Bright Night Providence replaces First Night this year.

Money problems in Providence resulted in the formation of Bright Night Providence by a coalition of local artists and arts groups to celebrate the beginning of 2004. If Bright Night Providence had not stepped in, the Renaissance City was facing what is termed a "dark" New Year's Eve.

Instead, on Wednesday, Bright Night will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a ceremony at City Hall, followed by dozens of performances and activities across downtown.
At the First Baptist Church at 75 North Main St., for example, the playbill includes nationally known singer-raconteur Bill Harley (6:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and Celtic music stalwarts Pendragon (8:30 and 9:30). Across town at Chestnut and Weybosset Streets, Beneficent Church is hosting performances by jazz saxophonist Greg Abate (6 p.m.), the big band group Swingtime (6-9 p.m.) and the flamenco-jazz ensemble Infusion (9-11 p.m.).

Other highlights include a special 9 p.m.-to-midnight mini-WaterFire at Waterplace Park, a New Year's Eve extravaganza by the Big Nazo Puppets at the Providence Performing Arts Center (6, 8 and 10 p.m.) and fireworks shot off at midnight from near State House.

Tickets for Bright Night Providence are $10 per person, or $35 for a group of four. Festival-goers must be wearing a Bright Night wristband to gain access to most Bright Night sites, although admission to the mini-WaterFire at Waterplace park is free and open to all.

Tickets are available at all BankRI branches, the Providence Place mall customer service desk and online at www.ArtTixRI.com.

For more information on Bright Night sites and performers visit the event's Web site at www.brightnight.org