Animal of the Hour
2:00-8:00 every hour, on the hour
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences,
Third Floor –Windows on the World - Site 6

Ballroom Dancing
7:30-11:00
Sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina
Media Sponsor: Boom! Magazine
Sir Walter Apartments Ballroom – Site 23
Come and dance the night away with demonstrations in ballroom, swing, Latin and Country Western dance.

Barefoot Movement
8:30-10:00
North Carolina Museum of History, Demo Gallery – Site 3 (CAP 50)
Barefoot Movement is an upcoming acoustic quartet from North Carolina. New to the music scene, professionally speaking, the group is taking its time, pursuing every opportunity that comes along, including anything and everything that gives them a chance to perform.

Cashore Marionettes
8:00
Media Sponsor: The Carolina Times
“Life In Motion”
North Carolina Museum of History, Daniels Auditorium - Site 2 (CAP 300)
NOTE: This show runs 75 minutes long and is recommended for adults and children ages 12 and up.
World-renowned puppeteer Joseph Cashore has been designing and performing with his marionettes for more than 30 years. His shows celebrate life and engage audiences with their movement, colors, and themes.  Cashore has earned several awards, including a Citation of Excellence from UNIMA, the oldest international theater organization in the world.
http://www.cashoremarionettes.com

Chuck Davis & the African American Dance Ensemble
7:30, 8:30 and 10:00
Sponsored by Cherokee Investment Partners
Media Sponsor: The Triangle Tribune Newspaper
First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall – Site 14 (CAP 325)
Celebrate community spirit to the beat of ancient rhythms. The choreographic works of the Dance Ensemble depict customs, traditions and occasions of African life. For over a decade, Chuck Davis has taken annual trips to Africa to study African dance and art traditions. “In the village, we humble ourselves as we dance and sing for the elders’ approval which is never readily given. Our knees touch our shoulders as we jump, spin and create new moves from ancient sources trapped in the belly of the drum emitting rhythm after rhythm. And we dance. What I learn I return to the States and share.” – Chuck Davis
http://www.africanamericandanceensemble.org

Cynthia Jones
8:00 and 9:00
Sponsored by CARQUEST Auto Parts
Media Sponsor: The Connection Place Magazine
First Baptist Church Sanctuary, Wilmington Street – Site 18 (CAP 425)
This chanteuse of gospel and soul has been performing and writing music since eighth grade. Called the Eyrkah Badu of gospel, the Raleigh native released her debut album, “Almost Midnight” in 2000, with “Turn to You” following in 2003. Her third project, “Soulology” was released in 2005 and proved to be her strongest effort. She received the Prestige Award for Female Vocalist of the Year of the North Carolina Announcer’s Guild.
http://www.cynthiajones.com 

David Parmley and Continental Divide
7:00, 8:00, 9:00, and 10:00
Sponsored by Tharrington Smith, LLP
Co-presented by PineCone, The Piedmont Council of Traditional Music
First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary – Site 13 (CAP 500)
A native of Southern California, David Parmley is a founding member of the internationally acclaimed, Bluegrass Cardinals. In 18 years, the Cardinals recorded fifteen separate projects, made appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, the Ralph Emory Show and performed at the White House for former President Jimmy Carter. In 1994 David formed Continental Divide. Other members include Dale Perry, Jimmy Cameron, and Billy Hurt, Jr.  Known for his soulful voice and driving rhythm guitar, David has notched many awards, including International Bluegrass Music Association’s “Recorded Event of the Year” 1991 and 1995. Continental Divide became an instant success claiming IBMA’s coveted, “Emerging Artist of the Year” award in 1995.
http://www.davidparmleyandcontinentaldivide.com

Enloe Woodwind Ensemble
7:30
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Acro Café – Site 7 (CAP 50)
Flashback Zone
Fayetteville Street 200 Block, Between Hargett and Martin – Site 19
Be sure to wear a Flower in Your Hair (or make one here at the First Night Hippie Flower Making Station) when you step back in time to the summer of Peace, Love, and Understanding. Watch flower child Julia Hartsell spin hoops of fire, walk through the psychedelic zone, listen to the sounds of the 60s and don’t freak out!

A Full Circle – Fire Dance

Fayetteville Street 200 Block, Between Hargett and Martin

Fire dance touches our spirits by returning us to a primal, elemental aspect of our beings. With this ritual, we may commune with the power of fire, rhythm, movement, transformation and magic. A Full Circle will ignite the evening with their dazzling dance.

http://www.afullcircle.net

Ghost and Spice Productions
Selections from David Ives’ “All in the Timing”
7:00, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00
Sponsored by Lunsford & Strickland, P.A.
Media Sponsor: Fairway Outdoor Advertising
Highway Building Auditorium – Site 17 (CAP 325)
Ghost and Spice Productions present this John Gassner Playwriting Award winning evening of comedies that combine, wit, intellect, satire and just plain fun!  The New York Times said this play is, “Like sketches for some hilarious, celestially conceived revue.  The writing is not only very funny, it has density of thought and precision of poetry—“All in the Timing” is by a master of fun. David Ives spins hilarity out of words.”

J. Chachula of The Flying Machine Theatre Company is guest directing this performance for Ghost and Spice Productions. Chachula co-founded Flying Machine in 1999 and is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
http://www.ghostandspice.com

Gold Leaf Sleigh Rides
8:00-11:00
Sponsored by Capital Associates
Media Sponsor: IA DigitalWorks
State Capitol Grounds at Morgan Street – Site 15
Catch a ride on John Wesley Smith’s horse-drawn sleigh. Don’t miss this annual First Night favorite! Button is required.

Jason the Juggler
Fayetteville Street 200 Block, Between Hargett and Martin
Jason Huneke’s high-energy performances amaze adults and children alike. Juggling razor-sharp swords and flaming torches, Huneke keeps audiences engaged and energized.
http://www.jasonhuneke.com

Jim Alberti
Fayetteville Street 200 Block, Between Hargett and Martin
Enjoy the classic entertainment of an organ grinder.

Julius Carrasco & Dos Cabelleros
7:30, 9:00, and 10:00
Sponsored by Seby B. Jones Family
Media Sponsor: La Conexión
Capital Bank Plaza Lobby – Site 22 (CAP 75)
A versatile performer of Spanish Flamenco and Latin American music, Carrasco is a professional guitarist with more than 30 years experience. In 1996, he attended master classes in Spain taught by Gerardo Nunez, renowned as the key innovator behind nuevo flamenco. Nuevo flamenco blends jazz with flamenco for an exciting, contemporary sound. The North Carolinian has released six albums, including “Solo con la guitarra” and “Suave Flamenco.”
http://juliuscarrasco.com/

Killer Filler!
9:00-11:00
Sponsored by Bank of America
Media Sponsor: The Technician
First Baptist Church Sanctuary, Salisbury Street – Site 11 (CAP 425)
Killer Filler hails from Hillsborough, and has been rocking The Triangle since 2004. The band plays entirely instrumental music, with a penchant for 1960’s-stye surf, Memphis soul, lounge, and New Orleans funk. The brainchild of guitarist Chris Bess, the band also features Pete Gamble, Byron Settle, Mark Murphy, and Rusty Miller.
http://www.myspace.com/killerfiller

Lenny Marcus Trio
7:00-8:30 Concert
9:00-11:00 Jazz Jam
Sponsored by First Citizens Bank
Media Sponsor: The Carolinian
Christ Church Parish Hall – Site 16 (CAP 150)
Lenny Marcus (keyboards), Rick Eckberg (bass), and Peter Ingram (drums) deliver a cool mix of mainstream jazz standards and hot new original compositions. Ingram has been a part of the Triangle area jazz scene for many years, including recording three albums with Group Sax. He has worked with jazz greats like Stan Getz, Clark Terry, and Charlie Byrd. Marcus lived for many years in New Orleans and had the opportunity to study under Ellis Marsalis.
www.lennymarcustrio.com

Little Windows
8:00, 9:00, and 10:00
Sponsored by Golden Corral Corporation
Media Sponsor: Carolina Woman
Church of the Good Shepherd Sanctuary – Site 12 (CAP 425)
Little Windows creates a mix of Appalachian and Irish music, and traditionally-based originals, with a special focus placed on unaccompanied ballads. Mark Weems and Julee Glaub tour together nationally and internationally with a focus on the art of the pure voice with tight harmonies in traditional songs. Instrumentation includes guitar, fiddle, banjo, flute, piano and bodhrán. Though the two have both made several recordings with other bands as well as solo projects, Julee and Mark have just released their first recording together, “Just Beyond Me.”  Many of the songs are unaccompanied and highlight Mark and Julee’s vocals. Special guests include Carl Jones from North Carolina, Pete Sutherland from Vermont, and Mark’s father even joins them for an old North Carolina mountain hymn.
http://www.littlewindows.net/

Melissa Lozoff
8:00
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Third Floor – Mountain Cove – Site 5 (CAP 50)
Interactive Storytelling:  Come join in on the fun and experience traditional tales from around the world. Become a part of the story or just sit back and enjoy, as we use costumes and props to bring our favorite stories to life! Melissa Lozoff, director of Movie Makers, an organization that teaches kids how to write, direct, film, and star in their own movies, will be our storyteller, while her assistant Maria Oglesby (and members of the audience) will help act it out.

Poetry Saloon
7:30-9:30
Sponsored by The York Companies
Media Sponsor: The Raleigh Digest
First Baptist Fellowship Hall, Salisbury Street – Site 10 (CAP 150)
Celebrate the New Year with the spoken word!  Enjoy a concert of poetry readings led by Greg Kirkpatrick.

Resolution Oak Tree
7:00-11:00
Media Sponsor: Raleigh Downtowner
Outside on 200 Block of Fayetteville Street – Site 21
Make a resolution to hang on the First Night Raleigh Resolution Oak Tree, created by local sculptor, Jennifer Van Orden

Richard Hite: A Mystical, Magical, Musical Experience
8:00-10:30
Media Sponsor: ParkGeek.com
Raleigh City Museum – Site 20
Imagine if all you had to do was to relax and listen to begin healing, would you? “A Calling of Angels With The Sounds of Sacred Gongs” is a unique musical experience. More than just a concert, these deeply moving experiences are journeys into the spiritual and promote healing on many levels. In 2002, Richard received blessings of Tibetan Lamas who sang a powerful prayer to the gongs to increase their healing energies. “If all people have to do is to come listen to this music to experience healing, then I want to make it available to everyone,” says Hite. Richard Hite is the author of “Sacred Sounds & Healing Wisdom” and a recording artist of 5 CDs such as “A Calling of Angels” and “Icaros.”
Note: This is a “lying down experience.” Bring something to lie on or cover up with. Some yoga mats may be provided for you to use.

http://www.acallingofangels.com

Strawberry Fields – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band
Early Countdown:  6:15-7:00
Sponsored by Squirt
Encore Performance:  8:30-9:15
Main Stage – Site 24
This Beatles tribute band has been performing for audiences of all ages for over a decade, including tours and a one-time-only recreation of the famous 1965 Shea Stadium concert. Each band member recreates the look and sound of John, Paul, George and Ringo. Strawberry Fields includes original cast members of the Broadway show “Beatlemania”, as well as other hit musicals.
http://www.strawberryfieldsthetribute.com

Tift Merritt
10:30 - Midnight
Main Stage – Site 24
Tift Merritt is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and recording artist.  The North Carolinian has released two studio albums on the Lost Highway label—Bramble Rose (2002) and Tambourine (2004).  Her third studio album, Another Country, is complete and slated for release in early March 2008 on the Fantasy label.  Tift quickly garnered high critical acclaim from Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Time, The Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio and CNN.  Her first two records landed on The New Yorker’s Top Ten List.  Tift’s TV appearances include Austin City Limits, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman.  Tambourine was Grammy-nominated for Best Country Album, and the Americana Music Association nominated Tift for 2004 Album, Artist and Song of the Year.
http://www.tiftmerritt.com

Transactors Improv Company
7:00, 9:00 and 10:15
Sponsored by Pearce, Brinkley, Cease & Lee PA Architecture
Media Sponsor: Fifteen501 Magazine
Fletcher Opera Theatre, Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts – Site 25 (CAP 600)
“Ad-libbed lunacy” by the Triangle’s champions of improvisations theatre. The troop builds musical and sketch comedy from whatever is on the minds of audience members, whether George Bush or the cafeteria line. Imagine a fantastical journey through time, historic events colored by your imagination and whim; or a musical with songs, characters and script composed on-the-spot with your input. Utilizing music, dance, storytelling and their skills as actors, the Transactors have spent over 20 years honing their craft. Their unique hybrid style of improvisation has earned them a national reputation with appearances from Montreal to Austin and performances on NPR and the Canadian Broadcasting Company.
http://www.transactors.org

Wake and District Public Safety Pipes and Drums
7:30 and 9:30
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Auditorium – Site 4 (CAP 300)
A rousing musical tradition of bagpipes and drums, this group is comprised of over 51% active public safety officers. The Wake & District Public Safety Pipes & Drums are patterned after the well-known “Black Watch” regiment, the 42nd Highland Light Infantry.
http://www.forourfallen.org

William Weisser
7:00 and 9:00
Sponsored by Captive-Aire Systems
Edenton Street United Methodist Church Sanctuary – Site 9 (CAP 1200)
William Weisser is a First Night favorite.  He has performed with the Chicago Symphony and the North Carolina Symphony.  Weisser has recently released a CD of 20th century organ works entitled "Music For A Sunday Afternoon".  Don’t miss his performance of The Pipe Organ: King of Instruments!

Zany Umbrella Circus
5:45 and 8:00
Sponsored by Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, LLP
Media Sponsor: Wake Living Magazine
Fletcher Theatre, Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts – Site 25 (CAP 600)
This high-flying, story-telling, audience-pleasing group features the stunts and skills of Ben Sota, Erin Carey and their friends.  They have toured all over the country and even took their show on the road to Jordan in the summer of 2007.  This Pittsburgh-based “circus” delights audiences with their aerial acts, imaginative stories, and much more!
http://www.zanyumbrellacircus.com