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History of Philadelphia Soul

Virtual

This three-session virtual course taught by Kit O’Toole, traces the history of Philadelphia or “Philly” Soul, which greatly impacted not only the sound of 70s soul but the development of disco. Its lush string arrangements, horns, seductive vocals, and varied lyrical content added an element of sophistication to funk and soul, paving the way for disco and the 1990s neo-soul movement.

$50 (for three sessions)
Recurring

Writing Memoir

Virtual

This three-session virtual course, taught by Mike Farragher, provides attendees with an introduction to basic modes for telling the stories of their lives. Working in a supportive workshop setting, students will enjoy engaging, wide-ranging discussion about the joys and challenges of bringing their memories to life.

$50 (for three sessions)

Recurring

Podcasting for Beginners

Virtual

In this three-session virtual course taught by Robert Rodriguez, students will learn how to produce a podcast from the planning stage to the final upload. From developing a concept to basic recording technology, post-production and finally launching onto Apple and Spotify the course will provide step-by-step instruction to producing your own podcast! No previous podcasting experience is required.

$50 (for three sessions)

Sam Cusumano

Virtual

Join us for a virtual Arts-Engineering talk/performance/workshop with Sam Cusumano. Cusumano is an Engineer for the Arts living in Philadelphia working with students, artists, musicians, and curators to create educational interactive electronic devices and installations. As part of his creative practice, he has connected plants and fungi with synthesizers to make music. Biodata Sonification is the process of representing invisible changes in plants to create music. By detecting microcurrent fluctuations across the surface of a plant’s leaf, these changes are used to generate MIDI notes which can be played through a synthesizer or computer to create sound. In this virtual presentation Sam Cusumano will explain methods used to tap into the secret life of plants, showing how to translate data for making music, and discuss the implications of interpreting biodata. Audio examples of Biodata Sonification will be performed live using analog synthesizers, digital audio workstations, and synth apps along with a Snake Plant, large Monstera, and various Cacti.

Free and open to the public.
Recurring

Self-Publishing, Step-by-Step

Virtual

This two-session virtual course taught by Christy Schmidt, provides participants with a complete roadmap to guide them through the self-publishing process.

$35 (for two sessions)

Recurring

The Music of Stevie Wonder

Virtual

This three-session virtual course taught by Kit O’Toole, traces the artistic development from his earliest days through his 1970s “classic period” and beyond. In addition, the class explores the chief influences on his distinctive style such as Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, and Tonto’s Exploding Head Band. Finally, Wonder’s vast impact on music will be studied through his influence on other artists.

$50 (for three sessions)

Shoplifters Virtual Panel Discussion

Virtual

Join us for a World Cinema Series zoom discussion illuminating the theme “Living on the Edge: Displacement, Identity, and Resilience” by analyzing the message and impact of the 2018 film, Shoplifters. Shoplifters is a 2018 Japanese drama film directed, written and edited by Hirokazu Kore-eda. Starring Lily Franky and Sakura Ando, it is about a family that relies on shoplifting to cope with a life of poverty.

Free and open to the public, but registration is required.