On March 24 of last year, Rob Mazurek’s Exploding Star Orchestra used Chicago’s Adler Planetarium as a launch pad for a multimedia spectacle that broadcast a transcendental message to the cosmos. This video documents this singular performance, which featured original images by Mazurek projected onto the planetarium’s domed ceiling and the Orchestra’s hypnotic interpretations of music from the most recent Exploding Star Orchestra album, Lightning Dreamers (International Anthem, released 2024).

We are excited to premiere this film at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival.

The first screening is at 2 pm, followed by a short talk with Rob Mazurek. The second screening is 3:15-4 pm.

Rob Mazurek - director, trumpets, bells, voice, compositions
Nicole Mitchell - flute, voice, electronics
Damon Locks - voice, samplers, electronics
Tomeka Reid - cello, electronics
Craig Taborn - Wurlitzer electric piano, moog, electronics
Angelica Sanchez - Wurlitzer electric piano, Moog
Ingebrigt Håker Flaten - bass
Chad Taylor- drums
Gerald Cleaver- drums

Recorded Live in the Grainger Sky Theater of Adler Planetarium, Chicago, March 24th, 2023.
Video images by Rob Mazurek with technical assistance from Mathieu Constans and Brian Ashby.
Video directed by Brian Ashby
Produced by Experimental Sound Studio & International Anthem