Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Happy New Year! You’re invited to attend First Night—Northampton’s most beloved signature event. Since 1985, First Night Northampton has filled Paradise City with a 12-hour, family-friendly festival of the arts, culminating in a traditional ball-raising from the roof of the Hotel Northampton. Gather with friends, neighbors, and visitors at over 20 terrific downtown venues for an astounding array of entertainment presented by hundreds of talented performers.
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At this dark time of the year, join SHOW Circus Studio's professional and student circus artists as we explore and celebrate the many facets of light. Come along on a fun and fantastic escape - journey with us among shadows, waves, and colors as our acrobats and aerialists fly through the air. Let there be light! (All acts conducted under strict safety procedures.)
Tuesday December 31, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Academy of Music
A hands on, popular event for people of all ages, abilities and experience. FLOW is a fun activity that creates community as people learn together to express their personal creativity through movement, in collaboration with others using a variety of equipment and props. FLOW props and juggling equipment available for use by participants. Instructors provided for all levels, beginners especially welcome. Not a performance to watch, but something to actually do. Poi, Hoops, rings, scarves, balls and much much more.
My magic show is a comedy show that uses a lot of audience participation. The kids are the stars because they make the magic happen. I usually have lots of trouble! I don’t just “do a trick” I tell a story that revolves around each trick. It may be a short story or a longer one, but each story helps to bring the trick together. Every child who comes on “stage” to be a helper receives a souvenir! The show is appropriate for ages three and up.
Tuesday December 31, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Edwards Church
Henry the Juggler (AKA Henry Lappen) is wanted! He is wanted by audiences everywhere for his zany attempts to defy the laws of gravity. He juggles any number of balls, clubs, rings, members of the audience . . . He balances strange items on the tip of his nose. Everything is accomplished wordlessly as Henry uses body language (and road signs!) to express himself. Caution: Henry is known to use innocent bystanders in his act. Henry the Juggler is a professional. He has been seen by tens of thousands up and down the East Coast - at theaters, schools, libraries and festivals. He has been performing for almost 40 years. He studied physical comedy at California's Dell'Arte School and continues his development with classes in tango and yoga. He is an active member of the International Jugglers' Association.
For 25 years, Mad Science has been bringing its unique brand of “edu-tainment” to children of Western New England through spectacular stage shows, after-school programs, in-school workshops, parties, activity booths and summer programs. Now you can ring in the New Year with a spectacular Mad Science show. Come see a one-of-a-kind exploration of the science of the season and more, featuring dazzling demonstrations and interactive fun. Kids of all ages will be entertained by amazing scientific antics...but watch out - if they are not VERY CAREFUL - they just might learn something!
At this dark time of the year, join SHOW Circus Studio's professional and student circus artists as we explore and celebrate the many facets of light. Come along on a fun and fantastic escape - journey with us among shadows, waves, and colors as our acrobats and aerialists fly through the air. Let there be light! (All acts conducted under strict safety procedures.)
Talking Hands Theatre BUGABOO REVUE Some people think creepy crawlies are just plain gross. But if you look closely, each bug in the garden has a song to sing about the special job it does to help plants grow. Wiggle like a worm, flutter like a ladybug, buzz like a fly, and more, along with the puppets in this show as each one sings a song to convince Miss Rosie why she needs bugs in her garden.
Downtown Sounds Music SchoolFeaturing youth performers from Downtown Sounds Music School! Our talented roster of 20+ instructors offer a wide variety of instrument lessons for all ages. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your abilities, our teachers are passionate about working with you to meet your musical goals! https://downtownsounds.com/music-school/
Tuesday December 31, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Downtown Sounds
My magic show is a comedy show that uses a lot of audience participation. The kids are the stars because they make the magic happen. I usually have lots of trouble! I don’t just “do a trick” I tell a story that revolves around each trick. It may be a short story or a longer one, but each story helps to bring the trick together. Every child who comes on “stage” to be a helper receives a souvenir! The show is appropriate for ages three and up.
Tuesday December 31, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Edwards Church
Henry the Juggler (AKA Henry Lappen) is wanted! He is wanted by audiences everywhere for his zany attempts to defy the laws of gravity. He juggles any number of balls, clubs, rings, members of the audience . . . He balances strange items on the tip of his nose. Everything is accomplished wordlessly as Henry uses body language (and road signs!) to express himself. Caution: Henry is known to use innocent bystanders in his act. Henry the Juggler is a professional. He has been seen by tens of thousands up and down the East Coast - at theaters, schools, libraries and festivals. He has been performing for almost 40 years. He studied physical comedy at California's Dell'Arte School and continues his development with classes in tango and yoga. He is an active member of the International Jugglers' Association.
A Heck of a Way to Stay Warm: Stories and Songs that Celebrate Winter’s Hidden Light In this program nationally renowned storyteller/musician John Porcino will spin a patchwork quilt of his most beloved tales and songs to celebrate the holiday season and warm up the chilly winter's day. Together we'll enter a world were woolen mittens burst into laughter and snow banks melt to reveal a blooming heart. Joyful, warm, playful stories and songs that celebrate Winter's hidden light.
Talking Hands TheatreBUGABOO REVUE Some people think creepy crawlies are just plain gross. But if you look closely, each bug in the garden has a song to sing about the special job it does to help plants grow. Wiggle like a worm, flutter like a ladybug, buzz like a fly, and more, along with the puppets in this show as each one sings a song to convince Miss Rosie why she needs bugs in her garden.
Tom Knight - Musical Puppet ShowA creative at work and entertainer at heart, Tom Knight brings fun, whimsy, and personality to the center stage. A pinch of puppetry, a dash of music, and a sprinkling of educational classes for young children have been baking for more than 35 years to create an engaging, delightful persona that has charmed audiences around the world. Some themes include celebrating reading (“The Library Boogie”), protecting the environment (“The Garbage Monster”), science (“The Solar System”), and Spanish/English bilingual education (“¡Salta Caiman!/Alligator Jump!”). Tom has performed more than 1000 times at schools, pre-schools, libraries, festivals, and museums across the country, including the Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. Western Massachusetts performances include the Green River Festival, River’s Meltdown, First Night Northampton, and the Forbes Library. He recently released his 6th album of music for families - Look Both Ways.
John Higby is the Yo-Yo Guy! He has performed his unique high-energy comedy yo-yo show in 26 countries from New Zealand to Japan, holds the world yo-yo champion title and 4 Guinness World Records.
A Heck of a Way to Stay Warm: Stories and Songs that Celebrate Winter’s Hidden Light In this program nationally renowned storyteller/musician John Porcino will spin a patchwork quilt of his most beloved tales and songs to celebrate the holiday season and warm up the chilly winter's day. Together we'll enter a world were woolen mittens burst into laughter and snow banks melt to reveal a blooming heart. Joyful, warm, playful stories and songs that celebrate Winter's hidden light.
The Happier Family Comedy ShowThe Happier Family Comedy Show is a high energy, interactive, big and silly comedy show for all ages! Experienced improvisers from Happier Valley Comedy make up stories, scenes, and games on the spot using your suggestions and participation. Let's make your Happy Family HAPPIER!
We are the Juice and Jelly Funtime Band, a three-piece band (guitar, upright bass, and drums) that plays original music written for kids and their families. Our music is a bit folky, a little rock’n’roll, and even sorta educational! We bring joy and silliness to our performances and love to have kids and families dancing, swaying, and laughing to our songs and skits.
Tuesday December 31, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Edwards Church
Tom Knight - Musical Puppet ShowA creative at work and entertainer at heart, Tom Knight brings fun, whimsy, and personality to the center stage. A pinch of puppetry, a dash of music, and a sprinkling of educational classes for young children have been baking for more than 35 years to create an engaging, delightful persona that has charmed audiences around the world. Some themes include celebrating reading (“The Library Boogie”), protecting the environment (“The Garbage Monster”), science (“The Solar System”), and Spanish/English bilingual education (“¡Salta Caiman!/Alligator Jump!”). Tom has performed more than 1000 times at schools, pre-schools, libraries, festivals, and museums across the country, including the Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. Western Massachusetts performances include the Green River Festival, River’s Meltdown, First Night Northampton, and the Forbes Library. He recently released his 6th album of music for families - Look Both Ways.
John Higby is the Yo-Yo Guy! He has performed his unique high-energy comedy yo-yo show in 26 countries from New Zealand to Japan, holds the world yo-yo champion title and 4 Guinness World Records.
Shiprock & Anchordog is a multimedia storytelling project following the adventures of two kind dogs as they move across enchanted landscapes and make many friends as they go. With Clara on bass, Lucy on drums, and Evan on guitar, the stories are shared through songs in a whimsical, energetic live performance.
Tuesday December 31, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EST
Edwards Church
Introducing the formidable duo from the heart of Western Massachusetts, the Rocking Puppies! This extraordinary father-and-daughter punk band has been igniting stages and captivating audiences with their infectious energy and boundless enthusiasm for over two years. With the ageless dad at the helm, accompanied by his pint-sized 8-year-old rockstar daughter, the Rocking Puppies have become a force to be reckoned with in the local music scene.
Tuesday December 31, 2024 5:00pm - 5:45pm EST
Edwards Church
