Earth in Concert: Protecting the Planet through Music

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Science Center, the GRAMMY Museum^®, and Global Wildlife Conservation have partnered to create the one-of-a-kind exhibit Earth in Concert: Protecting the Planet through Music. Featuring multimedia and interactive experiences, Earth in Concert examines the status of biodiversity in our oceans, grasslands and forests, while exploring how several artists and musicians have helped to raise awareness of the global issues that present threats to our planet. Artists featured in the exhibit include Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Willie Nelson, Sting, and Pharrell Williams. Earth in Concert opens at the California Science Center on November 12, 2015.

"This exhibit demonstrates a remarkable blend of art and science," said California Science Center President, Jeffrey Rudolph. "The work of these notable musicians illustrates the need to protect the biodiversity in our natural world."

Earth in Concert fuses the emotional power of music with the new discoveries of science to inform, inspire, and reveal how leading musicians are supporting the efforts scientists are taking to preserve our natural world. Exhibit highlights include:

• Original writings, unique footage, and personal artifacts from the featured artists and other well-known musicians, informing visitors how they are working to protect the Earth's biodiversity, the wider ecosystem, and the indigenous people who are key guardians of our natural resources
• An examination of the diversity of species that settle on tropical coral reefs
• Visitors will also get to help Jack Johnson complete a new composition about reducing plastic pollution in the ocean in order to inspire others to action
• The opportunity to listen to isolated animal calls and match the sound to the species that made them, similar to the methods ecologists use to explore biodiversity
• Exhibit visitors will also use their sense of sight and touch to investigate animal adaptations and guess whether an animal is a carnivore or herbivore.

"Our partnership with the California Science Center and Global Wildlife Conservation on this new exhibit will mark the first time the GRAMMY Museum has explored how artists have used music as a platform for shedding light on the many threats to our Earth's biodiversity," said Bob Santelli, Executive Director of the GRAMMY Museum. "We hope what visitors see and learn through Earth in Concert will inspire them to take steps to reduce their own ecological footprint."

Guests at the California Science Center may enhance their experience by visiting the "Ecosystems" exhibition, where concepts of biodiversity and conservation are introduced through an unprecedented blend of live plants and animals, and hands-on science exhibits in 11 immersive environments. From walking through a living kelp forest to experimenting on a polar ice wall, explorers will investigate some of the Earth's most fascinating ecosystems. Highlights include a 188,000-gallon kelp tank populated with more than 1,500 live fish, kelp and other marine life; a desert flash flood; and a special gallery dedicated to the urban ecology of Los Angeles. Ecosystems hosts 250 species of plants and animals.

Earth in Concert: Protecting the Planet through Music is made possible by the Sangreal Foundation and Brian & Adria Sheth in partnership with the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE, Global Wildlife Conservation and California Science Center.

This traveling exhibit was produced using environmentally sustainable materials, including PVC-free and biodegradable plastics, no-added-formaldehyde wood, and recycled materials.

About the Artists
Sheryl Crow has used her music to draw attention to global warming, alternative energy sources, and the destruction of natural habitats in America.

In 2015 Jack Johnson was named a United Nations goodwill ambassador for his multi-artistry and his commitment to finding alternatives to disposable plastics. His concert tours are eco-friendly and his determination to eliminate plastic debris in the oceans is something he passes on to his fans.

As a Rastafarian, reggae star Ziggy Marley is a dedicated environmentalist. His 2014 GRAMMY-winning album, Fly Rasta, features the song "I Don't Wanna Live on Mars," which sends a stern message about the perils of deforestation, climate change, and pollution.

Willie Nelson is the inspiration behind Farm Aid, one of the longest-running concert events dedicated to the preservation of the American family farm. He is a staunch advocate of alternative energies, especially biodiesel, and of the conservation of American grasslands.

Sting co-founded The Rainforest Fund in 1989 with wife Trudie Styler. The organization has since supported indigenous populations throughout the world's rainforests in their efforts to protect their environments and fulfill their political, economic, social and cultural rights.

Pharrell Williams' concern for the environment led him to join the company Bionic Yarn, as its creative director. Bionic Yarn creates denim from recycled plastic found in the ocean and on beaches around the world.

About The GRAMMY Museum^®
The GRAMMY Museum is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created as a partnership  between The Recording Academy and AEG. Paying tribute to music's rich cultural history, the one-of-a-kind, 21st century Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music, the creative process, the art and technology of the recording process, and the history of the premier recognition of excellence in recorded music. The GRAMMY Museum features 30,000 square feet of interactive permanent and traveling exhibits, with four floors of dynamic and engaging multimedia presentations, and is located within L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports, entertainment and residential district. Through thought-provoking and dynamic public and educational programs and exhibits, guests will experience music from a never-before-seen insider perspective that only the GRAMMY Museum can deliver. For more information, please call 213-765-6800 or visit www.grammymuseum.org. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYMuseum on Twitter and Instagram, and like "The GRAMMY Museum" on Facebook.

About Global Wildlife Conservation
Global Wildlife Conservation protects endangered species and habitats through science-based field action. GWC envisions a world with diverse and abundant wildlife and are dedicated to ensuring that the species on the verge of extinction are not lost. The global organization brings together scientists, conservationists, policymakers and industry leaders to ensure a truly collaborative approach to species conservation. Learn more at www.globalwildlife.org

About the California Science Center
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe- inspiring films. Its mission is as follows: "We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people's lives."

The Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $5.25 to $8.50. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call 213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th / Exposition Park Drive at $10 per car, and $25 for commercial buses or oversize vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.

Contact:
Kristina Kurasz
[email protected] | 213-744-7446

SOURCE California Science Center Foundation

Related Links

http://www.californiasciencecenter.org