First Night Morris County rings in 2015

Lynn Siebert is as fascinated by Native American dance as she is by Tuvan throat-singing.

For that reason, Siebert may be the ideal person to serve as artistic programmer for First Night Morris.

Siebert, director of arts participation and communication for Morris Arts, is responsible for selecting the acts that will perform as part of the annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Morristown, now in its 23rd year.

More than 20 venues, most within a short walk of the Green in Morristown, will host about 80 different performances the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 31.

As she has done in the past, Siebert has amassed an eclectic mix of entertainers that include pop, rock, world music, jazz, and classical musicians. First Night Morris 2015 will also include dancers, magicians, and visual artists.

“We have outstanding people coming,” says Siebert. She notes that comedian Jon Fisch has appeared on “Late Night with David Letterman” and was hand-picked as the opening act for Jerry Seinfeld.

Another act, the British Invasion tribute, performed with Eric Clapton and opened for Ringo Starr. “That’s as much of an endorsement as you could hope for,” says Siebert.

Other acts are more exotic. Michael Durek plays the electronic instrument known as a theremin. Kleztraphobix is a klezmer band with credits that include appearances with They Might Be Giants and the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

And what about throat-singing? The vocal technique associated with the Tuvan Republic in Russia enables one singer to produce two notes at the same time. Alexander Glenfield will give a throat-singing concert as part of First Night Morris.

“We have world-class artists,” says Siebert. “These are people who have played the Stone Pony and the Bitter End, who have appeared on national TV. These artists talk to each other and tell each other what a great time they had playing in Morristown.”

Michael Schmidt, chairman of the board of trustees of First Night Morris, credits Siebert for finding and attracting that diverse talent.

“Lynn has spent a lot of time programming something for all ages,” Schmidt says. “What’s exciting is the value that she delivers. Some of these artists command prices of up to $100 just to see them.”

Some of the talent is homegrown. Folk singer Mike Agranoff and pianist Rio Clemente are Garden State residents, and organist Gordon Turk is familiar to visitors of the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove.

Schmidt adds that Hackettstown High School, one of the venues, has become a hub for entertainment geared specifically for families.

For the second year in a row, the school will have such activities as a hula-hoop demonstration, a LEGO robotics event, an opportunity for children to create artwork, and a presentation on reptiles.

These events will take place starting at 4:45 p.m. and conclude with an early fireworks display on the Green at 9:15 p.m. (Most of the other events begin after 7 p.m., with a second fireworks display at midnight.)

Siebert says that she tries to ensure that more than half of the performers are either new to First Night Morris or have not appeared in several years.

“We do have repeat performers,” Siebert says. “(Jazz guitarist) Frank Vignola is a perennial favorite, with good reason. Bucky Pizzarelli is coming back, which is a treat.”

Both Schmidt and Siebert say they are pleased that ticket prices remain low. A button that permits access to all First Night Morris events still costs $25, with discounts for families of four or more.

Free shuttle service among the venues and free parking are other bonuses. “We’re very budget-conscious,” Schmidt says.

FIRST NIGHT MORRIS 2015

WHAT: About 200 performers from various disciplines – from dance to classic rock, from jazz guitar to stage magic, from world music to stand-up comedy – take part in about 80 performances. Family-oriented activities from 4:45 to 9 p.m.

WHEN: 4:45 p.m. to 12 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31

WHERE: More than 20 locations in downtown Morristown within a few blocks of The Green, including:

• Morristown High School, 50 Early St.

• Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St.

• St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, South Street at Miller Road

• St. Peter’s Parish House, 70 Maple Ave.

• Church of the Redeemer, 26 South St.

• Presbyterian Parish House, 65 South St.

• Morristown United Methodist Church, 50 Park Place

• Presbyterian Church on the Green, 57 Park Place

• Market Street Mission, 9 Market St.

• First Baptist Church, 51 Washington St.

• Administration and Record Building, 10 Court St.

• Hyatt Morristown, 3 Speedwell Ave.

• Plus art exhibits at various sites. Free bus shuttle service connects venues. Free parking at select locations.

TICKETS: $25; discounts for groups of four or more. Free for children under age 4.

INFORMATION:www.firstnightmorris.com.