By Tyler Barth
The Asaran Earth Trio, which will perform at First Night Morris County on New Year’s Eve, is aptly named.
“We have songs from Spain, Portugal, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Brazil, Venezuela, Italy and America,” says trio member Artemisz Polonyi, who hails from Hungary.
This is the ensemble’s first appearance at First Night Morris. Now in its 28th year, the alcohol-free, family-friendly event features more than 100 artists at 16 venues across downtown Morristown.
Polonyi and her bandmates, Anne Boccato of Brazil and Chiara Izzi of Italy, will be singing a mix of original creations and folk songs at the Masonic Lodge at 39 Maple Ave., at 7:15 and 8:15 pm.
The New York-based trio strives to serve two distinct audiences that define “folk music” very differently.
“What I’ve noticed at folk festivals here in America, folk is mostly defined as singer-songwriter songs, like acoustic, so like a person with a guitar,” says Polonyi.
“In Hungary and in many other countries, a folksinger is someone who is immersed in the folk tradition, not all original songs, but songs that were created through the times,” she says.
The ladies have performed together for about four years. They come from choral backgrounds in their home countries and have performed across the world, including at Carnegie Hall.
Dr. Lynn Siebert, who books First Night acts for Morris Arts, says a friend pointed her to the Asaran Earth Trio.
First Night Morris County kicks off with children’s events at Morristown High School at 4:45 p.m. and continues with music and entertainment until midnight, with fireworks finale over the Morristown Green. (For the younger crowd, fireworks also will be shot off at 9:15 pm.)
Admission badges are $25, or $90 for a four-pack, and they give you access to all performances. All events are within walking distance; a shuttle bus and parking will be free. See the First Night website for details about hotel packages.
MorristownGreen.com is a proud sponsor of First Night Morris County 2020.
