Entertainers
Strong Water is an up and coming Folk/Americana band from Harrisonburg, VA. With a energetic and rich sound built on strong male and female vocals, driving acoustic/electric guitar parts, melodic fiddle lines, tasteful drum/percussion parts and filled out by banjo and bass guitar, this band has been entertaining audiences from MD to NC and everywhere in between with their eclectic range of original songs and covers. Location: Showker Hall, 7:00 & 9:00.
Nothin’ Fancy Bluegrass Band formed in 1994, have successfully hosted their own Nothin’ Fancy Bluegrass Festival every year since 2001 in Buena Vista, VA on the fourth weekend of September. This notable event attracts acclaimed bluegrass bands and bluegrass music lovers from many corners of the U.S., Canada, and even overseas. The band is known for their smooth vocal blends, stirring performances, and irrepressible humor. Location: Showker Hall, 8:00 & 10:00.
The Walking Roots Band is an Acoustic-Americana, folk, bluegrass-y, roots music group. Mixing a variety of musical tastes and influences, they employ guitars, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, violin, acoustic and rich vocal harmonies in their original songs and arrangements. A combination of humor, reflection, storytelling, joy, hope, love and good, clean fun. Location: First Presbyterian Sanctuary, 7:00 & 9:00.
Brian Buchanan is a Country/Americana singer/songwriter who performs a mix of traditional country and original music. Brian has won international acclaim for his strong, traditional country sound and songwriting. Brian’s newest album is entitled “Truth” which Americana Rhythm Music Magazine calls “Classic Americana” Location: First Presbyterian Sanctuary, 8:00 & 10:00.
The Magic of Brian Bence: Brian includes music, comedy, and of course amazing magic to provide a fun filled interactive show that is sure to be memorable. See silks, coins, cards, puppets, and even a talking drawing board come to life and provide wonderment and amazement in each performance. Location: Court Square Theater, 7:00 & 9:00. (If the weather is nice, Brian will perform on the street around Court Square.)Location: Showker Hall, 8:00 & 10:00)
Stone Rollin’ is a blend of rock, soul, blues, and originals, featuring vocal powerhouse Becca Gogue, guitarist/pianist/vocalist Randy Black, bassist/vocalist Pat Wertman, and drummer/vocalist Scott Linton. This rock, soul, and blues party is gonna keep your feet moving! Location: Court Square Theater, 8:00 & 10:00.
Faithful Men was ecumenically formed in 1998. Twelve men and an accompanist, Orville Bame, have performed at more than 500 events. They believe that God is not concerned with the brand name of a denomination over a church door, but rather more concerned with the brand name though sacred music & they perform tastefully selected secular music. Location: Community Mennonite Church, 7:00 & 8:00.
Little Walter & the Convictions: Party like it’s New Year’s Eve 1969! You’ll have a blast as this perennial favorite becomes your time machine back to 1969. Featuring classic 60’s rock from the Animals and the Beatles to Van Morrison, the Young Rascals, and the Zombies, seasoned with soul classics by Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. The band boasts of powerful lead vocals, 3 part harmonies, and driving instrumental work. Location: Community Mennonite Church, 9:00 & 10:00.
Explore More Discovery Museum Children’s activities are planned from 6:00 till 9:00 pm at Explore More Discovery Museum. A special bubble wrap dance party will take place at 9:00 on the street in front of the museum. Parents will need FNH17 buttons to enter unless they have a family membership to the Museum. Location address;150 South Main St., 6:00 til 9:00.
Dancing with Karen Social dance includes standard ballroom dances like Waltz, Fox Trot, and Cha-Cha; dances that have endured because they are fun and everyone. Social dance includes the hot and sultry West Coast Swing, the sexy Salsa, the energetic Lindy, and the exotic Argentine Tango. Location address, 77 E. Market St. (Schedule pp.10 & 11) FNH17 Buttons required for admittance.
John-Robert Rimel 16 year old rising singer from the Shenandoah Valley who has performed twice on the 36 daytime Emmy Award Winning Ellen Show. John-Robert had the privilege of spending a summer in Los Angeles, CA writing, recording and working closely with those in the music industry. Location: Muhlenberg Church Activity Center, 7:00 & 9:00. (two 35 minute sets)
Dance & Company resident performing company. The Shenandoah Contemporary Dance Theatre, will be showcasing dance repertoire in a FREE performance at the studio, 115 S. Main St, 5:00 to 7:00 & 7:00 to 9:00. FNH17 Buttons required for admittance.
Bob Adamek’s Harrisonburg High School Bands. Three young energetic, talented and gifted bands with a great future ahead. ‘Just in Case’ is comprised of 6 HHS sophomores and 1 freshman. Our sound is primarily rock with a taste of both funk and jazz. Location: Muhlenberg Activity Center, 7:50. ‘Chapter 2’ is an 8 piece band made up of students from HHS and Eastern Mennonite School. ‘Chapter 2’ puts its own slant on old school R&B and Rock and Roll including songs by artists like Stevie Wonder, Sam & Dave and Chicago. The ‘Saplings’ are a new band made up of students at the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester. Lush horns, driving drum and bass, sweet Rhodes and guitar, four part harmonies, and percussion give the ‘Saplings’ a unique, full sound. You won’t want to miss any of these groups. Location: Muhlenberg Activity Center, 9:30 til 11:30.
OASIS Selling fine art and contemporary craft by local artisans – in historic downtown Harrisonburg. Location: 103 S. Main St. Open til 9:00.
Face Painting Party by Sarah Zaidman. Each child gets a unique design complete with glitter and gems! Location: Harrisonburg Homes Team @ Kline May Realty, 83 South Main St, 7:00 til 9:00.
Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers & The Shenandoah Valley Minstrels Band welcome you to the pleasure of dancing in the style your ancestors once enjoyed; popular dances of the 1700’s and 1800’s. No dance experience necessary. Join in for good family fun. Location: St Stephen’s basement, 7:00 til 9:00.
ACME Swing Mfg. Co. Thank you, FNH, for the opportunity to entertain the First Night Community! ACME means first rate musicians who love when folks just come to listen, even better if you come to dance we swing like crazy in that circumstance. Location: St. Stephen’s Basement, 9:30 til 11:30.
The Hatcher Boys is a family bluegrass band consisting of, Dad and his 3 sons. Michael is “Dad” and plays guitar and sings lead. Dane is 22 and plays guitar and mandolin. Spencer is 19 and plays the 5-string banjo. Connor is 16 and plays the upright bass. The foursome alternate between singing lead and harmony. Location: Asbury Slaven Hall, Handicap accessible on the south side, 7:00, 8:30 & 10:00.
Mike Deaton’s Rhythm Playground. This is part musical performance, part show-and-tell, and part audience participation. Mike will showcase a few drums and percussion instruments from different parts of the world. All ages are welcome to join in for some community music making with simple hand-held instruments. In 2007 he performed for Desmond Tutu. Mike enjoys helping others create art, music, & JOY. Location: Massanutten Library, 7:00, 8:00 & 9:00.
Glenn Singer, The Horse Guy. Don’t miss the Legend of el Gleno Grande. A wonderful romp for all ages. Very few performers do as much with as little as Glenn Singer as el Gleno Grande. Simultaneously portraying both horse and rider he employs sight gags, optical illusions and interruptions in a most enjoyable spectacle that produces very hard belly laughs. Location: Asbury Sanctuary, 7:00 & 9:00.
The Barefoot Puppets, back by popular demand, children’s favorite. Barefoot Puppet theatre has been building and performing original and award-winning works since 1997 by founder and director, Heidi Rugg. They tour nationally creating new works for young audiences and their families. Location: City Council Chambers, 7:00, 8:00 & 9:00.
No Strings Attached is a Harrisonburg based improv comedy troupe that performs for fun and for charity. There are twelve members with a wide variety of backgrounds and of varying impressions of reality, or lack thereof. They act, sing, and make you laugh. We’re always working on new ways to entertain both our audiences as well as ourselves. Location: Asbury Sanctuary, 8:00 & 10:00.
John C. Wells Planetarium Want to inspire and excite your budding scientist or engineer? Don’t miss this opportunity to visit JMU’s state-of-the-art Planetarium . Shows at 5:00, 5:30 and 6:00 PM are geared for families with young children.
· 5:00 Earth And Moon
· 5:30 This is Our Sky
· 6:00 One World One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
· 6:30 Magic Tree House: Space Mission
· 7:00 Polaris: The Space Submarine & The Mystery Of Polar Night
· 7:30 End Of Darkness
Come and find out more about next summer’s Space Explorer Camps for rising 2nd through 10th graders! The John C. Wells Planetarium is pleased to partner once again with First Night Harrisonburg to provide entertaining and engaging full dome science presentations that are a delight for the whole family. Join us for 1 of our 6 presentations where we will explore our solar system, our Moon, and what makes Earth a special place. Visiting our state-of-the-art planetarium right here in Harrisonburg.
Parking available in lots N4, M, B or Mason St Parking Deck that are accessible via Mason or Grace Street. For more information, see jmu.edu/planetarium.