Living Daylights

In most parts of this planet, the arrival of the day of the year when the sun is out the longest is a cause for celebration. Here in Arizona, though, the Summer Solstice usually means nothing other than a few more minutes of punishing heat before evening cools things off...

By M.V. Moorhead

June 17, 1999

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In most parts of this planet, the arrival of the day of the year when the sun is out the longest is a cause for celebration. Here in Arizona, though, the Summer Solstice usually means nothing other than a few more minutes of punishing heat before evening cools things off to merely excruciating heat. One hates to sound ungrateful in a summer that has been, at least up to this writing, uncommonly temperate, so those who do wish to offer thanks may want to check out the Summer Solstice Celebration from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 21, in the Fifth Floor Reading Room of the Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 North Central.

The guests and diversions at this shindig for the sun's northernmost jaunt above the celestial equator include:

Robert Tree Cody--The well-known Native American flutist who played at Barry Goldwater's funeral--and the grandson of the late actor Iron Eyes Cody, from the "Keep America Beautiful" PSA campaign--performs a concert at noon.

Will Bruder--The library's architect officially welcomes the season at 12:49 p.m.

Paolo Soleri--The Fourth Floor Soleri Bell Assembly will ring, and refreshments will be served, to commemorate the 80th birthday of Arcosanti architect at 1 p.m.

Signings--The various guests will sign their respective books, CDs and broadsides from 1 to 2 p.m. All of these goodies, along with commemorative Soleri bells, will be sold at the event, with proceeds benefiting the library. A special commemorative broadside in honor of Soleri will be printed on a Washington hand press from 1 to 3 p.m.

Lynn Andrews--The author of Medicine Woman will speak about the rites of solstice and hold a meditation from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Fourth Floor Lecture Room. A book signing will follow the talk.

All of these events are free. Call 602-534-0603 for more information.

--M. V. Moorhead

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