Academia Hernando’s Spring Lecture Series launches Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, with an engaging presentation titled “Beatlemania: The Fab Four in 1964.” The event will take place at The Welcome Om Center, 4260 Lake in the Woods Dr., Spring Hill, beginning promptly at 10 a.m.
This nostalgic journey into the Beatles’ groundbreaking year of 1964 will be led by Michael Hayes, a seasoned lecturer with a passion for pop culture. Hayes, an OLLI Award of Excellence recipient, will guide attendees through the Fab Four’s meteoric rise to global fame, showcasing music videos, rare footage and stories from their whirlwind tours and iconic debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
Hayes specializes in courses that explore iconic moments in history. His collection of original Beatles vinyl records reflects his personal connection to the era, as his teenage years aligned with the height of the Beatles’ fame from 1964 to 1970.
The two-hour lecture, which includes a 15-minute intermission, will explore the Beatles’ unprecedented achievements, such as selling over 100 million records in a single year and dominating the Billboard charts. Attendees will enjoy a Magical Musical Tour through the Beatles’ whirlwind 1964 world tours, complete with music videos and vivid memories of manic fans storming concert stages, hiding in hotel rooms and gathering at airports to catch a glimpse of the Four Lads from Liverpool. The presentation will feature clips from their first movie, “A Hard Day’s Night,” inviting the audience to reminisce about where they were and how they experienced the Fab Four during that unforgettable year. Hayes will also discuss the band’s enduring legacy, including their 2023 song release, ensuring “a splendid time is guaranteed for all.”
When speaking with Michael Hayes, he reflected on the pivotal role the Beatles played in America during their rise to fame, noting how the nation, eager for a fresh rock sensation, was completely swept up by the band’s arrival. Having presented this lecture to various groups in the past, Hayes shared that it was always a hit, as it successfully transported audiences back to the “good old days.” He expressed how much enjoyment he had in researching and creating the lecture, drawing from a wealth of Beatles history books to uncover fascinating material and fun anecdotes that bring the band’s legacy to life.
The full series of lectures runs weekly and costs $90. To register, visit www.academiahernando.org/spring-series to download the registration form. Completed forms and checks payable to Academia Hernando, Inc. should be mailed to Linda Young at 8409 Charleston Dr., Weeki Wachee, FL 34613. Registration forms must accompany payment, and a canceled check will serve as a receipt.
Academia Hernando is a nonprofit lifelong learning organization committed to providing enriching educational experiences for adult learners. Each session explores diverse topics, including history, music, and literature, fostering an atmosphere of discovery and inspiration.
For more information, visit www.academiahernando.org.
