Concerts

Please join me for a Sunday afternoon of open air music and pizza at the Fox and Firkin, one of Londons most active live music venues. **Theon Cross** is one of those rare musicians whose vision has redefined their instrument. The creative power and originality of Theon’s playing has reinvented the tuba’s place in modern music. Exploring the tuba’s possibilities in the light of diasporic bass culture, Theon has worked to develop the full sonic spectrum of his instrument, transforming it into a total 21st century sound-system, powered by breath. Theon released his first EP Aspirations in 2015 followed by his first album FYAH in 2019 and the Intra-I in 2021. He has He has featured on countless albums and contributed his version of Thelonious Monk’s Epistrophy to the Blue Note Re:Imagined series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4gAcqk7XV8 **Tickets:** £12 early birds - £15 second release, plus 10% booking fee. https://foxfirkin.com/event/theon-cross-open-air-31st-may-2026/ **When?** Doors open 2pm, Theon Cross 6.30pm, after party 8pm. **Where?** Fox and Firkin, 316 Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6JZ

Practice your French conversation with Loraine. We meet every other Sunday morning to practice French (games and speaking activities revolving around a different topic each time) with other learners while our native tutor will moderate the class so everyone can follow along and contribute. À bientôt !

👀 Something is happening… The best way I can describe it is like one member said to me: ‘Tim - It’s like freshers week, every week, but better, with bands and stuff…’ and that’s how it’s been over the last 7 years since we created this group. It’s honestly the most fun we’ve had and I’m inviting everyone of you because something’s been happening for a while now and you just don’t know about it…It’s a Showcase of some of the Best London bands playing their music in London - and it’s also a MEETUP group, so you can watch the gig with a mix of regular members and newcomers. Feel free to come on your own or bring your friends and meet new people. Look for the ‘MEETUP SIGN’ or ask the Host on the Door when you arrive. It’s an awesome line-up and at one of the Top Venues in London - Great place for a beer, meet new people and see some amazing unsigned bands! 🔥🔥🚒🍻 \* ‼️ THE ULTIMATE LONDON GIG MEETUP! ‼️ LONDON MUSIC SHOWCASE Presents: Hope and Anchor May 31st SUNDAY [SCARLETT JESSICA](https://www.instagram.com/scarlettjessicaa?igsh=Z2NpcDl3aGE4amIy)\- Headliner [COMMUNICATE PROJECT](https://www.instagram.com/communicateproject?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) [IN ALBION](https://linktr.ee/Albionband?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=350fa3f7-6504-4852-ad32-64a79d6f8ee0) [KAFIRAT](https://www.instagram.com/kafiratofficial?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) [THE CLAVERTONS](https://www.instagram.com/theclavertons?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) [EASY ON](https://www.instagram.com/easyonuk?igsh=MTBieng3YW5rNGFjaQ==) \* There aren’t enough emojis for this, so I’ll keep it simple: BE THERE. If you’ve been to the MEET-UPS over the last 7 years, you’ll know what it’s all about so come down, bring your friends, bring your foes, cancel your wedding, book Granny out of the retirement home. Whatever it takes, she won’t want miss it 😄🍻 \* WHATSAPP GROUP: We’re a friendly mix; English, French, Australian, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and Japanese people so I’m sure you will meet someone that shares a passion for Rocking Music. Don't worry if attendance looks low, we are meeting other Meetup / WhatsApp / Facebook Groups and a lot of my friends don't RSVP. I can also add you to the Event’s WHATSAPP GROUP if you are interested in joining - Just message me your number. \* ***IMPORTANT*** This is a TICKETED EVENT: If you would like to come, simply message me directly through this Group and I will send you the details on how to download a DISCOUNTED TICKET (Click my profile - there is an icon at the top for Private Messages) \* DISCLAIMER: I work for the Venue / Promoters. It’s just for fun nights and meeting people. We are not responsible for you or your belongings. By attending this event you agree to waiver liability for the Host :) Please bring ID to events as some are 18+. You may appear in photos/videos of the gig. Thank you \* All Gig Meetups here 👀‼️👇 https://dice.fm/promoters/london-music-showcase-6ko3 https://www.instagram.com/londonmusicshowcase/ https://www.meetup.com/London-Music-Showcase-Gigs-Drinks/ https://www.facebook.com/LondonMusicShowcase

**You are invited to join a deep healing group process that extends beyond us as individuals into the wider 'field' of historical/ancestral influences, where our family's past traumas are seen, acknowledged, and attended to, so that they do not limit our well-being today.** In these **short videos, our facilitator Illi Adato** explains the key aspects of the Systemic and Family Constellation approach to therapy and healing: [https://www.facebook.com/LondonFamilyConstellations/videos](https://www.facebook.com/LondonFamilyConstellations/videos) We shall meet at The Kailash Centre in St. Johns Wood, London NW8 for this month's group session, **open to all**. Issue Holder and Representative spaces are available: **For Representative (Participant) Booking £45:** **[https://calendly.com/illiadato/in-person-constellations-representative](https://calendly.com/illiadato/in-person-constellations-representative)**[ ](https://calendly.com/illiadato/in-person-constellations-representative) **For Issue Holder (Client) Booking £175:** If you wish to attend as an Issue Holder at this workshop and have your own Constellation done please email your request to: [ih@londonconstellations.uk](ih@londonconstellations.uk) **Please Note:** There are limited issue holder spaces available, please book early to avoid disappointment and wait for a confirmation email of your booking. This workshop provides a perfect opportunity to experience the deep and insightful Systemic Constellations process. A unique and powerful therapeutic method for self-exploration, understanding core behaviors, removing blocks, and reintroducing movement and growth. It is used as a major resource in working through trauma and it can assist in depression treatment. To read comments from participants in previous workshops click this link [https://bit.ly/33Asprs](https://bit.ly/33Asprs) **WHAT ARE SYSTEMIC CONSTELLATIONS?** The Systemic Constellations method is a unique therapeutic process of exploration of the forces that move us in life. Such forces often appear as difficulties or a sense of being 'stuck' in life, affecting our behavior, relationships, career, health/wellbeing, or even financial circumstances. This method provides a three-dimensional ‘map’ of one’s life as it is at present. It is a simple yet powerful way to explore entanglements and blockages in our personal life and in our family history. The method brings awareness and clarity into personal challenges by focusing the client on the root cause of such difficulties. Constellations provide an opening for a positive life shift and present ways for deep healing processes to occur. **WHAT HAPPENS IN A CONSTELLATION SESSION?** In Constellations work the ‘client’ is referred to as the ‘Issue Holder’. The method uses workshop participants as ‘Representatives’ to stand in for key people in the client’s life such as family members, colleagues, partners, ex-partners etc., sometimes ‘abstract’ concepts such as an emotion, country of origin, religion, or destiny are also represented. All participants are invited to take part as Representatives. Workshop participants often report (see reviews: [https://bit.ly/33Asprs](https://bit.ly/33Asprs)) experiencing profound insights into their own lives by simply witnessing the process, regardless of how they choose to take part. **WHY DOES THIS WORK?** Scientific research shows that the experiences of your ancestors can determine your behavior today and affect future generations.\*\* Recent scientific research into DNA reveals that a component named epigenetics is embedding the effect of a traumatic experience by altering the genetic structure. It means that some of our behavior patterns can be attributed to traumatic events in your family history. This notion has always been one of the guiding principles of Systemic / Constellations Therapy, a form of work that is dedicated to exposing and dealing with issues emerging from our family system. Our group provides a **safe space** where deep personal work is done and where maintaining confidentiality and respect for each other's privacy is paramount. **\*\* DNA research paper and news article links:** Discover - Grandma's Experiences Leave a Mark on Your Genes [https://bit.ly/3dLwEkK](https://bit.ly/3dLwEkK) BBC News - "Memories" pass between generations [http://bbc.in/1dNShPe](http://bbc.in/1dNShPe) **Facilitated by Illi Adato** MA Lon\. Inst\. SQHP\. Crt\(HYP\)\. Crt\(COACH\)\. C\-h\-a\-n\-g\-e\.co\.uk \- Systemic\, Organisational & Family Constellations member of ISCA \| Hypnotherapy Senior Member GHR \(UK\) & IHF \(USA\) \| Tune\-In Counselling \| Advanced NLP Therapeutic Specialist™ \| Looking forward to another moving encounter! ###### 💬**Personal one-to-one counseling** can be combined with group work. **Book here: [https://calendly.com/illiadato/1st-personal-session](https://calendly.com/illiadato/1st-personal-session)** **VIDEO COURSES** 📌 Watch anytime \| 📩 Instant access after payment Find all the videos here: https://www.meetup.com/london-family-constellations/events/ **Becoming a Bridge - Working with Death As a Key Resource In Constellations** £19 Explore the transformative power of death in Systemic Constellations with Illi Adato in this recorded 1.5-hour video course. Designed for facilitators, practitioners, and those drawn to deep experiential learning, this session offers practical insights into holding space for loss and transition. **Constellations, Systemic Principles & How They Affect Us - Video Crash Course** £6 Explore the hidden forces shaping your life with this **recorded mini-course** by Illi Adato. Learn the **Orders of Love**, uncover deep-rooted patterns, and experience a guided **HypnoConstellations™** process for personal healing. Have questions? Reach out: office@londonconstellations.uk

👀 Something is happening… The best way I can describe it is like one member said to me: ‘Tim - It’s like freshers week, every week, but better, with bands and stuff…’ and that’s how it’s been over the last 7 years since we created this group. It’s honestly the most fun we’ve had and I’m inviting everyone of you because something’s been happening for a while now and you just don’t know about it…It’s a Showcase of some of the Best London bands playing their music in London - and it’s also a MEETUP group, so you can watch the gig with a mix of regular members and newcomers. Feel free to come on your own or bring your friends and meet new people. Look for the ‘MEETUP SIGN’ or ask the Host on the Door when you arrive. It’s an awesome line-up and at one of the Top Venues in London - Great place for a beer, meet new people and see some amazing unsigned bands! 🔥🔥🚒🍻 \* ‼️ THE ULTIMATE LONDON GIG MEETUP! ‼️ LONDON MUSIC SHOWCASE Presents: Hope & Anchor May 31st SUNDAY [SCARLETT JESSICA](https://www.instagram.com/scarlettjessicaa?igsh=Z2NpcDl3aGE4amIy)\- Headliner [COMMUNICATE PROJECT](https://www.instagram.com/communicateproject?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) [IN ALBION](https://linktr.ee/Albionband?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=350fa3f7-6504-4852-ad32-64a79d6f8ee0) [KAFIRAT](https://www.instagram.com/kafiratofficial?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) [THE CLAVERTONS](https://www.instagram.com/theclavertons?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) [EASY ON](https://www.instagram.com/easyonuk?igsh=MTBieng3YW5rNGFjaQ==) \* There aren’t enough emojis for this, so I’ll keep it simple: BE THERE. If you’ve been to the MEET-UPS over the last 7 years, you’ll know what it’s all about so come down, bring your friends, bring your foes, cancel your wedding, book Granny out of the retirement home. Whatever it takes, she won’t want miss it 😄🍻 \* WHATSAPP GROUP: We’re a friendly mix; English, French, Australian, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and Japanese people so I’m sure you will meet someone that shares a passion for Rocking Music. Don't worry if attendance looks low, we are meeting other Meetup / WhatsApp / Facebook Groups and a lot of my friends don't RSVP. I can also add you to the Event’s WHATSAPP GROUP if you are interested in joining - Just message me your number. \* ***IMPORTANT*** This is a TICKETED EVENT: If you would like to come, simply message me directly through this Group and I will send you the details on how to download a DISCOUNTED TICKET (Click my profile - there is an icon at the top for Private Messages) \* DISCLAIMER: I work for the Venue / Promoters. It’s just for fun nights and meeting people. We are not responsible for you or your belongings. By attending this event you agree to waiver liability for the Host :) Please bring ID to events as some are 18+. You may appear in photos/videos of the gig. Thank you \* All Gig Meetups here 👀‼️👇 https://dice.fm/promoters/london-music-showcase-6ko3 https://www.instagram.com/londonmusicshowcase/ https://www.meetup.com/London-Music-Showcase-Gigs-Drinks/ https://www.facebook.com/LondonMusicShowcase

### 🇫🇷 Practise real-life travel French in a cosy café setting in London Planning a trip to France soon? Whether you're visiting **Paris**, exploring the countryside, or simply want to feel more confident using French while travelling, this interactive session will help you practise the **essential phrases and situations you’ll actually need abroad.** Join us for a relaxed **1-hour French conversation session** hosted by **Babel Social** at a cosy café-restaurant in London. In this small-group experience, you’ll practise the key expressions travellers use every day in France — from **ordering food and asking for directions to interacting naturally with locals**. The session is led by an experienced French teacher who will guide the conversation in a supportive and friendly way while you enjoy the atmosphere of a real café setting. This is not a traditional classroom lesson. Instead, you’ll learn through **real conversation, practical scenarios, and social interaction.** 🥐 What to Expect • A welcoming **small group** • A cosy **café setting for authentic practice** • Practical travel phrases and useful vocabulary • Plenty of **speaking time in a relaxed atmosphere** • The chance to **meet other French learners in London** • A **short vocabulary guide** to take home • Guidance from an **experienced French teacher** Expect around **70% French**, with support and explanations whenever needed. 💰 **Price & Booking** • **£25 per person** for a **1-hour session** • **Food and drinks are not included** in the price To join, **confirmation is required** either via: • [Eventbrite booking](https://BabelSo.eventbrite.com) • Private message Once you confirm your place, you will receive the full event details. Please note that **once booked, the session is non-refundable and payment is due**, as places are limited and groups are kept small. 🍽️ Food & Drink Food and drinks are **not included in the ticket price**. You’re welcome to order something during the session if you wish — many participants enjoy a coffee, pastry, or light snack while practising. Please feel free to order within your own budget. 📍 Location TBD 👥 Who Is This For? This experience is ideal for: • Beginners or improvers who can introduce themselves in French • People planning a **trip to France** • Learners who want **practical, real-life language practice** • Anyone looking for a **social language experience in London** 🎓 Your Teacher The session will be led by an **experienced French teacher** specialising in conversational and practical language learning. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to practise speaking, ask questions, and build confidence in a supportive small group. 🌍 About Babel Social **Babel Social** creates small, curated language experiences in London where people can meet, connect, and practise languages in real-life settings. We believe the best way to learn a language is through **conversation, culture, and community**. No classrooms. No pressure. Just **coffee, conversation, and confidence.** Book your tickets here before they sell out: https://BabelSo.eventbrite.com

Calling all Queer singers, songwriters, poets, public speakers, and performers... Join Queer Open Mic London at legendary venue [The Cock Tavern](https://www.thecocktavernlondon.com/) for a night of artistic expression from the LGBTQIA+ community. **If you'd like to perform please get in touch with Josh (co-organiser) beforehand to secure your slot. You can click on his profile to message him, give him a shout in the event chat on this page, or contact him [on Instagram](www.instagram.com/joshandthejumpstarts/).** This event is designed as an informal showcase for Queer performers. Non-Queer friends and allies are more than welcome in the audience. **Sunday 31st May, 2026** **5:30pm-8:30pm** **The Cock Tavern** 340 Kennington Rd London SE11 4LD Local buses within minutes of the venue include 3, 59, 133, 155, 159, 196, 333, and 415. Oval Underground station is 8 minutes walking away while Kennington Underground station is 10 minutes walking. Vauxhall station is 14 minutes walking from the venue, or a short bus ride. *Queer Open Mic is a free entry event and you can support the event and the venue by purchasing drinks at the bar. Absolutely no outside drinks are permitted.*

# **Kim Cypher** **31st May @ Ronnie Scott’s 12:00** **“ Kim Cypher is a rare musical treasure.”** **— Jazz FM** **“A Latin jazz party that exudes love and happiness.”** **— Bebop Spoken Here** **9th May 2026, 19.30pm** **Kim Cypher presents a Funky Latin Jazz Party, featuring Ashley Slater - an uplifting, vibrant show full of positive energy and feel-good vibes.** **Ticket prices** **£25 – £35 → [Bookings](https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show/kim-cypher)** **Line-up** **KIM CYPHER – saxophones & vocals** **FAYYAZ VIRJI – trombone** **CHRIS COBBSON – guitar** **ALEX STEELE – piano** **ROBERT RICKENBERG – bass** **MIKE CYPHER – drums** **A welcome return for one of the country’s most exciting saxophonists, vocalists and composers Kim Cypher, together with her band of top UK jazz musicians. Kim Cypher’s Funky Latin Jazz Party is the sequel to her hugely successful 2025 ‘LIVE and Smiling’ tour, which included sell-out shows across the country, including Ronnie Scott’s. Fresh from a return performance at the hugely prestigious Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Kim and Ashley reunite ahead of his UK tour in June with his own band, Heptet.** **Kim Cypher is a firm favourite on the UK jazz scene, renowned for her charismatic, vivacious style and warm stage presence. With four highly acclaimed albums, award-winning music videos, performancs in New York and sell-out shows across the country, Kim has firmly secured her reputation as a leading figure in contemporary jazz.** **Special guest Ashley Slater, the dynamic frontman of acid jazz/funk band Freak Power and hugely respected for his work with Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim, Loose Tubes, George Russell and Carla Bley as well as being a composer, producer and bandleader in his own right, adds his distinctive vocal style and vibrant trombone playing to the mix.** **The band features Chris Cobbson on guitar, Alex Steele on piano, Rob Rickenberg on bass, Mike Cypher on drums who between them, have worked with some of the most highly respected artists and bands including: Courtney Pine, Curtis Stigers, Sheila Ferguson (The Three Degrees), Ray Gelato, Osibisa, Liane Carroll, Pee Wee Ellis, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Monty Alexander, Spike Robinson, Van Morrison, and Paloma Faith.** **[YOUTUBE VIDEO @ CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1MKFC2VQGA&t=1s)** *Note: For a reserved table with the London Loves Jazz MeetUp group bookings must be confirmed by bookings in advance of the gig directly with the venue. For a comprehensive list of jazz gigs in London and environs subscribe to [Jazz London Live](https://www.jazzlondonlive.com/) which lists over 5,000 gigs annually in 250 venues.*

We meet up in Hyde Park (Just to the West of the Rose Garden - see pin on the map). The guitars will give us away so we can recognise each other in the mass of other people. From there, we sit on the grass, and after some introductions, we start jamming. My genres are: rock, blues, folk, singer-songwriter but anything goes. For jamming, we'll pick a chord progression, something not too complicated and then we take turn to improvise melodies on top of it (both guitar solos but also vocalising). Intermediate level and above ideally but any level welcome but you should probably be able to play some chords (to get the most out of it). Other things we will do: 1. We can play songs - whoever wants to, not going to go round the circle forcing people to play. The songs can be either originals (your own songs) or known songs. 2. We can chat about music or other things 3. Have a drink - bring your fave drink (wine, beer, non-alcoholic) 4. Food goes too (bring your own) When we've had enough, we say goodbye and go home. People can leave early too if they've got other stuff to do or the whole thing is not their vibe (no hard feelings). All of that is weather permitting. If it rains, it's not happening - unless someone suggests a free venue (I don't know one :-)

* We will meet outside the Hamilton Hall Pub, Liverpool Street Station, Bishopsgate Exit. * We will then make our way via Spitalfields and Brick Lane, where we will explore the history and diversity of East London with truly amazing street art photo-ops, a part of the London Mural festival. The road is also a home to numerous independent Victorian shops. * We will then proceed to Columbia Road Market, which is London's principal flower market devoted to selling plants, flowers, garden fittings and gardening equipment. We will reassemble at the end of the market. * We will then return via Hoxton and Spitalfields to Liverpool Street station. Optional drinks/lunch at the end of walk at Hamilton Hall (Wetherspoons). If people prefer street food from the Brick Lane market, or indeed from the famous bagel shops, they can always join us for a drink at the pub later. The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's Meetup fees and costs. The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash/card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event). All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest). What to bring: Comfortable footwear Water Photo-taking gadgets and chargers An umbrella just in case (it's London after all) '***No Show' Policy:*** *If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organiser on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*

We'll meet at the Odeon Holloway Road at 1.30 pm . let's have a blast!!!

**ENJOY TANGO WITH US!** Join us at the welcoming and professionally-run weekly classes and Milonga at Los Angelitos, London’s friendliest tango social dancing space. Start your afternoon with classes: * first for complete beginners at 2pm for your first steps * also at 2pm the Improver class for those with a little more experience * at 3pm by the Intermediate and Advanced class covering more challenging technique and steps Classes by various professionals with a long experience. After the lesson enjoy the social dancing, with traditional music by different TDJs, the Buenos Aires style with tandas and cortinas. Our hall features a smooth wooden floor, plenty of space, tables that can be reserved for groups of 6+, and a great atmostphere. Plus with free cakes and drinks on Sunday afternoon to keep you dancing. **COSTS: PAY BY CASH AT THE TILL** * Beginner class or improver class (one hour): normally £15 but if it is your first class, RSVP with Meetup and we offer you £5 OFF :-). * Intermediate and up class at 3pm: £20. * Milonga: £12 only including free drinks and cakes A perfect Sunday! This week's programme and costs: **[https://tanguito.co.uk/sunday/](https://tanguito.co.uk/sunday/)** A bailar! The team at Tanguito

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.