First Night Evanston, the City’s annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza that includes music, dance, poetry, improv, and more, will feature renowned blues harmonica player Howard Levy and folk legend Corky Siegel. The duo will perform individual sets starting at 7:45 p.m. and then join for an evening-ending collaboration at The Sanctuary, 1427 Chicago Ave.
Other highlights include veteran blues pianist Erwin Helfer, Motown Rock and Soul Sock Hop with R&B singer Gerald McClendon, songwriter Layla Frankel’s Song Circle, Patt & Possum’s barn dance, the Second City Improv all-Stars, storyteller and Moth Grand Slam winner Shannon Cason, and performers from The Actor’s Gymnasium.
The family-friendly event begins with musical and variety performances geared to children from 1 to 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 516 Church St., and continues at 7 p.m. with entertainment at three other downtown Evanston locations.
First Night ends with an outdoor communal singing of “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. Purchased wristbands allow access to all events.
Prices, reserved seating, and additional information are available at firstnightevanston.net.