Dr. Annette Bochenek loves to take Hometowns to Hollywood on the road–in person or virtually–in order to offer fun and engaging presentations about Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her presentations range from focusing on various subjects related to Golden Age Hollywood, in addition to presentations that profile individual performers.

Below is a listing of upcoming presentations and screenings for Hometowns to Hollywood. Attendance is free of charge unless otherwise noted.

To learn more about booking Hometowns to Hollywood at your organization, click here.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Judy Garland: A Centennial Celebration
Thurs., June 9, 2022, 7pm-8pm CT
Elmhurst Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Judy Garland is known as one of the most popular singers of her day. From her early days as a child actress to becoming an iconic star, Garland remains a beloved talent to this day. Join film historian Annette Bochenek for a special centennial presentation about Garland’s early years in Minnesota, her time in Hollywood, and her legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories.
REGISTER HERE FOR VIRTUAL.
REGISTER HERE FOR IN-PERSON (speaker is virtual).

Hoosiers in Classic Hollywood & Hometowns to Hollywood: Volume I Book Signing
Red Skelton Festival 2022
Sun., June 12, 2022, 1:30pm-3pm ET
Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy (IN-PERSON)
20 W Red Skelton Blvd, Vincennes, IN 47591
Classic Hollywood’s brightest stars hailed from all over the world, including quite a few from Indiana! Join Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the lives, careers, and legacies of some of classic Hollywood’s Hoosiers, including Irene Dunne, Phil Harris, Carole Lombard, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. Additionally, join Dr. Annette Bochenek for a book signing at 2:30pm, celebrating her release of Hometowns to Hollywood: Volume I. Attendees will be able to purchase the book at the signing. VIEW THE FESTIVAL AGENDA HERE.

Silent Film Night: Tell it to the Marines (1926)
Tues., June 14, 2022, 7:30pm CT
Arcada Theatre (IN-PERSON)
105 E Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174
A gruff Marine sergeant and a handsome new recruit compete for the affection of a nurse. What happens next? Join Chicago’s Premiere Organist Jay Warren and Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special presentation about the film and its stars along with live musical accompaniment. Tickets are $9 per person. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Chicago: The First Hollywood
Sat., June 18, 1pm-2:30pm CT
Newberry Library
Online Program via Zoom
Before the film industry moved West, it was firmly rooted in Chicago. Its key players included Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, “Broncho Billy” Anderson, and many more. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the film industry’s early days in Chicago, as she discusses former silent film studios in Chicago, film stars who worked in Chicago, and the legacies of these studios and stars today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. Tickets are $45 for Newberry members and $50 for nonmembers. REGISTER HERE.

Frank Sinatra: The Legacy of Ol’ Blue Eyes
Mon., June 20, 2022, 1pm-2pm CT
North Shore Senior Center (IN-PERSON/HYBRID)
161 Northfield Rd, Northfield, IL 60093
Of the many great crooners of the Great American Songbook, the name Frank Sinatra remains legendary. From his humble beginnings to becoming a world-renowned entertainer, there is much to celebrate regarding Sinatra’s legacy. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a tribute to Frank Sinatra, including a discussion about his New Jersey roots, his ties to Chicago, an overview of his career, and his legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. The registration link will be made available closer to the date of the presentation. The center charges $12 for members and $17 for non-members. REGISTER HERE.

Silent Film Festival: Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928)
Weds., June 22, 2022, 7pm CST
Des Plaines Theatre (IN-PERSON)
1476 Miner St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
The son of a cantankerous riverboat captain comes to join his father’s crew. What happens next? Join Chicago’s Premiere Organist Jay Warren, Silent Film Era Sound Effects Specialist Nick White, and Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special screening and presentation about the film and its stars along with live musical accompaniment. Tickets are $10 per person. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Silent Film Screening: It (1927)
Sat., June 25, 2022, 3pm CT
Sanfilippo Palais de Musique (IN-PERSON)
789 Plum Tree Rd, Barrington, IL 60010
A salesgirl with plenty of “it” pursues a handsome playboy. What happens next? Join Chicago’s Premiere Organist Jay Warren and Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special presentation about the film and its stars along with live musical accompaniment. Tickets are $65 each and include up to 90-minutes of house touring, an Introduction by Dr. Bochenek, Silent Movie with live accompaniment by Jay Warren, a visit to the Carousel Pavilion for a catered reception, and a ride on the Eden Palais Carousel. Please purchase early as we expect a sell-out; no tickets will be available at the door. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Queer in Hollywood: LGBTQ+ Depictions in Classic Film
Tues., June 28, 2022, 7pm-8pm ET
Baltimore County Public Library 
Free Online Program via Zoom
Depictions of queer individuals have occurred in films dating back to the earliest days of the filmmaking industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents groundbreaking portrayals of queer individuals and the impact of the Production Code upon their depictions in classic cinema. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Hollywood Goes to the Library
Weds., June 29, 2022, 6:30pm-7:30pm PT
Torrance Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Librarians and libraries have been portrayed throughout classic films, spanning many genres. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents depictions of librarians and libraries in classic films as well as the influence of special real-life librarians upon the film industry. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.