SAN FRANCISCO (October 29, 2009) — This November, join the California Academy of Sciences for a bilingual celebration of the sciences, and gain a new appreciation for our home planet—especially the amazing biodiversity of Central and South America. The festivities will begin during the Academy’s weekly NightLife event on Thursday, November 12, when DJ Jeff Stallings will spin a four-hour Latin set, from Spanish chill to Latin dance music. Throughout the long weekend, the celebration will continue with salsa and mariachi performances, bilingual science presentations, a scavenger hunt that will help visitors explore south-of-the-border scientific specimens, and tasty Latin foods in the Academy Café. Visitors can also meet Central and South American creatures, watch Spanish language screenings of “Journey to the Stars” in the planetarium, fill in a kids’ activity booklet, and make nature-themed crafts. Check
www.calacademy.org for details.
Events on Thursday, November 12
NightLife
6:00 – 10:00 pm
This week, the Academy’s after-hours event for adults ages 21 and over will be full of Latin flair. DJ Jeff Stallings will spin a four-hour Latin set, from Spanish chill to Latin dance music, and the Academy Café will offer flavorful Latin foods. At 7:30 pm, the planetarium will offer a Spanish-language version of its new show, Journey to the Stars, and a bilingual presentation will follow. Dance performances by the Mambo Romero Latin Dancers will also take place at 7:30 and 8:30 pm. The evening’s program, entitled Midnight Mambo, is based on the Mambo and the Cha-Cha-Cha and is a tribute to the sounds of Tito Puente and Celia Cruz.
Events on Friday, November 13
Journey to the Stars en español
11:30 am
During this special Spanish-language version of the Academy’s new planetarium show, travel through time and space to experience the dramatic lives and deaths of stars. Witness brilliant supernova explosions, dive into the heart of the fiery Sun, and watch it transform into a red giant five billion years in the future. Along the way, you will discover the deep-rooted connection between humanity and the stars. A bilingual presentation will follow.
Swamp Talk
1:00 pm
Join us at the Swamp to learn about some of the Academy’s most popular animals, including American alligators and alligator snapping turtles. You’ll find out what it takes to care for these amazing creatures, which are native to swamps in the southeastern United States. This bilingual presentation will take place in both Spanish and English.
Events on Saturday, November 14
Mariachi Mexicanismo
9:00 am
To kick off the day’s festivities, Mariachi Mexicanismo will perform on the Academy’s front steps before the building opens at 9:30 am.
Music with José-Luis Orozco
11:30 am and 1:30 pm
Renowned author and recording artist José-Luis Orozco draws upon the rich heritage of the Spanish-speaking world to create his music and children’s books. Join Orozco for a special musical performance designed to promote Latin American culture.
Journey to the Stars en español
12:00 pm and 3:45 pm
During this special Spanish-language version of the Academy’s new planetarium show, travel through time and space to experience the dramatic lives and deaths of stars. Witness brilliant supernova explosions, dive into the heart of the fiery Sun, and watch it transform into a red giant five billion years in the future. Along the way, you will discover the deep-rooted connection between humanity and the stars. A bilingual presentation will follow.
Swamp Talk
1:00 pm
Join us at the Swamp to learn about some of the Academy’s most popular animals, including American alligators and alligator snapping turtles. You’ll find out what it takes to care for these amazing creatures, which are native to swamps in the southeastern United States. This bilingual presentation will take place in both Spanish and English.
Latin American Frog Puppet Craft
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
In this family-friendly activity, kids can color in an outline of a frog, taking their guidance from photos of frogs from Mexico and South America. Once their masterpiece is complete, they can cut it out and paste it on a paper bag to make a fun frog puppet.
Events on Sunday, November 15
Mariachi Mexicanismo
10:30 am
To kick off the day’s festivities, Mariachi Mexicanismo will perform on the Academy’s front steps before the building opens at 11:00 am. (Please note: The Academy opens to members at 10:00 am every Sunday.)
Futuro Picante Salsa Band
11:30 am and 1:30 pm
Join the young musicians of Futuro Picante as they carry on the traditions laid down by the likes of Tito Puente, Beny Moré, Cal Tjader, Perez Prado, and Mongo Santamaria. The band was created by Jose Leon, Youth director of San Francisco's Mission Cultural Center, in 2003.
Journey to the Stars en español
12:00 pm and 3:45 pm
During this special Spanish-language version of the Academy’s new planetarium show, travel through time and space to experience the dramatic lives and deaths of stars. Witness brilliant supernova explosions, dive into the heart of the fiery Sun, and watch it transform into a red giant five billion years in the future. Along the way, you will discover the deep-rooted connection between humanity and the stars. A bilingual presentation will follow.
Swamp Talk
1:00 pm
Join us at the Swamp to learn about some of the Academy’s most popular animals, including American alligators and alligator snapping turtles. You’ll find out what it takes to care for these amazing creatures, which are native to swamps in the southeastern United States. This bilingual presentation will take place in both Spanish and English.
Latin American Frog Puppet Craft
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
In this family-friendly activity, kids can color in an outline of a frog, taking their guidance from photos of frogs from Mexico and South America. Once their masterpiece is complete, they can cut it out and paste it on a paper bag to make a fun frog puppet.
