It's a rare combination -- popular music and our nation's space program. But on Saturday, May 20, visitors can enjoy both when NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., opens its doors to the public from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
"Our Open House this year is much more than what people might traditionally expect," said Thom Holden, chairman of the event. "Of course, we're showing visitors what we contribute to the nation's space program. But we're also offering fun and entertainment for all ages."
The result is a daylong adventure where the sights and sounds of rocket firings and other space-related attractions will mingle with those of today's favorite hits. Admission is free and includes live performances by country, rock, pop, jazz and gospel artists including:
- Teresa: An up-and-coming country artist, Teresa has been named the National Association of Campus Activities Country Artist of the Year for five consecutive years. Her current album, "The Playground," is co-produced by legendary queen of song Linda Ronstadt.
- Valor: Members of this contemporary Christian group have shared program appearances with performers including Michael Smith, Amy Grant, Cindy Morgan and John Elefante.
- "Alabama Elvis": Elvis impersonator Gary Sanders will perform "The King's" top hits.
- Top Secret Trio: Enjoy jazz by musicians whose members have appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Essence Awards Show," and at President Clinton's Inauguration.
- Tina Swindell and the Nite Owls: Tina Swindell, a Marshall employee, and her husband Bill Swindell are singer-songwriters who have written "A Time for Courage," "Thank God Dreams Survive" and "Beyond the Stars." Their music has been embellished with scenes from NASA's video library, to inspire and honor those who have dedicated their lives to the space program.
- Cecilia Halsey: A singer-songwriter, Halsey has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry with Diamond Rio and has opened for artists including Sawyer Brown, Mark Chesnutt and Aaron Tippin.
- Land Band: This group has performed with some of the best-known acts in the music industry, including Grand Ole Opry legend Grandpa Jones, Kenny Chesney, Marty Stuart and Shenandoah.
- Sharon Hancock: This vocalist, a Marshall employee who recently cut her first CD in Nashville, will perform a range of country music ranging from traditional songs of Tammy Wynette to today's hits of Tina McBride.
- Ladd Lewis and Bert Gangl: Lewis is a Huntsville-based singer-songwriter with a unique folk sound. He has recorded two albums of original material, "Postcards and Regrets" and "Spanntown Road." Gangl, an accomplished musician, collaborated with Lewis on "Spanntown Road."
- Tina Reed: A soloist and high school student, Reed has traveled and performed extensively in the Alabama area, performing hits by today's top female vocalists.
- Creek Band: Enjoy pop, rock and country influenced by entertainers ranging from Merle Haggard to Metallica.
- Ruby Lucille & Feature 86: Members of this group have appeared on local radio and television programs.
- Desperado Band: This group will entertain at Open House with today's hits by top country, pop and rock artists.
- United: Enjoy the a cappella sounds of this Alabama-based group of singers that includes Marshall employee Nita Draper.
- Nuthin' Fancy Band: Enjoy Southern and classic rock by this Alabama-based group performing songs by groups including Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top.
- CenterLine: NASA engineers by day and musicians by night, CenterLine will perform classic rock music.
- Lamp Wick: This group of high school students will perform original material and songs by top artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
- Flywheel: A group of junior-high "rappers" will entertain with original material as well as top hits by other artists.
Musical entertainment is just one of the many experiences awaiting visitors at the Marshall Open House. The event also includes appearances by NASA astronauts, space exhibits, tours of Marshall facilities, live propulsion test firings and an up-close look at real space flight hardware.
Food and official NASA souvenirs will be available for purchase.
On May 20, visitors may enter Redstone Arsenal for the Marshall Open House through Gate 9 at the Rideout Road exit of Interstate 565; Gate 8, at Drake Avenue and Patton Road, or Gate 7 at Zierdt Road near the Huntsville International Airport.
For more information and directions to the Marshall Center, call toll-free 888-901-NASA-6272. More information is also available on the Web at: http://openhouse.msfc.nasa.gov