Celtic Music

Step into the heart of Andalusia for one night and join María de Huelva and Yumi La Blanca for a deeply moving performance blending the fiery passion of Flamenco with Spanish Folk music and the romantic drama of the Copla — a traditional Spanish musical genre, that emerged in the 19th century. With guitar, voice, cajón, three-holed pipe, tabor and dance, the dúo will fill the charm of Pulse & Pickle with the warmth and duende of southern Spain. Artists: • María de Huelva: guitar, voice, pipe & tabor. • Yumi la Blanca: dance, cajón, castanets. Tickets available on Humanitix (all booking fees go directly to charity): https://events.humanitix.com/a-sip-of-spain

**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

Host: Van \*This event is a collaboration with other meetup 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/agbqkr7z/big-singles-social-at-home-grown-members-club-all-ages-welcome](https://www.fatsoma.com/e/agbqkr7z/big-singles-social-at-home-grown-members-club-all-ages-welcome) Join us to at the first event of the year, socialise like a royal, in an elegant and relaxed singles mix and mingle while enjoying luscious cocktails at the most exclusive venue! The event will not have any loud music, making the environment perfect for meaningful long conversations that will allow you to connect with the other attendees and get to know them! Whether you are looking for a partner or just to meet and connect with other people who are at the same phase of life, this the event for you! You never know who you meet in this evening and that is the beauty of it! You may find a friend forever, a party buddy, a partner in crime or a partner in life! Since this is a mix and mingle and not a speed dating there is no age range- in a social pool everybody is welcome and you can choose to speak to whoever you fancy. Connect with like minded people and open your social circle, enjoy chatting about anything and everything, with those you like, for as long as you like while sipping on the best cocktails in town made by award- winning mixologists. If you find somebody who you think you have a connection with, dare to ask their contact details right then and there... like the old times ;) Oh! and you don't need to ask the awkward question: 'so are you single?' because they all will be! You are welcome to arrive solo- most people do- or with friends, we will be there to welcome you, make you feel comfortable and act as the perfect glue among those who wish to. Attendees from past events always feel welcome and energised after our events. Our reputation says that we make the best events in London - so come and check by yourself! Home Grown is the private members’ club, not open usually to the public, set in a stunning six story Georgian building in the heart of Marylebone and part of the Home House Collection which exudes quality, sophistication and style. Hosting our event at Home Grown members club, with its home away-from-home atmosphere, is everything you could possibly want on a Saturday evening This is a unique opportunity to visit the venue which should not be missed! How to find us: When you arrive please come on the first floor . Any issue on the night feel free to contact Van: 07587546857 or Marianna: 07949526733 Please Note: -Tickets need to be bought online and are not available at the door -Tickets are valid for entry till midnight -Dress code: Smart/ Elegant/Glamorous ( ripped jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sportwear, sportshoes or trainers are not allowed) -A valid proof of ID (European Passport, Driving License, or Passport) is required upon arrival independently of the age for security reasons For general inquires or difficulties with your ticket booking feel free to e-mail us at benetoupromotions@gmail.com or call Marianna on: 07949526733 How to connect with us: Like and follow our facebook page: [https://www.facebook.com/mariannaland](https://www.facebook.com/mariannaland) Join our facebook group: [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/453202104877514](https://www.facebook.com/groups/453202104877514) Follow us on twitter:@Mariannasevents

**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!

**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!

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...

Acoustic music, poetry and storytelling. Soul Fuel Sunday is a monthly gathering of poets, storytellers and songwriters held at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel. These intimate, unique evenings are not to be missed, offering audiences the rare opportunity to hear spoken word artists and songwriters perform completely unplugged, supported only by the natural acoustics of our gorgeous neo-Gothic Chapel walls. Each month, experience performances from musical artists interspersed with spoken word, storytelling, poetry and meditations, with singer-songwriter Russell Swallow.

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.

**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**

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.

To book: www.barefootyogaandtherapy.com Intro offer of £39 for one month of classes unlimited. Insta Barefootyogastudio4 A soundbath is an acoustic sound healing journey that calms the mind, re-calibrates your body, clears the subconscious, and activates your body's natural healing systems through resonant frequencies. In meditation we learn to attend to all the sacred energies naturally flowing inside us, including our sensibilities and vulnerabilities. There is an energy that comes with the full moon that enhances our feelings but also empowers and supports them. Our dreams and what is closest to our hearts are illuminated. By immersing yourselves in the healing sound and its vibration, the tonal frequencies produced by the instruments help bringing your body and mind to a state of vibrational balance and harmony, slowing down your brain waves to a deeply restorative and meditative state and activating your body's system of self healing.

**Caller: Richard Ades** **Band: The McKenzies** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

**DINNER AND MUSIC**! Pubs, breweries, and American eateries often host local bands playing popular hits, country, or rock offering a nice ambiance for socializing and diverse food and drink menus. *Tonight we'll check out [TIPTON TAVERN](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/locations) (inside Pizza Cottage Lewis Center).* Family-friendly casual [pizzeria](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/menu) for pizzas plus salads, wings and subs. We'll meet in the bar area, where the live music is set up. You're welcome to stay late, if you like. *Tonight's band:* Shucking Bubba Acoustic! **Live music starts at 6pm**.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!