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Lights, Lasers, and Led Zeppelin: new astronomy shows return to BCIT planetarium

Independent production company brings back popular music, light and astronomy shows to Burnaby.
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Cosmic spectacle: Enjoy the comeback of Vancouver’s OG laser, light and astronomy shows starting July 15 at BCIT planetarium. Photo Shimpei Yamashita/ Moment/ Getty Images

A Vancouver-based independent production company is making a stellar comeback with its long-running laser, light and astronomy shows after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

On Saturday, July 15, Roundhouse productions, which has been creating planetarium laser and light shows since 1978, will be kicking off its comeback light shows series at a new location — the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) planetarium.

The shows include video with lasers, analog and digital star projections in 360 degrees and a full Led Zeppelin concert in surround sound — all choreographed live in the planetarium dome.

Three years in the making, the full dome video will open at 8 p.m. on July 15 featuring many Led Zeppelin classics — including the Immigrant Song, Dazed and Confused, Whole Lotta Love, Stairway to Heaven and others.

Other show highlights include an immersive laser show for Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and music by Gorillaz.

There is also a free astronomy show, Phantom Of The Universe — the Search for Dark Matter, starting at 7 p.m. with music by Micky Hart of the Grateful Dead and narration by Tilda Swinton..

Given the popularity of the comeback light shows and tickets selling out fast, the organizers told the NOW in an email that more of these shows are set to return starting Aug. 5.

BCIT Planetarium VidLaser show

When: Saturday, July 15; shows start from 8 p.m.
            Free astronomy show starts at 7 p.m. (it is advised to arrive 10 minutes early; no late entries will be admitted)

Where: BCIT Planetarium (3700 Willingdon Ave.)

Cost: $2 to $30; visit eventbrite website.