Saranac Lake First Night 2012

—- — SARANAC LAKE — First Night Saranac Lake rakes in new talent for New Year 2013.

“This is our seventh year doing First Night in Saranac Lake,” said Susan Patterson, festival founder.

“This year, we decided we would have all new acts. No acts from previous years. That’s pretty exciting, and that was a lot for the team that does the bookings of our performers.”

The New Year’s Eve slate includes storyteller Amber McKernan (6 and 7 p.m.) and spoken-word poet Angel Nafils (8 and 9 p.m.) at the Adirondack Artists Guild.

Headliner is Hair of the Dog, a Celtic-rock band, performing at 10 and 11 p.m. at the Harrietstown Town Hall.

“We have a variety of things for young children, especially in the early evening. We have the Zucchini Brothers,” Patterson said. “For many years, they were at Saratoga’s First Night. We stole them away this year.

“We also have Pipsqueak (children’s comedy and magic entertainment). We have some things that will attract teenagers, a local high-school rock band, Invasive Species. We have somebody doing rap, Fluent.”

Comedian Johnny Lampert performs at 9 and 10 p.m. at Petrova Elementary School. Minor Swing (gypsy jazz) takes the stage at 8 and 9 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, and ADK Jazz is performing at 7 and 8 p.m. at Will Rogers. Soma Beats (African drum and dance) performs at the First Presbyterian Church at 7 and 8 p.m. Monsterbuck (folky-garage rock) is scheduled for 10 and 11 p.m. at Pendragon Theatre.

“We have a high-school vocal ensemble (Saranac Lake High School) and a country band, Clem Hawkins Revival Band,” Patterson said.

The opening ceremony for First Night takes place at 5:45 p.m., when, she said, “we reveal our new banners. The music and entertainment starts at 6 until midnight.”

Then, the countdown to 2013 will be capped by the signature snowflake drop and fireworks.