Andrew Wodzianski as Drink Bot, top to bottom- Maki Roll, Candy Del Rio, and Gigi Holliday — Photo By Stereo Vision
On April 12, 1961, Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin embarked on the historic first manned space flight. Every year Yuri’s Night parties are held all around the world; it’s like St. Patrick’s Day for space. Now in its 7th year, Countdown to Yuri’s Night (C2YN) offers an artistic spin on this high-science holiday by combining an art exhibition, a space-themed burlesque show, band performances, and a dance party.
C2YN, with its over 40 performing and visual artists, will invade the Anacostia Arts Center’s many spaces, extend to the sidewalk with tours of two retro-future airstream trailers, and move down the block into Honfleur Gallery for live music. The event includes a sci fi burlesque show, live music by James Stephen Terrell, an art exhibition, and several astro pop events. Following the celestial costume contest at midnight, is the Lunar Dance Party with DJ Adrian Loving. As a DJ, Adrian has created the musical soundtrack for events from D.C. to San Francisco.
“We began doing this event when one of the organizers, Jared, went to a Yuri’s Night Party at the Russian embassy seven years ago. He thought it was a super-cool holiday,” says Kate Taylor Davis, one of the C2YN organizers.
Now in it’s seventh year, C2YN is looking forward to hosting the event at Anacostia Arts Center for the first time. Previous venues have included Art Whino, Artisphere, Capitol Skyline Hotel, and The Warehouse Theater. The 2014 Countdown to Yuri’s Night is funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
A 21+ event, Countdown to Yuri’s Night takes place Saturday, April 12, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., at Anacostia Arts Center (1231 Good Hope Road, SE). Tickets are $25 in advance/$30 Door with a $12 party-only ticket (no burlesque show). Shuttle service to the Eastern Market and Anacostia metros will be provided free of charge.
“Guests can expect an outrageous event. We take parties seriously from kookie giveaways at the door that make sure everyone’s in the sci-fi spirit, to the specifically crafted decor made by local artists,” says Davis. “The event draws a really mixed crowd. Among our many artists and performers are notable LGBT talents, including Scott G. Brooks , Linas Garsys , and Gigi Holliday.”
Visit www.c2yn.com for tickets, transportation info, artist links, and announcements.
