First Night Picks

I've always thought that First Night is for families, but there is some fun stuff that the rest of us can enjoy. Here's a list of a few things I would check out. Most of these events will require a First Night Button for entry. For details on where to get a button or to order online (you get $3 off online) check out www.firstnight.org.

1. Commonwealth Shakespeare Company @ St. Paul’s Cathedral
From the people who bring Free Shakespeare to Boston Common: A Shakespearean Cabaret! Shakespeare has inspired countless composers - Verdi, Rossini, Benjamin Britten, Cole Porter, Rogers and Hart, and Bernstein, to name a few. In collaboration with New England Conservatory, CSC will present a collection of funny, beautiful, touching modern and classic songs from and inspired by Shakespeare.

2. All the Boston bands @ various locations
Bands that will be playing First Night are: The Neats who will play at the Orpheum along with Buffalo Tom and The Lyres (sponsored by The River). The Parkman Bandstand features Jordan Valentine and the Sunday Saints, with The Fatal Flaw. Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents bring their girl group sound to The Park Plaza. The Painted Lights, Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys and Cirkestra play at the Hynes, and Emmanuel Church features a triple bill of Drew O’Doherty, Kristin Hersh and Chris Brokaw and Geoff Farina performing pre-WWII country blues.

3. Bombay Cinema @ Hynes Convention Center
Boston’s own Bombay Cinema programs 10 hours of the best of Bollywood film for First Night. Visit www.firstnight.org for titles and times.