FIRST NIGHT HAZLETON 2011: ROSTER OF ARTISTS

Rainbow the Clown
Begin with Rainbow the Clown and friends. Have your face painted and watch as Rainbow turns balloons into fun hats, animals and more!
Trinity Lutheran Church, 5:30- 9:30 PM

The Clusters
This group who originated in 1957 still has the talent they always had with their # 10 billboard record (Pardon My heart & Darling Can't You Tell), The Clusters are a band that makes everyone who enjoys the classic genres of Italo-Doo-Wop along with acappella music close their eyes and place themselves in each and every skit their songs represent. 
Trinity Lutheran Church (hall), 6:45-7:30; 8:45-9:30; 10:45-11:30 PM

Irish Blessing
Irish Blessing, the acclaimed York, PA based family quartet, intensely and unapologetically carries on the purest forms of traditional Irish music and dance. With 4 tours of Michael Flately's LORD OF THE DANCE under his belt, and having been sought out by RIVERDANCE, Jonathon mesmerizes his audience with explosive, mind boggling dance rhythms and sweet, flowing flute tunes. He recently placed 6th in the world and was the top North American dancer for the third year.
Josh, with flying feet, is also a rising fiddle phenomenon whose phrases draw the audience into the infectious toe tapping, hand clapping world of jigs and reels. Both boys have the rare and dual distinction of competing in the World Championships of both Irish music and dance.
Hailing from New Zealand with Irish roots, Cushla provides strong rhythmic accompaniment on the piano and beautiful melodic phrases on the whistle and flute. Jim rounds out the band with the percussive palpitations of the bodhran, the traditional Irish drum. Together, Irish Blessing has electrified audiences from New Zealand to New York. Prepare to be wowed!
Trinity Lutheran Church (hall), 5:45-6:30; 7:45-8:30; 9:45-10:30 PM

Chris Ruggiero
What happens when comedy, juggling, and magic combine into one act?  It’s non-stop entertainment when Chris Ruggiero hits the stage in the One Man Variety Show.  Whether he’s juggling knives and fire on a unicycle or appearing to read the minds of audience members, nothing is off limits in the show!  Audience members become an important part of the show when they are invited to take part in the action.  Hundreds of performances have been enjoyed by colleges, resorts, corporate events and parties of all kinds!
Trinity Lutheran Church (Sunday School Room) 5:30-6:15; 7:30-8:15; 9:30-10:15 PM

The Brain Show
Be the next game show champion of First Night Hazleton! Audience members can become players in this fun-filled game show.  Three podiums with lights, sounds & buzzers set the stage.  Players answer general knowledge trivia questions & compete for prizes.  Three different age categories – age 10 & under, 10 to 16, and 16 & above – guarantee a fun time for all.
Trinity Lutheran Church (Sunday School Room), 6:30-7:15; 8:30-9:15; 10:30-11:15 PM

Local Artists’ Art Walk
Local artists to display their visual art works, including various media of paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art. 
City Hall (Council Chambers), 5:30-11:30 PM

Candy Land
Gives people of all ages a chance to play this life-size version of the favorite children’s game.  Players will receive free candy for participating. 
City Hall (Auditorium), 5:30-11:30 PM

The Oxymorons Improv Comedy Troupe
Consists of five extremely talented actors/comedians who perform hysterical, laugh-a-minute "Improv Games," familiar to those who enjoy “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”  Co-Directors, Sara Hilton and Andy Shaw, along with cast mates, Franny Marion, Randy Stamm and Toby Bradbury, produce non-stop belly laughs in a comedy event using nothing more than audience suggestions.  Since no two shows are alike, the Oxymorons'  improv games are totally unique.  They blend audience interaction with hilarious scenarios and tons of laugh lines.  The Oxymorons Improv Comedy Troupe has become famous for their short, fast-paced improv games that can be tailored to meet the comic demands of any auduence.  Members of the Oxymorons have impressive credentials and a long history in stand-up, musicals, dinner theater and stage plays. The Oxymoron Improv Comedy Troupe tours extensively, performing for college and university audiences, comedy clubs, cabarets, community theaters and corporate clients.
Christ Lutheran Church (Green St.), 6:45-7:30; 8:45-9:30; 10:45-11:30 PM

RAIL
The band RAIL from Drums, PA was started in 2008 and currently has 4 members. Nick Mischissin (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Jason Spevak (Lead Guitar, Back-Up Vocals), Michael Mischissin (Drums), and Nick Valentine (Keys, Bass, Back-Up Vocals). Many people doubt the talent of these 4 young musicians, but they are always surprised when they see how good RAIL is for their age. Nick Mischissin is 18 years old, and Jason, Michael, and Nick Valentine are all 16. RAIL plays a wide variety of music from classic to modern day rock. In addition to a broad range of cover songs, RAIL also includes some original songs in their set list. When you see RAIL, you will know that they don't just play great music; they also put on a great show!
Christ Lutheran Church (Green St.), 5:45-6:30; 7:45-8:30; 9:45-10:30 PM

"Crazy Rhythm, Fancy Feet"
A fun-filled variety show celebrating America's diverse music and dance heritage.  It is performed by the multi-talented dance duo of Bob Butryn and Eva Brothers.  The dance routines are fun theatrical interpretations of many dances that originated in America, as well as dances that developed and became popular in America.  The show includes swing, Charleston, tap, salsa, cakewalk, one-step, disco, a Fred and Ginger style fox-trot, Appalachian clogging, waltz, a dance that combines swing and hip-hop, mock modern, and other fun dances such as a tribute to 60s go-go dances.
In a world of niche entertainment in which shows are dedicated to one style, "Crazy Rhythm, Fancy Feet" comes from another angle with a "theme of versatility". 
This show is in the spirit of the cornerstone of early 20th century entertainment in America……VAUDEVILLE.
Christ Lutheran Church (Spruce St.), 6:30-7:15; 8:30-9:15; 10:30-11:15 PM

Lassue’s Wild West Show (www.trickroper.net)
Come and see how the cowboys entertained themselves out on the range by using the tools of their trade!  Lassue’s trick and fancy roping, the dare and flair of target whips, Knife juggling at its finest. Join in with crowd participation; learn to do a flat loop. Enjoy the comedy of Sheriff Wyatt and the unique skills of Cattle Kate as they take you back to the day of the cattle drives.  Bringing you some of the best western talent on the East Coast! 
Christ Lutheran Church (Spruce St.), 5:30-6:15; 7:30-8:15; 9:30-10:15 PM

Magician Bill Dickson
Bill is one of Northeastern Pa’s finest Magicians for both family and adult entertainment.  He regularly performs in the New York and Pocono areas.  Born and raised in the small town of Kingston PA and having mastered the art of prestidigitation, Bill performed for a lot of his friends and did Birthday Parties and Social functions for many years.  It was not long after doing these performances that Bill wanted more, while watching another Magician performing and producing birds out of nowhere he just had to learn these effects.  Soon after he acquired a couple of birds and started to develop his own style of Magic.  Along with making several local television appearances Bill’s magic took off, now he and his assistant perform for a wide variety of people throughout the East Coast.
First Presbyterian Church, 5:30-6:15; 7:30-8:15; 9:30-10:15 PM

There and Back Again
There & Back Again’s influences span the entire history of rock music, breaking down musical boundaries and allowing the crowd to enjoy an eclectic mix of music that they love. The band’s live show contains something for everyone including Classic Rock, 80s Hits, 70s Disco, Country, Modern Rock and everything in between. There & Back Again boasts a set list so diverse some say it’s like putting your iPOD on shuffle.
First Presbyterian Church, 6:30-7:15; 8:30-9:15; 10:30-11:15 PM

PA Theater of the Performing Arts
The Best of Broadway, featuring songs and skits from PTPA’s repertoire. 
Ferrara Center, 5:45-6:30; 8:00-8:45; 10:45-11:30 PM

Twelve Twenty-Four
Twelve Twenty Four brings their high energy, full-scale holiday rock orchestra concert to the area this year, featuring the music off their debut album Miracle on Rock Street, along with the music of the Trans Siberian Orchestra, for a one-of –a –kind holiday experience!
12/24, established in 2002, started out as a recreation of the resounding TSO, and has now evolved to their own original holiday sound, with their first album Produced by award winning engineers that worked with Madonna, Rolling Stones, Peter Gabriel, and many more,  this 10 song holiday album is sure to become a holiday staple, along with TSO and Manheim Steamroller holiday albums.
Altogether, there is a 5 piece string section, a 6 member rock band,  6 lead vocalists, a narrator, and Angel to make up this ensemble of your favorite Christmas tunes with the rock edge of a concert for families of all ages.
Ferrara Center, 6:45-7:45; 9:15-10:15 PM

Country Kids Jamboree
This is the latest presentation of Puppen Meister Productions.  This Hummel’s Wharf -based company features original marionette shows with various themes.  Country Kids Jamboree is a Rootin-Tootin good time with 15 distinct marionette puppets singing and dancing- Hold on Buckaroos!
YMCA, 5:30-6:15; 7:30-8:15; 9:30-10:15 PM

The Fabulous Chinese Acrobats
An amazing, fantastic, colorful program.  The art of Chinese acrobatics combines both physically and spiritually. Coupled with an acrobat's immense athletic strength and impeccable balance and timing is the Asian philosophy of inner strength, which focuses the body and mind to work in perfect harmony. Each individual acrobat's physical and philosophical strength combines with that of the fellow members of his or her troupe in magnificent displays of balancing, juggling, dance, comedy and magic.  Combining Chinese tradition and incredible acrobatic performances, they entertain and educate.  Performances feature outstanding balancing, martial arts, Chinese poles, foot juggling, and chair balance all in the perfect style of Chinese acrobats. 
YMCA, 6:30-7:15; 8:30-9:15; 10:30-11:15 PM

PLUS….
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides  Broad Street, 7:00-10:00 PM
Ice Sculptures
Closing procession to the…..
Pre-midnight magic show and-
MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS!!!