Stephen Hawking headlines Seattle Science Festival next month

Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists of modern times, bestselling author, professor and scientist Stephen Hawking will take the stage in Seattle for one night only for the Seattle Science Festival Luminaries Series: Evolution event on June 16 at the Paramount Theater.

Joining Hawking at this event at are world-renowned paleontologist Dr. Jack Horner and award-winning biologist Dr. Leroy Hood. Horner is noted for his discovery of the dinosaur genus "Maiasaura" and was technical consultant to the movie series Jurassic Park. Hood's inventions have revolutionized biomedicine and are credited with "unlocking much of the mystery of human biology." Interwoven with these presentations will be a performance of the world's first peer-reviewed rap, New York's renowned 'Rap Guide to Evolution,' as well as a stunning performance of the work 'Euclidean Space' by Seattle's critically acclaimed Spectrum Dance Theater.

"It is an honor for our community that (Hawking) will join us as we launch the inaugural Seattle Science Festival," said Ellen Lettvin, Ph.D., Seattle Science Center Festival Director and Vice President for Science & Education at Pacific Science Center. "Hawking's participation in this momentous event will certainly catalyse excitement about science in our community."

The Science Luminaries Series is a month-long program consisting of five provocative and entertaining evenings that will celebrate the exploration of science and technology through a new cultural paradigm that interweaves TED-style talks with cultural performances.

The Luminaries Series is part of the month-long celebration of science taking place in June, as part of the inaugural Seattle Science Festival.

Tickets are now on sale, with a special VIP package for guests looking for the "best seat in house" for this rare opportunity with Stephen Hawking. For $197, guests will receive premium seating and access to the exclusive VIP cocktail reception with the speakers, as well as general admission tickets to each of the four additional Luminaries Series events taking place throughout June. Single tickets are also available starting from $10 for students and can be purchased at seattlesciencefestival.org.