December 15, 2009
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The fires will burn brightly this New Year’s Eve thanks to a generous gift from a longtime donor to WaterFire. Now, the city of Providence will ring in the new year as planned.
As Eyewitness News reported earlier in December, the capital city was forced to cut funding for the annual ’ Bright Night ’ festival. But the traditional celebration is getting a helping hand this holiday season. Organizers of Waterfire are stepping in to help make sure the night goes on as planned.
It all kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on December 31st .
Executive Director of WaterFire Providence Barnaby Evans said, "Like every other arts group we are struggling financially, but our mission is to use the arts to enliven the City of Providence. We felt we had to keep the fires burning to make it a bright New Year’s Eve. I am delighted our staff, volunteers, and donors have stepped forward to make a lighting on our 15th anniversary possible. And we are tremendously pleased we could help Bright Night and its wonderful artists as well."
At Tuesday’s news conference, Bright Night announced the headliners for the New Year’s Eve event.
This year’s festival will feature over 150 performers in 15 venues throughout downtown Providence. Highlights include IllusionQuest, a full-stage magic and illusion spectacular featuring master illusionist David Garrity, local legends Big Nazo Puppets, Grammy-winner Bill Harley, Jazz saxophonist Greg Abate, the RI Children’s Chorus, blues band Black and White and a host of other performers.
"We’re so thrilled to be working with WaterFire on their fifteenth anniversary celebration" said Adam Gertsacov, Festival Director of Bright Night Providence, "and of course immensely grateful for this donation. This has been a tough year. It’s really making a big difference for us to ensure that this New Year’s Eve remains Bright."Tickets for Bright Night Providence are $10 if purchased before 12/24/09, $15 beginning December 25. Schedules, tickets, and more information are available online at http://www.brightnight.org or by calling 401-621-6123."Providence is fortunate to have two great arts organizations—Bright Night and WaterFire—that will join together on New Year’s Eve to light up the city," said Mayor David N. Cicilline. "Grammy Award-winning musicians, illusionists, Big Nazo puppets and many more exciting entertainers will contribute to in the inimitable energy and joy shared by our community on Bright Night."
For more information please visit www.waterfire.org/newyears .
