“And what is so rare as a day in June?” is the first line of a poem by James Russell Lowell, a quote that my father would say every time June rolled around.
He was referring to the gorgeous new green of the landscape, the blossoming of rhododendron and azaleas and the warm beautiful weather. This quote came to mind when I started to write this column about all of the events at the Dietrich in June. How wonderful it is to have so much happening — right here in historic downtown Tunkhannock.
On Wednesday, June 5, at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., we are partnering with Rainbow Alliance for the showing of the film Milk - a Pride Movie Event. Milk is a 2008 biopic based on the life of gay rights activist, Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Starring Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, the showings are free, providing resource tables before and after the showings and free small soda and popcorn. You are invited to share in the first Pride event at the Dietrich and we are so proud to host it.
Have you stopped to read the historical marker at the corner of Tioga and Warren Streets in downtown Tunkhannock? It commemorates Sullivan’s March, the military march to destroy at least 60 villages of the native Americans, mostly Haudenosaunee. Do the 250 markers along the way tell the same story that is told at Haudenosaunee cultural centers? Is it their oral history? Come to the free presentation Comparing Sullivan Stories: Historical Markers vs. Haudenosaunee Accounts by Dr. Andrea Smith of Lafayette College on Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m. and find out how their stories differ.
A rare film event celebrates the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, the showing of all three movies from June 8 to June 10. See one or two or all three. $8.50 for single tickets. Or take advantage of the bundle price of all three for $21.00. The Fellowship of the Ring is on Saturday, June 8, at 4 p.m.; The Two Towers is on Sunday, June 9 at 4 p.m.; and The Return of the King is on Monday, June 10 at 7 p.m. Come celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece, beginning with a shy young hobbit who inherits a simple gold ring.
June is always special at the Dietrich when classical guitarist Jay Steveskey returns to celebrate Classical Guitar Music of the Americas and Spain on Sunday, June 9, at 3 p.m., sponsored by John Keker in memory of Jessie Reppy Keker. The free concert will feature music from the Spanish Romantic Period through the 20th century Brazilian Bossa.
Nova and contemporary composers of North and South America. Jay Steveskey has graced our stage for almost 20 years and we are so grateful for his artistry.
And for our Juneteenth Movie Event, WVIA will return with Becoming Frederick Douglass, a free showing of the film and a presentation about Frederick’s visit to Scranton with E.J. Murphy, historian and Program Manager of Destination Freedom: Underground Walking Tour of Waverley at the Waverley Community House. Frederick Douglass, who was born a slave, became a prominent statesman in American history. Come and find out his connection to our area. For reservations for this event or any of the June events call the Dietrich at the number in the first paragraph.
Next week this column will feature all of the events we will offer on Founders Day in Tunkhannock, including Shakespeare in the Park on Saturday, June 22, at 7 p.m. In the meantime let us help you celebrate our history in so many ways – our radio play history, our cultural history, our musical history. We have so much to celebrate. A rare history, indeed.
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