World Science Festival Sets Line-up, Brings Artists & Performers To NYC 6/10-14

The World Science Festival (www.worldsciencefestival.com) today announced a sweeping line-up of cutting-edge and innovative science programming, designed to make science captivating and accessible to the general public. The Festival will bring together dozens of Nobel laureates, esteemed artists and performers, distinguished researchers and scientists, renowned authors, and top policy makers to create a five-day science extravaganza with dozens of events in venues throughout New York City from June 10-14, 2009.

Co-founded in 2008 by Brian Greene, Columbia University professor of physics and mathematics and author of the bestseller The Elegant Universe, and Tracy Day, Emmy Award-winning journalist and producer, the World Science Festival is an unprecedented celebration of imagination, ingenuity, and creativity that brings science out of the laboratory and into the streets, theaters, museums, and public halls of New York City.

Through five days of discourse and debate, film and theater, exploration and discovery, the Festival seeks to shift the public's perception of science as an esoteric and intimidating academic subject, by highlighting its relevance to everyday life, revealing the wondrous insights it provides, and examining its critical role in meeting the grand challenges facing the world.

Distinguished participants will include, among others:

· Legendary Pulitzer Prize-winning pioneer E.O. Wilson;

· Nobel Prize-winning scientists - James Watson, Harold Varmus, David Gross, Frank Wilczek, Sir Paul Nurse and William Phillips;

· Esteemed researchers - James Hansen, Daniel Wegner, Erich Jarvis, Daniel Levitin and Margaret Livingstone;

· Renowned authors - Bill McKibben and Irene Pepperberg;

· Celebrated artists - Alan Alda, Harrison Ford, Glenn Close, Joshua Bell, James Naughton, Marin Alsop and Anna Deavere Smith.

Highlights of the Festival's events include:

2009 Opening Night Celebration:

· Star-studded Opening Celebration - Harrison Ford, Alan Alda, Glenn Close, and a glittering cast including Joshua Bell, two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton, comic star of "South Pacific" Danny Burstein, award-winning actress Anna Deavere Smith, The Inspirational Voices of The Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir, and students of the National Dance Institute, will come together for the opening night launch of the 2009 World Science Festival. Celebrating the 80th birthday of E.O. Wilson, America's preeminent naturalist and a founding father of the environmental movement, the evening's festivities will include the New York premiere of "LIFE: A Journey Through Time"- a moving and majestic concert piece, specially adapted for the World Science Festival. This special adaptation sets the lyrical imagery of National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting to an original score by the renowned composer Philip Glass, and will be performed by the Orchestra of St. Luke's under the baton of acclaimed conductor Marin Alsop. The event is being produced in collaboration with Lincoln Center and directed by Damian Woetzel, recently retired star of the New York City Ballet. (June 10, 7:00 PM, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center)

Signature Events Include:

· What it Means to be Human: The Enigma of Altruism - Though many animals display cooperative behavior, human cooperation is distinct. Alan Alda will host E.O. Wilson, Sarah Hrdy and other leading evolutionary biologists, anthropologists and humanitarians in a discussion that will examine the origins and evolution of human cooperative behavior. (June 12, 8:00 PM, Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, NYU)

· Rising Waters in a Thirsty World - Climate change and rising sea levels threaten substantial flooding and droughts worldwide. How do we avoid mass migrations, food shortages, disease and political conflict that could accompany such devastation? The world's foremost adaptation experts, including Maude Barlow, Dickson Despommier, Radley Horton, and William Solecki, will survey threatened regions of the planet, including New York City, and suggest strategies for changing our strained relationship with H2O. (June 12, 8:00 PM, Tishman Auditorium, New School)

· Diabesity: America's Twin Epidemics - Over 23 million Americans are living with diabetes, and while many of the disease's traumatic effects are well known, new findings suggest that "diabesity"-diabetes combined with obesity-may lead to brain impairment as well. Drs. John Kral, Francine Kaufman and Antonio Convit and other leading researchers will explore the wide-ranging implications-for policy, prevention, and possibly cure-of these startling studies. (June 13, 7:00 PM, Kimmel Center, Eisner & Lubin Auditorium, NYU)

· Notes & Neurons: In Search of The Common Chorus - Is our response to music hard-wired or culturally determined? Is the reaction to rhythm and melody universal or influenced by environment? Scientist Daniel Levitin, renowned musical artist Bobby McFerrin, and moderator and WNYC radio host John Schaefer will take to the stage with live musical performances and cross-cultural demonstrations to illustrate music's note-worthy interaction with the brain and our emotions. (June 12, 8:00 PM, Gerald W. Lynch Theater, John Jay College)

· Avian Einsteins - How do we learn to speak? What is the connection between language and movement? Leading bird scientists, including Erich Jarvis and Irene Pepperberg, will explore how striking parallels between bird and human brains are providing sharp new insights into how we acquire language and links between hearing and movement. The event will also include a special appearance by Snowball, the dancing cockatoo of YouTube fame. (June 13, 2:00 PM, Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, NYU)

· !@#$% Traffic: Insects to Interstates - Can marching ants, schooling fish, and herding wildebeests teach us something about the morning commute? In a unique melding of mathematics, physics, and behavioral science, this program will examine the creative and sometimes counterintuitive solutions to one of the modern world's most annoying problems. (June 12, 7:00 PM, Kimmel Center, Eisner & Lubin Auditorium, NYU)

· Infinite Worlds - The multiverse hypothesis, suggesting that our universe is but one of perhaps infinitely many, speaks to the very nature of reality. Physicist Brian Greene, Nobel laureate David Gross, cosmologist Andrei Linde, and philosopher Nick Bostrom will discuss and debate this controversial implication of forefront research and explore its potential for redefining the cosmic order. The program will be moderated by Robert Krulwich and feature an original musical interlude, inspired by parallel worlds, by DJ Spooky. (June 13, 8:00 PM, Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, NYU)

· Navigating the Cosmos - Created especially for the World Science Festival, this presentation offers audiences a chance to experience the Hayden Planetarium's Digital Universe with an immersive three-dimensional tour of the cosmos. Among other renowned scientists, theoretical physicists Jim Gates and Lawrence Krauss, and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Frederick P. Rose Director, Hayden Planetarium, will lead a cosmic journey to explore the surprising factors that are firing a revolution in modern cosmology. (June 11, 6:00 PM, Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History)

· Watching Wilson and Watson...Through the Eyes of Anna Deavere Smith - Melding journalism and performance, Anna Deavere Smith will use her signature approach to create novel and insightful one-woman vignettes depicting two of the most important and influential scientists of our day, Nobel laureate, and co-discoverer of DNA, James Watson, and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and "father of biodiversity and sociobiology" E.O. Wilson. Hailed by Newsweek as "the most exciting individual in American theater," Anna Deavere Smith is a Tony Award and Pulitzer-nominated actress and playwright. The performance will lead to a panel discussion exploring the impact these scientists have had on modern life, and how their work will profoundly shape the future. (June 11, 8:00 PM, Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, NYU)

· The Hudson Since Henry: A Natural and Unnatural History - This program will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's arrival by exploring the eponymous river's history from its pristine days, through its decline during the industrial revolution, to its heartening rebirth as an environmental success story. It will include a special presentation by Eric Sanderson of his remarkable Mannahatta Project, a 3D computer recreation of 1609 New Amsterdam. (June 11, 6:30 PM, New-York Historical Society)

· WALL-E's World: Designs for an Invisible Footprint - Beneath WALL-E's whimsical surface lies a grown-up cautionary tale about humanity's relationship with the environment. In this program, scientists will reveal ingenious strategies for creating a sustainable future - from "carborexic" cities made entirely from recycled trash to how the pursuit of "green" space exploration may one day help to revolutionize waste management here on Earth. (June 11, 6:30 PM, Museum of Arts and Design)

· Battlestar Galactica: Cyborgs on the Horizon - Cast members from "Battlestar Galactica" will join leading roboticists to explore the approaching frontier where truly intelligent machines are commonplace and where cybernetic technology is used to treat diseases and enhance the range of normal human capability. The program will preview the forthcoming Battlestar spinoff "The Plan" and feature live appearances by some of the show's favorite cylons. (June 12, 8:00 PM, 92nd Street Y)

· Da Vinci Detective - One of the great mysteries in the art world is the disappearance of a mural by Leonardo da Vinci. For centuries, "The Battle of Anghiari" was known as the "lost Leonardo" and believed to be destroyed. But now, using cutting-edge technology and art analysis, a bioengineer is convinced the work is hidden in the walls of the Palazzo Vecchio. "Da Vinci Detective" Maurizio Seracini will join diagnosticians in art and architecture to explain the technology and theories behind his quest. (June 12, 7:00 PM, Uris Center for Education, Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Youth & Family Events:

· Mathemagician - Reader's Digest has called "Mathemagician" Arthur Benjamin "America's Best Math Whiz." Returning in an encore presentation, Arthur Benjamin will display feats of mental mathematical gymnastics and share the secrets behind his skills. A combination of math and magic, this program will captivate the entire family. (June 13, 12:30 PM, Tishman Auditorium, The New School)

· Bio Blitzing in the Boroughs - New York City might be the epicenter of human diversity, but what about our biodiversity? Professional naturalists and research scientists will host Bio Blitzes in some of the city's most beautiful parks and gardens. They will guide urban explorers of all ages and backgrounds in a scientific inventory of the flora, fauna, fungi - and all things crawly. In honor of E.O. Wilson, pioneer of the Bio Blitz method, this event will inspire Wilson-like wonder and appreciation for the natural diversity found right in our own neighborhood. (Please check www.worldsciencefestival.com for Bio Blitz venues, times and information on how to register.)

· The World Science Festival Street Fair - The Washington Square Park area will be transformed into a science wonderland when the World Science Festival Youth and Family Street Fair returns. This year's extravaganza will feature a non-stop program of interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows designed to entertain and inspire. For a sampling of the day's events, please visit www.worldsciencefestival.com/2009/street-fair (June 14, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Washington Square Park)

· Pioneers in Science - In the second installment of this World Science Festival annual event, selected New York City high school students will interview Nobel laureate and presidential science advisor Harold Varmus and preeminent marine biologist Sylvia Earle. In these interviews, youthful curiosity always compels unusually candid conversations, revealing the essence of pioneering science. (June 11, 4:00 PM, Tishman Auditorium, New School)

· Cool Jobs - Discover the multifaceted world of science careers beyond test tubes and white coats. Back by popular demand, this multi-media event for curious minds of all ages will invite the audience to meet scientists with some of the coolest jobs out there. They will take attendees on a journey from remote caves to the site of hidden artistic treasures, and open their eyes to a whole world of science outside the lab. (June 12, 4:00 PM, Kimmel Center, Eisner & Lubin Auditorium, NYU)

Tickets for events are now on sale at www.worldsciencefestival.com, which also provides complete programming and participant information for the Festival. For ticketing information, call the World Science Festival ticket information line at (212) 280-1602.