Get the Song: "Up Up Up in the Sky"
From their new album: The Galileo Experiment
Music and Lyrics by Donna Stearns
Performed by Donna Stearns and The Big Bangers

A New Song Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of Galileo Galilei's Most Excellent Scientific Discoveries!
Click here to listen and buy it on iTunes | Click here to listen and buy it on CDBaby

The World Debut was Sunday, February 15, 2009 at the Piper's Kilt Bar at 207 Street and Broadway. We raised a beer to the Father of Science when Donna Stearns debuted a new song for the International Year of Astronomy. Many songs were sung with science in the title or lyric. Hey, it was actually the old man's birthday; he would have been 445. Clearly a bit of house arrest and papal pardoning is worth a drop of chartreuse.

Visit the Official IYA Music Website.

Liner Notes

The United Nations declared 2009 as The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009), and to date, Up, Up, Up in the Sky is one of only eight official IYA2009 songs that celebrate the 400th anniversary since Galileo first looked up toward the sky through a telescope. This EP is perfect for astronomers, educators, presenters and lecturers because there are 7 different mixes of the song, including various karaoke mixes and outro loops ideal as a tag at the end of a lecture or presentation, or as a prep before a presentation begins.

There's a whimsical approach to Donna's songwriting, while the full song also delivers intelligent reasons why the sky has meaning for everyone, from Galileo's discoveries to worshippers. The lyrics also tell of fantasy and myth, including the belief that stars were once Pharaohs as well as describing the tale of Herd-Boy and Weaver Girl. Since a beautiful night sky can bring out the romantic in all of us, Donna gives Romeo and Juliet as an example that the sky belongs to lovers too. Musically, Donna brought her hit-songwriting background to composing the song. Then, producers Joe Carroll and Wade Tonken's arrangement enhanced the theatrical quality of her song, resulting in what could easily be heard as the opening song to a Broadway musical! ...and now everyone is urging her to write that musical!

Donna is joined by three other soloists - Clara Barton Green, Matt Gordon and Eric Vetter. Each of The Big Bangers know Donna from the theatrical world and Shakespeare Saturdays. Donna has a mezzo belt, Clara's voice is pure soprano, Matt's baritenor is a theatrical director's dream and soulful Eric is the best noodler in town! The four singers trade off solos, but on every refrain, they sing as an ensemble where their voices blend. There was a lot of fun while recording the song, and they hope the listener has fun hearing it!

Quotes About UUUITS

"This song is so much fun, if Galileo were alive today he'd have it played at his Birthday party...and HE'S A FREAKING GENIUS!"
-- Barry Liebmann, Comedy Writer, MAD Magazine

"It was a delight listening to Donna Stearns' song, 'Up, Up, Up in the Sky', composed specially for the International Year of Astronomy 2009. Capturing the spirit of Broadway and the excitement of discovery, this uplifting bit of music is sure to please old and young alike."
-- Kevin B. Marvel, Ph.D., C.A.E., Executive Officer, American Astronomical Society