First Night Pittsburgh 2003 to celebrate with fireworks display
PITTSBURGH – Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Pittsburgh with First Night Pittsburgh 2003. The city will revel in a joyous celebration of the arts – dance, music, comedy, theater, visual art, film, plus hands-on activities for children and adults. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. ending with the Grand Finale and Zambelli Fireworks at midnight.
To join the celebration, revelers simply need to purchase a First Night Pittsburgh 2003 Admission Button, a passport to more than 30 venues and more than 100 performances, activities and art exhibits.
First Night buttons cost only $8 this year – kids 6 and under are admitted free. First Night is truly the biggest, best and cheapest New Year’s Eve party in town.
“First Night Pittsburgh is a wonderful family-friendly celebration of the start of the New Year,” said Mayor Tom Murphy. “With such great programming and free holiday parking, everyone should come downtown and enjoy one of the best evenings of the year. Join us for this truly special Pittsburgh celebration.”
First Night buttons are available at area Giant Eagle stores or online at www.gianteagle.com – $7 if you purchase buttons with your Giant Eagle Advantage Card. Buttons are also available at Heinz Hall, The Benedum Center and The O’Reilly Theater box offices and at special booths during the event.
For detailed event information, call 412-201-7380 or visit www.firstnightpgh.com.
Founded in 1976, First Night began in Boston, Mass., as a unique way to celebrate the arts and the New Year. Now an international phenomenon, First Night will take place in more than 220 cities this year.
A Pittsburgh tradition for the past nine years, First Night showcases hundreds of simultaneous and continuous performances, exhibits and activities presented by the region’s diverse artists. This year, the First Night program of events features a diverse array of art, music, dance, theater, comedy and much more.
Event highlights include The Duquesne University Tamburitzans at The Benedum Center; River City Brass Band at Heinz Hall; Squonk Opera at The Byham Theater; and Dan Kamin at The O’Reilly Theater. First Night revelers should not miss the incredible Main Stage Grand Finale and Zambelli Fireworks at midnight.
Held in the majestic theaters of the Cultural District, indoor food courts, outdoor plazas, building lobbies and everywhere in between, First Night sites are practically “weather-proof” and conveniently located within walking-distance from each other.
Designed to offer a wide variety of interests and attractions, this year’s venues feature special thematic spotlights, including “Just Jazz” at the PPG Wintegarden; “What’s So Funny?!,” comedy and improvisation at Highmark Auditorium; “Bizarre Bazaar,” street performances, hands-on games and activities in Market Square; and “Dance!,” an international array of music and dance from Latin America, Africa, the Balkans and more.
Children and families will enjoy the Decoration Stations presented by The Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, Citiparks Roving Art Cart and The Center for Creative Play. Kids may create hats, masks, necklaces and other fun ornaments and costumes for the Merrymakers March that starts at 7 p.m. on the Liberty Avenue Main stage. Also, The Clown Gordoon, Holden Puppets and Temujin the Storyteller will certainly delight young children and adults.
First held in 1995, First Night Pittsburgh has been produced by First Night Pittsburgh Inc., an independent, non-profit organization since 1998. Funding for First Night Pittsburgh comes from corporation contributions, foundation and government grants, individual contributions and button sales.
Major sponsors of First Night Pittsburgh 2003 include Giant Eagle, Mellon Financial Corp., Gateway Rehabilitation Center, Citizens Bank, Lamar Advertising, the City of Pittsburgh, WPXI-TV and the Tribune Review.