The Beat Goes On!

A New Year's Eve Celebration returns to Montpelier! The Beat Goes On!!
Coordinated & Presented by Shidaa Projects and Lost Nation Theater!

 

Let’s celebrate getting through this year!!

 

“The Beat Goes On” -  Shidaa Projects and Lost Nation Theater’s New Year’s Eve Celebration for Montpelier - is a  daylong, citywide, festival of music, performance, and fun family activities showcasing the character of our beloved and beleaguered City by featuring artists that have made this community their home for many decades.

 

And it’s Free for the community! (Tho’ Donations are gratefully accepted!)
The Beat Goes On! Is sponsored in part by a grant from Montpelier Alive, and support from National Life Group & 802 Cars.

 

Ring in the New Year throughout the day in different venues throughout the community with family friendly activities and terrific music. The party starts at noon and ends around 8pm! (Ending our events in plenty of time to also enjoy Montpelier’s restaurants and nightlife!)

 

“As long-time denizens of Montpelier, Shidaa Projects was overcome by the devastating flooding that took place this summer and have pitched in however we can to help support the rebirth of our city.  Ending the year on a high note with this New Year’s Eve celebration feels like the perfect way to continue that supportive role. 

We are so excited to collaborate with our friends at Lost Nation Theater and our friends in the local music scene to make this inclusive event one to remember..” – Christine Hartman

 

The fun packed afternoon of activities includes a free animated movie at the Savoy, crafts & stories at Kellogg Hubbard Library, and a youth drumming workshop in the LNT Lobby. Oh! And an Hot Chocolate Stand outside in City Hall Plaza.

 

In the spotlight (at Christ Church and the Unitarian Church) will be favorite local musicians Karl Miller & Sweet Messenger, Art Zorn & Denise Ricker, The Steppes and The Sara Grace Band sharing uplifting, diverse, and toe-tapping tunes.

 

In the evening - celebrate with a ‘one-time only’ - collaborative event by Shidaa Projects and Lost Nation Theater showcasing drumming, dancing, cabaret, song & storytelling.

 

For this special performance, Shidaa Dance and Drum Troupe will introduce its special guest dancer and choreographer, Samuel Maama Marquaye from Ghana, supported by our own Artistic Director Jordan Mensah.

 

Also showcased for this performance are: locally acclaimed Guinean balafonist Ousmane Camara (based in Warren); master drummer Seny Daffe (of Jeh Kulu); Stuart Paton (from Burlington Taiko), and other drum and dance enthusiasts from the community celebrating New Year’s Eve through dance drumming.

 

Featured Lost Nation Theater artists include Kim Bent, Kathleen Keenan, Susan Reid, and Shanda Williams. LNT’s design and technical team are creating a festive environment in which to celebrate! There may even be a “ball drop”!

  

“We are so grateful to be able to provide some joy and shine a light on our beautiful, scrappy community as we head into a New Year, and have a chance to start anew! We’re also excited to be collaborating with Shidaa- deepening our friendship and creative partnership.” ­
- Kim Bent and Kathleen Keenan, Lost Nation Theater Artistic Directors.

Be prepared for uplifting rhythms and good energy this New Year’s Eve! 

 

Lost Nation Theater: 2020 “Theater of the Decade” - Broadway World, “Best in New England”- Yankee Magazine, and named One of the Best Regional Theaters in America by NYC Drama League is Sponsored by Flood & Recovery Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, City of Montpelier, Vermont Mutual Insurance, Montpelier Strong Recovery Fund, National Life Group, Leahy Press, Eternity, Vermont Arts Council and The World.

 

Join Us! December 31 2023 (Noon– 8:00pm.)  
Live In Person; (LNT & Shidaa Projects Concert Live-Streamed -on Dec 31 at 6:30pm, and via Digital Recording through January 6, 2024)!

Masks are preferred & strongly recommended for in person attendance, but not required.
The Flood made LNT/City Hall’s elevator inoperable, requiring climbing stairs to attend in person. The play will be available digitally to make the show accessible to those unable to physically join us. We appreciate your understanding during this emergency situation.

 

ALL EVENTS are by donation and first come/first seated.

Advance registration for events at LNT is available: https://bit.ly/3vePFJ2  

 

You can also reach LNT by phone: 802-229-0492.   email: info@lostnationtheater.org

This event is funded in part by a grant award from Montpelier Alive, with funds from the Montpelier Downtown Improvement District.