BPA & Discovery Place Announce Nat Geo LIVE! Series

Blumenthal Performing Arts and Discovery Place Science have joined forces to create a new and unique experience for Charlotte area 'explorers' interested in discovering the natural world with National Geographic Live and connecting with others who share their curiosity. The new three-event series featuring National Geographic Live's speakers is sponsored by CompuCom.

The new series will bring National Geographic Live!, a highly acclaimed speaker series featuring thought-provoking presentations by today's leading explorers, scientists, and photographers, to Charlotte for three exciting programs starting Oct. 23 with Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice. Two additional programs are slated in January and March.

Nat Geo Live has grown rapidly and is currently presented in more than 50 cities in North America. The collaboration between Blumenthal and Discovery Place Science adds Charlotte to the list.

"We are thrilled to be bringing some of National Geographic's most dynamic and entertaining explorers to McGlohon Theater. National Geographic Live! events are a unique opportunity for people in Charlotte to meet these visionary individuals in person, and to be inspired by the fascinating stories and breathtaking images they will share from their expeditions to the far corners of our planet," said Yulia Petrossian Boyle, Senior Vice President for Global Media and Experiences at National Geographic.

"We are excited to join Discovery Place Science in bringing National Geographic Live! to Charlotte," said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard. "It's an extraordinary program in and of itself, but we have added an additional element, thanks to the assets of Discovery Place Science, that we think will make this a truly unique experience. Along with compelling speakers, participants can attend a pre-show party where they'll meet others who share their curiosity about the world and get a chance to play with some of Discovery Place's fantastic 'toys,' like telescopes and touch tanks."

National Geographic Live! participants will begin their evening at 6pm in Discovery Place Science where they'll have a chance to enjoy cocktails and chat with other guests, as well as try out special activities and demonstrations associated with that evening's National Geographic Live! topic. The National Geographic Live! speaker will begin at 7:30 PM at McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square, directly across the street from Discovery Place Science.

"We are delighted to build a bridge across North Tryon St. to join forces with the Blumenthal in bringing this nationally-acclaimed series to Charlotte," said Catherine Wilson Horne, President & CEO, Discovery Place. "The combination of visual arts, cutting-edge exploration, hands-on science and social conversation will make for enlightening and not-to-be-missed events."

"CompuCom is very proud to be the sponsor for the National Geographic Live! series and is happy to partner with Blumenthal Performing Arts and Discovery Place to bring the series to Charlotte," added Ken Jackowitz, Chief Product Officer at CompuCom. "Great things happen when the arts and sciences come together and we are excited to be helping two great organizations inspire new and diverse audiences in the community."

In addition to the three public performances, the Blumenthal and Discovery Place Science collaboration includes a dedicated performance by each of the National Geographic Live! speakers to area students via school shows. There also will be special activities and experiences for the students at Discovery Place after each speaker presentation. For information and tickets for the school shows, contact Discovery Place at 704-372-6261 ext. 300.

Season tickets for the National Geographic Live! series will go on sale to the public Friday, June 15 at BlumenthalArts.org or at 704.372-1010. The three-event season ticket will admit buyers to both the pre-show party (cash bar) at Discovery Place and the speaker at McGlohon Theater.

Season tickets begin at less than $60. A five-month extended payment plan is available for season tickets.

natgeolive.com