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Annual First Night Celebration To Feature Music, Arts, And Of Course, Fireworks

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- More than 40,000 people are expected in Pittsburgh's Cultural District New Year's Eve.

"Highmark First Night Pittsburgh" promises six-straight hours of fun.

The night starts off at 6 p.m. with a performance by an electronic brass band called Beauty Slap. The band performed Wednesday morning for the unveiling of this year's First Night lineup, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Grand Marshal Rick Sebak of WQED-TV headlined a series of speakers. Janis Burley Wilson of the Cultural Trust says First Nigbht has something for everyone.

"About 150 performers and activities, and about 50 venues, inside and outside."

Ice sculptor Richard Bubin will be back, and comedy magician Lee Terbosic says he'll perform his slight of hand "at the CAPA Auditorium. I'll be dong it three times that evening. So a lot of comedy, magic, illusion. A lot of fun."

Of course, no First Night would be complete without Cheryl Capezzuti's towering puppets. They'll be part of a parade that starts at the Convention Center, and makes its way through the Cultural District to the Byham Theater.

The Swon Brothers country music act will perform on the Highmark Stage, after vaulting to fame on "The Voice." Another highlight is nothing short of a "Miracle."

"The legendary Smokey Robinson is our judge for the Sing-off Competition," Janis Wilson says. "That's huge. And it's really great, because it ties right in to 'Motown, the Musical,' which is coming up soon."

The evening will be topped off with fireworks, of course.

For more information, visit:

Stay with KDKA for Dave Crawley's full report on what's new at First Night Pittsburgh at 5 p.m.

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