In the last two weeks, I hope you didn’t miss two amazing concerts on the Dietrich Theater Evans Theater stage.
“They were two of the most outstanding concerts we have ever had,” proudly relates Erica Rogler, executive director.
The 18th Gathering of Singer/Songwriters brought together an extraordinary lineup of musicianship, featuring Lorne Clarke and Tom Flannery, friends for life, and friends of the Dietrich the last 18 years, joined by Brett Alexander and Hannah Bingham, both perfect complements for an evening of original folk music. Lorne extolls Steve Davis, master soundman, who often goes unnoticed, for his expertise.
Especially poignant was the finale, a remembrance of singer/songwriter, George Wesley. All four musicians sang Tom Flannery’s song, originally written for George to perform. The chorus is true to a theme so fitting for George and one the audience and all of us should never forget.
Got to be the change
That you want in this world
Got to be the change
That you want in this world
The very next weekend the internationally celebrated Hickory Project took the stage with a new lineup of bluegrass musicians. Anthony and Jillian Hannigan and Ed Lick were joined by Chris Kearney, formerly with Coal Town Rounders. Anthony’s mandolin, Jillian’s flute, penny whistle, and standing bass, Ed Lick’s banjo, and Chris Kearney’s guitar, along with the vocals of all of them, made for an afternoon that felt like a jam session. Says Erica, “It was an afternoon celebrating the love of music, a universal language.” She especially enjoyed the Bee Gee song – this time with a bluegrass twist.
What is coming up at the Dietrich? In honor of National Recovery Month, the Wyoming County Hope Coalition will host Celebrate Recovery Movie Night. The event will feature “Heroin(e),” a documentary short about three women working on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic in West Virginia. The screening will be followed by a short discussion about recovery in Wyoming County. The evening will conclude with the viewing of the 1985 film “The Goonies.” Admission, popcorn and soda, are free, thanks to Wyoming County C.A.R.E.S. All are invited.
Also coming up are two hikes, held in conjunction with the release of the Wyoming County Parks and Trails brochure which showcases the abundant natural resources and beautiful places to hike, bike, camp, picnic, hunt and fish, birdwatch, kayak, and explore in Wyoming County, available for pick-up at the Dietrich or the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau. The first hike is the Endless Mountains Nature Center Tour and Nature Walk, a family-friendly hike, led by Rebecca Lesko, at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8. Admission is free.
The second hike is on Sunday, Sept. 30 at State Game Lands 57, led by Jeff Mitchell, requiring average fitness and endurance. Jeff has described this area as deserving of national park status, because it has so many stunning features. To register for either hike, call 570-996-1500.
Have we seen you at the Dietrich lately? Four movie screens. And so many other events and classes. Check us out at www.dietrichtheater.com. Or better yet – come visit us in person. We really want to see you. Soon. And often.
