BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Typically, WLVR’s Brad Klein reviews upcoming astronomical highlights with Bethlehem’s "Backyard Astronomy Guy," Marty McGuire.
But this week, he spoke with Lauren McChesney, co-owner of Shankweiler's Drive-In in Orefield with her partner, Matthew McClanahan.
On Tuesday, June 17, the drive-in will host Klein and McGuire for Watching the Skies' first live event. And they will screen (also for the first time) a presentation by Bethlehem’s "Backyard Astronomer" about his favorite planet, Mars.
The red planet has been the theme of many a drive-in movie favorite. Both McChesney and Klein cited the 1976 comedy sci-fi movie "Mars Attacks" as a favorite of that genre.
But the featured movie on Tuesday at Shankweiler’s will be 1985’s "Explorers," starring a much-younger Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix.
The feature film and Mars presentation are part of the drive-in’s Retro Tuesdays series.
“It's an opportunity for us to show older classics, family favorites, things like that during the week,” says McChesney.
The films begin at 9 p.m. but the Watching the Skies guys will arrive soon after gates open at 7 p.m. to meet listeners, pass out some free souvenirs from NASA, and point out the "evening star," which should be visible in the hour before the movies start, if skies are clear.
LINK: TICKETS FOR SHANKWEILER’S/WLVR June 17 event
https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/shankweilers-3/explorers-1985