Performers
If you or your group are interested in performing for First Night 2011, download and mail or email in our Call to Artists Form.
Performer and Event Evaluations
Let us know what you think!
Help us make First Night even better by downloading and filling out a Performer Evalution form and an General Event Evaluation form.
Fill out forms and email to info@firstnightwilliamsburg.org or mail to:
First Night of Williamsburg, Inc.
P.O. Box 1382
Williamsburg, VA 23187-1382
Sort performers by Name | Location | Category | Zone | New This Year
| Location | Performer |
| Andrews Hall | The Company Store The Company Store stocks and delivers American-made string-band music with energy and enthusiasm sure to satisfy the pickiest of ears and shuffle the clumsiest of feet. Featuring robust fiddlin', exuberant singin', and family humor, they create brand-new old-fashioned good times! www.companystoreband.com |
| Some Assembly Required Influenced by traditional and contemporary Bluegrass and acoustic artists, Some Assembly Required brings a heartfelt, vibrant, and fresh approach to the music. There is always something new and different with every performance. www.assemblyrequiredbluegrass.com |
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| Bruton Parish House | Bill and Pam Gurley Pam's warm, crystalline voice backed by Bill on banjo, fiddle, guitar or mandolin creates honest, natural music that draws on Celtic, bluegrass and swing influences. www.billandpamgurley.com |
| The Bennetts Guitarist Stephen Bennett (a worldwide touring musician and First Night Williamsburg regular) will be joined by his piano-playing brother Jim for three sets of music, ranging from rollicking to reflective. www.harpguitar.com |
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| Campus Center - Little Theater | William the Conjurer Penn Russell has performed for the past 25 years throughout the United States and the Bahamas, as well as a featured magician, at comedy clubs and murder mystery shows, and as a historical magician at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. www.sorceryandsong.com |
| Red Hawk Speaks A teller of enthralling tales about animals, plants and people and a traditional Native American dancer, Red Hawk is chief of the Bird Band of the American Cherokee Confederacy and a co-founder of the United Indian Nation Inc. www.redhawkspeaks.com |
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| Campus Center - Trinkle Hall | Robert Flinn Respected pianist for the Jamestown Society. |
| Williamsburg Classic Swing Orchestra A 16-piece authentic big band that plays all the best music from the height of the swing era, 1930’s and 1940’s, as well as some popular swing hits of today. Hear the original arrangements from many of the bands that played and recorded those all time favorites. www.williamsburgclassicswing.com |
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| Friends of Appalachian Music (FOAM) A lively mix of old-time Appalachian and New England fiddle tunes invites the audience to join in the fun. No previous experience is needed to take part in simple square dances, circle dances, contra dances, waltzes and Virginia reels. |
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| Catholic Campus Ministry Chapel | Williamsburg Chamber Players The Williamsburg Chamber Players is an outstanding ensemble of talented, professional musicians from the Peninsula area. They present concerts, educational workshops, special programs for families and children, and music for many special events and occasions. For First Night 2008, they will perform works of Mozart, Stamitz, Joplin and more. |
| Windsome Wood Chamber Players Featuring a wide variety of professional solo and small ensemble performers. The performers are versatile instrumentalists and vocalists. The concert repertoire is committed to both entertaining and educating audiences about the joys of chamber music. |
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| Community Building | Rockin' in the New Year Featuring 3 local high school bands: Advice to Passengers, Neurotypical, and Sweet Josephine. Guaranteed a hot night in a cool atmosphere. |
| Ewell Recital Hall | The Runaway String Band Includes four long-time Williamsburg-area musicians playing a wonderful variety of bluegrass, old time, and swing music. With lush vocal harmonies and hot instrumentals, the band combines the sound of early string bands with a strong New Acoustic edge. www.runawaystringband.com |
| Harris Simon Trio College of William & Mary jazz instructor and performer Harris Simon brings a trio to First NIght for the first time. Simon specializes in jazz piano and harmonica. |
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| First Baptist Church | First Baptist Sanctuary Choir Members of all the choirs of this 225-year-old church will combine to present a varied program of religious vocal music including hymns, anthems, spirituals and gospel songs. |
| First Church of Christ Scientist - Reading Room | Lynn Ruehlmann |
| Weavers of the Word Members of this community organization devoted to the art of storytelling weave a magic carpet for your imagination with tales from folklore and literary classics. |
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| Kimball Theatre | Audrey Auld A memorable and uplifting entertainer, Audrey Auld performs country, folk, and Americana with a presence as big as the Outback! Her songs are the wry and poignant observations of an Australian girl living in California and Nashville for the past five years. Audrey is passionate with a most contagious heartfelt laugh and has recorded several albums. www.AudreyAuld.com |
| Bobby Blackhat Blues Band Blues harmonica player, vocalist, and songwriter Bobby "BlackHat" Walters brings together the finest blues musicians in Hampton Roads to perform classic, modern, as well as original blues tunes that will keep your toes tappin' and your hips shakin' all night long. |
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| Matthew Whaley School | KIDS Show Features Tim Nolan (juggler), Pittman Magic & Juggling Productions, Geddy the Gecko, Clan McCool Pirate Show, C. Shells, the Kolonial Klowns and fireworks at 7:30. |
| Matthew Whaley School - Auditorium | Pittman Juggling and Magic Productions Dr. Julian Pittman blends amazing juggling feats (International Silver Medalist Juggler) with world-class stage illusions. Classic ball, ring and club routines; mouth juggling while playing a xylophone; backward somersault while spinning 3 balls; illusions guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat! www.PittmanMagic.com |
| Tim Nolan |
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| Matthew Whaley School - Food Court | C. Shells Children's music and games |
| Kolonial Klowns Williamsburg's local clown troupe will entertain children of all ages with face painting and balloon sculptures. Kolonial Klowns of Williamsburg operates as a nonprofit, educational organization and features awarding-winning clowns among its members. |
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| Matthew Whaley School - Gymnasium | Geddy the Gecko It's the New Year's Fiesta for ALL ages, featuring First Night's returning lizard, Geddy the Gecko. Non-stop laughter, international beats, and audience participation: YOU become the star of the show as Geddy teaches you dances from around the world! www.geddythegecko.com |
| Clan McCool The Hysterically Correct Pirate Show There has never been a better time to learn how to be a pirate! Come sing and dance along as Willoughby Caught and her seafaring friends provide just the lesson you need. Hear traditional sea chanteys, stories of brave pirates in our past, and try out your pirate skills in drills at the capstan, line, flintlock, and cutlass. Children of all ages will enjoy this show. |
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| Muscarelle Museum of Art | Rich Follett Actor, director, musician and songwriter Rich Follett lives in the Shenandoah Valley and works teaching, writing songs and poetry, and singing for contemporary folk audiences. |
| Timothy Seaman Timothy plays engaging original compositions and traditional interpretations focusing on Jamestown's 400th, Appalachian folk hymns, and adventures in Virginia's forests. Tim's instruments are the hammered dulcimer and flute. www.timothyseaman.com |
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| Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall | Coyote Run Using instrumentation ranging from the ordinary bagpipes and guitars to mandolins, didgeridoo, tuba, trombone and much more, Coyote Run performs full-throttle Celtic music in the tradition of the ancient bards. www.coyoterun.com |
| Molasses Creek Molasses Creek’s high-energy acoustic music continues to win loyal followings from audiences that rave about their captivating stage presence, elegant harmonies, blazing instrumentals, and quirky sense of humor. Members of the Southern Arts Federation and award-winners from Garrison Keillor’s "A Prairie Home Companion," they have been featured at Our State magazine’s "Best of NC." www.molassescreek.com |
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| Sadler Center - Chesapeake Room | Hunt Family Fiddlers A family of nationally- and world-ranked Irish step dancers and fiddlers. Their high-powered footwork and fiery fiddling have entertained audiences of all ages from Canada to Scotland and all over the United States. www.huntsontour.com |
| The Lindsay Family A family that performs jazz and other styles together in toe-tapping rhythms that astonish their audiences with technical precision. www.lindsay-jazz.com |
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| Sadler Center - Commonwealth Room | The Itinerant Band This group has a shared passion for history, leading them to specialize in the music of early America in the Irish, Scottish, English and French traditions. They perform everything from sea shanties to dance tunes. |
| Soundworks Formed in 2005, SOUNDWORKS is Central Virginia's premiere men's a cappella vocal ensemble. SOUNDWORKS has a versatile repertoire spanning many a cappella singing styles from Barbershop to Bop to Franz Biebl. Soundworks is the 3-years running International Barbershop Harmony, Mid-Atlantic District, Southern Division Champions. |
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| Sadler Center - Lodge 1 | The Delvers |
| Bill Jenkins and the Virginia Mountain Boys The music performed by Bill Jenkins and the Virginia Mountain Boys is inspired by ancient and southern folk tunes, legendary performers such as The Stanley Brothers, Johnny and Jack, the Louvin Brothers, and many others. The group's arrangements are truly unique harmonies, and they have been playing in various capacities for almost forty years. |
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| Sadler Center - Study Lounge | Kim Kalman Kim Kalman's inspiring melodies, crisp vocals, and understated guitar licks have made her one of the area's most popular acoustic solo acts. Kim will be performing songs from all of her CDs including her two newest CD releases, I'm Not Alone and A Christmas to Remember. Visit Kim's website for more information and audio clips of her CDs. www.KimKalman.com |
| Ron Fetner A nationally awarded songwriter, Ron Fetner’s music has been labeled a "unique blend of New England Folk and the soul of the South." Incorporating elements of folk, southern Appalachian, rock and jazz, Ron has found a voice in our American music. www.ronfetner.com |
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| Sadler Center - Tidewater Room | Poisoned Dwarf Plays driving traditional Celtic music. You’ll want to dance while listening to and seeing this acoustic quintet’s melding of diverse musical backgrounds, driving rhythms, and a few surprises. www.poisoneddwarf.com |
| Bagels and Fraylox Klezmer Band Known for centuries as the wedding and party music of Jews in Eastern Europe, klezmer is alive and well in Williamsburg. It is Balkan and blues, ancient Jewish culture and prayer, history, spirit and jazz all mixed together. |
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| Sir Christopher Wren Building | Cavalier Consort A trio that specializes in the instrumental music of the 16th and 17th centuries, played on the baroque flute, baroque guitar, flute, viola da gamba, and cello. |
| Carlson and Welch |
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| St. Bede Parish Center | Schnicklefritz and the Oompahs Get ready for lots of toe-tapping authentic German music from this group that formed more than eight years ago. They have played for numerous Oktoberfests and Fasching celebrations far and near. |
| Renewal Artists A group of individual singers and songwriters that offer a collaboration of folk, rock, acoustic, jazz, soul, and a bit of country. All have recorded several albums. www.renewal-artists.com |
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| Temple Beth El | Puckett and Person Singer/Songwriters Lana Puckett and Kim Person are known in the music industry for their award-winning songwriting, heartfelt vocals, precision harmonies and intricate guitar work. Their original music has been described as songs "written in the Key of Life, with an innate sense of honesty and sincerity that shines through; warm and inspiring music that communicates to the inner self." |
| Wesley Foundation | Flute Frenzy The premiere youth flute choir, Flute Frenzy is comprised of students from 11 schools in Williamsburg, James City County, York County and surrounding communities. The students perform chamber music for ensembles of various flutes, including piccolo, C flute, alto flute and bass flute, Native American flute and penny whistle. Their repertoire includes arrangements of classical, folk and popular tunes. |
| Williamsburg Baptist Church | Virginia Handbell Consort An advanced, auditioned handbell ensemble celebrates its 11th anniversary with a wide variety of secular, classical, and sacred holiday selections. www.virginiahandbellconsort.com |
| Williamsburg Library Auditorium | Suwabi African Dance A traditional African dance company that showcases the culture and heritage of West Africa. Suwabi utilizes authentic costumes, live drumming and classical dances that have been passed down through the generations for thousands of years. |
| Jae Sinnett Trio Drummer, composer and jazz producer/announcer on Norfolk public radio, Sinnett is joined by pianist Justin Kauflin and bassist Terry Burrell in a program of performance and discussion of jazz music. www.jaesinnett.com |
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| Williamsburg Presbyterian Church - Fellowship Hall | Made From Scratch Bluegrass Band Take five individuals of varying ages and background. Add a cup of Bluegrass. Stir in a tablespoon of Gospel. Fold in a teaspoon of country and a pinch of Rock and Roll. Mix well and you have "Made From Scratch Bluegrass Band." www.madefromscratchbluegrassband.com |
| No Strings Attached No Strings Attached is a group of friendly, lively guys who mix it up like no one else. The band can perform any style of music with the folk instruments they choose to perform with, from a hammer dulcimer to a slide bouzouki. |
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| Williamsburg Presbyterian Church - Sanctuary | Rebecca Davy Bruton Parish Assistant Music Director and Organist Rebecca Davy performs an entertaining mix of organ pieces, both sacred and secular, that showcases the wide variety of sounds and moods that can be created on what has become known as "the king of instruments." Performance pieces range from well-known Bach preludes and fugues to fun variations on familiar Christmas carols, and novelty pieces that demonstrate some of the more unusual sounds the organ is capable of. |
| Hilton Brass A Peninsula favorite since 1983, the Hilton Brass will take you on a musical journey from the courts of kings to John Philip Sousa to Dixieland. |
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| Williamsburg United Methodist Church - New Fellowship Hall | Thunder Creek Success for Thunder Creek has been in leaps and bounds since the formation of the group in November 2003. One thing that sets Thunder Creek apart is the tight harmonies. The talents and experiences of the individual musicians are immense. Along with the instrumentation and vocals, a couple of band members have written and produced original songs. Thunder Creek won second place overall in 2005's Vi |
| Three Jolly Coachmen Relive and fall in love all over again with the lively, infectious music of the Kingston Trio. If songs like "The MTA," "Tijuana Jail" and "Tom Dooley" bring the memories flooding back, you don't want to miss this. We dare you not to sing along! |
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| Williamsburg United Methodist Church - Old Fellowship Hall | Code Blue |
| Skip Friel Spirited performances that capture the art and joy of music. With award-winning, finely crafted songs often featured as the backdrop for public radio spots, his lively instrumentals and vocals continue to receive regular airplay. Skip Friel and the Resonators offer a blend of acoustic and new folk music. |
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| Williamsburg United Methodist Church - Sanctuary | Lisa Morledge A dynamic vocalist, Lisa Morledge's local professional resume includes Colonial Williamsburg, the College of William and Mary, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Williamsburg Choral Guild, Occasion for the Arts and First Night. She has vocal performance degrees from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Musicand Virginia Commonwealth University. |
| Cross Purposes A contemporary Christian music group that combines rock, folk and country into a style in which all of three are present but none of them is dominant. The band plays some secular music as well. Originated at Wellspring United Methodist Church, Williamsburg Virginia. |
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| Zable Stadium (Grand Finale) | Grand Finale Join us for the annual Finale of Fireworks at midnight. |