The City of Night event has become an institution that celebrates Buffalo’s industrial heritage through the medium of art. Until now, the event has been held at Silo City each year. This year, that’s going to change. The event is relocating across the Buffalo River, to the Old First Ward, where it will have a chance to spread its wings and utilize new infrastructure elements along the way.
Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo Presents: City of Night 2015 from Zaz Monster Designs on Vimeo.
If you’re wondering how City of Night can superimpose its crazy dynamic-driven, indoor/outdoor nature upon the Old First Ward, then you’re not alone. While there will be no utilization of grain elevators and silos, there is a central hub along Republic Street that offers up some great public spaces, as well as historic buildings.
Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo (ELAB) has been tasked with an adventure in artistic place-making that includes permanent works of art, a DJ stage, a Light Garden, an amphitheater stage, and two beer tents (one at either end of Republic). There will also be an Art Train built to accommodate regional works of art, and two participatory Light Parades to pay tribute to our historic status as the City of Light.
It’s time for the Old First Ward to Shine, in a way that will leave a lasting memory on all those who visit.
VIP Night on Friday the 17th (7pm until 11pm) will be held primarily inside the barrel Factory and will have live music, art installations, a lounge area free drinks and food provided by Lloyd Taco Trucks. VIP night provides a unique opportunity for guests to get a more intimate view of the installations and meet the artists who have created the artwork. There will also be some outdoor activities including live performances at the Amphitheater stage. VIP tickets are $75.00 and will be available for purchase online. VIP’s who purchase tickets for the Friday night event, will also have private access to a cash bar on Saturday at the Barrel House as well as private access to VIP bathrooms. Saturday-only VIP tickets will also be available for $50.00 which will give these guests the same privilege on Saturday only.
This event is free and open to the public. For those that believe in, and wish to further support, the mission of ELAB and the future of City of Night, donations will be accepted at the various entry points at the day of the event. ELAB is also seeking volunteers to help out with both nights of the event; any interested parties may contact our Volunteer coordinator, Krystal Sondel at ksondel@hotmail.com.
This event is sponsored by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Arts Services Initiative.
WHO: The Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo (ELAB)
WHAT: City of Night
WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 2015, 6pm-12am
VIP Night: Friday, July 17, 2015, 7-11pm
WHERE: The Old First Ward, Republic Street from Louisiana to Hamburg Streets