With a season-opening gala celebrating our lively arts community, the Friends of the Concord City Auditorium proclaim “We Love the Nightlife – the Concord Nightlife” and present a preview of the performances scheduled in 2013-2014.The nightlife begins Sept. 15 at 6 p.m., as “Grace,” the new pride and joy of the Abbot-Downing Historical Society, rolls up Prince Street. It’s the grand introduction of the Society’s second Concord Coach. The little red beauty, named for Mrs. Abbot, has been returned home to Concord as a gift from Dartmouth College. Arriving in Grace’s tracks: Concord’s arts organizations, with posters and costumes and colorful displays to set up at the Audi’s annual arts party. Their festive tables are filled with info on ways to get involved in the area’s arts activities.Acclaimed photographer Geoff Forester comes next to show his dazzling photos of Concord at night in the reception lobby gallery.Next, Arnie’s big ice cream truck rolls in, filled with thousands of scoops of fall flavors – pumpkin, indian pudding, maple, and more! Tom and Tootie Arnold offer an annual ice cream social as a delicious gift to the community. The Arts Party is free; everyone is welcome at this old-time, down-home start to the fall entertainment season.At 7 p.m., the party moves into the theater for a 90-minute preview of coming attractions at the Audi this season, with music, dance, theater, film, and comedy, and a cast of 85 talented neighbors. Director Wallace Pineault promises this year’s performances will show why – and how much – “we love the night life.” Tickets are just $5 but the fun of the annual party is priceless.Tickets are on sale now at The UPS Store and at the new Gibson’s Bookstore, both on South Main Street, and at the door. For more information, visit theaudi.org.
