Hernando County’s lifelong learning series, Academia Hernando, will feature an engaging presentation by Joy Katzen-Guthrie on Friday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m. as the next installment in its Spring Lecture Series, “Funny Business-Masters of Stand-Up Comedy!”
The presentation will delve into the diverse world of stand-up comedy, exploring how comedians with their unique perspectives and styles use humor to reveal life’s ironies, absurdities and quirks. Attendees will enjoy memorable moments from some of the most iconic figures in stand-up, including Bob Newhart, Jackie Mason, Carol Burnett, George Carlin, Joan Rivers and Ellen DeGeneres among others. From the whimsical to the ironic, the program celebrates the creative genius that has shaped the art of comedy.
Joy Katzen-Guthrie, the presenter, brings decades of experience as a musician, composer, cantorial leader and lifelong learning instructor. She has served as a music director for Unity congregations, led Jewish congregational services and produced concerts, recordings and historical programs. A contributor to Encyclopedia Judaica and a published photographer, she has developed heritage tours worldwide and instructed lifelong learning courses for institutions like Road Scholar and OLLI at Eckerd College for 25 years.
Since 2021, Katzen-Guthrie has hosted The Sunday Simcha on Tampa Bay’s WMNF 88.5 FM and currently serves as the Administrative Associate/Programmer for the Palm Harbor Historical Society and Museum. Her work continues to foster curiosity, creativity and community engagement.
Academia Hernando invites adult learners to join a vibrant community of curiosity and discovery through its diverse and engaging lecture series. The Spring Lecture Series offers something for everyone, whether you’re passionate about history, art, or entertainment. For more information, visit www.academiahernando.org.
The full series of weekly lectures costs $90. To register, participants can visit www.academiahernando.org/spring-series to download the registration form. Completed forms, along with 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. Tickets for individual lectures may be purchased for $15, but availability is dependent on space.
