'The Mid-'60s American Pop Culture Phenomenon, Part 1: 1964' Webinar

From the moment the curtain rose on 1964 to the closing act of 1966, American pop culture in the mid-1960s experienced an explosion of creativity that shaped music, film, television, art, and more for decades to come. How did just these three years give us some of the most enduring icons, unforgettable performances, and genre-defining works in entertainment history? It's time to relive the cultural spark of the mid-’60s and see how it became one of the most remarkable chapters in modern pop culture.

Join New York Adventure Club for a three-part series that takes a deep dive into the most pivotal years of the mid-1960s, when pop culture reached new heights across every medium. In Part One: 1964, we’ll explore the year that set the stage for the rest of the decade, from groundbreaking music debuts to unforgettable Broadway openings and cinematic classics.

Led by pop culture historian Arlen Schumer, this multimedia showcase and celebration will include:

• The impact of Bob Dylan’s January 1964 anthem The Times They Are a-Changin’ and its place in the decade’s creative revolution
• LIFE magazine’s infamous critique of Roy Lichtenstein, questioning the merit of one of pop art’s most recognizable figures
• The Beatles’ electrifying February 9 debut on American television, igniting Beatlemania and transforming pop into rock
• Defining literary works of the year, including Susan Sontag’s Notes on Camp and John Cheever’s The Swimmer
• Landmark television milestones, from Irwin Allen’s Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea to Hanna-Barbera’s Jonny Quest
• The enduring legacy of the 1964 New York World’s Fair, with its blend of futuristic optimism and cultural showcase
• Comic book breakthroughs, including Marvel’s creation of Daredevil and DC’s bold reimagining of Batman

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Arlen — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay through one week after the entire series concludes.

See you there, virtually!

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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Arlen

Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as "one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America." His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.

Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.

“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News 20/20

“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics

The Mid-'60s American Pop Culture Phenomenon Series

Part 1: 1964 (Tuesday, September 16)

Part 2: 1965 (Tuesday, September 23)

Part 3: 1966 (Tuesday, September 30)

Testimonials

"The amount of info presented on pop culture for that year was ---astounding...Arlen Schumer really gave us a bang for our buck." -Russell

" Interesting mix of subjects that impacted pop culture of the time" -Mary Ann

" Informational, interesting content" -Jordan

" So many visuals and stories that really do reflect the 60s which is the time I came of age. I remember early Elvis, the Beatles from TV and many of the other items he presented. I was a serious kid and didn’t get into Ken Casey & The Grateful Dead, but later read On the Road and now go to the Kerouac Festival every October up in Lowell Massachusetts. I have talked to the son of Ken Casey and other Beat notables over the years. I remember the TV news broadcasters, Life mag, comics, and the Ed Sullivan show etc. etc. His great presentation was a trip down memory lane and definitely filled in some blanks for me-for which I am very appreciative. 😊" -Sharon

" I liked the presenter and his great illustrations." -Catherine

" Speaker’s knowledge and enthusiasm." -Michael

" Liked the film clips that were used." -Wendy

" Arlen’s presentations captivate me! His deep dive into the subject matter is unlike ANY other lecture or video available on the internet!" -Guy

"T he mix of art, music, and politics was just right, and the presenter's enthusiasm for his topic was obvious. Some great video clips as well." -Ellen

" I liked the presenter's excitement and subject matter expertise" -Carly

" I liked the entire presentation and all the memories it brought back." -Pam

" Great content, even better presenter" -Steven

" The videos and all of the pictures. I also liked the way it went month by month" -Deborah

"The amount of information and enthusiasm with which it is presented is just great entertainment! Bravo, Arlen Schumer... for a very informative and entertaining experience!!" -Russell

"I’ve taken other years and totally enjoy the course." -Carol

"I liked how Arlen tied together so many disparate influences and events. That tying together is what adds the value to these presentations. Just a lot of fun. One of the better NYAC presentations I've attended. Arlen really kept it moving without rushing things or jumping around the content a lot. Nicely done!" -Steve

"The presenter was very good with the technical side of it. It made the presentation exceptional!" -Pink

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Categories: Virtual, Moments in History