Much like the history of popular music, The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals also had a Jewish influence. From the first talking picture about the son of a cantor in 1927's The Jazz Singer, it was mostly European immigrants that were in charge of the movie studios. From the moment sound was born it was the musical that audiences flocked to see between the mid 1930s and the late 50s. 

For seven weeks this course will look at the highlights of these musicals that enraptured moviegoers with spectacle, romance, athleticism, great performances, and, of course, song and dance. Relive these great moments with the stars, directors, producers & choreographers on Skirball's big movie screen the way they were originally seen during "The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals".

Instructor: For five decades (and counting), Steve Barri has been a major force in popular music spanning the decades as a successful producer and songwriter and being one of the more enduring music makers of the 1960's. His name is associated with some of the most beloved and heavily played records of that decade though his credits and successes trail outright to the new century: Barry McGuire, Johnny Rivers, Three Dog Night, The Grass Roots, The James Gang, Steppenwolf, Jim Croce, Rufus, Steely Dan, Tommy Roe, The Four Tops, Bobby Bland and B. B. King are just a few of the performers for whom Barri's abilities as a judge of talent or his own talent as a producer or songwriter has proved essential at various times. 

Steve continues to create and is presently enjoying sharing his extensive knowledge of music and the music industry by giving lectures for UCLA’s Osher Program, Skirball Cultural Center, and other venues across southern California.

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Wednesdays, 1:00–3:00 pm (IN-PERSON)

October 9, October 16, October 23, October 30, November 6, November 13, November 20