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December 21, 2006

Providence unveils plans for this year's Bright Night

Journal photo / Andrew Dickerman
Big Nazo puppets accompany Mayor David N. Cicilline at City Hall today as Bright Night festivities are announced. Cicilline said the New Year's Eve event is the perfect opportunity to showcase Providence’s arts and culture, particularly through the use of local artists.

PROVIDENCE — City Hall was invaded today by a legion of costumed who-knows-what’s, singing and dancing and doing magic tricks as they took over the austere government building.

But it was only a taste of the scores of performers, artists, and shows that will descend on Providence on Bright Night, the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

The night promises over 160 performers in 24 venues throughout the city’s downtown. But it will be the first Bright Night not to feature WaterFire, which could not find a sponsor for a New Year’s Eve lighting.

The artist-run, arts-oriented festival begins with events starting at noon on Dec. 31. But the evening really kicks into gear at 6 p.m., with the first performances by the Bright Night Circus of Wonders, the Gilday Magic Show, a poetry slam, jazz and dance performances, and more.

There will also be fireworks displays at 5:30 p.m. and midnight.

The main event will be the full circus, held at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The other large new event is the Gilday Magic Show, a 20-person show billed as the largest touring magic show in 25 years. The show will run at 6 and 9 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the first time Bright Night activities have used that venue.

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 6:57 PM | Permalink

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