Continuing its tradition of bringing exciting exhibitions to the region, The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in will present two new exciting exhibitions starting September 24th and running through January 1, 2017.
Guitar - The Instrument that Rocked the World and
It's Always Rock and Roll: The Work of Photojournalist Janet Macoska open for a three month run with a fun family event,
Rockin' in the Courtyard on opening day, Saturday, September 24, from 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. The public festivities feature local bands, food, kids activities, and IMAX films.
Throughout the run of the exhibition the Exploreum will present classical concerts, live music presentations, guest lectures, its own Air Guitar Contest and special discovery experiences for children on school field trips.
Guitar- The Instrument that Rocked the World is a nationally touring exhibition from the collection of the National Guitar Museum and coming to the Gulf Coast region for the very first time. It explores the sound, science, history and cultural impact of the world's most recognized musical instrument. Through diverse genres of music that crossed cultural boundaries, the guitar has made a significant impact on a wide variety of groups from gypsies to cowboys to teenage rebels. The exhibition features more than 70 guitars and nearly 100 artifacts that immerse visitors into the heart of music, from classical to heavy metal to country and range from the rare and antique to the wildly popular and innovative - along with hands-on interactive educational displays, models, touchscreens, performance video, audio, stunning images and photographs. It also showcases a Guinness Record-breaking 43.5 foot long guitar. Significant aspects of the exhibition cover science principles.
The second exhibition - It's Always Rock and Roll: The Work of Photojournalist Janet Macoska, features 50 photographs from veteran Rock and Roll Concert photographer Janet Macoska who will come to town for an evening presentation on October 5th.
This exhibit was organized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland, Ohio
The exhibition features photographs from the world's greatest rock and roll musicians and bands including KISS, Angus Young, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, Queen, Madonna, Roger Daltry, The Ramones, Michael Jackson and others such as Les Paul, B.B. King and Willie Nelson
.
Rockin' in the Courtyard - September 24
Opening event for two new exhibitons, plus events abound this fall at the Exploreum.
The Exploreum opens its two new exhibitions with an all day Rockin' in the Courtyard community party Saturday, September 24, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Music, kids activities, both exhibitions, face painting, refreshments and food trucks, hands-on fun, and more.
General Admission Pricing: $20 for adults (18+) and $10 for kids (17 and under)
Exploreum Members Pricing: $10 for adults (18+) and $5 for kids (17 and under)
Come rock away the day, learn about the science of music, the guitar, and roam the entire Exploreum. Free IMAX films, first come first served.
Bands are, in order that they are playing:
Stereo Dogs
The Marlow Boys
The Reel Hooks
Lee Yankie and the Hellz Yeah
The Mulligan Brothers
Additional events are:
September 17, 6 p.m. - Classical Guitarist Ricardo Cobo. Free Concert. The Washington Post says "The Colombian guitarist Ricardo Cobo may be one of the finest guitarists of our time." This is a collaboration with Mobile Chamber Music and is a prelude to the public opening of the exhibitions on September 24th.
Wednesday, September 28
- Air Guitar Contest details announced. You or your group can rock out and have some fun.
Thursday, October 6, 6 p.m. - Presentation by photographer Janet Macoska as she takes participants through her career as a photographer of rock and roll icons. Free and sponsored by the Alabama Humanities Council. Limited tickets available and online at
www.exploreum.com Check to see if it is sold out, as a few may be available at the door.
Saturday, November 5th, 11 a.m.
- Derek Jones and Pickers Paradise performers.
Thursday, November 10, 6 p.m.
- Classical guitar performance by Mark Habib professor from the University of South Alabama. Sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Saturday, November 19th - Air Guitar Finalists Perform. Prizes for Individual and Group videos. Go to the Exploreum's Facebook page for details.
Thursday, December 1, 6 p.m. - Dr. Timothy Lombardo, University of South Alabama. Lecture. The impact rock and roll has on American Culture. Sponsored by the Alabama Humanities Council.
