Opening Night to ring in Oklahoma City's new year

“The big thing that is new is the change in the finale venue. For the past 25 years, we've had the finale at Kerr Park, and this year, we have moved it over to the Myriad Gardens,” Opening Night Director Christina Foss said. “The gardens are newly renovated and just look beautiful, and it's really the perfect gathering space for people.”

As usual, Opening Night 2012 will transform downtown into a huge variety show, bringing together rock bands, roller girls, magicians and more to celebrate New Year's Eve. Organized by the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, the alcohol-free, family-friendly event will assemble 40 performers in eight venues, with the festivities starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens reopened earlier this year after undergoing a $42 million makeover, and coupled with ongoing downtown construction, organizers decided to move this year's Opening Night finale to the new Grand Lawn.

At 11 p.m. Saturday, Opening Night headliners Smilin' Vic and the Soul Monkeys will bring their high-energy fusion of rhythm, blues and soul to the finale stage. The year-end countdown will begin in earnest at 11:30 p.m. with a sound and light show involving police cars, fire trucks and a helicopter. To heighten the anticipation and experience, lights will go out across downtown, including those in the Myriad Gardens, buildings and parking garages.

As the final seconds of 2011 tick down, the 10-foot mirrored and light-festooned ball will be lifted at least 15 stories above the crowd. When the clock strikes midnight, an extravagant fireworks show will herald the New Year.

Along with the finale events, Edmond acoustic rocker Jamie Bramble will perform throughout Opening Night at the illuminated Crystal Bridge, which received a face-lift as part of the renovation.