posted 03-31-2005 12:44 AM               

First observed in 2000, Yuri’s Night occurs annually on April 12, marking the anniversaries of Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s first spaceflight in 1961 and the first space shuttle mission 20 years later. Each year, a series of space-themed parties, dinners and educational events are held around the world to mark these historic achievements. Organized by the non-profit Space Generation Foundation, Yuri’s Night combines popular music, science, and art to introduce teens and young adults to the thrill of space.

With 9,000 square feet of retro-space chic inspired by Los Angeles event powerhouse The Do Lab, Yuri’s Night will be held at GMT Studios Stage 6, at 5721 Buckingham Parkway in Culver City. The VIP reception features presentations by world-renowned X-Prize executive/Hollywood film producer Bob Weiss, who’s film career includes “The Blues Brothers”, “Dragnet”, and the “Scary Movie” series of films. Weiss is joined by “Aliens Of The Deep” science celebrities Dr. Pan Conrad and Dijanna Figueroa, who will also speak at the VIP reception.

The VIP Reception is scheduled from 7:30 to 9pm. Following the VIP event, Yuri’s Night will continue until 2 a.m. with a dance party that will feature the prominent local KCRW house DJ Jason Bentley and renowned Seattle-based DJ Donald Glaude. Local well-known house and trance DJ’s will join the powerhouse DJ duo well into the night on three different music stages throughout the event.

Various “space art” installations from JPL and other science-based companies will be on display as well.

posted 03-31-2005 11:40 AM               

Will be "celebrating" it in Guildford nearby London this year but I am contemplating spending April 12th, 2006 in Moscow, if there are any travel arrangements bound there then here in the Netherlands.

PS: For all those interested: The traditional annual Space Day at Noordwijk Space Expo which usually takes place around April 12th, won't take place this year - I phoned them last week about this. It's possibly taking place in autumn.

All the best,

Kirsten

posted 03-31-2005 12:05 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Kirsten:
45 years, Robert ??? Not wanting to be nit-picking, but please make that 44 years, as Gagarin has been launched in 1961 and we have 2005 now . <ROFL>

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(If YN wants to celebrate 45 years of human space flight a year early, they would be in good company: the White House, Congress and the Smithsonian began celebrating the 100th anniversal of human powered flight in 2002 [not to mention most of the world celebrated 2000 as the passing of the millenium, a full 365 days before it happened].)