100: Music, Literature, Culture, and Politics

Join renowned presidential historian, Pulitzer Prize-winner, contributor to TIME and The New York Times Book Review and USN parent JON MEACHAM as he discusses “The Art of the Presidency." With the swirling events of the day filling up your news feed, Meacham will draw upon his expertise in the areas of politics, religion and current affairs to discuss how issues and events impact our lives and why historical context matters. He will leave time at the end of this stimulating discussion to answer your most pressing questions. Meacham’s latest Presidential biography, Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestsellers list in November 2015. His other national bestsellers include Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, Franklin and Winston, American Gospel, and American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 2009. Named a “Global Leader for Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum, he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a fellow of the Society of American Historians, and chairs the National Advisory Board of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University. Meacham is a Distinguished Visiting Professor of History at the University of the South and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at Vanderbilt. Meacham will be signing books following his event. Parnassus Books will be on hand to assist with the signing line, and will also offer Meacham’s titles for purchase.

USN Alumni Parent and Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director DAVID WILLIAMS grew up in the heart of Motown going to his uncle's famed hotel, restaurant and night club --- the Garfield Hotel and Lounge. Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and more graced the stage. He has turned these memories into a one-man show, sharing with you his extensive knowledge of the people and the songs that shaped this important era.

Fans of crime films, television shows and novels -- do you ever wonder how close to reality these dramas centering on criminal investigations really are? Let Professor LUCIAN E. DERVAN, one of the country's leading experts in criminal law, introduce you to the reality behind criminal investigations as you explore together how closely the dramatic portrayals we love to read and watch measure up. Learn what really goes on and gain a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system.  This class focuses on criminal prosecution.

Have you ever thought about writing a children's book? This introductory class, led by award-winning children's book creators, author/illustrator MARY REAVES UHLES and author/USN parent JESSICA YOUNG, provides a glimpse into the business and craft of children's literature. Topics will include the concept, format, and structure of picture books and chapter books, as well as finding and working with an agent, editor, and publisher.

PHIL LIEBERMAN, USN parent and professor of Religious Studies and Law at Vanderbilt University, will lead this informative discussion on the complex workings of the Qur’an, covering the history and social context of Islam’s holy book.

Have you ever wanted some extra skills to help you dazzle at a meeting, be the life of the party, and connect with your friends? Sign up for this exciting adult improv acting class and you will participate in and enjoy many games like the ones you may have seen on "Whose Line is it Anyway." USN middle school theatre instructor and parent BAKARI KING will teach improvisational theatre's tricks of the trade and how improv can apply to and support your everyday life. Age 18 and up.

What do producers really do? Industry experts DAVE BRAINARD, PAUL WORLEY and JAMIE HOUSTON offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the production process from "pre" to "post." USN parents Houston and Worley, along with Brainard, have worked with artists including Brandy Clark, Lady Antebellum, Dixie Chicks, and Martina McBride, as well as on projects such as High School Musical, Hannah Montana, and Cheetah Girls (brag to your kids!). Pulling from their extensive careers, these three producers will spend the evening sharing anecdotes and discussing the nitty gritty industry details – how to break into the production arena, identify real hits, pitch songs, and know when the record is complete! Nashville songwriters DIXIE BROWN and HANNAH MCNEIL, also USN parents, will host and bring their own expertise to the evening, which will be rounded out with authentic Greek food, beer, and wine. Age 21 and up. Red Records Recording Studio

Writing for LinkedIn is not only an important way to grow your professional network, it's a great creative outlet. That is exactly what USN parent and alumni parent TOM NOSER will focus on in this timely and original class. Tom was the Senior Vice President at a social media management company when he started writing for LinkedIn, but now he uses it for something more. Leaving most of the technical stuff out, focusing on establishing good writing habits and writing well, Tom will show you that on LinkedIn, there is more to write than just your summary. Return to writing, using LinkedIn as a tool, and develop a stimulating new habit that will simultaneously cultivate your professional life.

In the book STRONG INSIDE, author ANDREW MARANISS uses the experience of Perry Wallace, the Vanderbilt University student-athlete who was the first black basketball player in the Southeastern Conference, as a framework for discussing activism by black athletes, then and now. What is the personal price paid by those athletes who don't "stick to sports" and speak up on social issues? How has the public responded? What lessons can be learned? In this class, bestselling author ANDREW MARANISS will lead a timely and thoughtful discussion on black athlete activism.

Enjoy a night with Nashville's Grammy-winning orchestra and the splendor of Schermerhorn Symphony Center. This night includes a close-up look at the acoustical gem with a behind-the-scenes tour led by Nashville Symphony Vice-President of Communications JONATHAN MARX sharing interesting facts on the history of the concert hall. Then, during a pre-lecture led by Conductor Lawrence Foster, learn more about Korean-born pianist Joyce Yang who returns to perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto 2. Finally, take your seat to enjoy a performance by the Nashville Symphony in one of the most elegant concert halls in the United States.