Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.
Cultural History
Events
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Mel Brooks
Private VenueMel 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
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TV in the 1980s
Glenview Senior Center 2400 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL, United StatesIf 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
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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
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The Beach Boys: America’s Band and Their Timeless Sound
Private VenueWith 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
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TV In The 1990s
Glenview Senior Center 2400 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL, United StatesThe 1990s were a transformative decade in American TV.. Simply, the sheer number of programs on TV in the 1990s grew exponentially. This was due to the arrival of cable TV networks, like HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and other channels offering … Continue reading
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Carl Reiner
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, United StatesCarl Reiner was one of the funniest men ever to appear, write for, or direct a TV episode! At 97, he was the oldest celebrity active on Twitter - and never contemplating retiring from show business! Join me for a … Continue reading
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Television In The 1950s
Private VenueThe fabulous 1950s are often called The "First Golden Era" of Television!Mel With programs ranging from "I Love Lucy" to Edward R. Murrow, Sid Caesar to live dramas weekly, , from rigged quiz shows, Gunsmoke, and soap operas, the 1950s … Continue reading
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Great Fortunes Of The Gilded Age (J. P. Morgan)
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, United StatesDuring the Gilded Age, America saw a handful of families dominate the economy with staggering fortunes. If I asked you to name the richest American, other than Elon Musk, you might name Bill Gates or Sam Walton. Both are from … Continue reading
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The Beach Boys: America’s Band and Their Timeless Sound
Private VenueWith 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
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TV By The Decades: Television in the 1960s
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, United StatesTV 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