Instructor Peggy Eastwood helps us mark the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of the moon in a spectacular “Giant leap for mankind.” Peggy, who had a personal role in developing Apollo equipment, reviews the 1960s race to space between the United States and the Soviet Union. She also… Continue Reading Harper College: Apollo 11 Anniversary and the New Space Race
It is 1922 in New York City, and a young Millie Dillmount has just moved to the Big Apple in search of a new life. Her grand plan is to find a job as a secretary for a wealthy man and then marry him. However, her plan goes completely awry. Millie’s wealthy boss is slow… Continue Reading The Play Readers Present: Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.
Enjoy an autumn evening recital featuring nine harps! Harp and piano students of Brittany Smith perform classical solo repertoire, followed by classical, medieval, and popular favorites by the Suzuki harp ensemble. Chocolate cake, cookies, and apple cider to follow.
This may get you cooking again … Ann makes it so easy. Fall is the perfect time to indulge your comfort food cravings. Learn how to make risotto in an Instant Pot and stay for the pumpkin spice dessert! Bring your appetite because, as always, Ann provides recipes and generous portions of the day’s fare.… Continue Reading Instant Pot/Crockpot Cooking (and Eating!) with Ann Wayn
The upcoming 100th anniversary of the Prohibition is a perfect opportunity to drink in the history of a revolutionary beverage that changed the world: beer, or more precisely, German beer! Once so essential to daily diets that it was referred to as liquid bread, German beer is still a source of great cultural and national pride. German Historian Anette Isaacs, M.A., takes us on a fascinating exploration of this iconic drink and will include the sagas of the lucky German brewers who became Beer Barons in the USA. Anette brings her own beer tasting to this program! Continue Reading Germany’s Liquid Bread – A Refreshing Look (and Taste of) the History of Beer
Thomas Steffens (piano/vocals) and Mike Knauf (flute, soprano sax, Irish whistle, and vocals) return to play all kinds of Oktoberfest music and spin yarns with Die Musikmeiters. Their accomplished and fun repertoire of hundreds of German songs will truly entertain you. Videos of their music are running throughout September on Channel 17. After the show, CDs of their music will be available for purchase. Continue Reading Oktoberfest with Nippersink Rogues
At St. Anne’s, Garlands’s member Marianne Lenz attended Father Joji’s presentation of his highly unusual trip to Israel. She was so awe-struck, deeply moved, and inspired, she transmitted her excitement to other members until it became clear The Garlands needed Father Joji to come to tell us himself! He will be accompanied by Mary Kay Delaney, who went on the trip and helped him create this presentation. Continue Reading Father Joji Shares Israel Experience
Antarctica: the highest, driest, coldest, windiest, and brightest of the seven continents. It is almost completely covered by a layer of ice that averages more than a mile in thickness, but can extend to nearly three. Instructor Suzanne Rausch will explore the variety of animals – who depend on this inhospitable land for their reproductive cycles before venturing into the open ocean for their adult lives. She will discuss ongoing factors impacting the continent and its inhabitants. Last, she will walk us through Antarctica’s human history and mankind’s struggles to explore this frozen world. Continue Reading Harper College: Experience the Nature of Antarctica
Award-winning newspaper columnist and author of ten books (her
work is also featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Don’t Sweat
the Small Stuff), Rochelle Pennington worked in England and Scotland to research Sir Ernest Shackleton’s epic 1914 odyssey aboard the ship Endurance with his crew of 27. Rochelle’s account is storytelling at its best. You will be on the edge of your seat! Continue Reading “The Endurance” with Author Rochelle Pennington
As they say, “It’s funny how time flies, especially when you are having fun.”
It is hard to believe that I have lived at The Garlands for 16 years now–I have enjoyed every moment! In fact, this might even sound like an ad for The Garlands, however, I thought that maybe some people might like to learn how an “old timer,” who has lived here nearly from the start, feels about being a Garlands member
Continue Reading Sixteen Years, WOW!
One of Chicago’s most recognized voices, Wayne Messmer is best known for his stirring rendition of the National Anthem over the years. Wayne’s baritone has been a fixture at Wrigley Field (Cubs), Allstate Arena (Wolves), Soldier Field (the Bears) for decades. Drawing from a lifetime of musical experiences as a singer, actor, speaker, author, and broadcaster, Wayne and the Wayne Messmer Jazz Group blends an entertaining mix of personality, jazz standards, cabaret, and Broadway classics. Wayne’s words, music, humor, charm, and grit come together in an unforgettable program. Continue Reading Wayne Messmer & Friends, Dinner and Show!
Drop-in at Hull House, where you’ll have tea with Jane Addams. If you’ve seen Betsey Means’ Holocaust survivor Alicia Appleman-Jurman or Emily Dickenson and others, you know the amount of research and rehearsal that goes into each gem of a performance. Continue Reading Democracy in America: Jane Addams
Concert pianist Frederick Moyer first performed with the Boston Symphonyand The Boston Pops as a teenager and made his Carnegie Recital Halldebut at 25. He has appeared as piano soloist with the Cleveland, Philadelphia and Minnesota Orchestras; the St. Louis, Dallas, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Houston, Singapore, Netherlands Radio, Latvian, Iceland, and London Symphony Orchestras; the Buffalo, Hong Kong, and Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestras; the National Symphony Orchestra of Brazil; and the major orchestras of Australia. His 22 recordings on the Biddulph, GM, and JRI labels comprise works by over thirty composers. George Walker, 1996 Pulitzer Prize winner, composed for him. And he’ll be here at The Garlands to play for us! While the music – time-honored favorites as well as pieces the audience may be hearing for the first time – takes center stage, Moyer punctuates his virtuoso playing with brief anecdotes about the composers and his own contagious passion for music in all its forms. A MoyerCam projection system allows the audience to watch his hands throughout the program. Continue Reading Special Concert: Frederick Moyer, Classical Pianist
In this engaging and interactive program, William Pack explores the real science of how our brains trick us into seeing and believing things that don’t exist. You’ll experience how optical illusions work, why people fall for scams, and how we make thousands of choices every day, including how we are hard-wired to believe fake news. William will also give proven, scientific, actionable techniques to preserve brain health and overcome the logical fallacies we all make. In the end, you may be left wondering if your brain has a mind of its own. Continue Reading Harper College: Mind Games
With his big personality and loads of talent, Peter wowed all who attended the February 2 Birthday Bash. We’re thrilled to have him back! Invite friends or come on your own for this super-fun show (remember to rsvp). Peter will lead us through standards, classic jazz, and swing. He clearly loves performing these beautiful melodies as well as a little Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond. Continue Reading Peter Miletic Concert
While living in France with his French wife, Jacqueline, The Garlands member Tom Banfield became obsessed with the structure and construction process of France’s magnificent cathedrals, built three or four centuries before Columbus discovered America. Tom has shared his extensive knowledge multiple times at The Garlands. This presentation is augmented with new information about the burning of Notre Dame de Paris on April 15th of this year, along with a discussion on the history of similar cathedral fires. Continue Reading Tom Banfield: French Cathedrals, How They Are Built and Why They Burn
The local musical group, Onstage Majority, launched a new quintet project called Always Young: five harmony-loving vocalists/instrumentalists. Members of Always Young have been full time members of Dave Major and the Minors and the Onstage Majority, graduated from Second City’s Improvisation School in Chicago, shared stages with Henry Mancini, Sammy Davis Jr., Steve Allen, Vic Damone, Danny Thomas, Bobby Rydell, Mel Torme, and Liza Minnelli, performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, appeared on The Mike Douglas Show and public television’s WTTW, providing the music for the Emmy Award-winning Gus Giordano Dance Group. Continue Reading Always Young
We’re all familiar with Lewis and Clark, the men who explored and charted the western half of the United States, but how much do we know of their companion Sacagawea? This incredible Lemhi Shoshone tribeswoman was indispensable to the most significant journey in U.S. history. Sacagawea: Adventures with Lewis and Clark will immerse you in her life, experiences, and incredible journey into the Louisiana Purchase. If you’ve seen Martina’s Six Wives of Henry VIII or Marie Antoinette, you know what an education and joy her performances are. Continue Reading Martina Mathisen Presents Sacagawea: Adventures of Lewis & Clark
Ann Wayne’s relaxed and fun class has become a fixture here at The Garlands. As we age, our need for nutrient-rich meals increases. Ann will demonstrate how to prepare nutrient-dense soups quickly and easily. As always, Ann provides recipes and generous portions of the day’s fare (and usually a little dessert!). Reserve your spot, and bring your appetite. Continue Reading Instant Pot/Crockpot Cooking (and Eating!)
“D-Day Plus 50” is a review of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Europe presented by Garlands members Dr. Lloyd and Mary McCarthy. In addition to their visits to World War II battlefields and other war-related sites, D-Day history for the McCarthys was enhanced with stories of personal experiences told by combat veterans in their tour group. This overview starts in London and concludes in Brussels.
Continue Reading D-Day 75th Anniversary Review “D-Day Plus 50”