Events will be held on May 12 and May 26.
If you have an interest in politics or music, or both, Medford Leas is the place for you this May. The Leas Forum in May includes two unique programs, which are both fascinating and educational. On Saturday, May 12, a White House reporter from POLITICO will be stopping by to discuss the current White House climate and the conversations surrounding it. Leas Forum also offers an event for folk music enthusiasts and Bruce Springsteen fans. A program on Saturday, May 26, will explore the folk inspiration behind his many hits.
White House reporter from POLITICO, Matthew Nussbaum, covered Vice President Mike Pence’s 2016 campaign trail. He has also covered the federal budget and appropriations process. A native of Haddonfield, Nussbaum graduated with a degree in history from Yale University.
Nussbaum will dive into the ways Donald Trump and his White House compare to past administrations and the effect this will have on our society and future administrations to come. He will also explore some of the broader issues in politics and the media today. The Trump presidency has dramatically impacted the way the media, politicians and the public interact. Join Nussbaum in this intriguing conversation on Saturday, May 12, from 11:00 a.m. until noon. This event is free and does not require registration.
The second program included in May’s Leas Forum will explore New Jersey’s very own Bruce Springsteen and his layered lyrics. For over 50 years, Springsteen has written songs that have been adored by thousands of fans. Many people don’t know the extent to which his work has been influenced by the American folk tradition. He has worked within known folk traditions, but at the same time, created new sounds and messages of his own. In this session, participants can learn about some of the works that have influenced one of Jersey’s most celebrated artists.
This program will be funded and made possible by the New Jersey Council for Humanities (NJCH) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Workshop presenter, Prudence Jones, PhD, is a professor at Montclair University. She received her BA from Wellesley College and her MA and PhD from Harvard University. She will be leading the discussion as well as share secrets behind Springsteen’s music inspiration. This program will take place on Saturday, May 26, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. This event is free and does not require registration.
Both of these events will take place at the Medford Campus Theater at 1 Medford Leas Way in Medford. For a full listing of lectures and programs offered by Medford Leas through its “Pathways to Learning” programming, or to register for a program, visit www.medfordleas.org, call (609) 654-3588, or e-mail pathways@medfordleas.net.
