WaterFire, Bright Night to Light Up New Year’s Eve
Two Providence arts organizations come together to ring in 2010 with circles of fire at Waterplace Basin, a Venetian masquerade, and a full-stage magic show
Watch on
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous WaterFire donor, Providence will enjoy another brightly lit and spectacular New Year’s Eve on the 15th Anniversary of WaterFire.
“As we prepare to ring in the New Year we are optimistic about the future and thankful for life’s many blessings,” said Mayor Cicilline. “Providence is especially thankful for the generosity exhibited by a long-time WaterFire donor, and the contributions of Local 1033, in coming together to support this very important event for the city. This is the kind of partnership between the arts and community that makes the Creative Capital such a unique 
and wonderful place.”
Executive Director of WaterFire Providence Barnaby Evans said, “Like every other arts group we are struggling financially, but our mission is to use the arts to enliven the City of Providence. We felt we had to keep the fires burning to make it a bright New Year’s Eve. I am delighted our staff, volunteers, and donors have stepped forward to make a lighting on our 15th anniversary possible. And we are tremendously pleased we could help Bright Night and its wonderful artists as well.”
“We’re so thrilled to be working with WaterFire on their fifteenth anniversary celebration” said Adam Gertsacov, Festival Director of Bright Night Providence, “and of course immensely grateful for this donation. This has been a tough year. It’s really making a big difference for us to ensure that this New Year’s Eve remains Bright.”
The circle of fires in Waterplace Basin will burn from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. and the 12 fires in Memorial Park will burn until after midnight. Please join us in Memorial Park for the stroke of midnight and a group singing of Auld Lange Syne and Happy Birthday to WaterFire, to start off the New Year!
Eyes Wide Open Masquerade celebrates WaterFire’s 15th Anniversary
Also on New Year’s Eve, WaterFire will host a Venetian Masquerade Gala, Eyes Wide Open, celebrating fifteen years of WaterFire. This fundraising gala hosted by Barrett Bready and the WaterFire Board of Directors is going to be a sensational event in the historic Old Stone Bank Building on South Main Street. The evening will include a performance by Quixotic Fusion, a Kansas-City based ensemble of inventive, avant-garde musicians, dancers, aerialists and composers, some of whom will perform mid-air, while suspended from the Gold Dome. The event will also feature world renowned tenor Nathan Granner, one of the Three American Tenors, who will present a range of wonderful offerings. For more information please visit www.waterfire.org/newyears.
Bright Night announces headlinersThis year’s Bright Night Providence will feature over 150 performers in 15 venues throughout downtown Providence. Highlights include IllusionQuest, a full-stage magic and illusion spectacular featuring master illusionist David Garrity, local legends Big Nazo Puppets, Grammy-winner Bill Harley, Jazz saxophonist Greg Abate, the RI Children’s Chorus, blues band Black and White and a host of other performers.
