TAMIU Planetarium Adds News Shows for Third Anniversary

It’s been nearly three years, more than 75,000 visitors and 1,500 shows since the Texas A&M International University Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium first opened its doors. Help celebrate the LBV Planetarium’s third anniversary with six different shows starting Thursday through Saturday, April 19.

“To celebrate our third anniversary, we wanted to do something special for our visitors and bring a unique laser show experience. We will be having several shows starting April 17. The laser show extravaganza, as we like to call it, will only be available these three days. Audiences will be treated not only to a unique visual experience, but they will also be immersed in our powerful surround sound. Of course we will also have some of our regular full dome shows that visitors will also be able to enjoy,” said Gerardo A. Pérez, director, LBV Planetarium.

The music entertainment laser shows combine digital animation, laser beamwork and visual effects inside the TAMIU theatre's 45-foot dome to a combination of different music.

The celebration starts Thursday, April 17 with “Laseropolis” at 7 p.m. and “Alternative X Laser” at 8 p.m.

“‘Laseropolis’ is a laser show that features music from artists including Emmerson, Lake and Palmer, Alanis Morrisette, the B-52’s, Boston, R.E.M., Creed, Nirvana and more. ‘Alternative X Laser’ is an alternative eXperience that includes music from bands like Rage Against the Machine, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, White Zombie and other alternative bands,” explained Pérez.

Audiences can catch “The Wall Laser” on Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m. and “LaseRetro” at 8 p.m.

“‘LaseRetro’ celebrates the New Wave era of the 1980s when it dominated the dance club scene—when the airwaves were buzzing with previously unheard musical energy. Featured artists include The Police, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, The Cure, INXS and Frankie Goes to Hollywood,” said Pérez.

Classic rock fans should make plans to attend Saturday, April 19 for “Dark Side of the Moon” laser at 7 p.m. and “Classic Rock” laser at 8 p.m.

“‘Classic Rock Laser’ is the classic rock and roll laser light experience. It features music of AC/DC, Emmerson, Lake and Palmer, Aerosmith, Queen, Boston, Kiss, Journey, Pink Floyd and Van Halen,” added Pérez.

“Thanks to all the donors, sponsors, visitors and supporters for contributing to the success of the LBV Planetarium for the past three years. It is your continuous support that allows our facility to be an educational forum and a form of entertainment for Laredo and the surrounding communities,” thanked Pérez.

General admission is $6 and $5 for students, TAMIU faculty and staff with valid TAMIU ID. A $2 discount applies for tickets bought for a second show on the same night.

Season passes are also available starting at only $35.

Perez also announced that the shows scheduled for Saturdays will now start at 6 p.m. with a second feature starting at 7 and the last at 8 p.m.

The LBV Planetarium is the signature feature of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center and Planetarium that opened in April 2005.

It has one of the few new generation digital projectors. Prior technology only allowed a view from the Earth; this projector allows viewing from any part of the known universe. Thus, one can travel to structures unseen, except to highly developed telescopes.

For more information and show schedule, visit the Planetarium on the Web at tamiu.edu/coas/planetarium, call 956.326.2444 or e-mail planetarium@tamiu.edu

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu