Providence Mayor David Cicilline announced Monday that the city will contribute $25,000 to the second annual Bright Night festival, a New Year’s Eve gala that features performances by local artists. A fireworks display and WaterFire showing are also planned for the evening’s festivities.
“We’re pleased that the city of Providence can again lend its strong support to Bright Night,” Cicilline said in a release. “The festival had a great beginning last year, and we’re looking forward to more fun and an even bigger turnout this time. The city is happy it can do its part to support our vibrant arts community by sponsoring this wonderful event.”
Bright Night, led by local performer and festival director Adam Gertsacov, has a number of events planned for this year. The day will start with children’s events at both the Providence Children’s Museum and the RISD Museum. After official opening ceremonies at the Fleet Skating Center, a number of venues around downtown will host dozens of performers, including comedians, musicians, storytellers, and renowned puppet group Big Nazo. The fireworks display will take place at midnight, and the 10th anniversary of WaterFire will take place throughout the evening.
”We’re so pleased to be back for a second year,” said Gertsacov. “As an artist myself, I know how important and exciting this event is for area performers, and we’re looking forward to building on the success of last year. We have received strong support from the city of Providence and other donors, and are confident that the business community will play the same part they did last year in making Bright Night happen.”
Tickets to Bright Night will be available in early December from ArtTixRI, and available at all BankRI locations. Anyone interested in sponsoring Bright Night should contact Gertsacov at (401) 351-2596, or visit www.brightnight.org.
Bright Night facts:
Bright Night was founded in 2003 after Providence’s long-running New Year’s Eve festival, First Night, was canceled. Organized in less than three months, the event drew more than 12,000 people to downtown Providence, making Bright Night the largest New Year’s Eve party in the state. The festival features local artists and performers at venues throughout downtown Providence.
Gertsacov, is an actor, director, and clown based in Providence. He wears many hats, including that of a flea circus impresario, a local author, the esteemed hat of the Clown Laureate of Greenbelt, Md., and many others. He became the festival director of Bright Night Providence last year, when a group of local artists (himself included) didn’t want to see the city go dark on New Year’s Eve, the release said.
