“First Night Evanston” written by Julia W. Rath

[rating=3]The community of Evanston, Illinois, ushered in the year 2023 with its 30th anniversary celebration of “First Night”, an annual tradition that celebrates New Year’s Eve with live entertainment. This year’s performance was the first time in three years that it took place in person after going virtual in 2020 and 2021. Since it was unclear to the organizers how many people were going to attend, the event was scaled down considerably. The result was a largely homespun affair with not as much variety as in previous years but most definitely enjoyable.

The evening opened at 7:00 p.m. with a performance by the Timezone Jazz Band, consisting of seven performers from Evanston Township High School: Sam Persell (trumpet), Mitchell Nakamoto (saxophone), Sam Roberson (guitar), Violet Weston (double bass), Luke van Leer (keyboard), Tanner Carlson-Huber (vibraphone), and Toby Perlstadt (percussion). Considering that they are a mix of high school juniors and seniors, they did a good job and are still learning the trade. That said, saxophonist Nakamoto is the talent to watch.

Mentalist Christopher Carter showcased his mindreading skills at 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Mentalists work using the power of suggestion. That means that he can make a person see things that aren’t there—and not see things that are there. As the introduction to his act stated, “Christopher Carter is not a psychic”, meaning that he operates in the natural world versus tapping into the astral plane. The first thing he does is figure out which people in the audience are more suggestable or receptive (or not), and he likes to look at people’s faces—especially their eyes—to determine how and whether they are lying. (And since all of us have to wear masks, the eyes have it!) For me, the most interesting part of his act is when he guesses numbers—not just one through six on a die—but birthdates and social security numbers of selected members in the audience. He amuses us with guessing cards we might be holding. I also enjoyed the segment when he asks three members of the audience how old they were when they had a first crush on an individual; then, through a series of questions, he figures out the name of that person. He’s quite the talent in projecting thoughts into people’s minds.

Headliner Corky Siegel performed twice: first at 9:00 p.m. and then after an hour’s break, he returned at around 11:00 p.m. to close out the show with his unique and thoughtful rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.” Siegel is always an impressive talent: an internationally-known whiz on the harmonica and keyboard. I have watched him perform many times before, and I am perhaps one of the top fans of his genre and musical style. His blues are full of vitality and spunk: fluid and mean. He writes original songs featuring clever, crafty, and sometimes goofy lyrics, and occasionally he changes the lyrics of well-established songs to the amusement of all. For example, he added lyrics to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and included other religious and cultural traditions, such as Kwanzaa, Chanukah, and Ramadan. His music is a joy; his arrangements of known songs are distinctive. Siegel’s performance is generally lighthearted and silly but deeply meaningful when it comes to reflecting upon what the next year might bring. I especially liked listening to his story about how he was mentored by Blues greats Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Buddy Guy, and Little Walter, among others, back in 1965 (and how he was one of the few white guys taken under their collective wing). That said, I think he got it right when he recently told a reporter for the Evanston “Roundtable”: “It’s been 100 years since I was able to spend New Year’s Eve with you in Evanston in person, in living color, in 3D, indoors and inspired…. We will all be older, wiser and cuter!”

Note that this year, all performances took place in the main sanctuary. If you decide to attend next year, be sure to pack an extra sweater or be prepared to wear your coat in the pews.

First Night Evanston took place on New Year’s Eve at First United Methodist Church, 516 Church Street (corner of Hinman and Church), in Evanston. Free off-site parking was available at the Evanston Place parking garage at 525 Church Street.

General admission tickets were $30 in advance, and $35 on December 31st and at the door.
Student tickets were $15 for students with valid ID.

Masks and proof of vaccination were required. We were told to “Please protect yourself and your fellow community members.”