Fullerton Hopes Trance Actions Add Up to a Good Time

You are not getting sleepy.

Keep telling yourself that. Even if you are in a church on New Year’s Eve, seeing a hypnotist.

Cindy Layne, who calls herself “the ultimate hypnotist,” is among the performers who will appear in neighborhood houses of worship Tuesday as part of the annual First Night Fullerton arts celebration. Others are jazz band Simpatico and surf band the Torquays.

“I’ve done fairs, I’ve done steamships, but never a church,” said Layne, whose performance will be one of scores of attractions at the downtown event. But her show remains unaltared, if you will.

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“With total concentration and no critical thought, and that’s all hypnotism is, your left foot can be an elephant,” she said. “People can immediately feel chilled, even if it’s 102 in the shade.”

No need for a church key for this celebration--it’s alcohol-free. First Night Fullerton, now in its sixth year, is one of more than 100 such events taking place in cities in the United States, Canada and Australia; they offer families, seniors and singles an alternative to the nightclub environment more typical of New Year’s festivities.

Among acts slated for secular sites around town are Harmonica Fats and the Bernie Pearl Blues Band at the Wilshire Auditorium, and the Doctors’ Band, a group of local physicians who will play big band and swing classics for dancing at the Pomona Pavilion. A fun zone features rides and karaoke for kids.

Paul Dillery, a comedian described as “somewhere between Woody Allen and Pee-wee Herman,” and the polyester-clad Bus Stop Hurricanes--new this year and “more entertaining than a overheated Lava lamp,” according to press materials--appear at the Fullerton Museum Center pavilion. Art buffs can get their kicks at the museum’s exhibit, “Return to Route 66--Photographs From the Mother Road.”

Setting up at Landmark Plaza will be Bouncin’ Dan the Paddleball Man, a.k.a. Daniel Volk of Monrovia. He’s also new, sort of.

“Last year he was Dan the Yo-Yo Man,” said event coordinator Joe Felz. “But believe me, he’s a new person.”

The party kicks off with a “People’s Procession” beginning at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Whiting Avenue. Capping the night, and no doubt better than any nightcap, will be fireworks above the main stage.

* First Night Fullerton is Tuesday at various locations in downtown Fullerton, between Lemon Street and Malden Avenue and between Chapman and Amerige avenues. 7 p.m. to midnight. Purchase of a “First Night” button includes admission to all events and attractions: $12; $8 for ages 12 and under. (714) 738-6545.