Monday, December 29, 2003

By Monica L. Haynes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The kids are already bored with their toys, the turkey and ham are gone and you've already returned all the stuff you didn't like.

What is there to look forward to?

	Stephanie Flom and her performance/installation "Persephone, Pomegranates, and Promises." First Night patrons will encounter Flom in the persona of the Greek goddess Persephone at the celebration. Click photo for larger image.

First Night, that's what.

This year, the festivities take place from 6 p.m. to midnight Wednesday in the heart of the Cultural District and include a parade, fireworks, music, dance, theater, film, comedy, hands-on activities and more at 30 sites throughout Downtown. Most are indoors, so the fact that it's Pittsburgh in winter shouldn't be a problem.

But you'll need a First Night button to get into those indoor activities, and they can be purchased for $8 at the box office at Theater Square, 665 Penn Ave. between the O'Reilly Theater and Katz Plaza. You also can get them at any local Giant Eagle ($1 discount at Giant Eagle stores only with the Giant Eagle Advantage Card). Children 5 and under get in free.

All First Night sites are within walking distance of the Main Stage on Seventh Street in front of the Benedum Center and the Family Tent, corner of Seventh Street and Penn Avenue.

Some of the more popular performances -- such as the River City Brass Band, The Skyliners and Bill Deasy, who co-wrote and performed ABC's "Good Morning, America" theme -- will require a seating voucher. Just show your First Night button at the Box Office at Theater Square and receive two free vouchers.

Making its debut this year is the First Night WebCam, which will be located at the corner of Seventh Street and Penn Avenue at Katz Plaza. Volunteers will show you exactly where to stand for your cyberspace close-up. Those staying home in front of the computer can check out the action at www.firstnightpgh.com, which links not only to First Night WebCam but also has the full schedule of events.

Some of the highlights of this year's First Night activities:

The River City Brass Band: Byham Theater, 7 to 9 p.m.
The Skyliners: O'Reilly Theater, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh on Parade: Giant floats, marching bands and 14-foot puppets, beginning at 8 p.m.
Countdown on Main Stage: Leading up to midnight and the launch of a new year.
Fireworks Display: Begins after the countdown.

You can't have such a celebration Downtown without some traffic adjustments. The following road closures will be in effect from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday:

Penn Avenue from, but not including, Sixth Street up until, but not including, Ninth Street.

Seventh Street from Liberty Avenue to the entrance of Theater Square Parking Garage

Eighth Street from Liberty Avenue (Tito Way) to Fort Duquesne Boulevard

All alleys leading into the footprint within the perimeter of Liberty Avenue, Ninth Street, Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Sixth Street and Penn Avenue.

The alley located next to 709 Penn Ave. that runs parallel to Seventh Street and Eighth Street will remain open for access to parking lots (located behind Tambellini's Restaurant on Seventh Street and off of Eighth Street) from Fort Duquesne Boulevard.

Access entering or exiting the Garage at Theater Square will be temporarily closed from 8 to 9 p.m. during the Pittsburgh on Parade festivities. Access will be reopened immediately after the parade.

Access to all Pittsburgh Parking Authority Garages will not be impeded by the road closures.

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.

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