Music and Creativity

**WELCOME! BEM-VINDOS!** Join us at our Open Session! Come and play Brazilian Samba drums with us! Meet new people, learn new skills, enjoy this awesome culture! All experience levels welcome! **Bloco 3K** is Melbourne's biggest samba carnival drum and dance crew. Our mission is to promote and share our love of Brazilian music and culture, whilst making loads of noise, and having some fun . These drumming sessions are taught by Rob Arcari and members of Bloco 3K. **WHAT** Come and play drums with us! We play all the drums and percussion you might expect in one of Rio's Samba Schools - Surdo, Caixa, Repique, Tamborim, Chocalho, Agogô, Timbal etc **WHAT YOU NEED** All the drums are provided **WHEN** We rehearse every Tuesday evening at 6:30PM (We open our doors to newcomers at these Open Sessions - one week of the month) **WHERE** North Melbourne Community Center **COST** Your first session is just $10. After that they're $30 each week, or just $60 for the month. [Secure your spot using our eventbrite link](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/brazilian-samba-drumming-workshop-melbourne-all-levels-welcome-tickets-1573928595799) **RATHER DANCE?** We also run Samba dance classes too, with Open Sessions also on the first Tuesday of the month. Check our other events details. Any questions then shoot us a message. Looking forward to playing with you soon!! **WHO** Led by two pioneers of Australian Samba, you’re in expert hands as you enjoy your Samba journey with Bloco 3K. Founder and Mestre de Bateria, Rob Arcari, leads the drum team, while Rainha de Bateria and Dance Director, Denise Kayan, heads up the dance element. Mestre Rob has been at the forefront of the Melbourne Samba scene for the past decade. As the Mestre de Bateria for both Bloco 3K (Melbourne) and Unidos da Cacatua (the largest samba project in Australia and New Zealand), he brings a wealth of experience and passion. Since 2017, he has made an annual pilgrimage to Rio, parading with numerous Escolas de Samba. A regular ritmista with Imperatriz Leopoldinense and Acadêmicos da Rocinha, he has also paraded with Paraiso da Tuiuti, Império da Tijuca, Estacio de Sá, and many other schools. Denise Kayan is one of Australia’s most accomplished samba dancers. Locally, she serves as Rainha de Bateria and Dance Coordinator for Bloco 3K, as well as Director of Dance for Unidos da Cacatua. Denise is well-known in Rio, where she has been a passista with Vila Isabel since 2020 and previously with Mocidade from 2017 to 2019. She has held prestigious titles such as Rainha da Escola and Princesa da Bateria at Unidos da Ponte, in addition to various Musa positions at numerous schools. With her extensive experience, Denise is adept at commanding attention and leading with confidence in front of a bateria. Come and share in our passion! We look forward to having you as a part of it.

**WELCOME! BEM-VINDOS!** Come and dance Brazilian Samba with us! Meet new people, learn new skills, enjoy this awesome culture! All experience levels welcome! Join us at our Samba Dance Open Session! Our mission is to promote and share our love of Brazilian music, dance and culture, whilst making loads of noise, having some fun and working our hips. We want to build the community involved in this beautiful culture here in Melbourne, and bring together musicians and dancers to share in the experience. This is Melbourne's only weekly samba dance class where you get to experience the sound and energy of the hottest bateria in town, the drums of Bloco 3K. **WHAT** Come and dance with us! **WHEN** Every Tuesday Evening (We open our doors to newcomers at these Open Sessions - one week of the month) **WHERE** Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance for the first hour, then across the road to NMCC to join the drummers for the last 30 mins. **WHAT YOU NEED** Wear comfortable clothes, such as gym gear and trainers with a thin sole/socks. For dancing to drums you may wish to bring earplugs. We will however have some available to buy for $2 each, cash only. **COST** Your first session is just $10. After that casual sessions are $30 each, or monthly access to all projeto and quadra sessions is $60. [Secure your spot via our eventbrite link](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/brazilian-samba-dance-classes-dance-to-drums-melbourne-tickets-1576480177649?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) **PLAYING DRUMS** If you'd rather be playing drums than dancing to them (or maybe you want to do both?) check our other events. Any questions then shoot us a message. Looking forward to dancing with you soon!! **WHO** Led by two pioneers of Australian Samba, you’re in expert hands as you enjoy your Samba journey with Bloco 3K. Founder and Mestre de Bateria, Rob Arcari, leads the drum team, while Rainha de Bateria and Dance Director, Denise Kayan, heads up the dance element. Mestre Rob has been at the forefront of the Melbourne Samba scene for the past decade. As the Mestre de Bateria for both Bloco 3K (Melbourne) and Unidos da Cacatua (the largest samba project in Australia and New Zealand), he brings a wealth of experience and passion. Since 2017, he has made an annual pilgrimage to Rio, parading with numerous Escolas de Samba. A regular ritmista with Imperatriz Leopoldinense and Acadêmicos da Rocinha, he has also paraded with Paraiso da Tuiuti, Império da Tijuca, Estacio de Sá, and many other schools. Denise Kayan is one of Australia’s most accomplished samba dancers. Locally, she serves as Rainha de Bateria and Dance Coordinator for Bloco 3K, as well as Director of Dance for Unidos da Cacatua. Denise is well-known in Rio, where she has been a passista with Vila Isabel since 2020 and previously with Mocidade from 2017 to 2019. She has held prestigious titles such as Rainha da Escola and Princesa da Bateria at Unidos da Ponte, in addition to various Musa positions at numerous schools. With her extensive experience, Denise is adept at commanding attention and leading with confidence in front of a bateria. Come and share in our passion! We look forward to having you as a part of it.

**Welcome to 'GENESIS' - The Generative AI Filmmaking Networking Event!** ***THIS MAY BE A LIMITED EVENT - PLEASE MAKE SURE TO RSVP.*** This group is for individuals interested in exploring the intersection of generative AI technology and movie making. Whether you're a filmmaker eager to discuss movie production, a technician looking to collaborate, or simply wishing to learn more and discuss AI in film, this group is for you! Join us at the Emporium food court (located behind Grill’d Burger Restaurant in the CBD, not near Melbourne Station) to discuss AI technologies, workflows, productions, AI ethics, government responsibility and more. After 7pm, we continue the evening with Happy Hour drinks at a nearby bar and a chance to grab dinner together. Feel free to bring friends interested in AI filmmaking; it’s a great way to introduce new faces to our expanding network. RSVP to help us gauge attendance and become part of a growing network of film professionals and enthusiasts. Though the event begins in the afternoon, the relationships you build here can last well into the night and beyond. At 7 PM, we move to The Carlton Club, a five-minute walk away, where we continue networking in a more formal rooftop setting over drinks and food. This change of venue offers an ideal environment to keep conversations flowing. We want to foster a supportive network for creativity, film and television production, and collaboration between the world of cinema and AI. Connect with like-minded individuals and explore the exciting world of generative AI filmmaking together at GENESIS.

We are a multi-disciplinary group of PhDs and academic staff who write together regularly and help one another to achieve our writing goals through supportive community, focus and a structure that works. We welcome anyone who wants to get some writing done in a collegial, supportive, encouraging environment. You don’t have to be from University of Melbourne (you don’t have to be from university at all!). We use the Pomodoro method, which means we write in timed intervals of silence, then chat and catch up for 5 mins and repeat the cycle. Arrive when you like, leave when you like. The goal is to keep our writing projects progressing and reduce the isolation that can be part of the academic and/or writing life. **Session Outline:** Welcome: 9.00-9.05 (5 mins) Pomodoro 1: 9.05-9.30 (25 mins). Break: 9.30-9.35 (5 mins) Pomodoro 2: 9.35-10.00 (25 mins) Break: 10.00-10.05 (25 mins) Pomodoro 3: 10.05-10.55 (50 mins) Break: 10.55-11.05 (10 mins) Pomodoro 4: 11.05-11.30 (25 mins) **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: There is free public wifi available at the Melbourne Connect Superfloor (speak to the concierge for details). University of Melbourne staff and students can connect to the university wifi; staff and students from other universities can join Eduroam using their home institution's log in credentials. Travel / Parking info: Public bike parking along Swanston and Grattan Streets. Tram routes 1, 3, 3a, 5, 16. 16, 64, 67, 72 along Swanston Street (Stop 1) and 19 along Royal Parade (Stop 10). The nearest train station is Parkville Metro Station. Bus routes include 200, 207, 250, 251, 401, 402, 403, 505, 546. There is no public parking available at Melbourne Connect, however the area is well serviced by nearby public carparks, including Cardigan House Parking at 96 Grattan Street and the University of Melbourne Eastern Precinct Car Park at 375 Grattan Street. A taxi rank is located on Grattan Street.

**Event Info:** The purpose of this gathering is to get together as an inclusive Spiritual Playgroup without any set agenda. We will talk and discuss spiritual topics as well as exchange knowledge, skills, abilities, gifts and healing modalities to help each other unlock our highest potential. The evening is broken up into parts, starting with a group meditation, followed by an activity, then a tea break, finishing with group discussion Every level of experience and background is welcomed, whether you are just starting out with spirituality and want to explore more, or you are a veteran and want to share your wisdom with others. If you are new and don't know anyone, please come talk to me, I can introduce you to regulars. **Topics can include:** Spirituality, esotericism, metaphysics, philosophy, psychic abilities/gifts/intuition, mediumship, working with energy, working with spiritual guides/beings, healing/energy healing, health, wellbeing, mysticism, theosophy, shamanism, starseeds and many others. Whatever comes up during our gatherings, everyone is encouraged to suggest topics and participate. You are welcome to share any spiritual/healing/metaphysical knowledge, experiences, talents that you have with the group or simply enjoy the company of like-minded people & learn from each other through these sessions. **This group is for you if:** -You want to explore spirituality in a fun, laid back setting. -You are looking to unlock deeper aspects of yourself. -You are looking to unlock your intuition/gifts. -You are looking for your calling/purpose/how to be of service. -You want to reach a higher level of self-awareness and apply it to your everyday life. -You are looking to meet and make friends with other like-minded people. -You want to help anchor the spiritual energies. -You enjoy spiritual discussions. -You want to help others. This group is open and accepting of everyone looking to learn or help others, any disrespect will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave. Keep in mind that this group is not religion based. **What to bring:** -A bottle of water -Optionally feel free to bring a snack but we do ask that you keep the place clean. -$5 contribution which helps cover the cost of the facility **Amenities provided:** -Chairs -Kitchen for tea/coffee/snacks -Toilets **Location:** Level 1/234 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 **Getting there:** It is a short 3 minute walk from Flinders Street Station, with nearby tram stops as well. There is a parking lot on Flinders Lane as well if you are coming by car, which is 20$ flat rate for the night if you book online (otherwise it is 25$). **Important note:** The event has a capped attendance, and as such we ask that you only RSVP as attending if you know you are able to make it. If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to not attending, to allow others to attend. This meetup is also posted on another meetup group, so numbers here do not reflect complete attendance. Kind Regards, Emile and Gunnel Facilitators / your hosts: Gunnel Watkins is a board member of The Melbourne Theosophical Society, she has a background in Transpersonal Art Therapy and is a practicing artist. Emile has been hosting this group via Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-spirituality-personal-growth-meditation-meetup/events/260755046/](https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-spirituality-personal-growth-meditation-meetup/events/260755046/)

Ever feel like your thoughts make sense in your head, but don’t land the way you want out loud? This session is built for that. Join us for a practical, relaxed workshop with **Stephen Lakey**, a communication coach and keynote speaker who has helped leaders and teams communicate with clarity and impact. This is not theory heavy. You will learn simple, usable ways to organise your thoughts, speak more clearly, and feel more confident in real conversations. **What You’ll Get Out of It** • Understand why communication can feel chaotic and how to simplify it • Learn how to express your ideas clearly without overthinking • Build confidence in social and professional conversations • Practice structured communication that feels natural and usable. **What to Expect** A relaxed, neurodivergent friendly space with no pressure to perform. You can participate at your own pace. **Meet Your Hosts** Stephen Lakey Communication coach, mentor, and Board Chair at ASCLA. Stephen helps people turn complex thinking into clear, structured communication that actually lands. Nick Watkins Founder of NeuroSparks, co-leading workshops and events that help neurodivergent adults build confidence, communicate clearly, and form meaningful connections. **Note** This workshop is for educational and coaching purposes only and is not medical or psychological advice. Spots are limited. Lock in your place early. Payment: Bring $20 cash or contact us for payment.

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming coffee meetup designed for parents of young musicians. This is your space to ask questions, share experiences, and explore practical ways to support your child at home — in between lessons, where the real growth happens. No question is too small, and you’ll have time to delve deep and get the guidance you need. Meet other parents navigating the same journey, exchange tips, and feel supported along the way. Led by a professional musician and music educator with 26 years’ experience, we’ll explore topics including exams, practice habits, motivation, opportunities, parent involvement, career pathways, and more. Come with your questions, leave with clarity, confidence, and practical strategies to help your young musician thrive. Event fee: $25 Free for 'Music Parent Network' Skool Premium members https://www.skool.com/parents-of-young-musicians-5413/about

Like Improv Storytelling, Music or singing? In this session we will combine these elements to create an improvised musical blending the story of theatre, the fun of improv and the magic of music. We'll start off with some singing and improv warm up activities, do a quick rundown of story structure, suggest a topic and then get into exploring the world and characters a (musical) scene at a time, hopefully reaching some sort of satisfying conclusion! This time I would like to practice having a clear and simple chorus. Based on interest, we'll take turns acting and singing in the scene or being musicians.Some level of experience to improv theatre, music, role-playing games or similar is recommended (but not compulsory). for people who want to do music- If you know basic chord progressions you're qualified enough to do music! I will bring a keyboard and acoustic guitar, but BYO other instruments, voice and snacks. Last time it was a lot of fun, so we hope to recreate that magic again! attendance fee is $10, payable on the day Also, if you do plan on coming, us know instrument if any you're wanting to bring! However just bringing your voice is fine as well See you there! 🙂

Hello everyone ✨ For 2026 my regular Saturday location will be Balam Balam Place in Brunswick 🏡 Bring any art supplies you like and a picnic blanket or chair. We will just be sat on the grass outside the building sketching together. If you aren’t sure what to draw the club has a weekly drawing theme, just ask me what the prompt is 😊 There is also a small cafe inside the building for those who want a drink while they draw ☕️ ✏️ We welcome all artists of any skill level or medium, Whether you’re a beginner or pro, traditional or digital, absolutely anyone can join. ⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️ Please do not attend if you are sick. I have multiple chronic illnesses so my immune system is extremely weak. keep everyone safe by staying home if you are unwell ☔️ If the weather changes there is a small cafe inside we can move into —————————————————— Check out our instagram @shypeoplesdrawingclub to see more about our awesome group. We also have a Discord group for online events if you would like to join and chat with more artists. ✨

Join the Kingston Music Club Melbourne for an enjoyable evening of group singing and acoustic music. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a newcomer looking to share your love for music, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Bring your favorite instrument or just your vocal cords, and immerse yourself in the joy of live music. This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow music enthusiasts, exchange song recommendations, and above all, enjoy the magic of making music together! We meet on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month at the Dingley-Heatherton Uniting Church Hall, 186 Old Dandenong Rd, Heatherton 3202.

We are moving to a new platform and will be only running the new platform in 2025. please signup here: [https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers](https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers) This is the time to write whatever it is you want to write. \-\-\-\-\-\> IMPORTANT <\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We ask for the Nook which is to your left as you go in, but it is not always available. Ask for the table under "Mat Clarke". Sometimes we do not have an official host, so please say hi to people as they arrive and make everyone feel welcome. Thanks. No limitations. Come along and bring your laptop or pen and paper and work on whatever you want. There are no rules :) You can write. You can chat and write. You can share your work. Or not share your work. (If you need silence to concentrate then headphones are a good idea considering it is in a cafe/bar.) Coffee, hot chocolate, etc., available to buy. Also food and drink. Please buy something to show our thanks for the space they give us free of charge. There are some people that will want to chat, but most will be writing. So bear that in mind. See you there :) \-\-\-\-\-\-Please only RSVP if you can make it\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \-\-\-\-\-\-Un\-RSVP if you need to cancel\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We're booking the area, so we will need you to turn up if you say you are coming. Thanks. Thank you, Melbourne Writers. Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters Website: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by adding to these social pages and site**

Your ability to work and live with others is crucial to your survival. To survive well one needs ability. Today meetup topic: Creating and Improving Ability And if you think you already have all the ability one needs to survive well then it is important for you to learn how to KEEP IT FROM GOING AWAY. Attend our Free Meetup! Definition for Ability: One's power to observe, to make decisions and to act. A man is as free, as well-off, as he is able. A family is as happy as it has ability. A business is as well-off as it has able people in it. A country is as well-off as it has able workers, foremen and executives. At today's meetup learn what constitutes ability and more importantly how to develop and improve it so that it does not go away. Fact's are that one's ability is never the same. It either goes up or it will go down. Your natural as well as learned abilities are constantly subject to many of life's pressures. One can therefore simply not rest on one's laurels regarding your current abilities and simply assume they will always be available for use. The time to protect and enhance ability is when you are still able. Any loss of ability will result in less confidence followed by problems resulting in unhappiness. This is called the dwindling spiral. Not just for you, it will impact all others you associate with as well. Today's topic applies to all aspects of life but will focus on how your abilities or lack of abilities or a sudden or gradual lowering of ability relates to work and family life. On your arrival you will be asked to complete a Oxford Personality Test. From this you will learn what ability it is that needs attention and improving. Whilst at our meetup you will also learn about some of the different technologies are that you find here which actively create, protect or enhance ability in key areas of life. The world cries out for better people (More Able People) that will lead happier life's with better better jobs, stronger families as well as community and businesses groups. Get The Know-How for life, attend our meetup or ask me for a time that is better suited to your schedule.

Have you always wanted to check out a rave… but didn’t know where to start? This is your chance. Whether you're a seasoned headbanger or completely new, we’d love to have you out. On April 11, Jessica Audiffred is taking over Otherworld — and this is *not* your typical venue. It’s a massive immersive art space filled with surreal rooms, hidden passages, and interactive exhibits… and for this show, almost all of it is open. So you’re not just going to a concert — you’re stepping into an environment: 🎧 A high-energy bass set that you *feel* 🌀 A labyrinth of trippy, explorable art spaces 👯‍♂️ A group to go with so you’re not figuring it out alone You can lose yourself in the crowd, disappear into another room, find something completely unexpected, and then come back right as the drop hits. No pressure, no “right way” to do it — just explore, move, and take it in at your own pace. 📍 Otherworld, Columbus 🗓 April 11 🕙 Doors open at 10:15 PM (music does not start in the exhibit space until 10:30 PM.) If you’ve been even a little curious about what this scene is like, this is one of the most unique ways to experience it. RSVP if you’re in 👇 There’s no cost to attend with the group—just the event ticket for Otherworld. Tickets are $40, plus some fees 🙄. You can use code "BassBuds" or "Bangers" for $5 off, which makes it \~$43 out the door. 🔗 [https://otherworld.ticketspice.com/jessica-audiffred](https://otherworld.ticketspice.com/jessica-audiffred) This is being posted to Central Ohio Friends and Columbus Social Connection. Please only RSVP to one group.

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)

In April WQC's Creativity Circle will be making beaded bracelets and keychains! All supplies provided, open to all, bring yourself (and a friend or two) for when you are able to make it in the two hour window. Note: Seats are Limited to the provided space at the Westerville Public Library in Meeting Room D.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.