Academic Lectures Thrive in L.A. Bars, Selling Out Fast

A new trend is transforming the nightlife scene in Los Angeles as academic lectures are now being held in bars, attracting audiences eager to learn in a relaxed environment. The series, known as **Lectures on Tap**, has gained immense popularity, with tickets selling out within minutes of becoming available.

On a chilly Monday evening at **Zebulon** in Frogtown, attendees gathered to hear **Drew McClellan**, an adjunct professor at the **USC School of Cinematic Arts**, discuss the visual components of cinema. The audience, settled with cocktails, erupted in applause as McClellan took the stage, ready to engage them with his insights on tone and movement in film.

As McClellan introduced his topic, he showcased a scene from the 2017 film **Get Out**, directed by **Jordan Peele**. The audience was captivated as he illustrated how movement in cinema can elicit emotional responses. “Someone running at you full speed with perfect track form, you can’t tell me that’s not terrifying,” he chuckled, sharing a moment of levity with the crowd.

This innovative event series was conceived by **Felecia** and **Ty Freely** last summer after their move to New York City. Seeking a community of like-minded individuals, they envisioned a space where people could enjoy intellectually stimulating talks typically reserved for academic settings. “I hated college when I was in it, but now that I’m not, I would love to come to a lecture,” Felecia noted, reflecting on the positive feedback they receive from attendees.

Since its launch in **August 2023**, Lectures on Tap has expanded to cities including **San Francisco**, **Boston**, and **Chicago**, blending education with entertainment. The format allows for a variety of topics, from the storytelling techniques of **Taylor Swift** to the implications of **AI technology** in healthcare. Participants appreciate the low-pressure environment, where no grades are assigned.

Interest in the series is evident, with tickets priced at **$35** often selling out in under an hour. “I hunted for these tickets,” said **Noa Kretchmer**, 30, a regular attendee. This trend comes at a time when traditional educational structures are facing scrutiny, as the U.S. government explores significant changes to the **Department of Education**.

Felecia expressed a growing passion among the public for preserving intellectual discourse, particularly in an era where skepticism towards experts is prevalent. “We’re in the age of people not trusting experts,” she stated. “Everyone who still does wants to be in a room with their people.”

During the presentation, McClellan expertly simplified complex film concepts, ensuring accessibility for everyone in the audience. He played clips from classics like the 1931 **Frankenstein** and **28 Weeks Later**, eliciting gasps and laughter as he illustrated how filmmakers create suspense.

Attendees like **Andrew Guerrero**, 26, found the communal aspect of the event particularly appealing. “It felt more like a communal vibe, but at the same time, I miss learning,” he remarked. Many attendees are drawn to the events for the experience rather than specific topics, appreciating the informal atmosphere that encourages engagement.

As the event concluded, the bar staff quickly repurposed the space for a concert, while some attendees stayed behind to mingle, including McClellan, who continued to answer questions over drinks. “This is a nontraditional environment to be enjoying yourself but also learning,” he concluded.

Lectures on Tap is not just a passing trend; it represents a growing desire for intellectual engagement outside conventional settings. The Freelys have tapped into a unique niche that blends academia with social interaction, fostering a community of curious minds eager to learn and connect.