SEATTLE, March 18, 2024—The Museum’s April 13 Yuri’s Day is a celebration of human space exploration with family activities, an astronaut, an author, some droids and cosplayers, and of course music and dance. Highlighting the event is the Northwest’s first use of the cutting-edge Vibrotextile™ haptic wearables to provide a more engaging dance experience for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. c89.5 will broadcast live DJ sets from DJ D-Double-J and special headlining artist, Anabel Englund. This radical experience is the result of the Museum’s partnership with c89.5, Seattle Children’s, and the Not Impossible Labs Music: Not Impossible project.

Yuri’s Day also offers a presentation by Inspiration4 astronaut Chris “Hanks” Sembroski, a book signing with Space Oddities author, Joe Cuhaj, VR experiences, a 360° photobooth, droids with the Pacific Northwest R2 Builders Club, cosplayers from the 501st Legion, plus representatives from The Mars Society and the Seattle Area LEGO Users Group.

Space-themed costumes are encouraged.

Yuri's Night, the 21+ space party, is a separately ticketed event that begins at 6 p.m.

 

SCHEDULE

Discovering My Path to Space – Presentation by Inspiration4 Astronaut Chris Sembroski

11 a.m. to Noon

Chris "Hanks" Sembroski represented the pillar of Generosity as part of the crew of Inspiration4 by serving as Mission Specialist on the first all-civilian mission to orbit. Sembroski will share how he found his path to space, and let it inspire you to find a path of your own.

DanceABLE Access-Centered Dance Experience (All ages)

12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

In partnership with c89.5, Seattle Children’s and Not Impossible Labs, the Museum is turbocharging an all-ages dance event with accessibility at its heart. c89.5's DanceABLE experience is the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, tailored to create a better live music experience for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. “At Not Impossible Labs, we’re all about tackling absurdities - things in the world that make you stop and think, “Hold on. Seriously? No - that’s just not right.” Music: Not Impossible is our answer to the absurdity of music inaccessibility,” said Daniel Belquer of Not Impossible Labs.

DJ Line-up

c89.5 will broadcast live DJ sets from c89.5 program alum DJ D-Double-J and special headlining artist, Anabel Englund! “Dance music has helped me get through my life and it deserves to be experienced by all people in whatever way they can,” said England, “I’m beyond happy and thankful for the people who have made it possible."

Register for Free Museum Admission to DanceABLE

To accommodate as many users as possible, participants must RSVP for specific time slots which include a quick 'how-to' and suit trial on the dance floor. DanceABLE Deaf and Hard of Hearing registrants, the ticket includes admission for the registrant, plus one guest. If they are minor, guest must be 18+. Note: By registering for DanceABLE, you verify that you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or claiming a ticket for someone who is. This ticket also grants the participant entry into The Museum of Flight and all Yuri's Day activities.

"We wanted to build an event that allows us to include a group that is often left out of musical events and bring them aboard in a meaningful way. DanceABLE is just that kind of event, translating the audio sensation of dance music into tactile vibrations that can be felt on the body.” - Ron Chatman c89.5 Program Director

Space Oddities Lecture and Book Signing with Joe Cuhaj

3 p.m.

Space Oddities brings the unknown, offbeat and obscure stories of space to life. Author Joe Cuhaj will shed light on the human aspects of space travel that have remained industry secrets – until now: how the tradition of using a musical playlist to wake astronauts up began, fascinating tales about inventions like the Fischer Space Pen, Omega watches and Tang.

Images: Dancers enjoy a disco while wearing the Not Impossible Labs haptic gear. 501st image, The Museum of Flight; Sembroski photo courtesy Chris Sembroski; England photo by Devin Jade DeRose.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Ted Huetter/Senior Public Relations Manager
T: 206.768.7105 C: 206.455.5360 Email: thuetter@museumofflight.org