Sunday, September 18, 2011
The new rock band “51 Pegasi” made its debut this week at the Xi’an International Expo 2011. This project took shape in July after several “we should all play together in the same group” conversations with some of my favorite artist friends in Shanghai. Good everyday people that you chill on the couch with any afternoon…who also happen to be some of the best in live entertainment today worldwide.
Doing an 8-day tour with these folks in the hometown of the Terra-cotta Warriors has been an incredible ride that will not be soon forgotten. From performing daily high-energy concerts, to nightly group acupuncture and massage sessions, historical sightseeing, bike rides on the ancient city wall, hotel room parties, and spontaneous club jams with local musicians — we are living a unique “musical family” experience set a world apart from your typical gig situation.
"51 Pegasi" backstage @ Xi'an Expo 2011
51 Pegasi is…
(front row from L): Dana Shellmire ~~vocals || Boyana Walsh ~~vocals || Rosita Janbakhsh ~~flute || Denise Mininfield ~~vocals || (back row): Charlie Hitchcock ~~guitar || Gilbert Kuppusami ~~drums/vocals || Alain Couronne ~~bass || Byron Hill ~~keyboards ||
What’s in a name?
“51 Pegasi b is a Sun-like star located 50.9 light years from Earth in the constellation Pegasus. It was the first Sun-like star, other than the Sun, to have a planet orbiting it, a discovery that was announced in 1995. It is estimated to be 6.1-8.1 billion years old (somewhat older than the Sun) and is visible from Earth with binoculars, or with the naked eye under dark sky conditions.”
Four more days to go and I can’t wait to see what this lifelong fascination with astronomy can lead to in a rock & roll context!
~Dana, 51 Pegasi
