In the 1940s, Black swing
bands started playing upbeat dance tunes, often called “jump blues,” that
developed into 1950s rock and roll. This music was helped along by white disc
jockeys in Cleveland and Memphis who exposed white teens to Black artists, such
as Little Richard. It also helped that Memphis record producer Sam Phillips was
seeking a white singer who could sing Black music. Enter a young Elvis Presley,
and the music exploded! With OLLI Facilitator Glenn Gravlee, we will hear about
and listen to Little Richard and Elvis, plus such artists as Bill Haley &
His Comets, Dion and the Belmonts, Ricky Nelson, Frankie Lymon and the
Teenagers, and a Little Richard Pretender/brilliant balladeer named Pat Boone.
ADULTS. REGISTER NOW. Registration will be shared with Osher Lifelong Learning
Institute at the University of Denver.
Learn about 19th century early American history from someone who enjoys studying it and telling it with purpose. OLLI Facilitator Marcy Stoddard’s love for American history came at a young age through her parents. The former teacher of 41 years studies to learn the intricacies of stories and uses her voice as a tool for excitement and interest. If you didn’t appreciate history or find it engaging before, don’t miss this presentation—you’ll be glad you came! ADULTS. REGISTER NOW. Registration will be shared with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Denver.
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal was once called the most polluted land in America, but today it’s one of the country’s most visited urban wildlife refuges. Join OLLI Facilitator John Lanning, a former U.S. Army chemical corps officer and retired chemistry professor, for a discussion of the history of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal as a military chemical arsenal, agricultural pesticide and herbicide producer, and example of Superfund mitigation of toxic waste. We’ll also cover hiking, biking, and touring options available at the Wildlife Refuge. ADULTS. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Registration will be shared with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the
University of Denver.
Not long ago the term “bird-brain” was meant as an insult. Today, scientists are discovering the marvelous cognitive complexity of a variety of different birds. Despite their tiny brains (does size matter?), many bird species exhibit intricate problem-solving skills, astonishing memories, and unique methods of communicating. Join OLLI Facilitator Peggy Winn for a fascinating discussion that will explain and demonstrate via short videos why the term “bird-brain” should indeed be a compliment. ADULTS. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Registration will be shared with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Denver.