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Celebrate in Style With First Night Annapolis
by Paula Anne Delve Phillips

On New Year's Eve our centuries-old sailing port shines brightly as the cultural capital of Maryland. The catalyst: First Night Annapolis, which transforms the town into a theater without walls, extending from West and Clay Streets to Duke of Gloucester and the City Dock.

There's a wonderful feeling of camaraderie as people of all ages and backgrounds mingle in an evening of revelry without alcohol. Storefronts that become stages sparkle, and costumed actors appear like spirits in sequins and gossamer. Weaving a web of magic, they'll move across town, rekindling the inner fires of passers-by.

If feasting and lounging have put you in a "holidaze," First Night is the wake up call to come alive. Make the most of the music, dance, theater, puppetry and circus arts found at some 40 sites around the town. All sites are in walking distance, with shuttle buses provided by the City of Annapolis. Plan to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Once you're in town, hot drinks, light fare or full meals at many nearby restaurants provide an excuse to stop and re-fuel.

The ticket to this magical evening is not a ticket at all-it's a handsome commemorative button that captures the event theme, serves as a keepsake and provides entree to all events. (Buttons go on sale in early December.) The artist is Annapolis graphic designer Daniel Vong. This year's theme, "Celebrate in Style," was inspired by the memory of Louis Armstrong, the legendary musician who became an unofficial musical ambassador of American jazz and blues. Spending New Year's Eve at First Night may lead to the conclusion that it is truly "a wonderful world." The largest single day arts celebration in Maryland, First Night is run by a non-profit organization and a virtual army of volunteers. Up to 200 are required to stage it successfully. The event was begun locally some 15 years ago by Elizabeth Welch and Lana Nelson.

First Night's new program director, Scotti Preston, is a songstress and mother of two. Asked about this year's program plans, she responded with exuberance. "Although we have acts that target children," she said, "I've been especially keen on getting acts that are as entertaining for the big people the children are forced to bring with them!" The Arundel Mills First Act will be held at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts this year between 3:00 and 6:30 p.m. and it's packed full of entertainment.

Children's performances include The Alberti Flea Circus, Seamus Kennedy and Pam the Kindersinger, culminating in a daredevil display by the Kenya Safari Acrobats. The acrobats perform later at St. John's College Key Auditorium for the "adult" show, which begins at 6:00 p.m.

Most performances are suitable for the whole family. It's not unusual to see three generations enjoying the evening together. For fine intergenerational fare, listen to international performing and recording artist, hammered dulcimer player Maggie Sansone. She'll be accompanied by musicians and dancers in a Celtic music performance sponsored by The O'Callaghan Hotel.

Speaking of dance, the Baltimore based Junkyard Saints are back by popular demand. They'll perform Zydeco, Swing and Jump Blues at the City Dock Tent. WRNR DJ Michael Buckley called them "a powerhouse of sound!" This is definitely a hot spot in the FNA lineup, but don't plan on spending the evening there. First Night volunteers will usher you in and out in 30 minutes.

Not all First Nights (there are about 200 nationwide) organize performances in half hour increments. If you prefer the conventional 40 minute set, enjoy a taste of talent on New Year's Eve and look up the best artists later in the year for a longer listen.

Those who want to move and groove will be excited to learn that international blues giant Tom Principato is making a rare local appearance at First Night. For an entirely different rhythm, check out the Caribbean party sounds of Jambulay. Gospel music is well represented by Steve Key & Company, smooth jazz by Art Sherrod Jr. and traditional jazz by Sean Lane's Bay Jazz project.

First Night adds two theme areas this year. The Latin Quarter will feature Grupo Latino. Dance lessons and a Salsa competition will heat up the night. The Stanton Center will host Black Rose in "spoken word" (a modern version of beat poetry) along with rock, R&B and Reggae. Catch a cutting edge performance there without driving to Washington, D.C. or New York.

For adult theater, try the comedy of Georgia based Southern Discomfort. The group's political satire should provide considerable relief from the intensity of election year. How about a little historical intrigue? Preview a musical about aviation legend Amelia Earhart at Colonial Players Theatre on East Street. According to Amelia's Journey: The Creation of a Reluctant Celebrity, Earhart's publicist husband, George Putnam, may have played a hand in her disappearance and demise.

There are dozens of other First Night programs to choose from and far too many to mention. Only one group is invited to perform every year: the Chesapeake Caledonian Bagpipe Band, led by Anne Arundel County Courthouse Administrator Robert Wallace. The bagpipers are probably the most beloved of all First Night attractions. When the evening is winding down, and crowds begin spilling out along West Street and Church Circle, the familiar drone of the pipes, with their characteristically sharpened "A" note, begins. Those who stop to listen are soon captivated in a circle of sound.

As old and new friends wander by, the pipers began the nostalgic favorite "Green Hills. " The march in ¾ time tells the tale of a soldier who dies far from home. A calm settles over the crowd as listeners lose themselves in moment of reflection. When the pipers launch into a jauntier march, it's plain that more than one pair of eyes have misted over.

The Chesapeake Caledonian Bagpipe Band was formed in 1987, just a few years before First Night began. After a year performing all over the state, they're well prepared to lead the annual parade from the Courthouse to the City Dock for the Midnight Fireworks Finale, a totally open and free climax to the First Night Celebration. They'll also lead the crowd back up Main Street when it's time to say goodnight.

First Night Annapolis

Keep these tips in mind for an enjoyable First Night:

· Buy a button early! Admission buttons go on sale in early December at Giant Food Stores, the Annapolis Visitor's Center, and other locations, and are available from the FNA website, www.firstnightannapolis.org.

· Adults pay $15 in advance, $20 day of show. Children 6 - 12 are $10, five and under free

· Paid parking is available at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Free shuttle buses to State Circle (Lawyer's Mall). Buses run every half hour. Return trips stop at 12:45 a.m.

· Dress up or dress down, keeping "Old Man Winter" in mind. Warm layered clothing is recommended. Wear a hat, gloves, wool socks and backpack with tissues, mints and camera.

· All Arundel Mills First Act performances for children are located at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m.

· Plan to attend several performances, but add breaks for water, a hot drink or a bathroom stop

· Don't make New Year's Eve an endurance contest. Allow room for Serendipity and she will come!

For more information: 410-268-8553, www.firstnightannapolis.org

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