Feature
Text Size
World's Biggest Space Party Comes to Hampton Roads
03.04.09
The world’s biggest space party is coming to Hampton Roads. Partygoers will join 198 cities, in 51 countries, for Yuri’s Night, a celebration of space exploration, April 4 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Virginia Air & Space Center in downtown Hampton.
Yuri’s Night Hampton Roads’ high-tech theme will focus on space exploration and what is new and exciting at NASA. The event will feature a fusion of entertainment, a “Mars”tini Lounge, dance demonstrations, state-of-the-art exhibits showcasing NASA contributions, live art displays and more.
Yuri’s Night is an international celebration held in April annually to commemorate two space exploration milestones. On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space, launching to orbit aboard the Vostok 3KA-2. The second milestone was the launch of the first space shuttle STS-1 on April 12, 1981. Celebrating those milestones, Yuri’s Night combines an evening of entertainment with NASA achievements designed to increase visibility of the agency and its missions for the next generation of leaders.
Driven by space-inspired artistic expression and culminating in a worldwide network of celebrations and educational events, Yuri’s Night creates a global community of young people committed to shaping the future of space exploration. The global events are a showcase for elements of culture that embrace space, including music, dance, science and art.Showcasing local and regional entertainment, Yuri’s Night Hampton Roads will feature music mixed by DJ Jeyone, as well as live entertainment from local reggae favorite, The Prisoners.
Belly dancing and techno fusion dance demonstrations by local artists Neferteri and Dancing Turtle Folk Arts will add a cultural element to the event. Guests are encouraged to wear retro or space-themed costumes to participate in a costume contest for great prizes, including an iPod iTouch.
The Peninsula Astronomy Club will offer star gazing, using state-of-the-art telescopes on the center’s Observation Deck, and Krendl and Co. will engage visitors with magical illusions.
Richmond-based artist and musician Dave Klemenic will “perform” live computer-generated art, and guests can enjoy a NASA art exhibit from local and regional artists whose work has been inspired by space exploration.
Many high-tech NASA exhibits will highlight the agency's role in space exploration, including "Postcards from Space" and the "Magic Planet." James Steele from Hampton Roads radio station 96X will be on-hand to "emcee" the event and engage guests in a few rounds of Rock Band and Cornhole. Partygoers are also encouraged to bring their iPod to download NASA podcasts from kiosks throughout the event.
Tickets for Yuri’s Night go on sale March 6. Admission for Yuri’s Night is $5 per person, and tickets are available in advance by calling 727-0900, extension 705. Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.yurihr.com. Food is included with admission, and beverages are available for purchase. Adult beverages may be purchased by guests age 21 and up.
Yuri’s Night Hampton Roads is presented by the Virginia Air & Space Center, NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Federal Credit Union, with additional support from National Institute of Aerospace, Bud Light, Skyy Vodka, 96X, Monster Energy Drinks, Vigyan, Zel Technologies Inc., Analytical Mechanics Associates, Science Systems and Applications Inc., Science Applications International Corporation and Virginia Space Grant Consortium. For more information visit www.yurihr.com or receive updates on your mobile phone when you text VASPACE to 74568 (regular texting rates apply).
The Virginia Air & Space Center is located at 600 Settlers Landing Road in downtown Hampton. Take I-64 to exit 267. Follow Settlers Landing Road and the center will be on the left.
NASA Langley Research Center
Managing Editor: Jim Hodges
Executive Editor and Responsible NASA Official: H. Keith Henry
Editor and Curator: Denise Lineberry