Focus on OLLI

Vocalist Jonathan Karrant joins OLLI jazz appreciation instructor Sonia Feldberg to talk about his path in jazz, from discovering the Great American Songbook through his grandparents to being shaped by artists like Mel Tormé and Nancy Wilson, and to earning the UNLV College of Fine Arts Limelight Award. He discusses his album Full Circle, a tribute to the legacy and mentorship of Diane Schuur that features their duet "A Touch of Your Love" and closes with Schuur's recording of "I'll Be Seeing You," and he shares his plans to promote it this fall before holiday performances begin. Jonathan and Sonia also offer advice for newcomers to jazz, suggesting Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and Johnny Mercer as starting points, while stressing how many styles the genre covers, from Latin and soul to smooth and experimental. Along the way, they highlight local venues, youth mentorship through the Joy Jazz Outreach Initiative, and OLLI classes as ways for listeners to experience jazz and keep learning. 

The OLLI program at UNLV offers virtual travel classes for retired individuals, supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. John Birkland's "Exploring the Wonders of the World" covers diverse destinations like Turkey, Singapore, and Pearl Harbor. Fran Smith's "America's Treasures" focuses on U.S. sites, museums, and historical figures. Dave Lavery's "Traveling Europe Off the Beaten Path" explores lesser-known European regions. These classes are hybrid, allowing global participation via Zoom. The program also offers benefits like discounted tickets, a Rebel card, and access to special events. OLLI members can share travel experiences and learn from each other.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNLV is collaborating with the Nevada Conservatory Theater (NCT) for special classes in fall and spring. Kirsten Brandt, NCT's executive director, and Bruce Ewing discussed the upcoming season, which includes "Big Love," "The Inspector General," and "It's a Wonderful Life, a Live Radio Play." The classes will delve into the creation and themes of each production, including intimacy coordination and stage combat. NCT aims to engage the community and provide a regional theater experience. The fall class will run for 10 weeks, starting in September, offering OLLI students an in-depth look at the theater process.

The Focus on OLLI program at UNLV's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) highlights the Educational Programming Committee's role in organizing classes for retired individuals. OLLI offers 100 classes in the fall, with 75 at the Maryland Parkway campus and 25 at various locations. New instructors are encouraged, with support for technology and mentoring. Upcoming classes include topics like Bitcoin, contra dancing, and women in film. The program emphasizes community, with no homework, tests, or grades. An open house on August 25 and a virtual one on August 27 will provide more information.

The program introduces three new classes at UNLV's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Bob Hofkin will teach contra dancing at a satellite location in Cactus Valley, emphasizing its social and inclusive nature. Stacey Boyle will educate on Bitcoin, focusing on its conceptual understanding and potential for generational wealth, with a field trip to use Bitcoin for purchases. Pat Thorn will explore the 1950s, covering post-WWII changes, the rise of rock and roll, and significant cultural events, aiming for interactive discussions. The program highlights the diverse interests and experiences of OLLI members.

Program Overview

Focus on OLLI is a KU NV 91.5 FM radio program spotlighting the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNLV, which offers diverse, non-credit classes for retired and semi-retired adults. Supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation, OLLI features courses in art, health, music, technology, current events, and more. This episode highlights instructors Sonia Feldberg, Linda Edgeworth, and Beth Davis, who enrich their classes with guest speakers from the Las Vegas community and beyond.

Class Formats & Guest Programming

• Jazz Appreciation and More (Sonia Feldberg): Features live performances and stories from local jazz artists and community figures, including Jonathan Courant, Chadwick Johnson, Brett Barrett, Clint Holmes, and Rita Lim. Sonia’s class blends education and entertainment, expanding students’ understanding of jazz.
• Soapbox (Linda Edgeworth): Brings in prominent leaders and experts to discuss current Nevada and national issues, with guests like Sondra Douglas Morgan (Raiders President), Jeff McBride (magician), and state officials. The class uses a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and virtual participation, and regularly hosts panel discussions on topics like healthcare and privacy.
• Speak to the Sport & Professor's Choice (Beth Davis): Both classes feature guest speakers from sports and academia, such as Steve Stallworth, Coach Mullen, and Dr. Henry Sun. These sessions foster strong engagement, with many speakers eager to return.

Social & Community Impact

OLLI offers social opportunities beyond classes, including tours (e.g., Liberace mansion), book clubs, movie screenings, Mahjong, and board games. Hybrid classes in new facilities allow flexible participation, accommodating both in-person and remote learners, though live music is preferred for jazz sessions due to sound quality.

Upcoming Events & Community Radio Relevance

The summer semester starts May 26, and the fall open house is August 23 with over 100 classes. OLLI’s focus on guest speakers, community engagement, and educational outreach aligns with KU NV 91.5 FM’s public media mission, especially through ongoing collaborations with figures like Jonathan Courant.

Keith McMillen hosts a discussion with Susan Merritt and Niels Clyde, both long-time instructors at UNLV's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Susan, who has taught 12 different classes over nine years, enjoys creating diverse courses, such as self-defense, antique maps, and the history of breakfast foods. Niels, who has been teaching ukulele since 2012, emphasizes the cognitive benefits of playing stringed instruments and has performed at various events. Both instructors highlight the depth of knowledge among OLLI members and the joy of learning and teaching. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of creating and teaching classes, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on their teaching methods.

Host Keith McMillen announces a new podcast titled "Boomers and Zoomers," featuring intergenerational discussions between OLLI members (boomers) and UNLV students (Zoomers). The podcast aims to explore diverse topics such as music, film, and societal changes. Blaine Benedict and Chris Salinas, key contributors, share their experiences and the inspiration behind the podcast, which will debut in March. The initiative seeks to foster understanding and engagement between different age groups.

The OLLI program at UNLV offers nearly 100 classes across various subjects, including art appreciation, game playing, health and wellness, music and theater, technology, and personal development. These classes are available at the main location on Maryland Avenue and nine satellite locations across Las Vegas and Henderson. The program is supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. Two instructors, Mel Lazarus and Fran Smith, discussed their satellite classes: Mel's "Fabulous 50s" class at the Aliante library in North Las Vegas and Fran's "Famous Art Thefts" class at Carnegie Heights in Henderson. Both emphasized the convenience and social benefits of satellite classes.

Keith McMillen introduces the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNLV, supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. He welcomes three guest speakers: Andy Isaacs, Judd Hodgson, and Bernard Schwartz. Andi Isaacs will teach "Hollywood Lessons and Logistics," sharing her 30-year Hollywood career. Judd Hodgson will explore AI, focusing on hallucinations and practical applications. Bernie Schwartz will discuss famous athletes and the law, examining cases like OJ Simpson and Kobe Bryant. The program emphasizes the community aspect of OLLI, with opportunities for lifelong learning and social engagement. An open house is scheduled for January 13.