Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.
Cultural History
Irving Berlin
Cook Memorial Library 413 N. Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, United StatesIrving Berlin has often been called the quintessential American songwriter of all time. This is high praise for anyone – especially for an uneducated young immigrant from Russia who came to America not speaking a word of English. As with … Continue reading
Rodgers And Hammerstein
Cook Memorial Library 413 N. Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, United StatesSo, just how good were Rodgers and Hammerstein? In a 16-year career, they wrote 11 musicals. Six of those musicals are among the very best ever produced! The greatest hits of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II include: √ Oklahoma … Continue reading
History Vs. the Movies: Mississippi Burning
Private VenueHistory 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 Life Of Robin Williams
New City Library 220 N. Main Street, New City, NY, United StatesThe Life Of Robin Williams Robin Williams was one of the funniest comedians of all time. His improvisational skills were almost other-worldly! Yet behind the comic persona lay a complex man- intensely charitable and compassionate but plagued by insecurity, battling addictions, and … Continue reading
George Gershwin
Cook Memorial Library 413 N. Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, United StatesIn a very short career, George Gershwin changed American music forever. He was one of the most beloved composers of music for Broadway. his songs and shows continue to be revived on the New York stage and in theaters worldwide. … Continue reading
1923 – America One Hundred Years Ago
ZoomThe Roaring Twenties were going full blast, and jazz filled the air. We were past a World War and a pandemic. Stocks and hemlines were going up. Warner Brothers, King Tut's tomb, and Old Yankee Stadium were opened. 1923 seemed … Continue reading
1923 – America One Hundred Years Ago PM
ZoomThe Roaring Twenties were going full blast, and jazz filled the air. We were past a World War and a pandemic. Stocks and hemlines were going up. Warner Brothers, King Tut's tomb, and Old Yankee Stadium were opened. 1923 seemed … Continue reading
Cole Porter – Risque Master Of American Music
Private VenueCole Porter is one of the greatest songwriters in American history. His melodies were sublime. His lyrics were creative, witty, sophisticated, original, and naughty. Cole Porter was the ultimate European-oriented sophisticate - yet he was born in tiny Peru, Indiana! … Continue reading
Women Writers Of Broadway Musicals
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldWith a few noticeable exceptions, writing lyrics for Broadway has been the domain of men. Oscar Hammerstein. Lin-Manuel Miranda. Irving Berlin. Stephen Sondheim. Call Porter. All were great! But it is no longer just a man's world! Today, we feature … Continue reading
1948: America 75 Years Ago (AM)
ZoomI’m back with the latest installment of my popular “Time Capsule” series! Each session will explore the year’s top news stories, top movies and shows, famous birds and deaths, what things cost, and so much more! In this session, we … Continue reading