by Dave Nery

First Night is becoming THE traditional New Year’s Eve event for more and more families, and this year again, area residents will have three celebrations to choose from, in Youngstown, Canfield and Salem. Admission buttons for each cost $10.

“First Night® is an international alliance of over 200 New Year’s eve celebrations in 4 countries that combines the traditions of marking the passage of time with modern day festivities. First Night® cultivates a sense of community, brings together the family, revitalizes the downtown, decreases alcohol consumption on New Year’s Eve and stages a public observance of the coming of the New Year,” according to the official theme of the alliance.

Each of the local entities has its own website, and we offer them here, with only a brief overview of some of the special features of each and a list of the musical performers.

http://www.firstnightyoungstown.com

http://www.firstnightcanfield.com

http://www.firstnightsalem.com

YOUNGSTOWN

2010 marks the 10th year of Youngstown’s First Night event, and the scope and variety of entertainment continues to grow, including this year, the swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Jay Williams’ next term in office. The 20 venues and 19 restaurants taking part are on the YSU campus and along East and West Federal Plaza, with community skating, two fireworks shows and other events at the Covelli Centre. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also available.

Many of the musicians playing at First Night are part of the repeating tradition. They include: Davis and McKay, Miss D and Joni, Ryan Ross, Tim Drummond, Blue Rays, String Theory, Conjunto Riquena, November Loop, Grand Fury, The Zou, Robbie Jay Band, Father Vit Fiala, Meg Daniluk, Jones For Revival, Lethal FX, Classic Cruisers, County Mayo, Steve Fazzini, Chasin’ the Blues, Colin Dussault’s Blues Project, and the Youngstown Connection. Check the website for details.

CANFIELD

First Night Canfield will host events at 18 venues in 5 locations, and will end with fireworks and a community bonfire. Many activities are designed specifically for the younger crowd, and there will be dance and drama.

Musicians playing Canfield include: Thomas Solich, Seraphim, Colleen McNally-Harris, Dr. Dan Laginya, “Harper Kirk”, Get Out and Push, Jaclyn Hodos, Ladies of Country Music, Thought the World, FROG, JD Eicher (solo) and the Goodnights, Lee Alverson, Erie Travelers, Steve Fazzini, Rock N Roll Heaven, Dickey White and the Allstars, Magma, Cahal Dunne, Naples Sisters, Jim Frank Trio, and Billy Smooth and The House Rockers.

SALEM

First Night Salem includes free trolley rides between venues on East State Street and North Lincoln, plus horse-drawn carriage rides, to the 14 venues providing entertainment. The night will culminate with a Grand Finale balloon drop countdown and community cake and hot chocolate social, where many of the evening’s performers will do short shows.

Playing live music at this year’s events will be: Dottie Aiken Reynolds with Tumbleweed, David Pasco, Bill Schilling, Linda Sigismondi, Stockdale Family Band, All 4 One,  Chip Richter, Salem Jubilee Chorus, Dulci-More, Allegheny Drifters, Ted Thorne, God’s Quad, Sharyn Chrystal, Tapestries of Ohio, Sugar Tree Alley, Jack Vasko Band, EVB II, Above 209, and Tribute. In addition to maps and schedules, the Salem website offers pictures and biographies of each of the performers.