Photo Coverage: Opening Night of ANT FEST at Ars Nova

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Ars Nova (Jason Eagan, Artistic Director; Jon Steingart and Jenny Wiener Steingart, Executive Producers) helped launch of their second annual new talent festival, ANT FEST. The five-week festival kicked off on October 19th with a Press Launch that includes performances by festival artists and an invitation only, opening night party, sponsored by Cooralook Wines and Long Trail Brewing Co.

In addition to the previously announced ANT FEST lineup, Ars Nova will also go late night with the weekly addition of Showgasm, a FREE, late-night variety show offering a sneak peak at upcoming festival acts and a chance to party with ANT FEST superstars! Showgasm will take place every Thursday throughout the FEST. Doors open at 10pm, performances begin shortly after. As always, Ars Nova offers a full bar and no drink minimum! Get free tickets at www.arsnovanyc.com/showgasm.

ANT FEST 2009 will run Monday-Saturday at 8pm, October 19-November 21 at Ars Nova (511 West 54th Street). Tickets ($10) may be purchased online at www.arsnovanyc.com or by calling (212) 352-3101.

SHOWGASM will run Thursdays 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19 at 10pm.Tickets are free but reservations are required at www.arsnovanyc.com/showgasm.

ANT FEST 2009 showcases the hottest talent in town by bringing you 30 nights of hand-picked shows ranging from crypto-zoology horror spectacles to spoken word prodigies, magic, vaudeville, dance squads and everything in between! Furthering Ars Nova's commitment to developing unique work that often challenges the boundaries of live entertainment, ANT FEST truly is The Cure for The Common Festival! Visit www.arsnovanyc.com for the full festival lineup.

Photos by Alex Hankoff