Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.

  • 1926 Time Capsule – America 100 Years Ago

    Zoom

    What was happening in America exactly 100 years ago? In this annual installment of the popular Time Capsule series, historian Barry Bradford transports audiences back to 1926— the roaring heart of the Jazz Age. It was a year of glamour … Continue reading

    $5
  • TV By The Decades: Television in the 1960s

    Glenview Senior Center 2400 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL, United States

    TV in the 1960s The 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 … Continue reading

  • History Vs. the Movies: Mississippi Burning

    Private Venue

     History Vs. the Movies: Mississippi Burning Mississippi Burning: The Civil Rights Era is one of the most exciting, important, and electrifying eras in American history. It had everything from a cinematic standpoint: dynamic lead characters, powerful and determined villains, mystery, mood, … Continue reading

  • The Beach Boys: America’s Band and Their Timeless Sound

    Oak Brook Senior Center 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, IL, United States

    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 … Continue reading

    $5
  • Bobby Darin: A Brilliant Career Cut Short

    Private Venue

    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 … Continue reading

  • Author Talk – Bobbi Blend Book Club

    Private Venue

    📚 Author Visit: The Bobbi Blend You are receiving this notice because I will be joining a book club for a complimentary author discussion of my novel, The Bobbi Blend. I am delighted to speak with readers about the inspiration … Continue reading

  • TV In The 1970s

    Glenview Senior Center 2400 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL, United States

    TV IN THE 1970s What was television like during the 1970s? It was the decade of Roots and The Love Boat.  Silly television comedies were everywhere!  The 1970s was the decade of Laverne & Shirley, The Fonz, Mork and Mindy, … Continue reading

  • Mel Brooks

    Private Venue

    Mel Brooks wrote, directed, and starred in some of the funniest movies of all time. He even wrote the music for them! As a TV writer working for the great Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks contributed to perhaps the funniest TV … Continue reading

  • TV in the 1980s

    Glenview Senior Center 2400 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL, United States

    If the 1970s, comedies tented to be the ground breakers and dramas were mostly bland and formulaic.  TV  in the 1980s tended to be quite different. While there were important comedies, most notably  The Cosby Show, Cheers  and The Golden Girls, for … Continue reading

  • The Best Movies Filmed In Chicago

    Rolling Meadows Library 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows, IL, United States

    “Best Movies Shot In Chicago” Chicago and its suburbs have been the setting for some great movies over the years. In this fascinating multimedia presentation, we will examine film clips and hear stories about some of the best movies shot … Continue reading