Bella Gaia: Award-Winning Film Takes Viewers on a Mesmerizing Journey Through Space.  Tickets are half-price, starting at $12, for the January 25th performance at Dominican University Performing Arts Center in River Forest.

A stunning collaboration between NASA and award-winning director and classically trained violinist Kenji Williams, Bella Gaia: A Poetic Vision of Earth From Space is inspired by astronauts who have described the life-changing power of viewing Earth from outer space. The 70-minute film is a transcendent simulation of this so-called “Overview Effect,” taking you on an unforgettable journey around Earth guided by Williams’ ethereal music. Working closely with NASA’s scientific visualization studio, Bella Gaia simulates space flight and features a live performance by Williams against a large-screen backdrop of Earth from space.

The freebie offer is over, but you can still get 1/2 price tickets to this year’s Travel & Adventure Show this Saturday and Sunday, January 26th and 27th.  See the host of ABC’s The Bachelor, Chris Harrison, guidebook author Pauline Frommer, PBS star Rick Steves (Rick Steves’ Europe) and author Patricia Schultz (1000 Places to See Before You Die). With advice on top local, national and international destinations, show-only specials and giveaways, hands-on adventure activities (scuba diving, animal encounters, Segway riding), exotic culinary demonstrations, and live cultural performances, attending the Travel & Adventure Show almost feels like its own little getaway.