Exploration at the Intersection of Science and Art

The Effects of Gravity tells the story of our cosmic origins—the formation of the universe, galaxies, stars, planets, our solar system, and our planet—from both scientific and poetic perspectives. The performance is richly illustrated with animated computer graphics and astronomical images brought to life by a live, blazingly virtuosic electric guitar score and original poetry that embraces the vastness, complexity, and beauty of the cosmos and our efforts to understand it. At this historic juncture where the James Webb Space Telescope and other observatories are bringing us stunning images, and where science, regrettably, is under attack, we are pleased to offer The Effects of Gravity as an artful, fact-filled multi-media performance that celebrates the human quest for understanding as it speaks for planetary stewardship.

The Effects of Gravity is the perfect show for audiences who gaze at the stars and wonder, who have questions and seek knowledge, and who know that science and art are expressions of the same basic human impulse to explore. Be prepared to have your mind blown, your heart opened, your eyes widened, and your ears treated to sounds they’ve never imagined before.

ÁLVARO DOMENE - composer/guitarist
Álvaro Domene is a Madrid-born, New York based guitarist and composer operating at the convergence of various styles of contemporary creative music. His sound and compositions are influenced by the avant-garde jazz and western contemporary classical traditions, as well as metal music. He has released 26 albums as a leader and/or co-leader and is an active performer in New York’s creative music scene, leading various groups in addition to working with numerous artists. Álvaro has performed and taught internationally, and recently worked with luminaries such as Joe McPhee, Karl Berger, Briggan Krauss, Elliott Sharp, Sam Newsome, Weasel Walter, Billy Martin and others.

LUKE KELLER - astrophysicist, educator
Luke Keller is a professor of physics and astronomy at Ithaca College. He teaches all areas of physics and astronomy. He particularly enjoys teaching in the spaces between the traditional academic disciplines, recently collaborating with professors in the departments of Art and Religion & Philosophy. He received an Ithaca College Faculty Excellence Award in 2010 and was appointed to the IC President’s Advisory Council on Innovation. Keller and his research students are fascinated by questions of origins; their research investigates the chemical composition, formation, and evolution of stars and planetary systems. Keller has also designed and built numerous instruments used on large research telescopes for astronomical observations. He was a co-investigator on a team that built an infrared camera for NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, a 747 aircraft with a large telescope built into its fuselage. For their work on this project Keller and his colleagues received a NASA Group Achievement Award in 2011. Keller is committed to the goal of teaching and inspiring an appreciation for the process of science.

DAVID GONZALEZ - poet
David Gonzalez is a poet, playwright, storyteller, musician, arts advocate, and public speaker. He is a cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department, is a Fellow of the Joseph Campbell Foundation and received a Drama Desk Nomination for his production The Frog Bride. David is the recipient of the International Performing Arts for Youth “Lifetime Achievement Award for Sustained Excellence” as well as the New Jersey Governor’s Award for Distinguished Service in the Arts. Mr. Gonzalez has performed his original works at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Los Angeles Music Center, The Royal National Theater, and numerous premiere venues 3 across the U.S.

Pricing
FREE! Community Event