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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
In 1917, Gustav Holst, a mild-mannered music teacher, shocked the musical world with his composition The Planets. The work’s movements, such as “Mars, the Bringer of War” and “Neptune, the Mystic” evoke the mythological characteristics of each planet. This remarkable composition has influenced much 20th century music, including John Williams’ scores for his Star Wars films. During the first part of this class, Henry Aldridge will consider the career of Gustav Holst and discuss each section of The Planets. During the second hour we will screen a dazzling performance of Holst’s orchestral suite by the National Youth Orchestra of England. Henry Aldridge is an Eastern Michigan University Professor Emeritus of Electronic Media and Film Studies, and an avid music lover. He has served for many years as one of the organists at the Michigan Theater.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Henry B. Aldridge
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Dates: 4/7/2026 - 4/7/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Except for Patsy Kline and Dolly Parton, George Jabol never much liked country musicians, preferring classical artists instead. So why did he choose to go on a musical tour of the South? Mainly to visit American cities he had never been to – places like Nashville, Memphis and especially New Orleans. But because of this 2025 tour, he acquired a new respect, and even a liking, for the many varieties of music that originated in and still emanate from the American South. He loved the architectural beauty of Nashville, and thoroughly enjoyed his evening at the famous Grand Old Opry and a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. In Memphis he finally got to see Graceland, Elvis Presley’s mansion and 14-acre estate. New Orleans turned out to be just as amazing as he had always imagined, from its jazz and blues music and great food, to the majestic St. Louis Cathedral in the iconic French Quarter, as well as its trolleys, a huge World War II museum, and the crocodiles he met on an optional Swamp Tour. This ten-day trip gave George many memories, and expanded his musical appreciation. It even caused him to develop a certain twang in his speech patterns! This class will focus on the cities themselves, and will include a favorite song or two from their past.
George Jabol received his B.A. degree from Muskingum College in Ohio, and a Ph.D. in English language and literature from the University of Michigan. Fully retired now from a career with the federal government, George creates photographic slide shows as a way to remember his travels and share them with others.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): George Jabol
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Dates: 4/28/2026 - 4/28/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
In 2025 the film “Blue Moon,” directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke, played locally. It portrayed the tragic end of the career and life of Lorenz Hart (1895-1943). For nearly two decades, his partnership with Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) created beloved standards of the American Songbook. We will learn a bit about musical theater and about this talented pair. Most of all, we will hear their songs. In addition to “Blue Moon,” their work included “Manhattan,” “With a Song in My Heart,” “Where or When,” “My Funny Valentine,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered,” and others. Join us in a musical walk down memory lane. Michael Homel is Professor Emeritus of History at Eastern Michigan University. He specializes in 20TH century American history and American urban history. He is the author of Unlocking City Hall: Exploring the History of Local Government and Politics, and other publications on urban politics and education.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Michael Homel
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Dates: 5/6/2026 - 5/6/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Get ready to go clue hunting as we re-live the wild ride of the “Paul is Dead” hoax, where in 1969, Beatles fans and local Michiganders went on a quest to discover if Paul McCartney was secretly replaced by a lookalike. It all started when a student from Eastern Michigan University called Detroit’s WKNR radio about Paul McCartney's death. This sparked a flurry of theories that landed in The Michigan Daily, and had everyone scouring songs played backwards and peering at album covers for hidden messages. Rumors didn’t fade until Paul himself appeared (alive) with his wife, Linda, on the cover of Life Magazine – though some folks still wonder about a 1967 car crash and missing Beatle! Join Ray for a musical adventure packed with Beatles tunes, backwards tracks, album art sleuthing, and plenty of laughs as we unravel one of rock’s most famous legends. Ray Stocking has studied, recorded, and performed the music of The Beatles for more than 40 years. He is also a self-taught Beatles historian, and enjoys sharing his abundance of “Beatles details” with anyone who wants to listen. Ray is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University where he received his B.B.A and M.B.A. degrees in business management.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Ray Stocking
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Dates: 6/4/2026 - 6/4/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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