For the first time in more than two decades, Sarasota-Manatee's sole planetarium will host laser light shows set to some of the biggest names in music.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in downtown Bradenton will hold Laser Light Nights from May 26 to Aug.13, featuring more than two dozen chart-topping artists. For years, laser light shows set to music acts such as Pink Floyd and Rush were a popular attraction at the planetarium until 2001, when an electrical fire shuttered the planetarium, which was eventually renovated and reopened in 2005.
Five performances a week are planned, with showtimes at 7 p.m. Thursdays, and 7 and 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The schedule is currently set through June 25, allowing for flexibility so that organizers may offer repeat performances for the more popular shows later in the summer.
The initial lineup includes laser light shows centered around two classic Pink Floyd albums, "The Wall" and "The Dark Side of the Moon," on June 4. Other shows will feature the music of rock acts such as Queen, Prince, Elton John, David Bowie, the Beatles, Journey, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Rush, U2, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, Bob Marley, Nirvana, Foo Fighters and an "AC/DC vs. Guns N' Roses" show.
The lineup also includes contemporary pop stars such as Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. Both the May 26 opening night featuring Queen and June 23 Lady Gaga show will be presented as part of the museum's Bishop After Dark series, held after-hours on the fourth Thursday of most months. June's event will also be themed to "Lights, Love and Lasers" in the spirit of Pride Month.
To purchase tickets, which are $15 per person, for the full lineup, or for more information on the Laser Light Nights shows, visit bishopscience.org/laser-light-nights.
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurt at [email protected].
