Photo by Spencer Thornton. View the Night Air Show photo gallery here.

With a fading deep blue sky as their canvas, an all-star cast of air show performers dazzled onlookers in a stunning display of precision pilotage and pyrotechnics.

Kicking off the show was the AeroShell Aerobatic Team with their synchronized flight routine that looked more impressive than ever amid the dark, vacant sky. The four T-6s appeared as one as their tail and wing lights clustered together during approach, and the emissions of the planes were accentuated by the one another's luminescence, creating a unique effect otherwise undetectable in the daytime.

Following the opening act was Bob Davis in his Sukhoi, Gene Soucy in his Showcat biplane, Bob Carlton in his jet sailplane, and Matt Younkin in his famous Twin Beech. Armed with an impressive array of strobe lights and pyrotechnics, each plane illuminated the night sky and evoked plenty of "oohs" and "ahhs" from the crowd. A spectacular display of fireworks concluded the air show and ended with a Hollywood-esque explosion known to many as the "Wall of Fire."

“We’ve had overwhelming positive feedback on the night air show. It was one of those occasions when everything came together to create a very special moment - the crowd, the weather, fireworks and amazing performers combined to create an atmosphere that was simply electric.” said EAA Vice President of Membership Adam Smith.

“We will definitely be doing a night air show again. With the first year’s experience under our belt we have identified some room for improvements and look forward to coming back even better in 2011.”

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2011 takes place July 25-31, 2011.