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Shared Interest Groups

Shared Interest Groups are an opportunity to meet outside of the classroom with those who share a common interest. They are intended to offer a smaller and more hands-on experience than traditional OLLI classes. The size and nature of the groups will vary.

Groups are free and open to all active OLLI members, which is anyone who registers for a class or event during the academic year. They are volunteer-led and maintained by OLLI members.

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About a Book: In-Person Book Club

We meet in person to discuss the latest book we're reading. 

Books in a pile for About a Book Book Club, a Special Interest Group at OLLI.

When You Join

When: Second Thursday of the month

Time: 11 a.m.–noon

Location: St. George's Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Pike, Nashville

Group Leader: Ann Wheeler

Sign up to participate

Upcoming Events

All in-person meetings take place at:
St. George's Episcopal Church, Room 218, 4715 Harding Pike, Nashville

  • Thursday, October 8, 11 a.m. - noon. Discussion guided by Linda Fisher
    The Sistersby Jonas Hassan Khemiri
  • Thursday, November 12, 11 a.m. - noon. Discussion guided by Phyllis Polinsky
     Broken Countryby Clare Leslie Hall
  • Thursday, December 10, 11 a.m. - noon. Discussion guided by Mary Raffety
    Atmosphereby Taylor Jenkins Reid

Past Book Selections

  • 2025

    October
    How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

    December 
    Buckeye by Patric Ryan

  • 2026

    January 2026
    The Correspondent
    by Virginia Evans

    February 2026
    The Distance Between Us by Maggie O'Farrell

    March 2026
    The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengstrom

    April 2026 
    The World Walk by Tom Turcich

    May 2026
    Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte MaConaghy

    June 2026
    Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy

    July 2026
    The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunnyby Koran Desai;

    August 2026
    The Swerveby Stephen Greenblatt:

    September 2026
    The Silent Patientby Alex Michaelides

Afterthoughts: Online Book Club

We meet over Zoom to discuss the latest book we're reading. 

Books in a pile for Afterthoughts: Book Club, a Special Interest Group at OLLI.

When You Join

When: First Monday of each month

2025 Dates: Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7, June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 8, Oct. 6, Nov. 3

Time: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CST

Location: Online via Zoom

Group Leader: Anne Brandt

Sign up to participate

2026 Afterthoughts Book Club Selections

October
Waste Wars by Alexander Clapp

November
Isola by Allegra Goodman

December
The Odyssey translated by Emily Wilson

January 2027
Whistler by Ann Patchett

Past Book Selections

  • 2026

    January 2026
    Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War by Tony Horowitz

    Feb. 2026
    The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan

    March 2026
    How to Read a Book, by Monica Wood

    April 2026
    The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

    May 2026
    Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte MaConaghy

    June 2026
    Heartwood by Amity Gaige

    July 2026
    The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vyong

    August 2026
    Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

    September
    Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawson

  • 2025

    January
    The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

    February
    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

    March
    I Am Not Sidney Poitier by Percival Everett

    April

    Amsterdam by Ian McEwan

    June
    Shakespeare - The Man who Pays the Rent by Judy Dench

    July
    The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich

    August
    The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai

    September
    Patriot by Alexei Navalny

    November
    Henry V by Dan Jones 

    December
    The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende 

  • 2024

    January 
    Open Throat by Henry Hoke

    February 
    The Socrates Express by Eric Weiner

    March 
    The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

    April 
    A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy by Nathan Thrall

    May
    Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

    June 
    The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

    July 
    The Canceling of the American Mind: How Cancel Culture Undermines Trust, Destroys Institutions, and Threatens Us All by Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott

    August
    The Fraud by Zadie Smith

    September
    Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting: A Novel by Clare Pooley

    October
    An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin

    November
    Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon

    December
    Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Bollywood & Beyond

Bollywood & Beyond is a community gateway to joy, culture, and connection. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of Mumbai, we bring people together in Nashville through movies, music, dance, cuisine, outdoor adventures, guest speakers, and cultural experiences. From soulful concerts to flavorful food, poetry to travel, we celebrate the magic and masala of life—building friendship, fellowship, and fun along the way. See more information about Bollywood & Beyond.

colorful theater seats

If You Join

When: Dates vary, typically on weekends

Time: Times vary

Location: Locations vary

Group Leader: Vinny Lalka

Sign up to participate

Upcoming Bollywood & Beyond Events

To RSVP to events, text Vinny at 865-692-4829, email vinvin1984@aol.com.

Monday, September 28, 5:30 - 8 p.m., The Director's Cut Feast - Autumn Dinner and More
Join the Bollywood and Beyond group for Dinner and Bowling!
We will gather at Taste of Persia to celebrate the changing seasons over an authentic family-style dinner, complete with hot Persian black tea and fresh baklava. Afterward, we will transition to Tusculum Strike & Spare for a Bowling Night 
Dinner at 5:30 pm at Taste of Persia - 5604 Nolensville Pike, Nashville TN 37211
Bowling Night at 7 pm: Tusculum Strike & Spare - 5315 Nolensville Road, Nashville TN 37211
Both of them are a few blocks apart. Join for both or either one. RSVP directly to Vinny at: 865-692-4829, email vinvin1984@aol.com.

 

Mahjong

Join fellow OLLI members for open play Mahjong on Fridays from 1–4 p.m. This Shared Interest Group offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where players of all experience levels—from beginners to seasoned players—can enjoy America-style Mahjong together. Bring your own set and Mahjong League Card, and come ready for conversation, connection and lots of fun. Players should be able to complete games without assistance. Formal instruction is not provided.

OLLI member holding up winning mahjong tiles

If You Join

When: Fridays

Time: 1–4 p.m.

Location: Second Presbyterian Church, Cafe Space, 3511 Belmont Blvd., Nashville

Group Leader: Joy Marini and Kathi Whalen

Sign up to participate

OLLI at the Arts

OLLI at the Arts group attends concerts and musical events each month during the academic year, featuring Vanderbilt Blair School of Music, Belmont University School of Performing Arts and other local academic and community cultural organizations. The group gathers pre- or post-concert for socializing over lunch or dinner. 

OLLI at the Arts attending show

When You Join

When: Dates vary

Time: Times vary

Location: Vanderbilt Blair School of Music and other locations 

Event Tickets: Purchase on you own using links below

Group Leader: Jim and Perkie Cannon

Sign up to let us know you are attending

Upcoming Events

Sign up for events

Wednesday, September 23, Vanderbilt Wind Symphony | Blair Ingram Hall | 2400 Blakemore Ave., Nashville, TN | 7:30pm
Under the direction of guest conductor Robin Fountain, emeritus professor of conducting, the Vanderbilt Wind Symphony program celebrates the richness and diversity of twentieth-century American and British wind music - pairing Leonard Bernstein’s vibrant and nostalgic dances with the folk-inspired lyricism of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Percy Grainger. Tickets: $13.50 Purchase Tickets. Free parking at the Vanderbilt West Parking Garage on Childrens Way, directly across from Blair School of Music. RSVP attendance.

Friday, September 25, Full Moon Pickin’ Party @ Percy Warner Equestrian Barn | 2500 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville TN | 6pm – 10pm 
The Full Moon Pickin’ Party bluegrass music series has been a beloved Nashville tradition for nearly 30 years, bringing the community together for bluegrass under the stars in Percy Warner Park. With events running May-September, you can enjoy live bluegrass, local food trucks, cold brews, and more! Proceeds from Full Moon Pickin’ Parties benefit Friends of Warner Parks, a nonprofit organization working to preserve and protect Percy and Edwin Warner Parks. Bring chairs and picnic dinner and/or purchase at food trucks. Tickets $25/person - must be purchased online in advance (no tickets will be sold at the door). Purchase Tickets. Please send questions to friends@warnerparks.org. RSVP attendance.

Monday, September 28, Jazz at Blair: Blair Big Band | Blair Ingram Hall | 2400 Blakemore Ave., Nashville, TN | 7:30pm
The award-winning Blair Big Band, under the direction of Ryan Middagh, opens its 2026-27 season. The Blair jazz program was recently honored with its 15th and 16th Downbeat Student Music Awards. Blair Big Band has achieved national recognition as one of the top undergraduate collegiate ensembles in the country. Tickets: $13.50 Purchase Tickets  Free parking at the Vanderbilt West Parking Garage on Childrens Way, directly across from Blair School of Music. RSVP attendance.

Friday, October 2, A Grand Night for Singing | Belmont Massey Concert Hall | Belmont Blvd, Nashville TN | 7:30pm
Opening Belmont Musical Theatre's season featuring a new musical revue of the Rodgers & Hammerstein canon. A Grand Night for Singing proves how terrifically up to date these remarkable songs remain. The concert presents Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein musical arrangements featuring a powerhouse local cast that brings a jazzy, swinging energy to musical theatre heaven. Tickets $13.63 (Senior) Purchase Tickets. Free parking is available in the South Garage located at 1521 Compton Avenue or the Curb Garage located at 1520 Bernard Avenue.


Sunday, October 18, Blair Jazz Combos | Blair Turner Recital Hall | 2400 Blakemore Ave., Nashville, TN | 7:30pm
Join us for an exhilarating celebration of jazz as Blair student ensembles share the stage with distinguished faculty artists and special guests from Nashville’s vibrant music community. From beloved jazz standards to original student compositions, each performance offers fresh perspectives, unexpected moments, and outstanding musicianship. Together, these concerts highlight the creativity, versatility, and virtuosity that define Blair’s nationally acclaimed jazz program. This is a free event. Free parking at the Vanderbilt West Parking Garage on Childrens Way, directly across from Blair School of Music.

Saturday, October 25, Belmont Chorale and Bel Canto | McAfee Concert Hall | Belmont Blvd, Nashville TN | 5pm
Choral music performed by Chorale, Belmont’s flagship classical choral ensemble, and Bel Canto, a large treble ensemble which celebrates music of many genres, styles and origins. This is a free event. Free parking is available in the South Garage located at 1521 Compton Avenue or the Curb Garage located at 1520 Bernard Avenue.

On Film

We come together to watch a film, followed by a post-screen discussion. 

Empty movie theater with red seats facing a large, blank white screen, dim lighting

When You Join

When: Meeting dates vary

Time: Times vary

Location: The Belcourt Theatre

Group Leader: F. Clark Williams

Sign up to participate

Upcoming Film Events

Sign up to learn about upcoming film screenings and discussions.

  • Past Films
    • Nights of Cabiria
    • Zola
    • Shadow of a Doubt
    • What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael
      Rebecca
    • Portrait of a Lady on Fire
    • Redoubt
    • Picnic at Hanging Rock
    • Key Largo
    • The Asphalt Jungle
    • Leave Her to Heaven
    • The Postman Always Rings Twice
    • Invisible Life
    • A Hidden Life
    • Satantango
    • Pain and Glory
    • Volver
    • The Wind Will Carry Us
    • A Taste of Cherry
    • First Love
    • Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
    • Anthropocene
    • Official Secrets
    • Broadcast News
    • Raise Hell
    • Ace in the Hole
    • The Nightingale
    • Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy Blache'
    • Biggest Little Farm
    • Wild Nights with Emily
    • Hail Satan
    • Faces
    • High Life
    • Charade
    • Ash Is The Purest White
    • Amazing Grace
    • The Mustang
    • The Juniper Tree
    • Transit
    • Never Look Away
    • Everybody Knows
    • All that Jazz
    • Roma
    • Capernaum
    • Cold War
    • Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
    • Monrovia, Indiana
    • Walkabout
    • Shoplifters

OLLI on the Move

We enjoy a walk outside exploring different locations in and around Nashville. Benefits of a daily walk. 

Group of hikers in colorful jackets walking on a leafy trail under a canopy of green trees.

When You Join

When: Weekly

Cancellations: The walk will be canceled if the weather is raining, sleeting, snowing or other extreme conditions.

Group Leader: Jan Goddard

RSVP: Please RSVP via the link below. RSVP is required.

RSVP

Upcoming Walks (weather permiting)

Suggested to bring personal hydration, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and other supplies you may need for the activity.
If the weather requires cancellation, the notice will be posted on this website at 8:00 AM. If the weather is questionable, be sure to check the website before you go to the activity.

Friday, September 25
Location: Radnor State Park, 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville
Meet: 9:30 AM. Park and meet in front of the Walter Criley Visitor Center.
Trail: Several trails are available, including paved and natural dirt surfaces, rated from easy to moderate. Hikers can decide on trail they prefer. Heavily shaded. Restrooms are available.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

Friday, October 2
Location: Two Rivers Park & Mansion,3150 McGavock Pike, Nashville
Meet: 9:30 AM. Park and meet at Stone’s River Greenway Trail Map Kiosk
Trail: The trail is 50/50 sunny & shaded, paved and is rated mostly easy with some gradual uphill climb to cross the Pedestrian Bridge. Restrooms are available.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

Friday, October 9
Location: Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail, 177 Chapmansboro Rd, Ashland City, 37015
Meet: 9:30 AM. Park and meet at Marks Creek Trailhead.
Trail: The trail is heavily shaded, a flat “rail to trail” paved path along the Cumberland River. Rated easy. Portable toilets only.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

Friday, October 16
Location: Bells Bend Park, 4187 Old Hickory Blvd. Nashville
Meet: 9:30 AM. Park there and meet at the Outdoor Center Building.
Trail: The trails is packed wide dirt or mowed grass and sunny. Restrooms are available.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

Friday, October 23
Location: Deerwood Arboretum, 320 Deerwood Ln, Brentwood
Meet: 9:30 AM. Park at the end of the dead end of Deerwood Lane (paved lot). PARKING IS LIMITED - Please carpool. Meet at the covered Picnic Pavilion.
Trail: The trail is flat, paved, heavily shaded and short so we will walk 3 laps. Restrooms are available.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

Friday, October 30
Location: Drakes Creek Greenway, 7075, Hendersonville
Meet: 9:30 AM. Park and meet in front of the Hendersonville Public Library.
Trail: The trail is flat, paved and heavily shaded. Rating is easy. Restrooms are available.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

  • Past Walks
    • Percy Warner Park
    • Nashville City Cemetary
    • Ransom Mills Dam, Murfreesboro Greenway System
    • Peeler Park and Greenway
    • Gaucho Road Trailhead, Percy Warner Park
    • Mound Bottom Archaeological Area in Cheatham County
    • Long Hunter State Park
    • Centennial Park
    • Marcella Vivrette Smith Park
    • Cumberland River Greenway
    • Ellington Agricultural Center (Rogers Walk Trail)
    • Taylor Hollow State Natural Area
    • Larkspur Conservation
    • Granny White Park
    • Bowie Nature Park
    • Beaman Park, Henry Hollow Trail
    • Edwin Warner Park, Burch Reserve Trail
    • Deep Wells Entrance, Percy Warner
    • Park, Mossy Ridge (Red Trail)
    • Richland Creek Greenway, McCabe Trailhead
    • Montgomery Bell State Park
    • Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Area
    • Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
    • Aspen Grove Park Trails
    • Deerwood Arboretum
    • Harpeth Woods Trail (Blue Trail) at Edwin Warner Park
    • Radnor Lake State Park Aviary Education Center
    • Crockett Park
    • Hidden Lake Trail at the Harpeth River State Park
    • Belmont University Campus
    • Vanderbilt University Campus
    • Ganier Ridge at Radnor Lake
    • White Trail at Percy Warner Park
    • Moss Ridge Trail
    • Burch Reserve Trail
    • Parmer Park
    • Richland Creek Greenway
    • Harpeth River Greenway
    • Percy Warner Park
    • Sevier Park
    • Green Hills Park
    • Radnor Lake State Park
    • Edwin Warner Park Blue Trail

Vanderbilt Explorers

Explore Vanderbilt University through interactive experiences.  Engage in tours and experiences covering anything from architecture history, landscapes, the Wondr'y, food, and more.

Vanderbilt University

When You Join

When: Monthly

Time: Times vary

Location: Vanderbilt University Campus

Group Leader: Tracy Stadnick

Sign up to participate

Upcoming Explorer Events

More events coming soon!

Volunteer with OLLI

Join other OLLI members for a monthly experience of volunteering in the community. The group will visit different nonprofits each month.

OLLI group volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank

When You Join

When: Monthly

Time: Times vary

Location: Locations vary

Registration: Use links listed below to sign up

Group Leader: Jan Hulme Shepard

Sign up to let us know you are attending

Upcoming Volunteer Events

October 8th, Thursday - 9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
The Nashville Food Project, 10 people
Join OLLI Volunteers as we assist in meal prep sessions to feed our hungry neighbors. We'll learn about food insecurity & go on a tour. Activities include peeling & chopping veggies; sorting & separating donated foods for meals or composting. Seating is limited. Medium activity level. Sign up to volunteer.

November 18th, Wednesday - 12:45 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Thistle Farms Warehouse, 15 people
Join us as OLLI Volunteers work with the Thistle Farms Warehouse women by sorting & packaging products, assembling boxes & packing orders. We'll see the products being made when we tour the production area. Seating is limited. Light activity level. Sign up to volunteer.

December 1st, Tuesday - 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Community Resource Center (CRC), 15 people
Help make sure our neighbors have toothbrushes, diapers & deodorant, etc. Join us as we work with the CRC, "Nashville Hygiene Hub," team. Volunteer activities include unpacking donations, assembling hygiene & cleaning kits for distribution via 100+ local community service partners. Limited seating available. Light/Medium activity level. Sign up to volunteer.


Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt logo

PMB 407760
2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37240
615-343-0700
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