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 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!)
