2011 Puppet Parade

(Courtesy Athol Daily News)

2011's Great Lineup!

SORRY!- The Chair Lift will not be operable at Butterfield School. 

 

ROBIN FOX Butterfield School @7 and 9 pm

Host of the 2011 Lucie Awards at Lincoln Center, winner of the 2010 Gilda's Club Laugh-Off, this very funny New Jersey Mom decided after 17 years of being a housewife, that being the funniest mom on the cul de sac wasn't enough for her. Ten years ago Robin decided to pursue full-time her life long dream of becoming a comedian. Robin is a powerhouse and her act puts a unique spin on her 27 year marriage, kids, her aging parents and suburban life and so much more. Robin Fox quickly rose through the comedy ranks and can be seen performing at some of the top Comedy Clubs and venues through out NYC and the northeast. She can be heard on rotation on XM and Sirius Satellite Radio. She has been a guest several times on WOR's Joey Reynold's show. Robin has also appeared on WE Entertainment television.
(Parental discretion is advised for children younger than 10 years of age.)

GREEN RIVER STRING BAND Upstairs at the Universalist Church 7 and 9 pm

 



Take a few alternative country originals, add a number of blistering bluegrass songs, flavor with some sweet old time fiddle tunes, stir in dobro, guitar, banjo, accordion, fiddle, bass, vocal harmonies and add musicians: Charlie Conant, Doug Reid, Eveline MacDougall and Josh Owsley. The end result is the Green River String Band.

Story of the River

Green River String Band | Myspace Video

MELANIE AND THE BLUE SHOTS Town Hall 6 and 8 pm

Melanie and the Blue Shots are rooted in blues, but not afraid to dust off an old jazz standard, breathe new life into a traditional folk song, cover classic rock & roll, country, or anything else that's good. Featuring Melanie Mangum's awesome vocal abilities, and talented sidemen (Sax, keyboard, guitars, bass, drums) this fresh act has something for everyone and never fails to put on a memorable show.

Members of the band are Melanie Mangum (lead vocals); Jim Bennett (sax); Matt Hickler (bass, vocals); Charlie Gamble (sax); Phil Leger (drums); Charlie Mallet (guitar, vocals) and Jim McRae (keyboard, vocals).

GROOVE SHOES Town Hall 7 and 9 pm

With the help of a band of funk gypsies from the deep reaches of outer space, Groove Shoes offers soulful vocals, inter-galactic horns and a rhythm militia complete with both guitar and organ. Groove Shoes pays tribute to the legacy of Soul-Jazz, Funk, R&B, Hip Hop while crafting their own distinct blend groove-oriented funk.

Molly Steinmark (vocals/percussion); Killian Karlsson (guitar/turntables); Matt Clegg (bass); Sam French (drums)

LUI COLLINS Congregational Church 6 and 8 pm

Celebrate New England winter with songs and poems from this internationally acclaimed folksinger and songwriter, then warm up with Brazilian bossa nova sung in the original sensuous Portuguese. Vocals, guitar, banjo. 

Bring the kids to her interactive family-friendly set at 6:00 pm, then come back later and enjoy her more adult-oriented Folk set at 8:00 pm.

THOUSAND ACRE JAZZ BAND Butterfield School 6 and 8 pm

The Thousand Acre Jazz Band is an early jazz, swing & blues quintet whose songs include classics from the ragtime era through to the big band sound of the 1940’s. A swingin’, festive and high-energy musical experience that’s just perfect for your New Year's Eve celebration!

Members of the band include Stephen Babineau (leader/trumpet); Bill Glenny (clarinet); Terry Reed (banjo); Pete Travisano (bass); Jo-Ann Gerde (drums).

EDDIE RAYMOND Downstairs at the Universalist Church 7 and 9 pm

Eddie has been performing his unique blend of comedy and magic for over twenty-two years. His award winning slight-of-hand, coupled with his off-beat funny business makes for an enjoyable, one-of-a-kind experience. Great fun for the entire family!

AMANDLA CHORUS Upstairs at the Universalist Church 6 and 8 pm

The Amandla Chorus was founded in 1988 and is based in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The name Amandla comes from the Zulu word for "power." In Amandla, we celebrate the power of community. To that end, we sing songs of justice, freedom, and peace —songs new and old, from around the world and written here in our own community. In performance, we wear sashes made of cloth from many lands to remind our audiences that we all belong on this planet together.

Amandla Chorus from Together in Song on Vimeo.

RICHARD CHASE Congregational Church 7 and 9 pm

Veteran singer songwriter Richard Chase is well known in these parts and has earned the respect of audiences near and far with his superbly crafted songs and accomplished musicianship. His songwriting is fresh and intimate, revealing a fearless introspection that passionately reaches out to the listener. 

From the ukulele to the Fender Stratocaster, this special performance will also feature Seth Hoffsommer on drums, and Bryan Barstow on bass. Whether you are moved to dance, tap you feet, or hum along with a tune that you know (or will soon recognize), you will not be disappointed. Chase's songs fill that place inside us all that is nourished by good music. A perfect fit for this much loved local celebration!

NICOL WANDER PRESENTS “THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA” Dance Studio 7 and 8 pm

In Nicol Wander’s Wanderfully Crafted version of this classic fairy tale, the story has a nutritional twist. It seems that in this Kingdom, eating fruits and vegetables is required by law, but the little Princess hates green vegetables! Find out what happens when this junk-food loving Princess mistakenly eats the pea under all those mattresses.

INSIDE OUT DANCE COMPANY Downstairs at the Universalist Church 6 and 8 pm

The excitement of dance is alive and well in the North Quabbin thanks to the Dance Studio’s own Inside Out Dance Company. Come experience the talent of these young dancers as they perform ballet, jazz, tap and modern dances.

ORANGE OIL DONATES

Pam and Bob Harris of Orange Oil surround Rose Marie Thoms of Starry Starry Night with their enthusiasm for this year's planned celebration of New Year's Eve. Once again, Orange Oil is a generous supporter of this fun and free event in the heart of the Friendly Town. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. in five different venues in the downtown area with a variety of music options, storytelling, magic, comedy and more, repeating throughout the evening.

RETURNING DONOR

Bank of America has once again joined the ring of large donors for this year's Starry Starry Night. Posing in front of their well-known logo are Eileen Seymour and SSN Committee member Candi Ashenden with the now famous Starry Starry Night "Thank You" star.

TD Bank DONATION

 
Once again, TD Bank puts a large smile on the face of Starry Starry Night's Candi Ashenden, center, as she accepts this year's gift from one of SSN's largest contributors. Celebrating this year's donation with her are Marc Ostberg, TD Bank Store Manager, and Lisa Mills, TD Bank Assistant Store Manager.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Bonnie Bassett, Starry Starry Night treasurer and Sr. Vice President of Human Resources at Athol Savings Bank, left, and SSN member Candi Ashenden reach for new heights as they encourage area businesses, organizations and individuals to donate to this year's New Year's Eve celebration, which is a free, family-friendly event that takes place at several venues in the heart of Orange and is open to all. Athol Savings Bank's continued platinum support of this popular community event makes it one of the largest local supporters.

DEDICATED DRIVER

One of the most memorable events during the Starry Starry Night, New Year's Eve celebration each year is the hayride through the decorated streets of downtown Orange. Dave Flint generously oversees this event and spends much of the evening behind the wheel of the tractor. To join in a hayride this New Year's Eve, gather by the fire station between 6 and 9 p.m. and get in line. And while you're waiting, enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate, served to you by Dana Robinson or one of his many local Boy Scouts.

WORKERS' DONATION

Candi Ashenden, left, and Rose Marie Thoms of the Starry Starry Night Committee accept this year's donation from Workers' Credit Union's Cari Rich, center. Most of the area banks support this community event with donations of $500 or more and their contributions are essential to offering these New Year's Eve festivities free of charge year after year.

TREE FARM DONATION

Theresa Bergquist, right, from Heyes Forest Products, graciously offers Candi Ashenden, left, Starry Starry Night member, the company's 2011 donation in support of the 16th annual Starry Starry Night New Year's Eve celebration, which takes place in Orange. Complete programs with schedules will be available at many area businesses, banks and the Orange Town Hall. There are nine entertainment options scheduled between 6 and 10 p.m. The family-friendly event is free and open to all.

STARRY NIGHT DONATION

The construction crew of the Jos. A. Mallet & Son, Inc. of Athol shows its support for this year's Starry Starry Night celebration with their generous yearly contribution and friendly smiles as Candi Ashenden of the SSN committee says, "Thank you!" The family-friendly New Year's eve celebration in Orange is a free event and open to all, from 6 to 10 p.m. Left to right - Evan Mallet, Aron Mallet, Ashenden, Joseph "P-2" Mallet and Rob Bergquist.

STARRY NIGHT SUPPORTER

Joe Goody, manager of Hannaford, takes time out of his busy day to pose for a photo with Rose Marie Thoms of the Starry Starry Night Committee. Hannaford is a regular supporter of this event which, this year, will offer nine different entertainment options between 6 and 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 in downtown Orange. The family friendly event is free and open to all.

Pete's Tire Barns Recognized

Jim Haibon, a representative of Pete's Tire Barns in Orange, graciously accepts a gold star "thank you" from the Starry Starry Night Committee in the person of Rose Marie Thoms. Pete's is one of the many contributors who help make the family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration in Orange free for everyone.

STARRY STARRY NIGHT DONATION

Rose Marie Thoms, Starry Starry Night committee member, joyfully receives this year's donation from Susan Heinricher of Educare.  This family-friendly event is made possible through gifts and donations from many area businesses and organizations.

16th annual Starry, Starry Night dedicated in memory of Wes Blackmer

The 16th annual Starry Starry Night New Year's Eve celebration will once again take place throughout the downtown area. This year's event is dedicated to the Memory of Wes Blackmer, a man who worked for many years behind the scenes at the Methodist Church to help make Starry Starry Night a success.