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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260302T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260302T100000
DTSTAMP:20260606T093115
CREATED:20260101T211702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260101T211702Z
UID:14624-1772442000-1772445600@barrybradford.com
SUMMARY:Bobby Darin: A Brilliant Career Cut Short
DESCRIPTION:With the debut of the new Broadway musical Just in Time on April 23\, 2025\, American music is experiencing a joyful revival of one of its most dynamic stars\, Bobby Darin. The show has introduced a whole new audience to his brilliance\, reminding us why songs like Mack the Knife\, Beyond the Sea\, and Splish Splash continue to sparkle with energy and charm. \nBobby Darin’s story is one of constant reinvention. He effortlessly moved from his days as a songwriter at the Brill Building to rock ’n’ roll teen idol to sophisticated nightclub crooner\, from pop to folk to film. Darin’s career was tragically short—he died at just 37—but in that brief time\, he left a mark that rivals artists who lived twice as long. His ability to reinvent himself musically and to captivate audiences with both showmanship and sincerity remains the essence of his legacy. \nThis program will celebrate Darin’s extraordinary life and music through rare clips\, behind-the-scenes stories\, and timeless recordings. We’ll also touch briefly on how Just in Time\, featuring a celebrated performance by Jonathan Groff\, is reintroducing Darin’s magic to a new generation. But the heart of our journey is Bobby Darin himself—the dazzling\, restless\, unforgettable performer who continues to inspire long after his curtain call. \n 
URL:https://barrybradford.com/schedules/bobby-darin-a-brilliant-career-cut-short-6/
LOCATION:Private Venue
CATEGORIES:Cultural History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://barrybradford.com/wp-content/uploads/Legendary-Bobby-DRIN.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260303T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260303T200000
DTSTAMP:20260606T093115
CREATED:20260227T034731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T034731Z
UID:14717-1772562600-1772568000@barrybradford.com
SUMMARY:1926 Time Capsule - America 100 Years Ago
DESCRIPTION:What was happening in America exactly 100 years ago? \nIn this annual installment of the popular Time Capsule series\, historian Barry Bradford transports audiences back to 1926— the roaring heart of the Jazz Age. \nIt was a year of glamour and growth — but also of breakthroughs and storms. \nIn 1926: \n• Robert Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket\, quietly opening the door to the Space Age.• Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel\, stunning the world and returning home to a ticker-tape parade.• The devastating Great Miami Hurricane exposed the fragility of Florida’s booming real estate market.• Henry Ford helped reshape American labor by instituting the 40-hour work week. \nMeanwhile: \n• Queen Elizabeth II\, Marilyn Monroe\, and Dick Van Dyke were born. \n\n\n\n\n• America lost Harry Houdini\, Annie Oakley\, and Robert Todd Lincoln.• George Gershwin was composing music that would define American sound.• The Chicago American Giants of the Negro Leagues won a dramatic World Series championship. \nThrough news headlines\, sports\, music\, film\, and cultural milestones\, this richly illustrated multimedia program brings 1926 to life — and places it in context. \nWhat did Americans believe about their future? How much did consumer items cost? What signs of change were already there? \nStep inside the Time Capsule and experience 1926 as if you were there. \nCOST\nThe program is available for a minimum contribution of $5.00\, which helps support my work and allows me to continue offering engaging content. \nPAYMENT OPTIONS \nCash/Check\nPayable to: Barry Bradford\nMail to:\nBarry Bradford\nP.O. Box #177\nDeerfield\, IL 60015\nPlease write 1926 in the subject line. \nPayPal\nPay securely via PayPal:\n\n(Please note: PayPal deducts 10% of your donation as a fee. I receive $4.50 per $5.00 donation.) \nVenmo\nSend to: @B-Bradford-1\nPlease include 1926 in the note. \nZelle\nUse the email address: Barry1776@ATT.NET\nInclude 1926 in the note. \nWAIVER OPTION\nIf you cannot afford to pay or feel my programs aren’t worth $5.00\, you are welcome to attend for free or contribute less. Just email me to request a waiver—no questions asked! This one-time request will cover all future programs. I completely understand the challenges of living on a tight budget and offer this with compassion. \nREGISTRATION LINK\nClick Here to Register \nDIDN’T RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK?\nIf you don’t receive a confirmation email after registering\, it means your sign-up wasn’t completed. Be sure to: \n\nCheck your spam folder for the confirmation email.\nSave the confirmation email once you find it.\n\nIf you still can’t locate the email\, return to the website and register again. Unfortunately\, I am unable to manually send you the link\, as it is generated directly by Zoom. \n 
URL:https://barrybradford.com/schedules/1926-time-capsule-america-100-years-ago/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:American History,Chicago History,Cultural History,Economic History,Legal History,Political History,Sports History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://barrybradford.com/wp-content/uploads/960_4858_853_763.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260304T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260304T143000
DTSTAMP:20260606T093115
CREATED:20251029T205021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T043155Z
UID:14441-1772629200-1772634600@barrybradford.com
SUMMARY:TV By The Decades: Television in the 1960s
DESCRIPTION:TV in the 1960s\nThe 1960s were definitely one of TV’s oddest decades! The 1960s began with Westerns dominating the ratings! The old West soap opera Bonanza became the most popular show on the air. One after another competing show was vanquished by the old-time sensibilities of an old-fashioned Western. \nAll you really need to know about the diverse nature of TV in the 1960s is found in the answer to the question: “What show finally was able to compete with Bonanza in the ratings?” The answer was a liberal\, modern\, and very controversial challenger: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. This bastion of the hip\, cutting edge liberal comedy gave young viewers quite a stark alternative to the Ponderosa! (Trivia! Bonanza\, like Dragnet\, had their stars wear the exact same clothes every week. It saved money on costumes and allowed the producers to reuse old shots from previous episodes! \nSo the 1960s were the era of Gunsmoke and Wagon Train\, Gilligan’s Island and The Beverly Hillbillies and Laugh-In and The Smothers Brothers! We will talk about how TV grew and changed as viewers who had enjoyed Combat began tuning in to Hogan’s Heroes. You won’t want to miss this fast-paced multimedia presentation! \nIN THE COMMENTS BELOW – LIST YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW OF THE 1960s! \nNOTE: The cost to attend is $10. You do not need to register in advance – just show up and enjoy the show after paying. Coffee and dessert are provided for free! \n 
URL:https://barrybradford.com/schedules/tv-by-the-decades-television-in-the-1960s-3/
LOCATION:Glenview Senior Center\, 2400 Chestnut Ave\, Glenview\, IL\, United States
CATEGORIES:Cultural History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://barrybradford.com/wp-content/uploads/Dick-Van-Dyke-Show.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260310T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260310T200000
DTSTAMP:20260606T093115
CREATED:20251025T154716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251025T154716Z
UID:14409-1773169200-1773172800@barrybradford.com
SUMMARY:History Vs. the Movies: Mississippi Burning
DESCRIPTION: History Vs. the Movies: Mississippi Burning\nMississippi Burning: The Civil Rights Era is one of the most exciting\, important\, and electrifying eras in American history. \nIt had everything from a cinematic standpoint: dynamic lead characters\, powerful and determined villains\, mystery\, mood\, motivation\, and manipulation. Nonetheless\, movies about the era have generally not been hits\, and despite the hype about Selma\, no great masterpiece of filmmaking has yet emerged. “Mississippi Burning”  is a brilliant film but utter nonsense from a historical point of view. “Selma” is a maddening jumble. In its sections on Martin Luther King\, it is extraordinary. In its sections on Lyndon Johnson\, it is entirely misleading. “Ghosts of Mississippi” is an earnest and well-made film about the trial of the murderer of Medgar Evers. However\, unless you already knew quite a bit about Medgar Evers\, you would leave the film wondering who exactly he was. \nSome of the best films about the Civil Rights Movement have been made-for-TV films. Clark Johnson directed “Boycott”  for HBO\, and it combines arresting visuals with superb acting. The Rosa Parks made-for-TV movie was likewise excellent. Spike Lee directed an outstanding documentary\, “Four Little Girls.”  But so far\, a genuine cinematic masterpiece about the Civil Rights Era has eluded filmmakers. \nThis fast-moving and thought-provoking multimedia presentation will look at clips from some films about the Civil Rights Movement.   Our particular focus will be on “Mississippi Burning.” Using inside stories\, personal anecdotes\, and a clear timeline\, we will see how this brilliantly made film distorted history and changed America’s perceptions about the Movement. \nCheck this out: in “Mississippi Burning\,”  the FBI gets an invaluable ship to find where the bodies are buried. The screenwriter and director had to fictionalize where the tip came from. That is because the mystery informant had never been revealed. Working with the brilliant investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell\, I was able to help figure out where the tip had come from – Jerry uncovered the identity of the mysterious “Mr. X.” Click here to find out who he was! \n. 
URL:https://barrybradford.com/schedules/history-vs-the-movies-mississippi-burning-7/
LOCATION:Private Venue
CATEGORIES:American History,Civil Rights,Cultural History,Political History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://barrybradford.com/wp-content/uploads/large_uSukdUQwx0l4rRuMXNqugR1tu4n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260311T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260311T203000
DTSTAMP:20260606T093115
CREATED:20260309T172423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T172638Z
UID:14739-1773255600-1773261000@barrybradford.com
SUMMARY:Best Movies Directed By Women
DESCRIPTION:FREE\, LIVE\, and IN-PERSON!!! \nREGISTRATION LINK\nFrom 1929 to 2024\, 601 movies were nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. Of those\, 22 were directed by women. In this exciting\, brand-new two-part multimedia presentation\, we will examine all 22 fantastic Oscar-nominated best movies directed by women. \nFrom Penny Marshall and Barbra Streisand to Greta Gerwig and Kathryn Bigelow\, women have directed films that have inspired\, entertained\, or challenged us. Some of the movies are intimate dramas; others are sprawling epics. \nAmong the diverse and fascinating films we’ll examine: \nAnatomy of a Fall \nAwakenings \nChildren Of A Lesser God \nThe Hurt Locker \nLost In Translation \nPromising Young Woman \nZero Dark Thirty \nWe will watch fabulous film clips and hear amazing behind-the-scenes stories of the productions\, and examine each film’s cultural significance. The films are presented chronologically. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://barrybradford.com/schedules/best-movies-directed-by-women-3/
LOCATION:Fremont Public Library\, 1170 N. Midlothian Road\, Mundelein\, IL\, United States
CATEGORIES:Cultural History,Women's History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://barrybradford.com/wp-content/uploads/Kathryn-Bigelow-Oscar.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260312T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260312T143000
DTSTAMP:20260606T093115
CREATED:20251025T152916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251025T152916Z
UID:14403-1773320400-1773325800@barrybradford.com
SUMMARY:The Beach Boys: America’s Band and Their Timeless Sound
DESCRIPTION:With Brian Wilson’s death on June 11\, 2025\, American music lost one of its most dynamic and original creators. As co-founder of the Beach Boys\, Wilson was the musical genius behind the California sound\, melding lush harmonies\, inventive arrangements\, and emotional depth into pop music in ways few have ever done. From iconic early hits like Surfin’ U.S.A. to masterpieces like Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations\, his work continues to inspire musicians across genres. \nThe Beach Boys created an unmistakably American sound — sunny\, inventive\, and layered with harmonies that captured the spirit of an era. Emerging from Southern California in the early 1960s\, they became the soundtrack of surfboards\, convertibles\, and endless summers. \nYet their music was far more sophisticated than it first appeared. Brian Wilson\, their creative force\, blended rock\, jazz\, and classical influences to craft songs that still feel fresh decades later. \nThe Beach Boys constantly pushed boundaries from early hits like Surfin’ U.S.A. and California Girls to the groundbreaking Pet Sounds album and the iconic Good Vibrations. Their work influenced everyone from the Beatles to today’s indie bands. Behind the catchy tunes were stories of sibling rivalries\, innovation in the studio\, and the complicated personal struggles that shaped their artistry. \nThis fascinating multimedia program traces the history of the Beach Boys — from their modest beginnings in Hawthorne\, California\, to their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. \nWith fabulous music clips\, rare behind-the-scenes stories\, and fascinating cultural context\, we’ll rediscover why the Beach Boys remain one of American music history’s most important and beloved groups. \nWhether you grew up with their records or are hearing them with new ears\, their story is as moving as their melodies. \n 
URL:https://barrybradford.com/schedules/the-beach-boys-americas-band-and-their-timeless-sound-2/
LOCATION:Oak Brook Senior Center\, 1450 Forest Gate Road\, Oak Brook\, IL\, 60523\, United States
CATEGORIES:Cultural History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://barrybradford.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Beach-Boys.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260317T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260317T200000
DTSTAMP:20260606T093115
CREATED:20260309T164357Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T175719Z
UID:14731-1773772200-1773777600@barrybradford.com
SUMMARY:1951 Time Capsule
DESCRIPTION:Step back into one of the most fascinating years of the twentieth century! In this engaging presentation\, award-winning historian and speaker Barry Bradford takes audiences on a journey back to 1951\, a year filled with unforgettable headlines\, groundbreaking inventions\, and iconic entertainment. \nTogether\, we will explore the biggest news stories shaping the world\, from Cold War tensions and the Korean War to the opening of the United Nations headquarters and the adoption of the constitutional amendment limiting presidents to two terms. \nWe will also meet some of the famous people born that year—including Robin Williams\, Billy Joel\, Mark Hamill\, and Sting—and revisit the movies\, music\, and cultural moments that defined the era. \nAlong the way\, audiences will discover how innovations such as the first commercial computer and the earliest credit cards began quietly reshaping modern life. \nWarm\, entertaining\, dramatic\, and filled with surprising stories\, Time Capsule: 1951 brings the past vividly back to life and reminds us just how much the world has changed—and how much still feels familiar. \nPerfect for libraries\, senior centers\, and lifelong learning groups. \nCOST\nThe program is available for a minimum contribution of $5.00\, which helps support my work and allows me to continue offering engaging content. \nPAYMENT OPTIONS \nCash/Check\nPayable to: Barry Bradford\nMail to:\nBarry Bradford\nP.O. Box #177\nDeerfield\, IL 60015\nPlease write 1951 in the subject line. \nPayPal\nPay securely via PayPal:\n\n(Please note: PayPal deducts 10% of your donation as a fee. I receive $4.50 per $5.00 donation.) \nVenmo\nSend to: @B-Bradford-1\nPlease include 1951 in the note. \nZelle\nUse the email address: Barry1776@ATT.NET\nInclude 1951 in the note. \nWAIVER OPTION\nIf you cannot afford to pay or feel my programs aren’t worth $5.00\, you are welcome to attend for free or contribute less. Just email me to request a waiver—no questions asked! This one-time request will cover all future programs. I completely understand the challenges of living on a tight budget and offer this with compassion. \nREGISTRATION LINK\nClick Here to Register \nDIDN’T RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK?\nIf you don’t receive a confirmation email after registering\, it means your sign-up wasn’t completed. Be sure to: \n\nCheck your spam folder for the confirmation email.\nSave the confirmation email once you find it.\n\nIf you still can’t locate the email\, return to the website and register again. Unfortunately\, I am unable to manually send you the link\, as it is generated directly by Zoom. \n 
URL:https://barrybradford.com/schedules/1951-time-capsule/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:American History,Chicago History,Civil Rights,Cultural History,Economic History,Legal History,Military History,Political History,Sports History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://barrybradford.com/wp-content/uploads/1951-Flashback.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T130000
DTSTAMP:20260606T093115
CREATED:20260319T190707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T230402Z
UID:14744-1774443600-1774443600@barrybradford.com
SUMMARY:The Musicals of Lerner & Loewe – From Brigadoon to Camelot
DESCRIPTION:Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe created some of the most beloved musicals of Broadway’s Golden Age — Brigadoon\, My Fair Lady\, Camelot\, Paint Your Wagon\, and Gigi. Together\, the lyricist and composer combined witty\, literate lyrics with lush\, unforgettable melodies to produce shows that still captivate audiences decades later. Their musicals earned Tony Awards\, Oscars\, and a permanent place in the American songbook. \nIn this fast-paced multimedia presentation\, we’ll explore the fascinating story of their partnership — from their very different backgrounds to the creative chemistry that brought their shows to life. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes stories of how each show was developed\, the casting decisions that shaped their success\, and the backstage dramas that sometimes threatened to derail them. We’ll also enjoy memorable video clips of their most iconic songs\, performed by Broadway legends and exciting modern talents. \nAlong the way\, we’ll look at why their work has endured\, how their musicals reflected the times in which they were written\, and why revivals continue to find new audiences. \nThe administration of John F. Kennedy will forever be connected in the public mind with the brilliant Lerner and Loewe musical\, Camelot \nWhether you’re a lifelong theatre lover or just discovering Lerner & Loewe for the first time\, this program offers a rich blend of history\, music\, and theatrical magic. \nBONUS! CLICK HERE to read a hilarious anecdote about how the great Mary Martin completely misjudged one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time!
URL:https://barrybradford.com/schedules/the-musicals-of-lerner-loewe-from-brigadoon-to-camelot-4/
LOCATION:Northbrook Senior Center\, 3323 Walters Ave\, Northbrook\, United States
CATEGORIES:Cultural History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://barrybradford.com/wp-content/uploads/My-Fair-Lady.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T203000
DTSTAMP:20260606T093115
CREATED:20260211T030358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T030358Z
UID:14685-1774551600-1774557000@barrybradford.com
SUMMARY:Bobby Darin: A Brilliant Career Cut Short
DESCRIPTION:With the debut of the new Broadway musical Just in Time on April 23\, 2025\, American music is experiencing a joyful revival of one of its most dynamic stars\, Bobby Darin. The show has introduced a whole new audience to his brilliance\, reminding us why songs like Mack the Knife\, Beyond the Sea\, and Splish Splash continue to sparkle with energy and charm. \nBobby Darin’s story is one of constant reinvention. He effortlessly moved from his days as a songwriter at the Brill Building to rock ’n’ roll teen idol to sophisticated nightclub crooner\, from pop to folk to film. Darin’s career was tragically short—he died at just 37—but in that brief time\, he left a mark that rivals artists who lived twice as long. His ability to reinvent himself musically and to captivate audiences with both showmanship and sincerity remains the essence of his legacy. \nThis program will celebrate Darin’s extraordinary life and music through rare clips\, behind-the-scenes stories\, and timeless recordings. We’ll also touch briefly on how Just in Time\, featuring a celebrated performance by Jonathan Groff\, is reintroducing Darin’s magic to a new generation. But the heart of our journey is Bobby Darin himself—the dazzling\, restless\, unforgettable performer who continues to inspire long after his curtain call. \n 
URL:https://barrybradford.com/schedules/bobby-darin-a-brilliant-career-cut-short-7/
LOCATION:Private Venue
CATEGORIES:Cultural History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://barrybradford.com/wp-content/uploads/Legendary-Bobby-DRIN.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260330T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260330T150000
DTSTAMP:20260606T093115
CREATED:20260211T161617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T165630Z
UID:14687-1774879200-1774882800@barrybradford.com
SUMMARY:Author Talk - Bobbi Blend Book Club
DESCRIPTION:📚 Author Visit: The Bobbi Blend\nYou are receiving this notice because I will be joining a book club for a complimentary author discussion of my novel\, The Bobbi Blend. \nI am delighted to speak with readers about the inspiration behind the story\, the characters\, the themes of family and healing\, and to answer your questions about the writing process. \nIf you would like me to visit your book club (virtually or in person)\, please email me directly to arrange a date. \nFor more information about the book — including ordering links\, discussion materials\, and background — please visit:www.thebobbibooks.com \n\nAbout the Novel\nDr. Bobbi Wyatt is a brilliant neurologist and devoted single mother living in New York City. She has built a full and meaningful life for herself and her eleven-year-old daughter — grounded in family\, friendship\, and purpose. She is not searching for romance; she is content with the life she has created. \nOne afternoon\, while standing in an art gallery\, Bobbi wanders in — and a painting unexpectedly transports her emotionally into another place and time. When she turns\, a man is standing beside her. The connection is immediate and inexplicable. \nThat man is BR Bradford — a globally famous billionaire composer\, philanthropist\, and single father raising his five-year-old adopted daughter. Though admired by millions\, BR has quietly carried trauma and depression while striving to live ethically and give back to the world. Meeting Bobbi is not a rescue — it is a revelation. \nWhat follows is a refreshing love story that gently overturns common romance tropes. Bobbi does not need saving. She owns her home\, her career\, and her independence. Instead\, the novel focuses on two accomplished adults choosing love — carefully\, thoughtfully — while blending their families and healing from the past. \nRather than relying on dramatic heartbreak or sensational twists\, The Bobbi Blend offers something rarer: a hopeful\, emotionally intelligent story about partnership\, parenting\, resilience\, and love that grows stronger with intention. \n\nA Reader Review\n“SR Bradford challenges the expected romance formula in this heartfelt story. Instead of waiting for disaster to strike\, readers are invited into a tender\, grounded love story about two people healing and building a life together. The emphasis on family\, patience\, and emotional growth makes this novel feel genuine and uplifting. A warm\, slice-of-life romance that leaves you feeling hopeful.”
URL:https://barrybradford.com/schedules/author-talk-bobbi-blend-book-club/
LOCATION:Private Venue
CATEGORIES:Cultural History
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR