Hampton, Va. — The world¹s biggest space party is coming to Hampton Roads. Partygoers will join 198 cities, in 51 countries, for Yuri¹s Night, a celebration of space exploration, April 4, 2009, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Virginia Air & Space Center in downtown Hampton.
Yuri¹s Night Hampton Roads¹ 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 ³Mars²tini Lounge, dance demonstrations, state-of-the-art exhibits showcasing NASA contributions, live art displays and more.
Yuri¹s Night is an international celebration held in April every year to commemorate two separate 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 these huge milestones of exploration, Yuri¹s Night combines an evening of spectacular entertainment with NASA achievements designed to increase visibility of NASA and its missions for the next generation of emerging leaders.
Driven by space-inspired artistic expression and culminating in a worldwide network of annual celebrations and educational events, Yuri¹s Night creates a global community of young people committed to shaping the future of space exploration. These global events are a showcase for elements of culture that embrace space including music, dance, science and art.
Showcasing the best of local and regional entertainment, Yuri¹s Night Hampton Roads will feature music mixed by Hampton Roads¹ favorite 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 Center¹s Observation Deck, and Krendl & Co. will engage visitors with unparalleled magical illusions.
Richmond-based artist and musician, Dave Klemenic, will ³perform² 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 NASA¹s 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 a number of kiosks throughout the event.
Tickets for Yuri¹s Night go on sale Friday, March 6. Admission for Yuri¹s Night is only $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 & up.
Yuri¹s 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.
