Performers

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A four-person acoustic bluegrass band that formed in the Chicago-area in 1975, the Special Consensus band repertoire features traditional bluegrass standards, original compositions by band members and professional songwriters, and songs from other musical genres performed in the bluegrass format. The Special Consensus has released 13 recordings and has appeared on numerous National Public Radio programs and cable television shows, including The Nashville Network and the Grand Ole Opry at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Mississippi-born and raised, classic blues pianist, singer and songwriter Moore is one of the survivors of the classic boogie-woogie style that permeated the 1950s Chicago blues scene. In addition to playing solo performances, he has backed a long list of famous blues greats, including B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters.

*Photo by James Fraher

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Toronzo & The Cannonball Express' performance is a mix of blues, R&B, soul and other musical surprises to satisfy every audience.

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Singer/songwriter Carla Gordon combines the best of cabaret, vaudeville, burlesque, musical theater and jazz. She is one of those rare performers who will have you laughing one moment, then misty-eyed the next. Her second CD, The Voice in Your Heart, was released in the fall of 2007.

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Singer-pianist Michelle Greenberg presents "Alright, Okay, You Win," and her other New Year's resolutions in song. Tunes by Gershwin, Ellington, Mancini, Jerry Herman, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and more.  Michelle, formerly of the Coq d'Or Room at the Drake Hotel, is a member of Chicago Cabaret Professionals.

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Award winning, internationally recognized New Orleans Dixieland Show Band will perform exciting Dixieland jazz standards in addition to swing tunes and popular standards from the 20s through the 40s featuring Ann Stewart on jazz banjo and vocals.

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The premier Cajun dance band in Chicago will throw a New Year's Eve dance party playing the traditions of Cajun and Creole music and high energy Zydeco with a little Swamp Pop thrown in for spice. Join the dance party or just come tap your toes to the irresistible music of Southwest Louisiana!

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This imaginative program combines our timeless fascination with dinosaurs—and magic. AH-mazing fun for the entire family, particularly children from preschool through fourth grade; also captivates toddlers.

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Dave Herzog’s Marionettes present Celebrate America, a red, white and blue star-spangled marionette variety show. Dave’s crowd pleasing marionettes are back for their eighth consecutive year at First Night Evanston.

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The ever-popular Ella Jenkins has made guest appearances on NBC's "Today Show," CNN's "Showbiz Today," "Barney and Friends," "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," and in films shown on "Sesame Street." Since her first record, Call and Response (1957), Ella has released 28 albums and two videos on Smithsonian Folkways.

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Sing in the new year with a “song in your heart.” Join performer and recording artist Sandy Lucas and her band for this all-ages sing along, dance along and play along musical celebration!

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The Young People’s Company will perform original, improvised stories in its signature high-energy form. Audience members can join in the fun with interactive theatre games!

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Join Marilyn Price, nationally known Evanston-based storyteller and puppeteer for “Puppeting into the 8’s,” a tribute to the magnificent year of 2007 with stories, puppets and interactive play. There is always something to learn and laugh about with Marilyn!

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Showtime Tony creates balloons for the discerning individual, providing balloon entertainment and balloon art sculptures to First Night Evanston guests.

Nili Yelin, The Storybook Mom is a Chicago based children's storyteller who adapts and custom designs storytimes for schools, libraries, bookstores, musuems and private events. A graduate of the Northwestern theatre school, Nili has worked for MTV, Saturday Night Live, and on many movies, commercials and voice-over projects.

www.storybookmom.com 

Join the fun at First Night Plaza as Mayor Lorriane H. Morton kicks off the festivities with a procession. Bring your favorite noisemakers, party hats, puppets, balloons and other New Year's Eve creations to celebrate 15 years of "Fun! Frolic! And Fireworks!"

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For more than a half-century, Wes Harrison has been bringing the world something it badly needs---laughter. His performance at First Night is a must-see!

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Join the infamous Second City for a completely improvised evening of comedy!

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Here we go, round and round, dance all night ‘till your gal goes home.

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Here is your chance to see two of the biggest artists in Chicago music backed by a star studded band all in one night! Performing together since 1992, the charismatic twosome, "Tom and Lisa" are well known for their high energy-interactive shows and undeniable vocal and musical versatility covering most genres from the 20's to NOW!

Randy Hooker has taught Latin, Ballroom and Swing dance for over 30 years to people who just want to feel comfortable on a dance floor.

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Eric Lugosch is one of the finest finger-picking guitarists in the U.S.A. His repertoire ranges from jazz to blues, from folk to rock.

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Renowned composer, musician Miles brings rich vocals and a sparkling sound of banjo and acoustic guitar. He is joined by vocalist Sue Demel of Sons of the Never Wrong, David Jennings playing vibes, Tony Dale on drums and Al Ehrich on the double bass. Folk music, jazz, originals, and Bach.

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These groups of anointed adults present songs of praise in the African-American musical tradition.

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The Surge band plays a variety of R&B, soul, funk and reggae. Member of the group have recorded and played with Artists such as Chaka Khan,Heavan & Earth,Andreas and R Kelly and have toured with New Edition, Cameo, SWV and more. With the group The Surge, it's all about the music!

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Acoustic, organic, rhythmic, guerilla jazz band with a garage band mentality, led by saxophonist (and lifelong Evanstonian) Chris Greene.

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Chicago Samba, a Midwest-based music ensemble, offers the authentic sounds of Brazil mixed with the flavor of carnaval. They play a unique mix of Brazilian popular song styles, including: Samba, the energetic national rhythm of Brazil.

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Spanish guitar influenced world-music ensemble that performs a fusion of Cuban son, rumba, R&B, Latin-jazz, blues, and African percussion with an underlying flamenco music and dance focus. Over the past 7 years, the ensemble has consistently performed to sold-out venues in Chicago and the Midwest. The ensemble has also performed for numerous schools, concert series, and performing arts venues. Members of the ensemble have roots from Brazil, Peru, Italy, Cuba, Mexico, and Portugal and they have traveled to and performed or studied in over 30 countries.

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Notorious for reading and revealing the thoughts of audience members, Christopher Carter is considered to be one of the most unique and entertaining “mentalists” of today’s variety entertainment circuits. Carter makes detailed predictions that come true and uses the power of concentration to make amazing things happen!

Jazmine Jones with Purpose is an electrifyingly high performance act, with a combination of R&B, Hip-Hop and Funk that will move the crowd with soulful rhythm and a smooth, lyrical sound.

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“Oklahoma!” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration, and one of America’s best-loved musicals of all time, presented with a 30-piece orchestra.
* Separate ticket required. Receive a voucher for a free First Night Evanston Button during the New Years Eve performance.

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Come dance, sing, drum and listen to this exciting quartet's unique blend of Euro Roots World Music (tm), which includes Klezmer, Greek, Gypsy, Balkan, Scandinavian, French, and more! This Evanston-based group's all-ages program includes something for everyone.

Come and enjoy operas most romantic moments on one of the most romantic nights of
the year! Chicago Festival Opera presents operas' well-loved arias and duets by
Simon Lee, tenor and Rebecca Davis, soprano and Seung Eun Song, piano.