Singing With Piano

# **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 :-)

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

Join us for guided meditation, movement and stillness intersperse with relaxing piano music.

Class is now sold out. Date: Sunday 31st May 2026 Time: 14:30-17:00 Location: The Lift, Islington

* **Join Us for a Fun Language Exchange!** 🎉¡Hola Amigos Hispanohablantes! Get ready for a fun and interactive language exchange fiesta; practice your Spanish and English, chat with native speakers, and have an amazing time with fascinating people from around the world! 🍹 **Courtesy Note:** To support our venue and keep the event free, **you must** **buy at least one or two drinks from the bar.** **Our members enjoy exclusive discounts** **on food and drinks**. 📍 **Location:** We meet in a great place with a large indoor space over two floors and a spacious terrace for the summer events. Our reserved area will be the main lounge in front of the bar on the ground floor. Enjoy a massive selection of craft beers, wines, soft drinks as well as many delicious food options from around the world. ✨ **Event Type:** This is a non-academic, laid-back event. Just for fun, practicing languages, and making new friends. 🚩 **Find Us:** Look for the Spanish flag if you're new to the group. 📅 **RSVP:** **Don’t forget to add your name to the event. Thanks!**

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.*

**Hostess: Layla** \*This event is a collaboration with other groups and social networks and it will be well attended \*To attend this event you need to buy a ticket from [https://www.fatsoma.com/e/avr6zd42/slow-dating-37-54-in-shoreditch-happy-hour](https://www.fatsoma.com/e/avr6zd42/slow-dating-37-54-in-shoreditch-happy-hour) Age range: 37-54 ( as a general guide) Join us for a fun and relaxed night of a slow dating and socialising in Shoreditch! Αre you finding 4 mins too little time to decide if you wish to meet the other person again or not? Don't worry, come slow dating and have 6-8 minutes dates! Speak with 10-15 people of the opposite sex for 6-8 mins each then select who you like and leave with the contact details of some potential lovers! After the slow dating we stay for socialising so you speak more to the people who you like! The next day you will receive the contact details\* of your mutual matches (people you have selected and they have selected you back) at your e-mail! We don't send you to date in a online platform...We send you to date in real life with confidence!  We run speed and slow dating events for more than a decade now and we are proud to say that they actually work! People that meet in our dating events date after, some make long term relationships, and some move together and we even had some marriages ! If this is your first time attending a slow dating there is nothing to worry about , we will be there to welcome you, put you at ease and explain you the process. Simmons Shoreditch is a quirky cocktail bar, famed for its rogue aesthetic, bringing an off-kilter addition to the streets of the East. Just off Shoreditch High Street. Blaring neons, skull disco balls and waltzer-style booths all add to the charm! The program of the night is 5:30-6:00 Registration 6:00pm-6:45pm First session of the Slow Dating 6:45pm-7:00pm Break-Socialising 7:00pm-7:45 pm Second session of Slow Dating 7:45pm Speed Dating finishes and Socialising starts How to find us: Just come inside and ask for Marianna's Speed Dating / Layla. Any issue on the night feel free to call Layla: 07377544606 For general inquires or difficulties with your ticket booking feel free to e-mail us at benetoupromotions@gmail.com or call Marianna on: 07949526733 \* By participating to the event you agree to have your details that you submitted to us passed to your mutual matches ( people that you will select on the form that will be given to you during the event and they will select you back). \*Our company is registered with ICO. so you contact details are safe with us Please Note: -Tickets need to be bought online and are not available at the door -Dress code: Elegant/Smart/Office Attire/Smart Casual ( Smart jeans are alright but ripped jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sportwear, sportshoes or trainers are not allowed) -A valid proof of ID (Passport, Driving License, or National ID) is required upon arrival independently of the age for security reasons

**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 our Sunday Improvers Flamenco Classes at Danceworks with Maika Jimenez Blanco — a welcoming and energetic space to continue developing your flamenco technique, artistry and confidence. These classes are designed for students who already have some flamenco experience and would like to deepen their understanding of flamenco technique and choreography in a supportive and encouraging environment. Each session includes: * Footwork technique (zapateado) * Arm and hand technique (braceos y floreos) * Turns, coordination and posture * Flamenco rhythm and musicality * Choreography work * Expression, confidence and performance skills We work on traditional flamenco styles while also building strength, elegance and stage presence. The atmosphere is friendly, motivating and inclusive, with attention to both technique and enjoyment. Current choreography work includes Tangos de Triana and other exciting flamenco repertoire throughout the year. Whether you want to improve your dancing, reconnect with your creativity, or simply enjoy the passion and energy of flamenco every Sunday, you will be very welcome. 👠 Flamenco shoes recommended. 💃 Taught by internationally experienced flamenco teacher and founder of Flamenco with Maika, Maika Jimenez Blanco “Flamenco for everybody” ✨ When? **Every Sunday** Time: **11:00 - 12:00** Where? **Danceworks** 16 Balderton St, London W1K 6TN Studio 4 Nearest Tube stations: **Bond St.** Marble Arch Cost? £13 per class. **Book here:** https://danceworks.com/london/classes/timetable/ Class bookings become available 7 days in advance. Online bookings close 15 minutes before the class starts but you can book in person up to the start time. **Waiting lists are available.** ***About Maika:*** Maika is a flamenco and Spanish dance teacher with more than 19 years of experience, teaching adults and children in Spain, the United States of America, Mexico, Canada, and UK. She also led flamenco classes at Rey Juan Carlos University from 2013 to 2018. Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), she began studying ballet and Spanish dance at the tender age of nine. Maika studied at Karen Taft Dance Academy and Flamenco Centre “Amor de Dios”, majoring in Spanish Dance at the Conservatory of Dance in Madrid. In 2003, she was awarded a Teaching Methodology Applied to Spanish Dance certificate and then focused her career on dance education. Maika has continued her professional training alongside teachers including Antonio Canales, Alfonso Losa, La Lupi, Rojas and Rodriguez. Maika co-founded the company Spanish Flamenco Tour, based in Miami (USA), a business dedicated to promoting flamenco and Spanish culture, to a local audience. Adding more strings to her bow, Maika embarked on a Master´s Degree in Leadership and Management of Cultural Projects at the Institute of Dance “Alicia Alonso”, Rey Juan Carlos University. Her final master’s project was based on promoting Spanish dance, receiving a First-Class Degree. Maika’s classes are designed to extract every student’s natural ability to dance and show them how wonderful and fun, this art form is.

Want to improve your English? 😊 No matter your level, we’re starting a new conversation group where you can practice, build confidence, and make new friends. Everyone’s welcome—come join us! Every Sunday at 2:30pm - 5min walking from Liverpool Street Station Any questions, contact Voni 07310448654

🟤 THE FIRST 10 TICKETS ARE **£4.50 ONLY** 🟢 REMAINING TICKETS ONLINE ARE **£9.50 ONLY** 🟣 TICKETS AT THE DOOR ARE **£15** **Click The Link Below To Buy Tickets**: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984712098313](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984712098313) In this workshop Ryan explains how it’s possible to become more funny plus the best ways to do this, what the different types of humour are with brain training exercises designed to make you sharper in this area. With practice bringing everything together in conversation at the end. 🔵 - Why it is possible to improve humour if you’re not currently very good at that area 🟣 - How to become more funny over time 🟠 - What the different types of humour are 🟢 - How to deliver humour in social situations 🔵 - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills ⚫ - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together Ryan has been coaching people social skills full time for over 10 years. As a quiet & shy person he wanted to work on his own social skills & after making huge improvements plus understanding how social situations work & how to improve he developed a process to help others for every area of social skills. He has helped thousands of people over the years to improve & now has a huge following including over 180000 followers on TikTok. More info on Ryan & Social Shortcuts can be found on the website [www.socialshortcuts.com](https://www.socialshortcuts.com) After workshops we spend time hanging out together, a great opportunity to practice the workshop content & make new friends. Plus Ryan is happy to answer any questions you want to ask one to one. 🟢Workshop happening right after this: **How To Never Run Out Of Things To Say** Sun, Jun 7, 2026, 5:45 PM in **LONDON** **[Click to get a free ticket](https://eventbrite.com/e/1984712106337)**[ - eventbrite.com/e/1984712106337](https://eventbrite.com/e/1984712106337) In this workshop Ryan explains how conversations function, how to make them flow with brain training exercises that can be practiced to get sharper at conversations. This also helps conversations to be more engaging for everyone involved including yourself. 🟡 - Get rid of awkward silences in your conversations 🟤 - Make your conversations flow smoothly ⚪ - Make your conversations more engaging for everyone involved including yourself 🔴 - Indirectly benefit other areas of your social skills because if you’re not thinking about how to keep the 🟢 - conversation flowing you have more free thinking space to focus on other areas like humour or body language 🔴- Decrease your nervousness in social situations as often nervousness comes from not knowing what to say 🟣 - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🟡 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together In person workshops are at 40 Store St. - Store Street Espresso: London. For any questions feel free to contact Ryan or Gabriel. Please don't contact the other group organisers as they are not involved in running the event & won't be able to provide much help:
 ✉ **Ryan**: info@socialshortcuts.com
 ✉ **Gabriel**: gabrielsocialshortcuts@gmail.com **OTHER EVENTS LINED UP** 🟡 Developing Humor And Quick Thinking In Social Situations
 🟢 Persuasion Workshop
 🟤 How To Manage Emotions Workshop 5 minute documentary on our workshops - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rlbCYdeaws We have a score of 4.9 out 5 on Trustpilot - https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/socialshortcuts.com Our WhatsApp chat where we discuss social skill, give updates about our events & you can ask questions - https://chat.whatsapp.com/FuT9gAwf9oMKACjbWFLmxk For one to one coaching on social skills and also our free trial session - [ http://www.socialshortcuts.com We have over 180000 followers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@socialshortcuts.com Our video courses - [https://social-shortcuts.teachable.com/p/conversation-course DISCLAIMER
This workshop is intended for educational and or entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. **Follow us on the sites below also**:
 http://www.socialshortcuts.com
http://www.youtube.com/c/socialshortcuts
http://www.facebook.com/socialshortcutsofficial
http://www.Instagram.com/socialshortcuts 🟣 **Ken Robinson** 🟢 Up to a point you welcome being interrupted because it is only by interacting with others you get anything interesting done

Flamenco Dance Classes for Beginners at Danceworks every Sunday! We will work on the placement of the body, the perception of the rhythm, clapping, footwork, movements of arms and head. Choreography depending on the level: Alegrías, Bulerías, Tangos, etc. We will learn or perfect the four Sevillanas. If you have dancing shoes and clothes, bring them. Otherwise, don't worry, just feel comfortable to dance! When? **Every Sunday** Time: **12:00 - 13:00** Where? **Danceworks** 16 Balderton St, London W1K 6TN Studio 4 Nearest Tube stations: **Bond St.** Marble Arch Cost? £13 per class. **Book here:** https://danceworks.com/london/classes/timetable/ Class bookings become available 7 days in advance. Online bookings close 15 minutes before the class starts but you can book in person up to the start time. **Waiting lists are available.** ***About Maika:*** Maika is a flamenco and Spanish dance teacher with more than 17 years of experience, teaching adults and children in Spain, the United States of America, Mexico, Canada and UK. She also led flamenco classes at Rey Juan Carlos University from 2013 to 2018. Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), she began studying ballet and Spanish dance from the tender age of nine. Maika studied at Karen Taft Dance Academy and Flamenco Centre “Amor de Dios”, majoring in Spanish Dance at Conservatory of Dance in Madrid. In 2003, she was awarded a certificate in Teaching Methodology Applied to Spanish Dance and then focused her career on dance education. Maika has continued her professional training alongside teachers including Antonio Canales, Alfonso Losa, La Lupi, Rojas and Rodriguez. Maika co-founded the company Spanish Flamenco Tour, based in Miami (USA), a business dedicated to promoting flamenco and Spanish culture, to a local audience. Adding more strings to her bow, Maika embarked on a Master´s Degree in Leadership and Management of Cultural Projects at Institute of Dance “Alicia Alonso”, Rey Juan Carlos University. Her final master’s project was based on the promotion of Spanish dance, receiving a First-Class Degree. Maika’s classes are designed to extract every student’s natural ability to dance and show them how wonderful and fun, this art form is.

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

The Alliance is part of the Greater Central Ohio Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are an all-voices chorus dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all those who love to sing, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation or musical background. The Alliance is the first and only all-voices barbershop chorus in Central Ohio. **Who:** Anyone with a passion for singing at a high level. Previous barbershop chorus/quartet experience not required. **When:** The Alliance rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7pm-10pm. **Where:** Lord Of Life Lutheran Church: 2480 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 To become a full member of The Alliance, we welcome you to start by visiting us for a few rehearsals to experience the group and sing with us! Then, you may begin the 2-part audition process for membership: the assessement, and audition. We strive to make our auditions as stress-free as possible to help you let your best singing self shine.

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

**❤️‍🔥 St. Petersburg Virtual Speed Dating — Hosted on Zoom** Online speed dating for St. Petersburg locals — personality matched, hosted live on Zoom. **Choose your age range to sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=meet-for-serious-bonds-over-brunch&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=meet-for-serious-bonds-over-brunch&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=meet-for-serious-bonds-over-brunch&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=meet-for-serious-bonds-over-brunch&ar=55+&face_v=1.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** Register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Your next match is one Zoom call away. 💗 ✨

**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.