by John Hollingsworth

The Edelman Planetarium holds not only educational programs devoted to the night sky and the wonders of the universe, but laser light shows featuring various well-known musical artists. Accompanying the music of Radiohead, one of the most original bands of the late 90’s, is a display of color, light, animation and – like all planetariums – stars.

“It was an interesting twist on the music of Radiohead,” said sophomore Kenneth Sharp, “The laser lights create a trippy effect to a band that is already spectacular to listen to.”

The effects created by the lasers are quite amazing because of the many shapes made, and the lights create an illusion of three-dimensional imagery.

Along with laser affects the operator can turn on the star ball (a globe-like center piece) which projects the heavens onto the planetarium’s dome walls. The star ball has thousands of small holes allowing light to escape creating the allusion of stars. It also spins, which can make some people nauseous.

The lasers began as abstract squigglies and became more animated and intense as the show progressed. The show began with simple lines, then came distinct shapes and finally full blown cartoons. The most memorable animation was a giant blue gorilla chomping towards the screen. There were also some references to 1980’s video games.
Other shapes and objects popped up randomly all over the screen. At one point there was even a field of multicolored flowers that exploded from nothingness to fill the screen.

The final bit of optical performance is the wash of color given off by small light projectors that shone rainbows around the edges of the room. During “National Anthem” these lights matched the tone of the music, with bursts of red when the beat became loud and cool shades of blue when it mellowed out.

“Paranoid Android” was another great performance, with many of the Radiohead logos quickly flashing, blood-red, on the wall; I would not suggest attendance by epileptics. Between the flashing a giant robot would stroll across the screen, occasionally staring at the audience.

The set also included Radiohead’s “Karma Police” and “Electioneering.” Fans of the jam band scene and alternative-rockers will not be disappointed should they choose to purchase themselves a ticket.

Much of the show did not sync up to the music all that well, and some of the animations were a bit childish, things that may leave show-goers unimpressed.

Overall though, Laser Radiohead was an exhilarating way to spend an evening; viewers could just close their eyes and really jam, stare into the oblivion of the stars, or be amazed by the laser performance. It is a very cheap date option: with a student I.D., entrance is only three dollars, five for non-students.

The last performance is March 6th. The show starts at 8:15 p.m., but ticketholders should get there around eight in order to get the best seats (they’re in the back). Rear seats allow for an optimal view of the show. Once the show begins the doors are locked, so don’t be tardy!

For more information, go to www.rowan.edu/planetarium or email Director of the Edelman Planetarium, Keith Johnson at johnsonk@rowan.edu