Puppet Making Workshops for Kids of All Ages

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
 Shaunda Miles, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: 412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org      
Diana Roth, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: 412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org
Electronic Images available: http://www.TrustArts.org/press
Search: 2013 Puppets

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES

PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOPS IN DECEMBER
 FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
FEDEX GROUND PARADE
 PART OF HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH 2014

PITTSBURGH, PA:  The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces two Puppet Making Workshops, one for adults (21+) and one for children and families, will be held in December.  The puppets will be part of the FedEx Ground Parade that takes place on Tuesday, December 31st during the 20th anniversary of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Education and Community Engagement Department will host the workshops taught by Cheryl Capezzuti, owner of Studio Capezzuti and creative director for the parade.  The Puppet Making Workshops will focus on this year’s parade theme, Special Delivery.  Participants will design, build, and paper mâché their work all in one workshop and their creations will be showcased as part of the FedEx Ground Parade on December 31st, at 8:00 p.m., along Penn Avenue in the Cultural District.

PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Workshop For Adults 21+:
Puppet Making Happy Hour for the FedEx Ground Parade,
part of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014
Thursday, December 12, 2013
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Trust Arts Education Center
805-807 Liberty Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh
This workshop, for adults 21+ and IDs required for entry, will include food, drinks and DJ SMI.  This workshop is free; advance registration is recommended.

Workshop For Children and Families:
Family Puppet Making Workshop for the FedEx Ground Parade,
part of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Trust Arts Education Center
805-807 Liberty Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh
This workshop for children and families is free; advance registration is recommended.
 To register for a workshop, visit: www.TrustArts.org/FirstNightPgh or call 412-471-6079.

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.  For more information visit: www.TrustArts.org/FirstNightPgh

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is a licensee of First Night® USA, the national association of community-based New Year’s Eve arts festivals.  First Night® promotes, licenses, and supports the development of First Night® festivals in communities across the United States through First Night® USA. There are currently about 75 First Night® festivals presented by a broad range of nonprofit organizations and municipal agencies in cities and towns across the United States.  First Night® organizers share a commitment to promoting the performing and visual arts as catalysts for unifying their citizens on New Year’s Eve (and beyond) through creativity, imagination, and participation.

About 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. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. 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.

Photo Credit:  Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
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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

Shaunda Miles, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org      
Diana Roth, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org
Scott Waitlevertch, Equitable Gas
(412) 395-2314

STUDENT STARS SOUGHT FOR EQUITABLE GAS SING-OFF
AT HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH 2014
CASH AWARDS AVAILABLE FOR WINNER AND SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS

October 18, 2013 (PITTSBURGH, PA) – Equitable Gas Company is searching for musically talented students to audition for the company’s fourth vocal competition celebrating the New Year. The Equitable Gas Sing-Off is part of the upcoming Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014, 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 2014. 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 2014 special edition 20th anniversary 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 2014 website. Additional contest information and the entry form are available on the Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 website, TrustArts.org/FirstNightPgh. The application deadline is November 15, 2013.

“Now in its fourth year, the Equitable Gas Sing-Off provides students an opportunity to showcase their musical talents,” said Bill Lucas, President of Equitable Gas. “Last year’s record number of applications demonstrates there are many talented young people in greater Pittsburgh waiting to be discovered or looking for that first big break. The Equitable Gas Sing-Off winner performs on one of Pittsburgh’s biggest stages on New Year’s Eve helping an aspiring singer take a major step towards a career or a dream. We look forward to even more applications this year and it remains our privilege to sponsor First Night Pittsburgh 2014, with its many family-friendly activities, as well as the Equitable Gas Sing-Off.”

“Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 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. We are particularly excited about the 20th year anniversary of this event, and look forward to celebrating this milestone within the region.”

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.

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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.
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. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. 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

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

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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First Night Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2008
Contact: Veronica Corpuz, 412-471-6082 / corpuz@pgharts.org
Electronic art and a complete listing of events are available upon request.


FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH 2009:
Celebrating the First Night® of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s 25th Anniversary!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 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 2009. This family-friendly community event is presented by Education and Community Engagement department of 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.

In addition to celebrating the conclusion of Pittsburgh 250, First Night® also marks the beginning 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® Pittsburgh Festivities begin at 6 pm with the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks Display and a performance by the Spirit and Soul All City Gospel Choir on the Dollar Bank Main Stage, followed by the Target First Night® Parade at 8 pm. This year, the evening concludes with a live performance by The Fabulous Thunderbirds 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 by Fifth Avenue and 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 Duquesne Light Family Tent and performances by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Symphony Brass at the Byham Theater, Pure Gold at the Benedum Center, the city’s largest Line Dance Party, among many “weatherproof” activities. For a complete listing of events, please visit www.firstnightpgh.org or call (412) 456-6666.

FIRST NIGHT® BUTTONS
To join the celebration, simply purchase a First Night® Pittsburgh 2009 Button, a passport to all of the performances, activities and art exhibits. 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 and The Box Office at Theater Square. NEW: First Night buttons are also available online at firstnightpgh.org!

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 Pure Gold, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, The Amish Monkeys, Hustlebot, 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 to two seating vouchers per performance. 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 and CAPA Main Stage; patrons will be served on a space-available and first-come, first-served basis. 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 2009 in a fun, alcohol-free, family-friendly way. To volunteer with First Night, please email Kathi Radock, First Night Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@pgharts.org, call 412-390-4660.

SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS
First Night® ® Pittsburgh 2009 Celebration Sponsors as of release date include: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as the lead sponsor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Dollar Bank, Duquesne Light, Giant Eagle, PNC Foundation and Target.

First Night® Pittsburgh 2009 Community Supporters include: Dominion Resources, Eden Hall Foundation, Roy A. Hunt Foundation and R.P. Simmons Family Foundation, US Steel Corporation and Take Care Health Systems.

First Night® Pittsburgh 2009 Media Partners include: KDKA TV, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Port Authority of Pittsburgh, Comcast, WDUQ 90.5 FM, WQED fm89.3, 91.3fm WYEP and Y108.

First Night® Pittsburgh 2009 is further supported by the following local officials: Senator Jay Costa, Senator Wayne Fontana, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Pittsburgh City Council President Doug Shields, and Councilman William Peduto.

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