Literary & Performing Arts   

By the end of 1966, the world of music was undergoing a dramatic transformation. What had once been known as "rock and roll" was now simply called "rock," and the genre was branching out in exciting new directions. Bands were experimenting with sound, giving rise to subgenres like folk-rock, psychedelic rock, blues-rock, and hard rock. Supergroups such as Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Crosby, Stills & Nash began to dominate the scene, captivating audiences with their innovative styles. The years that followed, from 1967 to 1971, marked an era of extraordinary creativity. Artists like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan pushed the boundaries of what rock music could be, introducing listeners to progressive rock, funk rock, and country rock. Each new sound reflected the spirit of the times—restless, imaginative, and eager to break free from tradition. This class invites you to step into the pivotal year of 1967, a turning point in rock history. Together, we’ll explore how the innovations and experiments of these years set the stage for what many consider to be the greatest moment in rock: the legendary year of 1971.

This class will explore the complexity and genius of Gene Hackman. Whether playing morally gray policemen, quiet outsiders, or explosive villains, he brought an unmatched intensity to every role. This session explores Hackman’s extraordinary body of work, from The French Connection and The Conversation to Hoosiers, Unforgiven, and even his unexpected comedic roles. Through curated film clips, historical context, and guided class discussion, we’ll unpack how Hackman broke leading-man conventions, how his performances reflect the anxieties of 1970s American cinema, and why he remains one of the industry’s most respected actors.

Have you ever wanted to write a memoir but didn’t know where to start? In this workshop writer and educator, Frank Ingrasciotta will guide you on how to bring your life stories to the page. Storytelling is our most ancient art form and everyone has a story in us that wants to be told. When powerful storytelling resonates, it creates shared experiences of commonality that bonds us as a community. In this four-session memoir writing class, we will examine various aspects of storytelling. Through writing exercises, we will explore the tools of your personal expression that brings writing to life.

Intended for beginners, this class will guide students through the fundamentals of piano, from reading music to playing engaging melodies and simple chords with proper technique and fingerings. With personalized attention and the encouragement of a small group, students will build confidence while developing essential skills.

Designed for emerging pianists, this class introduces students to the essential foundations of piano playing—from reading music to performing engaging melodies and basic chord progressions with proper technique and confident fingerings. With personalized guidance and the support of a small group setting, students gain skills, confidence, and musical fluency as they progress.

Whether you already keep a journal or are looking to start one, imagine taking your journaling to the next level. In this class, we will take the ritual and art of journaling and create a beautiful treasure of your life’s journey. By using different prompts, objects, and memories, you will create a journal that not only tells your story in words, but in objects also. Give life to your special objects to help bring your story to life. A perfect project to have for years to come.

No experience? No problem! In this workshop, you’ll learn to play the harmonica through fun, simple songs that even total beginners can master. We'll focus on rhythm, musicality, and playing together—no music reading required. With live guitar accompaniment to keep us on beat and add extra energy, you'll be making music in no time. 

This is a welcoming class for adults who want to sing for FUN while discovering what makes a song truly come alive. We’ll touch on practical vocal technique—breath, ease, healthy habits, and building confidence—but the heart of the class is expression: how to sing in a way that communicates joy, longing, heartbreak, excitement, and everything in between.

We’ll explore a variety of genres—pop/rock, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, and more—and the musical direction will be shaped by the group. Bring songs you love! You’ll have opportunities to sing solo or with others, and we’ll dig into why certain songs move us and how to make those emotions come through in your voice.

If you took “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” this is a wonderful next step to keep your momentum going and continue your singing journey in a supportive, inspiring environment. This class is for all levels. No experience necessary!

Designed for anyone who wants to “take the stage” – in acting or public speaking! The art of acting is not just about being the next famous actor, but it explores life skills that everyone can utilize in any profession. Explore the elements of acting while freeing your creativity, increasing your confidence, and learning how to work effectively in a group. The tools and techniques of the actor’s craft are introduced through a wide variety of exercises, games, improvisations, short-scripted material, monologues, and scenes. Use these tools and techniques to forward your career and improve your listening and communication skills. No experience necessary.

Ready to make music, share a laugh (or several), and strum your way to happiness? This beginner-friendly ukulele class is designed especially for adults looking to try something new, have fun, and perhaps even unleash their inner rock star — or at least a very enthusiastic campfire singer. In this class you’ll learn to strum, play basic chords, keep a steady rhythm, and sing songs that speak to you. The only prerequisites: a fun-loving spirit and a song you can physically sing (yes, that one you belt out in the shower counts). Bring one song idea to class, and we’ll take care of the rest. This class is structured for beginners and will go at a relaxed pace with plenty of musical “aha!” moments and good-natured laughs along the way. Come as you are, leave with a smile, and maybe even a few new friends. Warning: Spontaneous humming and toe-tapping may occur. Ukuleles will be provided for class use.

Take a look at some pictures from Ginger Lai Kokoszka's past classes here.