Space Center Houston’s “Apollo 11 50th Live” Features WALK THE MOON and Phillip Phillips

HOUSTON, TX – Space Center Houston will celebrate the historic first steps on the Moon with a spectacular lineup of events including “Apollo 11 50th Live, presented by JSC Federal Credit Union,” an all-day festival on July 20 celebrating the legacy of the Apollo era and the future of space exploration. The festival will culminate with an evening concert featuring performances by WALK THE MOON and Phillip Phillips.

Attend the iconic anniversary and take part in Space Center Houston’s “Apollo 11 50th Live, presented by JSC Federal Credit Union,” featuring an array of space-themed activities, including late-night NASA Tram Tours to Rocket Park and the Apollo Mission Control Center, notable speakers, book signings, an outdoor festival with a concert, a family STEM zone – and more. The first 15,000 celebration guests will receive an interactive LED wristband (issued onsite to ticketholders) to illuminate the experience. The festival includes an outdoor 1960s inspired Discovery Reserve Beer Garden provided by Budweiser.

The concert kicks off with Phillip Phillips on stage at 8 p.m. and WALK THE MOON at 9:15 p.m. Guests will watch a video interlude about the Apollo 11 50th anniversary, followed by the Official Countdown presented by Reliant, at 9:56 p.m., the exact moment Neil Armstrong stepped on the Moon. WALK THE MOON will return to the stage at 10 p.m. following the first steps countdown.

“Houston’s legacy is tied to many achievements in space exploration, and we’re excited to unite people across the globe to relive the historic Apollo 11 anniversary with us,” said William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston. “We are very thankful to JSC Federal Credit Union for helping us provide exceptional experiences marking the first lunar landing and to inspire people of all ages through the wonders of space exploration.”

Hailing from Cincinnati, OH, WALK THE MOON consists of Nicholas Petricca (singer/keyboardist), Kevin Ray (bassist), Eli Maiman (guitarist), and Sean Waugaman (drummer). In 2015, the band catapulted to stardom when their hit single “Shut Up and Dance”, which is included on their RIAA Certified Gold album TALKING IS HARD, became a multi-platinum global smash that peaked at No. 1 on the Alternative, Hot AC, AC charts, No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and went to No. 2 at Top 40 radio. Throughout their career, the band has had a slew of honors including winning two Billboard Music Awards, a nomination for an MTV Music Video Award for Best Rock Video, American Music Award nominations for Favorite Pop/Rock Duo Or Group, New Artist of the Year, and Favorite Alternative Rock Artist. They were also nominated for an iHeart Radio Music Award for Best Duo/Group of the Year, Song of the Year, and Alternative Rock Song of the Year for “Shut Up and Dance.” Recently, the band released their sophomore album entitled What If Nothing which included both “Kamikaze” and “One Foot,” which hit no. 1 at Alternative Radio. The band headlined their “Press Restart” Tour in support of the album and most recently released their newest single “Timebomb.”

Since releasing his five-times-platinum debut single 'Home' in spring 2012, Phillip Phillips has released two chart-topping albums and taken his expansive brand of earthy, guitar-fueled rock to stages across the globe. With his soulful vocals and ruggedly warm sensibilities, the Georgia-bred 26-year-old saw his first full-length effort, The World from the Side of the Moon, go platinum after debuting at #4 on the Billboard Top 200. In 2014 his second album, Behind the Light, offered up the lead anthemic folk-rock radio hit 'Raging Fire.' Phillips released “Miles” in the summer of 2017 as he toured North America with the Goo Goo Dolls, as a precursor to his recent and highly anticipated third full-length, Collateral. Collateral also includes the single, “Into The Wild” and fan favorite, “Magnetic.'

“We are proud to partner with Space Center Houston to honor the outstanding achievements of space exploration and celebrate its rich history with the community, the world and the next generation of explorers,” said Brandon Michaels, president & CEO, JSC Federal Credit Union. “Our commitment to the Johnson Space Center is strong and proud, and while we now serve the entire Houston metroplex, the opportunity to celebrate the Apollo 11 50th anniversary through Space Center Houston, was a no-brainer. We are excited to support the many educational and entertainment events planned, and to see the many generations of our community take part in the activities.”

Kick off the spectacular lunar celebrations with a series of space-themed events launching the anniversary of the Apollo 11 liftoff on July 16 through the mission’s conclusion when the astronauts safely splashed down back on Earth on July 24. Don’t miss the special opportunity to meet and have Lunch with a Flight Controller on July 16 and July 24 and Lunch with Children of Apollo on July 18. The leading science and space exploration learning center will provide Apollo 11-themed Pop-Up Science Labs, Mission Briefings on the Apollo 11 mission and special NASA Tram Tours featuring the restored Apollo Mission Control Center, daily July 16-24.

Apollo 11 anniversary celebration tickets are on sale now. Visit spacecenter.org for more information about the activities and hours of operation during this special period. Be a part of the celebration. Join the conversation, use #ApolloHOU. Become a member and come back free as often as you like for one year. Start making your plans now!