Cruisin’ Deep Time with Kirk Johnson and Ray Troll:

Thursday, Feb 26, 2026

7:00 PM

Discovery Theatre

Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM

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Event Info

Cruisin’ Deep Time with Kirk Johnson and Ray Troll: The Travels of a Scientist and an Artist in search of Paleo America

Join Alaskan artist Ray Troll and Smithsonian paleontologist Kirk Johnson on an ‘epoch’ journey through the deep history of the Earth. Experience this unique blend of science and art as Troll and Johnson share tales from their travels across North America. They have recorded and illustrated their adventures in three books: the newly published second edition of Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway (2024), Cruisin’ the Fossil Coastline (2018) and the brand-new children’s book Alaska Dinosaurs, Mammoths and More (2025). Kirk and Ray have been working together since 1998. Their never-ending road trip is now in its 26^th year and they are presently working on a fossil atlas of the United States that will be published in 2026.

Whether you're a science enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about Earth's deep past, this event promises to be both educational and wildly entertaining. Don’t miss this chance to explore the prehistoric world with two of its most engaging storytellers.

Ray Troll is known for his diverse, often humorous, science-inspired artwork. His art can be found in museums and books, on posters and hoodies, and on literally millions of t-shirts. He has created a dozen books and numerous travelling exhibits. He also co-hosts the popular Paleo Nerds podcast and headlines his band, The Ratfish Wranglers. Ray has received much acclaim but it’s hard to beat the fact that Hydrolagus trolli, a newly discovered species of ratfish, was named in his honor. Ray and his wife Michelle live and work in Ketchikan, Alaska and own and operate the Prairie Sea gallery in Lindsborg, Kansas.

Kirk Johnson is a paleobotanist known for his research on plants and the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs, his PBS NOVA documentaries, his popular books, and his partnership with Ray. He is also the Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History where he oversees the world’s largest natural history collection. A new species of fossil parasol tree was recently named Macaranga kirkjohnsoni. Kirk and his wife Chase live in Washington, D.C. and Livingston, Montana.

This event is part of the College of Arts and Sciences Community Lecture Series “The Art and Science of Our World: Exploring the Wonder of Nature”.Please join us as we celebrate knowledge, inspire curiosity, and strengthen the bonds that make our community unique.

Notice

Babies

Ticket required for all ages

Electronic Tickets

Most tickets are issued only as digital tickets that can be shown from your device as you enter. Tickets can be forwarded to a friend beginning 48 hours before the performance.

Code of Conduct

The PAC is a gathering place where all are welcome to share the Arts as a passion and way of life.
Code of Conduct

Safety and Security

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts has introduced security measures for the comfort and safety of all guests and performers. Everyone entering the PAC will pass through an electronic security system that uses extremely low frequency radio waves (ELF) to scan for weapons. Please notify the security personnel upon arrival if you'd prefer special screening.

Find more information at alaskapac.org/visit.

Accessibility

If you already have tickets and are concerned that your current seats may not fulfill your needs, please complete this special seating request form.

Wheelchairs: All levels of the Performing Arts Center have wheelchair accessible locations where patrons may either remain seated in their wheelchairs or transfer to portable seats. Courtesy wheelchairs may be borrowed while on site thanks to the Carolyn Ramey Memorial Fund.; Reserved Seating:
Select seats labeled with a wheelchair icon to choose these seats.
Scooters: All levels of the Performing Arts Center have scooter accessible locations where patrons may either remain seated in their scooter or transfer to portable seats. Scooters cannot be placed in the aisles due to the Performing Arts Center's evacuation plan. Patrons are welcome to transfer to a Performing Arts Center transport wheelchair in the lobby to gain access to permanent seat locations. Scooters will be stored in the lobbies.
Assistive Listening Devices: Sound from the stage is broadcast directly to you by our in-house listening system (Listen Technologies LR-52000-072). This system has a standard 3.5mm output jack, so you can use your own headset or one of our stereo headsets. A limited number of T-coil compatible loop lanyards are also available. Listening devices are kept at the House Manager's station in the lobby prior to and during-3 performances. This service is free of charge, however a deposit or ID is required.
Braille or Large Print: Programs are available if requested at least 3 weeks prior to the event.