Worcester – In the spirit of community partnership, First Night Worcester and The Hanover Theatre have announced that both organizations have joined forces in collaboration to co-sponsor an exciting upcoming performance entitled THIS IS THE ’60s. This partnership is one that they hope will be a catalyst in generating funds to bring back the missed New Year's Eve fireworks, and that it will be the first of many other collaborations in the future.
Howard McGinn, executive director of First Night Worcester, along with the organization's board of directors, has a vision of First Night Worcester becoming a year-long celebration of the arts community, with the grand finale on New Year's Eve. This paradigm shift came as a result of making innovative changes to give more opportunities for people to engage with the arts community, First Night sponsors, partners, and supporters.
“A year-long celebration which includes art, culture, music, and history, encourages ongoing art appreciation, and added value for our supporters including those organizations and businesses which invest in the future of First Night,” said McGinn.
“We believe that this will not only benefit the community by offering more opportunities to participate in art appreciation, but our partners and sponsors will benefit from annual exposure and recognition for their support,” he continued. “We are stretching the benefits from one night to 12 months.”
The evolution of First Night organizations throughout the country has been one of growth yet, in recent years, setbacks crippled or ended many of them. As the second oldest First Night in the nation, First Night Worcester recognizes that to remain viable and grow, it needs change to meet the needs of a new generation.
“Our goal is to reach all audiences and in 12 months, this is more realistic. There will be events for all demographics, tastes and interests with a culmination of the “best of the best” on New Year's Eve,” said McGinn. “This will be much more exciting.”
The Hanover Theater has been a venue of First Night in the past; however, this sponsorship initiative in the month of November is new for both arts organizations. Proceeds from the event will be used towards one of McGinn's goals, which is to bring back the fireworks on December 31, 2012.
“We'se grateful for the opportunity to partner with First Night Worcester, truly a Worcester institution.? We hope to help them raise funds to bring back the fireworks this year!” said Troy Siebels, executive director of The Hanover Theatre.
As a catalyst to invigorating the Worcester cultural scene through his vision with The Hanover Theatre, Siebels remains committed to making Worcester a destination for travelers and the community. He believes in keeping First Night alive in the community and supports McGinn's vision of a yearlong celebration.
“First Night Worcester is a great partner for us because like us, they'se working to make the city more vibrant as a cultural destination. We'se looking forward to making both THIS IS THE ’60s and New Year's Eve 2013 a success,” said Siebels.
This collaboration will come alive Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m., when First Night Worcester and The Hanover Theatre present THIS IS THE ’60s, a unique multimedia experience that delves into the ’60s.
The show blends a myriad of historic film footage, still images, and animated graphic designs of the ’60s and combines live music renditions of some of rock and roll's biggest legends. THIS IS THE ’60s will feature music from The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Monkees, The Mamas & The Papas, The Fifth Dimension, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Three Dog Night, Jefferson Airplane, and many more.
“We are so thrilled to be partnering with The Hanover Theatre to put on this amazing show,” McGinn said.
Both First Night Worcester and The Hanover Theatre encourage the community to attend this event, since all proceeds will be used towards funding to bring back the fireworks on New Year's Eve.
Ticket prices are $28, $38, and $48, with special limited VIP seats available for $75, which includes a pre-show to benefit First Night Worcester. There is a 10% discount available for First Night Worcester members during presale only, The Hanover Theatre members, groups of 10 or more, corporate partners, children, students, and WOO card holders. For more information or to order tickets, call 877-571-7469 or visit www.thehanovertheatre.org.
