Twilight Talks

Doug Clarke, celebrated jazz guitarist, adjunct faculty, Brookdale Community College

Through listening and discussion, explore the blues influence on the evolution of jazz, rock, country, soul, and even classical music. Examine the blues rhythms, story telling and other musical elements that helped shape generations of modern music.

Thursday, July 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
XHUMN 390, $49

Lesley Schierenbeck, MA history, founder of the History Chick Tours

Explore the lesser-known history of the Jersey Shore through the lives of women who challenged social norms and were often labeled “infamous.” From boardwalk entrepreneurs to figures tied to crime and controversy, these women navigated systems that limited their power while still shaping their communities. Discover how gender, reputation, and survival intersected along the Shore — and reconsider what it meant to be a “Jersey Girl.”

Thursday, July 30, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
XHUMN 391, $49

Joe Ritacco, retired AT&T Bell Labs computer scientist and leader in interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding

Step beyond the headlines to explore the rich history, culture, and political complexities of one of the world’s most misunderstood nations. This engaging presentation examines Iran’s evolving relationships with the United States, Israel, and the Jewish community, while exploring the Sunni/Shia divide, the roots of the current regime, and the lasting impact of the 1979 revolution. Through personal experiences of living in Iran during revolutionary unrest, Joe offers historical context, surprising insights, and fresh perspectives in an apolitical educational setting.

Thursday, August 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
XHUMN 392, $49

Author of Terror from America: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure

Join acclaimed historian and journalist Terry Golway for a discussion of his debut novel, Terror from America: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure. Set in 1885 New York amid Irish nationalist bombings and political intrigue, the novel sends Sherlock Holmes into the city’s shadowy Irish American underworld to investigate murder, conspiracy, and hidden loyalties. Blending rich historical detail with classic suspense, Golway reimagines the legendary detective in Gilded Age New York. Terry Golway is an award-winning journalist, historian, and author. A former writer and editor for The New York Times and The New York Observer, he has written more than a dozen nonfiction books and holds a PhD in U.S. history from Rutgers University.

Thursday, August 20, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
XHUMN 393, $49