Open Mic

Ready for a night where music knows no boundaries? Join us on **Friday, 17th of April** at RAI Associació for the next edition of Fusion Jam! Whether you are a musician looking to hop on stage or a music lover who wants to enjoy a unique live performance in a cozy, creative atmosphere, this is the place to be. We blend genres, energy, and community to create something special every time. **What to expect:** **Live Fusion Jam:** A mix of funk, soul, and world music. **The Vibe:** Intimate, groovy, and welcoming. **Community:** Meet fellow music enthusiasts and local artists in the heart of El Born. **Schedule:** **Doors Open:** 19:30 (Come early to grab a drink and a good spot!) **Jam Session Starts:** Shortly after. **Tickets**: To ensure your spot, we recommend getting your tickets in advance. Early Bird: €7 (Online only) General Admission: €10 *Includes membership of RAI & a drink* Musicians: DM us on Instagram [@fusion.jam.bcn](https://www.instagram.com/fusion.jam.bcn/) to sign up for the musicians' list! Get your tickets here: **👉[ ](https://entradium.com/es/events/fusion-jam-barcelona-rai-associacio-barcelona/sessions/20-03-2026-19-30)**[Tickets on Entradium](https://entradium.com/es/events/fusion-jam-barcelona-rai-associacio-barcelona/sessions/03-04-2026-19-30) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Preparats per a una nit on la música no coneix fronteres? Uniu-vos a nosaltres el divendres 17 **de abril** a RAI Associació per a la propera edició de Fusion Jam! Tant si sou músics que volen pujar a l'escenari com si sou amants de la música i voleu gaudir d'una actuació única en directe en un ambient acollidor i creatiu, aquest és el lloc ideal. Barregem gèneres, energia i comunitat per crear alguna cosa especial cada vegada. **Què esperar:** Live Fusion Jam: Una barreja de funk, soul i música del món. L'ambient: Íntim, modern i acollidor. Comunitat: Coneix altres entusiastes de la música i artistes locals al cor del Born. **Horari:** Obertura de portes: 19:30 (Vine d'hora per prendre una copa i un bon lloc!) Inicio de la Jam Session: Poc després. **Entrades**: Per assegurar-vos el vostre lloc, us recomanem que compreu les entrades amb antelació. Entrada anticipada: 7 € (només en línia) Entrada general: 10 € *Inclou la quota de soci de la RAI i una beguda* **Músics**: envieu-nos un missatge directe a Instagram [@fusion.jam.bcn](https://www.instagram.com/fusion.jam.bcn/) per apuntar-vos a la llista de músics! Aconsegueix les teves entrades aquí: 👉 [Entrades a Entradium](https://entradium.com/es/events/fusion-jam-barcelona-rai-associacio-barcelona/sessions/03-04-2026-19-30) \-\-\-\-\-\- ¿Listos para una noche donde la música no conoce fronteras? ¡Únanse a nosotros el viernes 17 **de abril** en RAI Associació para la próxima edición de Fusion Jam! Tanto si eres músico y quieres subirte al escenario como si eres un amante de la música que busca disfrutar de una actuación única en directo en un ambiente acogedor y creativo, este es el lugar perfecto. Combinamos géneros, energía y comunidad para crear algo especial en cada ocasión. **Qué esperar:** **Fusion Jam en directo**: Una mezcla de funk, soul y músicas del mundo. **El ambiente**: Íntimo, con mucho ritmo y acogedor. **Comunidad**: Conoce a otros amantes de la música y artistas locales en el corazón de El Born. **Horario**: Apertura de puertas: 19:30 (¡Llega antes para tomar algo y encontrar un buen sitio!) Comienza la jam session: Poco después. **Entradas**: Para asegurar tu sitio, te recomendamos comprar tus entradas con antelación. Entrada anticipada: 7 € (Solo online) Entrada general: 10 € *Incluye membresía de RAI y una consumición.* **Músicos**: ¡Envíennos un mensaje directo por Instagram a [@fusion.jam.bcn](https://www.instagram.com/fusion.jam.bcn/) para apuntarse a la lista de músicos! Consigue tus entradas aquí: 👉 [Entradas en Entradium](https://entradium.com/es/events/fusion-jam-barcelona-rai-associacio-barcelona/sessions/03-04-2026-19-30)

Hey music enthusiasts! Looking for Friday night plans that hit all the right notes? Join me for an incredible evening of free live music and an Open Mic! Let's come together, share our love for music, and make some awesome friends along the way, it's an evening you won't want to miss!

"Anything Else? Open Mic" is Barcelona's Music, Spoken Word Poetry and Storytelling Open Mic night, hosted in English once a month on select Fridays at 7pm at The Clubhouse in El Born; Via Laietana 6. Entrance to see the show is 5 Euros if you reserve your tickets in advance through this link on The Comedy Clubhouse BCN website: https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/events/anything-else-music-poetry-tuesday/ €7 if you pay on the door. Please get in touch via Instagram @anythingelse_openmic and DM to sign up to perform in advance of the night! We are an open and welcoming community and the show is open to performers of all types and at all levels! We very much welcome first time performers, just as much as we welcome professional and upcoming artists who wish to promote their material to a fun and welcoming crowd. So we would love to hear from you, no matter what kind of experience you have in performing! The show is hosted in English, but performances in all languages are very much welcome. This is a great place to make new friends and make connections in the international and expat community of Barcelona. It is a safe space for all! Look forward to meeting you at the show! Love Kelly (Host and Organiser) x

Entrance is FREE! BONUS: One lucky audience member will win one Belgian beer (or soft drink) for FREE! It's a Pay What You Can/Pay What You Want show (after the show you can leave any amount of money if you wish. Usually people leave 5€). On Tap Comedy is a brand new stand-up open mic in English in IMPRECTO Poblenou bar (located in the trendy Poblenou neighborhood of Barcelona)! Every two weeks the best and the bravest standup comedians try their new jokes. You can be the first one to see them! How exciting is that? Door opens at 7:30 pm! But you can come earlier to enjoy the best selection of Belgian beers at the Impricto Poblenou bar! The best comedians and best Belgian beers in Barcelona guarantee that your Friday night will start great! You can't miss it! Book your FREE ticket online before they are gone! We sell out regularly! Be the first to know about our events and follow us on Instagram: @ontapcomedy (https://www.instagram.com/ ontapcomedy/) See you on Friday! NOTE: This is the IMPRFCTO in Poblenou on Carrer de Bilbao 30, not the one on Parallel! Want to perform? If you are a standup comedian and wantnto perform please send a message to our Instagram: [@ontapcomedy](On Tap Comedy: Standup Open Mic in English (FREE ENTRANCE)! https://www.eventbrite.es/e/on-tap-comedy-standup-open-mic-in-english-free-entrance-tickets-1243613343989?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile)

**Every Friday at 20:30 at Space Cowboy Bar**, we’ve got an out-of-this-world comedy show that’ll send you over the moon. comedians. Barcelona’s best local and international comedians shoot for the stars with new jokes at this open mic-style comedy show, and the best part? ***It’s pay what you want***! No reservation required, just show up, sip two-for-one cocktails, and laugh into the weekend. **Hosted by comedians Mariah Girouard and Darren Cullen**, we feature a new lineup of comics every week so no matter what, no two nights are the same. When: Every Friday night at 8:30pm-10pm Where: Space Cowboy Bar Carrer dels Carders, 31 **How much: Pay what you want (cash or card at the end of the show)**

2-hora Spanglish improv jam—drop in y juega! Warm-ups, games & exercises. Everyone welcome, con o sin experiencia. Come play, laugh y mezcla ## **TBC’s Monthly Spanglish Improv Jam** 🎭 **Come and play—¡vamos a jugar!** Nuestra improv jam es un **evento fun e inclusivo** donde absolutely everyone is welcome—**no experience necesaria**. It’s an open space donde jugamos juntos, we laugh, and mezclamos un poco de English + Español y **whatever language traigas contigo**. During the jam, we’ll play **improv games together**, conoceremos a otros improvisadores, y pasar un buen rato. Whether you’ve taken clases de impro before or you’re trying it for the **first time**, estaremos encantados de jugar contigo. Expect a playful mix de idiomas and **pure Spanglish energy.** ### **Take note:** * This **no es un workshop** y tampoco an open mic. * **Limited tickets available** — ¡píllalos pronto! * Join us ya pasa an **unforgettable rato**. **Tickets:** * **€5 online** (get them rápido!) * **€7 at the door** [TIQUETS!](https://www.eventbrite.es/e/spanglish-april-improv-jam-con-tbc-improv-spain-tickets-1986062430192?aff=oddtdtcreator) -- Te esperamos con energia! See you there folks!

**[GRAB YOUR TICKETS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.barcelonaimprovgroup.com/shows)** Welcome to a joyful night where you can watch and play your favourite short form improv games, and some you haven’t seen yet. Laugh & play together in a supportive environment open to improvisers of all levels, as well as those who just want to come along and watch the magic happen! **8:30pm** Doors & Bar open **9:00pm** Jam Starts **Tickets:** Early Bird **8€** *(book by Thursday)* General **10€** Group Ticket **55€** *(for groups of up to 8)* *\*30% discount for current students of BIG*

**Saturday, April 18th at 1800.** Welcome back to another wonderful event at [Backstory] Bookshop, celebrating great poetry, storytelling, and music! 🎙️Gypsy Lounge isn't just an open mic; it's a vibrant celebration of diversity, creativity, and connection. Whether you're eager to share your newest creation or want to bask in the ambiance of artistic expression, Gypsy Lounge is your sanctuary. We will be signing up artists day of the event. Just come by 15 minutes before 6 pm, on the evening of the open mic. The first 8 artists will get to sign up. Each performer will have 7 minutes to share their work or perform 2 songs. Performance slots are **limited,** so PLEASE come early. Also, this event is **not managed** by BackStory, so if you have any questions, please DM us on our Instagram account @gypsy_loungebcn. Come early to meet new friends 😊. A gentle reminder for our poetry night attendees: The beauty of an open mic is the unpredictability of content. As we do not moderate performer choices, some material may be best suited for adult ears. Those attending with children, please be advised. **Sign Up:** **On arrival, first-come basis.**

Hola a todxs, Nos hace mucha ilusión presentaros un nuevo evento de **Poesía entre Bastidores: Amar sin prisas.** "**Si somos demasiado rápidos, la vida huye, se echa para atrás" -Christian Bobin-** Caminar despacio, parece haberse convertido hoy en día, en una gran hazaña. Estar presentes, saboreando cada instante, como si el tiempo se ensanchara. Poder abrirse al mundo con una mirada curiosa. Practicar la escucha atenta dejándonos atravesar por las palabras. Vivir con la atención puesta al servicio de lo que hacemos con amor. **¿De qué va este evento?** De recordarnos juntxs, que podemos vivir de otra manera: ● Estar en presencia, escuchándonos atentamente a nosotrxs y a los demás ● Bajar el ritmo, dejando de hacer mil y un planes ● Priorizar la calidad de los vínculos, frente a la cantidad de encuentros ● Abrir el espacio al descanso, al no hacer tanto y al “dolce far niente” Eso es **Amar sin prisas: un encuentro para compartir desde la reflexión, la poesía y la música**. Además, ponemos a tu disposición un espacio de **micro abierto** para que puedas compartir tus escritos, textos, poemas o canciones. Todo tu arte. Te animamos a participar. 📍 Sábado 18 de abril – 21:00 - SusuArte, Bruniquer, 45 (Gràcia, Barcelona) Apertura de puertas a las 20:30. Se ruega puntualidad. 🎟️ Por temas de aforo, es necesario **reservar tu entrada aquí:** https://entrapol.is/NgmQY ¡Te esperamos! Silvia, Juli & Noelia

🌞¡El sol y el calor ya han llegado a Barcelona! Y con ello, inauguramos la temporada de yoga al aire libre. ​🌊Te invito a una clase *frente al mar para mover el cuerpo, respirar y reconectar en un entorno único. ​🧘‍♀️La práctica es abierta a todos los niveles y combina una base de hatha con un toque inspirado en jivamukti. ​🟫Trae tu esterilla y cualquier accesorio que te apetezca usar (cinturón, bloques, etc). ​🗓 19 de Abril 2026 ​⏰️10h00 (60 ≈ 75 min) ​📍Espigó Bac de Roda 💎Aportación 12€ ​*La clase será en español o en inglés según las preferencias de la mayoría de los asistentes.* ​Si el tiempo no lo permite, se cambiará la fecha de la clase y se avisará a los asistentes con antelación. ​ **🇬🇧English** ​🌞The sun and warm weather have arrived in Barcelona, and with them we're opening the **outdoor yoga season**! ​🌊Join me for a class* by the sea to move your body, breathe and reconnect in a unique setting. ​🧘‍♀️The practice is open to all levels and blends a hatha foundation with a jivamukti-inspired touch. ​🟫Bring your mat and any props you'd like to use (strap, blocks, etc). ​*The class will be held in spanish or english depending on the group's preference.* ​The class may be postponed in case of unfavorable weather. All attendees will be informed in advance. *Para **clases privadas**, escríbeme por DM / For **Private sessions**, please DM me. - La puntualidad es de agradecer, si crees que llegarás tarde, avísame por favor. - Punctuality is appreciated; if you think you’ll be late, please let me know. 🤗Ven como eres, te espero en la esterilla. 🌞Come just as you are, I look forward to meeting you on the mat. Kary🙏🏽

Join us every Saturday for an **Comedy Writing Workshop** at The Clubhouse: Laietana & Nikki's in Barcelona (C/ Via Laietana 6). Whether you’re a seasoned comedian or wanting to try it out, you will learn loads that will help you capture crowds with your stories. This **workshop is for (comedy) writers**, who are looking for * inspiration * a friendly space to focus on writing and sharing ideas * ways to make their content funnier * connection with other writers and comedians Our teachers are local celebrities in the comedy scene in Barcelona that happily share their learnings with anybody who’s willing to learn. Every Saturday from 15h-17h upstairs at The Clubhouse: Laietana. Simply drop by, or register beforehand on our website: [https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/events/open-comedy-writing-workshop-free-writing-workshop-in-english-sunday/](https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/events/open-comedy-writing-workshop-free-writing-workshop-in-english-sunday/) We have different teachers every week! Follow our Instagram [@thecomedyschoolhouse](https://www.instagram.com/thecomedyschoolhouse/) for updates on who the teacher will be. **Teachers include:** Andy Casper Fil Varney Irene Sango James Regal Mariah Girouard Mila Kopaeva Olga Camacho Stuart Kennedy AND rotating guest teachers. **NOTE: This is a \*pay what you want\* workshop. Teachers will ask you to donate at the end of the workshop. Please bring cash if you would like to donate.** This is one of many things you can learn at The ComedySchoolhouse. Check out the full list of workshops and courses [here](https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/events/?search=workshop).

Show Up Go Up is the most relaxed comedy show in Barcelona FREE Show - Interactive and Friendly. You only need to bring good vibes and money for drinks if you want them! It's the show where anyone that Shows Up can Go Up! Hosted by John Allis - The Unicycle Jousting Champion of New Zealand! Every Saturday 5pm at The Comedy Clubhouse - Barcelona's Only Comedy Club! Show Up by 4:45pm if you want to perform - Show Starts at 5pm exactly! This is the perfect opportunity to try stand-up comedy in a relaxed, pressure free environment - Or you're welcome to just come along, sit back, relax and enjoy the show! This is one of many [FREE Things to do at The Comedy Clubhouse](https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/event-category-free-stuff/) \- Check out the full list of [FREE STUFF here](https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/event-category-free-stuff/).

**[GRAB YOUR TICKETS ON OUR WEBSITE](www.barcelonaimprovgroup.com/shows)** Saturday Night Laughs is high energy improv at its best - a double bill featuring two hilarious improv sets to get your weekend started right! In the first half, some of Barcelona’s finest improvisers create hilarious scenes and sketches in the moment based on their own true stories. Each show features a new cast who are thrown together to explore truth in comedy, and all its possible interpretations. In the second half, Helix embark on a freeform journey into the unknown. They unfold the spiralling connections between different worlds, some which appear and blink out in an instant and others which last until the end of time. The only thing connecting these twists and turns is a thin strand, spun from one single idea. **7:30pm** Doors & Bar Open **8:00pm** Show Starts Tickets: Early Bird **12€** (book by Thursday) General **15€** Group Ticket **80€** (for groups of up to 8) \*30% discount for current students of BIG

Join us every other Sunday for the Open Clown Workshop at The Comedy Clubhouse Barcelona. Whether you’re an experienced clown wanting to exercise your clowning muscles or a complete beginner full of curiosity this workshop is for you. Sessions will usually focus on one particular aspect of clown for example: bafflement, befriending uncertainty, staying curious, freedom in failure, connecting with your pleasure, finding the game, eye contact with the audience. Our usual workshop teachers are experienced clowns who perform regularly in Barcelona and around the world. They have either trained with the legendary clown master Philipe Gaulier; performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; organised their own cabaret shows; or have experience of developing clown numbers elsewhere. While every teacher has different strengths and exercises they’ll share, each workshop is designed to inspire you and help develop your skills as a comedic performer. This is a great place to meet new people, play games, have fun & learn new skills! The session lasts from 15.00 until 17:30 and it operates as a Pay What You Want workshop (suggested donation between 5 and 15 euros). It takes place at the Comedy Clubhouse on Via Laietana (be careful because there are two Comedy Clubhouses! It does not take place at the one on Carrer Canvis Nous!)

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

**Comedy Night + Open Mic + Freestyle**: Tristan Shae and friends return to entertain us and to warm the group up for our open mic session. February's Open Mic / Comedy Night was a smash hit and it's worth a second night. We'll start with Tristan Shae and a couple of his friends. Tristan is an alternative comic from Columbus, Ohio. A counselor by day, Tristan explores how comedy can improve mental health by telling jokes and stories that muse on how absurd life can be from squeaky clean topics to not so clean ones. Tristan produces the variety show Cheaper Than Therapy, hosts the weekly Problem Child Alt Comedy Open Mic at The Attic, and can be found engaging in all sorts of silliness around the city from stand up shows at The Nest Theater, The Attic, or The Funny Bone, to improv and sketch shows with various groups at various venues such as The Hashtag Comedy Club. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Please join us. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

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.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do 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 10AM on Saturday mornings. 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: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. 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, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!