Beth Davey, a seasoned Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) instructor, will guide the Academia Hernando audience through the golden era of movie musicals, spotlighting the songs and stories that shaped this beloved genre on Oct. 11.
Academia Hernando is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to lifelong learning, offering a vibrant array of presentations that span history, art, nature and culture.
In Davey’s presentation of “Maestros of Movie Musicals,” she celebrates legendary composers such as Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Rodgers and Hammerstein. The lecture will explore the lives of various composers, delving into what inspired their passion for composing and how they ascended to fame. It will also examine their influence on Broadway, how some of their works transitioned into films, and how they navigated the challenges of adapting their art to the big screen.
OLLI is a national program affiliated with universities designed to provide lifelong learning opportunities for adults, especially seniors. Beth Davey, a member of the OLLI community at the University of North Carolina and a former Asheville resident, has taught classes such as “The Dancing Dudes of Hollywood” and “Dancing Dames,” focusing on the stars of Hollywood’s golden age. Her passion for classic films, particularly old Hollywood musicals, led her to develop her current lecture for Academia Hernando.
A fan of Turner Classic Movies (TCM), she was inspired to share her love for this era after being encouraged by others to teach what she enjoys. She emphasizes the joy of connecting with people, noting how rewarding it is to see her audience smile and engage with the timeless music and films of Hollywood’s golden age. Her upcoming lecture promises something for everyone, as the music from that time remains truly classic.
Academia Hernando has long been a staple of adult education in the community, providing thought-provoking lectures at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Spring Hill. “Our Fall Series is a diverse and interesting group of speakers; we have it all!” said Sharon Printz, a board member of the organization. “History, architecture, music, reflection, and memories of the past, plus three local speakers who will inspire us on topics they’re passionate about.”
With its wide-ranging topics and expert speakers, Academia Hernando’s fall series promises an engaging experience for all who attend. Following Maestros of Movie Musicals, there are three lectures left in the series plus the mystery bus tour. The upcoming lectures are Florida Wilderness, A Land Remembered on Oct. 18; Why Did We Wear That on Oct. 25; Ed Sullivan: An American Master on Nov. 1.
Admission to the entire Academia Hernando Fall Series is $80. It includes all the lectures plus the mystery bus tour. Print the registration form at https://www.academiahernando.org/fall-series and mail it with your check for $80, payable to Academia Hernando, Inc., and mail it to:
Bev Nuzzi
15027 Middle Fairway Drive
Brooksville, FL 34609
Important: The registration form must be included with your check.
Your canceled check is your receipt.
The walk-in admission cost to attend individual lectures is $15.00 per lecture (cash or check only). Due to space restrictions, individual tickets may only be available at some lectures.
Academia Hernando is sponsored by The Hernando Sun, Kenjo’s Tree Service, The Residence at Timber Pines, and Hardee’s Weeki Wachee.
