First Night 2023 - A RECAP
HERE’S A RECAP OF THE EVENT THAT BROUGHT IN 2023. HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM CAFETERIA!
Even in the rain, we celebrated! From performances at Main Stage, a market at Union Station, improv at City Steam, arts and crafts at the Wadsworth and so so much more!
First Night is Hartford’s New Year's celebration. There are two spectacular fireworks shows scheduled in Bushnell Park. One at 6 PM for our younger attendants and one at 12 AM, midnight. The fireworks are viewed throughout the city by thousands of visitors and residents. First Night also includes multi-cultural activities, events, performances, and more!
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Transformation”. The spectacle that we know First Night to be has undergone change throughout its 34 years. The times have forced us all to continue to adapt. The past couple of years have been filled with many losses, so much laughter, and several lessons. All of it pushing us toward change and growth.
At Main Stage, we had performances from some truly amazing artists and groups. From the very beginning with the band The Lost Tribe to the closing set by Keila Myles and every performer in between. Each one was memorable in their own ways. Here’s a list of all of our performers from First Night 2023!
The Lost Tribe
Studio 860
The Nu Haven Kapelye
DJ Kasey Cortez
Nekita Waller
Nat Reeves
Nightfall Parade
Hartford’s Proud
Phat A$tronaut
DJ Reefa
Adjovi Simpini
Briana Maia
DJ Ch’Varda
Joey Batt’s Hip Hop for the Homeless
Keila Myles
First Night Hartford commits to championing practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, and equitable environment. Cultural equity embodies the values, and practices that ensure that all people — including but not limited to those who have been historically underrepresented based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion — are represented in the development of our arts programming; the support of artists; and the fair distribution of resources. To provide informed, authentic leadership for cultural equity, we strive to pursue cultural consciousness throughout our organization through substantive learning and formal, transparent practices; to acknowledge and dismantle any inequities within our systems, programs, and services, and report organization progress; and to commit time and resources to continue to expand more diverse leadership within our board, staff, and artists.
All in all First Night 2023 was surely a night to remember and we truly hope everyone from individuals to families had an amazing time bringing in the new year. Most importantly, thank you to all of the amazing performers, vendors and sponsors that all came out and made First Night what it was!
We can’t wait to show you all what we have planned for 2023 here at Cafeteria Media and at Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. So tap in, subscribe to our website and follow us on socials to stay up to date on everything we have coming out!
We hope 2023 is a year of prosperity and abundance for everyone! For now, enjoy these pictures from First Night 2023 from our resident photographer, Bizzie Ruth.
