Following is the entertainment lineup for Ocean City's "First Night" celebration to ring in 2020. For the starting time of each show, visit
http://www.firstnightocnj.com/schedule.aspx
OCEAN CITY MUSIC PIER
THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE – Want to experience the Franklin Institute’s brand of interactive science right here in Ocean City? Experience the magic of science with the Franklin Institute’s high-energy, family-friendly and energetic Traveling Science Shows. Live science shows are some of the best ways for people to see experiments and demonstrations of how science impacts our everyday lives.
DISNEY’S IMAGINATION MOVERS – The Emmy Award-winning Imagination Movers bring their interactive, family-friendly rock concert to the Ocean City Music Pier for First Night 2020. Get ready for some high-flying toilet paper, ginormous balloons, vortex cannons, streamers and music, music, music. You’ll hear all your favs – like “Jump Up & Brainstorming” – and some new songs, too. This concert promises to be an amazing, interactive concert the whole family can enjoy.
THE TRAMMPS – Philadelphia’s disco band the Trammps will headline the Music Pier. The band's first major success was with their 1972 cover version of “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart.” The first disco track they released was “Love Epidemic” in 1973. However, they are best known for their Grammy winning song, “Disco Inferno,” originally released in 1976, becoming a U.K. pop hit and U.S. R&B hit. After inclusion in the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, the song was re-released in 1978 and became another hit.
For those who remember the Trammps and for others who never heard them perform, get ready for a show. (Photo Courtesy City of Ocean City)
OCEAN CITY SPORTS AND CIVIC CENTER
INFLATABLES – Visit our indoor carnival with giant inflatables.
THE LEGACY BAND – With over 20 years of combined experience in the music industry, LEGACY delivers the hottest party package in the Tri-State Area and beyond. This 9-piece professional lineup packs a high-energy, feel-great punch of a performance to keep the dance floor packed at any type of event. From party classics to the top hits of today, the band carries out the legacy of the most popular dance music throughout the decades, captivating an audience of any age.
OCEAN CITY SPORTS AND CIVIC CENTER OUTSIDE BASKETBALL COURT
ICE RINK – The best synthetic ice-skating rink surface in the world. Skates are supplied for this 40’x88’ rink. Come join this winter wonderland fun as a DJ spins the hits of yesterday and today.
GILLIAN’S WONDERLAND PIER
BOARDWALK RIDES – Amusement rides with the family in mind. Fun for everyone. Rides will be open 5-9 p.m.
OCEAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
HARLEM WIZARDS – A high-flying, slam-dunking, rim-rattling basketball show is coming to town. The world-famous Harlem Wizards will visit for an evening of great fun that will ring in 2020 with variety of fun, dazzling demonstration of hoops artistry, contests, comedy, awesome slam dunks, audience participation, merchandise giveaways and more.
HEGEMAN STRING BAND – A 10-time champion string band brings a unique style and sound to Philadelphia’s Broad Street on New Year's Day and to performances year-round. With more than 40 members, Hegeman is committed to bringing music and entertainment to people of all ages.
HUGHES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (OCHS Auditorium)
“ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE’S ‘WE ARE IN PLAY’ ” – Get ready for a musical experience ripped from the pages of Mo Willems' beloved, award-winning, best-selling children's books. The Ocean City Theatre Company production will leave audiences doing the "Flippy Floppy Floory" dance all night long. In Elephant & Piggie's “We Are in a Play,” Gerald and Piggie take to the stage in a rollicking adventure that is perfect for young audiences.
“LET’S ROCK”: A FULLY STAGED TRIBUTE TO ROCK ‘N’ ROLL – This rock-and-roll theatrical experience features a live band, lighting, costumes, dancers and spectacular choreography. Audience members will be transported back in time as they celebrate the music of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Musicians, singers and dancers will rock the Hughes PAC with classic rock anthems that will have you dancing in your seats. A perfect way to bring 2019 to a rockin’ end.
AUXILIARY GYM OF OCEAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL
CHAD JUROS MAGICIAN – Chad Juros is an award-winning magician who has been honored to share his magic with audiences around the world for over 20 years.
Chad has brought his talents to such places at the White House, Carnegie Hall, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, the Island of Aruba and numerous regions in Canada. You may have also seen Chad on ABC's “Good Morning America,” the CW Network's “Penn & Teller FOOL US” and A&E's “Criss Angel Mindfreak.” Chad is one of the longest-running entertainers at Ocean City's First Night is honored to bring his magic back year after year.
Magician Chad Juros has a few tricks up his sleeve in this 2019 act. (Photo courtesy City of Ocean City)
COMMUNITY ROOM OF OCEAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL
ANDREW HINK – A lifelong pianist and singer-songwriter, Hink is an Ocean City native and University of the Arts graduate. In March 2018, Hink debuted his first full-length original musical The Shoobie Show, which is about life by the beach and boardwalk. As 2019 draws to a close, enjoy the sounds of all 88 piano keys through the years. Come see live piano classics such as Chopin's “Fantasie-Impromptu,” “The Entertainer, the “Super Mario” theme, plus originals and more.
ROBIN GAZZARA – This 30-year-old singer-songwriter hails from South Jersey. Touring the country from the ages of 18 to 22, she has performed piano/guitar/vocals with the bands I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business and Ace Enders and a Million Different People, and shared the stage with bands such as Angels and Airwaves, Copeland, Cute Is What We Aim For, Steel Train and many more.
Starting her songwriting career at 14, Gazzara’s song "Identity" was featured on The Early November’s "Friends of the Early November" CD that was sold worldwide. Following that release, she fronted a band named OneTwoThreeFour before taking the road as a touring musician.
She has been performing locally at venues all over the South Jersey, mixing covers of current songs to classics, while also operating the Robin Gazzara Music Studio.
ORIGINAIRE – Entwining soulful strings with sweetly blended male/female vocals, Originaire captivates audiences with heartfelt original songs performed with engaging chemistry and seamless musical precision. Originaire keeps an audience captivated from the first note to the last and leaves them wanting more.
CAFETERIA OF OCEAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL
KARAOKE PARTY – You sing the hits as Center Stage Entertainment brings their top-of-the-line karaoke set up to the high school cafeteria. Free and fun for the entire family. Join up with friends to belt out your favorite songs or just come be entertained by the karaoke singers or by the lively “KJ,” who will play dance favorites in between song selections.
OBSERVATORY OF OCEAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL
OCHS OBSERVATORY – View the stars through the 700-times magnification telescope. Please note this is weather-permitting.
OCEAN CITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
ILLUSIONIST ANTHONY SALAZAR – Back by popular demand, Salazar presents an exciting show geared for the family audience. Witness amazing illusions choreographed to high-energy music, and a carefully blended combination of magic, comedy, dance, mind-reading, and audience participation that will leave you breathless.
THE PHILLY KEYS DUELING PIANOS – Bringing you all the fun and good vibes of the dueling piano mentality with song requests, sing-along favorites, crowd participation, and great musicianship, this new concept is revolutionizing weddings, corporate events and private parties. The Philly Keys are leading musicians in the Tri-State area.
The Ocean City Tabernacle will host events to ring in the new year.
OCEAN CITY TABERNACLE AUDITORIUM
THE DUPREES WITH THE OCEAN CITY POPS – The Duprees are known the world over for their romantic interpretations of the most beautiful love songs ever written. They have made a career out of giving new life to old hits. Starting out in the early 1960s in Jersey City, The Duprees were discovered by George Paxton of Coed Records.
Impressed with their smooth vocal quality, he had them record Jo Stafford's 1950's ballad "You Belong To Me" with big band arrangements. It was an instant national hit and the group's first million seller. Backed by our professional Ocean City Pops Orchestra, this show will have you singing and dancing into 2020.
HYMN SING – Sing in the New Year with a joyful time of praise and worship accompanied by the Tabernacle’s own Carolyn Lothian on piano and Jeff Seals on organ. This musical First Night stop is sure to lift your spirits and put a song in your heart.
OCEAN CITY TABERNACLE YOUTH CENTER
THE BEACH STRUMS – This ukulele group is going to demonstrate the versatility of the ukulele by playing songs from the Hawaiian Islands to Vaudeville, as well as popular American standards and selections from the Doo-Wop era. The program will consist of vocals and instrumentals. During parts of the performance, the group will encourage audience participation.
ST. PETER’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SANCTUARY
THE CAPE SHORE CHORALE – Founded in 2005, the Chorale has approximately 50 dedicated volunteer singers from Atlantic and Cape May counties. Their repertoire includes both secular and sacred music. In addition to annual winter and spring performances, the Chorale has performed with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra, at First Night Events in Ocean City and in many other local venues.
Since its inception, the Cape Shore Chorale has been under the direction of Scott J. Breiner, one of the most respected musicians in South Jersey. The Chorale rehearses regularly at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Ocean City. Their First Night presentation is entitled “American Classics: Cole Porter/Gershwin/Hoagy Carmichael.”
THE MEN OF BROADWAY II – The men of the Ocean City Theatre Company will return after last year’s hit show. Be wowed by the sounds of Broadway as leading men perform classic selections by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Bernstein, Webber, as well as contemporary selections from today’s hottest Broadway shows.
ST. PETER’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH’S STAINTON ROOM
JOHN PIZZI, VENTRILOQUIST – One of the hottest rising comics in the entertainment industry, Pizzi has brought his unique brand of family-friendly comedy to audiences around the country! You may remember him from Season 6 of “America’s Got Talent.” He was an opening act for entertainers like Jerry Vale, Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge, Joy Behar, Weird Al Yankovic, The Trammps, The Regents, Al Martino, Clint Holmes and many more. He also has been a national headliner at comedy clubs, resorts, colleges, and theaters across the United States.
OCEAN CITY AQUATIC AND FITNESS CENTER
POOL OPEN – It is open swim at the Aquatic and Fitness Center’s 25-meter indoor pool.
The Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Ave. will host several events and activities.
OCEAN CITY LIBRARY LECTURE HALL
OCEAN CITY HISTORY – Learn about the early history of Ocean City: as a whaling waypoint, a part of the Lenni-Lenape way of life and a home to the first settlers. The lecture includes a presentation on the U.S. Lifesaving Station No 30.
THE TESTOSTERTONES – This vocal group hails from St. Augustine Preparatory School under the direction of Mr. Matthew Wolf. The all-male a cappella ensemble is in its fifth year and has performed and competed in various events across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including many events here in Ocean City. The TestosterTone's repertoire features strictly a cappella music with an emphasis on contemporary music.
QUIZZO LIVE TEAM TRIVIA – Quizzo is a 7-round, 70-question trivia contest between teams. The game rounds include General Knowledge, Celebrity Picture Identification, Sports, Geography/ History, Entertainment and a Bonus round. Teams can guess (they don’t lose points) and they can choose to double the point value in a single round by using the “Joker.” Spelling does not count and the only rules are no cheating (using phones etc) and never call out the answer.
OCEAN CITY LIBRARY CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY ROOM
STORYTELLING – Laura Kaighn of Lady Hawke Storytelling will be sharing stories of celebration, peace and promise. Perfect for the young and young at heart.
OCEAN CITY COMMUNITY CENTER ATRIUM
DJ AND FUN – Celebrate the end of 2019 with a dancing, crafts/activities and family fun in the atrium.
OCEAN CITY SENIOR CENTER
DAN CAIN MENTALIST – Cain has specialized in the art of mentalism for over a decade. He is the only person in the history of mentalism to predict the winner, final score and specific highlights of Super Bowl 46 -- three months before the game.
There will be some country line dancing at First Night 2020.
COUNTRY LINE DANCE EXPERIENCE – Have a boot-scootin’ fun time with our interactive country line dance experience. The evening will feature country music and professional country line dancers who will teach everyone the hottest country line dances.
OCEAN CITY HISTORICAL MUSEUM – The mission of the Ocean City Historical Museum, Inc. is to delight, inspire and educate the public about the story of Ocean City and to collect, preserve and promote items relevant to its heritage, traditions and memories. Come visit, explore and learn.
OCEAN CITY LIFE SAVING STATION – First Night attendees will get an opportunity to visit the newly restored U.S. Life Saving Station 30 at the intersection of Fourth Street and Atlantic Avenue.
The station operated in Ocean City from 1885 to 1915 as part of the U.S. Life Saving Service, a precursor to the modern Coast Guard.
Lifesaving stations up and down the U.S. coast were positioned not only to rescue ships and sailors in distress but to serve as places of shelter and medical clinics on shorelines that were often sparsely inhabited and remote.
They were staffed with men whose motto was, “You have to go out, but you don't have to come back.”
The Ocean City station will become a living history museum that will give visitors a glimpse of what life was like there in 1905.
