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

Cole Porter – Risque Master Of American Music

Private Venue

Cole Porter is one of the greatest songwriters in American history. His melodies were sublime. His lyrics were clever, witty, sophisticated, original and naughty. Cole Porter was the ultimate European oriented sophisticate - yet he was born in tiny Peru, … Continue reading

George Gershwin

Private Venue

In 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 around … Continue reading

Chicago’s Best Broadway – 2019

Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, United States

 Each year, this Cultural Historian (and self-described Broadway nerd) offers a dynamic program looking at some of the best Broadway musicals that will be playing in the Chicagoland area this year!   Every year brings a new crop of delights … Continue reading

Chicago’s Best Broadway – 2019

Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, United States

 Each year, Cultural Historian (and self-described Broadway nerd) Barry Bradford offers a fun, fast anddynamic program looking at some of the best Broadway musicals that will be playing in the Chicagoland area this year!   Every year brings a new … Continue reading

Mel Brooks

North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, Northfield

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 Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks contributed to perhaps the funniest TV show. He … 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 Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks contributed to perhaps the funniest TV show. He … 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 Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks contributed to perhaps the funniest TV show. He … Continue reading

Holiday Inn The Irving Berlin Musical

Niles Senior Center 999 Civic Center Drive, Niles, IL, United States

Come and celebrate the holidays with the music of the incomparable Irving Berlin!  "Holiday Inn" is a brand-new stage adaptation of the timeless 1942 Irving Berlin omnibus musical movie. That classic film starred Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. The original "Holiday … Continue reading

Irving Berlin

Private Venue

Irving Berlin has often been called the most quintessentially 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 … Continue reading