First Night Annapolis, tonight's 16th annual celebration of the arts, will usher in the new year with more than 20 new acts.
Additions to the program of dance, magic acts and musical performances throughout downtown include 1st Samuel, a high-energy group of young gospel singers, comedian Kelly Terranova, Whirlwind Woodwinds and a tour of little-known historic African-American sites.
The celebration will begin with the children's program, "First Act," from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts on Chase Street.
Acts will include the Blue Sky Puppet Theater, Abu the Flute Maker, clowns and face painters. Musical acts including Rhythm & Tone Workshop with Bay Jazz Project and Whirlwind Woodwinds will entertain and educate children about music.
The evening program will begin at 6 p.m.
Teenagers will find new features at the Annapolis Recreation Center, where Lantastic Extreme's gaming salon is rebuilt; hip-hop group Flawless, will perform, as will the 2006 county high school Battle of the Band winners.
PlayMotion will be in the heart of City Dock, where visitors can move images across a large screen with the wave of an arm or the kick of a foot.
There will be dancing to the Spa Creek Swing Band, salsa in the Latin Quarter, and Alan Has Radar in the City Dock Party Tent.
Artisans will be found throughout the town.
The event will conclude at midnight with fireworks at City Dock.
Parking will be available at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at Rowe Boulevard and Taylor Avenue.
There will be a courtesy shuttle from the stadium to State Circle.
The last shuttle to State Circle will be at 11 p.m. and the final return trip to the stadium will be at 12:45 a.m.
Admission buttons will be available at the stadium today.
The cost is $22, $14 for children ages 13 to 17 and seniors, and $10 for children ages 5 to 12.
Children younger than 5 will be admitted free.
Information: 410-268-8553 or www.firstnightannapolis.org.