Hello and welcome to Focus on OLLI. What is OLLI? OLLI is a program at UNLV dedicated to active retired or semi-retired individuals who understand the importance of keeping themselves engaged. OLLI is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNLV. Every month this program will dig into favorite classes, interesting teachers and members as well as special events offered through OLLI.
Full Circle: Jonathan Karrant's Journey from the Great American Songbook to the Classroom
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.
6 Sept 2026
OLLI at UNLV Takes Retirees Around the World: Virtual Travel Classes, Instructors, and Member Perks
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.
2 Aug 2026
OLLI at UNLV Partners with Nevada Conservatory Theater for Fall and Spring Classes, Kirsten Brandt and Bruce Ewing Preview "Big Love," "The Inspector General," and "It's a Wonderful Life"
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.
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Andy Isaacs
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