WaterFire Kansas City Set for Oct. 25 | freshare.net

WaterFire Kansas City Set for Oct. 25

By Guest Contributor

First posted on 10-01-2008

Igniting a new fall tradition, WaterFire Kansas City is back for its second, fiery year. The moving, multi-sensory experience of music, fire and water will return to Brush Creek this fall for one night only—Saturday, Oct. 25. The event begins at dusk and runs until midnight.

More than 25,000 people experienced WaterFire Kansas City when it premiered in September 2007. Stretching from Pennsylvania Avenue to J.C. Nichols Parkway, the award-winning art installation features 55 floating bonfires that crackle and burn on the creek’s surface, creating a firelight that illuminates the Plaza’s surrounding landscape. Sidewalk performers and continuous music add to the memorable experience.

“It’s difficult to describe the effect that WaterFire can have on you. It’s truly an experience for the senses. The evening’s powerful sights, sounds, and scents combine beautifully to stir something deep inside you,” Karen Holland, WaterFire Steering Committee chairperson, said.

WaterFire was originally created by artist Barnaby Evans in 1994 on the three rivers of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The living fire sculpture has become a signature event for the city, attracting millions of visitors and drawing praise as a moving symbol of Providence’s urban renaissance.

The event begins with a series of torch-lit vessels that travel along the creek, floating their way through darkness. One by one, fire-tenders ignite each brazier until all 55 pieces have sprung to life. The result is an unusual but beautiful sight—55 fires dancing on water. This powerful visual is reinforced by the aromatic scent of burning wood, the flickering firelight that outlines the creek’s anchored bridges, the silhouettes of the fire-tenders, and the enchanting international music.

This year’s presentation features music composed by students at the UMKC Conservatory of Music, plus performances by Vesuvius Fire Tribe, KC Swing Dance Club, Quixotic Performance Fusion and members of Lyric Opera’s Night of Song. Food will be available for purchase from four Plaza restaurants—The Capital Grille, Brio Tuscan Grille, Houston’s and Plaza III, The Steakhouse.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1. For more information about WaterFire Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com/waterfire or call 816-221-5242. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Gil Brenis at .