Editor’s note: This week’s column was written by Dietrich Theater Program Director Margie Young. Erica Rogler will return next week.

Have you seen another transformation at the Dietrich Theater? In 2001, the theater reopened as a movie theater and cultural center. In 2009, it expanded from a two-theater movie theater into a four-theater one with a new lobby, gallery, and children’s room. In 2016, you can witness a new outside transformation.

A rain garden has been created at the back of the theater, transforming the space.

Why a rain garden? Well, all the rainwater from the original building has been funneled to the back parking lot. Now it will be funneled to a garden that is watered by the rain run-off from the theater roof. Soon you will be invited to an unveiling celebration, when you can see how a solution to a problem has created something beautiful and environmentally sound.

We would like to thank our friends at Williams for making the rain garden possible.

All bluegrass fans should mark their calendars for the free Hickory Project Live in Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28. Anthony Hannigan, concert organizer, is the 1999 National Mandolin Champion, but he also sings and plays the guitar, banjo and fiddle. He has been involved with music from the age of 4 and has recorded and performed with major artists. According to Anthony, his influences range from Bill Monroe, Charlie Parker, Van Halen, Monk, to Vassar Clements.

Hickory Project has performed many times at the Dietrich for packed audiences. We are delighted to welcome these musicians again and you are invited.

All lovers and supporters of Old Lynn Church Concerts and all lovers of folk music will be happy to know that many of the musicians you love will be together on the Dietrich stage for the Gathering of Singer/Songwriters at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14.

We are pleased to welcome back singer/songwriters Lorne Clark, Tom Flannery, Josh Pratt, and Eddie Appnel. Lorne is the local go-to person to find the best talent in folk music and he has not disappointed. Some people come to not only hear the latest and favorite songs of Lorne and Tom Flannery, but also to laugh at their constant nudging, but friendly digs to one another. Eddie Appnel adds to the mix with his background with the Pittston based rock group Mere Mortals, especially remembered for their song Unreal played thousands of times locally on the radio. And Josh Pratt is known for his engaging, often wistful songs, some of them set in towns in our area. Josh is a “brilliant performer and songwriter without peer,” says Lorne.

Finally, here is the list of films scheduled for the Fall Film Festival 2016, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 16 through Thursday, Oct. 6: Opening night gala films are “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” and “Captain Fantastic,” with tickets now available. The additional films are “St. Peter’s and the Basilicas of Rome,” “The Music of Strangers,” “Café Society,” “Absolutely Fabulous,” “Diary of a Chambermaid,” “Genius, Life Animated,” “My Love,” “Don’t Cross That River,” “Weiner,” “Fireworks Wednesday,” “Maggie’s Plan,” “Equity,” “Indignation,” “The Messenger,” “Sunset Song,” “Little Men,” “The Witness,” and “Viva.”

Google them and see the trailers and get ready for the best fall film festival yet.

And don’t forget to make your opening night gala reservations by calling 570-996-1500. Hors d’oeuvres by Twigs, the Fireplace Restaurant, Ma Greenley’s, and Epicurean Delight. Wine and beer from Nimble Hill. Dessert by Epicurean Delight. What a night! Don’t miss it.

A beautiful rain garden, two concerts with master musicians, a fall film festival for three weeks of the best foreign and independent movies. So many reasons to come to the Dietrich in the next few weeks.

We hope to see you soon, and often.

http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_AJ_Dietrich_Erica_Rogler-Copy-2.jpg.optimal.jpg

Young
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_AJ-Dietrich-Margie-Young-MUG.jpg.optimal.jpgYoung

More Than Movies

Erica Rogler

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or news@s24528.p831.sites.pressdns.com.