Party Report: Washington, DC at NASA Goddard

(From YN Media Relations Team Member Brice Russ)

Yesterday evening, I made the trip down from Philadelphia  to Washington, DC to help out as a volunteer for Yuri’s Night DC at NASA Goddard, one of our first events for 2009. I’m pleased to say that the 4-hour round trip was more than worth it, as I had the pleasure of seeing hundreds of space enthusiasts and partiers celebrate all evening long at the Goddard Visitors’ Center.

This was, I have to admit, my first visit to Goddard, and I was really impressed with the center as a whole and how the Goddard employees and other volunteers had decked it out for Yuri’s Night. Most of the exhibits were still left open and unblocked for first-timers like me, but in between the interactive programs and giant Hubble Deep Field photos were pizza stands, information desks and signs directing attendees to all the activities. A dance tent was set up between the center and the “rocket garden” (which was also open), and one room had been turned into a stage for the band Middle Distance Runner, as well as a center for purchasing drink tickets and Yuri’s Night gear.

The first Yuri's Night guests arrive at NASA Goddard

The first Yuri's Night guests arrive at NASA Goddard

One of the most prominent exhibits of the evening was the Hubble Space Telescope created by Charm City Cakes, a fantastic bakery seen by millions on the Food Network show Ace of Cakes. Quite a few feet in length and hung in the center of the visitor center’s main gallery, this replica was created to be a bit more durable than most of their creations so, as YNDC director Amy Pruett noted, “we could enjoy it for a bit longer”. Charm City Cakes provided some more edible–and delicious–goods which the partygoers enjoyed after a short speech about the work currently being done with Hubble and a cake-cutting ceremony.

The HST replica itself

The HST replica itself

One of the cakes that CCC delivered in addition to the Hubble centerpiece

One of the cakes that CCC delivered in addition to the Hubble centerpiece

Attendees were encouraged to come decked in their best sci-fi attire, and many answered the call. Star Wars was the best-represented of the groups, with representatives from the 501st and Rebel Legions, as well as the local R2D2 Builders’ Club and Yuri’s Night Executive Director Loretta Whitesides herself portraying Princess Leia to a T. There were plenty of Star Trek enthusiasts, though, along with a full-size replica of The Robot from Lost in Space and a few outfits I didn’t even recognize.

dscn0158
This R2 unit moved around via remote control for a lot of the evening

Not an uncommon sight at Yuri's Night Goddard

Not an uncommon sight at Yuri's Night Goddard

Of course, the evening wasn’t just about dancing and Darth Vader. In addition to the well-received performance by Middle Distance Runner and the “Are You Smarter Than A Rocket Scientist?” space quiz, YN Goddard was host to two standing-room-only demonstrations of their Science on a Sphere. I wasn’t able to catch the first session with Jim Garvin, but I was able to make the next presentation by Deputy Director Laurie Leshin. If you’re in the DC area and, by some chance, haven’t yet been to NASA Goddard, Science on a Sphere is worth the trip alone. Even if you aren’t the sort of person to naturally be interested in, say, aerosol distribution or Arctic sea ice levels, you’ll change your mind after visiting.

dscn0172

Dr. Leshin with the Sphere

On the whole, the event was a rousing success; most everyone we talked to had a fantastic time and were looking forward to coming back next year. If you attended YN Goddard and you’re reading this–thanks for coming! We couldn’t have done it without you.

Yuri's Night banner

Yuri's Night banner

[Want to provide an after-the-fact report for your Yuri's Night event? Send your words, pictures and videos to brice at yurisnight dot net.]

Yuri News

Global Podcast #011: 이소연 Soyeon Yi Toast

10 03 2010

This global podcast is counting down to the 10th Annual Yuri’s Night’s on April 12th 2010 with toasts from around the world!
 
More info: http://www.yurisnight.net
 
More info about Soyeon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_So-Yeon
 
The entire set of videos is available for FREE on iTunes! www.tinyurl.com/YNgpc

 
icon for podpress  Global Podcast #011: 이소연 Soyeon Yi Toast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read On Filled under: Global Podcast Video, News

Yuri’s Night Party Packs now up for sale in new YN store

6 03 2010

In case you haven’t yet heard, we’ve officially opened up our merchandise and goods page for Yuri’s Night 2010, meaning that Yuri’s Night party packs are now up for sale.* It’s not just the one-size-fits-all box this year, though. In response to overwhelming demand, we’re increasing the number of products available for separate purchase, so [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Yuri’s Night Follower Wins Rocket Science Wine Contest

2 03 2010

If you’ve been following the Yuri’s Night blog for a while, you may remember our post last year announcing the Yuri’s Night-supported Caldwell Vineyard label contest. The Napa Valley-based Caldwell Winery called on all “future space travelers, rocket scientists, and engineers” to submit a brief story or description for the back label of their 2007 [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Yuri’s Night iPhone App Now Available For Download

27 02 2010

Yuri’s Night is very pleased to announce the release of their “Yuri’s Night” application for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The free application, developed by Intrinsic Labs, allows Yuri’s Night followers and space fans around the world to keep track of the latest Yuri’s Night news and locate upcoming Yuri’s Night events on the [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Global Podcast #009: Taber MacCallum Toast

27 02 2010

This global podcast is counting down to the 10th Annual Yuri’s Night’s on April 12th 2010 with toasts from around the world!
 
More info: http://www.yurisnight.net
 
More info about Paragon: http://www.paragonsdc.com/
 
The entire set of videos is available for FREE on iTunes! www.tinyurl.com/YNgpc

 
icon for podpress  Global Podcast #009: Taber MacCallum Toast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read On Filled under: Global Podcast Video, News

Double Party Profile: Houston, TX and Space Coast, FL

On the eve of Yuri’s Night, we bring you two Party Profiles from two of the most iconic locations in the history of space exploration: Houston, Texas and the Space Coast of Florida.

Yuri’s Night Houston has traditionally been one of the most consistently exciting parties in the YN cornucopia, and this year’s event is sure not to disappoint. The day begins with the sixth annual Yuri’s Night 5K Fun Run/Walk, starting at 8 AM on April 4th at Challenger Park. All proceeds are being donated to the Challenger Center, an international organization dedicated to promoting space and science education for students and children. Online registration is currently closed, but you can still show up early Saturday to sign up and take part.

After getting some rest during the day, YN Houston participants will be heading to The Meridian, an exciting new venue in the center of Houston, for the Yuri’s Night Celebration, starting at 8:30 PM. (Doors open at 8.) DJing, live music, door prizes and space exhibits will provide entertainment all evening long–but make sure to be present for the Zero-G raffle, sponsored by Jacobs Technology. All attendees will receive a raffle ticket, and during the event, one lucky partygoer will be selected to take a trip on an actual Zero-G flight! Admission tickets are $10 and include the cost of the raffle ticket; VIP tickets are $30 and must be bought in advance. For more information, visit http://yurisnighthouston.net/; tickets can be bought online through Ticketmaster. Other YN Houston sponsors include Boeing, Lockheed-Martin and ERC. YN Houston is hosted by the Houston Section of the AIAA.

——————————–

A bit further east, Yuri’s Night Space Coast is planning their own all-day extravaganza. The day kicks off at 8:30 AM on the 4th with a 5K Fun Run at Lori Wilson Park on the coast of Cocoa Beach; race registration is $10 and includes a gift bag, along with water and Tang stations. All proceeds go to non-profit organizations. Also in Lori Wilson Park, from 8:30 to noon, is the Education Expo, co-hosted by NASA and the National Space Society. Space enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to come out and learn about the latest programs at NASA.

From 7 PM to 10, YN Space Coast will be closing the day’s activities with a “Space Invasion” celebration at The Redhead in Port Canaveral. Music, drink specials, raffle prizes, and a space-themed costume contest will keep the entertainment going throughout the evening. Admission is a $5 cover charge at the door. For more information about Yuri’s Night Space Coast, visit http://yurisnightspacecoast.com/. YNSC is a project of the Florida Space Coast chapter of the National Space Society and the Launching Leaders Group at Kennedy Space Center.

Yuri News

Global Podcast #011: 이소연 Soyeon Yi Toast

10 03 2010

This global podcast is counting down to the 10th Annual Yuri’s Night’s on April 12th 2010 with toasts from around the world!
 
More info: http://www.yurisnight.net
 
More info about Soyeon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_So-Yeon
 
The entire set of videos is available for FREE on iTunes! www.tinyurl.com/YNgpc

 
icon for podpress  Global Podcast #011: 이소연 Soyeon Yi Toast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read On Filled under: Global Podcast Video, News

Yuri’s Night Party Packs now up for sale in new YN store

6 03 2010

In case you haven’t yet heard, we’ve officially opened up our merchandise and goods page for Yuri’s Night 2010, meaning that Yuri’s Night party packs are now up for sale.* It’s not just the one-size-fits-all box this year, though. In response to overwhelming demand, we’re increasing the number of products available for separate purchase, so [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Yuri’s Night Follower Wins Rocket Science Wine Contest

2 03 2010

If you’ve been following the Yuri’s Night blog for a while, you may remember our post last year announcing the Yuri’s Night-supported Caldwell Vineyard label contest. The Napa Valley-based Caldwell Winery called on all “future space travelers, rocket scientists, and engineers” to submit a brief story or description for the back label of their 2007 [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Yuri’s Night iPhone App Now Available For Download

27 02 2010

Yuri’s Night is very pleased to announce the release of their “Yuri’s Night” application for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The free application, developed by Intrinsic Labs, allows Yuri’s Night followers and space fans around the world to keep track of the latest Yuri’s Night news and locate upcoming Yuri’s Night events on the [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Global Podcast #009: Taber MacCallum Toast

27 02 2010

This global podcast is counting down to the 10th Annual Yuri’s Night’s on April 12th 2010 with toasts from around the world!
 
More info: http://www.yurisnight.net
 
More info about Paragon: http://www.paragonsdc.com/
 
The entire set of videos is available for FREE on iTunes! www.tinyurl.com/YNgpc

 
icon for podpress  Global Podcast #009: Taber MacCallum Toast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read On Filled under: Global Podcast Video, News

Party Profile: Washington, DC

From the desk of Countdown to Yuri’s Night:

On April 11, 2009, ABJ Productions hosts its second Yuri’s Night, an extravaganza of other-worldly magnitude. This year’s event, entitled Countdown to Yuri’s Night, combines visual art, performance, and music to commemorate the first human space flight.

“You don’t need a degree in science to appreciate the beauty and potential of human space flight,” says producer Jared Davis, who has a self-proclaimed man-crush on William Shatner (as Captain Kirk, of course). “This Yuri’s Night event gives artists working in many genres a chance to imagine the holiday in a way that is accessible to the average earthling.”

Over twenty visual artists will exhibit work that celebrates, reflects, and imagines space, from hard-core science to the low-brow culture. Many are innovators of Pop-Surrealism, Post-Pop, and/or Lowbrow styles which frequently and freely embrace the imagery of science fiction and mid-century tropes. While these artists do not exclusively create work about space, Countdown to Yuri’s Night is an opportunity to assemble an inter-galactic art exhibition representing many interpretations on the theme. The exhibition is also available for viewing and purchase online at www.outofthisworldparty.com.

Taking the stage for two performance orbits (9 pm and 11 pm) is a Burlesque Space Show with an all-star line- up. The show features Trixie Little and The Evil Hate Monkey, Miss Saturn, returning to Yuri’s Night for a second year, and Dieter’s Dance Party Drill Team (DDP).

Miss Saturn performing at YN08

Miss Saturn at Yuri's Night '08

Countdown to Yuri’s Night welcomes Atomic Mosquitos for two stellar sets. This band is rumored to have been transformed in a fortunate(?) accident on Three Mile Island that changed them into surf music-playing freaks. These rockin’ mutants play infectious tunes sprinkled with the spacey sound of a Theremin. With songs like “Alien Round-up” and “Planet from Outer Space,” we could not blast off without them!

Countdown to Yuri’s Night also includes a Weird Science Fair, no longer just for middle school…; an Alien Egg Hunt–taking a cue from the Easter Bunny, aliens have hidden eggs all over the Warehouse with extraterrestrial matter inside; a Celestial Costume Contest, and last but not least, Chief Boogie Officer DJ P.Vo will be on board all night in the gallery spinning inter-stellar tunes that will bounce your moonwalk.

Oh, and did we mention the vodka? Countdown to Yuri’s Night is pleased to welcome back Stolichnaya Vodka—The Official Party Vodka, for a second year. With $4 drink specials all night long, party travelers can get ready to blast off with some Stoli cosmic concoctions.

Countdown to Yuri’s Night is April 11, 2009 from 8 pm – 2 am. This is a 21 and over party at The Warehouse Arts Complex (1021 7th Street, NW). Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Visit www.outofthisworldparty.com for tickets, artist links, and event announcements.

(DC space enthusiasts get double the chances to party! On April 4th, NASA Goddard and the Space Generation Advisory Council are hosting a Yuri’s Night event in Greenbelt, MD. Visit http://dc.yurisnight.net/ for more details–and stay tuned for another YNDC announcement tomorrow!)

Yuri News

Global Podcast #011: 이소연 Soyeon Yi Toast

10 03 2010

This global podcast is counting down to the 10th Annual Yuri’s Night’s on April 12th 2010 with toasts from around the world!
 
More info: http://www.yurisnight.net
 
More info about Soyeon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_So-Yeon
 
The entire set of videos is available for FREE on iTunes! www.tinyurl.com/YNgpc

 
icon for podpress  Global Podcast #011: 이소연 Soyeon Yi Toast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read On Filled under: Global Podcast Video, News

Yuri’s Night Party Packs now up for sale in new YN store

6 03 2010

In case you haven’t yet heard, we’ve officially opened up our merchandise and goods page for Yuri’s Night 2010, meaning that Yuri’s Night party packs are now up for sale.* It’s not just the one-size-fits-all box this year, though. In response to overwhelming demand, we’re increasing the number of products available for separate purchase, so [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Yuri’s Night Follower Wins Rocket Science Wine Contest

2 03 2010

If you’ve been following the Yuri’s Night blog for a while, you may remember our post last year announcing the Yuri’s Night-supported Caldwell Vineyard label contest. The Napa Valley-based Caldwell Winery called on all “future space travelers, rocket scientists, and engineers” to submit a brief story or description for the back label of their 2007 [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Yuri’s Night iPhone App Now Available For Download

27 02 2010

Yuri’s Night is very pleased to announce the release of their “Yuri’s Night” application for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The free application, developed by Intrinsic Labs, allows Yuri’s Night followers and space fans around the world to keep track of the latest Yuri’s Night news and locate upcoming Yuri’s Night events on the [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Global Podcast #009: Taber MacCallum Toast

27 02 2010

This global podcast is counting down to the 10th Annual Yuri’s Night’s on April 12th 2010 with toasts from around the world!
 
More info: http://www.yurisnight.net
 
More info about Paragon: http://www.paragonsdc.com/
 
The entire set of videos is available for FREE on iTunes! www.tinyurl.com/YNgpc

 
icon for podpress  Global Podcast #009: Taber MacCallum Toast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read On Filled under: Global Podcast Video, News

Have photos from Yuri’s Night 2008?

 

Add your Yuri's Night 2008 photos on Flickr

Add your Yuri's Night 2008 photos on Flickr

Yuri News

Global Podcast #011: 이소연 Soyeon Yi Toast

10 03 2010

This global podcast is counting down to the 10th Annual Yuri’s Night’s on April 12th 2010 with toasts from around the world!
 
More info: http://www.yurisnight.net
 
More info about Soyeon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_So-Yeon
 
The entire set of videos is available for FREE on iTunes! www.tinyurl.com/YNgpc

 
icon for podpress  Global Podcast #011: 이소연 Soyeon Yi Toast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read On Filled under: Global Podcast Video, News

Yuri’s Night Party Packs now up for sale in new YN store

6 03 2010

In case you haven’t yet heard, we’ve officially opened up our merchandise and goods page for Yuri’s Night 2010, meaning that Yuri’s Night party packs are now up for sale.* It’s not just the one-size-fits-all box this year, though. In response to overwhelming demand, we’re increasing the number of products available for separate purchase, so [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Yuri’s Night Follower Wins Rocket Science Wine Contest

2 03 2010

If you’ve been following the Yuri’s Night blog for a while, you may remember our post last year announcing the Yuri’s Night-supported Caldwell Vineyard label contest. The Napa Valley-based Caldwell Winery called on all “future space travelers, rocket scientists, and engineers” to submit a brief story or description for the back label of their 2007 [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Yuri’s Night iPhone App Now Available For Download

27 02 2010

Yuri’s Night is very pleased to announce the release of their “Yuri’s Night” application for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The free application, developed by Intrinsic Labs, allows Yuri’s Night followers and space fans around the world to keep track of the latest Yuri’s Night news and locate upcoming Yuri’s Night events on the [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Global Podcast #009: Taber MacCallum Toast

27 02 2010

This global podcast is counting down to the 10th Annual Yuri’s Night’s on April 12th 2010 with toasts from around the world!
 
More info: http://www.yurisnight.net
 
More info about Paragon: http://www.paragonsdc.com/
 
The entire set of videos is available for FREE on iTunes! www.tinyurl.com/YNgpc

 
icon for podpress  Global Podcast #009: Taber MacCallum Toast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read On Filled under: Global Podcast Video, News

Yuri’s Night affiliating with International Year of Astronomy

Careful watchers of the Yuri’s Night Calendar might have already noticed this, but we haven’t yet made an official announcement. This makes us very overdue to note that this year, Yuri’s Night will be affiliating with the International Year of Astronomy. The International Year of Astronomy, a project of the International Astronomical Union and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is promoting astronomical awareness with special groups and events throughout the year 2009.

Yuri’s Night is proud to be involved with this effort, and suggests that all interested YN parties look at working with local IYA efforts such as the 100 Hours of Astronomy. For more information about the International Year of Astronomy or its affiliated events, please visit http://www.astronomy2009.org/

Yuri News

Global Podcast #011: 이소연 Soyeon Yi Toast

10 03 2010

This global podcast is counting down to the 10th Annual Yuri’s Night’s on April 12th 2010 with toasts from around the world!
 
More info: http://www.yurisnight.net
 
More info about Soyeon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_So-Yeon
 
The entire set of videos is available for FREE on iTunes! www.tinyurl.com/YNgpc

 
icon for podpress  Global Podcast #011: 이소연 Soyeon Yi Toast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read On Filled under: Global Podcast Video, News

Yuri’s Night Party Packs now up for sale in new YN store

6 03 2010

In case you haven’t yet heard, we’ve officially opened up our merchandise and goods page for Yuri’s Night 2010, meaning that Yuri’s Night party packs are now up for sale.* It’s not just the one-size-fits-all box this year, though. In response to overwhelming demand, we’re increasing the number of products available for separate purchase, so [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Yuri’s Night Follower Wins Rocket Science Wine Contest

2 03 2010

If you’ve been following the Yuri’s Night blog for a while, you may remember our post last year announcing the Yuri’s Night-supported Caldwell Vineyard label contest. The Napa Valley-based Caldwell Winery called on all “future space travelers, rocket scientists, and engineers” to submit a brief story or description for the back label of their 2007 [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Yuri’s Night iPhone App Now Available For Download

27 02 2010

Yuri’s Night is very pleased to announce the release of their “Yuri’s Night” application for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The free application, developed by Intrinsic Labs, allows Yuri’s Night followers and space fans around the world to keep track of the latest Yuri’s Night news and locate upcoming Yuri’s Night events on the [...]

Read On Filled under: News

Global Podcast #009: Taber MacCallum Toast

27 02 2010

This global podcast is counting down to the 10th Annual Yuri’s Night’s on April 12th 2010 with toasts from around the world!
 
More info: http://www.yurisnight.net
 
More info about Paragon: http://www.paragonsdc.com/
 
The entire set of videos is available for FREE on iTunes! www.tinyurl.com/YNgpc

 
icon for podpress  Global Podcast #009: Taber MacCallum Toast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read On Filled under: Global Podcast Video, News


Get T-Shirts, Stickers, and More

"Circling the Earth in my orbital spaceship I marveled at the beauty of our planet. People of the world, let us safeguard and enhance this beauty — not destroy it!"

Yuri Gagarin, 1st person in space Learn more about Yuri Gagarin»
    • Events are coming soon, stay tuned!
  • Photos

    YNLA 2001 dance floor2009 Boulder YNYNBA 2007 hangar crowd from DJ booth2411403039_93087d1d563427683047_47dfa2beae3428483400_fca7f6e75b3470539699_c1673bffb9speaking23470543593_868360ab44DSC_0312DSC_0168DSC_0311

  • Copyright © 2010. Some Rights Reserved | Feed | Log in | Designed by Bright Eye Media