First Night Talbot 2021 will present a virtual New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2020. Working with local videographer Ray Remesch, Discover Easton is proud to be able to continue the annual tradition for the 27th straight year, albeit in a safer way in light of the pandemic. Although the changes to the event are in response to the coronavirus, the celebration will remain as arts and community focused as ever before.
“We are not only happy that we are able to continue the First Night Talbot tradition this year, but we are really excited to introduce a new, digital format and hopefully reach a larger audience,” Discover Easton Executive Director Ross Benincasa said. “Although we cannot wait to welcome people to First Night Talbot and our other events in person next year, we hope this remote experience will give our community a bit of joy as they connect with some of our local artists from their home.”
The digital event will feature music, performers, and well-wishes from local community members. Some of the performers to be featured include: Cascading Carlos, Terron Quailes, Wyes Guys, Pressing Strings, the Salisbury University Jazz Ensemble, Mike Elzey and students, Randy Welch, and more.
The virtual presentation will also feature the world-famous Maryland Crab Drop, featured on CNN in 2014, and a community-wide music mashup to help welcome in 2021.
“I think it’s pretty awesome that Carlos Mir, or “Cascading Carlos” as he is known, our fire juggler, tells me it’s been 15 years that he’s celebrated New Year’s Eve with First Night Talbot,” First Night Talbot Program Chair Carolyn Jaffe said. “Carlos is one of our many treasured traditions, and we’re so pleased to be able to show them off virtually this year.”
To watch the virtual event, tune in before 7 p.m. to the Discover Easton YouTube (https://youtube.com/DiscoverEaston) or Facebook (https://facebook.com/DiscoverEaston) channels, or head to www.firstnighttalbot.org.
First Night Talbot follows the traditions of the First Night movement that began in Boston in 1976. It is the only First Night celebration in the State of Maryland and provides a community-wide celebration through the arts without alcohol. First Night Talbot 2021 is pleased to echo the message of the previous years in continuing to address the need for strong and healthy communities.
In its 27th year, First Night Talbot has weathered many financial storms in the past and hopes to offer safe, alcohol-free New Year’s entertainment for another generation of Talbot County families. To help this dream become a reality, please consider a donation to Mid-Shore Community Foundation dba First Night Talbot, 102 E. Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601.
A friendly challenge to Easton businesses and community organizations has been issued: Who can build the most creative scarecrow display?
