Shaking the hands of the musicians after the Mother’s Day concert at the Dietrich Theater, an impressed 7-year-old complimented them by saying “Good job.” The Madison String Quartet was a big hit for young and old alike, starting out with a Musical Journey to teach everyone about low notes and high notes, how to create a mood with music, and the difference between plucking or using the bow. Children were invited to go up on stage to conduct the musicians, who carefully followed their directions.

The second half of the concert was dedicated to mothers and motherlands with new music, including the piece by Icli Zitella called “The Survivor, Nostalgia.” Even though unfamiliar, the quartet played the pieces to make them easily accessible to all. This is the goal of the Madison String Quartet — to encourage everyone to embrace classical music.

Enhancing the special day was the concurring exhibit of paintings by Ben Hastings in the gallery leading to the reception. It is hard to walk by them without stopping to take in all of the colors, techniques, and details that draw you into his distinctive work that is on display at the Dietrich through May.

If you missed this concert, you do not have to wait very long for another opportunity. Our good friend, classical guitarist Jay Steveskey returns for a free concert, donations accepted, at the Dietrich on Sunday, June 9 at 3 p.m. for “Classical Guitar Plays Spain, South America, the Movies and More.” Jay has a dedicated following that grows every year. This concert is sponsored by John Keker in memory of Jessie Reppy Keker because Jessie was a great fan of Jay’s artistry. Tickets are available at the door. For reservations, call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500.

Memorial Day is coming up and the best way to honor our veterans is to listen to their stories. Open Mic is an opportunity to do just that. The Dietrich Tunkhannock Veterans Group will be the featured performers at Open Mic on Friday, May 24 at 7 p.m. Come hear original works read by the veterans themselves. All are welcome to this free Open Mic, starting out with those who wish to share their talents with an audience.

Finally, our Golden Days of Radio Players are hard at work to bring another special show to you on Tuesday, June 4 at 7 p.m., a free show with a celebratory cake at the reception following the performance. Three plays from the 1940s and 1950s: an episode from “My Friend Irma” an episode from “Father Knows Best” and an episode from “Dragnet.” Come and get swept away in the “theatre of the mind,” complete with sound effects and actors in period dress. Let your mind go back to simpler times. You can even close your eyes, engaging your imagination. Tickets are available at the door or can be reserved by calling 570-996-1500.

We are hoping one of these programs will bring you to the Dietrich Theater. Or perhaps it will be a class or a movie. Just remember – we do it all for you.

The Golden Age of Radio Players, from left, Charlie Cino, Liz Winski, Owen Frazier, Vicki Novajosky, June Lybolt and Steve Wilber in rehearsal for June 4 performance at the Dietrich.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Radio-players.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Golden Age of Radio Players, from left, Charlie Cino, Liz Winski, Owen Frazier, Vicki Novajosky, June Lybolt and Steve Wilber in rehearsal for June 4 performance at the Dietrich. Submitted photo

Young
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Margie-Young-1.jpg.optimal.jpgYoungSubmitted photo

More than

the Movies

Margie Young

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-991-6405 or by email at news@theabingtonjournal.com.