New Immersive Show Coming to miSci Planetarium

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Following the huge success of recent immersive exhibits in Schenectady including Van Gogh and Monet, Discover Schenectady today joined with the Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci), Schenectady County, and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara to announce that James Hood’s Mesmerica will have its premiere showing in the Capital Region at miSci’s Suits-Bueche Planetarium on Friday, August 23, 2024.

With over 600,000 tickets sold, the show has broken box office records in over 60 North American cities bringing a unique and not to be missed immersive experience to the planetarium dome.

“We are excited to bring Mesmerica to Schenectady County to the completely revamped planetarium at miSci,” said Cathy Gatta, President of the Discover Schenectady Board of Directors and Vice Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “We wanted to go big with the new and improved planetarium and Mesmerica is the perfect immersive experience for that space.”

Mesmerica is a visual music journey that brings the entrancing music of Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood together with visually hypnotic 3D animated art curated from artists around the world, creating an immersive experience designed to transcend time, relax, soothe, and stimulate your mind.

“The Museum of Innovation and Science is an invaluable asset, which is why I worked tirelessly to secure the necessary funding to help miSci stay and grow in Schenectady County,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “Hosting the new immersive show, Mesmerica, highlights the significant impact this institution has on our community and the surrounding region. It’s exciting that miSci was chosen as the venue to showcase such a remarkable immersive experience. Mesmerica promises to be an extraordinary show, and I look forward to seeing more innovative and captivating events like this at miSci in the future.”

Mesmerica opens Friday, August 23rd with regular showings scheduled throughout the fall. Tickets are extremely limited and only available to purchase here at Mesmerica 360 Schenectady, NY.

“What better way to launch our new and improved planetarium than to host a mind inspiring show like Mesmerica,” said Dr. Gina Gould, miSci’s Executive Director.

The arrival of Mesmerica follows a recently completed series of upgrades to the planetarium including new projector, projection equipment, sound system, as well as seating upgrades. The renovation was made possible by a $99,000 grant from the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority as well as $15,000 from the Bender Scientific Fund and the Niskayuna Community Foundation.

Todd Garofano, Executive Director of Discover Schenectady said, “We are excited for the launch of Mesmerica and to welcome visitors from throughout the Northeast to Schenectady for this amazing immersive experience. miSci’s newly refurbished planetarium is the perfect venue to take this visual music journey.”

The inspiration of award-winning musician and composer James Hood, Mesmerica was nominated for the Producers Guild of America’s first ever Innovation award in 2020 and in the same year, winner of the c3: Future Vision Award from the Center of Conscious Creativity which recognizes an artist’s contribution to a better future through arts and media.

James Hood says of the show’s success, “The power of immersive music and art is like no other art form, it has the ability to create unique moods and brain states, and we’re so thrilled and honored to be able to showcase this full-dome presentation in such wonderful venues.”

Mesmerica continues to work its magic as it opens in new cities and venues across North America. To learn more about the show, visit here.

More information is also available at Discover Schenectady’s dedicated Mesmerica web page located here. The page also includes ticketing information along with details on where visitors can eat, drink, play and stay in Schenectady County while attending the show.

Photos for your use can be found here. Video here.

About James Hood
The artist behind Mesmerica is renowned as a vital and versatile musical pioneer – especially with his work on the PanART hang, a uniquely mesmeric melodic instrument known for its soothing quality and for his collaborations with international animation artists.His lengthy and varied musical resumé includes playing drums in The Pretenders, an ongoing two-decades-plus run as mastermind of the visionary ambient/electronica act Moodswings, and an expansive array of production and soundtrack projects.

About Mesmerica
Mesmerica is a WORLDS™ production presented by Moodswings LLC, Poseidon Music Ltd and Vortex Immersion Media Inc.