The OPEN MUSIC CIRCLE  ("CIRCLE" or "Circle") is a gathering place for acoustic improv musicians, vocalists and dancers and others, and an opportunity for all to create together.

The CIRCLE has met regularly since 2004. Musicians, singers and dancers of all backgrounds and traditions and others are invited to explore new territory, expand their skills, and deepen their performance abilities. We meet in weekly in two New York City locations on alternate Sundays for a total of four times each month.

MANHATTAN CIRCLE: We meet twice each month, on the second and fourth Sunday, from 8:15 (sharp) to about 10 PM, at the New York Insight Meditation Center, 28 West 27th Street, 10th Floor, buzzer  #102. It is important to be on time as we meet in the lobby and go upstairs together. Please remove your shoes and coats in the entryway upstairs and enter the main space in silence. The Manhattan Circle is facilitated by Philip Foster.

BROOKLYN CIRCLE: We meet twice each month, on the first and third Sunday from 7-9 PM at different locations in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Circles are announced only through Facebook and by email and not on  Meetup. To receive notifications of times and locations for upcoming Brooklyn Circles and to be added to the Brooklyn Circle email list, please join the CIRCLE Facebook group or email brooklynmusiccircle@gmail.com with your request. The Brooklyn Circle is facilitated by Cori Barger.

NOTE: If you would like to receive information about both the Manhattan Circle and the Brooklyn Circle you must be a member of the CIRCLE Meetup group and also the CIRCLE Facebook group.

CIRCLE FORMAT:

All acoustic musicians, vocalists, and dancers are welcome. We have no musical or other agenda and no director.

Each gathering is an exploration and an adventure. We start in silence, someone begins, then paying attention to each other, we each play, vocalize or move as we each feel appropriate, and finally we end with silence. Dancers and musicians interact with and respond freely to each other. The structure is simple, but its takes us to a deep place. It is somewhat similiar to Authentic Movement. Now and then we may try exercises to improve our skills.

Some participants have discovered useful things about themselves or their playing, singing, or dancing at a CIRCLE whereas others have found their experience to be similar to those had in a therapeutic or a spiritual practice. It's always a great opportunity to give your right brain free reign. Most anything can happen. We usually have fun, and occasionally something miraculous occurs.

Please be on time as we may not be able to hear the buzzer if you arrive late. A $10 contribution is requested at each Circle, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. The monies collected help to pay for rent, replace old or add new instruments, and pay for advertising.

The CIRCLE is affiliated the OPEN MUSIC ENSEMBLE, which performs improvised acoustic music for audiences (www.myspace.com/openmusicensemble), and OPEN MUSIC EDUCATION, which presents unusual musical performances (www.myspace.com/openmusiceducation).