First Night Morris County 2025 Program by firstnightmorris

ABOUT FIRST NIGHT® MORRIS COUNTY

WHAT IS FIRST NIGHT®?

Beginning in 1992, First Night® Morris County is now the LARGEST First Night® in New Jersey. Join your friends and neighbors for our 33rd year of ringing in the New Year with an unmatched array of performances! First Night Morris County 2025 is the biggest and brightest New Year’s Eve celebration in New Jersey, providing a magnificent, familyfriendly, substance and alcohol-free celebration in the heart of Morristown.

All Attendees Receive Access to Our Stellar Program & More:

570 Performances at 23 Venues (21 In-Person, 1 Streaming, and 1 On-Demand), and 30+ On-Demand Films.

5Events include theatre, music (rock, jazz, classical, opera), visual arts, film festival, children’s programs, and so much more.

5Join us for our New Year’s Eve Countdown at 9:15 PM and at Midnight for our Midnight Countdown to Welcome in the New Year.

5Complimentary Shuttles Start at 4:30 PM.

5New This Year: Historical Venues & Performances from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM

5Children’s Fun Festival at Morristown High School from 4:45 PM to 9:00 PM

5Film Festival Starting at 6 PM

5Complimentary Parking at any Morristown Parking Garage Starting at 4 PM

5Complimentary Mobile App & Print Program**

5On-Demand Access from 4:30 PM on December 31, 2024 to 4:30 PM on January 1, 2025

Your First Night Morris County 2025 (12/31/24) admission button (ticket) gives you access to innovative, diverse, and high-quality performances ideal for participants of all ages. In-person venues are within close walking distance of one another, and virtual programs are accessible through our mobile app or website. For one affordable price, you and your friends and family will enjoy unlimited access to all of our spectacular performances in person, streaming, or on-demand.*

OUR MISSION

First Night® Morris County, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, seeks to foster the public’s appreciation of visual and performing arts through an innovative, diverse, and high-quality New Year’s Eve program which offers the community a shared cultural experience that is accessible and affordable to all with Year Round Community Development Thru FNM365.

WHAT IS FNM365®?

FNM365 is a Year-Round Community Development Program dedicated to bringing the community together, not only for New Year’s Eve but all 365 days of the year. The FNM365® motto is “Together We Can.”FNM365® in conjunction with First Night Morris County Partners, Supporters, Volunteers, Patrons, and Community Members provide the following programs: Advisory Board, Artist Entrepreneurship, Community Reinvestment Program (CRP), STEM Leadership Internship and Reading to a Better Future.

WHO ORGANIZES FIRST NIGHT?

First Night® Morris County is run by a volunteer Board of Trustees and 6 Committees. Board and/or Committee Members come from a variety of backgrounds and work year-round to support the mission of First Night® Morris County.

ADMISSION PRICING

Now - December 21

$25 (single) / $90 (4-pack)

or Talent...

or Both?”

December 22 - 31 $30 (single) / $95 (4-pack)

Children 4 and under admitted free.

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE BUTTONS (TICKETS)?

Buttons admit attendees to First Night® performances. Prior to December 31st, tickets (to be exchanged in person for buttons starting December 14th at the Mayo Performing Arts Center) can be purchased online at FirstNightMorris.org or from the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) by phone (973-539-8008) or at the Box Office located at 100 South Street in Morristown. For button pick-up please visit FirstNightMorris.org for details.

WHERE CAN I PICK UP TICKETS I ORDERED ONLINE?

If you ordered your tickets online, you should receive a receipt AND barcoded tickets. The receipt you printed IS NOT SUFFICIENT for entry into the venues. You must present the barcoded tickets to pick up your buttons, starting December 14th at MPAC.

REGULAR BOX OFFICE HOURS:

Monday-Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Box Office opens at 2pm on December 31st.

ONLINE SALES WILL END ON DECEMBER 31ST AT 3:OO PM.

• Purchase & Exchange Your Tickets for Buttons at the Following Locations on December 31st:

• MPAC Box Office (2:00pm – 3:30pm)

• Morristown & Morris Township Library (3:30pm – 8:30pm)

• MPAC Box Office Reopens (8:30pm – 10:00pm)

• Limited Supply of Buttons will be Available at the Following Locations:

• Morristown High School Lower Atrium (4:30pm – 8:30pm)

• Hyatt Regency Morristown/Command Center (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Please Note: 1 Ticket = 1 Button

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

*Performance access is limited by seating capacity. Please check FirstNightMorris.org for the latest information including health and safety guidelines.

**On-Demand and Streaming Access is available through our App for Apple and Android Devices or via our website.

***Program is subject to change; please visit FirstNightMorris.org for the most up to date information.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

To all our friends who join us once again:

33(and a third)! It was the speed of our albums that brought us music and entertainment before tape, compact discs, and dare I say, sharing platforms. First Night looks at this year, recognizing a third of a century of providing entertainment in the form of art, music, dance, comedy, and film, in a family friendly, safe environment that is alcohol free and substance free on New Year’s Eve.

This event’s continued success, and our year-round programs success under FNM365, are a result of the effectiveness of our volunteers and community supporters. We are fortunate to have partners and patrons who appreciate the arts and the possibilities they inspire for the greater community. The arts are a means to gather the community in a joyful celebration of the human spirit and there is not a better time to do this than on New Year’s Eve.

For those of you who make First Night an annual tradition, we thank you for joining us once again. For those experiencing this event for the first time, welcome and be amazed at the talent.

Either way, celebrate with us as we ring in the New Year with all the hopes for a spectacular 2025 for all.

Happy New Year!

Walter Deutsch, Board Chair

FIRST NIGHT® MORRIS COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Walter Deutsch, Chair Craig Schlosser, Co-Chair / President

Richard Polk, Treasurer Mark Boutros, Secretary / Film Festival Director

Ravi Badge • Quincy Chau • Michael Galkin • Ayne Klein Chasid

Michael Schmidt • Robert Tobias

Artistic Advisor: Dr. Lynn L. Siebert

Event Director: Samantha Rutledge

Marketing Director: Noelle Gemma

Artistic Advisor: Don Jay Smith

FIRST NIGHT® MORRIS COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD

Our Advisory Board is comprised of a diverse group of dedicated community members who share insights and feedback regarding First Night Morris County and oversee our year-round initiative, FNM365. These individuals meet 2 times a year to help shape the First Night experience.

Mary Adelman UCEDC

Ravi Badge CMIT Solutions

Peter Brillon Compass RE

Jackie Cantania Portofino’s Restaurant

Kevin Coughlin MorristownGreen.com

Amy Curry Morristown Historical Society

Walter Deutsch Chair, First Night Morris County

Geoffery Dietzel Brunswick Financial Group, LLC

Michael Dundon Mayo Performing Arts Center

Timothy P. Dougherty Mayor, Town of Morristown

Pam Fischer Former Chair, First Night Morris County

Len Garza Garza Law

Michael Giacobello First Bank

Holly Spier Hyatt Regency Morristown

Meghan Hunscher Morris County Chamber of Commerce

Kevin Kurdziel Batoi Systems Inc

Jane Kurek The Provident Bank Foundation (retired)

Chad Leinaweaver Morristown & Morris

Township Library

Brandi Marks Full House Events

Ryan Marowitz MGR Computers

Gina Marie Mattei Revelation Creative Argelys Morel LifeStation

Marc Mustachio Kraus Marketing

Jessica D. Offer, CPA Withum

Dr. Patricia C. Pongracz Macculloch Hall Historical Museum

Craig Schlosser Co-Chair/President., First Night Morris County

Michael Schmidt Advisory Board Co-Chair & Former Chair, First Night Morris County

Dr. Lynn L. Siebert

Morris Arts (retired)

Mark Spaldo Retired, Boy Scouts of America

Ralph Tejeda Tropical Sourcing LLC

P.J. Thurkauf

The UPS Store of Morristown & Morristown Rotary Club

Lisa Vitiallo

Portfino’s Restaurant

Thomas Woodard

Atlantic Health

Jennifer Wehring Morristown Partnership

Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre • Morristown H.S... Auditorium, 50 Early St., 800 seats, 4:45pm & 5:45 pm

Through dance, drama, and music, Alborada’s passionate artistry reveals the many diverse and historical threads that comprise the multicultural fabric of Spanish culture. Alborada was showcased by NJN TV in its program, Images/Imagenes, and on ABC’S Nightly News and PBS NJ. Both entertaining and educational, the variety of its repertoire runs the artistic gamut of Gypsy Flamenco as well as Spanish Traditional Regional and Classical Dances. As stated by Tammy LaGorce, New York Times, Alborada is “a whirl in drama and color!”

All Evening Starlight Gallery: Walk on the Wild Side • Mayo Performing Arts Center Starlight Gallery, 100 South St., 7:00pm - 11:30pm

MUSIC

Rebecca (Becky) DePorte, is an award-winning photographer specializing in wildlife. Her photographs have been published in USA Today, FotoNostrom, BirdWatching Magazine, Gardener’s Journal, and Backroads catalog. In 2024, she received awards from International Photography Awards, Audubon Photography awards, and the 24th Julia Margaret Cameron Award. Becky has taught Wildlife Photography at Princeton Adult School. Becky’s favorite subjects are animals with fur or feathers. Her exhibition will feature the animals she has photographed in Africa, India, and the U.S.

All Evening Upstairs Art Gallery: Artistic Journeys • Mayo Performing Arts Center, 2nd Floor, Art Upstairs, 100 South St., 7:00pm - 11:30pm

New Jersey Art Association (formerly MSHAC) presents “Artistic Journeys”, a multi-medium exhibit featuring 35 artists. Many of the members are touring professional artists. The organization exhibits in galleries around the Northern New Jersey area and are regularly seen at Chilton Hospital, Overlook Hospital, Morris County Library, Chatham Library and many other locations. The exhibit includes oils, watercolor, sculpture, pastels, photography, and mixed media.

MUSIC

Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey • Church of the Redeemer, 36 South St., 350 seats, 8:15pm & 9:45pm

The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, founded in 1996 under Maestro Robert W. Butts, showcases a diverse repertoire spanning the 17th to the 21st century. The orchestra is renowned for world premieres and collaborations with international artists, featuring at esteemed events like the Boston Early Music Festival. They prioritize fostering young talents and engaging audiences, and their commitment extends to various partnerships, making them New Jersey’s most collaborative arts group.

Atrium Gallery Exhibit: Artistic Facets • County Admin. Bldg. Atrium Gallery (Floors 2-5), 10 Court St., 4:45pm - 11:45 pm

More than 160 artworks by 11 talented artists are on display on the four floors of the Atrium Gallery. The exhibition, curated by Dr. Virginia Fabbri Butera, features oils, acrylics, multi-media found object paintings, sculptures, and photography. This show reveals the artists’ fascination with a great variety of materials, styles, imagery, ideas, and meanings. It is, indeed, an invitation to laugh, contemplate, explore, and savor the extraordinary objects they have created. The exhibit runs through March 20, 2025. Visit morrisarts.org for more information.

DANCE

Ben Rosenblum Trio • Hyatt Regency Morristown, Terrace Ballroom, 3 Speedwell Ave., 375 seats, 7:00pm & 8:00pm

Pianist, accordionist and composer Ben Rosenblum has traversed a unique musical path that has seen him perform alongside world-class musicians across more than twenty music genres and fifteen countries. Rosenblum’s journey has taken him on tours with Grammy-winning pop artist Rickie Lee Jones and Juno-winning contemporary Indian singer Kiran Ahluwalia. He’s played Brazilian choro with Ephrat Asherie Dance and forró with famed band Forró in the Dark. His roots in jazz have led to an over ten-year relationship with Grammywinning bassist Curtis Lundy. Through it all, Rosenblum maintains the same priority - to tell a compelling story with his music.

Bollywood & Contemporary Indian Dance, Mani Yaganamurthy • Morristown H.S.

Auxiliary Gym, 50 Early St., 300 seats, 7:00pm & 8:00pm

From Kuchipudi and the Indian classic dances to Bollywood and fusion with Hip-Hop, Mani is a classically trained Indian dancer who is currently performing and teaching throughout the US. He also has worked extensively in the film industry in India. Come see what makes Indian dance so special and then learn some moves yourself so you’re ready for your next Bollywood role as Mani teaches some current fusion of Indian dance and Hip-Hop. Mani will have you on your feet with his unique talents and you will be wanting to see and learn more before the night is over.

The B-Street Band • Mayo Performing Arts Center Theater, 100 South St., 1,200 seats, Venue 10 (In-Person): 9:45pm & 10:45pm Venue 11 (Live Stream): 9:45pm & 10:45pm

MUSIC

Formally known as ‘Backstreets’ a tribute to the Boss in the early 80’s, The Band is a tri-state and NJ shore favorite for over 4 decades. The Band has covered ‘the Boss’ all areas of the country from Maine to Fla to California.The B-Street Band is the longest running tribute band in the World starting their 44th year and is still the hardest working and the most requested Bruce Tribute. The band has been fortunate to have performed with members of the E-Street band and you may have caught the act prior to many local Springsteen shows over the years.

Children’s Fun Festival, Juggles & Glitter the Clowns • Morristown H.S. Atrium Lobby

Upstairs, 50 Early St., 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Enjoy miles of smiles and joyful antics with “Juggles and Glitter” Beigel, two professional clowns who have been delighting kids of all ages for over twenty years. Juggles and Glitter make every child happy through their warmth using balloons, face painting and magic, and kids can take home a candy cane, holiday balloon, or another surprise creation. The charismatic duo is often seen at town events, corporate events, private parties and at local hospitals.

Comedian Dan Naturman • Morristown H.S. Auditorium, 50 Early St., 800 seats, 7:15pm & 8:15pm (40 min performance each)

FILM: ALL AGES

Film Set 1: Messages & Fairy Tales • County Admin. Bldg. Room 526, 10 Court St., 150 seats, 6:00pm

Put your mind to it and anything is possible. A Cinderella type story where a young lady receives a precious gift. A cyborg comes to earth to retrieve another of his kind. A look into the future where the agricultural industry cares more about profit than the benefits of food.

Comedian Dan Naturman is one of New York City’s very best comedians and has been seen on many television shows including America’s Got Talent, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, The Tonight Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Late Show with David Letterman, and his very own “Comedy Central Special”. He was recently a recurring character on the HBO series “Crashing” and seen on “American’s Got Talent - The Champions” where he received a standing ovation from the adoring crowd in one of the most talked about sets of the season.

Dinoman Dinosaurs • Morristown H.S. Auxiliary Gym, 50 Early St., 300 seats, 4:45pm & 5:45pm

Dinosaurs at First Night Morris County! Have no fear Dinoman is here with with fun, magic, life-size dinosaurs and facts. What possible connections could a levitating child and a T-Rex have, the Bernoulli effect and why the dinosaurs are no longer with us, a misbehaving raccoon and fossils? Find out at the show and while you are there, please take a moment to visit with these creatures from long ago. The show will be presented by Bob Lisaius and is fun for the entire family.

FILM: ALL AGES

Film Set 2: Fantasy from US • County Admin. Bldg. Room 526, 10 Court St., 150 seats, 7:00pm

Travel to Turnivar and meet a most unlikely hero. A radio host believes he can only be saved by something extraterrestrial. A Native American spirit guide teaches the real need is to love one another and the earth.

The Dolce Trio • Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Schoolroom Gallery 45 Macculloch Ave., 4:45pm & 5:45pm

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, The Dolce Trio will perform Music from the Macculloch Era: classical and vernacular music of the 18th through 20th centuries. The group is widely admired for its spirited and stylistically versatile performances, including such diverse repertoire as Viennese waltzes, Colonial dance tunes, Celtic music, English country dances, ragtime, parlor music, holiday classics, klezmer and American bluegrass/ fiddle tunes. Juilliard trained violinist Dr. Lynn Siebert is joined by outstanding flutist/recorder player Kris Lamb and cellist/orchestral conductor Loni Bach. All have advanced music training, and have performed extensively with a number of diverse ensembles.

FILM: TEEN & ADULT

Film Set 3: Foreign Films • County Admin. Bldg. Room 526, 10 Court St., 150 seats, 8:00pm Germany, Cyprus, Sweden, Austria, and France are all represented here. Start with Breakfast with Aliens, travel to a planet where discarded parts, and people, remain behind, or become moved by a robot. Visit a planet on a research project or encounter a stranger in need of help.

FILM: ALL AGES

Film Set 4: Travels with Darley • County Admin. Bldg. Room 526, 10 Court St., 150 seats, 10:00pm

A Revolutionary road trip originally shown on PBS, Emmy award winner Darley Newman explores history, culture, food, and drink as she takes us on a tour of Morristown during the Revolutionary War Period. We thank the Morris County Economic Development Alliance and Tourism Bureau for providing this segment.

Film Set 5: Searching for the Next

Best Thing • County Admin. Bldg. Room 526, 10 Court St., 150 seats, 11:00pm

Can you negotiate with AI terrorists? If the perfect stone is desired, is the cost worth it? And is a possession so valuable that it can be your downfall? See how these film artists answer these questions.

FILM: TEEN & ADULT

Film Set 6: Animation

Light • County Admin. Bldg.

Commissioner Public Meeting Room, 5th Floor, 10 Court St., 32 seats, 6:00pm

Animators can take us on an interesting journey. A Midas-like story where a pig is the primary character. The desire for a late-night snack produces encounters with monsters. A historical look at the life of a river and a battle for resources between two farmers. What can be more wholesome than grandma and apple pie, no matter how big the apple?

FILM: YOUNG ADULT & ADULT

Film Set 9: Animation After 9:00 • County Admin. Bldg. Commissioner Public Meeting Room, 5th Floor, 10 Court St., 32 seats, 10:00pm

Some serious topics told by animators. A retelling of The Tell-tale Heart, remaining true to Poe’s story. Can we find magic in the sea? When alien cadavers fall to earth, what is originally thought a benefit turns out to have a devastating result.

Film Set 7: Eerie and Strange • County Admin. Bldg. Commissioner Public Meeting Room, 5th Floor, 10 Court St., 32 seats, 7:00pm

Young explorers are put in odd situations. A camera alters one’s place in the world. A mariner is saved when he washes ashore, or is he? A descendant of a witch burned at the stake is released into a group of teenagers. What would you look to do if a meteorite was plummeting to earth and threatened your existence?

MUSIC

Film Set 10: Animation With a Deeper Meaning • County Admin. Bldg. Commissioner Public Meeting Room, 5th Floor, 10 Court St., 32 seats, 11:00pm

Some animation films are meant to deliver a message, and these two films do just that. A trip to the future where aliens become our salvation. Do cyborgs have a conscience, identity, desire for preservation and advancement of life?

Film Set 8: From New Jersey Only

• County Admin. Bldg. Commissioner Public Meeting Room, 5th Floor, 10 Court St., 32 seats, 8:00pm

Two documentaries and a live action story from New Jersey film makers. Visit a farm to table feast in Mahwah and visit the Last Swing Supper Club. Then turn to a fictional look at the end-of-life decisions about reckoning and the alternatives to heaven and hell.

Frank Vignola Trio • United Methodist Church, 50 S. Park Pl., 550 seats, 7:00pm & 8:00pm

Frank Vignola, born December 30, 1965, is a remarkable guitarist renowned for his virtuosity. He’s been the guitarist of choice for artists like Ringo Starr, Madonna, and guitar legend Les Paul. He currently holds a residency at the Birdland Jazz Club Theatre in NYC and collaborates with violinist Tessa Lark. “Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night” has featured some of the finest talent on the planet including Mike Stern, Pasquale Grasso, Jimmy Bruno, and many more.

Grover Kemble & Bob Marks • Hyatt Regency Morristown, Morris Room, 3 Speedwell Ave., 75 seats, 9:45pm & 10:45pm

Longtime favorite Jersey guitarist, vocalist, and jazz performer Grover Kemble teams up with guitar/vocalist Bob Marks to create a mix of pop, soul, and blues. Together now for several years, Grover and Bob have garnered the support of loyal fans who appreciate deft playing skills, choice song selections, and well-crafted original compositions with crisp harmonized vocals. Besides popular appearances at many local clubs throughout the metropolitan area, the talented twosome have opened for Louden Wainwright, Herman’s Hermits, Kenny Rankin and Joe Piscopo.

2025 FIRST NIGHT® MORRIS COUNTY VENUE MAP

NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENT SCHEDULE

Harmonium Choral Society • Church of the Redeemer, 36 South St., 350 seats, 6:00pm & 7:00pm Harmonium Choral Society, formed in Morristown in 1979, has become one of New Jersey’s leading choral art organizations, recognized for its musical excellence and innovative programming. Directed by Dr. Anne Matlack, the 100+ volunteer choir and 25-voice Chamber Singers are chosen through a selective audition process. We perform a broad choral repertoire with special emphasis on contemporary works. Our choir is multi-generational and includes high school and college age singers, teachers, IT professionals, artists, lawyers, and nurses, to name a few. Many singers lead their own choirs in schools or at places of worship.

Nast New Year’s Noisemaker Children’s Craft • Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Nast Center Hall Gallery, 45 Macculloch Ave., 4:30pm - 7:00pm

Ring in the New Year with your very own noisemaker inspired by New Year cartoons penned by Thomas Nast in the 1800s. Visitors are invited to color two of Nast’s most famous New Years’ illustrations and use them with jingle bells to make a festive noisemaker. Come create in the Museum’s historic center hall surrounded by Nast’s illustrations of Santa Claus while listening to live period music played by The Dolce Trio.

Maniac4Bricks (Fun with LEGOs) •

Morristown H.S. Upper Level Cafeteria, 50 Early St., 50-70 seats, 4:45pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm & 8:00pm

Come join brick artist Joseph Meluso (Maniac4Bricks) in discovering vast arrays of building, social play, and engineering with thousands of LEGO® pieces of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages! Also learn about his recent publication, Bizarre LEGO®, full of obscure products and evolutions over LEGO®’s 90-year history. Maniac4Bricks has an established 12-year online presence including YouTube videos, convention displays, as well as a nomination as a contestant for the FOX TV competition LEGO® Masters.

Megan Chappius & Gabriie Gonzales • Hyatt Regency Morristown, Morris Room, 3 Speedwell Ave., 75 seats, 6:45pm & 7:45pm

The Outcrops • Mayo Performing Arts Center Theater, 100 South St., 1,200 seats Venue 10 (In-Person): 7:00pm & 8:15pm Venue 11 (Live Stream): 7:00pm & 8:15pm

The Outcrops play music with heart. They have dug their roots into the music of rock’n’roll, blues, funk, and soul legends. Within their show, they often pay homage to artists such as BB King and Aretha Franklin, and bands such as The Grateful Dead and The Band. Their original music stems from that same soulful soil, ranging from gritty blues to upbeat Americana.The Outcrops have opened for Grammy nominated blues artist, Alexis P. Suter and they have shared the stage with Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth), Andy Goessling (Railroad Earth), and John Ginty (Robert Randolph Band, Allman Betts band).

Megan Chappius is a singer-songwriter, multiinstrumentalist, and music therapist based in Morristown, NJ. She has serenaded local and international audiences for the last decade and frequently performs in the tri-state area. Her warm vocal tone and playful melodies encapsulate a whimsical blend of soul, jazz, and folk styles. Gabriie Gonzales is a guitarist in the NJ/NY/PA tristate area. A lover of sound, he has an eclectic taste and is competent in many styles of music. Collaboratively, Megan and Gabriie inspire a musical synergy that charms audiences and intrigues listeners. They’ve cultivated a unique approach to recreating classic and modern tunes.

Music From China • Morristown H.S. Main Gym, 50 Early St., 500 seats, 7:15 pm & 8:15 pm

Music From China is a New York-based chamber ensemble performing traditional Chinese music and contemporary work. Established in 1984, the group has performed at art & cultural institutions, schools, colleges, universities, libraries, and music festivals across the U.S. Critics have praised Music From China as “musicians of extraordinary accomplishment and sensitivity performing sophisticated, involving music” (Kansas City Star) and have singled us out for being “accustomed to shattering listeners’ expectations” (High Fidelity). An active participant in preserving Chinese American cultural heritage, Music From China presents free community concerts, music instruction, and the Music From China Youth Orchestra program.

7 MUSIC

Rio Clemente, The Bishop of Jazz and His Abbotts • United Methodist Church, 50 S. Park Pl., 550 seats, 10:00pm & 11:00pm

A native of Morristown and member of the Morristown Hall of Fame, Rio Clemente is a pianist and composer of secular and gospel music. He has performed at the White House representing the U.S. Coast Guard and Auxiliaries and has been bestowed the honor of being selected as Auxiliarist of the Year. As a music educator, Rio served as music director for the Generations of Jazz Program of the NJ Jazz Society. NJ Monthly Magazine has named him among its “Top 40 New Jerseyans” and the NJ Jazz Society has named him Musician of the Year.

Santa Claus is Coming to Morristown, Santa Claus by Thomas Nast Exhibition • Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Nast Center Hall Gallery, 45 Macculloch Ave., 4:30pm - 7:00pm

Though primarily a political cartoonist, Thomas Nast (1840-1902) was perhaps most proud of the image of Santa Claus that he popularized. The artist lived at 50 Macculloch Avenue, just across the street from Macculloch Hall. The Nast home, Villa Fontana, can be seen in many of Nast’s Christmas images. Nast also featured Morristown’s downtown as the backdrop in many of his Santa Claus scenes. Look carefully, and you may recognize church spires and various rooftops. In these drawings, one can sense Nast’s love of home and the excitement that is in the air during the Christmas season.

MUSIC

HISTORY

Schuyler Hamilton House Tour •

Schuyler Hamilton House, 5 Olyphant Pl., 4:30pm - 7:00pm

Join us to go back in time to Revolutionary era Morristown! Tour the Schuyler Hamilton House and interact with famous historical figures who were residents and regular visitors there.

Meet Alexander Hamilton, Elizabeth Schuyler, and Morristown’s first doctor, Jabez Campfield. Experience how they lived and hear how General George Washington and the Continental Army encampments over four winters shaped them, the growth of Morristown and the United States of America. Our Revolutionaries will all be in period appropriate clothing. All ages are welcome on this tour. Colonial era games are available for our youngest visitors.

Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody •

Morristown H.S. Main Gym, 50 Early St., 500 seats, 4:45 pm & 5:45 pm

Square Dancing – fun-filled dancing for all ages. No partner or experience necessary. Come enjoy lively dancing with an experienced square dance caller. Mary Moody calls a varied dance program that includes reels, line, circle and square dancing to western, jazz and Broadway tunes. Try something new and fun for all.

Ty Stephens & (the) SoulJaazz • Hyatt Regency Morristown, Terrace Ballroom, 3 Speedwell Ave., 375 seats, 10:00pm & 11:00pm

From touring as Headliner, to opening act for major stars such as Tony Bennett, Al Jarreau, Steely Dan, Grace Jones, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Eric Clapton, George Benson, Sting, Prince and so many more, in Monte Carlo, to touring eastern Russia and South Korea through the US State Department, to command performances for King Hasan II of Morocco, First Lady Sally Mugabe of Zimbabwe, US Ambassador to Haiti and many more, award winning vocalist/songwriter Ty Stephens and his band the SoulJaazz, have made their mark for decades on the international scene!

Mid Atlantic’s Largest First Night... Dec 31st, 4:30pm, Morristown, NJ. USA

THE EVENING INCLUDES

70+ performances

23 Local Venues in Morristown Film Festival

$20 Gift Certificate to Shop or Dine Midnight Countdown and More! Package includes 4 Buttons (Tickets)

New Year’s Eve Countdown

Begins at 9:15 p.m

Get Ready to Welcome in the New Year with First Night Morris County’s 2025 New Year’s Even Countdown by joining us in-person as we get ready to bring in the New Year with a digital countdown, a 33-year tribute to First Night Morris County, and a chance to join in as we sing the New Year’s Classic, Auld Lang Syne.

Midnight Countdown

Begins at 11:55 p.m. Welcome in the New Year with the First Night Morris County 2025 Midnight Countdown by joining us in-person or virtually as we bring in the New Year with a digital countdown, a 33-year anniversary tribute and a chance to join in as we sing the New Year’s classic, Auld Lang Syne & More.

Morristown’s Community Museum

Venues # 21, 22, 23

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum welcomes visitors to experience everyday American history where it happened through an array of innovative programming focused on New Jersey and American history and art.

Located in the heart of Morristown’s National Historic District, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum was built by George and Louisa Macculloch. The Maccullochs emigrated from London, England to New York City in 1806. In 1810, they purchased 26 acres and a one-story stone bank house from General John Doughty, a commander in George Washington’s Army during the Revolutionary War. The Maccullochs built their Federal style brick mansion, the first significant brick structure in Morristown, in 1810 and added onto it in 1812 and 1819 as their family’s influence in local, state, and national history grew.

Established in 1950 by W. Parsons Todd (1877-1976) as Morristown’s Community Museum and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2023, today Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves and interprets its historic

house and gardens, unparalleled collection of the work of political cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902), fine and decorative arts collections, and Macculloch family archives. The Museum’s unique historic setting and its period and pro-

fessional galleries excite and educate visitors of all ages and abilities, connecting present to past in a dynamic cultural environment. On site, online, and through outreach, MHHM serves local, state, national and international communities.

HISTORY HAPPENS HERE.

Will Call

Morristown & Morris Township Library

Library services have been available in Morristown since 1792. The first circulating library consisted of 97 members and 96 books. The Morristown Library Association was formed in 1812 and by the middle of the 19th century the library had grown to several thousand volumes. From 1875 to 1914 the Library was housed on South Street between Park Place and Pine Street in the Morristown Library and Lyceum, an organization that officially incorporated in 1866. Its collection grew from 8,000 books to over 30,000 when the building, and almost everything in it, was destroyed by fire in 1914.

A temporary library was soon opened in the old YMCA building on South Street. With money from both insurance and the sale of the land on which the Library and Lyceum stood, the property at the corner of Miller Road and South Street was purchased with the intention of building a new library building. In 1916, Grinnell Willis, a retired textile merchant who lived in Morristown since 1889, approached the Library Trustees and offered to pay the entire cost of a new fireproof building.

The new Library would be built in “grateful remembrance of the love and affection bestowed on his late wife by her friends and neighbors in Morristown.” The day after Mr. Willis made his offer, an Act of Incorporation for the Morristown Library was filed. Its object was “to establish and maintain a free public library and reading rooms, to establish and maintain an art gal-

lery and museum for the encouragement of arts and science, to establish and maintain a collection of books and documents of historic interest and to advance the literary and educational interests of the community.” On December 13, 1917 the Library, with 8,000 volumes and a staff of four was opened to the public.

In 1929, with the collection now totalling 43,500 volumes, Mr. Willis funded the cost of an addition to the original 1917 building. This addition, which opened in 1930, contained the Children’s Wing. Grinnell Willis died shortly after the new wing was completed. In his will he left the library an endowment of $200,000.

The Library continued to grow and serve its public as an association library until 1966 when the residents of Morristown and Morris Township united in the support, maintenance, and control of a joint free public library.

In 1987 the cornerstone was laid for an addition to the Library largely financed by Edythe and Dean Dowling, which became the Dowling Wing. In addition to the generosity of the Dowlings, many members of the community contributed to this addition which doubled the size of the Library. Also in the 1980’s, the Library went online with an automated circulation system shared by the members of what was then called the Morris Area Information Network, and is now known as Main Library Alliance.

In 2006 the latest addition of the Library was completed.

HISTORY HAPPENS HERE. EXPLORE

The house was built in 1760 by John Scott. In 1765, he sold it to Dr. Jabez Campfield who married Sarah Ward and moved to the small village of Morristown. While there were other doctors in the broader area, Dr. Campfield was

Schuyler Hamilton House

the first doctor in Morristown and served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War as a surgeon from 1776 to 1783. He lived in this house until the end of his life, with his wife and only child, William. Jabez died in 1821, leaving the house to William, who in turn died in 1824. William’s children were living elsewhere by that point and uninterested in the house. It was sold by 1830 to the Tuttle family.

There were a number of changes made to the house during the Tuttle ownership period. First, the front and back parlors were combined into one large room. Second, the central hall stairway was added and one doorway downstairs and one upstairs were replaced. By 1890, the Tuttles had passed away and the house was sold to two local builders. The builders, Mr. Clark, and Mr. Dauglish purchased the house for the land which went from Morris Street up the hill on Olyphant Place. They moved the house to its present location in 1895 to develop the parcel directly fronting Morris Street.

The men moved the house into its own garden, faced it onto Olyphant Place and removed the lean-to kitchen that had been semi-attached to the back of the house. This structure was used as a carpenter’s shed. At the same time, the kitchen structure was moved but we do not know

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where it was relocated. Next Mr. Dauglish sold his share of the house to Mr. Clark who used the house as a two-family rental property. Mr. Clark died in 1923, and Mrs. Clark placed the house up for sale in April 1923.

Milred Ennis, former Regent of the Morristown Chapter, NJDAR read about the sale of the house in the paper and managed to convince the membership that purchasing it to save it was a clever idea. The Morristown Chapter, NJDAR, had no assets and were unable to obtain a bank loan. By August 1923, the ladies of the Chapter were able to raise the money to purchase the house by requesting donations and hosting bridge parties; the purchase price was $5,000.00. Having purchased the house, they were able to obtain a bank loan for the “restoration” of Schuyler Hamilton House in the Revolutionary style, adding the covered porch and raising the front roof line by six feet to install decorative corbels. Changes made inside the house included installing closets, a bathroom, and kitchens.

The DAR restoration of the house, predating the Williamsburg restoration gives insight into the early preservation movement and is the reason we have two time periods of interpretation on the National and State Historic Registers.

The Morristown Chapter was able to furnish the house with donated and purchased items, and it was opened to the public for tours in 1924 under the name Schuyler-Hamilton House. Why do we call it the Schuyler-Hamilton House? Come and visit us to find out why Alexander Hamilton visited our house frequently during the Revolutionary War. The Chapter offers tours of the house, discussions about Revolutionary era medicine, and a look back at a local tavern every Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM.

Be A Part of First Night Morris County & Volunteer

First Night Morris County is a Volunteer Based 501c3 Non-Profit Organization

The Volunteer Opportunity

Our dedicated volunteers participate in year-round committees and/or on New Year’s Eve only by welcoming attendees to the performances, checking admission buttons, managing venues, working the command center, and staff street fairs.

New Year’s Eve Volunteers Receive a Complimentary Volunteer Dinner and Admission upon Conclusion of the Volunteer Shift on New Year’s Eve.