
Peter Samelson
Peter Samelson insists he doesn’t do magic, he only helps people to see it. He is an illusionist cum philosopher, blending simplicity and sophistication as he provokes thought and inspires wonder. Peter Samelson combines twin passions – magic and theater – to carve out a unique place in the world of show business. He’s created two solo off-Broadway shows (The Magician and PaperWork,) and has performed atop the Great Wall of China, in the jungles of Bali and the universities of Tokyo; for Mexican peasants, Grand Prix race car drivers, Princess Stephanie of Monaco, the jet set of Paris and the fishermen mending their nets on the beaches of Cartagena. He is truly a magician’s magician.
Palace Theater, 4:15pm to 5:00pm, 5:15pm to 6:00pm, and 6:15pm to 7:00pm
Look for these other practitioners of the magical arts at First Night Danbury 2010-2011!

Marty the Magician
Marty the Magician & Zookie the Clown
Entertainment for kids of all ages – not to be missed!
Danbury Ice Arena, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
“Push” Billingsley
Hip hop, comic magic from a child who grew up in the clash of the 80’s & 90’s
Danbury Library, Farioly Room, 5:00pm to 5:30pm and 6:30pm to 7:00pm
MacTalla Mor
Gaelic for “Great Echo,” the band is Danbury’s own Celtic roots rock & bagpipe sensation, featuring magician Erik Ofgang (second from right).
Heirloom Arts Theatre, 4:45pm to 5:30pm, and 6:15pm to 7:00pm
Adam Auslander & Dan Berkley
Stilt walkers from the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade & The Greatest Show on Earth
Danbury Library Plaza, 7:15pm to 7:45pm
Arts & Crafts with Kerri LuBell
Get your hands into the fingerpaints, paste, and go creative with a First Night tradition for kids
Danbury Arena, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Babes On Broadway
Cabaret performer dons stylized hats to recreate the famous, fabulous, funny females of the Broadway stage
Danbury Music Centre, 4:00pm to 4:45pm
Miquel Cossio
Traditional Mexican visual art installation with a contemporary, colorful flair
Union Savings Bank at the Galleria, 4:00pm to 6:45pm

"Push" Billingsley
Dance Paradise
Salsa, tango, hustle – Latin dance classes by NYC-based master teachers
Ives Manor Ballroom, 5:00pm to 7:00pm
ESCAPE to the Arts
Make hats to wear throughout First Night Danbury events to celebrate our city’s manufacturing legacy
ESCAPE to the Arts, 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Larkin Grimm
Songwriter/songstress goes glam with her unique style of folk and soul
Palace Theater, 4:15pm to 5:00pm, 5:15pm to 6:00pm, and 6:15pm to 7:00pm
Tom Hooker Hanford
“Chimney Side Tales,” songs & stories of the Winter season by a master raconteur of our region’s cultural history
Danbury Library, Farioly Room, 4:15pm to 4:45pm and 5:45pm to 6:15pm
Humongo
Keep an eye out, we don’t know where this interactive firm will be but they’re sure to provide high tech shenanigans
Ice Matters
A staple on Library Plaza, this award winning ice carving company always captures First Night’s theme with artistry and humor
Danbury Library Plaza, 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Mad Hatters Barbershop Chorus
Veterans of 30 years, this popular Danbury a capella offers a rich repertoire of traditional barbershop, European hymnody, and 19th century vaudeville
St. James Church, 4:00pm to 4:45pm and
Palace Theater Lobby, 6:30pm to 7:15pm
Master Lee
Kung fu comic uses his black belts in karate to keep his audiences in stitches
Danbury Library Plaza, 7:15pm to 7:45pm and
Palace Theater, 4:15pm to 5:00pm, 5:15pm to 6:00pm, 6:15pm to 7:00pm

MacTalla Mor
New Hope Mass Choir
This Danbury institution has a long history of serving its community with powerful song, goodwill and amazing grace
St. James Church, 5:00pm to 5:45pm
Portuguese Traditional Games
An opportunity to experience stilt walking and other traditional Portuguese folk games
Union Savings Bank at the Galleria, 400pm to 6:45pm
Peter Spink & Friend
Singer-songwriter-guitarist hailed “impressive by The New York Times
Palace Theater Lobby, 4:00pm to 6:15pm
Bob Stanhope
A First Night favorite, this singer, humorist, and radio personality evokes a very cozy fireside chat
Danbury Music Centre, 5;15pm to 6:00pm
Sounds of Afrika
African and African-American drumming, stressing unity and the important message of respecting every culture
St. James Church, 6:00pm to 6:30pm and
Danbury Library Plaza, 7:15pm to 7:45pm
Too Human
Jazz standards from The Great American Songbook in guitar, percussion, bass and vocals
Danbury Library, Main Level, 4:15pm to 7:00pm
Mike Freeman’s ZonaVibe
A fiery mix of jazz, fusion, and World music, featuring the little heard vibraphone
Union Savings Bank at the Galleria, 4:30pm to 5:15pm and 6:00pm to 6:45pm
Discounted activities with First Night button:
Public Skate at Danbury Arena
Admission is $3 for everyone with a First Night button. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair for $4
Danbury Arena, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Traditional Dinner at Danbury Museum & Historical Society
Chicken Stew, Corn Bread, Apple Pie, Hot Cider: $10 per adult, $5 per child with button; $12 and $7 without
Danbury Museum & Historical Society, 4:00pm to 6:00pm