Hoosier Cosmic Celebration to Feature Janelle Monáe, William Shatner, and Mae Jemison Ahead of April 8th Eclipse

Skywatchers planning to witness the total eclipse on April 8 in Bloomington are in for a treat with the Hoosier Cosmic Celebration. This extraordinary event, held at Memorial Stadium from 1 to 5 p.m., promises a day filled with entertainment and revelry.

The celebration will be headlined by the multi-talented Janelle Monáe, a ten-time Grammy Award-nominated artist known for her genre-bending music and acting prowess. Following the total eclipse at 3:04 p.m., Monáe will take the stage for an unforgettable performance. Also gracing the event will be none other than William Shatner, renowned actor and record-breaking astronaut. Shatner’s spoken-word performance before the eclipse is sure to captivate the audience with his iconic voice and presence.

Former NASA astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, the first woman of color to journey into space, will also be present to deliver inspiring remarks. Dr. Jemison, who served as a NASA astronaut for six years, is widely recognized as a motivational speaker on various subjects.

IU students and faculty will showcase their talents during the eclipse programming at Memorial Stadium. The Broadway and pop tune performance by BFA students, led by IU faculty members DJ Gray and Ray Fellman, is bound to impress the audience. Contemporary dancers Samiyah Lynnice and Corey Boatner, along with a duet choreographed by Elizabeth Shea, will present a captivating routine titled ‘Minor Bodies.’

The festivities will also witness a collaboration between William Shatner and students and faculty from the Jacobs School of Music. This unique performance, set to original music composed by Dominick DiOrio, will feature student musicians from NOTUS, the internationally acclaimed contemporary vocal ensemble.

Moreover, eclipse-goers will have the chance to explore a reconstructed Blue Origin space capsule at Memorial Stadium’s south field goal line. The capsule, also known for Jeff Bezos‘ historic flight, will provide visitors with an up-close look into space exploration through simulated experiences.

In addition to the jaw-dropping performances, the event will feature book signings by notable figures like Mae Jemison. With various merchandise tables and more, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to commemorate this momentous occasion.

The Hoosier Cosmic Celebration tickets, priced at $15 for students and $19 for the general public, will be available on Ticketmaster starting from 10 a.m. on February 9.

This Memorial Stadium extravaganza is just one facet of the comprehensive eclipse programming planned across IU Bloomington’s campus. The university aims to merge music, dance, film, ideas, culture, and science to provide the community with a historic experience. Other events include a lively celebration in Dunn Meadow, eclipse-related activities in the Arboretum, Shatner’s appearance at IU’s movie theater, and a concert by the IU Concert Orchestra, featuring the visually stunning ‘The Planets — An HD Odyssey.’

As Bloomington prepares for the influx of approximately 300,000 visitors, IU has been actively organizing and implementing safety measures since 2022. With the eclipse’s widespread allure, the university strives to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for students, staff, faculty, and visitors.