This is a follow-up seminar to The History of The Beatles, Part 1, which was presented in Fall, 2025. (Attendance at that seminar is not required). Here, we will study this iconic band from the end of their touring days in the summer of 1966, through their official break-up in 1970. We'll examine their albums, business ventures, personal lives and try to answer what led to their inevitable break-up. Discussion will include analysis from some of the world's foremost music critics focusing on the remarkable song writing of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. We’ll also hear from other Beatles insiders and the band members themselves.

PLEASE NOTE: it will be necessary to start our final class on April 22, twenty minutes early at 9:10 so as to include all the relevant information.

Moderator Bill Lavin presents an exploration of the life and music of Ray Charles, born Ray Charles Robinson (1930–2004), one of the most influential artists in American music history. A pioneer of soul music, Charles fused rhythm and blues, gospel, jazz, and blues, while also breaking racial barriers in country and pop music through groundbreaking crossover recordings. Celebrated by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest singers of all time and praised by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel, Charles preferred to be known simply as “Brother Ray.” This seminar traces his life, legacy, and enduring impact on American music in the latter half of the twentieth century.

Moderator Sam Kurtz returns for another term with a brand-new seminar celebrating a fresh lineup of beloved musical artists. Known for his engaging style and well-loved music seminars, Kurtz brings renewed energy to this exploration of six iconic performers whose work has shaped popular music across decades. The seminar features Herman’s Hermits, The Kinks, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, and Rod Stewart—alongside the singular voice and songwriting legacy of Gordon Lightfoot. Through music clips, stories, and discussion, participants will revisit familiar favorites while discovering new dimensions of these artists’ careers. This long-awaited new seminar promises both nostalgia and discovery, making it an exciting addition for longtime fans and new participants alike.

We are a long standing guitar class that would like to invite other stringed instruments to join us. ACOUSTIC only please, our walls are thin! Do you play ukulele, banjo, mandolin, or fiddle? If you have a harmonica bring it along. We play campfire style, going around the circle choosing tunes that everyone then plays. No one is singled out and all playing levels are welcome. We will be playing from the songbook listed below which you will need to have.

REQUIRED TEXT: Strum Together: Americana Classics by Marty Gross (Hal Leonard)

We will do an in-depth review of the musical Hamilton. There are many backstories and hidden meanings in the lyrics, costumes, staging, etc. This class will watch the Act 1 the first week followed by Act 2 the second week. But rather than just watch this, we will be looking closely at the lyrics and hearing about how Lin-Manuel Miranda created this Tony award winning musical.

This seminar offers a lively and eclectic exploration of music, with a different moderator leading each week’s session. Each moderator will focus on a specific genre, influential musician, or distinctive musical theme. Topics may include the British Invasion, the first class inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, jazz performances through video, and the enduring appeal of novelty songs. Together, these sessions create a varied and engaging musical “playlist,” inviting participants to discover new perspectives, revisit familiar favorites, and enjoy the richness and diversity of musical expression.

This seminar explores the remarkable story of Gennett Records, a pioneering record company based in nearby Richmond, Indiana. As a division of the Starr Piano Company, Gennett filled a critical gap in the 1920s by recording American popular music artists overlooked by major labels such as Victor and Columbia. The company made the first recordings of jazz legends King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and Jelly Roll Morton, as well as early recordings by Bix Beiderbecke and Hoagy Carmichael, including Stardust. Gennett also recorded blues, folk, gospel, and western musicians, and even captured William Jennings Bryan’s famed “Cross of Gold” speech. Located just 45 minutes from Dayton, Gennett Records played a pivotal role in shaping American popular music a century ago.

This seminar continues the exploration of Van Morrison's life, his music and his poetry, focusing on his mid and late career. Plenty of discussion and lots of Van Morrison music!