Indie music

Join us at **Emergency Exits: The Fight for Independence in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus at the Imperial War Museum, London.** ***(Fancy the museum, but not this exhibition? Feel free to sign up and just visit the museum sections you want to see.)*** *Emergency Exits* focuses on three wars in the 1950s: in Malaya (now Malaysia), Kenya and Cyprus. It explores the motivations of key figures, the responses of the British colonial authorities and how these conflicts affected ordinary people. You’ll hear stories from people on different sides as they share their thoughts on the wars that shaped their lives. The exhibition also explores the British Government’s attempts to prevent documents relating to the conflicts from being published. In 2011, following a long battle by campaigners, the Government revealed that thousands of these files were still held in a secure archive. *Emergency Exits* helps unpick the path towards recognition in the UK. Please note: *Sections of this exhibition contain themes including racism, sexual violence and torture.* Read more: [https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/emergency-exits-the-fight-for-independence-in-malaya-kenya-and-cyprus](https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/emergency-exits-the-fight-for-independence-in-malaya-kenya-and-cyprus) **MEET DETAILS:** **From 2:15pm: MEET IN CAFE (optional)** Meet in the Imperial War Museum's [cafe](www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london/eat-drink). **3.00pm: ENTER THE EXHIBITION** [Imperial War Museum](https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london), Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ **4:45pm: PUB SOCIAL (optional)** We'll have a table booked in a nearby pub. Please see event comments for the location and address. **TICKETS:** **Free to enter** \- no need to book a ticket\. **GETTING THERE:** TUBE: Lambeth North (7 minutes' walk), Elephant & Castle (10 minutes) TRAIN: Waterloo (14 minutes' walk) [Find more info here](https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london/getting-here) **WHATSAPP GROUP FOR PRE-VISIT CHAT & LIVE LOCATION ON THE DAY:** **If you are on the 'Going' list only,** please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. **The link can be found in the Event Comments below.** *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE NOTE:** * LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. We have an attendee limit to help the host manage the event. We prefer a smaller, friendlier group. * Once all the spaces are taken, Meetup adds you to the Waitlist. If someone drops out, waitlisted attendees are automatically moved to the 'Going' list by Meetup in order of priority. * **If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible.** Then someone on the waitlist can take your place. **We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who:** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up three times in a row.** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row.** * **Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway.** **Thank you! — The LoMAZ Admin Team** Image credit: Imperial War Museum by Peter Trimming, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Come and play Chamber Music at my house on Sunday December 28th; Time as suits between 2:15pm and 9:30pm Please include instruments and expected times in your response, and follow the following requested precautions when coming: Attendance requirements: Please do not come if you are unwell or if you know you were recently exposed to people with Covid or flu. Suggested standard is AB grade7 or NVQ level5 to professional, but in the end the ability to play with others is more important than instrumental technique I provide the following: Up to six playing spaces for groups of up to 12, 8, 6, 6, 6 and 3, respectively. One of the six-person playing-rooms has a carefully-chosen Steinway model B. There will also be a Clavinova CLP575, a Clavinove 625, and an A415 harpsichord (all in different rooms). I have violins, violas, cello and a friend's 3/4 double bass available to play for multi-instrumentalists who do not wish to carry too much (please check before coming). I have a decent library of chamber music mostly for strings and for strings and piano; and in practice at least one wind player usually comes equipped with appropriate music (I will provide warning to winds should this ever not be the case). As this is my private home, details of the location will be emailed by early Sunday to those who have already signed up. Please confirm instruments, chosen timing and the attendance requirements You will see that available playing times are very long - and I can extend until 10:30pm if appropriate. The intention is to allow us to space out and to minimise infection risks - as well as to give multiple pianists access. Please bring a music stand (let me know if this is difficult or impractical, as I can provide a limited number). There will be beverages and biscuits. I have revised the anonymous contribution arrangement - it is now a rectangular tin on the high side in the kitchen. Please give if you can - we sometimes have insurance costs to cover as well as basic meetUp subscription; any surplus (wishful thinking so far) will be used to help extend the music library The list of signed-up players (by instrument and with timing) is now in the comments below; I will try to keep this reasonably up to date I have probably omitted things you need to know. Please ask. (Ditto apparent errors) Looking forward George

Fancy a fun social **archaeological** adventure into the **Egyptian** temple? An expedition venturing into history, myth, and discovery at the Museum’s Egyptian galleries. We'll step into a world of monumental statues, hieroglyphs, and sarcophagi so **extraordinary** that even the most famous archaeologist of them all **-** Indiana Jones himself - might hesitate to enter! But no need for Indi - we'll become direct **raiders of knowledge**, uncovering the secrets of Egypt’s most extraordinary artifacts — no Lucas props, just authentic treasures that have captivated explorers, scholars, and adventurers for centuries. Yep - for thousands of years, Ancient Egypt bestowed extraordinary knowledge and innovation on the world - easily giving the big greek philosophers a run for their money! From **mathematics** to building those monumental structures and advanced **astronomy** to create calendars, they practiced **medicine** and mummification with remarkable skill. Their wisdom, traditions and emphasis on cosmic order influenced civilizations far beyond the Nile, leaving a legacy that still shapes how we understand science, culture, and history today We'll step into the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery and encounter monumental statues of pharaohs, sarcophagi, and hieroglyph‑covered stelae. Texts will help guide us through their hidden stories — from the Rosetta Stone to colossal busts of Ramesses II — revealing the real history behind treasures that could easily rival Dr Jones’s greatest finds. 🗝️ Lost Treasures Trail Following a themed trail through the galleries, we'll piece together clues among mummies, tomb goods, and temple carvings. Inspired by Indy’s relic hunts, this puzzle challenge is grounded in authentic archaeology, encouraging you to see the magnificent collections with your own eyes 🎩 Explorer’s Flair And to infuse some lighthearted fun into the journey - *Indiana Jones* style fedora hats and satchels are welcome! Feel free to strike a pose beside towering statues or ancient sarcophagi for **photo opportunities** blending cinematic fun with the awe of Egyptian relics. Impersonations of Indy welcome too - if yours is better than mine I buy you a drink! We will meet outside a tube station. More details to be updated. Lucas Stone Unmummified

**Join Us for an Epic Irish Night in Soho! 🎉🍻🍀** Get ready for an memorable evening at **Waxy O'Connor**, Soho's coolest Irish bar, right in the heart of London! ✨ We're gathering downstairs at the Cottage Bar for a night of pure, foot-stomping fun. 🕺💃 **What to Expect:** * **🎶 Live Folk Music**: The stage comes alive at **7 PM** with authentic folk tunes that'll have you singing along, dancing on benches, and channeling your inner leprechaun! * **🍴 Classic Irish Bites**: Dig into hearty pub grub like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, or loaded nachos—comfort food that hits all the right spots. * **🍺 Central Bar Vibes**: Sip on frosty pints of Guinness, crisp lagers, or expertly mixed Irish cocktails in a warm, buzzing atmosphere. * **🪑 Cozy Spots for All**: Claim a snug booth, pull up a bar stool, or join the crowd on communal benches—**everyone is welcome** to the craic! **📍 Where**: Waxy O'Connor, 14-16 Rupert St, London W1D 6DD. *Head downstairs to the Cottage Bar section—follow the sound of fiddles and laughter!* **📌 Pro Tip**: Arrive at the start time to snag the best area at the bar. No tickets required—free entry, first-come, first-served. Come for the pints, stay for the folk, and leave with stories that'll have you grinning for days. Let's make this Irish gem roar! 🎤🍻😎 *See you downstairs—sláinte!* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Some Tips:** 1. **Let’s all commit to updating our RSVPs if plans change**—it helps us plan better and ensures great attendance for everyone. If you RSVP “yes” but don’t attend and don’t update your RSVP, you may be removed from the group to keep things fair. No stress, though—you can rejoin for a small £10 fee! Just send me a DM, and I’ll share the PayPal details to get you back in. 2. **Turn Up on Time at the start!** This helps the quality of the event and helps you. 3. If you are struggling with the **app**, use the web page instead, that's what I use. 4. **Attendee Numbers & Guest Lists:** We have this event listed at least on two groups and the guest list includes attendees from all. You can see the list of attendees here: [https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/](https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/) [https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/](https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/) [https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife](https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife) 5. Join our **social media**: **Instagram**: [https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/](https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/) **X:** https://x.com/CityZenLondon 6. **Our WhatsApp group:** [See private comment in the comments section below]. We have a few rules including no ads, no DMs unless recipient is in the "Direct Messaging List" or risk removal and £10 rejoin fee. 7. **Support Our Amazing London Event Hosts! 🙌** Our incredible crew of hosts is the heartbeat of London’s buzzing meetup scene, bringing people together for unforgettable experiences that spark connection, growth, and fun! 🌟 From museum adventures to flirty dating mixers, these rockstar hosts pour their energy, time, and passion into creating events that level up your social and communication skills. But hosting isn’t easy—it takes resources, effort, and heart. 💖 Please consider supporting our hosts with a donation to keep the good vibes flowing and help us make London the ultimate social hub! 🚀 Below, meet our hosts for this event and see how you can chip in to fuel their amazing work. 8. To encourage signing up early to events and regulate the number of attendees a late joiner/overflow fee may be applied to an event for any **additional** people wanting to join the event. This may happen on the day or even an hour before the event. So there may be people who obtained a free RSVP to network with our group and some who had to pay. If you have successfully signed up to our event on meetup paid or not then you are in. Happy networking **Zen & The Meetup Groups** *The Visionary Social Connector* Zen, our AI guru with 25 years in the game, founded these meetups to transform his own social skills and now helps others do the same. From sparking in-person networking to coordinating epic events, Zen’s passion for connection is unstoppable. Help him keep the momentum going! Support Zen: Donate to cover event planning tools, venue bookings, and more. **[Donation Link](https://paypal.me/Zenswalks)** \*\*\*\* **Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: **Organiser Identity** – The organiser operates under the community name **“ZEN”**, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. **Assumption of Risk** – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. **Personal Responsibility** – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. **No Organiser Liability** – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as **ZEN** accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. **Guests** – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. **Independent Event** – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. **Media Consent** – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. **Acceptance of Terms** – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknown, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event. Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend.

Our 39th Spiritual Creatives gathering - in person! Come and join us for a lovely walk and talk around Hampstead Heath. We are meeting just outside Hampstead Heath station (London Overground train) at 11.00 on Sunday the 28th of December. Please note: This is NOT Hampstead Station on the Northern Line! It is the Hampstead HEATH station. The Google link is here: [https://goo.gl/maps/AJCNoxkKNj6K9Gp77](https://goo.gl/maps/AJCNoxkKNj6K9Gp77) We will wait for people to arrive until 11.15am and then we will begin walking. If you arrive later, you will only be able to catch up with us at Kenwood House approximately between 12 and 12.30pm. You should be able to find us sitting around as a group having a drink. If the weather permits, you'll find us outside the main café, towards the back. Look for the guy with the multicoloured scarf... that's me! After a short break of 20-30 minutes, we then walk back through the Heath, taking the long way round to Parliament Hill, and conclude our stroll back to Hampstead Heath overground station around 2 to 2.30pm. (Please note that you may become so involved in your conversations that you end up losing sight of the main group! Unfortunately, there is no way for you to catch up with us once we have become separated (and we do NOT check our phones for texts or messages during our walk) so please be mindful and conscious to stay with the main group if you want to keep up. Also please bear in mind that Hampstead Heath can be muddy sometimes, so please wear the appropriate shoes). After returning to Hampstead Heath Overground station, many of our (usually hungry) members like to continue the camaraderie over lunch at one of the local cafés or restaurants. As our group has grown over the years, these gatherings can be quite large, so we usually have to split into smaller parties and explore different venues. Some of our favourite spots are Dominique’s Café (dominiquescafe.co.uk) and Silverberries (silverberry.net), both of which offer a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. It’s a great way to wind down the walk and continue our conversations. Spiritual Creatives is a warm-hearted and popular meetup group, as you can see from our ratings and comments! We hope to meet you then! :-) Best wishes Cliff **Find out more about us at [https://www.spiritualarts.org.uk](https://www.spiritualarts.org.uk/).**

Если вы когда-нибудь мечтали увидеть тюленей, греющихся на берегу, то время пришло😍! Мы отправляемся на побережье северного Норфолка, которое славится первозданной природной красотой👍🏻. Возможно, именно поэтому его облюбовали тюлени, обитающие здесь круглый год. Грациозные в воде и немного неуклюжие на суше, с трогательными мордочками, огромные самцы, изящные самочки и крохотные детеныши — весь пляж просто усыпан животными, а воздух наполнен их криками. Вы можете наблюдать за морскими созданиями со специально оборудованных смотровых площадок или отважиться и подойти как можно ближе. Но не стоит забывать, что на суше тюлени чувствуют себя уязвимо, а потому необходимо обращать внимание на обозначения огороженных участков, созданных ради безопасности как людей, так и животных🛑. Нас ждет потрясающее зрелище, которое подарит море впечатлений, эмоций и множество замечательных фотографий! А ещё местечко Horsey Gap прославилось тем, что в 2015 году на его пляже родились первые в мире официально зарегистрированные тюлени-двойняшки! Прекрасным завершением дня после неспешной прогулки станет обед в пабе Nelson Head🍧. *** 📝План поездки: 📍**08:45 Встреча** у отеля **[Ibis London City Hotel](https://goo.gl/maps/ucQmtxqwjZs)**, 5 Commercial St, E1 6BF (рядом со станцией Aldgate East Station) 📍11:00 — 11:30 [St Georges](https://www.englishwhisky.co.uk/), остановка для дегустации/покупки английского виски (без тура по винокурне) 📍12:20 Короткая остановка у ветряной мельницы [Horsey](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/horsey-windpump) для фотографий 📍12:30 — 14:30 Прогулка вдоль дюн Северного моря (Horsey Gap) в поисках тюленей 📍15:00 — 16:15 Домики с соломенными крышами и обед в деревне Horning на берегу озера 📍16:15 Отправление 📍19:00 London, Aldgate East 👣Продолжительность путешествия зависит от погодных условий и дорожных пробок. *** 🎁Включено в бронирование: ⚜️Аудиогид на русском ⚜️Тур-менеджер, говорящий на русском и английском языках ⚜️Транспорт, организация мероприятия ⚜️Профессиональный водитель с курсами IAM/RoSPA ⚜️Администрация и помощь во время путешествия ⚜️НДС и все налоги, комиссия платежной системы (карта/банк/PayPal) *** 🙅🏼‍♀️Не включено: ❌Питание во время путешествия: индивидуальный выбор ❌Трансфер в место встречи и после завершения поездки ❌Остановки автобуса для посадки/высадки пассажиров по пути следования ❌[Страховка](https://www.coverwise.co.uk/) в случае травм, потери багажа и личных вещей, отмены тура в последнюю минуту ❌[Evebus Club](https://evebus.com/ru/evebus-club/) – привилегии для участников программы, в том числе переносы броней без потерь ❌Экскурсовод: £20 с человека при условии набора группы от 6-ти участников *** 🎒Что взять с собой: ✅Воду/еду по желанию ✅Фотокамеру и зарядку для телефона ✅Хорошее настроение 🙂 ✳️Обо всем остальном мы позаботимся. Поэтому просто явитесь в указанное время и место и наслаждайтесь поездкой😉! 📩Этот тур, как и все путешествия Evebus, может быть организован в частном порядке! Для участия в индивидуальных поездках, пожалуйста, обращайтесь на info@evebus.com с пометкой «Тур на заказ».

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit (mind the pun!), today’s fully hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious - those drawn to the mysteries of the universe, life and everything in between. A tasty caffeine infused fun afternoon of thought-provoking causal chats exploring spirituality/consciousness and related interconnected topics spanning **philosophy,** **neuroscience**, **parapsychology,** **cosmology** and **noetic sciences** over a mug of sweet coffee. Hosted by me - a former Reuters journalist & published empirical researcher exploring spirituality topics in pursuant of the "truth" since a teenager, there'll be no strict structure - a relaxed friendly space to openly chat, exchange ideas & experiences without judgement, but I'll preside to promote inclusivity and zone in on specifics to avoid people digressing onto unrelated tangents to ensure like all of our events - particpants derive maximum utlity and insights from attending. We’ll touch on everything from the limits of scientific understanding to exploring the unexplained using practical fun exploratory divination practices drawing on elements of **psychology, metaphysics, epistemology** and **statistical** **probability** of rare events as we do so. Whether you're a practicing "spiritualist", a curious skeptic, or just someone who loves deep conversation on **life’s big questions**, you’ll hopefully walk away more enlightened with some practical tips you can start applying and inspired to explore more! **Sample of conversational threads** might include: Are we mere organisms pursuing biological survival or does consciousness exist beyond neurons firing in our brains? What explains peoples' paranormal experiences? What would reality look like If our brains were limitless? Declassified CIA files show that as as well as mind control experiments, the US govt employed mediums and remote viewers. If all mumbo jumbo then why? Is Nirvana just a fantasy of deluded people? Does everything happen for a reason? To clarify - we define spirituality here as an exploration of consciousness, Donald Rumsfeld's unknown unknowns and undiscovered aspects of reality, NOT religion. After all, as my philosophy professor once rightly postulated to me: "If God created Adam, who created God Lucas?" Yep - that inconvenient flaw **debunks every fairytale religion** out there including the oldest religion of them all - paganism - so why is witchcraft still practised outside of **Hogwarts** today? I may also share the latest peer reviewed empirical evidence surrounding **paranormal** and **consciousness** phenomena. As well as illuminating chats to guide self-reflection, there'll be FREE Tarot & I-Ching readings, demonstrations of meditation method to activate super powerful gamma brain waves, and pyschic tests for a bit of fun, laughter & intrigue! **=== POTENTIAL CONVERSATION STARTERS ===** 1. Does consciousness survive death or is Cambridge Astrophysics Professor Brian Cox right in asserting if **ghosts** existed then particle accelerators at CERN would have already detected ghost molecules making Ouija boards kids play? Are Poltergiests 100% hoax? Brain scans indicate thalamocortical circuits in our brain (pathways in the parietal cortex & central lateral thalamus) drive **consciousness -** so how can spirit/mind live on after **brain death**? 2. Is **synchronicity/coincidence** simply randomness disguised in the eye of the beholder or can what Einstein called “spooky action at a distance" (quantum entanglement) explain it? 3. Given **neuroscience**'s infancy with much yet undiscovered - could mediation help access functions outside of our BAU alpha & beta brain wave states? Can **Kundalini yoga** to boost natural **DMT** (dimethyltryptamine) vs drugs like ayahuasca, mushrooms, LSD etc and if so by what mechanism? Do the artifically created neural signatures using magnetic stimulation observed during mystical experiences debunk them? Is the Maharishi Effect real? 4. Are clairvoyants and mediums just good people readers or are they really able to access time and space in non-linear ways? Is Tyler Henry the real deal or just faking it? 5. The laws of statistical probability, Drake Equation & common sense tells us there is other non-microbial life out there. So what explains the Fermi Paradox? Was that 1976 WOW signal aliens? How about the recent strange bahaviour of Boyajian's star or Oumuamua/Atlas interstella object that has just entered our solar system? 6. Could metaverse explain deja vu & reincarnation vs theories from the **psychology** literature (Mandela Effect?) or do we just live in a **simulation** as **Elon Musk** proposes? 7. **Stephen Hawking** once said: "The past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities" If matter only manifests when observed as the double slit experiments shows, does that mean everything is consciousness? Does the discovery of *quantum superposition /* disappearing neutrons imply **parallel universes**? 8. Do **NDEs** result from neurochemical changes in the brain close to death or something beyond physicality? 9. Can photons omitted by our bodies explain auras that people see? 10. Could limits in our understanding of quantum physics, space and time explain paranormal experiences? 11. What existed before the **big bang** \- how do you get something from "nothing"? I believe our reality is the product of a black hole\. What you reckon? ***So how do we get to the "truth"?*** Both in my journalism days and applying the most advanced empirical research techniques in my client consulting work - it becomes clear the truth is often elusive. No matter how much we triangulate evidence - we can only provide part answers. "All models are wrong, but some are useful" George Box What we think we know and reality diverge leading to that great **paradox of knowledge.** And as the boundary between knowns and unknown converge, we end up with cognitive dissonance and more questions. In that spirit - every credible philosopher & scientist acknowledges - we'll never get to the complete truth but could **experimental methods** get us closer to it? A balanced approach guided by Immanuel Kant's pragmatism and Aristotle's deductive reasoning seems the most rationale framework here but are there any other methodologies? How about the **"spirituality"** toolkit? **=== RENDEZVOUS POINT ===** We will meet in the Penderel's Oak. *283–288 High Holborn, Holborn WC1V 7HP* zone 1 central london so very easy to get to. I'll be wearing a **Starwars identifier** and will share mobile hotline just before event start and table number/location Lucas - The Unenlightened Desperately Seeking Answers

*PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR MEETING POINT INFO* Join us for a stroll round Bloomsbury including info on its literary, musical & architectural history. A shortish, easy walk ending at a Wetherspoons! :) *MEETING POINT: EXIT GOIDGE STREET STATION (NORTHERN LINE, CHARING X BRANCH) & TURN LEFT ONTO TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD. A FEW SECONDS WALK UP ON THE LEFT IS A SMALL SQUARE WITH MURALS ON THE BUILDING BEHIND IT. MEET IN THE SQUARE. THE SQUARE IS ALSO JUST A FEW MINS WALK DOWN TCR FROM WARREN STREET STATION (VICTORIA & NORTHERN LINES)*

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:30 PM – Free Bachata Taster • 7:00 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 8:00 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 9:00 PM–12:30 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £12 two classes 6:30 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** 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. Snacks to share are always welcome!

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

Ready for a night of music, laughter, and fun? Join us at Thunderwing Brewery for Music Bingo — a lively twist on classic bingo where songs replace numbers and good vibes are guaranteed! RSVP to secure your spot. Text Renee (614-257-9389). (Headcount needed to make sure staffing can accommodate the group) Arrive early to get a seat - **bring a camping chair for extra seating.** Often the brewery has food trucks or you can bring in your own food. Bonus - You can bring your dog!

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 the second & fourth Wednesday of every month at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters (HQ). 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 around 6:45pm. 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 Two Dollar Radio HQ! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Other customers are welcome at Two Dollar HQ at the time, so please 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. * **ACCESSIBILITY:** Two Dollar Radio HQ's entrance door on Cline Street is wheelchair accessible, they have two gender-neutral bathrooms that are both wheelchair accessible, and their ordering and table-seating area is as well. Working service dogs are allowed. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Two Dollar Radio HQ does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public street parking on all surrounding streets, on both sides of Parsons Ave. You are also welcome to park in the Columbus Metropolitan Library parking lot across the street (1113 Parsons Ave). Two Dollar Radio HQ has a bike rack on the corner of Cline and Parsons, and the library has bike parking (across Parsons). * **FOOD/BEVERAGE:** Two Dollar Radio HQ is a bar and vegan cafe. Their food is 100% vegan and made from scratch, with love. They also serve a range of wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as coffees and teas. If you're able to, please consider thanking our venue by purchasing something!!