Programming Highlights for First Night

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 4, 2013
Media Contacts:
Shaunda Miles, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust / (412) 608-9767 / Miles@TrustArts.org
Saul Markowitz, Markowitz Communications /  (412) 977-8517 / saul@markowitzcommunications.com

Electronic art is available for download:  TrustArts.org/press
Search: FirstNightPGH 2014

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES
PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS FOR
HIGHMARK® FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH 2014

CHARLES BRADLEY HEADLINES the 20TH ANNIVERSARY arts-focused celebration
Tuesday, December 31, 2013, 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. midnight
Cultural District | Downtown Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced the vibrant programming planned for this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration, scheduled to take place in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District on Tuesday, December 31, 2013.  Perennial Pittsburgh favorites, in addition to a few new and exciting events, are intended to highlight the history of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh and commemorate 20 years of the family-friendly community celebration.

“We are proud to support Highmark First Night Pittsburgh as a family-friendly, community event,” said Dan Onorato, executive vice president, Highmark. “Our support is focused on ensuring that the event is accessible to the entire community and offers a great experience to the young and young at heart of our region.”

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 is produced by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust with generous support from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the event’s longtime supporter and returning presenting sponsor.  Highmark First Night Pittsburgh provides the city with a chance to ring in the new year while celebrating the arts: dance, music, theater, comedy, magic, visual art and film, plus hands-on activities for children and adults.

“Through this year’s exciting programming, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is able to illuminate how relevant the event was, and continues to be, to the cultural fabric of our city,” says Darcy Kucenic, Director of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is grateful to the vision of former Mayor Tom Murphy and to Jamee Todd, the founders of First Night Pittsburgh.  The Trust is also grateful to Highmark for its third consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of the region’s largest New Year’s event.”

Soul/R&B and Funk sensation CHARLES BRADLEY AND HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES will headline the 20th anniversary celebration, performing on the Highmark Stage in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. Bradley transcended a bleak life on the streets and struggled through a series of ill-fitting jobs — most famously as a James Brown impersonator at Brooklyn clubs — before finally being discovered by Daptone’s Gabe Roth. “Sometimes performances are that special, where words can’t re-create them…a classic showman…he sells every syllable, dropping to his knees, outstretching his arms, shaking his hips. And that voice [is] both pleading and plaintive, anguished and extraordinary.” – Los Angeles Times, SXSW review.  This can’t-miss performance will be accompanied by the Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale: the countdown to midnight, raising of the 1,000 lbs. ball 150 feet in the air above Penn Avenue Place, and a spectacular Zambelli fireworks finale!

New attractions include a special one-time ICE LABYRINTH.  Visitors can experience a fully immersive 5 ft. high and 40 ft. x 40 ft. walk-through maze of giant ice blocks, specially designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh with LED lighting, carved and designed by Ice Creations’ Rich Bubin.  The ice labyrinth will be located next to Fire & Ice Plaza at the 8th Street parking lot, which will again feature Ice Creations and Steel Town Fire. Playwright FJ Hartland and his award-winning play Funeral in the Rain will be presented as well as a new visual art exhibition by Edinboro University curated by Bruce Gallery.  The exhibit will act as a conduit of art between Pittsburgh, Erie, and Edinboro. By working with the community, TRANSPOSE will install a short-term Pop-up gallery installation at 820 Liberty Avenue.  iQ Kids Radio, a commercial-free, family-friendly educational radio station developed by WQED Multimedia and SLB Radio Productions, Inc., will host a dance party in EQT Plaza to celebrate one year of the web radio station! Attendees can enjoy a DJ dance party and a make-and-take craft.

It Was the Coldest Winter Ever, a special variety show by Miniature Curiosa will create a miniature city from medicine cabinets, desk lamps, Victorian dollhouses, and repurposed junk. Inside, amongst the tiny copper-wire trees and within the cramped bedrooms of the pocket-sized residents, puppeteer Zach Dorn reveals the miniature city’s hidden stories. Equipped with video technology, Dorn sends digital cameras through the cardboard streets, projecting puppet performances for children and adults alike.  Also new this year, Bricolage Production Company will present First Look First Night: an immersive urban adventurewhere audiences will be invited to embark on a personal 30–40 minute journey interacting with the world of art. Part game and part performance, First Look: First Night is an experience unlike any found on a stage, taking its audience on an actual journey through various city locations.

The WYEP Music Station on the 4th floor of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Education Center (805/807 Liberty Avenue) will feature Joy Ike and Broken Fences.  In the Pierce Studio of the Trust Arts Education building, Sean Jones will lead the Mission Statement 2014 Reunion Band in a 10th anniversary performance. The Pittsburgh jazz group was founded in 2004 and played regularly at Dowe’s on 9th, the former Cultural District jazz club.

 The FedEx Ground Parade at 8:00 p.m. is themed “Special Delivery” and features Grand Marshals Mr. McFeeley, First Night Pittsburgh founders, Former Mayor Tom Murphy and Jamee Todd, giant puppets, art cars, marching bands, and a bicycle parade.

Johnny Angel and the Halos

Included within the nearly 150 arts-focused and family-friendly events being held in nearly 50 indoor and outdoor venues throughout the Cultural District is the Country Rock band sensation NOMaD on Dollar Bank Stage kicking things off at 6:00 p.m. along with the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks Display.  Equitable Gas Marquee Performances will include Pittsburgh favorite Johnny Angel & the Halos at the Benedum Center and the River City Brass at the Byham Theater.  Other vouchered performances include magician Jason Hudy at CAPA’s Auditorium, juggler and yo-yoer Mark Hayward at the Highmark Auditorium, First Night Comedy Club at the Cabaret at Theater Square, and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School performing in the August Wilson Center Theater.

Korbanic-Morrison Duo

NoMAD

Noel Quintana

Joy Ike

Attack Theatre will also perform in the August Wilson Center Theater during the evening.  Attack Theatre’s public debut was on December 31, 1994, at the inaugural First Night Pittsburgh celebration. Founders Peter Kope and Michele de la Reza choreographed and produced five different performances throughout downtown Pittsburgh, working with over 25 artists that one evening.  With the then First Night Pittsburgh directors Jamee Todd and Donna Goyak, Peter and Michele served as First Night programming associates.  This 20th anniversary celebration marks Attack Theatre’s 12th year of participation in First Night Pittsburgh.  Over the past 19 years, Attack Theatre has created original performances and installations for First Night Pittsburgh including a world premiere of Resolution Café, the ever-popular Bag Attack Boogaloo, a 5,000-person kazoo concert in Market Square, a 2,000-person game of musical chairs on Liberty Avenue, and more.

First National Bank Family Tent with hands-on activities for kids and adults.  The First National Bank Family Tent hosts activities for all ages, led by community groups like the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Citiparks,Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, and more, including everyone’s favorite hometown sports mascots!

First Night Food Trucks will return at a new location in the parking lot at 9th Street and Penn Avenue, as will the enormous Penn Avenue Big Screen located at 6th Street and Penn Avenue, full of surprises and throwback images celebrating the past 20 years of First Night Pittsburgh!

All programming is subject to change. Updates will be posted online at TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH.  The Highmark First Night Pittsburgh website provides even more event details and allows users to sort through the schedule of events and customize plans.  TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH is mobile-friendly and will allow smartphone users to plan on-the-go during New Year’s Eve.

ADMISSION
All-Access Highmark First Night Pittsburgh buttons (worn by attendees) are available beginning December 5, 2013 at participating Giant Eagle locations; online at TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH; by phone at 412-456-6666; or at The Box Office at Theater Square, located at 655 Penn Avenue.  Buttons cost $8 in advance or $10 night-of-event. Children age 5 and under are admitted FREE.

Some indoor performances also require seating vouchers, which are free tickets.  They must be reserved to ensure theaters do not fill beyond capacity.  Vouchers can be reserved starting December 5th by phone or at The Box Office at Theater Square only. Events requiring vouchers are listed at TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH.
Want your vouchers sooner? Our VIP package, entitled “First Night Friends,” allows members to purchase vouchers beginning December 5th for priority seating, access, parking, and more! For more information on becoming a part of this special sponsorship opportunity, please call 412-471-6086.

SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 sponsors as of release date include: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as the presenting sponsor, Equitable Gas Company, Dollar Bank, First National Bank, Giant Eagle, PNC, and Bobby Rahal Motor Company.  New this year, FedEx Ground will serve as the sponsor for the annual parade with special puppets designed by Studio Capezzuti.

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 community supporters include The Buhl Foundation, The Fine Foundation, and The Grable Foundation.

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 media partners include KDKA TV, Trib Total Media, and WYEP 91.3 FM/WESA 90.5FM.

ABOUT HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, is an arts-focused and family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.  It is the largest single-day celebration in the region offering around 150 events at nearly 50 indoor and outdoor locations within the 14-block Cultural District. The celebration offers something for everyone.

ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District.  A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity.  Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.
# # #

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 Event Schedule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Jessica Warchall, Visual Art Publicist, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
847-477-8714/Warchall@TrustArts.org
Shaunda Miles, Director of Public Relations, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org
Diana Roth, Communications Manager, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org

Images available: http://TrustArts.org/press
Search: FirstNightPGH 2014

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES
HIGHMARK® FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH 2014
VISUAL ART EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS

Cultural District | December 31, 2013 | 6 – 11 p.m.

Pittsburgh, PA—The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the visual art exhibitions and events that are part of the twentieth anniversary celebration of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh in the heart of downtown’s Cultural District. Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 is produced by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust with generous support from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the event’s long time supporter and returning presenting sponsor. Highmark First Night Pittsburgh provides the city with a chance to ring in the new year while celebrating the arts: dance, music, theater, comedy, magic, visual art, and film, plus hands-on activities for children and adults.

“Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is the region’s largest showcase of family-friendly visual art,” says Sonja Sweterlitsch Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Manager of Community Art. “Visitors will enjoy a wide range of visual media and expression, from film, to installation art, to painting and sculpture, to inspire and delight.”

PGH Zombie Apocalypse (Courtesy of Artist)

Among the fourteen visual art venues participating in Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 is the Trust Arts Education Center (805/807 Liberty Avenue), which transforms into an exhibition space for the event. The Center’s third floor features the exhibition Memory Terrains, which includes artwork by artists working in a range of media. Don Jones presents Cycle Sam, a child-size, energetic animated robot. Alternate Histories by Matthew Bucholtz features old prints of the Pittsburgh area, seemingly familiar, yet utterly surprising, as UFOs hover in the skyline and sea monsters rise from the Monongahela River. Also presented is a selection of artist Mia Tarducci Henry’s vibrant and colorful abstract paintings recalling her experiences in Grenada 30 years ago.

A screening of the 1959 animated film “Rhapsody in Steel” by former Disney staffer John Sutherland rounds out the third floor exhibition space. Commissioned by U.S. Steel, this 23-minute industrial cartoon (with full orchestration by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) tells the story of the history of steel, from the first meteor hitting the earth, to ancient Egypt, to space flight. Other notable contributors to the film include Academy Award-winning composer Dimitri Tiomkin, art director and former Disney illustrator Eyvind Earle, director Carl Urbano, and narrator Gary Merrill.

The Center’s fourth floor features the Second Saturday Workshops: Instructors’ Showcase, highlighting outstanding work by thirteen local artists, who are also instructors of the Second Saturday Art Workshop Series at the Trust Arts Education Center. Among the artists included are internationally honored fiber artist Tina Brewer and Tom Scioli, comic book artist and illustrator of the epic sci-fi comic book Gødland.

The following is a complete schedule of the visual art exhibitions and events that are part of the Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 New Year’s Eve celebration.

HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH 2014 VISUAL ARTS

Mia Tarducci Henry (Courtesy of the Artist)

Trust Arts Education Center, 805/807 Liberty Avenue
Third Floor: Memory Terrains
Presenting paintings by Mia Tarducci Henry; Alternate Histories by Matthew Bucholtz; Cycle Sam by Don Jones; and Rhapsody in Steel, a 1959 animation by John Sutherland, re-mastered by Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.
Fourth Floor: Second Saturday Workshops: Instructors’ Showcase
Artist-instructors include Rick Antolic, Alison Babusci, Michael Bestwick, Tina Brewer, Cheryl Capezzuti, Erin Carlson, Joshua Hogan, Laverne Kemp, Emily McMahon, Olga Mihaylova, Thomas Scioli, Sonja Sweterlitsch, and Linda Wallen.

Highmark Direct Truck, 9th Street
Steel Making: A Symphony of Industry
This 1936 film re-mastered by Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area illuminates the steel-making process from start to finish with cinematic flourish rarely seen in films of this genre.

Fraley’s Robot Repair Shop, Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, 107 6th Street
The Lonely Robot Returns
Artist Toby Atticus Fraley brings back the Lonely Robot from his previous Cultural District installation. The robot and his friends appear in a swanky room window display at street level.

Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, 937 Liberty Avenue, 2nd floor
Welcoming the Future, Honoring the Present: New and Established AAP Member Works
This exhibition features a salon-style hanging of works by current AAP artists alongside a showcase of 21 new AAP members, who became part of the organization in 2013.

Toonseum, 945 Liberty Avenue
The year 2014 is the 100th anniversary of Gertie the Dinosaur, the first animated cartoon character. To celebrate, ToonSeum is showing animated cartoons inside and outside of the building. Special live performances by cartoonist and ToonSeum Director Joe Wos are also featured.

PNC Legacy Project, 600 Liberty Avenue
A multimedia exhibition highlights the story of Pittsburgh’s transformation into one of the country’s most livable cities.

Edinboro University, 820 Liberty Avenue
Chimera
Curated by Edinboro University’s Bruce Gallery, this pop-up project is part of the larger gallery project titled Transpose. Acting as a conduit of art between Pittsburgh, Erie, and Edinboro, the installation features student artwork.

Harris Theater, 809 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh Filmmakers presents a series of short films.

Future Tenant, 819 Penn Avenue
Shame of the City: Deconstructing and Reconstructing Comic Narratives
Twenty-three artists each present a deconstruction of a different page from the 1984 comic book The Invincible Iron Man, (volume 01, issue 178), effectively creating a new work inspired by the original comic.

Wood Street Galleries, 601 Wood Street
HIVE
Kurt Hentschläger created this 3D-animated audiovisual installation in which visitors encounter swirling amorphous human figures appearing as a mass, or hive, rather than as individual beings.

SPACE, 812 Liberty Avenue
Behind Our Scenes
Guest curated by Jen Saffron, this exhibition features works by five photographic artists exploring the relationship between the two-dimensional form and physical space. The artists include Nancy Andrews, Leo Hsu, Dennis Marsico, Annie O’Neill, and Barbara Weissberger.

707 Penn Gallery, 707 Penn Gallery
threaded color // drawing lines
Nicole Czapinski constructs wooden frames enclosed by sheer fabric, creating semi-transparent, two-sided screens. Varicolored thread is woven between the two fabric panels, effectively creating three-dimensional drawings of polygons that appear to float in space.

709 Penn Gallery, 709 Penn Gallery
Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh Holiday Artist Market
This juried show and artist market features works of art handcrafted by members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh in a diverse range of media, including jewelry, clay, glass, wood, textiles, paper, among others.

August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue, BNY Mellon Gallery, first floor
Pittsburgh: Reclaim, Renew, Remix
This multimedia exhibition is designed to herald the contributions of artists, musicians, dancers, sports figures, and literary figures to Western Pennsylvania’s rich African America heritage. An interactive tool allows visitors to create unique video collages.

Please note that all exhibitions open at 6 p.m., and close at 11 p.m., unless otherwise indicated.

The Highmark First Night Pittsburgh website provides event details and allows users to sort through the schedule of events and customize plans. TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH is mobile-friendly and allows smartphone users to plan on-the-go during New Year’s Eve.

SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 sponsors as of release date include: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as the presenting sponsor, Equitable Gas Company, Dollar Bank, First National Bank, Giant Eagle, PNC, and Bobby Rahal Motor Company. New this year, FedEx Ground serves as the sponsor for the annual parade with special puppets designed by Studio Capezzuti.

First Night Pittsburgh 2013 Parade (Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 community supporters include The Buhl Foundation, The Fine Foundation, and The Grable Foundation.
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 media partners include KDKA TV, Trib Total Media, and WYEP 91.3 FM/WESA 90.5FM.

ABOUT HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, is an arts-focused and family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. It is the largest single-day celebration in the region offering around 150 events at nearly 50 indoor and outdoor locations within the 14-block Cultural District. The celebration offers something for everyone.

ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.

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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

First Night Pittsburgh 2013

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces:
HIGHMARK® FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH 2013
Region’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration

Dirty Dozen Brass Band headlines Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012, 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. midnight
In the heart of the Cultural District

www.FirstNightPgh.org

PITTSBURGH, PA: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District at Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013!  This family-friendly community event is produced by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust with generous support from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the event’s long time supporter and returning presenting sponsor.  Highmark First Night Pittsburgh provides the city with a chance to ring in the new year while celebrating the arts: dance, music, theater, comedy, magic, visual art and film, plus hands-on activities for children and adults.

“On behalf of Highmark, it’s our pleasure to provide key support for Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, a family-friendly event that offers fun activities for all to enjoy,” said Highmark executive vice president Dan Onorato.

Adds Darcy Kucenic, Director of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: “We’re grateful to Highmark for their continued support of the region’s largest New Year’s celebration that draws tens of thousands of visitors and spotlights the success and growth of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is proud to produce Highmark First Night Pittsburgh and to deliver high-quality performing and visual art for the city to embrace this New Year’s Eve.”

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh begins at 6:00 p.m. with the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks Display and a performance by Adam Brock & The Soul Band on the Dollar Bank Stage at Seventh Street and Penn Avenue.  The First Night Parade begins at 8:00 p.m and features Grand Marshals Curt Woottan and Chris Preksta of “Pittsburgh Dad,” giant First Night Puppets, art cars, marching bands, a bicycle parade, and members of the community- all lit for the occasion of this year’s ‘light’-themed parade.  The evening concludes with a performance by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band on the Highmark Stage and The Countdown to Midnight and Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale atop Penn Avenue Place and Fifth Avenue Place.  The Highmark Stage, where all the First Night revelry concludes, is located on Penn Avenue next to Fifth Avenue Place.  The Penn Avenue big screen, an extra large jumbotron in the middle of the street, will broadcast live surprises throughout the night, and enhance the ball-raising experience by broadcasting the culminating events for all attendees to see.

Among 100+ events and activities held in 45 venues throughout the Cultural District, attractions include the First National Bank Family Tent featuring hands-on activities for all ages; Equitable Gas Marquee Performances with House of Soul at the Benedum Center, Equitable Gas Sing Off winner to open for House of Soul, and River City Brass at the Byham Theater; and brand new projects for the 2013 celebration including the expanded Fire & Ice Plaza featuring Ice Creations & Steel Town Fire, the annual Resolution Sculpture created this year by Dave Bernabo & Lindsey Clark and entitled Chance Resolution, WYEP Music Station Local Band of the Year “Broken Fences, and First Night Comedy Club at the Trust’s Cabaret Theater.

The  Highmark First Night Pittsburgh website provides even more event details and allows users to sort through the schedule of events and customize plans.  The FirstNightPgh.org is also mobile-friendly and will allow smartphone users to plan on-the-go during New Year’s Eve.

HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH® ADMISSION BUTTONS
To join the celebration, simply purchase an all-access Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 button. A button costs only $8 in advance or $10 at the door; children age 5 and under are admitted for free.
First Night buttons are available at participating Giant Eagle stores, The Box Office at Theater Square, online atwww.FirstNightPgh.org or by calling (412) 456-6666.

Seat vouchers may be reserved starting on Monday, December 10th and are available through to the night of the event or until capacity is reached in advance.  For the first time ever they will be available online at FirstNightPgh.org and may be printed at home for convenience.  Seat voucher reservations may also be made by calling 412-456-6666 or by visiting The Box Office at Theater Square.  With one admission button, attendees can reserve one voucher for one performance of each attraction.  The Box Office at Theater Square is located at 655 Penn Avenue between the O’Reilly Theater and Katz Plaza.

Want your vouchers sooner? Our VIP package, entitled “First Night Friends,” allows members to purchase vouchers from December 4th-9thfor priority seating, access, parking, and more! For more information on becoming a part of this special sponsorship opportunity, please call 412-471-6086 or visit FirstNightPittsburgh.org.

There will be general admission waiting lines for performances at all venues requiring vouchers. Patrons will be seated on a space-available and first-come, first-served basis once voucher holders have been accommodated. Box Office hours are Monday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. noon to 6:00 p.m.

VOLUNTEERS
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh needs volunteers for numerous jobs--from button checkers to activity helpers to parade assistants. Families, co-workers, school groups and individuals of all ages are needed to help us ring in 2013 in a fun, alcohol-free, family-friendly way. To volunteer with Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, sign up at FirstNightPgh.org.

SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 sponsors as of release date include: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as the presenting sponsor, Equitable Gas Co., Dollar Bank, First National Bank, Giant Eagle, PNC, Ideal Integrations, and Bobby Rahal Motor Company.

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 community supporters include The Buhl Foundation, The Fine Foundation, The Grable Foundation, and McCune Foundation.

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 media partners include Trib Total Media, KDKA-TV, and WYEP-FM

ABOUT HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is the largest one-day outreach event of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has led the way for the creation and ongoing development of Pittsburgh’s award-winning Cultural District. Utilizing the arts as a means for transforming a formerly blighted downtown, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust today welcomes over a million visitors annually to thousands of performances, gallery exhibitions and community events.
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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Students Sought for First Night Sing-Off

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: October 16, 2012
Media Contacts:
Equitable Gas, Scott Waitlevertch, (412) 395-2314                     
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Diana Roth, (412) 471-8717, roth@trustarts.org
                       

Student Stars Sought for Equitable Gas Sing-Off at Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013

Cash awards available for winner and school music programs.

(Pittsburgh, PA) – Equitable Gas Company is searching for musically talented students to audition for the company’s third vocal competition celebrating the New Year. The Equitable Gas Sing-Off is part of the upcoming Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and continues the company’s commitment to opening opportunities for young people in greater Pittsburgh.

The winner will perform live as the opening act for the Equitable Gas Marquee Performances at the Benedum Center during Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013.  In addition the winner will receive a cash prize of $500 and the winner’s school will receive a cash prize of $1,500 designated to the music department, compliments of Equitable Gas Company.  Finally, the winner will receive complimentary Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 admission buttons.

Similar to a number of talent shows currently popular on television, students from grades 6 through 12 who are affiliated with a middle or high school in Southwestern Pennsylvania may submit a video audition performance of a song that conveys the spirit of the New Year. Individual students and groups of 20 or fewer should upload a video up to 5 minutes in length to YouTube, and then submit it to the Equitable Gas Sing-Off contestant page on the Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 website. Additional contest information and the entry form are available on the Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 website, FirstNightPgh.org. The application deadline is November 16, 2012.

“For the third year in a row, Equitable Gas is proud to sponsor the Equitable Gas Sing-Off.  We believe there is a tremendous amount of undiscovered musical talent here in greater Pittsburgh.  The Sing-Off permits young people who aspire to perform to showcase their musical talents with the ultimate goal of singing on one of Pittsburgh’s biggest stages on New Year’s Eve”, said Bill Lucas, President of Equitable Gas. “It is our privilege to continue our sponsorship of this premier holiday event with its many family-friendly activities.”

“Highmark First Night is a great forum for expressing and celebrating the vitality and youthfulness of our city through the arts. We’re thrilled to continue this tradition of showcasing the talented students of our region and are grateful to Equitable Gas for their dedication to infusing energy into the Cultural District,” said Darcy Kucenic, Director of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh and Manager of Education & Operations for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.  “The Equitable Gas Sing-Off is a perfect complement to Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, powerfully depicting celebration, resolution, community and hope through song.”

A production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is a unique, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration focused on the arts. Held in more than 200 cities worldwide, the festival is a wonderful way to bring in the New Year in an uplifting, alcohol-free atmosphere. Centered in the Cultural District, Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is a joyous celebration of the arts, featuring everything from children’s activities to performances by nationally-known musicians to installations by local artists and a spectacular fireworks finale. Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is a licensee of First Night® USA, the national association of community-based New Year’s Eve arts festivals.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support.  The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh.      

Equitable Gas Company is a provider of safe and dependable natural gas service to approximately 275,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers located mainly in the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.  Its customer base also includes more than 200 municipalities in nine other counties in western Pennsylvania, 12 counties in central and northern West Virginia, and nine counties in eastern Kentucky.  Additional information about Equitable Gas can be obtained through its website at www.equitablegas.com.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

First Night Celebration Road Closures Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Today's date: December 29, 2011



HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH 2012

ROAD CLOSURES MEDIA ALERT

To have a safe and enjoyable environment for Highmark First Night® Pittsburgh 2012, the following road closures will be taking place at 10 am on Saturday, December 31, 2011, unless otherwise noted:



Penn Avenue at Stanwix Street up until, but not including, Tenth Street.

Stanwix Street from Liberty Avenue to between Penn Avenue and Ft. Duquesene Blvd. (parking garage is still accessible from Ft Duquesne Blvd.) 9:00pm-1:00am Only

Sixth Street will remain OPEN with the exception from 8:00pm-8:45pm for the First Night Parade. EQT parking garage on Penn Avenue is open until 2pm and MUST be entered and exited via 6th Street ONLY.

Fifth Avenue Extension from Fifth Avenue Place to Fort Duquesne Boulevard (Fifth Avenue Place Parking garage is still accessible from Liberty).

Seventh Street from Liberty Avenue to the entrance of Theatre Square Parking Garage (parking garage access only accessible from Ft. Duquesne Blvd.).

Maddock Pl. from Penn Ave. to Ft. Duquesne Blvd (parking lot access only from Ft. Duquesne Blvd.).

Eighth Street from Liberty Avenue (Tito Way) to the entrance to the 8th and Penn parking lots (parking lot access only accessible from Ft. Duquesne Blvd.).

Ninth Street from Liberty Avenue to the Ninth and Penn Garage (parking garage access only accessible from Ft. Duquesne Blvd.).

Garrison Pl. from Liberty to Ft. Duquesne Blvd (parking lot access only accessible from Ft. Duquesne Blvd.).

Exchange Way from 9th Street to 10th Street (parking access only accessible from 10th Street)

All alleys leading into the footprint from Penn Avenue, Liberty Avenue, 6-10th Streets including, Cecil CLO Academy Way, Barkers Pl., Scott Pl., and French Way.

Seventh Street Bridge (will be closed from 10am until 10pm).

10th Street will be closed for the duration of the parade starting at 7:30pm

The streets will re-open at 1am unless otherwise noted.



Please note the following: Access to all Pittsburgh Parking Authority Garages and all parking garages noted above will be open and will not be impeded by the road closures, with exception of the 6th and Penn Parking Garage which will be closed for the safety of all Highmark First Night® Pittsburgh and Cultural District patrons.



For information on Port Authority bus stops that may be affected by the road closures, please call the Port Authority Customer Service center at (412) 442-2000 or the TTY number (412) 231-7007, for the speech and hearing impaired, or visit PortAuthority.org



Visit firstnight.org for more information and a schedule of event or call 412-456-6666.



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First Night Contestants Sought

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Today's date: October 10, 2011

Media Contacts:

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Veronica Corpuz, (412) 471-6082

Equitable Gas, Scott Waitlevertch (412) 395-2314

Student Stars Sought for First Night Pittsburgh Sing-Off

First Night Pittsburgh 2012 - Saturday, December 31, 2012

(Pittsburgh, PA) – Equitable Gas Company is searching for musically talented students to audition for the company’s second vocal competition celebrating the New Year. The Equitable Gas Sing-Off is part of the upcoming 2012 First Night® Pittsburgh, a production of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and continues the company’s commitment to opening opportunities for young people in greater Pittsburgh.

Similar to a number of talent shows currently popular on television, students from grades 6 through 12 who are affiliated with a middle or high school in Southwestern Pennsylvania may submit a video audition performance of a song that conveys the spirit of the New Year. Individual students and groups of 20 or fewer should upload a video up to 5 minutes in length to YouTube, then submit it to the contest. Additional contest information and the entry form are available on the First Night® Pittsburgh website, firstnightpgh.org. The application deadline is November 11, 2011.

“Equitable Gas is proud to sponsor the Equitable Gas Sing-off, a competition for young people to showcase their musical talents on New Year’s Eve”, said Bill Lucas, Executive Vice President of Equitable Gas “Once again, we are pleased to sponsor some of the key family-friendly activities of First Night Pittsburgh and support The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in its annual presentation of this premier holiday event.”

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Equitable Gas will select up to five finalists, and the community will be invited to vote on these five submissions. The popular vote will be held online from November 12 – 19, and will help to determine the winner. Award winners will perform live as the opening act for the Equitable Gas Marquee Performances at the Benedum Center during First Night® Pittsburgh. In addition, the winner will also receive a cash prize of $500, compliments of Equitable Gas Company. Finally, winners will receive complimentary First Night® Pittsburgh admission buttons to enjoy the numerous activities that night.

“First Night is a great forum for expressing and celebrating the vitality and youthfulness of our city through the arts. We’re thrilled to continue this new tradition of showcasing the talented students of our region and are grateful to Equitable Gas for their dedication to infusing energy into the Cultural District” said Darcy Kucenic, Director of First Night Pittsburgh and Manager of Education & Operations for The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “The Equitable Gas Sing-Off is a perfect complement to First Night Pittsburgh, powerfully depicting celebration, resolution, community and hope through song.”

In 2010, Equitable Gas and The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust hosted the first Sing-off event and Nicoletta Giacchino, a senior from FranklinRegional High School, won the competition.

A production of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, First Night® Pittsburgh is a unique, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration focused on the arts. Held in more than 200 cities worldwide, the festival is a wonderful way to bring in the New Year in an uplifting, alcohol-free atmosphere. Centered in the Cultural District, First Night® Pittsburgh is a joyous celebration of the arts, featuring everything from children’s activities to performances by nationally-known musicians to installations by local artists and a spectacular fireworks finale. First Night® Pittsburgh is a licensee of First Night® USA, the national association of community-based New Year’s Eve arts festivals.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh.

Equitable Gas Companyis a provider of safe and dependable natural gas service to approximately 275,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers located mainly in the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Its customer base also includes more than 200 municipalities in nine other counties in western Pennsylvania, 12 counties in central and northern West Virginia, and nine counties in eastern Kentucky. Additional information about Equitable Gas can be obtained through its website at www.equitablegas.com.
# # #

Nicoletta Giacchino to Perform at First Night Pittsburgh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




Media Contacts:

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Lauren Bracey
(412) 471-3591

Equitable Gas
Scott Waitlevertch
(412) 395-2314

FRANKLIN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT WINS SING-OFF

Nicoletta Giacchino to perform at First Night Pittsburgh

As part of its staunch commitment to opening opportunities for young people in its service territory, Equitable Gas Company initiated a sing-off competition for musically talented students in the region. Created in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Equitable Gas Sing-Off is an exciting new component of the upcoming 2010 First Night Pittsburgh activities.

Similar to a number of talent shows currently popular on television, students from grades six through 12 affiliated with a middle or high school in Southwestern Pennsylvania were invited to submit an audition performance. Entries conveying the spirit of the New Year, celebration, resolution or hope on video were submitted via YouTube and were then open to online voting.

The voting was very competitive, with a near tie among the three finalist entries. Amidst this tough competition, Equitable Gas proudly announces Nicoletta Giacchino, a 17-year-old senior from Franklin Regional High School, is the winner of the 2010 Equitable Gas Sing-Off competition.

Says Ms. Giacchino, “I am very honored to be the Equitable Gas Sing-Off winner. I would like to thank Equitable Gas and The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for providing such a wonderful opportunity and for keeping the arts alive in Pittsburgh.”

Ms. Giacchino has been working toward a professional music career all of her life. She made her first singing recordings at the age of 10 and has taken steps since then to become a first-rate well rounded performer. She also developed her stage presence by studying ballet, tap, jazz, theater, and gymnastics. Now, with help of mentor Walt Maddox, (Christina Aguilera’s mentor), Ms. Giacchino is developing her own style and finding her professional voice.

“Equitable Gas is pleased to once again sponsor First Night® Pittsburgh and support The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in its annual presentation of this premier holiday event,” said Bill Lucas, Executive Vice President of Equitable Gas. “We congratulate Nicoletta Giacchino, winner of the Equitable Gas Sing-Off, and all of the talented young people who participated in this new community initiative.”

Ms. Giacchino will perform live as the opening act for the 6:30 p.m. Equitable Gas Marquee Performance of Squonk Opera at the Byham Theater during First Night. A First Night® button and a free seating voucher are required to attend the performance.

First Night® buttons ($8 advance/$10 at the door) are available at the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue), online at firstnightpgh.org, by phone by calling 412-456-6666, and at participating Giant Eagle locations. Free seating vouchers are available at the Box Office at Theater Square or by calling 412-456-6666.

About First Night® Pittsburgh

First Night® is the largest one-day outreach event of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has led the way for the creation and ongoing development of Pittsburgh’s award-winning Cultural District. Utilizing the arts as a means for transforming a formerly blighted downtown, the Cultural Trust today welcomes over a million visitors annually to thousands of performances, gallery exhibitions and community events.

About Equitable Gas Company

Equitable Gas Company is a provider of safe and dependable natural gas service to approximately 275,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers located mainly in the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Its customer base also includes more than 200 municipalities in nine other counties in western Pennsylvania, 12 counties in central and northern West Virginia, and nine counties in eastern Kentucky. Additional information about Equitable Gas can be obtained through its Web site at www.equitablegas.com.

First Night Road Closures Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 29, 2010



Media Contact::
Lauren Bracey
(412) 471-3519

FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH 2011

ROAD CLOSURES MEDIA ALERT

Friday, December 31, 2010

PITTSBURGH, PA: To have a safe and enjoyable environment for First Night® Pittsburgh 2011, the following road closures will take place at 10 am on Friday, December 31, 2010, unless otherwise noted:



Penn Avenue from Stanwix Street up until, but not including, Tenth Street.


Stanwix Street from Liberty Avenue to Penn Avenue (parking garage is still accessible from Ft Duquesne Blvd.).


Sixth Street will remain OPEN with the exception from 8:00pm-8:45pm for the First Night Parade. EQT parking garage and 6th/Penn Parking garage MUST be entered and exited via 6th Street ONLY. Garages not accessible from 4pm-1am.


Fifth Avenue Extension from Fifth Avenue Place to Fort Duquesne Boulevard for parking garage access only.


Seventh Street from Liberty Avenue to the entrance of Theatre Square Parking Garage for parking garage access only.


Eighth Street from Liberty Avenue (Tito Way) to the entrance to the 8th and Penn parking lots for parking lot access only.


Ninth Street from Liberty Avenue to the Ninth and Penn Garage for parking garage access only.


All alleys leading into the footprint from Penn Avenue, Liberty Avenue, 6-10th Streets.


Seventh Street Bridge (will be closed from 10am until 10pm).

The streets will re-open at 1am unless otherwise noted.

Please note the following:

Access to all Pittsburgh Parking Authority Garages and all parking garages noted above will be open and will not be impeded by the road closures, with exception of the 6th and Penn Parking Garage which will be closed after 3:00pm for the safety of all First Night and Cultural District patrons.

For information on Port Authority bus stops that may be affected by the road closures, please call the Port Authority Customer Service center at 412-442-2000 or the TTY number 412-231-7007, for the speech and hearing impaired, or visit PortAuthority.org

Visit firstnight.org for more information and a schedule of event or call 412-456-6666.
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First Night® Features Events, Tower of Power

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2010


Contact:
Veronica Corpuz
412-471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org

Lauren Bracey
412-471-3591
bracey@pgharts.org

Electronic art is available for download at pressroom.pgharts.org

FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH 2011

is entertainment hub during historic weekend

First Night® features more than 100 events including headliner Tower of Power

Friday, December 31, 2010, 6 pm – Midnight

In the heart of the Cultural District

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District with The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s First Night® Pittsburgh 2011. This family-friendly community event is presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, with generous support from lead sponsor Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. During this momentous weekend of entertainment, the city will revel in a joyous celebration of the arts: dance, music, theater, comedy, magic, visual art and film, plus hands-on activities for children and adults.

“During this exciting weekend for Pittsburgh, First Night will serve as a gateway of fun and entertainment offering an incredibly diverse selection of programming on New Year’s Eve,” said David O’Brien, Executive Vice President, Government Services and External Affairs for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “First Night presents a creative, affordable, and healthy New Year’s Eve celebration that makes the most of our city’s wealth of artistic talent. Highmark is proud to mark its fifth year as the lead sponsor of First Night.”

Adds Kathryn Heidemann, Director of First Night Pittsburgh: “We’re thrilled to welcome tens of thousands of First Night visitors, including the many Winter Classic patrons, to the heart of the Cultural District. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is proud to host this community event and to introduce Pittsburgh to premiere artists such as the Neo-Futurists, a Chicago-based theater company, and acclaimed saxophonist Tia Fuller, among many others.”

First Night® Pittsburgh begins at 6 pm with the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks Display and performances by One World Tribe on the Dollar Bank Stage, followed by the First Niagara First Night® Parade at 8 pm. This year’s parade will have a “Winter Wonderland” theme with penguin puppets and Iceburgh as a programming thread to the Winter Classic. The evening concludes with a performance by Tower of Power and the First Night® tradition, The Countdown to Midnight and Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale atop Penn Avenue Place. The Highmark Stage, where all the First Night® revelry concludes, is located on Penn Avenue next to Fifth Avenue Place. The newest venue is the former Bally’s Building, which will have half a dozen workshops and activities.

Among the 125 events and activities held in 50 venues throughout the Cultural District, other special First Night® Pittsburgh attractions include the First National Bank Family Tent; Equitable Gas marquee performances featuring Squonk Opera at the Byham Theater and the Neo-Futurists at the O’Reilly Theater; Tia Fuller (who has performed with Beyoncé) at the Trust Arts Education Center; First Night Around the World international performances at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture and other venues. For a complete listing of events, visit firstnightpgh.org or call 412-456-6666.

FIRST NIGHT® BUTTONS

To join the celebration, simply purchase an all-access First Night® Pittsburgh 2011 Button. A First Night® button costs only $8 in advance, $10 at the door; children age 5 and under are admitted for free. First Night® buttons are available at participating Giant Eagle stores, at The Box Office at Theater Square, online at www.firstnightpgh.org, and by calling 412-456-6666.

Due to their overwhelming popularity and limited seating in Cultural District theaters, a free General Admission Seating Voucher is necessary to see the performances of Squonk Opera, the Neo-Futurists, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Attack Theatre, Dan Kamin, Pittsburgh Gospel All City Choir and Jason Hudy’s Magic Show. Vouchers are available at The Box Office at Theater Square beginning Wednesday, December 7, 2010. Simply show a First Night® button to obtain one seating voucher per production. The Box Office at Theater Square is located at 655 Penn Avenue between the O’Reilly Theater and Katz Plaza.

There will be general admission waiting lines for performances at all “vouchered” venues. Patrons will be seated on a space-available and first-come, first-served basis once voucher holders have been accommodated. Box Office hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday, noon to 6 pm.

VOLUNTEERS

First Night needs volunteers for numerous jobs–from button checkers to activity helpers to parade assistants. Families, co-workers, school groups and individuals of all ages are needed to help us ring in 2011 in a fun, alcohol-free, family-friendly way. To volunteer with First Night, sign up at www.firstnightpgh.org.

SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS

First Night® Pittsburgh 2011 Sponsors as of release date include: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as the lead sponsor, Dollar Bank, Equitable Gas, First National Bank, First Niagara Bank, Giant Eagle, and PNC.

First Night® Pittsburgh 2011 Community Supporters include County of Allegheny, The Buhl Foundation, The Grable Foundation, and Richard King Mellon Foundation.

First Night® Pittsburgh 2011 Media Partners include Trib Total Media, KDKA TV, BOB 96.9 FM, Q 92.9 FM, Radio Disney, STAR 100.7, WDUQ 90.5 FM, 91.3fm WYEP and Y108.

ABOUT FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH

First Night® is the largest one-day outreach event of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has led the way for the creation and ongoing development of Pittsburgh’s award-winning Cultural District. Utilizing the arts as a means for transforming a formerly blighted downtown, the Cultural Trust today welcomes over a million visitors annually to thousands of performances, gallery exhibitions and community events.

First Night Sing-Off Seeks Talented Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


November 15, 2010

Student Stars Sought for First Night Pittsburgh Sing-Off

(Pittsburgh, PA) – As part of its staunch commitment to opening opportunities for young people in its service territory, Equitable Gas Company is searching for musically talented students to audition for the company’s vocal competition. The Equitable Gas Sing-Off is part of the upcoming 2010 First Night® Pittsburgh, a project of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, with generous support from lead sponsor Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Similar to a number of talent shows currently popular on television, students from grades six through 12 who are affiliated with a middle or high school in Southwestern Pennsylvania may submit a video audition performance of a song that conveys the spirit of the New Year. Individual students and groups of 20 or fewer should upload a video up to 5 minutes in length to YouTube, then submit it to the contest. Additional contest information and the entry form are available on the First Night® Pittsburgh website, firstnightpgh.org. The application deadline is December 6, 2010.

“Equitable Gas is pleased to once again sponsor some of the key family-friendly activities of First Night Pittsburgh and support The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in its annual presentation of this premier holiday event,” said Bill Lucas, Executive Vice President of Equitable Gas. “We are proud to offer the Equitable Gas Sing-Off, a new activity for young people to showcase their musical talents on New Year’s Eve.”

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Equitable Gas will select up to five finalists, and the community will be invited to vote on these five submissions. The popular vote will help to determine the winner. Award winners will perform live as the opening act for the three Equitable Gas Marquee Performances at the Byham Theater during First Night® Pittsburgh. In addition, winners will have a private cast session with members of a cappella group Straight, No Chaser in mid-December. Finally, winners will receive complimentary First Night® Pittsburgh admission buttons to enjoy the numerous activities that night.

“We are excited to give Pittsburgh youth an opportunity to share their interpretation of what the New Year means to them,” said Kathryn Heidemann, Director of First Night Pittsburgh and Senior Manager of Education & Community Engagement for The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “The Equitable Gas Sing-Off is a perfect addition to First Night Pittsburgh, powerfully depicting celebration, resolution, community and hope through song.”

First Night® Pittsburgh is a joyous celebration of the arts, featuring everything from children’s activities to performances by nationally-known musicians to installations by local artists and a spectacular fireworks finale. First Night® Pittsburgh is a licensee of First Night® USA, the national association of community-based New Year’s Eve arts festivals.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh.

Equitable Gas Company is a provider of safe and dependable natural gas service to approximately 275,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers located mainly in the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Its customer base also includes more than 200 municipalities in nine other counties in western Pennsylvania, 12 counties in central and northern West Virginia, and nine counties in eastern Kentucky. Additional information about Equitable Gas can be obtained through its Web site at www.equitablegas.com.
# # #

Media Contacts:
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Veronica Corpuz, (412) 471-6082
Equitable Gas, Scott Waitlevertch (412) 395-2314

First NIght, Pittsburgh 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2009


Contact: Lauren Bracey, 412-471-3591 / bracey@pgharts.org

Photos and the full program schedule are available at firstnightpgh.org



FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY

First Night® 2010 culminates The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's

year-long 25th anniversary celebration with more than 100 events,

including headliner Average White Band (AWB)



Thursday, December 31, 2009, 6 pm - Midnight

In the heart of the Cultural District



PITTSBURGH ... Celebrate New Year's Eve in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District with The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's First Night® Pittsburgh 2010. This family-friendly community event is presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, with generous support from lead sponsor Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. The city will revel in a joyous celebration of the arts: dance, music, theater, comedy, magic, visual art and film, plus hands-on activities for children and adults.



"First Night brings our community together by offering an incredibly diverse selection of programming," said Deborah Rice, Executive Vice President, Health Services for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. "First Night serves the Pittsburgh region by presenting a creative, affordable, and healthy New Year's Eve celebration that makes the most of our city's wealth of artistic talent. Highmark is proud to mark its fourth year as the lead sponsor of First Night."



First Night® Pittsburgh festivities begin at 6 pm with the Dollar Bank Children's Fireworks Display and performances by Wizdom Band and Maddi Georgi on the Dollar Bank Stage, followed by the Target First Night® Parade at 8 pm. This year, the evening concludes with a live performance by Average White Band (AWB) and the First Night® tradition, The Countdown to Midnight and Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale atop Penn Avenue Place. The Highmark Stage, where all the First Night® revelry concludes, is located on Penn Avenue next to Fifth Avenue Place.



Among the 125 events and activities held in 50 venues throughout the Cultural District, other special First Night® Pittsburgh attractions include the First National Bank Family Tent; Equitable Gas Marquee Performances including Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and River City Brass Band at the Byham Theater and Johnny Angel and the Halos at the Benedum Center; Miami's Pied Piper of Percussion at the new August Wilson Center for African American Culture; and four floors of hands-on activities, dance lessons, music and more at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's new Arts Education Center, located at 805-807 Liberty Avenue. For a complete listing of events, please visit www.firstnightpgh.org or call (412) 456-6666.



First Night® 2010 also marks the closing of a year-long celebration of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's 25th anniversary. Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has led the way for the creation and ongoing development of Pittsburgh's award-winning Cultural District. Utilizing the arts as a means for transforming a formerly blighted downtown, the Cultural Trust today welcomes over a million visitors annually to thousands of performances, gallery exhibitions and community events.



In addition to First Night® Pittsburgh, the Trust presents the PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh series; the Pittsburgh Dance Council; the Pittsburgh International Children's Theater and Festival; and Three Rivers Arts Festival among other events. Additionally, the Trust owns and operates Theater Square and the Cabaret at Theater Square; the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts; Byham, O'Reilly, and Harris Theaters; Wood Street Galleries; SPACE, a visual arts gallery at 812 Liberty Avenue; 707 and 709 Penn Galleries; and 937 Liberty, a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities.



FIRST NIGHT® BUTTONS

To join the celebration, simply purchase an all-access First Night® Pittsburgh 2010 Button. A First Night® button costs only $8; children age 5 and under are admitted for free. First Night® buttons are available at participating Giant Eagle stores, at the Box Office at Theater Square, online at www.firstnightpgh.org, and by calling 412-456-6666.



Due to their overwhelming popularity and limited seating in Cultural District theaters, a free General Admission Seating Voucher is necessary to see the performances of Johnny Angel and the Halos, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, River City Brass Band, The Amish Monkeys, Hustlebot, the Pied Piper of Percussion and Magician David Lawrence's Magic Show. Vouchers are available at The Box Office at Theater Square. Simply show your First Night® button to obtain up one seating voucher per production. The Box Office at Theater Square is located at 655 Penn Avenue between the O'Reilly Theater and Katz Plaza.



There will be general admission waiting lines for performances at the Benedum Center, Byham Theater, CAPA High School and August Wilson Center. Patrons will be seated on a space-available and first-come, first-served basis once voucher holders have been accommodated. Box Office hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday, noon to 6 pm.



VOLUNTEERS

First Night needs volunteers for numerous jobs--from button checkers to activity helpers to parade assistants. Families, co-workers, school groups and individuals of all ages are needed to help us ring in 2010 in a fun, alcohol-free, family-friendly way. To volunteer with First Night®, sign up at www.firstnightpgh.org.



SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS

First Night® Pittsburgh 2010 Sponsors as of release date include: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as the lead sponsor, Dollar Bank, Equitable Gas, First National Bank, Giant Eagle, PNC and Target.



First Night® Pittsburgh 2010 Community Supporters include County of Allegheny, The Buhl Foundation, Eden Hall Foundation, The Grable Foundation, and Richard King Mellon Foundation.



First Night® Pittsburgh 2010 Media Partners include Trib Total Media, KDKA TV, BOB 96.9 FM, Q 92.9 FM, STAR 100.7, WDUQ 90.5 FM, 91.3fm WYEP and Y108.



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