I suppose this is commendable, but I still feel that First Night has long outlived it's usefulness. What was once charming in the late 70s has devolved into a huge mass of aimless people, very few actually from Boston, who simply stand in Copley Square like penguins at midnight while an amateur DJ plays, and nothing at all happens as the news media stand on their heads to make it seem like it is "exciting".

The few times I've gone in

By Scratchie on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 10:46am.

The few times I've gone in the past 10-15 years have been fairly underwhelming. I've gone to see a couple of performances that were underattended by listless crowds. While it was nice to see Graham Parker from the double-letter seats in the front section of the Orpheum, the attendance was so sparse that it didn't seem particularly festive. First Night seems like one of those events that people seem to attend because they feel they should, not because they're particularly excited about it. Or maybe I'm just an old fart. I had a blast going in my 20s, and I'm not sure if it was actually any better, or if my threshold of fun was just a lot lower back then.

I dunno. I've gone off & for

By bibliotequetress on Thu, 10/10/2013 - 4:25pm.

I dunno. I've gone off & for 30 years and have had a chance to see performers who either a) my budget doesn't always allow for (Mavis Staples at Symphony Hall!) or b) I haven't heard of (a neotango group about a few years ago who were amazing). I don't go every year, and whether or not we go is determined by whether there are people performing we want to see. It still has a place, and it's loss would be felt.

You mean like Times Square?

By Saul on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 10:46am.

Replace "Copley" with "Times" and the description seems apt.

(What self-respecting New Yorker goes to Times Square on New Year's Eve?)

Yeah, who would spend all day

By Finn on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 1:01pm.

Yeah, who would spend all day in the freezing cold to see a ball drop. Or see Ke$ha flip off Ryan Seacrest?

Meekly raises hand

By Nancy on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 1:16pm.

I did it once when I was in college. Worst NYE EVER.

Times Square? They may as

By anon on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 1:30pm.

Times Square? They may as well rename it Nivea Square on New Year's Eve. It's horrible!

Beyond the parade and fireworks, First Night is mostly indoors

By Ron Newman on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 1:13pm.

and is a showcase for music, dance, and theatrical performances by people and groups throughout the Boston area.

The only parts of First Night that involve Copley Square are the evening parade, the ice sculptures, and a few performances in nearby churches.

(And yes, lots of folks from neighboring towns come in for the event. You got something against us Somervillains?)

I enjoy Boston's First Night,

By anon on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 1:36pm.

I enjoy Boston's First Night, but then again I live here and it's convenient for me to go. Last year was not well-attended. I remember that meteorologists predicted nasty freezing weather which almost convinced me to stay indoors. However, they got it wrong and it actually wasn't as cold as I thought it would be.
I can see how some people may not like it -- esp. if you don't like live music, dance performances or art of any kind -- those people should absolutely just stay home and get wasted. Whatever floats your boat.

I was at the Hynes...

By FlyingToaster on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 10:21pm.

... and every kid event at the Hynes that I took WarriorGirl to was packed.

We saw three puppet shows and two bands, plus the ballroom activities (Chinese fans and some art group headband while 5 or six bands/dance troupes performed on the main stage in the middle of the room). After the last band, we went into the Pru for a snack and then (after the parade was past) walked over to Copley for the ice sculptures. Then we T'd west for Dad to pick us up.

I don't see how a last-minute effort like this can work; you have to start booking acts the previous spring, make sure venues are available; get your buttons designed and printed and distributed to outlets, etc.

I wish them the best of luck, but I won't count on taking my daughter this year.

Scaled-down First Night for scaled-down button price?

By Ron Newman on Thu, 10/10/2013 - 11:27pm.

I was wondering about that too -- how do you put together an event like this when you start in mid-October? Perhaps this should be First Night's "rebuilding year", with a smaller-than-usual event at a smaller-than-usual price. (Maybe even have stickers or armbands instead of buttons this year?)

Copley Square is the MAIN event now

By anon on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 2:18pm.

"The only parts of First Night that involve Copley Square are the evening parade, the ice sculptures, and a few performances in nearby churches."

This is not accurate. Although It was not the original intent, First Night has evolved (or devolved, as the case may be) into the culmination of the evening being upwards of half a million or more people (according to media reports), simply standing in Copley Square until midnight. It is now the main reason people (almost none of which are Bostonians, but non-city dwellers on their annual "night in the city") attend first night. It's not terribly exciting, no fireworks can be seen from Copley Square, and nothing happens there save for an semi-amateur DJ and maybe a few laser lights projected onto the Public Library Building. It seems to be some attempt to emulate Times Square, but I don't really see the purpose. The media over amps this milling around to the nth degree, with all their broadcasters covering it from every angle and viewpoint, as if something is actually happening. It must be a tough job.

I thought Harbor Fireworks were the main event at midnight?

By Ron Newman on Thu, 10/10/2013 - 6:45pm.

Just about everything else in the FIrst Night program has ended in time for people to get to Rowes Wharf, Long Wharf, Fan Pier, or wherever for the fireworks.

Edited to add: link to last year's FirstNight schedule. Except for one concert at the Boston Public Library and a religious service at St. Paul's cathedral, fireworks were the only remaining event scheduled to be in progress after 11 pm.

Stay of execution

By Nonymouse on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 10:46am.

I'm glad First Night is getting a reprieve but I hope they're concentrating on building a wide base of small donors and earned revenue and not once more depending on one or two large donors to make their budget every year. Post-recession philanthropy has got to change its mindset or First Night will be just one of many community institutions that die on the vine. Getting 40 $2500 sponsors is a lot more leg work than getting a single $100,000 but it's a lot more stable and sustainable than the old top-heavy models.

Whew...

By tcf098 on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 12:12pm.

Now I can finally get some real sleep.

First Night has always prided

By Finn on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 1:02pm.

First Night has always prided itself on being family-friendly, and that's why a lot of younger people would find it lame. Also, the entertainment is strewn throughout the city in churches and libraries, often at great walking distance, and mainly consisting of small jazz, vocal or chamber music combos or soloists, which are fine, but tend to be eclectic in taste and not terribly appealing to the masses.

It would be great if the city could secure some big-league popular acts and concentrate them on two outdoor main stages - one at Copley and one on the Common - timed so people would walk back and forth between the two, at a distance of only four blocks. A lot depends on the weather, but you could get a good crowd at both - look at the Outside the Box and Boston Ballet things on the Common that were a big hit.

Problem is, most young people would rather be in a warm bar, and they know they need to get in early or else they'll be shut out before midnight. Maybe some fenced-off outdoor beer gardens? Or your First Night button guarantees admission at a restaurant or bar nearby?

Outdoor main stages on New Year's Eve?

By Ron Newman on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 1:16pm.

You'll freeze both the performers and the audience. If you're outdoors in that weather you'll want to be moving, not standing still, in order to stay warm.

If people will stay in one

By Finn on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 1:42pm.

If people will stay in one place all day on Dec 31st in the freezing cold (assuming it IS below 32 degrees) to watch a ball drop in one city (see above), they may be able to stay in one place for a half-hour to see a (insert band name here) set. I'm sure other cities in colder climates throughout the globe have been able to set up live music acts for winter festivals. I'm sure Aspen does it all the time.

I'm sure you could get Ernie

By anonnona on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 2:31pm.

I'm sure you could get Ernie and the Automatics to play.

Family friendly for good reasons

By Markk02474 on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 3:33pm.

1. Children are more easily entertained, so the quality of the art and performances can be lower, and less expensive.
2. Children go to bed earlier so Boston can have people home sooner and not out potentially having any fun.

The most memorable event I saw in the few times going to First Night was the band playing at Coply featuring a guy on a Theremin. Lots of the art reminded me that little art is valued by anybody besides the creator, and perhaps their parents. The ice sculptures are nice and worth a few minutes look.

NYE never held much importance for me. I'd much rather go to a house party and roam around outside when the weather is much nicer.

First Night lives on

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