First Night Artists
Download the entire First Night Akron 2010 Event Guide.
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Arists: Music
Akron DerbyTown Barbershop Chorus
Greystone Hall: Ballroom, 2nd Floor 9-10
Experience barbershop harmony at its best - then join in as the audience sings along.
Premiere: Never before heard new songs!
Stage sponsored by National City - Now part of PNC
Site Sponsored by The John A. McAlonan Fund
Alex Bevan
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 5-5:45
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 6-6:30
Alex is back with his flawless performance. A fixture of the Northeast Ohio music scene, let his guitar playing capture you!
Premiere: New songs!
Stage sponsored by OMNOVA Solutions
Site Sponsored by GAR Foundation
Beach Boyz Entertainment
Lock 3: Outdoor Stage 5-11:30
Offering first-rate fun and an outstanding mix of music.
Premiere: DJ-ing at First Night for the first time!
Site Sponsored by the City of Akron
Big Daddy and the HooDoo Men
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 5-5:45
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 6-6:30
This authentic American Blues band takes influences from such original masters as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and B.B. King!
Premiere: Featuring songs from their new album Galehouse Blues!
Stage sponsored by The University of Akron
Site Sponsored by GAR Foundation
Blood, Sweat & Beers
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 7-7:30
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 7:45-8:30
Ohio's premiere rock band is returning home to Akron to share their great sound and huge song selection for a very special New Year's Eve.
Premiere: New songs!
Stage sponsored by OMNOVA Solutions
Site Sponsored by GAR Foundation
Brian Henke
Summit Artspace: Gallery 6:30-7:30
Summit Artspace: Gallery 8-9
Summit Artspace: Gallery 9:30-10:30
Composing music like a painter putting images on canvas, Brian Henke is a kind of sonic shaman, drawing his inspiration from the natural world around him.
Premiere: Performing brand new material from his upcoming CD, "A Child's Garden!"
Stage sponsored by the Charles E. & Mabel M. Ritchie Foundation
This Site Sponsored By: Akron Beacon Journal
Brian Lisik
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Classroom 10-11
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Classroom 8:30-9:30
Enjoy the melodic tunes of this Ohio-based singer/songwriter.
Premiere: The debut screening of his long-awaited documentary film played to his music, "On the Wrong Side of the Canal!"
Supported by Brouse McDowell, LPA
Site Sponsored by Acme Fresh Market
Case Sensitive
Akron Art Museum: Auditorium 7-7:45
Akron Art Museum: Auditorium 8-8:45
This young progressive-indie-funk style band plays a mix of covers and originals.
Premiere: New original song!
Cats on Holiday
John S. Knight Center-Goodyear Ballroom 7-7:45
John S. Knight Center-Goodyear Ballroom 8-9
This hard rockin', swamp poppin' group will serve a healthy dose of American influenced roots, country, Cajun and blues. Join them for a high energy, crowd participating "Mardi Gras" street party!
Premiere: The Cats will premiere their own unique renditions of a couple of zydeco standards, "Co Fa" by The Soileau Zydeco Band and "Big Mamou" by Wayne Toups.
Stage sponsored by The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation
Site Sponsored by GAR Foundation
Chil
Akron Art Museum: Auditorium 5-5:45
Akron Art Museum: Auditorium 6-6:30
This four-person teen band plays music from popular acts such as Green Day, Switchfoot, Blink 182, Plain White T’s and many more.
Premiere: Cheer on Stow’s hottest teen rock band as they premiere their first original song, for the very first time!
Dan Robertson
Greystone Hall: Doric Room, 4th Floor 6-7
Greystone Hall: Doric Room, 4th Floor 7:15-8
Dan has played with and opened for several national acts such as The Guess Who, Steve Camp and The Imperials. Listen as he performs music from his two solo CD's Corbain and Pavolov's Dogs.
Premiere: New songs!
Supported by the Lloyd L. and Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation
Site Sponsored by The John A. McAlonan Fund
ETC School of Musical Arts
Greystone Hall: Ballroom, 2nd Floor 7-7:30
Greystone Hall: Ballroom, 2nd Floor 8-8:30
Fergie & The Bog Dogs
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 10:45-11:30
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 9:30-10:30
One of the area's favorite Irish bands delights in bringing traditional Celtic music to modern audiences.
Premiere: New songs!
Supported by The Murdough Foundation
Site Sponsored by GAR Foundation
Gospel Wonders
Greystone Hall-Theater, 6th Floor 5-6
Greystone Hall-Theater, 6th Floor 6:15-7
Listen as Gospel Wonders articulates the love of God through songs, service and praise.
Premiere: New songs!
Site Sponsored by The John A. McAlonan Fund
Gypsies in the Palace
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 10:30-11:30
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 9-10:15
Whether inclined to waste away in Margaritaville, devour a cheeseburger in paradise or investigate a crime of passion in Cuba, audiences are whisked into a feeding frenzy by Northeast Ohio-based Gypsies in the Palace, a trop-rock band playing original and Jimmy Buffett music.
Premiere: First time performing at First Night Akron as well as several new songs and surprises!
Stage sponsored by OMNOVA Solutions
Site Sponsored by GAR Foundation
Hard Day's Night
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 10:30-11:30
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 9:30-10:15
Hailing from the rock’n’roll city of Cleveland, Ohio, Hard Day’s Night is rated among the top national Beatles groups performing today. They have performed for thousands of Beatle fans in England and the United States. Come watch as Hard Day’s Night continues to carry on the excitement of Beatlemania!
Premiere: Playing new songs including “Come Together” and “Daytripper” as well as an interactive portion to the song “Hey Jude.”
Supported by Cohen & Company, CPAs.
This Site Sponsored by: Kenneth L. Calhoun, a KeyBank Trust
Harmonica Hotshots
Akron-Summit County Public Library 6-6:30
Akron-Summit County Public Library 7:30-8
The Harmonica Hotshots combine spectacular harmonica artistry with novelty tunes and light humor to present high energy entertainment with innovative and exciting musical arrangements!
Premiere: New special arrangement including Star Wars and Orange Blossom.
Stage sponsored by The University of Akron.
Site sponsored by Acme Fresh Market
Hey Mavis
Greystone Hall: Doric Room, 4th Floor 10:30-11:15
Lock 3: Indoors 5-5:45
Lock 3: Indoors 6-6:45
Lock 3: Indoors 7-7:45
Lock 3: Outdoor Stage 8:15-8:45
Greystone Hall: Doric Room, 4th Floor 9:30-10:15
Interactive and creative workshop for children ages 8 and up as well as their parents! Participants will craft their First Night memories and experiences into a song that will premiere at the First Night Kids Countdown. The music of Hey Mavis is self-described as "Modern Old-Timey," but can also be called Americana and Modern Folk.
Sign up here to participate in the workshop! (*Sign up recommended but not required*)
Premiere: New workshop and performance!
Lock 3 sponsored by the City of Akron
Greystone Hall sponsored by The John A McAlonan Fund
Howard Street Blues Band
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 10:45-11:30
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 9:30-10:30
The Howard Street Blues Band has received recognition in Spain, England and Poland for their blues music!
Premiere: A new song off their new album!
Stage sponsored by The University of Akron
Site Sponsored by GAR Foundation
Ian Ross Trio
UA Polsky: High Street Level 7-7:45
UA Polsky: High Street Level 8-9
The Ian Ross Trio combines classic soul jazz with modern blues and R&B elements.
Premiere: A new song and a feature performance with a one-of-a-kind guitar!
Stage sponsored by R.C. Musson & Katherine M. Musson Charitable Foundation.
This Site Sponsored By: FirstMerit Foundation
Intransit
METRO Transit Center 7-10
Akron's own Intransit is the coming together of three different musical and cultural backgrounds. With a repertoire of both original compositions and jazz standards, the trio aims to become one synchronized entity that creates improvisational music as a group, while complimenting each individual's distinctive vision for the music.
Premiere: "First Night Serenade," composed for First NIght Akron 2010!
Jim Gill
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 5:30-6:15
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 6:30-7
"Absolute killer voice!" is the consensus press on this singer/songwriter. "A captivating performer!" - writes the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Premiere: Five new seasonal songs!
Site Sponsored by GAR Foundation
JiMiller Band
John S. Knight Center-Goodyear Ballroom 10:30-11:30
John S. Knight Center-Goodyear Ballroom 9:30-10:15
The JiMiller Band blends together blues, country, Cajun, Old rock 'n' roll, jazz and bluegrass into a musical Americana that is both fresh and timeless.
Premiere: A brand new original song, including an improvisational section performed just for First Night Akron 2010!
Stage sponsored by The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation
Site Sponsored by GAR Foundation
Kathy Johnson
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Children's Room 5:30-6
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Children's Room 6:15-6:45
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Children's Room 7-7:30
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Children's Room 7:45-8:15
Kathy Johnson is a one-of-a-kind singer-songwriter whose performances delight audiences of all ages. Listen to her eclectic music, including originals, folk, cowboy songs, vintage country, old rock and roll and standards from the 1920s, 30s and 40s.
Premiere: New songs!
Supported by Eliokem, Inc.
Site Sponsored by Acme Fresh Market
Kerry Kean
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 5:30-6:15
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 6:30-7:15
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 7:30-8
Kerry Kean writes and performs a wide variety of fingerstyle guitar compositions.
Premiere: A new piece inspired by the transition of one year into another and the joy at the culmination of the holiday season!
Lightly Seasoned
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 5-5:45
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 6-6:45
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 7-8
The barbershop quartet, Lightly Seasoned, specializes in songs America loves to sing and hear.
Premiere: New outfits, new songs and an interactive performance!
Stage sponsored by Roetzel & Andress LPA
Site Sponsored by Acme Fresh Market
Lisa & Heather Malyuk
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 10:45-11:30
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 8:30-9:30
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 9:45-10:30
These young, highly acclaimed musicians will unveil original compositions written in the folk tradition during sets of driving, energetic tunes and bittersweet old-fashioned melodies.
Premiere: New music!
Martin and Marshall
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 8:30-9:15
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 9:30-10:30
Making their premiere performance in Akron, Martin and Marshall will be singing and playing the blues from their brand new CD!
Premiere: First time performing in Akron!
Stage sponsored by Roetzel & Andress LPA
Site Sponsored by Acme Fresh Market
Matthew Abelson
Akron Civic Theatre: Upstairs 5:45-6
Akron Civic Theatre: Upstairs 6:30-7
Akron Civic Theatre: Upstairs 7:45-8
Akron Civic Theatre: Upstairs 8:45-9
Artist Matthew Abelson is proud to introduce, “The Infinite Shapes of Snow Flakes,” a new instrumental composition, written especially for First Night illuminating the many sparkling facets of the winter season.
Premiere: Matthew Abelson’s newest composition!
Mercy Rising
Greystone Hall-Theater, 6th Floor 7:30-8:15
Greystone Hall-Theater, 6th Floor 8:30-9
Listen to the music of this up and coming modern Christian rock band with thought provoking lyrics and unforgettable guitar licks!
Premiere: Music from their new album, "Waiting for the Sky to Fall"
Site Sponsored by John A. McAlonan Fund
Mixed-Up Strings
Greystone Hall-Egyptian Room, 4th Floor 5-5:45
Greystone Hall-Egyptian Room, 4th Floor 6-6:45
Greystone Hall-Egyptian Room, 4th Floor 7-7:30
Local favorite, Mixed-Up Strings, is an eclectic group of musicians who offer toe tapping melodies of front-porch tune favorites, enjoyed by generations of Appalachian families.
Premiere: New arrangements!
Site Sponsored by The John A. McAlonan Fund
Mo' Mojo
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 7-7:45
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 8-9
This Zydeco jam band, featuring button box fiddle, blends Creole and Cajon melodies with blues and pop. Their dynamic energetic show appeals to the ears, eyes and feet.
Premiere: A new song!
Rio Neon
UA Polsky: Main Street Level 5-5:45
UA Polsky: Main Street Level 6-6:45
UA Polsky: Main Street Level 7-7:30
Rio Neon combines the best elements of swing, jazz, traditional folk music and original tunes guaranteed to bring a smile! Premiere: A new song, composed by their female vocalist, entitled "A Kiss for New Year's Eve!" Stage sponsored by Sisler McFawn Foundation. This Site is Sponsored By: FirstMerit Foundation
Steve McClain
UA Polsky: High Street Level 5-5:45
UA Polsky: High Street Level 6-6:30
Originally from Kent, Ohio, Steve McClain is a singer/songwriter based in Nashville. His music has been featured on 91.3The Summit in Akron as well as Lightning 100 in Nashville.
Premiere: Several new songs!
Stage sponsored by the R.C. Musson & Katharine M. Musson Charitable Foundation
This Site Sponsored By: FirstMerit Foundation
Stimulus
Akron Art Museum: Auditorium 10:30-11:30
Akron Art Museum: Auditorium 9:30-10:15
Teen rock band Stimulus currently features covers of Aerosmith, Led Zeplin, Queen, Guns ‘N Roses, Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Ozzy Osbourne and more as well as their own original tunes.
Premiere: A new original composition written by Cam Johnson!
Stow Heritage Ringers
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 5-5:30
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 5:45-6:30
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 6:45-7:30
Enjoy the sounds of the season! Stow Heritage Ringers is an advanced handbell ensemble that welcomes the opportunity to share their passion for handbells with an audience.
Premiere: Performing a new song and hand-on experience!
Supported by the Mofitt Foundation.
This site sponsored by: Goodyear
The Backporch Swing Band
Greystone Hall-Egyptian Room, 4th Floor 10-10:45
Greystone Hall-Egyptian Room, 4th Floor 8-8:45
Greystone Hall-Egyptian Room, 4th Floor 9-9:45
Ohio's premiere western swing band features the Ohio State Fiddle Champion Adam Jackson, the smooth vocals of Kris Geis and jazzy stylings of mandolinist Zeke Huthinson.
Premiere: A new First Night artist!
Supported by GoJo Industries.
Site Sponsored by The John A. McAlonan Fund
The Chapel Worship Band
Greystone Hall-Theater, 6th Floor 10:30-11:15
Greystone Hall-Theater, 6th Floor 9:30-10:15
Sing along with a blend of popular and familiar songs of praise, thanks and celebration in this modern worship experience.
Premiere: New songs!
Site Sponsored by The John A. McAlonan Fund
The Juke Hounds
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 5-5:45
Akron Civic Theatre: Stage 6-6:30
Enjoy the music of The Juke Hounds as they perform some of their original tunes as well as words of the masters.
Premiere: A new song of redemption!
The Singing Angels
Greystone Hall: Ballroom, 2nd Floor 5:30-6:30
Let these young angels delight you with holiday favorites. The Singing Angels, founded in 1964, is dedicated to youth development through the highest level of artistic achievement. You won't want to miss these talented young singers.
Premiere: Summit County premiere of "Ocho Kandelikas" or Eight Candles, a Hanukkah song arranged for the Angels by Cleveland artist Lori Cahan-Simon.
Stage sponsored by National city - Now part of PNC
Site Sponsored by The John A. McAlonan Fund
The Speedbumps
UA Polsky: High Street Level 10:45-11:30
UA Polsky: High Street Level 9:30-10:30
By combining classical and modern instruments with honest songwriting, these Kent, Ohio natives create a unique sound fueled by the group’s dedication to originality! Premiere: New players, instruments and music! Stage sponsored by the R.C. Musson and Katherine M. Musson Charitable Foundation. This Site Sponsored By: FirstMerit Foundation
UA Steel Drum Band
UA Polsky: Main Street Level 10:30-11:15
UA Polsky: Main Street Level 8-9
UA Polsky: Main Street Level 9:30-10:15
Discover what thousands of their fans already know! The highly-acclaimed UA Steel Drum Band performs Caribbeanmusic at its best.
Premiere: New music by artistic director, Matt Dudack!
Stage sponsored by Sisler McFawn Foundation
This Site Sponsored By: FirstMerit Foundation
Wanda Hunt Band
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 7-7:45
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 1 8-9
An 8-piece band with horns performing old school rhythm and blues, featuring Miss Wanda Hunt!
Premiere: New songs!
Stage sponsored by The University of Akron
Site sponsored by GAR Foundation
Zach
John S. Knight Center-Goodyear Ballroom 5-5:45
John S. Knight Center-Goodyear Ballroom 6-6:30
Named by Akron Life & Leisure as the Best Local Band, Zach is a nationally touring, soulful pop/rock band.
Premiere: Brand new material just for First Night!
Stage sponsored by The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation
Site Sponsored by GAR Foundation