Entertainment
Below is a list of entertainment from First Night 2013. Please check back later for information about First Night 2014.
Omni Hotel – Ballroom
8:45 & 10:00
Clarinet and sax lines, searing violin solos, girl-girl harmonies, accordion and uke combine to give you the best hot jazz combo experience this side of The Cotton Club.
Sponsored by: 
Christ Church – Meade Hall
6:15 & 7:30
This exciting blend of Afro-Cuban, Latin, Caribbean and Soulful Rhythm and Blues—held together with pulsating percussion—is inspired by the rhythmic beats and chants of African music.
Sponsored by: 
Grace Covenant Church
6:15 & 7:30
A jazz and blues singer/songwriter, Barbara applies her soulful voice and skillful songwriting to slice-of-life songs that ring with truth, wit and experience.
Sponsored by: 
The Haven
7:30 & 10:00
Join in on the fun with this hilarious “you say it, we play it” improv group, taking your ordinary suggestions and turning them into side-splitting comedy scenes right before your eyes.
Sponsored by: 
CitySpace
7:30 & 8:45
This singer/songwriter will win you over with his “Roots & Roll,” a soulful blend of Americana, classic rock and R&B.
Sponsored by: 
Celebrate Charlottesville’s 250th Anniversary with the Celebrate!250 Exhibit Hall at the Omni (outside of the Ballroom) and Made in Cville: A Movie Marathon from 2pm - 9pm in City Hall’s City Council Chambers
Children’s Ballet: The Nutcracker
Christ Church – Meade Hall
3:00 & 4:15
This special performance by Charlottesville Ballet celebrates the magic of the new year with excerpts from the classic holiday ballet "The Nutcracker." The professional company performs highlights from the ballet in an interactive performance that's designed especially for young children and families. After the show, families can enjoy a meet & greet with the dancers and learn more about Charlottesville Ballet Academy's brand new facility on Route 29 and Woodbrook Drive. Celebrate with Charlottesville Ballet and dance into the new year!
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Coney Island
Key Rec Center
4:15 – 10:00
Enjoy boardwalk-style fun and games! Street performers will mingle with the crowd while a DJ plays your favorite music. Face painting, wax hands, balloon art and more!
Sponsored by: 
Creation Station
Omni Hotel, James Monroe Room and Monticello Room
3:00 – 5:15
Hands-on arts & crafts activities for children.
Sponsored by: 
CVHAM Blues Review
Main Street Arena – Upper Level
6:15 & 7:30
Sonshine Rivers leads this blues group in support of the Central Virginia Health Alliance for Musicians.
Sponsored by: 
Darrell Rose Drum Workshop
Omni Hotel – Ashlawn-Highlands
3:00 & 4:15
This master African drummer has shared the stage with many of the greatest musicians of our time, including the Dave Matthews Band. Join the drum circle for a hands-on lesson!
Sponsored by: 
Main Street Arena – Upper Level
3:00 & 4:15
Jim Gagnon presents ancient tales with music accompaniment to inspire and enliven groups of all ages using the power of myth and music.
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Dr. Levine and the Dreaded BluesLady
The Haven
6:15 & 8:45
This energetic duo performs a diverse selection of acoustic blues music styles primarily from the 1920s and 1930s with a sprinkling of contemporary blues.
Sponsored by: 
Christ Church – Meade Hall
8:45 & 10:00
Blues guitar prodigy Eli Cook offers sultry bluesy masculine rock with plenty of loose coolness. The local favorite will be performing with a power trio that electrifies the Delta’s soul.
Sponsored by: 
Omni Hotel, Lewis and Clark Room
3:00-5:30
Open your child’s eyes to the natural world through our interactive displays. With lots of hands-on fun, your child will be inspired.
Sponsored by: 
First United Methodist Church – Main Sanctuary
7:30 & 8:45
Chapman Stick player and composer Greg Howard leads this fun and funky jazz band, featuring an all-star lineup of Charlottesville favorites including trumpeter John D'earth, African percussionist Darrell Rose, drummer Michael Taylor and flutist Gina Sobel.
Sponsored by: Bama Works
Main Street Arena – Main Floor
10:00 & 11:15
This energetic group will captivate you with an exciting blend of music from the days of disco, groovy costumes, outrageous hairstyles, and a show that will have you on your feet all night.
Sponsored by: 
In Vivo String Quartet
CitySpace
3:00 & 4:15
This experienced student quartet—made up of two violins, a viola and a cello—are members of the award-winning Charlottesville High School String Ensemble and will be performing traditional classical selections, popular arrangements of contemporary music and a medley of holiday tunes.
Sponsored by: 
Main Street Arena – Main Floor
3:00 & 4:15
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You’ll laugh! You’ll be amazed! You’ll want to take them home! This award-winning dynamic duo delivers clean comedy and performs outrageous circus skills. Ever seen a synchronized flowerpot drill team before? They do that too …and a lot more.
Sponsored by: 
The Paramount Theater
4:15 & 7:30
As America’s hottest illusionist, Jason amazes all audiences with his stunning state-of-the art magic, breathtaking illusions and award-winning sleight of hand. This is a show you don’t want to miss!
Sponsored by: 
Main Street Arena – Main Floor
7:30 & 8:45
What do you get when you cross conservatory-trained musicians with raucous bluegrass and the mega-hits of the 80’s? Love Canon! They’ll make you laugh, they’ll make you dance, they’ll “blind you with science!”
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Midnight Ball Drop
Main Street Arena
11:15 thru midnight
Ring in the New Year with Groove Train!
Sponsored by: 
Omni Hotel – Ballroom
3:00 & 4:15
A fun and interactive magic & comedy show for the entire family! Monticup has been amazing audiences for over forty years with his thrilling magic skills, including on television, movies and national radio.
Sponsored by: 
First United Methodist Church – Small Sanctuary
8:45 & 10:00
Soaring lyricism, driving rhythms, and adventurous improvisations - this Charlottesville-based duo will bring you to your feet with traditional fiddle and piano music from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and points beyond.
Sponsored by: 
Radio Disney
nTelos Wireless Pavilion
5:30 - 8 pm
UVA Community Credit Union presents Radio Disney Team Green Game Show: PowerSaver Edition. Bring your family and compete for prizes while learning about energy-saving home improvements and PowerSaver Loans. Register to win a home energy assessment. Visit uvacreditunion.org for info. See you there!
Sponsored by: 
Salute to Swing: A Big Band Experience
Omni Hotel – Ballroom
6:15 & 7:30
With its balanced sound from a five-sax line, four trombones, four trumpets, drums, piano, guitar, string bass and talented vocalists, Salute to Swing faithfully recreates the Big Band sound from the '40s and '50s.
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Short Film Showcase
6:15 & 7:30
Local up-and-coming filmmakers showcase their latest work
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The Haven
3:00 & 4:15
A vibrant and extraordinary group of women who gather together in celebration of the art form known as a capella close harmony
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The Two Timers
First United Methodist Church – Main Sanctuary
3:00 & 4:15
Comprised of some of the best youth musicians in the Charlottesville area, The Two Timers are packed with talent. These students from Monticello High School have a passion for jazz, blues, and all things groovy.
Sponsored by: 
Free Admission with First Night Wristband
3pm to 8pm
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Virginia Discovery Museum by enjoying our exhibits like the Discovery Garage, the Virginia Frontier and our observatory bee hive. Make a craft in the Open Studio that you can take home and enjoy throughout the year!
Grace Covenant Church
3:00 & 4:15
This traditional bluegrass band is composed of a group of 4 talented musicians whose close relationship and love of their music is evident in each performance and song: a solid driving rhythm complemented by solid harmonies and skillful instrumentation.
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