FIRST NIGHT HARTFORD 2022 ANNOUNCES HOSTS, MAINSTAGE LINEUP, AND INDOOR VENUE CHANGES
HARTFORD, CT – December 30, 2021 – The main stage on Trinity Street – beneath the Soldier and Sailors Arch – makes its inaugural debut at this year’s First Night celebration, tomorrow December 31, 2021 from 2pm-12am. This outdoor venue is the central performance space and will host entertainment, food vending, information, and provide the best vantage point for viewing the fireworks.
Hosting this Dick Clark style venue are some of Hartford’s emerging and established on-air talents. From 2-7 p.m., Jessi Ewart will lead the charge, joined by DJ Big Regg of Hot 93.7 to countdown to the 6 p.m. fireworks.
7 p.m to 12 a.m. will be hosted by Comedian, Dancer, Director and Producer Carolyn Paine (host of the annual AIDS CT Oscar Night and Artistic Director of Nutcracker Suite and Spicy) along with Hartford native and Dancer, Musician/Rapper and Event Producer John “Tangsauce” Manselle.
Live reporting of the event will be carried by Maricarmen Cajahuaringa of Boceto Media.
At 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. live music (on the mainstage) will accompany the light show. The 6 p.m. show will kick off with the arrival of the beloved and traditional People’s Parade (curated by Nightfall, featuring the drums of Hartford Proud) and the 12 a.m. show will kick the new year off with the Dwayne Keith Experience and features musicians performed across the day.
Food truck vendors confirmed for the day are: La Mesa, No Pork on Dis Fork, Dude’s Donuts, La Guera Mexican Food, Munchers International Cuisine and Craftbird.
First Night is partnering with LAZ parking to offer special VIP parking for the ultimate socially distanced in-person view of the fireworks. Parked just outside Bushnell Park, in their Capitol Lot, see the fireworks from the safety of your own vehicle. The VIP package includes 4 buttons for free access to First Night activities, a party kit, and closed circuit radio access to hear the live broadcast through your car radio.
First Night has reduced the number of indoor venues from 12 to 7, focusing on venues that provide the best ventilation and allow for appropriate social distancing. Capacity at every venue will also be reduced to at least 70% of its maximum, to ensure individual space needs are allowed.
Venues accepting visitors onto their property include the Bushnell Park Carousel, Winterfest Ice Skating Rink, Hartford Public, Old State House, and the Hartford Wolfpack. The Wadsworth Museum and Christ Church will be stops on the scavenger hunt, but will be closed to the public.
Masks are required for this event, with vaccinations highly encouraged. Please note, some venues may require vaccination for entry/participation.
Performance partners and artists include: Nightfall, Dwayne Keith Experience, Nekita Waller, Dreamvoid, Rosanna Karabetsos (Hartford native and Brooklynette), The Other Voice, Nutcracker Suite and Spicy to name a few. The visual artists include Andre Rochester, Jena Fenton, Muva Mya, Deka Henry, Lindaluz Carillo, Mercury, Kevin Basura, Ashley the Creator, Vash, The Collective NH, and Dave Boraski.
Buttons can be purchased online on the First Night Hartford website or in-person at Winterfair: Hartford’s Holiday Market, and Highland Park Market. Updates can be found on the Facebook event page here or the First Night Hartford page here.
Mainstage Schedule (Soldiers and Sailors Arch)
2:00pm- Event Kick Off–Dwayne Keith Experience
2:45pm- Nutcracker Suite and Spicy
3:10pm- Hartford Proud
3:30pm SeaTea Improv
4:45pm- Dreamvoid
5:15pm- Nekita Waller
6:00pm- Parade arrival, Fireworks, and DJ Ch’Varda live mixing to the show
6:45pm- The Other Voice Theater Company
7:15pm- Sonia Morant
8:00pm- SeaTea Improv
8:30pm- Dance Collective
9:30pm- The Other Voice
10:00pm- SeaTea Improv
12:00am- Fireworks and Dwayne Keith Experience
About First Night Hartford
Since 1989, First Night Hartford has been Hartford's New Year's Eve party; a friends and family-friendly, multicultural, artistically unique New Year's celebration with countless professional musicians, artists, performance groups and exhibits that inspire thousands of people of all ages to attend each year. The First Night marks the passage from the old year to the New Year with art, ritual and festivity. First Night Hartford’s mission is to broaden and deepen the public's appreciation of the visual and performing arts through an innovative, diverse and high-quality program that offers the community a shared cultural experience that is accessible and affordable to all.
For media relations assistance:
Taneisha Duggan, Creative Producer for First Night and Media Relations Consultant is available 10 am.-7 pm EST December 28-30, and 8am-3pm December 31. In-person, on camera or telephone interviews about the programming for this year's activities and history of First Night can be arranged.
917.423.5107
taneishaduggan@gmail.com
