England has Stonehenge, Peru: Machu Picchu. And this summer solstice, Champaign-Urbana can count on Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
The Woody Woodward Trio along with singer Rachael Lee will be there, providing a stellar backdrop of jazz renditions on summer and the heavens.
Jim Kaler, emeritus professor of astronomy, backed by the CU Astronomical Society, will provide stimulating commentary. In the lobby, large screen displays will provide the ultimate eye-gasmic experience for all-ages: majestic images from satellite sources and scenes of solar sites from around the world. Back by popular demand is Starlab, the indoor planetarium operated by Wayne James and Dave Leake.
How about an HD stereo theater showcasing graphic visualizations of astronomical phenomenon, all care of the Advanced Visualization Laboratory of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). Sounds fancy, huh?
Not your type of baloney? Maybe your idea of a romantic midsummer night is sitting back and having a mighty fine drink. In that case, interlude bar will be open throughout the evening, featuring a special edition of Krannert Uncorked and the night’s signature drink: Blue Moon cocktail.
So forget the cheap telescopes and navigate your way to Krannert.
Starlab, Krannert Uncorked, and the NCSA Stereo Theatre open at 4:30 p.m. Solstice begins at 6:59 p.m., and the music performances start at 9:30 p.m. Krannert Center is located at 500 S. Goodwin Ave. in Urbana. The event is free and open to the public.