Last updated 12/28/09

Photograph	Information
	ADAM G. GERTSACOV, FESTIVAL DIRECTOR (5:00 PM, Opening Ceremonies, Bank of America Skating Center) Adam Gertsacov is the most educated clown in America (barring certain elected officials.) He wears many hats, including those of a professional clown, an author and publisher, a P.T. Barnum impersonator, a flea circus impresario,and the esteemed hat of the Clown Laureate of Greenbelt, Maryland. Adam is the Festival Director for Bright Night Providence. WEBSITE
	ILLUSIONQUEST, featuring Master Illusionist David Garrity (RI CONVENTION CENTER @ 6, 8, & 10 pm) Our featured act this year is David Garrity's IllusionQuest, an exciting family-friendly magic and illusion spectacular. Illusionist Garrity and his team magically appear, vanish, pass through solid objects and even float people from the audience. Highlights from the performance include a comical illusion where David's assistant ends up all twisted up; David also teaches a volunteer from the audience how to cut his assistant in half; and the finale features a breathtaking escape where David is chained to a table with 32 steel spikes suspended above him and he must escape before the spikes fall. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! WEBSITE
	ALEC K. REDFEARN & The Seizures Alec K. Redfearn is a composer/songwriter/free improviser/accordionist etc. who has been playing in and around Providence, RI for close to 15 years. He has played in over 30 bands and been involved with dozens of theatre, dance, and film collaborations. He is predominantly self taught and he tends to work with musicians of all calibers. His songs, compositions and accordion playing are fiercely individual and his music has been very difficult to categorize. He'll play with his trio "The Seizures" WEBSITE
	BANISHED FOOLS (4PM- 11:30 PM, STROLLING) The Banished Fools have been performing on New Year's Eve in Providence since 1985. Amazing antics, crazy costumes, and some of the best parade and party music you ever heard. They'll be travelling around the city, brightening up your night.
	BEN COOLEY HALL (PERISHABLE THEATRE, 7PM) Part indie pop & rock, part Americana & alt-country, Ben Cooley Hall's music draws from many strands to present moments and scenes from everyday life in vivid, melodic form. Hall studied violin and sang in choruses in his younger years, then went on to co-found two bands (Birdbody Hank in Bozeman, Montana, and The Mary Reillys in Boston) before becoming a solo act. He appreciates the intimacy and immediacy of meeting audiences with nothing but a guitar and a microphone. WEBSITE
	BIG NAZO (5PM, 6:30PM, ROXY NIGHTCLUB) BIG NAZO is an international performance group of visual artists, puppet performers, and masked musicians who unite to create bizarre and hilarious larger-than-life sized characters, environments, and spectacles. WEBSITE
	BILL HARLEY (FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 6 PM & 8 PM) A Grammy Award winning artist, Bill Harley's vibrant and hilarious songs and stories have the uncanny ability to span the generation gap, remind us of our common humanity and challenge us to be our very best selves. A regular commentator for NPR's All Things Considered and featured on PBS, Bill tours nationwide as an author and performing artist. WEBSITE
	BILL MONROE (FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 7 PM) W.S. (Bill) Monroe began playing and singing folk music more than 40 years ago in his native Pennsylvania, but performed only occasionally for two decades. Since 2007 he has resumed performing more seriously. He plays a variety of music, from a few original songs to a large repertoire of traditional songs from the British Isles and America, with a few classic folk and country standards thrown in for good measure. He often sings without any accompaniment, but most often plays guitar, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, or English concertina. Bill also plays as part of a duo with Matteo Casini. WEBSITE
	BLACK & WHITE (9 PM, BENEFICENT ROUNDTOP CENTER) Rhode Island's premiere roots rock & roll, swing-blues band BLACK & WHITE are making their 5th consecutive appearance at Bright Night Providence. This year, the rhythm section of founding members Don DiMuccio (drums) and Kevin Martin (bass) will be joined by Roomful of Blues frontman Dave Howard and blues guitarist Tom Ferraro. As The Phoenix's Bob Gulla once proclaimed, "Their name is around the state so much that they've become part of the fabric of Rhode Island's pop culture." WEBSITE
	BRIGHT NIGHT POETRY SLAM (9 PM & 10 PM, AS220)"Poetry Slam," the national circuit of competitive performance poetry (spoken word) has taken the country by storm! HBO, Mtv, BET, VH1, and even the President of the United States have all hosted Spoken Word events in the last two years! Providence Slam, run out of the AS220 performance space, is one of the oldest and most respected poetry slam venues in the country and this year they're putting on a special Bright Night presentation. Members from multiple past national Providence slam teams as well as poets from the current team will go head to head in a 3 round tournament for a chance to qualify for the 2010 squad. Poets will be presenting 100% original work. No costumes, no props, no musical accompaniment. Just the honesty of their presentation and the power of their words! The evening will be hosted by two Individual World Poetry Slam Finalist, Jared Paul, and features 2009 NorthBeast Indy Slam Champ, Megan Thoma, as well as 2008 Providence Youth Grandslam Champ, Aaron Samuels. Politics, Comedy, Short Stories, Satire, and Song with some of the best writers Rhode Island has to offer; Come on down and see what happens when the page meets the stage!! 1st half starts at 9pm sharp, 2nd half starts at 10pm. WEBSITE
	BRUCE JAMES, HYPNOTIST) (7 PM, Mathewson Street Church Hall) Be the Show – Or See the Show. Stage Hypnosis is an audience participation event that will leave crowds spellbound. This show is powerfully funny, hypnotically entertaining and inspiring. Comedy Stage Hypnotist Bruce James powerfully demonstrates the power of the mind leaving your audience dazzled! The underlying theme is always Comedy! The show combines improvisation with polished routines and music that keep the show flowing smoothly from the beginning to the end. He and his assistant, Kelly Jean (former Miss New England), provide a quality entertaining and classy experience for all audiences. Bruce has been seen on several national TV shows and performs from coast to coast. WEBSITE
	BRUCE KALVER'S AIRNIMATION'S BALLOON SHOW) (6 PM, Mathewson Street Church Hall) Forget poodles and giraffes and silly hats, Bruce Kalver's Balloon twisting can be considered true art. Selected as the Providence Journal's Spotlight Artist of the Week, Bruce has created Balloon Art Shows showcasing dioramas made entirely out of balloons! A guest lecturer at international balloon conferences, Bruce's best selling instructional DVD's and books are praised by balloon artists all over the world. His balloon art has been entertaining adults (and kids too) all over the country. His stage show, Airnimations, features Bruce creating unbelievable balloon creations to music. He includes cartoon characters, storybook characters and even makes caricature balloons of people in the audience! Lots of audience participation fills this 45 minute presentation. WEBSITE
	BYOI (BRING YOUR OWN IMPROV) (8 PM, URI Auditorium) Bring Your Own Improv (BYOI) is now in its third season! This is an interactive improv show that welcomes voluntary audience participation! You can participate in one of three ways: Applaud at a scene you like, yell out fantastic suggestions, or if you feel you're ready, jump up and get involved with us on stage!!! See more at www.BringYourOwnImprov.com
	CAROLYN MARTINO (3 PM, Beneficent Roundtop Center) Called one of Rhode Island's most influential artists by the Providence Phoenix, storyteller Carolyn Martino happily tells her tales and presents storytelling workshops for all ages at schools, libraries, festivals, and special events throughout New England. Her fun, lively, and interactive repertoire consists of world folktales, literary and original stories, humorous tales of wit and wisdom, and songs and jokes. All of her work is designed to help children use their imaginations.
	CHINESE FOLK ART SOCIETY (6 PM, URI SHEPARD BUILDING ) The Chinese Folk Art Workshop is a non-profit youth organization to promote interaction with and understanding of Chinese culture in the community. Members of the group have performed at over 30 events a year around the New England area. All are welcome to join us for Neon Dragon, Lion Dance, Drums, Chinese Yoyo and Folk Dances performance all in one night. The purpose of the Chinese Folk Art Workshop is to highlight the beauty of Chinese Folk Art and to help a new generation of American-born Chinese to showcase their talents and gifts. WEBSITE
	CHRIS CARBONE(2pm & 8pm, Mathewson Street Hall) Chris Carbone is a professional magician and entertainer, specializing in sleight of hand and close-up magic. He also performs curriculum-based shows for schools. WEBSITE
	CLARE VADEBONCOEUR/ THE SNOW QUEEN (ROVING 4-6PM: OPENING CEREMONIES, 5 PM) The Snow Queen will be roving throughout downtown Providence, granting wishes, and bringing a sparkle to you and your loved one's New Year. Please join us at 5 pm as she grants the City of Providence a magical wish. WEBSITE
	DAVEY THE CLOWN (5 PM, Mathewson Street Church Hall) Stellar, but silly, juggling, amazing magic, incredible unicycling (on a 6-foot unicycle!) wacky antics, balloon sculpture, audience participation, and a rubber chicken! Plus accordion music, and a parade with volunteers from the audience! 50 minutes of entertainment that will keep kids (and adults) convulsed - with laughter! WEBSITE
	DETROIT REBELLION- JEFF TOSTE (9 PM, Perishable Theatre) "Moody and compelling story-driven acoustic bluesy folk songs that vividly evoke the dusty and lonesome backroads of America... Detroit Rebellion spins tales about remote corners of the country and the wayward souls that populate it..." - Jersey Beat WEBSITE
	ERICA RUSSO (6 PM, Perishable Theatre) "a cherub with dreadlocks and some burgeoning guitar chops. She finds stunning harmonies all over the fretboard, and has a very original ear for melody." -G.W. Mercure, Motif Magazine WEBSITE
	FIGURE SKATING SPECTACULAR (4 PM, B. of A. Skating Center) 2010 Skating Spectacular: the 2010 Skating Spectacular features exciting performances on ice. Innovative Freestyle, Showcase, Pairs and Ice Dance programs with athletic jumps and graceful artistry. This year’s show will combine the themes of Balance and Expression. .
	FISHEL MICHAEL BRESLER (6-8:45 PM, Mathewson Street Church Labyrinth) Fishel Bresler provides Bright Night's meditative music for the LABYRINTH. A multi-talented performer on half a dozen instruments, he was the 2009 winner of the RISCA Folk Arts Fellowship for his Klezmer-Hassidic music. He also performs bluegrass, cowboy music, and works days doing therapeutic music with both children & adults. WEBSITE
	FISHING WITH FINNEGAN (10pm & 11 pm, Beneficent Sanctuary ) Fishin' with Finnegan is a musical family- four siblings from Rhode Island who share traditional Irish, English, and Scottish Celtic, along with some of their own original music. During their act, they all sing and play multiple instruments and incorporate historical events. Mike plays the guitar, fiddle and percussion; Ben plays the accordian, mandolin, whistles, drums, bodhran, and banjo; Casey plays her stand-up base, guitar, bodhran and keys; Emma plays bodhran, guitar, mandolin. WEBSITE
	GRACE CHURCH NEW YEAR'S EVE WORSHIP SERVICE (11 PM, Grace Church) Come celebrate the new year at a candlelight service of Holy Communion that is open to all regardless of denomination . The service will end promptly by 11:55 PM. Handicapped accessible. For more information contact the church at 331-3225.
	GREG ABATE (6-7:30 PM, Beneficent Church Sanctuary) Greg is widely considered among jazz writers and aficionados to be one of the "best post bebop alto players" performing today. He tours nationally and internationally, and has been featured on many CD's and recordings. WEBSITE
	GREG FRISBEE (3 PM, Mathewson Church Hall) Greg Frisbee grew up in a small town in Massachusetts and began to learn his performing skills at a young age. In his early 20's he worked as a street performer in Boston and surrounding areas. He currently lives in San Francisco, CA, and performs his one man show around the world. He's glad to be back in New England for Bright Night. WEBSITE
	THE GNOMES- World Folk Fusion (6:30 pm, Mathewson Street Church) The Gnomes play an energetic and eclectic blend of world folk fusion - Irish, Scandinavian, Russian, Eastern European, Caribbean and Latin styles, and original—guaranteed to get you moving and grooving. . WEBSITE
	IMPROV JONES (10 pm, URI Auditorium) Improvisational comedy by New England's premier improv comedy troupe. Using rules, games, random comments from the audience, an occasional audience member, and a healthy dose of sheer bravado, Improv Jones makes it up as they go along (and that's a good thing!) You'll never see the same show twice! WEBSITE
	INCA SON (9:30 & 10:30 pm, First Baptist Church) " Their sweet, airy traditional Peruvian melodies can move a listener to tears... And in person, replete with brightly colored costumes, Inca Son is a sight to behold." - Bob Young, Boston Herald Inca Son - literally "sound of the Inca" - is an acclaimed group, now in its 20th year, which hails from the Peruvian Andes. The group's sound is distinguished by the haunting pan flute and lively charango (Andean guitar), and while many listeners might hum along to its version of "El Condor Pasa," the group has also created original outstanding compositions such as "Trip through the Andes Mountains" winner of the 2007 Independent Music Award for Best World Song. Inca Son has taken its distinctive sound around the world and delighted audiences on some of this country's most prestigious stages: Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center; and Symphony Hall, Boston, with the Pops, to name just a few. In addition to the Boston Music Award, Inca Son is the recipient of the 2008 Los Angeles Music Award for Best Traditional World Artist; and the 2009 Gold Star Award, Mass Cultural Council, for Excellence in Artist Residencies. WEBSITE
	INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE(7PM at URI Auditorium) Shanthi Muthu follows her passion of teaching Authentic Indian Yoga, Meditation, Dance, cooking and other workshops to kids & adults, managing a Yogic restaurant to promote Yogic diet, all in Rhode Island through her center “MANISHA”, after resigning her software job. She organizes “The Wonder that's India” Celebrations, Henna application, Soda Can collection, Pennies for Freedom etc. for rescuing & rehabilitating child slaves in India. She and her daughter perform a classical dance form of India called "BHARATANATYAM" in elaborate costumes & jewelry. It is dynamic, rhythmic, symmetric, geometric and yet graceful. Every body part is moved - finger joints, neck, eyes - with lots of story telling, expression of human emotions like anger, sarcasm, love, surrender etc. Includes audience participation. WEBSITE
	JOHNNY "JUXO" DITOMMASO(8PM, PERISHABLE THEATRE) John "Juxo" DiTomasso is a Rhode Island born and bred institution. He was something of an Accordion prodigy at 13 years old. He taught the instrument to help pay his way through college before he turned to guitar and singing lead in the punk band Mumbling Skulls. In the past few years, Juxo has concentrated more on the piano with tremendous results. He voice has a warm barroom "rasp" and he is a memorable live performer with an ability to connect immediately with the audience. He'll be playing original songs on the accordion, as well as perhaps having some special guests. WEBSITE
	KEITH MUNSLOW (4 PM, Beneficent Roundtop Center) A veteran performer with more than fifteen years experience, Keith Munslow has entertained thousands of children at shows and festivals throughout New England - and beyond. He has performed with Bill Harley, Big Nazo, and numerous bands in Providence. He is also a composer for the Perishable Theatre. WEBSITE
	KNUF SAID JAZZ QUARTET (8 & 9 PM, BENEFICENT SANCTUARY) Knuf Said is a funky, jazzy band made up of four teenagers from MA and RI. A tight rhythm section paves the way for Steve Linscott's huge alto sax solos. Knuf Said was recently voted Rhode Island's best musical act in the "Rhode Island's Got Talent!" competition! Knuf Said loves to play, and always pleases the crowd. WEBSITE
	L'ESPERANCE MANDOLIN ENSEMBLE(7:30 PM, Mathewson Sanctuary) L'Esperance is a band of musicians of different backgrounds and ages who come together to enjoy the pleasure of making music with each other. Since 1994, l'Esperance has been sharing that joy with audiences around New England. The L'Esperance Mandolin Ensemble will present a lively program of world music arranged for mandolin ensemble. The program will feature music from Brazil, France, England, China, and Germany. WEBSITE
	MARCUS KOHLER'S PIRATE SHOW (4:00 PM, Mathewson Street Hall) Pirate Captain Marcus (Marc Kohler) will be landed in Providence to seek treasure buried in the bowels of the Mathewson Street Church. Any swashbuckling shipmates (age 4 and up) willing to abide by the Pirate's Code are welcome to help him look! Marc Kohler's Puppet Workshop entertained thousands of children all around New England during the 1970's and 1980's. Marc continues to entertain children and adults of all ages with his whimsical shows, face painting, and art workshops. MORE INFO
	LINDSAY ADLER & RAY PRICE(5:30 PM, Mathewson Street Sanctuary) Lindsay & Ray perform music as old as the spheres and as contemporary as tomorrow. Lindsay Adler and Ray Price came together through a mutual love of music from folk traditions around the world. These multi-instrumentalists and singers complement one another's performance on instruments as varied as the Hurdy Gurdy or Vielle a Roue, Medieval bagpipes, dulcimers, bouzouki, shruti box, percussion and guitar. They collect their programs from French dance music, Medieval material and their own, contemporary compositions. Audiences are treated to lively dance tunes to get them up from their seats to swirl and swoop, beautiful, meditative pieces which transport them to other times and places, Celtic love songs, intricate guitar work and mezmerizing vocal harmonies." LINDSAY'S WEBSITE | RAY'S WEBSITE
	MARK BINDER (6 PM & 7:30 PM, AS220) SPOOKY STORIES FOR A BRIGHT NIGHT. Award-winning author Mark Binder will be sharing stories from his forthcoming CD to make you laugh, shiver and jump! A founding performer with Bright Night, Mark Binder tours the United States making audiences smile, laugh and scream (with joy... and a bit of fear). His latest book is "It Ate My Sister" and his latest CD (Due out in 2010) is a collection of spooky and scary stories. Mark performs at schools, libraries, festivals, theaters, religious institutions and community centers. WEBSITE
	MARK CARTER (10 PM, Perishable Theatre) Mark Carter has been involved in theatrics since the Fourth Grade. He has been in a number of local shows, earning him the sobriquet of the "Hardest Working Man In Rhode Island Show Business." Mark's work is part music, part comedy, and all original.
	MARVIN NOVOGRODSKI (4 PM, 5 PM, URI Auditorium) A performer for 25 years, Marvelous Marvin will be performing his show The Magic of Science. Done completely in rhyme, mixing in magic tricks and circus arts, this show will capture the imagination of young and older. Check out his website for information on his other shows, “How The Body Works” and “Bugging Out”. WEBSITE
	MATT THE KNIFE (7 PM, 8:30 PM -AS220) MATT THE KNIFE is a Professional Magician, Escape Artist, Sideshow Entertainer and Mentalist. This silver tongued, self-made trickster honed his skills with a career that's whisked him around the globe (with performances across 3 continents in 10 countries), plastered him all over television, and garnered him a total of 12 Guinness World Records(tm)... that's right- TWELVE! (More than any other magician EVER!) Just a few of his credits include NBC, The BBC (UK), The History Channel, Guinness World Records, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, CNN, CCTV (China), and The Discovery Channel, "The New York Post", "The Wall Street Journal", "Sirius Satellite Radio"… he was even an answer on "Jeopardy!". In 2006 he became one of the youngest performers to ever receive The Sideshow Preservation Award and he’s received the APCA nomination for “Novelty Entertainer of the Year” TWICE!!! WEBSITE
	MISS TEEN RHODE ISLAND, AMANDA HANLON, OPEN SKATE (6-8 PM, B of A Skating Center) Amanda Marie Hannon is the reigning Miss Teen Rhode Island International. Impressively, she attended the Community College of Rhode Island to complete her senior year of high school and freshman year of college simontanously and maintains a 4.0 G.P.A. She is a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Amanda is a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Special Olympics and has started a bullying prevention program in her community. Please join Amanda for a public skate and autograph session from 6 until 8 p.m.!
	OCEAN STATE CHILDREN'S CHOIR (7 PM, Grace Church) The Ocean State Children's Choir, under the direction of Paul Mancini, Sr, is one of the top children's choirs in the state. They will present a program of seasonal music from the newly release CD recording "Christmas 'Round the Castle". The forty-seven singers represent 15 Rhode Island and Massachusetts public, home, private, and parochial schools and range in age from eight to seventeen. WEBSITE
	PHIL GOLDMAN (6 PM, Beneficent Roundtop Center) Phil Goldman is the instigator and host of Live Bait, a late night storytelling salon held at the Perishable Theatre. Live Bait was a Rhode Island Monthly Best of RI winner for “Best Storytelling for Grown-ups,” Providence Phoenix Best of 2009 Editors’ Pick for “Best Excuse to Yammer On and On” and Motif Magazine Theatre Award winner for “Best Audience Participation Show.” Come see Phil do a VERY RARE family-appropriate show at a reasonable hour.WEBSITE
	PRAYERS FOR ATHEISTS (11PM, AS220) Prayers For Atheists is the first punk band signed to Strange Famous Records. Fronted by long-time Sage Francis affiliate Jared Paul and punk rock journeyman Alan Hague, PFA thrashes rapidly between mid-80’s hardcore punk, counter-culture victory anthems, and politically-slanted rap, PFA gracefully snakes in and out of genres while escaping lazy categorization. Using creative concepts to address pressing topical issues, the music remains fueled by the message while the band demonstrates a sense of victory and hope. These songs are labor testimonials, dance jams, and anti-war hymns executed with heart, craft and integrity. "PFA rocks like early Public Enemy bum-rushing a hardcore matinee..." -CMJ Magazine WEBSITE
	PROVIDENCE BLACK REP (8 PM-2AM, Providence Black Rep) 21+ ONLY EVENT. Spend New Year's Eve in The Black Rep's beautiful Xxodus Cafe listening to the sounds of New England's favorite reggae group Rooted Sound, while DJ's Mardon Famous and Negus International keep the party going for only $20. Tickets are $20/advance, $25/door and that includes a complimentary champagne toast at Midnight. Show your Bright Night wristband on the night of the event, and get in for only $20 PLUS an additional FREE drink on us! For tickets and more information go to www.ArtTixRI.com The Black Rep is at 276 Westminster St, in the heart of Downtown Providence.
	RI CHILDREN'S CHORUS (6 PM, GRACE CHURCH) The RI Children's Chorus, an award-winning group of 70 singers aged 8-16 represents 22 cities and towns in RI and MA. The children look forward to this Bright Night performance and their beautiful voices will delight audiences of all ages as they offer a selection of seasonal holiday favorites. The group has recently appeared with the RI Philharmonic, the Providence Singers and the Boston University Chorus at Marsh Chapel. The RI Children's Chorus is under the direction of its founding conductor, Christine Noel,MM. WEBSITE
	RON BIANCO (4:30PM , Mathewson Street Church Sanctuary) Nationally recognized entertainer (formerly with "Bilbo," the singing dog) presents a lively, audience-engaging performance for all ages & occasions. A varied repertoire of children's tunes, 50's, country, sing-a-longs, and originals...covering an array of American cultures & times. Ron sings and plays guitar... his audience sings, laughs, plays bongos, tambourines, washboards, maracas, cymbals, and a bass drum...they snore, make faces & even dance! And to the further delight of the children, the adults get just as involved as they do. It's a 45-minute show that is fun and spontaneously imaginative especially for the audience. WEBSITE
	RORY RAVEN (6:30PM & 8 PM, AS220 CAFE) In Rory Raven's performances, theater, psychology, and parapsychology all come together to involve the audience in a highly unusual -- and unusually entertaining! -- experience. Thoughts are read, predictions come true, and perhaps even the spirits are summoned... WEBSITE
	ROXY NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH (9 PM-3AM, ROXY NIGHTCLUB) The Roxy Nightclub will have an all out International New Year's Eve Dance Bash, featuring DJ Kabeza spinning Latin sounds and FreddaGreat spinning top 40, hiphop, and freestyle. The DJ's will switch it up every 30 minutes. A champagne toast and buffet will be offered to all guests. PLEASE NOTE: Separate admission required. You must be 21 or over to enter. Tickets for the event are $40 in advance from http://www.etix.com. At the door, if there are tickets available, your Bright Night wristband will get you $10 off the door ticket price. WEBSITE
	SPARKY DAVIS ( 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM, Providence Children's Museum) Sparky's Puppets will perform "Stories from Snowy Lands." Watch Jack Frost's magic bring a snowman to life.  Find out what happens when a boastful bear goes ice fishing.  And laugh at the antics of three pesky goblins as they visit a toymaker's shop on a winter's day. Sparky's Puppets dramatize favorite children's stories with colorful hand puppets, lively humor and plenty of audience participation. They have performed in schools, libraries and festivals throughout New England for over 30 years.  WEBSITE
	SPEED OF THOUGHT PLAYERS (11 PM, URI Auditorium)Your Speed Of Thought Players have been performing for crowds of all ages all around New England and New York over the past 6 years and are ready to help you ring in the New Year with the best improv comedy anywhere ever! Your SOTP make it bigger, louder, faster and funnier than you've ever had it by combining your wildest ideas with our own twisted brains and shameless personalities. WEBSITE
	TAKE TWO TANDEM TELLERS (1:30 PM, & 3:30 PM, Providence Children's Museum) Listen to a story. Create a musical snow storm. Join Mrs. Frost and Mrs. Winter for a lively New Year’s celebration. Take Two Tandem Tellers, Anne-Marie Forer and Cindy Killavey have a combined 30 years experience telling before audiences of all ages. Anne-Marie, a former teacher and children’s librarian plays fiddle, guitar, banjo and accordion. Cindy Killavey, an award-winning storyteller, actress and singer is listed on the RI State Council of the Arts Education Roster. Together they perform at schools, libraries and festivals in southern New England. They are Rhode Island’s only tandem tellers, offering shows that are unique, entertaining and engaging. WEBSITE
	UNEXPECTED COMPANY (9 PM, URI Auditorium) Rhode Island's most acclaimed long form improvisation company. Unexpected Company performs "The Morris", a loosely structured, fast paced long form comedy piece connected by monologues. This show will be a special family-friendly improv show. Based out of Warwick, Rhode Island, Unexpected Company is the only group in the state strictly dedicated to long form improvisation. Called "a breath of fresh air" by the Providence Phoenix, this young company has been performing weekly since March of 2003, and has introduced hundreds to a form of improvisation rarely seen in Rhode Island. WEBSITE
	VAL TUTSON (5PM, Beneficent Roundtop Center) Valerie Tutson has performed across Europe, Africa, and the United States. She draws her stories from around the world with an emphasis on African Traditions.  Her repertoire includes myths, folk tales and historical pieces and stories that she learned in her travels to South Africa. WEBSITE
	THE VERSATONES (Strolling, 6-9 pm) Look out for this strolling a cappella chorus from Moses Brown High School. These talented young singers will wow you with their great sound and theatrics. And who knows where you'll find them singing next?
	WATERFIRE (5:30 PM- 10PM, WATERPLACE BASIN, 6 PM-12:20 AM MEMORIAL PARK) WaterFire Providence®, the award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire’s sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park. WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors, bringing life to downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city. Two WaterFire's will be lit tonight- one in the WaterPlace Park basin, commemorating the first WaterFire at First Night 15 years ago, and one at Memorial Park, celebrating the future of WaterFire. WEBSITE
	WOMANSPIRITRISING (8 PM, Grace Church) WomanSpiritRising, a feminist chorus, is a dynamic group of women from all walks of life, who blend their voices in a cappella songs - songs about justice, social consciousness, political oppression, freedom, love, friendship, acceptance, and triumph. They use the strength and spirit of music to inspire, educate, and empower women and the larger community. WEBSITE