Music   

This class is for people who know how to play the basic A to G chords on guitar, although class members may bring other stringed instruments to play, e.g. mandolin, bass, ukulele, banjo, harmonica, or squeeze box. Or sing along without an instrument! Songs and lyrics will be emailed each week, featuring artists like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Everly Brothers, The Drifters, and other favorites from the 1950s and 1960s.

American folk music experienced a commercial revival from the late 1940s through the mid-1960s. Its roots in support of the labor movement, and later embrace of anti-war protest songs, earned many performers the label of "communist pinkos." Other performers, however, cultivated a clean-cut, down-home, all-American image. We will explore the history of this dichotomy, then play and sing the songs known collectively as "folk music." Bring your instruments, your voice, and your curiosity. Leave your inhibitions at home and be prepared to have a good time!

Each week we'll view a feature-length documentary or two shorter films. The films will generally feature a performer or composer, the impact of their environment on their music, and the impact of their music on other musicians and on society. Or the focus might be on a style of music from swing to country, jazz to rock. This is a class for the open-minded and intellectually curious because, paraphrasing Mick Jagger, you might not always hear what you like, but sometimes you just might like what you hear.

Sing and/or play popular gospel songs. Bring your voice, guitar, violin, cello, harmonica, squeeze box, or other instrument and join a group of people singing and playing for fun. This is not meant to be religious. It's just a place to enjoy great music. Join us!

Start your Tuesday with music and songs. Join us in a fun, informal sing-along. Bring your voices and/or musical instruments. The operative word is "fun." If you like music, you will like this class. All levels welcome!

Learn fun social dances from around the world, including Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Israel, Scotland, and the United States. Line, circle, and couple dances. No partner required.

Learn to sing or play songs used in world dances. These dances are mostly international folk dance melodies used at local dance club parties. The songs may have rhythms common or uncommon to western music, such as 2/4, 3/4, 7/8, and 9/8 time signatures. Lyrics and music will be provided.