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Thursday, Friday, Saturday, February 15, 16, 17 SOLD OUT
Newly added show: Sunday February 18th!
7:00 p.m.
Gates Planetarium
$15 member, $18 nonmember
Reservations: 303.322.7009 or 1.800.925.2250
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Tickets: http://www.dmns.org/main/en/General/Education/AdultProgram/Lectures/Programs/kenjiWilliamsI.htm
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Featured artist: Kenji Williams
Far beneath you, the Earth appears tranquil, at peace. Floating softly downward through wisps of cloud, colors and shapes slowly emerge, moving mosaics of our planet's surface. Live violin, both ethereal and hypnotizing, whispers in your ear all the while, gently nudging you along.
An out-of-this-world experience, this collection of sights and sounds is meant to cultivate an in-this-world appreciation.
"It's sometimes referred to as the 'overview effect'," said creative director Kenji Williams, 32, of Remedy Arts. "People have a greater understanding of the wholeness of our planet after viewing it from space, without borders, race, or religion. The motivation and impetus behind everything I do is always making media that raises consciousness."
Williams will present his show, Gaia Journeys , in the Museum's planetarium at 7:00 p.m. February 15, 16, and 17. Fifteen dollars for members and $18 for nonmembers, the show is an audio-visual sojourn, taken from the perspective of an astronaut, or orbiting satellite. Actual flight paths and altitudes will change during the show as different parts of the Earth are traversed.
Williams will be pairing his considerable artistic talents--award-winning composer and producer of six music albums, 15 films and music videos, and two multimedia theatrical shows--with a revolutionary interactive software called Uniview, which provides access to a scientifically accurate "virtual universe". Staff members at the Museum have been seeking unique, experiential ways to position the capabilities of the Planetarium, which include an incredible 11 million pixel resolution (the best HDTVs are around 2 million) and 20-channel, three-dimensional spatial sound system, and thought this would be a perfect fit.
"I am very excited that he has chosen not only to come to Denver, but to our Museum to create a musical, visual experience that will push the boundaries of music and art," said KaChun Yu, a space sciences curator whose research focus is on the immersive potential of domes.
The improvisational soundscapes played live by Williams will change along with the on-dome images, the idea being that the whole evening will be very free-flowing.
"I'm really looking forward to performing for a sitting audience that is there to be immersed in an experience," said Williams. "This will allow them to notice subtle details in the music."
"Most of his performances have involved live solo concerts at festivals and raves; prior to that, he spent four years traveling around the world with a trance band called Medicine Drum." Classically trained as a violinist since the age of 7, Williams's style has evolved significantly since then, heavily influenced by electronica, along with Middle Eastern and gypsy music. He's worked with the likes of Underworld, System 7, Infected Mushroom, and John Digweed, huge names in the electronica world.
This show is a slight departure for him, and he's extremely excited about it. It will focus primarily on our planet, Gaia, or Mother Earth.
"Gaia has a spiritual meaning of encompassing and understanding the Earth as a whole organism," he said, "beyond material rocks, trees, and water. I think it's important for people to understand that term and learn it, even though it's been around for awhile."
He's hoping people come away with a greater appreciation of their place in the cosmos by viewing it from such a unique perspective.
"Coupled with a thematic element or story and a continuous soundtrack performed live, this show can create a really powerful experience, both beautiful and transformative."
(written by Kevin W.)
Tickets: http://www.dmns.org/main/en/General/Education/AdultProgram/Lectures/Programs/kenjiWilliamsI.htm
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