First Night Worcester 2001:

An Arts Odyssey

takes place at 14 locations on December 31 beginning at noon and ending at midnight with a Lincoln Square gathering to view fireworks. We've picked out a few performances to check out; also, say hello to the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy at Norwich and Foster Streets -- which will be hosting an evening of Worcester Country Poetry Association readings from 4:30 to 10 p.m. First Night buttons cost $10 ($8 if purchased prior to day of event) and are available at all event locations, area McDonald's, FirstMass Banks, and Price Chopper Supermarkets, and many other locations throughout Central Massachusetts. For more information, call (508) 799-4909. For a complete rundown of events, visit www.firstnightworcester.org.

Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St.

5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Performing Arts School of Worcester Orchestra (Great Hall).

7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Impressionist Mark Verselli (Washburn Hall).

9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Tom Chapin (Great Hall).

9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Improv Boston Comedy Troupe (Washburn Hall).

Worcester Voke, Lincoln Sq.

5:30 and 6:30 p.m. 9-Teen (Founders Hall).

7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Blind Tiger Swing Posse (Founders Hall).

7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Arthur Dent Foundation (gymnasium).

9:30 and 10:30 p.m. BoneDance (Founders Hall).

9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Sonic Explorers (gymnasium).

United Congregational Church, 6 Institute Rd.

3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Joy of Music (sanctuary).

5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Chuck and Mud and the Whole-in-the-Dam Band (sanctuary).

5:30 and 6:30 p.m. She's Busy (Green Rooster).

7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Reggie Walley's Bluesicians (sanctuary).

7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Slo-Grass (gymnasium).

7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Vance Gilbert (Green Rooster).

9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Valerie and Walter Crockett (sanctuary).

9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Emil Haddad and Dick Odgren (gymnasium).

9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Cliff Eberhardt (Green Rooster).

Tuckerman Hall, 10 Tuckerman Street

5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Klezmer Conservatory Band (upstairs).

5:30 and 6:30 p.m. New England Brass Guild (Dean Hall).

7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Lisa Thornson (upstairs).

7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Mixashawn (Dean Hall).

9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong (upstairs).

Multicultural Community Festival

Union Station, Washington Square

12:30 p.m. Paula Zawalich Dancers.

1:15 p.m. P.A.M.A.S. Dance Troupe (Pilipino).

2 p.m. Ayriyan Ensemble (Armenian).

2:45 p.m. AME Zion Church Youth Choir.

3:30 p.m. Piast (Polish-American folk group).

4:15 p.m. Alexander the Great Dance Group (Greek).

5 p.m. India Society of Worcester.

5:45 p.m. McInerney School of Irish Step Dancing.

6:30 p.m. Quabbin Lake Singers and Dancers (Native American).

7:30 p.m. Antioch Association (Lebanese-Syrian).

8:15 p.m. El Condor (Latino).

9 p.m. Cambodian Buddhist Society Dance Group.

9:45 p.m. Adeshie Dance Troupe (Ghana).

10:30 p.m. BiShir Chorale and Israeli Youth Dance Company.

The International Food Court will feature cheese pies and Hummous from the Antioch Association, Chicken Tikka Marsala from the India Cafe, curried goat and chicken from the African House Restaurant, Armenian pizza (Lahamajeun), and the legendary barbecued ribs and fried chicken of the Emmanuel Baptist Church.