In a fascinating blend of art and science, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays became an unexpected venue for musical creativity. Tens of thousands of visitors annually explore this museum's exhibits featuring dinosaurs, fossils, and ancient sea creatures. However, last week, it hosted something entirely different—recording sessions conducted in its undersea diorama by renowned artists from Colorado, California, and other regions. Music producer Jeff Berkley initiated the project after discovering the museum’s incredible acoustics. This initiative, named the Paleoverb Project, involved three nights of live recordings without any digital enhancements, capturing raw talent against the backdrop of prehistoric marine life.
A Fusion of Science and Sound
At the heart of Fort Hays State University lies the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, a place where time seems to stand still amidst relics of Earth’s distant past. In the golden hues of autumn, the museum welcomed not only curious tourists but also a unique group of musicians eager to harness the peculiar echoes within its walls. Last week, these creative minds transformed the undersea exhibit into a soundstage. Producer Jeff Berkley, captivated by the museum during one of his travels across Interstate 70, noticed how the rounded architecture amplified sound waves. Intrigued, he envisioned recording music there and reached out to Director Reese Barrick, who enthusiastically approved the idea.
The sessions featured three distinct groups, each bringing their own flavor of indie-alt folk music. Veronica May and Hanna Doreen Brown started things off, followed by Stucky Leigh on the second night, and concluding with Marlo J. Smith alongside Joshua McCleskey and Sean Cox Briar. They performed together, blending harmonies beneath the shadow of the colossal Tylosaurus skeleton. Without relying on modern technology such as headphones or tuning software, they relied solely on their natural abilities and the room’s haunting reverberations.
Director Barrick marveled at both the acoustic properties and the artistic endeavor itself. For him, supporting unconventional projects like this aligns perfectly with fostering creativity and innovation. Meanwhile, the participating artists expressed profound gratitude for being part of such a magical experience. Their journey into music varied widely—from early exposure through family traditions to serendipitous encounters—but all converged on this shared passion.
Reflections on Artistic Exploration
This extraordinary event underscores the importance of stepping outside traditional boundaries to create something truly remarkable. By merging paleontology with contemporary music, the Paleoverb Project demonstrates that inspiration can come from anywhere, even places steeped in history millions of years old. It reminds us that every environment has its own story to tell if we listen closely enough. Perhaps most importantly, it highlights the universal language of creativity, transcending genres and disciplines alike. As audiences worldwide eventually hear these recordings, they too may feel inspired to seek out new ways of expressing themselves creatively, proving once again that art knows no limits.
