CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Capital City rung in 2016 Thursday night with it’s 20th annual Good Night New Year’s Eve celebration.
The event featured 25 individuals and groups performing a total of 42 concerts in 12 locations throughout the city.
At First Presbyterian Church, Jonathan Tucker and Mark Scarpelli presented “An Evening of Josh Groban,” singing songs such as “O Holy Night”, “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables and “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera.
“He can move you with his songs. You just have to listen,” said Tisha Haynes who came to watch her brother sing. “It’s worth going to; I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Sallie Daugherty of South Charleston said she had now gone to Good Night for all 20 years it had been presented.
“I like to see the local talent that comes out. People that perform all the time, and sometimes people that perform just occasionally,” she said. “I love it because I love music. I love being out at night for a musical purpose instead of just carousing in a bar. It appeals to me to have something free to do, and where I’ll see friends and neighbors around Charleston.”
Joe Tucker of Charleston, who had come to watch his son, was also glad to have an alternative to the crowds at bars and restaurants.
“It’s a family friendly event. You don’t have to worry about the alcohol and the nuts out in places like this. It’s a good family event,” Tucker said.
Good Night ran from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday night, still allowing residents to attend New Year’s Eve gatherings later in the night.