(PRWEB) Boston, USA - First Night Boston is the country’s oldest and largest New Year’s arts celebration. December 31, 2003 from 1:00 p.m. to midnight, First Night presents its 28th annual festival of art, music, dance, ice sculpture, fireworks and more. First Night welcomes revelers of all ages to celebrate community and unity through the arts. The World Music attractions at this year’s event are as follows.

The Tami Machnai Ensemble – Boston Public Library, 7:30 & 8:45 p.m. The Consulate General of Israel to New England presents The Tami Machnai Ensemble, performing artistic interpretations of Middle Eastern, Israeli and Jewish traditional music and originals in Hebrew, Ladino and English. Since arriving in the US from Israel in 1994 Machnai has established a name for herself in pop, jazz and world music circles. She came to the US to study at Berklee, and graduated in 1997. She has performed in Japan, Venezuela, Switzerland and Israel, in styles ranging from pop to jazz to R&B to Reggae to Jewish/Israeli music.

Mohamed Kalifa – Hynes Convention Center Hall D, 7:30 p.m.
Mohamed Kalifa blends traditional music of West Africa with contemporary sounds of America. With musicians from Africa, Europe, and America, this Afro-pop band presents a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. Mohamed takes the audience on a journey from ancient Africa to modern, urban America with a sound and beat that brings the audience to their feet dancing and singing along.

Alexander - Hynes Convention Center Hall D, 9:30 p.m.
Venezuelan merengue singer and songwriter Alexander fronts this 13-piece band that bears his name. With music full of romanticism and vibrant Latin rhythms, Alexander is a favorite on the Dominican and Puerto Rican circuit in Boston.

The First Night button is the ticket for admission to all of these and dozens of other indoor performances and exhibits. This year’s button design is adapted from artwork by Paul Goodnight. Buttons are $15 (children three and under are admitted free), and can be ordered online now at www.firstnight.org or purchased at thousands of retail locations, including participating Star/Shaw’s Supermarkets, Store 24 and Borders Books & Music locations. For more information about First Night Boston 2004 call (617) 542-1399 or log onto First Night’s website at www.firstnight.org.