We are working on a great line-up for First Night 2013, including:

All Things New - Hailing from Deltona, Florida, All Things New is made of Garrett Hornbuckle (vocals), Jeff Stein (guitars), Luke Wycuff (drums), and Josh Schou (bass/guitars). The band co-wrote their entire debut album and will be releasing their first radio single “New Man” in Jan. 2013.

Blackberry Winter – Blackberry Winter’s music comprises the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed movie “Winter’s Bone,” which took top honors at Sundance, and went on to receive numerous awards in the US and overseas, among them a Golden Globe and 4 Oscar nominations.

Contemporary Art Installations at ideaXfactory - Experience site-specific art environments at ideaXfactory. Move inside the building to activate bright-colored neon sculptures by artist Russ RuBert. Climb into “Knitting Space” woven from plastic into gigantic webs by art and architecture group Art of Space. Try your hand at Yarn Bombing (non-permanent outdoor yarn graffiti) and add to an outdoor public art installation. All ages welcome, young children should be accompanied by an adult.

The Fishin’ Magicians – Steve Craig and Amy Short are the Fishin’ Magicians.  They will entertain you with clean Midwestern humor and magic pulled from the pockets of fishing vests.

Hands-On Activities – Bring your imagination and create your own First Night Springfield memento with the crew from Noah’s Art.  All of the supplies are provided for children to create their own New Year’s inspired art projects.  The activities will also include face painting, balloon twisting, and Chinese name painting with Hing Wah Hatch.

Hamm Aho Duo – Experience the jazz duo of Saxophone Professor Randy Hamm and pianist Kyle Aho.  Together they’ll perform a number of jazz standards as well as some contemporary work that will leave even the most discriminating jazz aficionado wanting more.

Jake Wesley Rogers - Fifteen-year-old Jake Rogers is a singer/songwriter/musician from Ozark, Missouri. Performing since he was five, Jake can play guitar and piano, and has a unique ability to interpret songs and make them his own.  This summer, Jake auditioned for America’s Got Talent, where he finished the 2012 season as a quarter finalist, after performing live on national television on NBC 4 times. Jake release his first EP on December 1, 2012.

Lowdown Fancy –  Lowndown Fancy is a county funk band from Springfield that combines the talents of four longtime veterans of the Ozarks music scene – Bo Brown, Mike Henderson, Steve Ames, and Aaron Holmes – to offer great original, live music.

Lyal Strickland – Singer and songwriter Lyal Strickland blends the soul of a front porch picking with the excitement of a Saturday night; Lyal’s original songs express life with all of its ups & downs. Passionate vocals, captivating guitar, an occasional harmonica, and Lyal’s down to earth style keep audiences asking for more.

Mark Bilyeu & Cindy Woolf – Accomplished musicians Mark Bilyeu (formerly of Big Smith) and Cindy Woolf team up to create a performance that’s distinctly authentic.  Woolf’s high, crystal-clear tone and Bilyeu’s country-folk-rock style combine to create a spell-binding show.

MO Poetry Slam Springfield– MO Poetry Slam Springfield presents a Poetry Slam.  This is not your grandfather’s poetry reading.  This is a competition between performance poets, live on stage, with the audience encouraged to boisterously respond to both poets and judges.  Poets are invited to sign up and compete for a cash prize.  Everyone is invited to come and cheer for their favorite performer.

Pixar Short Films Collection, Volume 1  - Disney and Pixar invite you to discover these masterpieces of storytelling from the creative minds that brought you TOY STORY, MONSTERS, INC., FINDING NEMO and many more! With revolutionary animation, unforgettable music and characters you love, these dazzling short films have changed the face of animation and are sure to delight people of all ages.

Skinny Improv – This dynamic improvisational comedy group creates scenes and games to entertain and involve the audience.  Their hip, lightning-fast style of improvised sketches, scenes and music is guaranteed to keep you roaring with laughter.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – Springfield  born and raised, SSLYBY has been making music since that fateful night when they met at a Super Bowl party in 1999.  Fresh off the release of their internationally acclaimed new album, Let it Sway, you won’t want to miss this unique hometown indie pop band.

Sunset to Burns – Sunset to Burns is a folk-rock band from Bolivar, MO featuring Lucas Roberts (vocals, accordion), Joel Farr (vocals, guitar), Kenson Ashton (banjo), Kaleb Treacy (drums), and Jeff Johnson (bass). Drawing heavy influence from bands like Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers, Sunset to Burns plays a blend of catchy rock and folk that is sure to make your foot stomp.

Voices of Deliverance – The Voices of Deliverance Gospel Choir, directed by Samuel Knox, has shared its message of love and inspiration for 30 years in the Springfield area.  Through their music and dynamic performances, the group gives the audience a better understanding of the inspirational music called Gospel.