Latest news with #Apollo-Soyuz

Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Legendary '70s Band Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Iconic Album With Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony
On June 5, 2025, the legendary band WAR was honored with the 2,814th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, commemorating both their 55-year music legacy and the 50th anniversary of their iconic 1975 album, Why Can't We Be Friends? Present at the ceremony were original and longtime members, including Lonnie Jordan, Lee Oskar, Howard E. Scott, Harold Ray Brown, Jerry Goldstein, and Laurian Miller. Percussionist Marcos Reyes, who has been with the band for 25 years and hails from Lamont, Calif., also attended, expressing gratitude for being part of such a historic moment. The star-studded event took place on the famed Hollywood Boulevard, adjacent to Amoeba Music, the world's largest independent record store. Emceed by music producer and Walk of Famer Jimmy Jam, the event featured actor and comedian George Lopez as a guest speaker. Lopez, a longtime fan of WAR, notably used their hit "Low Rider" as the theme song for his self-titled sitcom, George Lopez, which aired from 2002 to 2007. In a nod to their cultural roots and the enduring popularity of "Low Rider," the band arrived at the ceremony in six custom low-rider vehicles provided by local car clubs, making for a memorable entrance for the special occasion. Formed in 1969, WAR is renowned for its eclectic fusion of funk, soul, jazz, Latin, rock, and street music. Their socially conscious lyrics and distinctive sound have resonated with audiences for decades. The band's impressive achievements include over 50 million albums sold, 20 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum records, three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations, and an entry into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame. The ceremony also celebrated the 50th anniversary of their seminal album, Why Can't We Be Friends?, which features the titular track that became an anthem for unity and was famously transmitted into space by NASA during the Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975. Related: Fans Declare Aging Has 'Nothing on Him' as Legendary Actor Celebrates 88th Birthday "The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is honored to welcome the iconic band WAR to the Hollywood Walk of Fame," Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, noted of the inclusion, per the press release. Following the ceremony, the band held a signing event at Amoeba Hollywood, allowing fans to engage with the musicians and celebrate their enduring impact on music and culture. The full ceremony is available to watch online: Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Associated Press
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Yuri's Night Los Angeles Will be Held at the California Science Center on April 5, 2025: Apollo-Soyuz, a Legacy of Human Connection
Yuri's Night Los Angeles Returns to the California Science Center on April 5, 2025 Yuri's Night, the annual space-themed celebration, will take place at the California Science Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. The event brings together astronauts, scientists, engineers, artists, and space enthusiasts for an immersive evening of music, science, and art, honoring space exploration and its impact on humanity's future. This year's event commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the first human international space mission. The mission, which culminated in a symbolic handshake between American and Soviet astronauts in orbit, laid the foundation for future global cooperation in space exploration. Featured Speakers and Special Guests The event will feature a keynote address by NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps, who recently completed a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission. Additional speakers include: Dr. Sian Proctor – Inspiration4 astronaut presenting the Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Award Ken Phillips – Space curator at the California Science Center providing an update on the Space Shuttle pavilion Scott Manley – Science communicator discussing the latest advancements in space exploration Richelle Gribble – Artist exploring the intersection of creativity and space science Ari Eisenstat – Space historian speaking at the historic Apollo-Soyuz capsule display In addition, several Yuri's Night Los Angeles space ambassadors will be in attendance, including astronauts Andy Sadhwani and Christopher Huie, as well as space industry professionals Ryan Robertson, Christine Hsieh, and Jason Achilles. Interactive Exhibits and Experiences The event will feature hands-on exhibits, industry showcases, and immersive experiences, including: Space technology displays from organizations such as ExLabs, L3Harris, Vast, and Turion The Apollo-Soyuz capsule exhibit, which will be on display without protective plexiglass for a limited time An asteroid rock petting zoo, offering an opportunity to examine interstellar materials Virtual reality experiences, allowing attendees to explore lunar and deep-space environments Nonprofit outreach programs, with participation from the Columbia Memorial Space Center, Griffith Observatory Foundation, and Mt. Wilson Observatory Live Entertainment and Performances The evening will also feature live music and performances, including sets from flown Blue Origin astronaut Chris Boshuizen, also known as Dr. Chrispy, as well as astrophysicist DJ Scott Manley and electronic music duo Test Shot Starfish. The event will include a second immersive dance space curated by the RVDIOVCTIVE artist collective, featuring Charles Meyer, DateNite, Devon James, and Naiad. Additional entertainment will include a space-themed game show by Two Bit Circus and appearances from Star Wars and Star Trek fan organizations, including the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, and The Fleet. Honoring Space Industry Leaders This year's Spirit of Yuri's Night Award will be presented to astronaut Sarah Gillis in recognition of her contributions to space exploration. Gillis participated in the Polaris Dawn mission, where she completed the first commercial spacewalk and performed a violin solo in orbit as a fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As she is unable to attend the event, the award will be accepted on her behalf by senior space operations engineer Arthur Barriault. About Yuri's Night Yuri's Night is an international celebration of human spaceflight, held annually on or around April 12 to commemorate Yuri Gagarin's historic 1961 spaceflight and the first space shuttle launch in 1981. The Los Angeles event, produced by The SpaceKind Foundation, serves as the flagship Yuri's Night celebration and is part of a global movement that fosters public engagement with space and science through immersive events and community outreach. For more information and ticket details, visit Yuri's Night Brandon Thonen 502-533-5705