Star Spangled Song & Dance of WWII

Watch wartime movie clips of morale-boosting lively song and dance routines by tap dancers Eleanor Powell, Stump Jones, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Bugs Bunny. We’ll have the unique opportunity to experience Soundies, short American films produced from 1940-1947, which displayed audio and video musical performances including saxophonist Louis Jordan’s biggest wartime hit, “Ration Blues. “

Then get wowed by the pageantry of Irving Berlin’s 1943 theatrical revue and movie “This is the Army.” This singular patriotic event featured a cast of 350 United States soldiers, world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, enlisted actor Ronald Reagan and the songwriter himself.

Dave Radlauer has been recounting stories of early jazz and swing on radio, in print and online for more than four decades, garnering six broadcast awards. His website, 200 articles and YouTube channel offer fresh perspectives on vintage music. For Stanford University Library Archives, he’s written interpretive online articles and donated a large collection of Bay Area jazz music and photos. Dave teaches Osher Institute Zoom courses for UCLA, UC Berkeley, San Francisco State University and others.

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In July 2026 we honor the 250th birthday of the United States by celebrating the anniversary of its independence, marking a historic milestone known as the Semi quincentennial. Join us for these exciting upcoming lectures and movie which shine a spotlight on the uniquely creative and innovative contributions to our American culture.

Matinee Movie – Yankee Doodle Dandy – Experience the movie that shouts out patriotism, see it on Thursday, 7/2 at 1:00 pm

Opera – Hear how American Opera came into prominence with San Francisco Opera’s Dramaturg Emeritus on Thursday, 7/9 at 1:00 pm

Elvis – What’s more uniquely American than Elvis in the 1950s? Hear from our rock historian on Thursday, 7/30 @ 1:00 pm