elton, Stones, The Bodeans, Tragically Hip, Jimi Hendrix to name a few.

Big Sky Mudflaps
The Mudflaps are celebrating 32 years of performing together. Their unique sound---a blend of jazz, swing and rhythm and blues---has won them national acclaim. Appearing across the country at clubs, colleges, festivals and concerts, they have earned praise from publications such as the New York Times, the Village Voice, Billboard, Esquire Magazine and many others. The Mudflaps have shared concert billing with Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck and "Riders In The Sky," and have appeared on "The Today Show" and "A Prairie Home Companion."
www.bigskymudflaps.com

Zan Bockes

A direct descendent of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and revelry, will read an intoxicating brew of her poetry and fiction.

Dennis Bolten

Returning to First Night, Dennis will play selections from his CDs “Silk’s Groove” and “Slipstream” and his upcoming release “AKA.” Reviewers have described his music as “fresh” and “playful.” Expect an adventurous blend of fingerstyle guitar, slide guitar and ukulele.

Burning River

John Floridis and the Burning River Band bring a bluesy, funky concept to First Night. Incorporating an eclectic mix of solid songs with very danceable grooves, creative renderings of Floridis' original material as well as unique arrangements of well known and obscure covers, i.e., Muddy Waters done Bo Diddley style...the Who, done like Lyle Lovett country swing. The band is in trio form for this show featuring Floridis on guitars and vocals, Ron Setzer on bass and on drums, Rick Parnell (one of the drummers in the movie Spinal Tap... yes THAT Spinal Tap). Burning River has performed at the Gorge amphitheater, First Night Missoula, the Sweet Pea Festival in Bozeman, Out to Lunch in Missoula, the McCall Music Festival, as well as many other venues in the northwest.

The Cat and the Fiddle

Spend one of your early evening hours during First Night with The Cat & The Fiddle. Ellie Nuno, fiddle, Charles Seitz, guitar 'master', and Pete Hand, bassist 'extraordinaire' join musical minds for this important "turning point" celebration. Together, they explore the wide world of musical possibilities with momentum and style.

Maren Christensen

Singer/Songwriter Maren Christensen writes from the heart. Her music speaks to everyone with honesty and intimacy, as she writes about life, love, loss, being sexy, and all other things having to do with the experience of being an imperfect human in an imperfect world. She will make you laugh, make you cry and remind you that we are all in this together.

City Clickers

The City Clickers were formed in 1991 and currently have over 40 members. We Dance weekly to learn routines and practice. Monthly performances are at several rest homes, rehab centers, schools, RSVP luncheons, birthday parties, lodges, etc. The City Clickers have danced in the 4th of July parade in Washington D.C. and in Hawaii at the Aloha Festival Parade.

Clifford and Curious George

Montana PBS has invited Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George to First Night Missoula 2008! They will be greeting kids of all ages, having pictures taken, and joining in the fun and festivities.

Conroy/Frank Coaltion

Conroy/Frank Coalition features the picking and singing of Mike and Tari Conroy from Conner, MT and Fred and Emily Frank from Idaho Falls, ID. Come join them for bluegrass music at its best!

The Crested Hens

The Crested Hens are back for another First Night celebration with their lively mix of Celtic and other musical styles, including some new compositions. Come join the Hens (and Rooster) for great fiddling, whistling, strumming, plucking, drumming, and a few surprises...
http://hens.freeshell.org

Currents Aquatics Center

Free Swim at Currents Aquatics Center, 4pm to 6pm, with First Night Button.  Celebrate 2008 with wild ride on a waterslide!  Or, check out the children's water playground and warm up in our crystal-clear spa.  Children under 6 must be accompanied in the water by an adult. Also open New Year's Day, 12pm to 4pm, regular admission.  Located in McCormick Park, off the Orange Street bridge. Phone 721-PARK.
www.missoulaparks.org

Double Trouble

By Design and Acclaim, two quartets from the Five Valley Chorus Sweet Adelines International, team up as Double Trouble. By Design is Robin Hollin, Gail Dahl, Mavis Buroker and Germaine Conrad. Acclaim is Donna Trowbridge, Jan Drahos, Bev Moon and Kris Phillips.

Dragon's Tales Puppet Theater

Aimed for children ages 4 to 9, puppeteer Mary Wachtel will present a program of folk tales with shadow puppets. She began doing puppet shows at the Missoula Public Library in 1976.

Drum Brothers (Grand Finale Performer)

Drum Brothers present high energy performances that celebrate a diverse mix of world instruments and sounds: West African drums, Middle Eastern frame drums, Australian didgeridoo, close harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, flute, soprano sax, and original arrangements and compositions. For over a decade they have performed throughout the Northwest and in Canada at festivals, performing arts series, school assemblies, dance events, and private celebrations. The members are: Michael and Matthew Marsolek, Lawrence Duncan, and Colin Ruggiero.

Since the early 90s, Drum Brothers have been presenting classes and drum circles for all ages, celebrating the rhythms of life and the joy of community music-making. Over the years, they have brought World rhythm and drumming into schools and educational centers for children and adults. They have drummed with trouble youth, disabled people, bereaved children, and cancer survivors, and have sparked many ongoing community rhythm circles in cities around the Northwest and in Canada.
www.drumbrothers.com

Ed Norton Big Band (Grand Finale Performer)

The Ed Norton Big Band is an 18-piece ensemble specializing in America's classic music---jazz and swing. The band's repertoire showcases tunes from the swing era, by composers such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman, alongside the work of modern jazz masters such as Sonny Rollins and Charlie Parker. Featuring a full complement of trumpets, trombones, saxophones and rhythm section, the Ed Norton Big Band proves that swing is back in a big way, and nothing swings like a genuine big band.

Face Painting by Margaret

Margaret likes to use the whole face as her palette, and loves the enthusiastic response that occurs when paint transforms a child into an animal, a superhero or something spooky! She uses the highest grade face paints—FDA compliant and safe for use on the face as a cosmetic.

First Night Idol Competition

Witness a star being born! The Flagship Program and First Night Missoula present the third annual First Night Idol contest! The preliminary competitions will take place in early December and the six finalists will compete on New Year's Eve to claim the title of “First Night Idol 2008.” Kaleidoscope Entertainment will provide the music, and a panel of celebrity judges will help crown the victor! Come cheer for your favorite talent. The winner will sing “Auld Lang Sine” with the Ed Norton Big Band at the UC Ballroom at midnight. Sponsored by Cherry Creek Radio and Subway.

Flagship Films

The Flagship Program presents nine or ten short films. Some are about the Flagship Program and others have been created by Flagship students through Media Literacy Projects. Flagship supervisor Lisa Beckiewicz and students will be in attendance to share their opinions about the importance of after school programs.

John Floridis

Missoula recording artist John Floridis returns to first night after taking a year off following 11 years straight of performances at the festival. This year's First Night program will be a solo show featuring music from his 4 independent recordings of bluesy acoustic-rock songs and guitar instrumentals as well as new material to be released in the coming year. Be forewarned - this is not your typical "guy and his guitar" concert. Using live recorded "loops", bass lines, electronic "bowing" of the guitars and a mix of both acoustic and electric sounds Floridis creates a sound at times more befitting a full band to support the music. Be assured - there will be tender strictly acoustic moments as well...an evening of diverse, unique and yet very listenable music.

The Frederico Brothers

The Frederico Brothers were part of the concert of the year in 2005, when they opened for Nance Griffith in a sold-out University Theater. Their first CD release, "Rails" is available in local stores and CDbaby.com. The Frederico brothers are Bruce Carlson on vocals and guitar; Phil Hamilton on harmonica; Paul Kelley on vocals and bass; and Brian Hall on vocals, mandolin and banjo.

Full Grown Men

Full Grown Men focuses on blues and jazz-based dance music, with the emphasis on rhythm, swing, energy and soul. The band was formed among old friends and fellow musicians, based on the idea of playing straight-ahead dance music with lots of fire and fun.

Gaelic Meadowlarks

Bring in the New Year singing! Gaelic Meadowlark invites revelers of all ages to join us for this celebration. Gather around the piano on the third floor of the University Center for a sing along. We are compiling a songbook called Aires, Carols, Jigs, Marches and Reels. If you like Celtic Music, Welsh Choirs or Robert Burns this is for you.

Shaun Gant presents Aboard the Doppler

Overcoming cynicism requires a simple formula: willingness (Vector, played by John Arvish) over Inertia (Kushtan Adair) divided by Dante (Paul Ronaldo) and multiplied by Cosmotica (Ann Peacock).  Join them in their struggles and triumphs during a dramatic reading of  Aboard the Doppler,  a new play written by Shaun Gant and directed by Margaret Johnson.

Carla Green

Carla will play her favorite love/jazz songs accompanied by herself (solo) on upright bass or guitar.

Headwaters Dance Company

Headwaters Dance Company -- Montana's only professional, contemporary dance, touring company -- presents works from this year's repertory. Dances that jump, slide, roll and swirl to music ranging from classical strings to Brazilian drums to computer- manipulated sound effects, including an excerpt from this year's newest Montana Suite piece, Part III.
www.headwatersdance.org

Larry Hirshberg

Singer/songwriter Larry Hirshberg loves poetry, birds and odd desserts made with green Jell-o. Though his new disc, Ice at Home, is acoustic, Larry also enjoys electric guitar and has played the bass in many groups over the years.
www.myspace.com/larryhirshbergmusic

John Holbrook

Missoula Poet John Holbrook invites you to share original, language-driven, award winning poetry. Whether nature-oriented or domestic, private or public, personal or political, his evocative work will ring like music in your ears.

Ice Carving Chefs

Ice carving has become a special tradition at First Night Missoula! Each year several chefs from the University of Montana Dining services spend all day creating a dazzling display of ice sculpture. This years ice carving spectacle will take place under the Caras Park Tent. From 10:00 am on, you can drop by to see them at their craft. By nightfall, the work is completed and well lit for all to see.

International Wildlife Media Center

Take a walk on the wild side! Enjoy award-winning films from the 30th Anniversary International Wildlife Film Festival. Animals from antelope to zebras; beetles to lemurs...who knows what wild creature will be on the screen...All shows are family-friendly, but may contain some natural predation and/or procreation.
www.wildlifefilms.org

Jazz Graffiti

Jazz Graffiti is Missoula's multi-generational jazz ensemble. Made up of guitar, bass, drums, trumpet and two saxophones, the group performs a lively mix of classic and contemporary jazz. Combining some of Missoula's young jazz musicians with several veteran players, Jazz Graffiti is adept at a variety of styles -- funk, soul, blues, Latin, and swing – and it is adept at pleasing audiences of all ages and musical tastes.

Jeanette Rankin Peace Center - Luminary Peace Sign

Help create a luminary community Peace sign in Caras Park. Bring your votive candle in a paper bag (lunch size) with a small amount of sand to Caras Park, light it from the World Peace Flame, and place it in the circle with your wish for peace. Volunteers from the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center will have extra candles, bags and sand for those who forget materials but want to participate. Weather permitting, the sign will shine a message of peace throughout the night. Sponsored by the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center since First Night 2001. Caras Park, 4:00 pm - midnight.

Jump 4 Joy

An inflatable jump house for the kids to enjoy!

Kent Curtiss Band

With lyrics that are equal parts spiritual message, humorous insight, and social commentary, Kent’s music invites one to think. It moves, it grooves, it’s more fun than people should be allowed to have! www.kentcurtiss.com

Cannon King

Cannon King has been making balloon animals for the past 7 years and performed professionally as a balloon artist at the Southgate Mall, Farmer’s Market, Joker’s Wild Restaurant and private parties.

Mark King Magic/Hypnosis

Mark King began his career in magic as a “Professional Entertainer” in 1980. Since that time, he has become one of the most frequently requested performers in the Northwest. Mark has made numerous appearances at major corporation trade shows, grade, middle and high schools, colleges, universities, fraternities, sororities, churches, country clubs, restaurants and fairs. His unique blend of comedy and magic are appropriate for all ages.

Mark King added his Hypnosis shows to his act in 1989. Since then he has entertained audiences with hypnosis shows all over the Northwest at fraternities, sororities, corporate parties, high school senior all night parties and fairs. Incorporating music and comedy skits make the hypnosis shows hilarious and unforgettable. The shows are for all ages but geared toward the adult audience.

Bill LaCroix

Bill has been playing traditional and original folk music in the region before the term “Americana” was coined (he thinks) and as the saying on the coveralls puts it, he’s the “genuine article.” His original and “roots” repertoire combines his many years of outdoor work and living in our beloved mountains with the rich influences that have always swirled around our headwaters state—southern old-time, vintage country, swing and Irish.

Larry Curtis and the Countrymen

Country music the way it was, and still should be! Larry Curtis and The Countrymen, featuring 12-year-old Jesse Brown on the fiddle, will perform country music from the classic hits to original compositions, including “The Last Best Place (Song of Montana)” written by Larry in 2005.

Lockwood's Versatiles

The Lockwood’s Versatiles have been performing since 1950 throughout Montana and Washington. They specialize in all types of music for your dancing and listening pleasure, including waltzes, standards, fox trots, jitterbug, polkas, country western, light rock and easy listening. Featuring: Dick Lockwood (bass and vocals), Mardy Lockwood (piano and vocals), John Sawyer (rhythm guitar), Mark Christensen (percussion), and Bill Haffey (saxophone, clarinet and vocals).

Lori Silcher and Bitterroot Blend

Lori Silcher returns to First Night Missoula to the pleasure of her fans, young and old. Her reputation as a crowd pleaser grows with each performance. Classic folk, bluegrass and country with a few unexpected surprises make up a set of songs that has something for everyone. Lori will be joined on stage by her gifted musician friends and her husband, Peter, in this not-to- miss, all acoustic performance.

Malarkey

Malarkey has been performing Irish music around western Montana for several years. Their blend of traditional jigs, reels and Irish songs, will have you tapping your feet, clapping your hands and singing along.

Mandir

Best described as acoustic new-world music, Mandir (meaning “temple” in Sanskrit) combines melodic and rhythmic elements from India, West Africa and elsewhere to paint images of far-away places while evoking a sense of landscape and sky unique to Montana. The players are Matthew Marsolek, classical and acoustic guitars and voice; Beth Youngblood-Peterson, violin, esraj (bowed sitar) and voice; Lawrence Duncan, soprano sax, bassoon, flutes and voice; and Michael Marsolek, world percussion, didgeridoo and voice.

Mark Twain

Michael Delaney will portray the subtle humor of Mark Twain. Mark Twain is still widely thought of as a kindly old teller of children’s stories. First Night this year will give that superstition a proper burial.

Amy Martin

Amy Martin will perform a solo set for this year’s First Night performance, sharing mostly new, unrecorded songs. Born on an Iowa farm, Amy has been fully converted into a mountain woman, and her love of this place is a frequent source of inspiration for her music. She has released seven albums since she landed in Missoula eight years ago, and has performed around the country. Two of her favorite all-time shows, though, happened right here at home, including a big musical party at the Wilma last year, and an opening gig with her heroes, the Indigo Girls. Amy’s next album, to be recorded next spring, will be a big departure from her past work. Released through The Biomimicry Institute, it will feature The Missoula Coyote Choir, who will give their debut performance at 3 pm in the University Center Theater.
www.amymartin.org

MCAT MovieClub

A collection of short films from MCAT's Movie Club made in and around Missoula. Come in anytime. Families welcome.
www.angelfire.com/film/mifs

Missoula Art Museum

• George Gogas: New Paintings
  MAM is excited to exhibit new paintings by local favorite, George Gogas through the holiday season and into the new year. His new body of work represents a departure from Gogas' most recent narrative paintings with a series of large, non-objective abstract paintings.
  
• Elizabeth Dove
  Using over 5,000 painstakingly-cut illustrations from English dictionaries, Dove has created artwork that will bridge MAM's galleries and dominate the second floor of the museum.
  
• Corwin Clairmont: Yellowstone Pipeline Series Revisited and New Works
  MAM features the work of regional artist Corwin Clairmont in the Lynda Frost Gallery, December 18th, 2007 through March 1st, 2008.
  
• Deep Play: Joyful Revelry and Subversive Whimsy in the MAM Collections
  Deep Play is a survey of 29 artworks from MAM's permanent collections that explore symbols and strategies of play.

www.missoulaartmuseum.org

Missoula Children's Theater - Alexander Hamilton

Missoula Children’s Theater TEEN ARTS GROUP presents an adaptation of In Worlds Unknown: Alexander Hamilton and the Invention of America, in conjunction with a National Touring Exhibit currently hosted by the Missoula Public Library. Yes, his face is on the $10 bill, but how else do Alexander Hamilton’s “radical” ideas for a modern American government still impact the lives of every American even today?
www.mctinc.org
www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/events/MPL-TravelingExhibits

The Missoula Coyote Choir

The Missoula Coyote Choir is a group of seven to eleven-year-olds who sing out their love of the natural world with the passion, beauty and playfulness of a pack of coyote pups. This 17-voice ensemble will teach you about biomimicry, an amazing new way to solve human problems, through songs like “I Want to Be Like a Tree,” “What Kind of Animal Are You?” and “Ask the Planet.” They’ll also dramatize “The Great TV Rebellion of 2010” and might even inspire other young howlers to get outside and go wild. Come enjoy the debut performance of this new untamed Missoula kids’ choir!

MCT's Bits and Pieces

“MCT’s Bits & Pieces” is a shirttail relative of the Missoula Children's Theatre. Consider them the cousin who shows up at the Holiday dinner, bursting into song just when you sit down to eat or the in-law who makes a complete fool of themselves.  They’re quirky, they’re silly and you never know just what they’ll do next! MCT’s Bits & Pieces is a group of local performers, singers and a piano player who present….well...”Bits and Pieces” of familiar Broadway show tunes, ballads and comedic moments while they entertain at company parties, holiday gatherings and conventions.  And then, there’s the thing you look forward to the most--Audience participation *.   
(*Bits & Pieces is not liable for injuries that occur as a result of too much laughter. Void where prohibited by law--may cause dizziness or shortness of breath.)

Missoula Folklore Society

The Missoula Folklore Society will guide all comers through fun, easy-to-learn community folk dances -- mainly New England contra (a variation of English country dance) and circle dances. Callers Bev Young & Roy Curet teach each dance, & experienced dancers guide the beginners through the dance. No partner or experience needed. The band Sleeping Child will accompany the dances with lively Appalachian & Irish folk tunes on fiddle, guitar, & piano.
www.montanafolk.org

Missoula International School

The University Center at the University of Montana in conjunction with The Missoula International School is proud to present the 7 th annual First Night Children’s Art Exhibit. Artwork will be displayed in the North Study Lounge on the 2 nd floor of the UC. The exhibit will open on New Year’s Eve day, and will run through the winter break. Come join us for an awesome night full of children’s imagination and creativity while partaking of the on-going performances around the University Center.

Missoula Taekwondo Center

The Missoula Taekwondo Center Demonstration team, led by Mr. Steve Rosbarsky, is comprised of children and adults who practice Taekwondo on a regular basis. This group will showcase the many elements of Taekwondo that make it the most popular Martial Art in the world.
www.missoulatkd.com

Montana A Capella Society

Join the Montana A Cappella Society, a unique vocal ensemble costumed as 1800’s street carolers, as they present a diverse selection of secular and sacred holiday music spanning five centuries.
www.montanaacappella.org

Montana Alphorn Trio

Enjoy the unique haunting harmonies and melodious calls from these natural, over twelve feet long horns, played by the Montana Alphorn Trio for your enjoyment. Dressed in traditional Tyrolean outfits, the trio plays music from Switzerland, where the Alphorn is the official national instrument.

Montana Clown Work and Pumpernickel the Face Painter

Curly’s Funtastic Kidzone is a set of interactive game centers for children of all ages and will be open from 4:00 to 9:00. First Night strollers may choose from: the Basketball Center where you can work on that hook shot; the Beautiful Center where you can make wonderful spin-art designs or try your hand at the chalk-board; or the Giggle Blaster. From 4:00 to 8:00, Pumpernickel the Face Painter will paint your face! And from 5:00 to 8:00 Uncle Curly the clown will be on hand to giggle, make magic, twist balloons and share in the merriment of this once in a lifetime celebration...enjoy!!!! (children)

Montana Horn Club

The Montana Horn Club (Montana Big Horns) founded in 2004, is an ensemble of French Horns made up of members of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra, The Helena Symphony Orchestra, The Glacier Symphony, The University of Montana, The Missoula City Band and local high school students. The heritage of the horn goes back 400 years and has a long and honored history. Much of the music of the great masters written for horn gives homage to its heritage as the primary instrument of the chase and the hunt. The ensemble's repertoire consists of traditional music for massed horns, and symphonic and popular arrangements.

Montana Super Skippers

The Montana Super Skippers is an educational program designed to acquaint students throughout Montana and the United States with the art of precision rope-skipping. The Super Skippers perform for many community events and compete in local, regional and national tournaments. They have traveled to Florida and Tennessee to compete in national championships, bringing home many ribbons and medals from these tournaments.
www.montanasuperskippers.org

Montana Writers' Guild

The Montana Writers' Guild, established in 1993, welcomes writers of all genres and offers support and encouragement to unpublished and published authors. Two readings will be offered--one for adults, and one for children of all ages.

Kelli studies and performs various styles of dance, including classic belly dance, tribal style belly dance, Spanish/Gypsy fusion and Hula. The First Night performance will include Kelli and student dancers performing the beautiful and mesmerizing art of belly dance and Hula.

The Octopus

The Octopus is Greg Nowak, 10-time state champion and national master with over 40 years of chess-playing experience. Greg is called the Octopus because of his ability to play as many as 50 games of chess at once. He makes his moves in 5 to 15 seconds and welcomes players of all ages and abilities. Nowak will play continuously; opponents will come and go. Spectators are welcome.

The Original Egg Game

...the egg game is a group activity where players work to keep stone eggs spinning on a round board.  Over 3000 schools and camps around the world use this game the result of Erich Jonas' outreach over the course of the past twelve years.  With the planet being a spinning egg shaped object there has never been a better time to get groups of people working together to figure out how to keep an egg spinning.  Come and egg-splore* communication and cooperation with your family and friends. 
http://www.egggame.com

Parson's Pony Farm

The popular Parsons' ponies will provide hand-led rides for children under 100 lbs. from 3 to 6 pm.   The friendly ponies are available year round for parties, lessons, and trail rides.   See all the ponies at www.parsonsponies.com

Russell Perri

Singer/Pianist Russell Perri has performed hundreds of Solo Concerts and Performances. His piano style has been likened to that of George Winston. His vocals are strong, yet smooth and inviting. Here him perform songs by Billy Joel, Elton John, The Beatles and others along with his own original piano & vocal compositions.

Poems to Go

Receive a personalized, spontaneous poem from Laura "Kat" Hawkins. Just select a topic for a poem and the poet will compose an original poem, write it out on parchment paper in calligraphy, and roll it up with a ribbon for you! Example topic: Peace and Chickens

Cluck my heart
The warm roost nestled with smooth eggs
Crowing regularly sets our tempo
Sun rising on the seed-scattered yard
Again I lay a perfect sphere and cheer!

Rhanda Johnson and Bruce Allen

Montana singer/songwriter Rhanda Johnson is joined by upright bassist Bruce Allen to perform originals, folk, bluegrass and jazz. Rhanda’s song-writing style, inspired by her life’s journey, is personal and welcoming; her voice warm, lyrical and engaging. Bruce has played a number of years with The Mountain Poodle Band and The Gravely Mountain Boys, and brings a strong sense of rhythm and sweet harmonies to the duo.
www.rhandajohnson.com 

Rio

Rio features the intriguing voice of Julia Yates and the melodic, lyrical guitar of Tim Drackert. Great compositions and talent come together in Rio to transcend genres and open the world of Brazilian music to those that like Nora Jones, Sade, or Bebel Gilberto. Whether you're an aficionado of Brazilian music or simply a lover of beautiful music, you'll find yourself seduced by the sound of Rio.
www.bigskybossanova.com

Rocky Mountain Ballet Theater

Rocky Mountain Ballet Theater has dazzled audiences by blending artistry and accessibility into a uniquely entertaining dance experience. RMBT has been invited to perform in Beijing prior to the 2008 Olympic games.

Salsa Loca

Salsa Loca, Missoula's premier Latin-Music band, specializes in the fiery Afro-Cuban sounds of mambo, cha-cha, guaracha and guaguanco, along with samba, merengue and other Caribbean and South American styles. This is ideal dance music for experienced salsa dancers and novices alike.

Scents of Wellness

Elemental Energetics—that was then, this is now—celebrating with participation of attendees through movement, charkas, rainbow cloths, music, essential oils and a peacefulness meditation. It’s a wonderful way to release the old and bring in the New Year!
http://louise.younglivingworld.com

Sentinel High School Jazz Band

The Sentinel High School Jazz Band is a big band, specializing in the performance of classic, standard tunes from the 40's for your dancing and listening pleasure. Come and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes played wonderfully by a group of very talented and sharing student musicians. We will all have a great time!

Shenanigans

The members of Shenanigans bring their mutual passion for music and their various talents together in a lighthearted, entertaining mix of folk, blues, bluegrass, Celtic and gospel tunes that will have your toes tapping all night long.

Sidhe

American Chanson: where folk and classical meet for coffee. With honesty and an unstuffy virtuosity, Sidhe delivers poignant originals for voice and fingerstyle guitar alongside both classic and obscure cover material spanning the last 200 years.
http://www.guitarandvoice.com

SpectrUM

SpectrUM Discovery Area presents "Magnetism" from the San Fransisco Exploratorium during First Night in the Blue Room of the Missoula Chidren's Theatre from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm. Have fun with science while exploring the principles behind magnetism's mysterious and powerful forces. Activities also include LED art, Cow Eyeball Dissection, and a Bubble Corner. The Science Fiction Improvisation Actors will be performing in the Blue Room at 7:00. Get involved in this zany science adventure that features Dry Ice demonstrations, audience driven science stories, and a special appearance by Vandy the Van de Graff Generator!

Street L'Eagle

Original songs, rockabilly, rhythm and blues, jazz infused blues, country western. Street L’eagle is all of the above diffused and reconstituted, musically used, confused and sometimes abused!

The Story of the Bitterroot

Nine years in the making, this beautiful 68-minute video looks at the relationship of the bitterroot plant to the Salish Indian tribe, how Meriweather Lewis was introduced to it, how it came to be Montana’s state flower, and its unusual botanical characteristics. The video uses historic photographs, reenactments, macro and time-lapse photography, and animation to create a rich portrait of this venerated plant. Filmmaker Steve Slocomb introduces and expands on his award-winning video.

Story Keepers

StoryKeepers is a nonprofit organization promoting the telling and gathering of stories. It was originally established to honor the life stories of all people. On First Night, StoryKeepers will host story tellers who will share Missoula's past; we will also form a story circle for anyone who wishes to add to our collective Missoula experience.

Taize Prayer Service

A candlelight prayer service filled with beautiful music, given in thanksgiving for all that the year has offered. "For all that has been, thank you. For all that will be, yes." Dag Hammarskjold

Tango Nouveau

It was Argentinean composer Astor Piazzolla's lifelong aspiration to develop his native tango as a musical art form. His music is avant-garde, complex and difficult to perform while extremely exciting. Maxine Ramey, clarinet; Brooke Florence, alto saxophone; Chuck Florence, tenor saxophone; Lewis Nelson, baritone saxophone and Rich Brinkman on drums have pooled their talents as "Tango Nouveau" to bring Piazzolla's music to First Night.

David E. Thomas

David E. Thomas continues to write about life in Missoula. His latest book is "The Hellgate Wind."

Tom and the Tomatoes

Tom and the Tomatoes, a group of four female musician/vocalists and one guitar-slinging cowboy from Dutton, lends their lush harmonies to songs selected from rock, celtic, jazz, blues, gypsy, folk, klezmer and country-swing libraries. The songs feature each of the musicians taking turns delivering raw, soulful lead vocals, backed by harmonies, guitars, accordion, mandolin, fiddle, flute, egg percussion, and stand-up bass.

Travelers' Rest

Celebrating the New Year has many traditions throughout the world, and most individuals recognize this time of year as a time to self-reflect upon their past and look toward their future. By offering an activity for children that displays the significance of journals in history while bringing it into the future by providing them with materials and resources to make their own journals, we hope to celebrate First Night with families and children of all ages!

Tropical Montana Marimba Ensemble

The Tropical Montana Marimba Ensemble is a multi-generational group of friends from around the Flathead Valley who play lively mountain marimba music from Zimbabwe and Northwest Montana. Having made their own marimbas from soprano to bass, they love to mix their melodic rhythms with a variety of wind and percussion instruments creating dance music that will lift the spirits as well as the feet.

Troupe 483

Do you want to be entertained? Do you want to see some side-splitting comedy? Come see Sentinel High School's Thespian Troupe 483 perform a variety show. Students will showcase improvisation games and prepared scenes for an entertaining afternoon of theatre.

Turning The Wheel Missoula

Turning the Wheel is an opportunity for people of all ages to dance together as we follow structured improvisational dance/theater forms. We will be accompanied by live music and no dance experience is necessary—just a willingness to play, move and express yourself.

Unity Dance and Drum

Unity Dance and Drum performs high-energy West African and Zimbabwean music and dance—athletic dances, bright costumes, and musical arrangements that use mbira (thumb piano), bells, voice and a variety of drums. This ensemble is dedicated to having fun and we encourage the audience to join in the joyous celebration to bring in the New Year.

The Verity

Formerly known as Hello Newman, this Missoula band plays rock, pop punk and powerpop. Scott McCue - lead vocals, guitar; Branden Barker - bass, backup vocals; Pat Gentilli - guitar, backup vocals; Drew Barker - drums.
www.myspace.com/theveritymusic  

James Wallace

This year James Wallace plays some of his favorite classical guitar pieces, including works by 20 th century composers Heitor Villa-Lobos and Abel Carlevaro. To add a twist to his program, he is also likely to play a solo blues and throw in a jazz chord or two. Listen carefully!

West African Dance with Tarn Ream

Tarn Ream will teach an introductory West African dance class for people of all ages, accompanied by live drum music. She will teach moves specific to a traditional celebration dance, and show how the rhythms drive the movement. This is an energetic event, and fun family activity for First Night celebrants!

When Jeanette Said No: Montana and WWI

When Montana's Jeanette Rankin, the first woman in the U.S. House of Representatives voted against U.S. entry into World War I, Montanans responded loudly. Many of the state's newspapers condemned her, but in private letters, hundreds of Montanans supported her. Mary Murphy, professor of History at MSU, will explore the many sides of this issue and the way in which Rankin's position as first female in Congress prompted people on both sides to examine the issues of war through the lens of gender.

Erinn Williams

Erinn Williams is known for her beautiful melodies and songs that have a delicate, breakable edge to them. Erinn plays electric guitar with delay, and sometimes adds looped vocals and instrumentation to her performance. Her outstanding vocals, strong stage presence, and trademark deadpan humor add charm to a fantastic performance.
www.kitchen-music.com

Lee Zimmerman

Humor, heart and an eclectic mix characterize cellist, singer and songwriter Lee Zimmerman. The traditional role for cello players in pop music is mellow background for the occasional ballad, Lee Zimmerman brings the cello into its own. Classical roots support stylistic influences from american pop music, swing, jazz and world music. He may surprise you with a 16th century dance tune from the courts of Europe, a jazz number with vocals, or one of his own songs from the heart. He is an innovator both musically and technically and a master of improv.