Artsplosure needs volunteers to help make First Night Raleigh 2009 a success. Extra hands are needed in several areas, including checking admission buttons, surveying the audience, and helping out with the Children's Celebration. Help out for at least a 2-3 hour shift and receive a free First Night Raleigh button to take advantage of before or after your shift. Volunteer opportunities start as early as 1:30pm. Anyone interested in volunteering can go to http://www.firstnightraleigh.com or call 919-832-8699.

First Night Raleigh is a weather-proof New Year's Eve celebration of the arts and community featuring performances in 25 indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown Raleigh. This year's festival includes the early afternoon Children's Celebration, early & late countdowns, the People's Procession, music, dance, theatre, the giant Acorn Drop, and fireworks. The Smithereens will headline the event with a performance on the outdoor main stage beginning at 10:30pm. Also scheduled to appear are John Brown and the Groove Shop Band, Claire Lynch, Mark Nizer, Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater, Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble, Christine Lavin, Lenny Marcus Trio, Transactors Improv Company, Southern String Band, and William Weisser, among others.

First Night Raleigh admission buttons are available at area Harris Teeter and Rite Aid stores, as well as other local outlets. Buttons are $9 in advance for children ages 6-12 and adults. Children five and under are admitted free. At the event, buttons are $10 for children ages 6-12 and $12 for adults.

First Night Raleigh is also pleased to announce that anyone with a First Night Raleigh 2009 admission button can buy one ticket, get one free to the North Carolina Symphony's New Year's Eve Concert! (prices $40-$60) This year's concert is full of fun and features the amazing Time for Three string trio, two violins and a bass taking the classical world by storm, and the talented dancers from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Dance. Music Director Grant Llewellyn promises an entertaining evening to ring in the New Year! The concert will take place at 7:30pm inside Meymandi Concert Hall at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Buy tickets in advance by visiting the North Carolina Symphony Audience Services office in North Hills (M-F, 10am-5pm; 4350 Lassiter at North Hill Ave, Suite 250) or wear your button the night of concert. (Box Office opens at 6:30pm night of concert). Offer is based on availability and is not retroactive.

For more information, go to www.firstnightraleigh.com.