Welcome to ON THIS DAY! Each day, we'll look at a few moments from history and popular culture. We'll show you where you can rediscover classic movies and music, or read more about great moments in history. We'll point you to e-books, downloadable and streamable music and film, and e-audio; and of course, we haven't forgotten about physical books or DVDs.

	On this day in 1925, Dick Van Dyke was born. Van Dyke got his first starring role on Broadway in Bye Bye Birdie, despite having no professional dance experience; he learned quickly enough to win a TonyAward for the role. He went on to star in The Dick Van Dyke Show, one of television's classic sitcoms. He continues to act in TV and films, and to perform with his a cappella quartet, the Vantastix. The 1960 original cast recording of Bye Bye Birdie is available for streaming at Hoopla.
	On this day in 1928, George Gershwin's An American in Paris was given its premiere by the New York Philharmonic. The piece, which Gershwin called a "rhapsodic ballet," is meant to depict the reactions of an American visiting Paris -- enchantment on a stroll through the city, a brief bout of homesickness, and a return to the lively street sounds of Paris. The premiere audience received the piece well, though some critics found it too lightweight for a serious orchestral concert. The Boston Pops' performance of An American in Paris is available for streaming or download at Freegal.
	And on this day in 1954, Tamora Pierce was born. Pierce writes fantasy fiction for young adults, usually focused on young heroines. Most of her books are set in the same fictional universe, which is something like the Middle Ages -- knights and nobility and quests -- with the addition of magic and powerful deities who involve themselves in human affairs. Pierce's 2003 novel, Trickster's Choice, tells the story of a young woman who is captured by pirates and winds up leading a political rebellion; it's available as an e-book or e-audio from OverDrive, and in print.