The Flandrau Science Center Planetarium is hosting a laser light music show on May 10 with three shows from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
The three shows will feature music from Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, respectively, and are family friendly, welcoming people of all ages.
“We want these shows to be for everyone and the three shows we have this weekend we think are perfect for that,” said Nick Letson, manager of marketing and communications.
Each show lasts one hour, with different lasers for each.
The shows are held in an auditorium filled with bright, colorful lasers and visuals synced to the music. Visitors receive special glasses to enhance the laser experience and everything in the theater.
Letson helps promote the shows and said he is excited for this next one.
“We put special lighting and music throughout our exhibit halls and you get a great Saturday night feel with the lasers, the exhibits and the show,” he said.
Flandrau has been showing light shows about four decades ago in their 60 foot high dome. The lasers planned for May’s shows have not been used yet, which makes all three a must-watch, Letson said.
Keryn Aponte, 22, is a University of Arizona senior, has attended previous light shows and enjoyed the experience.
“I went to the Journey show they had and I was actually really impressed. It has that concert feel and everyone was very lively in the theater,” she said.
The inside of the auditorium where the laser light shows are hosted at Flandrau.
The Flandrau Planetarium uses these shows as a way to also promote their science exhibits that they have and promote them.
“We just want to get more people exposed to the wonders of science and if one way to do that is to have a laser light show with their favorite artists, then that is a bonus for us,” Letson said.
The demographic for each show is based on the music, Letson said. Even in the summer months when students head home and campus is quiet, he said the shows still attract a crowd, offering a fun indoor activity that appeals to a diverse crowd.
Flandrau Planetarium is located at 1601 E. University Blvd. in Tucson, Ariz.
Flandrau has marketed this show toward a younger crowd with artists popular among college students and teens, he said. The planetarium uses social media and works with some local Tucson influencers to post videos.
Taylor Lundquist, a junior at the UA, said she has seen videos and promotions online.
“My friends and I are always looking for new things to do, and I love Taylor Swift, so I am planning on going,” she said. “I think that could be such a fun thing to do on a weekend.”
Tickets for each show are $18.95 for Flandrau members and $20.95 for the general public. And tickets sell out fast, Letson said.
“I would say 80% of our laser shows sell out throughout the entire year,” he said.
Visit https://flandrau.org/explore/laser-light-music-nights for more information on tickets and the laser light shows.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
