The excitement is building around Baristaville, as the kickoff for First Night Montclair 2006 approaches. Billed as one of New Jersey’s premier arts festivals, anyone who has ever attended can vouch for the energy and excitement permeating the streets on New Year’s Eve. Eileen Sheehan, of the First Night Comittee, tells Baristanet that sales have been brisk, with a lot of ticket requests coming from outlying towns, and Bergen County. “Montclair should easily expect to surpass the 5,000 tickets sold at last year’s event,” Sheehan said.
TICKETS are available at various locations around town. If you haven’t snagged yours by Saturday, they’ll be available until 10 p.m. at the First Night ticket office located at 544 Bloomfield Ave (it’s the old Halloween Store). To catch the opening procession beginning after Mayor Ed Remsen’s opening address, meet at the Christmas Tree on Church Street by 7 pm. Dixieland masters Doctor Dubious and the Agnostics will lead the way, followed by Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego, and the bigger than life Celestial Puppet with its entourage of mini revelers from Montclair Community Pre-K. Then mingle among the dazzling street artists, grab a bite, and get a seat for some of the best family entertainment ever.
The legendary Ritchie Havens, classical pianist Robin Spielberg, kids folk favorite Tom Chapin and Japanese mime artist Yass Hakoshima are a few of the 20 plus acts. Have fun, spread the cheer, and have a safe and Happy New Year!
has annette replaced laura as events editor? she’s so much more on top of things! prolific and insightful! thanks annette!