Live music during NightLife LIVE at the California Academy of Sciences

Photo: John Hartsfield

SAN FRANCISCO (May 4, 2016)—NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences, the museum’s weekly Thursday night series for science-curious adults 21+, has just announced the lineup for its third annual NightLife LIVE music series. This year’s roster will include headliners Chrome Sparks, Lower Dens, Ducktails, Lapsley, White Fence, and Dan Deacon.

NightLife LIVE events will take place on May 19, June 16, July 14, August 4, September 8, and October 13, 2016, in addition to the Academy’s regular NightLife events every Thursday. On one select Thursday each month, NightLife LIVE partners with top Bay Area promoters, including Noise Pop, Outside Lands, Popscene, Treasure Island Music Festival, (((folkYEAH!))), and DJ Dials, to pair emerging bands and musicians with cutting-edge visual artists in an innovative intersection of science, music, and art. The only museum in the world to combine an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and living rainforest, live performances on an outdoor stage will transform the Academy into one of San Francisco’s most unique live music venues, featuring science inspired projections by ALL OF IT NOW!

In between live sets, guests can explore new featured artists and galleries each week, highlighting curated works from the Bay Area’s most popular art collectives and studios. Each event will also feature hands-on nature-themed crafts with Julia Jane Moore and drawing workshops with the artists behind Paint Pens Collective. Plus, NightLife LIVE will feature rotating pop-up shops from local vendors like Amoeba Records, Bay Area Record Fair, and Green Apple Books, and guests can bring their own t-shirts and totes to get adorned with a custom NightLife LIVE screen-print designed by San Franpsycho (or pick up a limited edition run at San Franpsycho’s pop-up shop). Plus, unique "science side shows” at each NightLife LIVE event will feature scientific curiosities and researchers from the Academy and beyond.

Want to listen to all NightLife LIVE featured artists in one place? Click here for the series playlist. See below for the full lineup:

May 19

Music by Chrome Sparks and Planet Booty; DJ sets by Dials and King Most

Presented by DJ Dials

On the outdoor West Garden stage, catch a live performance by Chrome Sparks, the synth-heavy dance project of Jeremy Malvin. Funk and soul-influenced dance tracks from opening act Planet Booty will kick off the night in hip-shaking style. Enjoy this week’s featured art gallery, The Midway, plus featured artists Rachel Znerold, Anna Landa, Javi Corellano, and OpenLab.

June 16

Music by Lower Dens and Tamaryn; DJ sets by BFF.fm

Presented by Noise Pop

Baltimore indie act Lower Dens bring their perfected brand of retro pop to the NightLife LIVE stage this week, playing songs from their latest album Escape from Evil, which NPR lauded for its “synth-driven beauty.” Supporting act Tamaryn returns to a familiar stomping ground with sultry shoegaze stylings from their 2015 Cranekiss LP and beyond. Explore work from this week’s featured art partner, Muse Gallery, plus artist Jeremiah Breber, and more.

July 14

Music by Ducktails and Mass Gothic; DJ sets by Aaron Axelsen and Omar Perez

Presented by Popscene

Get swept away with the dreamy surf-rock sounds of Ducktails (featuring Matt Mondanile of Real Estate). Supporting act and Sub Pop recording group Mass Gothic will take guests through the highs and lows of pop, rock, and punk. Explore work from this week’s featured art gallery, Root Division, plus featured artists Nick Leidecker, Hybycozo, and OpenLab.

August 4

Music by Lapsley (more TBA)

Presented by Outside Lands Music Festival

Fresh off the release of her debut album Long Way Home, UK songstress Lapsley’s soulful vocals and edgy ballads will make their first Golden Gate Park debut of the week during this Outside Lands pre-party. Explore work from this week’s featured art gallery, ArtSpan, plus more artists to be announced.

September 8

Music by White Fence and The Tyde; DJ sets by DJ Freaker (Alex Bleeker of Real Estate) and Britt Govea

Presented by (((folkYEAH!)))

This week, rock out to lo-fi psychedelic riffs from White Fence—fronted by former Darker My Love member Tim Presley and saluted by Pitchfork for “a distinctly wobbly and elastic sound.” Supporting act The Tyde, featuring former members of the ‘90s band Further, will kick off the night with their bright indie pop-rock sound. Explore work from this week’s featured art gallery, Roll Up, plus featured artists Taro Hattori, Nick Leidecker, and more.

October 13

Music by Dan Deacon and Mt. Si; DJ sets by BFF.fm

Presented by Treasure Island Music Festival

NightLife LIVE draws to a close with a bang—courtesy of Dan Deacon’s wildly experimental electro-pop and penchant for audience participation. Plus, catch a rare performance from LA indie supergroup, Mt. Si, featuring members of Classixx, Kisses, and Superhumanoids. Explore work from this week’s featured art gallery, B4BEL4B, plus featured artists to be announced.

NightLife is supported by the Koret Foundation.

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