First Night 2004
Over the past 12 years, First Night has attracted folks of all ages and ethnicities to downtown St. Petersburg with its promise of a New Year's Eve celebration minus all the drunken tomfoolery. The event showcases various performing and visual arts groups and individuals in our community, and the following is a variety of First Night happenings that we feel are worthy of your undivided attention:
Bay Front Medical Center presents an assortment of diversions for youngsters at The Arts Center (719 Central Ave.). From 5:30 to 8 p.m., kids can enjoy a musical petting zoo with the Original Second Time Arounders Band, take part in mask-making activities or play around in an interactive Didgeridoo program. Bay Front also hosts a New Year's Eve Monster Ball with Smuppets at 6 and 7:15 p.m., and magic, juggling and ventriloquism by Razzmatazz at 5:30 and 8 p.m.
Other amusements for the kids include performances of Who Put the Sea Serpent in My Soup? by Lance Littlefish and friends (6:30 and 8 p.m. at Children's Theater Stage, 211 Third St. S.), and storytelling by Pinellas library storytellers and Windell Campbell (7 to 9:30 p.m. at Mirror Lake Library, 280 Fifth St. N.). For teens, there's Club First Night, which features dancing, games, prizes and contests by T.A.S.C.O., St. Pete's youth activity programmers (Williams Park, Fourth Street N. and Second Avenue N.).
There's virtually any type of music you might want to hear at the numerous music stages, from gospel to jazz to good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll. On the Chamber Music Stage (First Central Tower Lobby, 360 Central Ave.) Bay Area Chamber Music showcases its youth strings and woodwinds ensemble, and also presents classical bell arrangements by the First Presbyterian Handbell Ringers (7-10 p.m.). On the Gospel Stage (First Methodist Church Chapel, 212 Third St. N.), you can check out a performance by The Voices of Praise, a four-woman gospel and praise group (6:30-7:30 p.m.), a concert on the city's largest organ by Rick Nay (7:30-8:30 p.m.), and excerpts from Langston Hughes' Black Nativity by Sharon Scott (8:30-9:30 p.m.). Rounding out the bunch are Belinda Womack and The Gospel Praise, a 30-voice strong gospel choir who perform from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. Lastly, you can shake it down to the sounds of live Cajun music by Gumbo Boogie Band while sampling yummy Cajun foods served up by the Cajun Festival (7 to 11:30 p.m. at the Finale Stage, North Straub Park, Beach Drive and Fourth Avenue N.). For more First Night music recommendations, please see our Music Menu.
If you're looking for some international fare, head to the India Stage (Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E.) and see dancers from India as they showcase their culture through movement and music (8-10:30 p.m.). You can also enjoy some island rhythms by the Steel Drum Duo (7 and 9 p.m.) and performances by Dundu Dole, an electrifying West African dance and drumming troupe (8 and 10 p.m.) at the Central Avenue Stage (between Second and Third streets). At the Didgeridoo and Asia Too Stage (The Plaza, 111 Second Ave. N.), enjoy acoustic folk rock by Lorna Bracewell (7 and 8:15 p.m.), a Vietnamese dragon dance by youths from the Asian Neighborhood Family Center (7:30 p.m.) and performances by Didg Revolution and Dragon Fly (9 and 10 p.m.).
Theater-minded individuals can be entertained via shows by the Florida Lyric Opera and Sunstate Opera, including Songs from Broadway (7 and 8:15 p.m.) and excerpts from I Pagliacci (7:30 p.m.), don Giovanni (9 p.m.), Madame Butterfly (9:15 p.m.) and Aida (10:15 p.m.). (From Broadway to the Met Stage, St. Peter's Hall, 140 Fourth St. N.).
Art enthusiasts can take in a range of different exhibits and demonstrations, including My Neighborhood and I: An Expression of Community Pride, which features works by 15 young people who worked with the Pinellas Opportunity Council to create positive images (7-11 p.m., Photography Stage, Florida International Museum, 100 Second St. N.); pottery demonstrations by Ken House and stone-sculpting demonstrations by Rick Rollenhagen at Artists Gallery Royale (7-11 p.m., 200 Second Ave. N.); and glass-blowing demonstrations by Jodi Bove (7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m., South Straub Park). There'll also be some fun, arty activities at the Geographies Stage (Bank of America Tower and Parking Lot, 200 Central Ave.). Here, you can map your travels and future with artists Betsy Lester and the Oiseaux Sisters, learn how to make a creative journal of life, love, work or whatever else you may fancy, or try on a giant, artist-crafted puppet (7-11:30 p.m.).
Finally, the Sarasota Film Festival hosts Movies Under the Stars, a screening of movie shorts projected on a giant screen at The Pier Approach (7-11:30 p.m., 800 Second Ave. N.E.).
The evening comes to a close with a countdown to midnight and a huge fireworks display over the Bay. For the best view, we suggest watching the pyrotechnics from Straub Park (Beach Drive).
First Night occurs throughout downtown St. Petersburg from 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 6 to 12 (kids 5 and younger enter free). For more information, call 727-823-8906; for a complete schedule of events, go to www.firstnightstpete.com.
13 Ugly Men New Year's Party This benefit for school funding organization A Gift For Teaching features entertainment by local favorites The Untouchables (formerly Disco Inferno) and DJ Doug Shaw, a silent auction, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, party favors, a Champagne toast at midnight and a full breakfast buffet. Visit www.13uglymen.com for advanced tickets ($20 for women, $30 for men), or pay an additional $5 at the event. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Jackson's Bistro, 601 S. Harbor Island Blvd., Tampa.
New Year's Eve Cruise The Kai Lani Catamaran sails on the Gulf to Sand Key, giving revelers 21 and up a chance to drink, mingle and dance the night away on the water. A fireworks show and a Champagne toast occur at midnight. For more info or to make reservations, call 727-446-6778. Tickets: $80 per person (includes three-hour open bar, complimentary buffet, Champagne toast and party favors, disposable camera and entry into a drawing for a private charter). Boarding occurs from 9 to 9:30 p.m.; the cruise departs at 10 p.m. from the Clearwater Beach Marina, Slip No. 49, Clearwater Beach.
Family New Year's Eve Party This alcohol-free celebration features live entertainment by Christina Sanders (a spiritual singer from Nashville), ice skating, broomball, a scavenger hunt, a free buffet, door prizes, party favors and more. For more information, call 813-684-7825. Tickets: $21.99 adults/$17.99 children 12 and younger with parent or guardian. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Ice Sports Forum, 10222 Elizabeth Place, Tampa.
Florida Aquarium Outback Bowl New Year's Eve Party Celebrate the holiday on the waterfront in downtown Tampa, with catering compliments of Outback Steakhouse and free beer and wine throughout the evening. A Champagne toast occurs at midnight, and guests can watch fireworks and the ball drop over the Channel from front row seats. Reservations are required; call 813-273-7868. Tickets: $55 aquarium members/$60 general. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa.
New Year's Eve Slumber Party Parents can get a precious night off while letting their kids (ages 6-12) bring in the New Year at The Florida Aquarium. Reservations are required; call 813-273-4015. Admission: $65 members/$75 general. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 1. The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa.
New Year's Eve with the Barenaked Ladies The party begins at 9 p.m. and the band takes the stage at 10. After the performance, the band will stick around and host the midnight countdown, accompanied by footage of the NYC ball drop, natch. The revelry continues from there. An all-inclusive party package for $100 per person is available on the Jeep Club Level, and includes a ticket to the show, themed food stations, beverages, party favors and roaming entertainment. Regular admission: $20-$35. St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813-301-6500.
Noon Year's Eve Count down to noon as Lowry Park Zoo and Radio Disney-1380 AM host this sixth annual family celebration. The party begins at 9:30 a.m. and there's a juice toast at noon in celebration of the New Year. Regular zoo admission applies ($11.50 adults, $10.50 seniors, $7.95 ages 3-11, and children 2 and younger enter free). 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lowery Park Zoo, 7530 N. Boulevard, Tampa, 813-932-0245.
Swing Into the New Year Featuring plenty of live music, an intro swing dance lesson (8-9 p.m.), a Champagne toast, party favors, refreshments, prize giveaways and an art show by City of Imagination. Admission: $15. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport, 727-893-1070.
2004 New Year's Eve Gala: Ultimo Tango The festivities begin with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the mezzanine, followed by a four-course meal in the main ballroom and an evening of dancing to the music of The Florida Orchestra and the Southtown Fever Dance Band. Tickets: $350/$500 per person (Florida Orchestra benefits). Call 813-286-1170 for reservations. 6:30 p.m.-2 a.m. The Renaissance Vinoy Resort, 501 Fifth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg.
New Year's Eve with Donna the Buffalo Presented by WMNF-88.5 FM. BYOB. Tickets: $35 in advance/$45 at the door. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-892-5202.
First Night 2005 The 12th annual New Year's Eve Celebration of the Arts takes place at 28 different venues throughout downtown St. Petersburg, and features an assortment of alcohol-free, family-oriented activities and diversions, including live music and entertainment, dancing, games, art, fireworks and more. See the Top Pick for details. Admission: $8 in advance or $10 the day of for adults; $5 for children (kids under 5 enter free). 5:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Call 727-823-8906 for more information.
New Year's Eve with Comedian Louis C.K. The Improv offers two separate options for New Year's revelers. The dinner show includes a full meal and refreshments ($55 general/$75 V.I.P.; 7:30 p.m.). The New Year's Celebration Show includes a fruit and cheese platter for two, Champagne and party favors. After the show, ring in the New Year by watching the ball drop on the Improv's big screen ($55 general/$75 V.I.P.; 10 p.m.). The Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City, 813-864-4000.
New Year's Eve with Michael Mack Witness the antics of Tampa's own Michael Mack, a multi-talented comic who specializes in song parodies. The early show includes New Year's party favors and a complimentary Champagne toast; the later show includes an open bar, Champagne toast, party favors, a midnight balloon drop and a post-show celebration with dancing and a free continental breakfast buffet. 7:30 p.m. show: $15 per person; 10:30 p.m. show: $55 per person. Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-960-1197.
Busch Gardens' Celebrate Safe Patrons can enjoy the thrills of Montu, Kumba, Gwazi and all the other rides while DJs stationed around the 335-acre, African-themed amusement park spin discs until 2005 rolls around. Live entertainment includes music by South Town Fever; a show by Larry G. Jones, "The Man of 1002 Voices"; and magic by illusionist Franz Harary. A fireworks display at midnight rounds out the family oriented, alcohol-free festivities. $53.95 adults/$44.95 ages 3-9. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Busch Gardens, 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa, 888-800-5447.
Saffron's New Year's Eve Celebration Enjoy a Caribbean dinner buffet and dance to the reggae sounds of local band Impulse. $45. Dinner is served at 9:30 p.m.; a complimentary breakfast buffet is served at 1 a.m. Saffron's Caribbean Cuisine, 1700 Park St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-343-5410.
New Year's Eve with Skipper's Smokehouse Celebrate the New Year while enjoying tunes by the Damon Fowler Group and Sawgrass Flats. Admission includes party favors, Champagne at midnight, and breakfast once the New Year has arrived. $25. 8 p.m. Skipper's Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, Tampa, 813-971-0666.
This article appears in Dec 29, 2004 – Jan 4, 2005.