THE BOARD MEMBERS OF WESTPORT FIRST NIGHT ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WILL BE SOME CHANGES IN THE VENUES THIS YEAR, FIRST NIGHT IS PLANNED TO BE ENTERTAINMENT NOT TO MISS !

The event will begin at 3PM and end at 9PM with an amazing fireworks display. The shortened schedule enables Westport to enjoy the fabulous entertainment that has been realized in the past and continues this year in spite of the economic downturn.  The event will be concentrated in the downtown Westport area within walking distance to all venues.  

The family-friendly entertainment will focus on children’s venues with additional venues for the enjoyment of all ages.

The First Night buttons, which allow access to ALL venues, will be selling for $10 each this year.  Children 2 and under, as always, will be free.  We expect to have a fun filled, safe and happy event.  Please join us in this wonderful, alcohol and drug free celebration of the arts and Welcome in the New Year in downtown Westport.  

Details of the event, as they become finalized, will be posted on our website www.firstnightww.org  and in future news articles.

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Dear First Night Supporter,

Your support of First Night Westport/Weston continues a tradition that has been part of the fabric of our community life and spirit for 15 years. A tradition of celebrating the New Year through a celebration of the Arts and a tradition of community support. On behalf of the Board of Directors of First Night, our volunteers and attendees we wish to thank you for your support and for your commitment to First Night 2010.

You may have read reports of the financial difficulties facing First Night given, not only last year’s economic meltdown and ongoing downturn but also, winter’s worst storm that landed on December 31 2008. That event had a severe impact on our revenues.

Raising funds to present First Night 2010 is undoubtedly a challenge. First Night board members have been inundated with calls and messages and the message is clear “KEEP FIRST NIGHT GOING”.

We are committed to presenting a 16th First Night.
But we need your help.
With your early support, together, we can make this happen.

To ensure First Night 2010 please show your support by contributing to our fundraising drive. Please send your tax deductible donation to:
First Night Westport/Weston
PO Box 745
Westport CT

Barbara Pearson Rac, President
Denise Torve, Executive Director

While First Night 2009 is behind us, we are gearing up for First Night 2010.

Check out last year’s festival listings to get an idea of what you might see this year. Check back in early November for a complete list of this year’s festival activities!

 Thanks to all of the artist and participants of First Night 2009!

And a special thanks to our sponsors!

We look forward to First Night 2010!

Due to the weather conditions the fireworks have been cancelled by the fire marshall. Plans are to reschedule them at a later date. We will keep you posted via the blog.

Midi and the Modern Dance

“Ambience, intense lyrics, beautiful singing voices and basically anything that’s mature, intelligent rock…Midi’s tight live show and their surprisingly professional-sounding EP make the band full of promise…the thing sounds clear, mature, and the songs are varied enough to showcase their budding and wide-ranging indie-rock talents.”

Venue: Toquet Hall – 10:30 to Midnight

Your $15 button is all you need to attend this performance and all others at First Night Westport / Weston, New Year’s Eve 2009 celebration in Westport, CT. Go to www.FirstNightWW.com for details. Visitors are welcome from the nearby towns and cities in Fairfield County, CT. and beyond.

First Night Venue Map

To help you get around on New Year’s Eve in Downtown Westport, here is a map of the First Night Venues.

Inn at National Hall

The Inn at National Hall, 2 Post Road West, just a short walk over the bridge from Main Street, is opening its doors to First Night visitors. Between 5pm – 10pm, complimentary hot beverages will be offered to First Night attendees who show their button.

Stroll over to this beautiful historic building, warm up with hot drinks and then rejoin the festivities. Or if you’re leaving early with your children, stop in on your way home. The entrance to the Inn at National Hall is right off their parking lot.

First Night 2009 Button

If you don’t buy online, here’s where you can walk in and buy your First Night Westport / Weston button, your ticket to every event! Buttons are $15 each (Children age 2 and under are free).

Westport: Westport Public Library, Westport Arts Center, Westport Weston Family Y, Westport Senior Center, Trader Joe’s, Oscar’s Deli, TD Bank, Whole Foods, Max’s Art supply

Weston:Weston Hardware

Fairfield: Chef’s Table, Fairfield

On New Year’s Eve day, 12/31, in the lobby of  the Westport Weston Family Y, 59 Post Road East, corner of Main St. and the Post Road, after 2PM.

Venue: Westport Senior Center – 21 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT

CULVER CASSON  …..  6PM – 6:45PM, 7PM – 7:30PM

Culver Casson’s delightful show has a New York orientation; its working title is “Wishful Thinking” and it includes songs old and new, a good dose of Broadway and some classics – in short, a smattering of many styles.  Some composers are recognizable names, some are NY based, there are those long gone while others are known to Culver.  But their songs tell the story of the hopes and wishes of a girl new to the city who eventually makes her dreams come true.  You’ll leave the show wishfully thinking for more.

LESLIE OROFINO  ……. 8PM – 9PM

Acclaimed Westport vocalist, Leslie Orofino, consistently attracts sold-out audiences wherever she performs.  Her cabaret stage performances have received major accolades  from critics and audiences.  At tonight’s show “Let’s Misbehave” Leslie will be accompanied by Keith Graham on piano.

JODI  KEOGAN  …….  9:30 – 10:15PM,  10:30 – 11:00PM

Jodi Keogan, the internationally acclaimed soprano who dazzled us in 2002 and 2003, is returning with her unique show and her bigger-than-ever voice. This songstress will perform toe tapping, thought provoking tunes that will take you down memory lane.  Think Judy Garland and Big Band, and a hint of Neapolitan melodies.  Since Jodi last performed at First Night, she has landed lead roles in Italian opera houses and continues to pursue her professional music career both here and abroad.

Please note: show times are approximate.

Your $15 button is all you need to attend these performances and all others at First Night Westport / Weston, New Year’s Eve 2009 celebration in Westport, CT. Go to www.FirstNightWW.com for details. Visitors are welcome from the nearby towns and cities in Fairfield County, CT. and beyond.

Venue: TD Bank, 185 Main St., Westport, CT

The ever popular MARY ANN HALL’S MUSIC FOR CHILDREN presents  “THE HALLABALOOS”  ……..   3:30 – 4.00PM, 4:30 – 5PM, 5:30 – 6PM

An interactive family concert with Mary Ann Hall, Bill, Emily & Daniel Hall.  You will Rock Around the Clock, Rock & Roll the River, Play an Earth-chestra, Dance with Cotton Eyed Joe and celebrate 2009 with a rockin’ good time!!

PAT MASON, ANIMAL CARICATURES ……  3PM – 6PM

Popular artist, Pat Mason creates animal caricatures for all First Nighters.

MIKE VALENTINE, CARICATURES  …….   3PM – 7PM

Caricaturist Mike Valentine, will capture you with his funny but flattering drawings.

STEVE, THE BALLOON GUY  …….  3PM – 7PM

A Westport favorite, Steve the Balloon Guy, designs fanciful creations.

Please note: show times are approximate.

Your $15 button is all you need to attend these events and all others at First Night Westport / Weston, New Year’s Eve 2009 celebration in Westport, CT. Go to www.FirstNightWW.com for details. Visitors are welcome from the nearby towns and cities in Fairfield County, CT. and beyond.