VIDEO: See you at First Night

So much fun, so much to do.

Here's a video that shows a bit about what last year was like.



My favorite discovery last year: Local band Deborah Page. Last year Deborah and her partner Paul Uhl played Sanford & Son and the Pythian Temple, this year you can catch them on the main stage (outdoors on Broadway, across from LeRoy's Jeweler) at 6 p.m. Deborah's lyrics and vocals are haunting and range from heartfelt ballad to total rockout and a bit o' fun with the children's rhyme "Mary Mack."

Here's a few clips of one of their last year's First Night performances.



Of course, that's just the beginning. There's Valentine's Performing Pigs, Motopony, Girltrouble, Steve the Good Enough, firedancers, pipe bands, ethnic bands, art, Lynn DiNino's "Hi Jack" art experience at 8 p.m. at 9th & Broadway and so much more.

Come out, come about and enjoy!

WHAT: First Night Tacoma-Pierce County
WHERE: Downtown Tacoma's Theater District (along Broadway, approx. between S. 7th & S. 11th)
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2008 (downtown fun begins at 6 p.m., museums free to button holders all day)
HOW MUCH: $10 gets you into museums all day, all the stages and more. 7 & younger are free.
MORE INFO: www.firstnighttacoma.org

An interesting juxtaposition ... First Night adds "The Black Pirate" to Tall Ships Shore Leave activities

Found this ancient (2004) First Night poster today still affixed to one of downtown's "Happenings" boards, with a Tall Ships Shore Leave poster on top of it. First Night (the current incarnation) will be taking part in the extracurriculars by offering a showing of "The Black Pirate" at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at the Rialto.

This classic silent movie will be accompanied by renowned (Tacoman!) organist Dennis James and should be quite the experience. Tickets are $15, and attendees can enter a free raffle to win a First Night Family Pack, tickets to the Prairie Home Companion's summer stop at Marymoor Park, Revels tickets and more! Click here for Shore Leave details!

For Black Pirate tickets: LeRoy Jewelers (940 Broadway), Glenna's Clothing (783 Broadway), King's Books (218 St. Helen's) and, the day of, you can also find them at the Broadway Center box office (901 Broadway).



Argh, matey!

Reliving a bit of First Night

It was such a weekend that it's taken until now for me to have regained enough energy to recount any of it. Good food, good friends, good fun ... and Sunday was the icing on the cake. A little First Night shin dig to close the book on "2008" as we leap into 2009 planning (mind you, that's for this Dec. 31, 2008).

Deborah Page & Paul Uhl (order your CD here) graced the group with their sweet rockin' tunes ... so great that a couple folks didn't realize that was LIVE music that was being heard. It was fun to tune people into the fact that they were not only live, but extremely local and extremely talented. And to wrap up the event, the Tokens jumped into the action and entranced many. And I got to see my baby brother in improv action! Yay!

For those of you who missed First Night, you can get a video synopsis here. Thanks again, AdamTheAlien!

A few photos from the evening:

VIDEO: Re-live First Night this week ...

I'm still in a post-First Night giddy state of mind, probably hyped by the fact that at least TWO First Night performers are playing in Tacoma THIS WEEK! On WEDNESDAY, Deborah Page will be performing with Paul Uhl at this month's 100th Monkey event at Jazzbones. Never been to a Monkey event? There's nothing to fear, just ask Daniel Blue. All you gotta do is show up and go meet three new people! On THURSDAY, Handful of Luvin' will be playing Club Masa. The scary thing? I was reminded about the latter by my dentist. I knew I had an awesome dentist, and that just sealed the deal.

So in case you need any reason to get out and about this week, there's two reasons to brave the blustery weather. If you need another, here's some First Night nostalgia for you:



Thanks again, Adam.

First Night followup: Found a new love ...

Wow. I now know the magic that is First Night. While the kids weren't quite up to my full to-do list, we had a fabulous time this New Year's Eve. We hopped on the free Tacoma LINK and made it to the Museum of Glass in time for all the munchkins to make "cone head" hats and hang out in the hot shop for awhile (my dad had never been -- and he quite enjoyed it). We even got to peruse the current "Mining Glass" and "Contrasts" exhibits to the 7-year-old's delight (she's obsessed with the Museum of Glass for about three years now) ... the 2-year-old announced "don't touch!" at every stop. We ran into some other parents from my kid's preschool, someone from work, a friend of my parents' from way back when, one of our city council folk ... and many, many other folks wandering to and fro (and it wasn't even 5 yet!) It was amazing to see so many people filling the streets and wandering downtown Tacoma.

Then, it was time for dinner. With four kids 7 & younger in tow, this was no small feat ... as there were only three adults, and one had to make it to Sanford & Son by 6, so location was essential. But did I mention little kids? The solution was easy: Puget Sound Pizza! We got a cheese pizza and Hawaiian pizza and I've never seen my kids or their cousin inhale so much pizza. I swear one of the pieces was bigger than their head, and it was gone in a flash. We had nothing to pack into our backpack when we left. And we adults actually paced ourselves. Oh, and here we ran into TONS of First Night button wearers, including a friend and member of this circus troupe.

After that, it was time to entertain the kids. So we attempted what everyone else with kids did: Valentine's Performing Pigs. Let's just say the Rialto was packed. We were running late and we ended up cramming six of us into four seats in the very back row of the far corner of the highest balcony. Did I mention packed? After that, we went outside into the oddly balmy winter weather and enjoyed the main stage for awhile. And ran into Mr. Exit133, Mr. & Mrs. FeedTacoma, tux-wearing County Councilman Tim Farrell, a former coworker ... and so many more folks. I'm always amazed how in Tacoma, even among a crowd of thousands, you can find so many friendly faces.

Fast-forwarding, we caught the parade, led by the unsinkable TacomaMama, that had pirates and roller derby girls and some awesome Chinese dancing dragons -- and a great drum performance. Then, it was off to the Instrument Petting Zoo where my kids wandered around with several other "kids" of all ages who were trying out all kinds of instruments. A trombone, trumpet, one-man-band contraption, guitars of all sizes, a flute, clarinet, lots of percussion instruments, a keyboard, and even a theremin, which my eldest fell thoroughly in love with. By the end, we'd determined the eldest had a thing for the zany (the theremin) as well as the flute, which she made music with on the first try. Her cousin leaned toward the piano and the clarinet (weird, her mom played clarinet). My middle one, he was all over the trombone (like his dad) and all the guitars. And the baby girl grabbed a baby guitar and a stick and started pretending to play violin. It was pretty cool. After about an hour we managed to pry the kids from petting the instruments and headed back outside and back to the main stage, where they ran and ran and ran and danced and danced and danced.

At this point I realized I wasn't going to be checking off pretty much ANYTHING on my original list, and I was okay with that. We were having a fabulous time. Between the kids' joy, time with my dad, all the street performers and the people in the street, the outdoor music and the things we made indoors, I was lacking nothing. But then, miracle of miracles happened ... the kids got cranky, my dad and I took them home, and then dad was willing to have some grandpa time and I GOT TO GO BACK!!! WITHOUT KIDS! I met back up with my hubby and some other pals at Galanga for a late-night snack and then headed through the crowds (it was great to see the Helm brimming with activity) over to the Deborah Page performance at Sanford & Son.

And that's where I fell in love all over again ... my husband has no need to fear, but now that I finally got my arse over to Sanford & Son, I'm sure to be back. A lot. And Deborah Page is, well, simply divine. (And I hear she plays there on Third Thursdays; yay!) The magic of Deborah's muse in the eclectic Sanford & Son space was hypnotizing. After that, the rest was icing. The music, the people, the spectacular top-of-the-parking-lot fireworks ... it was fabulous.

Can't wait until next New Year's Eve! So see you at First Night 2009 (remember, that's Dec. 31, 2008). You all likely have new calendars this week, put it on there! New Year's Eve 2008 in downtown Tacoma will be fabulously fun: Don't say you weren't warned.

Proof 2008 is the "Year of the Pirate"

Some people giggled at the First Night "Year of the Pirate" theme, which was in part just for fun and costume opportunities, and in part because this year's Tall Ships theme is also pirates. But I don't think anyone predicted the theme taking on a life of its own, at least not quite so soon ...

To see what I mean, check out today's News Tribune story about the first baby of the year.

Spooky.

TONIGHT IS FIRST NIGHT! And the weather is fabulous

I have to say, while driving back to Tacoma-land on Saturday through wind and sleet and snow ... I was beginning to wonder what tonight's weather for First Night would be like. But this morning, I'm shocked by the first blue skies I've seen in ages. You can hardly tell that this city just had a white-ish Christmas. I take this as a good sign ... a sign that First Night is back. So go out and enjoy!

Our family's plans ...

• Hit the museums this afternoon (my eldest is OBSESSED with the glass museum and the boy loves his trains)
• Fold some paper cranes and wish for a Happy New Year. I was going to wish for a less emotionally wrenching New Year, but I know perfectly well that s*** grows great flowers. So I'll take my ups and downs and live each day as best I can.
• Valentine's Performing Pigs. With a pack o' munchkins all 7 & younger trailing behind us, this one's a must. Gotta throw them kids a bone.
• Tokens Improv. We like improv in our house.
• Deborah Page. I've been listening to her stuff on MySpace this week and I'm hooked.
• And tons more ... I kinda wanna see Alex Duncan, the Smilin' Scandinavians, The Elephants and a few others too. And I'm excited to see the fire dancers and the roller derby gals. And the SOTA pirates. There should be much to see and do ...
  

See you at First Night! Will you make it to the fireworks?

1 Night Until First Night: Will you make it to the fireworks?

It's the night before First Night, and all through the house ... I'm realizing I need to make my plan of attack TONIGHT! With so much to choose from, and several young kids in tow, and trying to plan dinner with friends around our and their First Night duties, I need to be more organized than I've ever been before and actually put together a schedule. A schedule that will likely include contingencies for sending the kids home before the fireworks ... or at least some of them. Luckily grandpa will be in town and might be able to be bribed with a Guinness or two (waiting at home in the fridge) and a pizza to head home a bit early if needed.

By the way, have I mentioned the FIREWORKS? They're being done by the same folks who did fireworks at Evel Knievel's funeral -- so you know they're gonna be good. Because you know Evil would go out with a quite a bang ...

Here's crossing my fingers that we'll make it to the end. With all of us standing. But here's the realistic side of me knowing that if my 7-year-old, 5-year-old, 2-year-old and their 7-year-old cousin don't drive us bonkers by midnight, it will be a Christmas miracle for sure. Parents out there: I see you nodding ... I see you shaking your heads ...

See you at First Night!

2 Nights Until First Night: Photo Op!

It was suggested recently by a brilliant woman that First Night would be a great opportunity to take advantage of the most recent and most hysterical neon light funniness that is currently "Tacoma Elf Storage" (located at S. 26th & Holgate ... near Commencement Bay Coffee) for a fun self or family portrait.

You'll be downtown anyhow, so grab your camera, grab your sweetie and any other nearby friends and family members and position yourself on a sidewalk where the sign glows behind and wa-lah! Your New Year's letter photo!

What? You sent out Christmas cards? Well, you're just too organized for me. Let's just say I'LL be looking for my New Year's letter photo with family in tow ... I just hope they haven't replace the lights yet ...

See you at First Night!

3 Nights Until First Night: Your LINK to New Year's Eve Fun

In case you hadn't noticed, downtown parking is becoming a hot commodity. So when it comes to navigating First Night activities, check out downtown Tacoma's LINK light rail! Not only will small children consider it an attraction all on its own, but the LINK allows you to park for free at the Tacoma Dome station (across from Freighthouse Square) and ride up and down downtown (also for free) with ease. And on Dec. 31, it runs until 12:45 a.m. -- plenty of time to enjoy the countdown and fireworks and make it back to your car.

See you at First Night!

4 Nights Until First Night: Practice Your Paper Crane Folding

On Dec. 31, as part of First Night festivities, you have the opportunity to become part of a permanent exhibit at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center! From 5 to 8 p.m., First Night participants are invited into the center at 934 Broadway, Ste. 5 (next to the Children's Museum) to participate in attempting to fold 1,000 paper cranes during First Night.

According to the announcement, "an ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane. In recent years, the crane has become a symbol of peace." That's sounds pretty cool to me ... whether a wish or a symbol of peace, or a joint wish for peace from all the First Night folks, that's a powerful thing.

Not sure how to fold a crane? Have no fear, they'll teach you. But if you want to practice and hone your skills, click here for some easy how-to instructions.

See you at First Night ... let's all fold a crane and make a wish for the New Year!

5 nights until First Night -- Bonus button benefits!

Sure, buy a First Night button and you'll get into all sorts of festivities Dec. 31 at the Rialto, Pantages, Theater on the Square and so much more -- but there are some added button benefits that you might not realize, such as:

1. Free admission into the Museum of Glass 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 31 (they'll be making Cone Head party hats from 1 to 4!)
2. Free admission into the Washington State History Museum 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 31 (second to last day to check out the 12th annual Model Train Festival)
3. Free admission to the Children's Museum from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 31. (visitors can fold special pirate hats).
4. Restaurant discounts! And restaurants open LATE! There's a big list of 'em! (Guess what I'm excited about.) Infinite Soups will be open until midnight, giving out free rolls to soup-ordering button-holders. Tully's is offering free tumblers for the first 100 buttonholders to come in on Dec. 31. Over the Moon Café is open until midnight. Button holders can get 2 cupcakes for the price of 1 at Hello! Cupcake on Dec. 31. Galanga Thai and TWOKOI offer up a free appetizer with entrée purchase. Extra-special reservations-needed menu at Paddy Coyne's and Pacific Grill. Stadium Bistro has a party on Dec. 31, but they're offering discounts ALL THIS WEEK to folks who get their button early. All-night happy hour at the downtown El Toro. Then there's all the crazy, crazy button-holders-only discounts and other specials at India Mahal, Broadway Quick Stop, Ravenous, the Varsity Grill, Pastrami's Eatery and more ... go here for the most up-to-date list and a map!

First Night buttons are just $7 in advance, or $8 on Dec. 31. Kids 7 and younger are free.

You can get your button online here, or in person at the following locations:

• LeRoy Jewelers
• Glenna's Clothing
  
• King's Books
• Museum of Glass
• Sanford & Son
  
• Broadway Center ticket booth (Dec. 31 only)

See you there! Oh ... and if you want to dress up for First Night, there's plenty of costume opps, and apparently Funkoma Vintage is TOTALLY getting into the spirit! Check 'em out!

THIS JUST IN: Junior Bizarre will be open for First Night (until midnight!) and is offering 20% off everything, plus free coffee and snacks.

Be a Friend of First Night ...

It might be only Midsummer's Eve, but the folks working to ensure a fabulous First Night Tacoma-Pierce County celebration (guess what I've been up to lately) are working hard to make this arts-centric, fun-for-all-ages, alcohol-free New Year's Eve bash a Tacoma mainstay once again.

To find out how to become a Friend of First Night -- which gets you special All-Access Credentials, including the VIP reception area -- go to firstnighttacoma.org/sponsor
and donate online or find where to send a check. Friend of First Night memberships start at $100.

AND A QUICK DEADLINE REMINDER: Make your donation twice as nice! First Night has an offer right now from a generous soul to match your donations dollar for dollar -- whether $5 or $500 -- until July 31. That's only days away! If you've been thinking about donating, please consider doing it now. Go here to donate online or find the P.O. Box address to mail a check to.

Wonder what First Night is?

To be held December 31 in Downtown Tacoma, First Night Tacoma-Pierce County is an opportunity for friends and family to say farewell to the old year and hello to the new with a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and most of all fabulously FUN celebration. In the past, there have been giant puppets, parades, racing pigs, rolling "heads," and a plethora of talented musicians and an eclectic mix of performers, crafts and activities for the kids, fireworks and so much more. Go to www.firstnighttacoma.org for more information.

And my personal plea ...

I'm a newbie on the First Night Tacoma-Pierce County crew, but I'm hoping this will be the first year of many. For years I meant to go, but either had to work, was too pregnant, was out-of-town or what-not. And then, just as I was finally ready, it went away -- and I learned the hard lesson of what happens when good things are taken for granted. And I'm thrilled that several patient people have kept with the effort of getting the books back in he black and not giving up on a good thing. So when given the opportunity to lend a hand, I jumped at the chance to help bring back an incredible celebration to Pierce County. I've given time, what dollars I could, and now I implore my friends, family and the blogosphere to show their support where possible.

Asking for money is never fun, but here I ask. Please consider a donation to First Night, whether a token donation, a Friend of First Night membership or one of the business sponsorship opportunities that will soon be posted. And then come reap the rewards of your generosity on Dec. 31; help us kick off the Year of the Pirate.