New Year’s Eve at 6:15 p.m., join the Springfield Area Arts Council and past mayors at opening ceremonies for First Night 2012 at Fourth Street and Capitol Avenue. Fireworks and chances to win cash begin an evening of dance, song and entertainment at almost a dozen downtown locations. Our picks for the evening include: District 186 Student Film Club’s short films at 7 p.m. in the Old State Capitol Foundation Hall downstairs, followed by viewings of Route 66 International Film Festival’s comedies and dramas. World percussionist Rocky Maffitt plays at 8 p.m. at the National Museum of Surveying, Russel Brazzel brings his acclaimed classical guitar playing to Central Baptist Church at 9 p.m., and the Mark McKnight Trio’s Tribute to Ellington at Grace Lutheran Church at 10 p.m. promises to be enchanting. Make sure to check out afternoon performances at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and free children’s activities from 1-4 p.m. on the Springfield Area Arts Council’s website springfieldartsco.org. A complete schedule and ticket locations are listed. Tickets can also be purchased at the event locations.
New Year’s Eve at 6:15 p.m., join the Springfield Area Arts Council and past mayors at opening ceremonies for First Night 2012 at Fourth Street and Capitol Avenue. Fireworks and chances to win cash begin an evening of dance, song and entertainment at almost a dozen downtown locations. Our picks for the evening include: District 186 Student Film Club’s short films at 7 p.m. in the Old State Capitol Foundation Hall downstairs, followed by viewings of Route 66 International Film Festival’s comedies and dramas. World percussionist Rocky Maffitt plays at 8 p.m. at the National Museum of Surveying, Russel Brazzel brings his acclaimed classical guitar playing to Central Baptist Church at 9 p.m., and the Mark McKnight Trio’s Tribute to Ellington at Grace Lutheran Church at 10 p.m. promises to be enchanting. Make sure to check out afternoon performances at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and free children’s activities from 1-4 p.m. on the Springfield Area Arts Council’s website springfieldartsco.org. A complete schedule and ticket locations are listed. Tickets can also be purchased at the event locations.