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Yes! Check out piano events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the piano events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Piano Events Today
Join in-person Piano events happening right now
Novice | 11-1pm Apr 18 Vortex upstairs
**Update: full for all instruments (spot remains for vocals)**
*Please only sign up if your instrument (or vocals) is not indicated above as full for this session.*
full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/
**What is it**
The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group.
See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending.
Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie).
Location: Vortex upstairs
**Who's it for**
Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians.
There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g.
https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics
You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing.
While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements.
Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas.
Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time.
**What it's like**
A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on.
Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments.
**Tunes this week (Sat Apr 18)**
* Freddie freeloader in Bb (warm up)
(Dexter Gordon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiLuG_PFsfI
* Song for my father in Fm
(George Benson) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo6C2OkOVGY
* Adam's Apple in Ab (learn comping riff)
(Wayne Shorter) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wnu1Y7lTVc
* Just friends in G
(Cohen, Bartley) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq4pW6GgIMQ
Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books)
**Tune preview - next novice session (Sun Apr 26)**
* Mack the knife (Moritat) in Bb (warm up)
(Kenny Garrett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbFIVRztZ4E
* Cantaloupe Island in Fm
(Herbie Hancock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B1oIXGX0Io
* Bemsha Swing in C
(Cohen, McBride, Strickland, Gelin) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIN6A8adJyE
* Close your eyes in Ebm
(Art Blakey & Jazz Messengers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etoyHkoJPBs
**Preparing for the session**
The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books.
Resource for sheet music:
https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html
http://therealbook.info/
Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc.
Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off
**Playing well together**
The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group
* Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending)
* Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification)
* After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including:
\*\* Can everyone hear themselves?
\*\* Are the drums too loud?
\*\* Can everyone hear the bass?
\*\* Is the guitar comping too loud?
\*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up)
\*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs
* For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc.
**Equipment**
there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch
**Percussion**
Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion".
**Vocalists**
Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing.
**Observing**
Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal.
**Cancellation policy**
Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible.
Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session.
\-\-\-\-\-
any questions do get in touch!
Female-only Lesbian Meet & Mingle
**One quick note on how the community works**
**L Community is member-funded.**
The standard contribution is **£13 per month** to cover the platform, events, moderation, and safeguarding.
If £13 isn’t workable for you right now, you can opt out for now.
Support can be changed or cancelled at any time.
Support the platform: [www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now](www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now)
**What this is**
A relaxed weekly night for drinks, conversation, and meeting other lesbian and bisexual women in real life.
Women usually range from their 20s through to their 60s. Most weeks it’s a genuine mix of new faces and returning women, so you won’t be the only person arriving for the first time.
Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and we make sure you don’t feel it. Hosts introduce people, keep things flowing, and make it easy to settle in without pressure.
There’s no requirement to drink, talk constantly, or impress anyone. You can arrive quietly, chat a bit, sit back, or leave early. All of that is fine.
If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one. Many women feel that way before their first event and end up staying longer than they expected.
**Important**
This is a **female-only lesbian space**.
That boundary is clear and upheld at events.
If that doesn’t work for you, this won’t be the right event.
**How to attend**
You must register in advance to attend.
Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/meet-mingle/](https://thelcommunity.com/meet-mingle/)
**Arriving and support**
Table booking is under the name **Jenny**.
If you’re nervous, arriving alone, can’t find us, or have any difficulty at all, you can message at any point — days before, on the day, or during the event. If it helps, we can have someone come outside to meet you.
**WhatsApp Jenny**
WhatsApp only (calls or messages): **+44 7591 386019**
Normal calls or texts will not go through on this number.
**Staying connected**
Registering for an event is separate from joining the wider community.
If you’d like to stay connected between events, access the private WhatsApp group, and join the wider network, you can register here:
[www.thelcommunity.com/register](http://www.thelcommunity.com/register)
Novice | 9-11am Apr 18 Vortex upstairs
**Update: full for all instruments (spot remains for vocals)**
*Please only sign up if your instrument (or vocals) is not indicated above as full for this session.*
full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/
**What is it**
The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group.
See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending.
Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie).
Location: Vortex upstairs
**Who's it for**
Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians.
There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g.
https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics
You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing.
While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements.
Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas.
Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time.
**What it's like**
A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on.
Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments.
**Tunes this week (Sat Apr 18)**
* Freddie freeloader in Bb (warm up)
(Dexter Gordon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiLuG_PFsfI
* Song for my father in Fm
(George Benson) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo6C2OkOVGY
* Adam's Apple in Ab (learn comping riff)
(Wayne Shorter) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wnu1Y7lTVc
* Just friends in G
(Cohen, Bartley) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq4pW6GgIMQ
Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books)
**Tune preview - next novice session (Sun Apr 26)**
* Mack the knife (Moritat) in Bb (warm up)
(Kenny Garrett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbFIVRztZ4E
* Cantaloupe Island in Fm
(Herbie Hancock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B1oIXGX0Io
* Bemsha Swing in C
(Cohen, McBride, Strickland, Gelin) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIN6A8adJyE
* Close your eyes in Ebm
(Art Blakey & Jazz Messengers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etoyHkoJPBs
**Preparing for the session**
The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books.
Resource for sheet music:
https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html
http://therealbook.info/
Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc.
Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off
**Playing well together**
The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group
* Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending)
* Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification)
* After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including:
\*\* Can everyone hear themselves?
\*\* Are the drums too loud?
\*\* Can everyone hear the bass?
\*\* Is the guitar comping too loud?
\*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up)
\*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs
* For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc.
**Equipment**
there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch
**Percussion**
Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion".
**Vocalists**
Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing.
**Observing**
Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal.
**Cancellation policy**
Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible.
Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session.
\-\-\-\-\-
any questions do get in touch!
🍃East Asians & Friends Gathering @Mercato Metropolitano
Hey LEAF (London East Asians & Friends) fam! Time for our monthly Night LEAF, where we get together at a pub for an evening of drinks, laughs, and good vibes with fellow East Asians and friends in London.
**Who's welcome?**
LEAF is a community for people with strong ties to East Asia, whether that's through heritage, having grown up or lived extensively in an East Asian country, or being a friend or family member of someone who has. All genders, ages, and sexualities welcome.
**First time?**
Don't stress! We're a friendly bunch. Look for the group with East Asian faces in our reserved area and just come say hi. Grab one of the organisers and we'll introduce you to people. Come whenever you can, no need to be on time!
💡 Night LEAF is our regular monthly pub meetup. During the summer months, we also run picnic gatherings in London's parks, so keep an eye out for those too!
See you there! 🍺
Masterclass with Chris Corcoran and Artie Zaitz - "outside" sounds on the blues
**Chris Corcoran** continues his monthly series of masterclasses at Ain't Nothin' but the Blues in Soho. This month he's joined by our friend **Artie Zaitz** to look at bringing some "outside" sounds into your blues and jazz playing..
I've been a regular at Chris's masterclasses over the last couple of years. He's a great player and teacher. If you're interested in the music of Charlie Christian, Barney Kessel, T-Bone Walker and Tiny Grimes, you'll enjoy Chris's style.
**Chris Corcoran** is one of the UK's finest exponent of the early swing, jump blues and R&B guitar styles, and has been performing across the British Isles and Europe for the last 20 years. Hailed by *Blues in Britain* magazine as an antidote to the plethora of blues/rock acts currently dominating the UK blues scene, the Chris Corcoran Trio and the Chris Corcoran Band perform a repertoire of jump blues and swing revival music dating from the 40s and 50s, covering artists such as pioneer and innovator of the jump blues T-Bone Walker, and American jazz guitarist and composer Bill Jennings.
**Saturday 18 April 2026**
**12pm start**
**Ain't Nothin' but the Blues Bar, Soho**
**£40 via PayPal to chris@chriscorcoranmusic.com**
Asian Sports Hub - Badminton
Everyone is welcome to join us for our social, mixed level badminton session at King’s Cross Fitness from 2-4PM. Our weekly Saturday sessions are all about enjoying the game, meeting new people, and staying active in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, you’re more than welcome to join. Games will be organised so that everyone gets a good amount of time to play.
🩵sign up ONLY through our Sportas link
https://sportas.co.uk/account/asiansportshub
📍 Location: King’s Cross Fitness (courts 1-3)
⏰ Time: 2-4PM every Saturday
🏸 Feather shuttlecocks provided
🎒 Spare racquets available (we have a limited number so please bring your own if you have one)
👉 Follow us on Instagram @asiansportshub to see the other events we run (volleyball, basketball, pickleball, bouldering, dance, etc.)
📷 We take photos and videos of the session for our IG - if you would rather not be photographed/filmed, let us know!
Novice+ | 1-4pm Apr 18, Vortex upstairs
**Update: full for drums, bass, piano, guitar, 1 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments**
Note: please sign up for the session here directly - I will keep the instrument availability up to date.
This is a novice session with some of the songs swapped out for more tricky standards. There is also a single slot each for piano and guitar, as part of progression from playing as individuals toward paying more attention to the collective sound of group. The additional time will also allow ballads to be sometimes included.
The group is also encouraged to use some of the additional time to listen to parts of well known recordings together and pick up on features and ideas beyond what's on the real book.
Attendees would be expected to be comfortable playing at a novice session first before signing up.
Sometimes the group gets through the setlist, with multiple renditions, with time still to spare. If everyone is happy to move on, feel free to use the remaining time to call and jam over a few tunes.
full list of scheduled sessions: [https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/](https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/)
**What is it**
a pre-selected set of jazz standards for each session that you can prepare for in advance, and rehearse live with others in a friendly and welcoming environment. See below for this week's setlist.
please message Xie to find out more about signing up to attend.
Location: Vortex upstairs
This novice+ session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 1 bass, **1 keys, 1 guitar**, 3 lead instruments. The top of the description will indicate if there is an available slot for your instrument.
Playing the melody, or "head" - the responbility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time.
**What it's like**
a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time
**Tunes this week (Sat April 18)**
* Hot House in C (bebop)
(Charlie Parker & Dizzy Gillespie) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PDjh9zgULM
(Eric Dolphy) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBsrb-_mKHE
* Moonlight in Vermont in Eb (ballad)
(Gerry Mulligan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-LFuSc1sSE
* Black Orpheus in Am
(Stan Getz) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaiZA7ZRSO8
* Hackensack in F
(Coltrane, Getz, Peterson) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beCGdmrP8Xc
Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference.
**Preparing for the session**
The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books.
Resource for sheet music:
[https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html](https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html)
[http://therealbook.info/](http://therealbook.info/)
Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc.
Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off
**Equipment**
there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch
**Vocalists**
singers very welcome though usually I suggest you come to the intermediate sessions where you can pick your own song and key (as chances are many of the above are not in the right key for your range)
**Cancellation policy**
Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible.
Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session.
\-\-\-\-\-
any questions do get in touch!
Piano Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
April Jam in the DEN - full for drum, piano
Full for drum, piano
Join us for a groovy 'play if its spring' April jam in the den
lets look at the following tunes with chord changes based on the I real book as guidance
warmup:
Watermelon Man in F Herbie
St Thomas in C
Song for my Father Fm
Adams Apple Ab Wayne Shorter
The Chicken Bb
if there is time and jammers had time to look at these we might also try:
Sidewinder Eb Lee Morgan
Strasbourg St Denis Bb Roy Hargrove
or something else more familiar
You should be reasonably comfortable on your Instrument and its meant to be fun
Please indicate your instrument - we need one drum - full , one bass- full , and up to maximal 3 horns, guitar, voice etc
I will play keys.
I Maestri present: Brahms and Tchaikovsky
**I MAESTRI present:**
**Sunday 19th April 7pm St. Stephen’s, Gloucester Rd, Kensington, SW7 4RL**
**INNER ASPIRATION**
[https://wegottickets.com/event/692672](https://wegottickets.com/event/692672)
Brahms Piano Concerto no 2 2222 4200 T Str 45’
Tchaikovsky Symphony no. 5 2222 4230 T Str 45’
Carol Gould, piano
George Hlawiczka, Apollo Premadasa, conductors
I Maestri is a mixed amateur/volunteer_professional orchestra brought together by George Hlawiczka to support conductors and soloists
LondonJamSessions x TAM MIC DROP (20 Second Chain) #35
I am proud to announce that we having our jam at the Temple Of Art & Music in Elephant & Castle!!
20 Second Chain:
A structured improvisation format where a musical “chain” unfolds organically, with each player responding to and building on what came before.
Lineup (on stage together):
- 2 guitarists
- 1 bass
- 1 drummer
- 1–2 singers
- 1 additional instrument (sax, trumpet, percussion, etc.)
How It Works:
1. All musicians on stage are assigned a number, which determines the playing order.
2. Playing order, a key (and available chords) is written on a whiteboard opposite the stage.
3. Number 1 begins alone with a simple idea for 20 seconds — leave space for others to build.
4. Every 20 seconds, the next numbered musician joins one at a time, layering something that complements what’s already happening.
5. Once everyone has entered and the full band is playing, the group improvises for 5 minutes, developing the groove — complexity and solos can grow naturally.
6. No on-stage planning — listen and respond in real time.
7. After the timer ends, the group rotates and a new chain begins.
The Temple Of Art and Music is a live music venue and bar in Elephant & Castle so I encourage anyone attending to bring friends as it will be great fun for them even if they are not playing.
The venue has a PA system, drum kit, mics and guitar/bass amps.
There is no guarantee that there will be cymbals or drum accessories with the drum kit at the venue. Drummers please being your own if you can.
Like all our other jams it will be a chance to jam with other musicians playing the music that you love in a gentle environment with no judgement and no pressure. This jam also uniquely gives the opportunity to play in front of a crowd!
Tickets are **£10 online** message us let us know what instrument you play and we will confirm if there is space and send you the Eventbrite link for the jam.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about this jam and London Jam Sessions.
At London Jam Sessions we have an active community on WhatsApp where we all discuss the upcoming jams and future events. Everyone in the community is encouraged to ask questions and bring forward new ideas. Dm me and I can add you to our Whatsapp group.
Songwriters' face-face Open Mic
Songwriters, come to our 3rd Sunday face-face songwriters' open mic at the Plough near the British Museum.
STOP PRESS 6/4/26 - this open mic is still running but the ability to book slots in advance has disappeared - sorry. You can access info about it here though: [https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/plough/whats-on ](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/plough/whats-on)
The Plough is a nice pub, good food and the host is keen on original songs – I often go and can tell you it will be a fun evening
Hope to see you there,
Stu
PS remember open mics can be a bit informal and do occasionally get cancelled at short notice. I'll update attendees if I here anything...
Love to Drum - djembe and percussion fun!
**Love to Drum - Djembe and Percussion Fun!**
Join us for an exciting drum circle experience with our regular host, Simon, who will be teaching simple and not-so-simple West African based drum rhythms. Together, we'll create uplifting and positive vibrations through the power of drums and percussion instruments, sharing in the joy of making music in a friendly and inclusive environment.
Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this drumming session is open to all. You'll have the opportunity to learn Djembe and Dundun drum rhythms and playing techniques. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the world of drumming and connect with others through the universal language of music.
Don't miss out on this joyful and enriching experience! No matter your level of ability, you're bound to enjoy it.
The cost for the entire session, including drum hire, is £15.
Advance booking available here or at www.bunow.co/events
Guitar jam in Hyde Park (weather permitting)
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 :-)
Introduction to Castanets (All Levels) | Flamenco Course London
Discover the beautiful art of **castanets (castañuelas)** and add a new dimension to your flamenco 💫
This **6-week introduction course** is open to all levels, including complete beginners. We will build technique step by step, focusing on coordination, rhythm, and musicality.
✨ What you will learn:
• Hand positioning and basic technique
• Coordination and independence between hands
• Rhythm patterns and musicality
• Integration into simple flamenco sequences
• Posture, arms, and expression
This course is also accessible if you prefer or need to participate seated.
📅 **Dates:** Sundays, 19 April – 24 May
⏰ **Time:** 10:00 – 11:00
📍 **Location:** Danceworks London
⚠️ **Please bring proper castanets (not decorative ones)**
👉 **Booking is essential via Danceworks (link below)**
https://www.danceworks.com/courses/
Limited places available ✨
If you have any questions, feel free to message.
Piano Events Near You
Connect with your local Piano community
Prompt vs. Paintbrush
AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s?
This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation?
We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee.
Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus.
Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)
Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)
Italian Conversation Hour
Ciao a tutt\*!
Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (Tremont Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.
Christians in Tech - Meetup #34 @ Improving
Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you.
Our Website
[https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus)
Sponsors and Partners
* Improving (Venue Sponsor)
* Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor)
* Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)
Pop-up Book Club 3: The Ballad of The Sad Café, by Carson McCullers
Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.
The Alliance All-Voices Chorus Open Rehearsal
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.
Drunken
This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism")
Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war).
Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!





























