Release Date: Thursday, November 4th 2010

Light Up Night® 50th Anniversary Celebration Schedule Announced

 For Immediate Release - Nov. 4, 2010                 

Contact: Hollie Geitner
(412) 325-0153
(412) 780-6709 – cell
hgeitner@downtownpittsburgh.comm m 

Pittsburgh Stars Come Out to Rock the Weekend

Pittsburgh, PA—The Pittsburgh Stars are coming out to celebrate the 50^thAnniversary of Pittsburgh’s largest and most popular annual event, Light Up Night® powered by Duquesne Light.  Details for the weekend-long celebration were announced at a press conference in the Fairmont Pittsburgh Lobby this morning. 

Performances begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19 and continue from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20.  Plus, new signature events on Saturday evening blend with long-time traditions to create one memorable weekend!

Two large performance stages will feature well-known Pittsburgh entertainers throughout the weekend—in the newly-renovated Market Square and on the Clemente Bridge.

Performance Schedule: Friday, Nov. 19

Market Square

• 4 p.m.:              CAPA Choir Ensemble
• 4:30 p.m:          Etta Cox and Al Dowe Trio
• 6 p.m.:              No Bad Ju Ju
• 6:30 p.m.:         Market Square Season of Lights inaugural lighting ceremony  
• 7:45 p.m.:         The Stickers

Bridge Party (Clemente)

• 4 p.m.:              The Granati Brothers
• 6 p.m.:              Johnny Angel and the Halos
• 8 p.m.:              Donny Iris and the Cruisers
• 9:38 p.m.:         PNC Fireworks FINALE by Zambelli Internationale

“What makes this annual event so special is that it is entirely focused on Pittsburgh—its beauty, its performers, its traditions and its communities,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of the PDP.  “Our team has worked hard to make this year’s Light Up Night® Weekend a one-of-a-kind celebration in tribute to its 50^thAnniversary.

Highmark Light Up Night® March ‘Lights Up’ Downtown

The 2^ndAnnual Highmark Light Up Night® March will light up landmarks along its route through Downtown. Five regional high school marching bands, totaling 500 students, will play and march to holiday music starting near the Pittsburgh Crêche at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Grant Street. They will make their way to Market Square to help light--for the first time--the spectacular Market Square Season of Lights display, made possible by the Colcom Foundation. Then, they will head to the corner of Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street to dazzle the crowds with a tribute to the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Unity Tree.

Participating bands:

• Mt. Lebanon High School, under the direction of Louise Marino
• Gateway High School, under the direction of Robert Read
• New Castle High School, under the direction of Nick Yoho
• Pittsburgh Allderdice High School, under the direction of Brian Lee
• Chartiers-Houston High School, under the direction of Bud Smokovich

PNC Fireworks Finale Set to Launch from Warhol Bridge

The PNC Fireworks Finale is one of the region’s largest and most creative pyrotechnics displays. Choreographed by the renowned Zambelli Internationale Fireworks Company, the theatrical production is synchronized to the sounds of the season and broadcast LIVE on 3WS Radio 94.5FM. At the conclusion of the Light Up Night® Bridge Party, a special call to the North Pole will occur at 9:38 p.m. to secure a 'go for launch' from the 'big guy' dressed in red and white.  Dynamic special effects including strobes, Roman candles, comets, rainbows and Zambelli's signature, a Niagara Falls of white fireworks

suspended from the bridge will burst in a colorful spectacle of over 10,000 shells and pyrotechnics devices!  Zambelli's unique work has been seen in thousands of displays throughout the world, including Times Square, Mount Rushmore, the Kentucky Derby Kick-off "Thunder Over Louisville" and for every U. S. President since John F. Kennedy.

“Light Up Night  - another great reason to visit Pittsburgh,” said Joe McGrath, President and CEO of VisitPittsburgh. “This year, the celebration falls on a weekend and offers visitors the opportunity to linger longer for a stay in one of our wonderful hotels. The city is at its most beautiful and there is so much to do, they won’t want to miss a thing!”

The fun will continue into Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. with family-oriented performances in Market Square and Snoopy’s 60^thBirthday Bash at PPG Ice Rink from Noon – 2 p.m.  Legendary WQED Producer and Pittsburgh story-teller, Rick Sebak will host the Pittsburgh Memories Photo Exhibit in One Oxford Centre from Noon – 2 p.m.  And, holiday exhibits, window displays, shops and restaurants will be open and ready for visitors.

Performance Schedule: Saturday, Nov.  20

• 10 a.m.:            Pitt Pendulums, a cappella group
• 10:35 a.m.:        Ellis Elementary School Choir
• 11:15 a.m.:        Afterschool Buddies and The Rainbow Kids
• 11:50 a.m.:        The Joe Negri Quartet
• 1:35 p.m.:         Jeff Jimerson and Airborne
• 3:20 p.m.:         Borelli Dance Gallery Holiday Spectacular
• 4 p.m.:                          Vanessa Campagna Christmas Show
• 5 p.m.:                          Duquesne Light Horse-drawn Carriage Parade
• 6:30 p.m.:         Grand Pittsburgh Celebrate Santa! Stage Show
• 7 p.m.:                          BOB 96.9 FM wedding of Lynn Smith and James (Fred) Bell

A Pittsburgh first, the Duquesne Light Horse-drawn Candlelight Carriage Parade, will step off from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Featuring horses of all sizes and elegant carriages, including the famous Wells Fargo stagecoach, the parade will carry costumed characters and local celebrities as it makes its way to Market Square.  The parade will conclude with the theatrical production, the Grand Pittsburgh Celebrate Santa! Stage Show. Watch as Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers prepare for the holiday season. The show is sure to get everyone feeling The Spirit of Christmas!

A Wedding to Remember

After the show, Santa and Mrs. Claus will unite 96.9 BOB FM Light Up Night Nuptials winners, Lynn Smith and James Bell of Mt. Pleasant, in marriage.  With thousands of their “closest friends” in attendance, Lynn and James will enjoy not only a one-of-a-kind wedding ceremony, they will receive wedding bands from Goldstock Jewelers, flowers from Fragile Paradise and an after-party at a Downtown venue.  Be sure to stick around for some cake and a memorable wedding dance to cap off the evening!

Local Artist Linda Barnicott Commemorates Event by Unveiling New Painting

Linda Barnicott began her career as a portrait artist. Today she is beloved and sought-after for her enchanting portraits of Pittsburgh. Using rich pastel colors, she captures the unique beauty of famous Pittsburgh places with a charm all her own.  Linda unveiled her latest painting, “The Golden Glow of Light Up Night®” during the holiday kick-off event today. It depicts the 50^th Anniversary Celebration of Light Up Night® and will be a collectible piece for anyone who loves and looks forward to Light Up Night each year. Linda has long been a part of Light Up Night, selling her holiday cards in PPG Place to benefit the American Cancer Society. To date, her artwork has earned $500,000 for the American Cancer Society. This year’s card design is her classic holiday painting, “Wishing Under the Horne’s Tree.”  For more information about Linda and her work, visit www.lindabarnicott.com.

Light Up Night® Keeping Children and Families Bundled Up this Year

Keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is donating Light Up Night® license fees, along with a match of up to $1,500 to WTAE-TV’s Project Bundle-Up.  And, during Light Up Night, the PDP will sell tri-color glow necklaces for one dollar a piece and donate proceeds to Project Bundle Up.  Stop by Light Up Night Information Booths on Friday evening and Saturday to purchase a necklace in support of children and families in need of warm outer wear this winter.

Light Up Night® Venue Highlights and Media Partners

Fifth Avenue Place: See and touch icy life-sized Santa and snap photos with frozen elves, reindeer and more at Fifth Avenue FREEZE.  Catch live ice carving shows, and kids can test their skills at polar games.

One Oxford Centre: Free horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, live reindeer, face painting and musical entertainment.

PPG Place: CLO Mini Stars, American Cancer Society Tribute of Light/ Plaza Tree Lighting, holiday exhibits and live entertainment in the food court.

For times and a complete schedule of events at each location, visit www.DowntownPittsburgh.com. 

The PDP is pleased to have the support of the following media partners:  WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, City Paper, Pittsburgh Magazine, Froggy Radio Network, 3WS FM, Q92 FM, BOB FM, KQV AM and Lamar.

About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations and residents who provide energy, vision and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers and visitors alike. The PDP’s strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, transportation, housing and economic development and advocacy. For more information, visit www.DowntownPittsburgh.com, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/downtownpittand “like” the PDP fan on Facebook.

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