Monday December 31, 2007 we arrived at First Night Headquarters at the Hyatt Hotel in Morristown around 2 PM. We had a late lunch at the Hyatt, took a tour of the town and had dinner at the Hyatt as well. As is our tradition, we took one of our "famous" mirror shots.
In all there were 48 entertainment groups participating in First Night Morris, so picking just 4 was very difficult.
At 7 PM, our first selection of performers was the STEIN BROTHERS QUARTET who played very easy listening jazz and classical jazz compositions. The brothers played in the well appointed Hyatt lobby and Paddy relaxed in a comfortable easy chair.
Two blocks away at the Presbyterian Church was SOLID BRASS featuring a drum, tuba, 4 trombones, a French horn and 4 trumpets. Their musical arrangements spanning the period from Medieval Times to the Beach Boys really sounded great.
At "halftime" around 9:15 everyone converged ON THE GREEN, 1 block from the Hyatt, for fireworks.
Our third selection of performers was ANN RABSON; however, arriving at the First Baptist Church, we found out that Ann was in the hospital, so in her place was a quartet led by DANNY KIRKHUM who played trombone, violin, piano and harmonica. The group sound was excellent and Danny Kirkhum was amazing on his various instruments.
Our final musical venue was back at the Hyatt Lobby. There was a very large crowd, both sitting and standing to hear this fine jazz trio. We didn't arrive at the start of the set, but we think we were hearing RIO CLEMENTE and friends.
At 11:45 we again gathered on THE GREEN. At exactly midnight the first rocket of fireworks ushered in the new year. It was great. Paddy and I really enjoyed ourselves.
