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UW Classics Alumnus Performs Original Musical Odyssey in All 50 US States
UW Classics Alumnus Performs Original Musical Odyssey in All 50 US States
- Jun. 14, 2024

Chicago-based Class of ’98 graduate Joe Goodkin has put his BA in classics from the UW to use in a both novel and traditional way, composing and performing two one-man bardic folk opera retellings of Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad (The Blues of Achilles).
Over two decades, he has done nearly 500 combined performances of these original song cycles as a guest of such institutions as Harvard, Stanford, Oxford (UK), Cambridge (UK), UC–Berkeley, and many, many more (including, of course, his alma mater itself).
In 2023, Joe achieved the milestone of performing his Odyssey in all 50 U.S. states with a performance at Oklahoma State University.
He work has been recognized by awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, as well as supported by grants from the Society for Classical Studies.
Find more information at joesodyssey.com, thebluesofachilles.com, and joegoodkin.com.
More Alumni Notes
Robert Alan Cook MS’61 — a.k.a. Bob, Uncle Bob, UB, or Yoo-Bee — died peacefully in the presence of loved ones in his home in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the time — appropriately for a mathematician – of 3:14:15 p.m. at the age of ...
Michael Staudenmaier Jr. ’91, MS ’93 provided the initial vision and leadership for developing the award-winning HeatRisk tool, managing resources and his team’s expertise to achieve success. He also was instrumental in expanding the tool national...
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
Jeff Maskalunas ’18, MS’20 started ultimate frisbee programing at local Boys & Girls Clubs in the Capital Region, New York, two years ago. He recently won a grant through the USA Ultimate Foundation to continue this volunteer work.
Elmer Clemans Beale, who was a student at UW–Madison passed away on May 7, 2025, in Little Falls, MN due to an accident. He survived a massive stroke in 2021 and spent his remaining years at home enjoying the company of his family and dogs. A cele...
Robert Alan Cook MS’61 — a.k.a. Bob, Uncle Bob, UB, or Yoo-Bee — died peacefully in the presence of loved ones in his home in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the time — appropriately for a mathematician – of 3:14:15 p.m. at the age of ...
Michael Staudenmaier Jr. ’91, MS ’93 provided the initial vision and leadership for developing the award-winning HeatRisk tool, managing resources and his team’s expertise to achieve success. He also was instrumental in expanding the tool national...
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
Jeff Maskalunas ’18, MS’20 started ultimate frisbee programing at local Boys & Girls Clubs in the Capital Region, New York, two years ago. He recently won a grant through the USA Ultimate Foundation to continue this volunteer work.
Elmer Clemans Beale, who was a student at UW–Madison passed away on May 7, 2025, in Little Falls, MN due to an accident. He survived a massive stroke in 2021 and spent his remaining years at home enjoying the company of his family and dogs. A cele...
Robert Alan Cook MS’61 — a.k.a. Bob, Uncle Bob, UB, or Yoo-Bee — died peacefully in the presence of loved ones in his home in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the time — appropriately for a mathematician – of 3:14:15 p.m. at the age of ...
Michael Staudenmaier Jr. ’91, MS ’93 provided the initial vision and leadership for developing the award-winning HeatRisk tool, managing resources and his team’s expertise to achieve success. He also was instrumental in expanding the tool national...
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
Jeff Maskalunas ’18, MS’20 started ultimate frisbee programing at local Boys & Girls Clubs in the Capital Region, New York, two years ago. He recently won a grant through the USA Ultimate Foundation to continue this volunteer work.
Elmer Clemans Beale, who was a student at UW–Madison passed away on May 7, 2025, in Little Falls, MN due to an accident. He survived a massive stroke in 2021 and spent his remaining years at home enjoying the company of his family and dogs. A cele...