First Night Flathead festival,
an alternative way to ring in the New Year, is presenting an array of
visual and performing arts activites in the downtown Kalispell area December
31st. This will be Kalispell's third First Night celebration.
First Night Flathead began in 1999 with a small group
of volunteers including FHS English teacher, Nancy Rose.
"It's happening this year" said Mrs. Alley " all downtown"
First Night Flathead will have something special this
year at the midnight hour, when the Royal Rangers will be playing.
Lef and the Royal Rangers will be playing at Lindermen
at 8 p.m. Each band will alternate on the hour with the Royal Rangers
playing before and after midnight.
Students should expect a great concert from these two bands.
"Pretty big beat box [competition] between Trusten
Williamson and Chris Bartlett" said Colton Barton "Trusten against
the drums."
First Night Flathead is the first time the Royal Rangers
and Lef will have played together at this venue.
"Come to our show," said JT Baker " and
girls cannot be Santa Claus."
Student who attended previous First Night Flathead had
a wonderful time. "Oh yeah" said Senior Temple Cranney "
I would definitely do it again, it was so much fun."
That's not all that's going to be offered at First Night
Flathead. Flathead Art students will also be drawing portraits at Artworks.
"I'm doing portraits for First Night" said
Senior Lacey Nerdig "To raise money to go to Italy over Spring Break
with Art Trek."
This year Mr. Eckles, FHS guitar teacher, will be playing.
FHS staff will be donating their artistic talent to First Night.
"I'm going to be doing my finger style special,
it's really classical styles" said Mr. Eckles "Rumor has it
that there might be a sing-along, too"
Art, music and even poetry readings will be a few venues for First Night
Flathead.
"There will be a poetry reading at Norm's News
and anyone who wants to share or appreciate poetry is invited," said
Rose " We want an interactive audience this year, it is a lot of
fun and the poetry is also great."
Buttons are available at Books West, Mountain Aire Music,
Budget Tapes and CD's, Mountain Valley Foods, and Kalispell Athletic Club.
To be a part and join in the celebration a button must be purchased for
$5.00 to allow admission into all of the First Night Flathead.
With Good music and good friends, First Night Flathead
looks to be a great success. Go check it out on New Year's Eve.
