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 PRESENTATIONS:

Hollywood Goes to the Beach
Thurs., July 6, 2023, 12pm-1pm CT
Stage Left Cafe
125 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
*Book signing of Hometowns to Hollywood: Volume I will take place after the presentation.
Taking full advantage of sunny California’s climate, classic Hollywood films frequently featured beach sequences and sun-drenched stars. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores classic Hollywood stars and their ties to beach films, the beach movies’ influence on fashion, and memorable beach movie moments. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. Ticket to presentation is $15; ticket to presentation plus lunch from Cesaroni’s is $25. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Hollywood Goes to the Beach
Weds., July 19, 2023, 7pm-8pm ET
Sachem Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Taking full advantage of sunny California’s climate, classic Hollywood films frequently featured beach sequences and sun-drenched stars. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores classic Hollywood stars and their ties to beach films, the beach movies’ influence on fashion, and memorable beach movie moments. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Movie Melodies: The Music of the Gershwins
Sat., July 22, 2023, 1:30pm-2:30pm CT (IN PERSON)
Sulzer Library
4455 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Many beloved classic Hollywood films made all the more memorable by the musical talents of brothers George and Ira Gershwin. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about the influence of the Gershwins in classic film, some of their most popular songs represented in film, and their legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED.

Hollywood Goes to Space
Mon., July 24, 2023, 7pm-8pm CT
(SPEAKER IN-PERSON; PROGRAM IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL)
Fremont Public Library
1170 N Midlothian Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060
As the public became fascinated with the Space Race and the idea of space travel in the 1950s, classic Hollywood worked to bring space to the screen through many science fiction features. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about various classic films that depict space and its residents, including discussion of special effects and creative choices used to develop space-related plot lines and scenarios for moviegoing audiences to enjoy. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON OR ONLINE ATTENDANCE HERE.

Hollywood Goes to the Beach
Tues., July 25, 2023, 7pm-8pm ET
Union Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Taking full advantage of sunny California’s climate, classic Hollywood films frequently featured beach sequences and sun-drenched stars. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores classic Hollywood stars and their ties to beach films, the beach movies’ influence on fashion, and memorable beach movie moments. 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 presentation date. REGISTER HERE.

Hollywood Goes to the Beach
Thurs., July 27, 2023, 1:30pm-2:30pm ET
Bronxville Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Taking full advantage of sunny California’s climate, classic Hollywood films frequently featured beach sequences and sun-drenched stars. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores classic Hollywood stars and their ties to beach films, the beach movies’ influence on fashion, and memorable beach movie moments. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Frank Sinatra: The Legacy of Ol’ Blue Eyes
Thurs., July 27, 2023, 7pm-8pm CT (SPEAKER IN-PERSON; Zoom option available)
Prospect Heights Public Library
12 N Elm St, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
*Book signing of Hometowns to Hollywood: Volume I will take place after the presentation.
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. Copies of Hometowns to Hollywood: Volume I will be sold at this event. REGISTER TO ATTEND IN-PERSON OR ONLINE HERE.

Ladies of Laughter: Great Comediennes
Sat., July 29, 2023, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
River Forest Public Library
735 Lathrop Ave, River Forest, IL 60305
In the early days of comedy and beyond, many top-notch classic comediennes have made audiences laugh. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about the funny women of film, television, and radio, including Gracie Allen, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED.