Piano

**HI ALL** ***WE HAVE PACKED EVERY UNSPUN SESSIONS WITH THE MOST AMAZING NEW ARTISTS AND SPECIAL GUESTS, SO DON'T MISS OUR MAY EDITION!*** ***UNSPUN SESSIONS is our regular showcase night Piano Smithfield, a gorgeous cellar/speakeasy style music venue complete with grand piano with wonderful hand crafted cocktails (YUM) and artisan pizzas (SUPER GOOD PIZZA!) in case you get peckish. Just steps from Barbican and Farringdon tubes.*** *THREE OUT OF THE FIVE ARE BRAND NEW, AS ALWAYS, TO US, ON THE NIGHT.* \*\*Join us at 7pm prompt for a chat and mingle \*\*Live Music Starts at 7.30pm sharp - 5 incredible artists to discover \*\*Lovely pizza and cocktails to enjoy **WATCH AND LISTEN TO OUR 5 ARTISTS HERE:** EMILY VOLT is a pop-rock artist from Germany. who since a teenager has forged her own path as asolo artist career. Drawing inspiration from Paramore, Soundgarden and Failure, Emily brings a fierce energy to her performances. With songs deeply rooted in her personal experiences, Emily’s electrifying shows always get the crowd singing along! [Wstch Emily Volt](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMbgrNwZn5U) JOHANNA AMELIE songs address romance, death, and plastic pollution. Balancing career with motherhood she uses her songs to advocate for positive change. Johanna has accomplished over 300 performances worldwide, taking her to Iceland, Ghana, the US and New Zealand. [Watch JOHANNA AMELIE](https://youtu.be/-Ev4pyw0s7I?si=bnBS6bK3tcBwNDhG) Chosen as one of BBC Introducing’s Ones to Watch for 2025, JOSIE BETH is a London-based indie-pop singer-songwriter steadily making her mark on the UK music scene. “Her voice is just sensational” - Jo Whiley [Watch JOSIE BETH](https://youtu.be/XLAI6vnP0XU?si=2cKfTFA2c8cIUB3s) MASON blends Alt-Pop, R&B and whatever catches her attention, writing provocative lyrics over dynamic production. Her single 'SAUNA' received BBC London Upload and BBC Introducing London support, and a placement on Fresh Finds UK & IE. IInfluenced by Billie Eilish, RAYE & Labrinth, MASON's sound is unique and ever-changing. [Watch Mason](https://youtu.be/Qp9mqsNUtnA?si=CNhOK5B_9f6qLaCo) ELLOWEN is an Irish singer-songwriter making music from the heart, from the dark, as self-pleasure, as alchemy, as medicine, as magic.Self-styled as 'sensual folk', her live performances are not to be missed. [Watch Ellowen ](https://youtu.be/4INNITsClpw?si=bLZuYp2iyC7O3CNB) Doors 7pm Show 7.30pm ***Discounted tickets £9 (normally £13 inc) - apply promo code LONDONLIVE at checkout*** [Book Tickets](https://link.dice.fm/l69271bd4582) Literally cannot wait to share this very special night with you all!! Lorraine xx

**\*See below on Special offer for Rear Stalls seating - tickets now only £10-30\*** Join us for a performance of Haydn's oratorio masterpiece, 'The Creation' at Royal Festival Hall with the combined forces of The Orchestra & Choir of the Age of Enlightenment. **TICKETS** I have a link to a site which is providing up to 71% off the face value of seats located in the Rear Stalls, meaning tickets in this section now only cost £10-30, head to [https://centraltickets.ticketswitch.com/book/1HWF6-the-creation/#date=2026-05-27&perf=1HWF6-2&time=7.00PM](https://centraltickets.ticketswitch.com/book/1HWF6-the-creation/#date=2026-05-27&perf=1HWF6-2&time=7.00PM) to book! If you wish to book in another section of the auditorium (at full price), you will need to go via the standard Southbank website by clicking [here.](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-creation/) I'm sat in the rear stalls in seat DD36 if you wish to sit nearby. **PROGRAMME** * Haydn: The Creation (Performed in German with English subtitles). Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Václav Luks conductor Samantha Clarke soprano Nick Pritchard tenor Krešimir Stražanac bass Choir of the Age of Enlightenment We'll look at heading for a post show drink after the show at the RFH bar.

The regular Wednesday Russian catchup meet up as well as language practice for native and non-native alike. The usual place – the Metropolitan Bar (Wetherspoons) at Baker Street tube station. We also play board games, Coup, Uno, Catan, depending on the numbers. Please take a sit at the table if you would like to play and counted. During the next meeting we will be playing Coup as a starting game. If you came to our meetings, please consider donating to cover the cost of the Meetup subscription at the event or through the link: [Donate ](https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=W3NRND76S23P2) We are doing it on our own and free of charge, so will appreciate any help.

Join us at this historic studio under the arches of Hungerford Bridge on the South Bank of the Thames, where the renowned painter and reportage artist Felix Topolski RA worked from 1951 until 1989 for an evening hosted by his grandson Lucian Topolski. If you would like to find out more about Topolski Studio, please visit the website and join the mailing list at [https://www.topolski.org](https://www.topolskistudio.org). Mark Lovelace will lead the drawing, Mark is an artist, with a special interest in drawing, who has been running classes at the Barbican Art Society, and at London Life Drawing, for many years. The studio has easels and all the equipment you might want, including a variety of drawing materials. Sketchbooks with reproductions of work by Felix Topolski are also available to purchase. Lucien will be around after the class to socialise, and you are welcome to bring your own drinks. There is also the Topolski Bar nearby. Mark will explain some approaches to drawing which reflect the artistic concerns of Felix Topolski. Individual feedback is available if desired. Mark can either help you to develop your drawing in similar directions, or he can support you as you pursue your own path. We will have a mixture of pose lengths. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available during the break. We aim to foster a warm atmosphere for a wide variety of skill levels, and to support a vibrant, and welcoming community of artists. **BOOKING TICKETS & DROPPING IN:** £13 Drop-In Tickets, but you can pay less with a [Draw More Pass](https://www.adriandutton.com/copy-of-drawmore-passes) (click on link or see details bellow) The class at the Topolski Studio runs every Wednesday . In Person only. Doors open, 6.30 pm. Life drawing, 7 - 9 pm. Socialising 9 - 9.30 pm. Just drop in, or if you prefer you can book in advance. Buying a ticket means you can simply drop in without needing to worry about paying on the night. Please use the link bellow to book: [https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream](https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream) **SCHEDULE & POSE LENGTH:** 6.45 pm, arrival 7.00 pm, We start drawing at 7pm with poses of mixed short and medium length: 15 min pose 5 x 1 min pose 5 min pose 10 min pose 20 min pose 15 min break 20 min pose 25 min pose 9.00pm drawing session ends **DRAW MORE PASS:** If you have a Draw More Pass - HOWEVER OLD - please select that ticket option in Bookwhen - this will give you a free booking confirmation - bring a print out or screen shot of the booking to the session along with your Draw More Pass - if you have any difficulties please call Adrian on 07966925723 **BUYING A DRAW MORE PASS :** The Draw More Pass makes our classes the most affordable in London and it's incredibly versatile. The Pass enables you to drop into our classes in person or online, any time you want to. You don't have to come back every week, instead choose your times and just turn up, they never expire - you can buy a Draw More Pass in any class or via our website: [https://www.adriandutton.com/shop](https://www.adriandutton.com/shop) When you buy a pass online you will receive a PDF, simply screen shot this or print it out and bring it to any session and we will exchange this for a PASS, also, as soon as the transaction is made you will be listed to receive our link emails for online sessions: 5 sessions: £52.50 10 sessions: £100 20 sessions: £190 50 Sessions: £450 **SHARE YOUR WORK** You are invited to share your work on IG, please hashtag #adriandutton_life_drawing so we can re-post and share. For those who do not use IG please email adrianmarkdutton@gmail.com with your photos **THE VENUE** About the venue. **The venue opens at 6.30pm**. It is wheelchair accessible via a ramp to the space. It has been an education and teaching space for many years, as well as housing the archive of the artist. If you would like to take a guided tour of the studio, you can book a place on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/topolski-studio-64310090343 **TRANSPORT** Tube: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines). Embankment (District and Circle lines). Bus: Routes 1, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, N1, N68, N171, N343 and X68 stop on Waterloo Bridge. Routes 76, 77, 211, 381, 507 and N381 stop on York Road. We look forward to seeing you!

**Hello there!** Our Face-to-Face Afternoon Classes are back this May in London! Are you learning English as a second language and looking for an opportunity to practise your English? Interested in **free, in-person classes**? We’ve got you covered! Here at **Stafford House,** our teachers-in-training are gaining hands-on experience by teaching enthusiastic English learners. Each lesson is interactive and fun, with plenty of opportunities to practise speaking, meet other learners, and improve your English along the way. We also offer **free online English classes**. Check out our other events for more information! Please see the **updated** details below! 🕑 **When:** From **4th May - 28th May (4 weeks)** ➡️**Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays** 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ➡️**Fridays** 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m 📍 **Where:** Stafford House London, 2 Southampton Place, WC1A 2DA (just 2 minutes from Holborn Station) 📚 **Level: Both levels available** **\- Pre\-Intermediate \(A2\-B1\)** **\- Upper\-Intermediate \(B2\)** Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive **15- 30 minutes early** to secure your spot. We will ask for your name and email upon arrival. *Please note⚠️ confirming attendance on Meetup does not guarantee a place in the classroom.* **Please note that class times or dates may occasionally change due to the nature of the course. If this happens, we will inform you by email.** We look forward to seeing you all very soon! Got Questions? send us an email at [[teachertraining@staffordhouse.com](mailto:teachertraining@staffordhouse.com)]

Join us this Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM for **"The Breakdown: Why is Christianity True? Hard Evidences for Faith."** Skeptics are completely welcome! We will be diving into tough topics such as why Christianity stands out among thousands of religions, science in the bible, bible predictions, archeology, the paradox of free will, divine hiddenness and the problem of evil and suffering. For Christians: Can you handle these questions? * How do i know the Bible hasn't been changed? * How do I know Jesus Christ was real? And then how do I know what's written in that book is real versus just some guys thousands of years ago made a book? * Are these people saying that they saw him walk out? Are they saying that they just saw it empty? What is the claims being made about his resurrection from these witnesses? * Who decided that there should be 39 books in the Old Testament? * Should there be more books in the Bible? **Agenda** * **7:00 PM:** The Evidence (Examining the evidences) * **7:35 PM:** Open Q&A **What to Bring** Bring your hardest questions! Any thing we can't answer initially will become a fun research topic! There are no limits for the open Q&A session.

⚠️ ATTENZIONE: RSVP su Meetup NON equivale a biglietto. 🎟️ È necessario acquistare il biglietto su [Eventbrite ](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stand-up-comedy-in-italiano-tickets-1989457208064)per partecipare. Questo è il link per prenotare i biglietti: [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stand-up-comedy-in-italiano-tickets-1987734448243](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stand-up-comedy-in-italiano-tickets-1989457208064) Preparati a una serata di risate non-stop nel cuore di South Kensington! Sabato 30 maggio alle 21:00, il nostro palco si accende con alcuni dei comici più brillanti della scena londinese (e non solo). Una line-up esplosiva di talenti affermati e nuove voci promette battute taglienti, aneddoti irresistibili e tanta, tanta comicità. 📅 Sabato 30 maggio \| 🕘 Porte aprono alle: 20:30 🕘 Lo show inizia alle: 21:00 📍 South Kensington Comedy Club, di sopra nella function room del pub Hoop and Toy 👀 Prenotazione vivamente consigliata 🎫 Biglietti online e all’ingresso (fino a esaurimento) 🎟️ Biglietti all'ingresso (se ci sono): £20.00 Che tu sia un fan della stand-up o solo in cerca di una serata diversa, vieni a goderti lo show… risate garantite!

Full for drums, guitar, piano, lead instruments **Please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-10-12pm-may-30-vortex-upstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) **Note the Vortex rehearsals will be starting at 10am and 12pm in the coming weeks.** 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. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sat May 30)** * Chitlins Con Carne in C (warm up) (Kenny Burrell) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylGjvwXV3HA * Work Song in Fm (The Jazz Networks) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4sTguG5aV8 * Well you needn't in F (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JC1iqeoNQg * Satin Doll in C (as slow swing) (Johnny Hodges) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dS2Dod7CIY 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 (Sat June 6)** * Mack the knife (Moritat) (warm up) (Kenny Garrett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbFIVRztZ4E * Black Orpheus in Am (Freddie Hubbard) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK1lgP0WUhw * Take Five in Ebm (tricky) (Dave Brubeck) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmDDOFXSgAs * Our love is here to stay in F (Dexter Gordon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_QEvFIz0qU **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!

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

full for all instruments (spot remains for vocals) **Please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-12-2pm-may-30-vortex-upstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) **Note the Vortex rehearsals will be starting at 10am and 12pm in the coming weeks.** 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. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sat May 30)** * Chitlins Con Carne in C (warm up) (Kenny Burrell) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylGjvwXV3HA * Work Song in Fm (The Jazz Networks) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4sTguG5aV8 * Well you needn't in F (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JC1iqeoNQg * Satin Doll in C (as slow swing) (Johnny Hodges) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dS2Dod7CIY 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 (Sat June 6)** * Mack the knife (Moritat) (warm up) (Kenny Garrett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbFIVRztZ4E * Black Orpheus in Am (Freddie Hubbard) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK1lgP0WUhw * Take Five in Ebm (tricky) (Dave Brubeck) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmDDOFXSgAs * Our love is here to stay in F (Dexter Gordon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_QEvFIz0qU **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!

**What this is** In-person speed friending night for women who want to meet other women without apps or awkward small talk. You’ll have short one-to-one chats that rotate every few minutes, followed by time to stay and talk with anyone you click with. Most women come on their own. That’s normal here. The format takes the pressure off and makes it easy to settle in, even if you’re a bit nervous at first. This is friending first. Anything else happens naturally. It’s a standing event with short conversations, followed by open social time. You don’t need to prepare anything or know what to say. You won’t be put on the spot, and you won’t be left awkwardly standing around. If you’ve been wanting to meet more women in real life, this is a good place to start. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/speed-friending/](https://thelcommunity.com/speed-friending/) The venue will be released on the week of the event. **Arriving and support** The 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 won’t go through on this number. **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. **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/go](www.thelcommunity.com/go)

**\*You will need to purchase a ticket in order to attend this event - see below\*** Join us at the Royal Opera House for a performance of Richard Jones' acclaimed production of Saint-Saëns opera with [SeokJong Baek](https://www.rbo.org.uk/people/seokjong-baek) playing Samson and [Aigul Akhmetshina](https://www.rbo.org.uk/people/aigul-akhmetshina) as Dalila. **SYNOPSIS** Samson rouses his people to war against the Philistines. But it is his transgressive passion for Dalila that will ignite a conflict with deadly consequences. Where does his extraordinary strength come from? In the battle for faith and loyalty, Samson’s power – both physical and spiritual – are put to the ultimate test. Approx performance time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, with one interval. **TICKETS** Tickets for this performance can be purchased here:- [https://www.rbo.org.uk/checkout/interstitial/66489](https://www.rbo.org.uk/checkout/interstitial/66489) At time of writing, prices range from £12-£236, with fairly good availability. I will be sitting in the Amphitheatre, Row D, Seat 66 if anyone wants to sit nearby. **SOCIAL** After the show, we'll congregate in the Bow Street foyer next to the statue in the centre of the room before heading off for a drink, (probably at The Craft Beer Co on Endell Street - other drinks are available there!). I will be providing updates in the comments section of this page on the day itself. I would recommend you download the Meetup app to your smartphones, so you can access these quickly & easily.

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

**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.

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.

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!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! 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

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)

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

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.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.