Rock laser shows set at YSU’s planetarium

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The rock ’n’ roll laser shows that drew capacity crowds earlier this year will return to Youngstown State University’s Ward Beecher Planetarium Sept. 20-21.

The shows, presented in a full-dome laser system called Skylase, feature the sights and sounds of U2, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and more. The shows, which run 40 to 50 minutes each, are free, but the planetarium is suggesting a $1 donation.

The planetarium expects high demand for the shows and suggests attendees arrive early. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis — no reservations. A queue will be created in the lobby, and tokens will be issued to those waiting in line so that everyone is guaranteed a seat.

Laser shows are bright, pulsing and loud. People who are susceptible to seizures or motion sickness are strongly cautioned.

The schedule:

Sept. 20, 4 p.m.; and Sept. 21, noon and 4 p.m.: “Laser U2,” from the early days through the “Zoo” album.

Sept. 20, 6 p.m.; and Sept. 21, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.: “Laser Beatles.”

Sept. 21, 2 p.m.: “Laseretro,” featuring 1980s New Wave groups, including The Police, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode and INXS.

Sept. 21, 3 p.m.: “Laseropolis,” featuring songs from the B-52s, Alanis Morrisette, Boston, REM, Nirvana and more.

Sept. 20, 5 p.m.; and Sept. 21, 5 p.m.: “Laser Vinyl,” classic rock, featuring Van Halen, Queen, Kansas, Kiss, Aerosmith, Journey and more.

Sept. 20, 7 pm.; and Sept. 21, 7 p.m.: “Laser Zeppelin.”

Sept. 20, 8 p.m.; and Sept. 21, 8 p.m.: “Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon.”

Sept. 20, 9 p.m.; and Sept. 21, 9 p.m.: “Pink Floyd: The Wall.”