An NPR member station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
It's Spokane Public Radio's Spring Fund Drive. Power SPR with your donation and help us reach our $100k goal! Thank you!

Spokane Astronaut To Participate In Special Symphony Performance

NASA photo

An astronaut who grew up in Spokane is part of the program put on by the Spokane Symphony this weekend in their tribute to the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

The performance features three space-themed music selections, Holst’s The Planets, Berlioz’s Around the Earth in 90 Minutes, and Debussy’s Claire De Lune.

Astronomer Dr. Jose Francisco Salgado, who presents “Science and Symphony” films around the country, produced three film presentations to go with the musical selections.

Spokane Astronaut Anne McClain explains her role in the performance.

“I’ll be talking about some first hand knowledge about what it’s like to be a space explorer. I am really excited to see Jose Salgado’s work. He has really interesting ways to communicate science to different communities.I have seen some of his work before, so I’m excited to see some of the work he is putting on. My particular part will be to answer his questions and explain to the audience what it’s like to fly in space,” McClain said.

McClain spent six months in 2018 on the International Space Station. She is a 1997 graduate of Gonzaga Prep.

The concerts are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Martin Woldsen Theater at the Fox. Doors open 90 minutes before the concert. There is a pre-concert discussion one hour before each show with the conductor and the two guests.

 

 

Steve was part of the Spokane Public Radio family for many years before he came on air in 1999. His wife, Laurie, produced Radio Ethiopia in the late 1980s through the '90s, and Steve used to “lurk in the shadowy world” of Weekend SPR. Steve has done various on air shifts at the station, including nearly 15 years as the local Morning Edition host. Currently, he is the voice of local weather and news during All Things Considerd, writing, editing, producing and/or delivering newscasts and features for both KPBX and KSFC. Aside from SPR, Steve ,who lives in the country, enjoys gardening, chickens, playing and listening to music, astronomy, photography, sports cars and camping.