Astro-Rama

The Squonk Astro-ramanauts believe that the
recent UFO crashes in the region have been
a plea for first contact. They also believe that
many of our greatest inventions, like the pyramids,
zippers and TV remote controls, were the gifts of
our extra-terrestrial friends.

To help them send their message to the cosmos,
the Squonkers will build a 40' radio telescope dish
mounted to scaffold towers, tuned to the galactic
frequency of B-flat. Rising in scissor lift platforms
and cherry pickers, they will compose a proud
message from our species, power up and transmit.

Some scholars and scientists have accused
Squonk Opera of invoking pseudo-science, and
using smoke and mirrors to create tawdry concert
spectacles. "They won't be disappointed!" enthuses
Science Officer Steve O'Hearn. "Music is the uni-
versal language, and this intergalactic call and
response will show the indomitable human spirit."

Team Commander Jackie Dempsey says, "We're
gonna party where no man has partied before- this
is the only show in this solar system that will be
audible in the Crab Nebula!"

“The brainy, bold music-and-performance ensemble is once again daring to go where no performance art has gone before”
- Washington Post

“a roman candle, one that happens to come with a rhythm section.”
- City Paper

“The Biggest, Baddest, Boldest Squonk Opera Yet”
- Pop City

“an American, terrestrial and perhaps galaxy original...a unique mix of geek and polish, eccentric design and mocking wit”
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“hybridizer of art rock and performance, and expert at blending surrealism, high camp and careful craft for the masses”
- City Paper

To purchase a live DVD of Astro-Rama or an Astro-Rama t-shirt, please visit our store.

Astro-rama was commissioned by:
University of Maryland's
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
SUNY Oswego's ARTSwego
Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights and
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Astro-rama – The Video
Produced and Directed by Brian Haughin
Edited by Christopher Phillips
A Do Re Media, LLC Production
Post Production at The Videohouse, Inc.
Music recording mixed and mastered by Kevin Kornicki

Photos by Larry Rippel