African Music

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.

This is so much better than sitting at home watching TV!", said one of our participants after a jam session :) Forget the pressure of performance and join our relaxed jam session! This is a low-stress, high-fun opportunity to connect with fellow players. What to Expect: \- Hundreds of leadsheets to choose from\. \- Whether you know three chords or 30 scales\, please come along\. You might learn a few things\, or discover the satisfaction of teaching others a few things\. \- I will provide a bass uke \(amplified\)\, a Casio keyboard\, and a drum machine \- these will help make our sound fuller\. If you are a singer who can harmonise\, come along too \- always great to hear harmonies\. \- drinks available at the bar\, and you can bring takeaway food to the RSL if you haven't had dinner\. Come ready to listen, learn, and make some beautiful noise!

It's Australian songs this week! Including songs from: The Church Paul Kelly Dr G Yunupingu INXS Vance Joy Angus & Julia Stone Frente Jet Natalie Imbruglia Cold Chisel Slim Dusty Sia Men At Work Icehouse Crowded House Gotye Savage Garden Amy Shark Little River Band The Seekers Peter Allen Midnight Oil Cold Chisel and more! What to bring Please bring your own ukulele. If you can't find one in time, I have a few spare ukuleles that you can borrow for this meetup. You can reserve them by leaving a comment in the comments section below. You can bring snacks/food to the venue and the bar will be open. A wide range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at very reasonable prices. The session is free because I want to make these sessions accessible to as many people as possible, but there is a donation box if you like our sessions and want to contribute to our operating expenses. Meeting place Venue will be the Flemington-Kensington RSL, 25-27 Rankins Road, Kensington, VIC 3031. How to Get There Train - From the city, catch a Craigieburn Line train and get off at Newmarket Station, which is 3 stops from Southern Cross Station or 2 stops from North Melbourne. Exit the station, walk 200 metres to Racecourse Road. Head east (away from the station) along Racecourse Road for 250 metres. Then turn right into Rankins Road. The RSL is about 100 metres down Rankins Road, on your left. Tram - The No. 57 tram from the city to West Maribyrnong stops about 200 metres away from the RSL. Get off at stop 25 (Wellington St & Racecourse Rd). Head east along Racecourse Rd and turn right into Rankins Road. Driving - Park along Rankins Road or Parsons Street (around the corner). If you park along Rankins Road outside the RSL, there is a 2-hour limit. But if you park further down Rankins Road (one block further), there is no limit. How we conduct our sessions For the first 20 minutes we usually play very easy songs which are suitable for beginners (even complete beginners), and serve as a warm-up for more experienced players. Beginners, try to attend this part of the session, it's the most important bit for you! The next 30 minutes is usually devoted to learning new songs, according to the theme of week. There will be a 10-minute break in the middle and the last hour is spent playing songs that participants pick from a list. Important If you are late, please use the meetup app to send messages to me. If you can't attend at the last minute, please change your RSVP or send a message. Cheers, Fi Like our Facebook page: [https://www.facebook.com/melbourneukulelecommunity/](https://www.facebook.com/melbourneukulelecommunity/)

**2026 BENTLEIGH CUBAN SALSA, BACHATA** **& RUEDA DE CASINO DANCE CLASSES** **\- NOW OPEN \-** **EVERY THURSDAY** *\* No dance experience necessary* *\* No partner required* *\* Open to all adult ages* At: **BENTLEIGH UNITING CHURCH HALL** 495-497 Centre Rd, Bentleigh (\* Located opposite the Bentleigh RSL) **\* HALL Entry** \- via the front entrance of the church \- Go past the glass panel doors \- We are at the far end\, in the back room on the right\. **2026 BENTLEIGH PROGRAM:** **6.15pm – 7.30pm** **#1: CUBAN SALSA BEGINNER** Starting with the **INTRODUCTION TO SALSA BASICS** An extra 15 minutes has been added, aimed specifically to assist new Beginners with a slower breakdown of the main basic steps. More experienced Beginners are recommended to come use this to strengthen their core steps. We found that by doing it this way, new students get a much better dance experience overall. This leads into the main Beginner Salsa lesson. **BEGINNER CUBAN SALSA** (Main Beginner Class) *(Beginner to Improver Level)* *TOTAL CLASS TIME: **1 Hour & 15 Minutes***)\*\* **7.30PM – 8.30PM** **\*\* CLASS #2:** **CUBAN SALSA / RUED DE CASINO** **IMPROVER - INTERMEDIATE LEVEL MAIN CLASS** *(Covering Rueda De Casino & Cuban Salsa)* \- Ideal for students who are confident with their Beginner level steps and turns\. This Improver to Intermediate level class will concentrate on Cuban Salsa & Rueda De Casino to raise the level of the Beginners to Improver Level and higher\. **What is Rueda De Casino?** *Rueda De Casino*, also called just *'Rueda'*, in it's basic form means 'Casino wheel', where dance couples comes together to form a circle, with one main 'caller', who calls out the names of different Cuban Salsa figures made up of different sequences of fun dance moves, which are danced by the couples in synchronisation. As the level of the dancers improve, so does the figures performed become more elaborate and complicated and with the constant change of partner calls, make the dance fun and exciting for the dancers, as well as spectators who view the dance. **8.30pm – 9.30pm** **\*\*\* CLASS #3: BACHATA** *(Absolute Beginner to Improver Level)* \* No experience or partner necessary - all welcome \- Bachata is the second most popular Latin dance around the world after Salsa **CLASS COST:** Casual/Drop-in attendance: Any Main class - $20 per class Any 2 Classes on the night - $30 for both classes or Do ALL CLASSES on the night for only $35! ***\* Please note:*** We only accept **CASH** on this night **CLOTHING & SHOES:** Comfortable casual clothing. Best shoes when starting are low or flat smooth sole shoes like leather sole shoes. Avoid sandals & open toe shoes. Avoid track shoes or runners as these grip the floor & can interfere with your turns **MEDICAL:** Anyone with breathing problems, heart conditions, knee, back or shoulder injuries and who are taking prescribed medication, please consult with your doctor first before joining any classes. **COVID PROTOCOLS:** \* If you have flu like symptoms or feeling unwell, please do not attend any classes \* If you are a first contact, as a precaution, please do not attend any classes until after 7 days of negative tests \* Sanitize hands frequently **PRIVATE LESSONS:** We provide private lessons on a one-to-one basis, with or without a dance partner and for private groups at a time that suits you

Your new Thursday Bachata spot! FREE first-timers class 6:15pm followed by 4 more classes then 100% Bachata social! **🔥 UPDATE – BRING A FRIEND & SAVE 🔥** Bring a friend to classes and **you BOTH get $5 off** *(Leaders bring a follower & vice versa for best results 😉)* ## BACHATA VIBES THURSDAYS **Weekly Bachata Social + 5 Classes** 📍 **79–81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda** **Your Thursdays just got dangerous.** **Bachata Vibes Thursdays** is your new weekly escape — a place where music drips, bodies move, and connections spark. **A brand-new weekly Bachata experience combining quality classes, social dancing, and an incredible atmosphere in a beautiful, modern venue unlike anything else in the dance scene.** Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned dancer, our doors are open to everyone looking to further their learning, have a good time & make friends. New to Bachata? Addicted already? Either way, come for the classes… **stay for the vibes.** We will start each Thursday with a FREE first timers class followed by our lineup of four dynamic Bachata classes tailored to different skill levels, allowing you to progress at your own pace and expand your dance repertoire. CLASS SCHEDULE **6:30pm – FREE Intro to Bachata** A complimentary class for first-timers and beginners. Learn the basics and ease into the night with confidence. From **7:00pm onwards**, we run **two classes simultaneously** on opposite sides of the floor: **7:00pm – Improvers (Level 1)** Ideal for beginners. We recommend 3–4 weeks before progressing to Level 2. **7:00pm – Intermediate (Level 3)** Designed for dancers with around 3 months of Level 2 experience and regular social dancing. **8:00pm – Social moves & Combos (Level 2)** Our largest class and open to most dancers. Perfect for those with **2 months to 2 years** of experience, covering essential moves and popular combinations. **8:00pm – Intermediate–Advanced (Level 4)** For **experienced** dancers with **strong foundations.** Best suited to **those who have been going to classes and social dancing weekly for a year or two.** ### 🎶 9:00pm – 12:00am 100% BACHATA SOCIAL As the lights dim, the party begins. **Ducey Love & guests** playing their favourite Bachata tracks. To differentiate this night from our other events, along with playing all the current favourites of the last few years, we will also be more open to playing a bit more Dominican, English remixes (only the good ones, we swear) and maybe even a few Salsa & Zouk requests. Last 30 mins of the night we slow it down and play all slow sensual Bachata. ### 💰 DOOR PRICES • **1 class + social:** $25 • **2 classes + social:** $35 • **Social only:** $20 Look out for early bird discounts online and either get in touch with us or have a chat to us at the front desk about uni student discounts and loyalty card discounts! Help us make Thursdays your favourite night of the week at **BACHATA VIBES THURSDAYS!** 💃✨ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1980846244440?aff=oddtdtcreator ### ⚠️ COMMUNITY SAFETY NOTICE Our events are built on **respect, consent, and care for our community** — especially the safety and comfort of women on and off the dancefloor. If you are on the **Obsesión banned list**, this ban **automatically applies to all related events**, including **Latin Obsession, Bachata Obsesión,** **Bachata Vibes, Latin Vibes, Albion Fridays, and all collaborative events**. This policy exists to ensure a **safe, welcoming environment** where dancers can learn, connect, and enjoy themselves without pressure, discomfort, or fear. Harassment, boundary violations, predatory behaviour, or repeated disregard for consent will **not be tolerated**. We believe great dance scenes are built on **trust, accountability, and mutual respect**. By attending our events, you agree to uphold these values and contribute to a space where everyone — particularly women and marginalised dancers — can feel safe, supported, and empowered. Thank you for helping us protect and strengthen our community. 💜

Join us for a **fun event** during the long weekend, a fantastic Sunday afternoon of music, good vibes, and great company at the iconic Mission to Seafarers! **Dinash & Friends** bringing a unique mix of pop, funk and reggae 😎 **Date & Time:** Sunday, 25th January 2026 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM **Venue**: The Mission to Seafarers Victoria **Address:** 717 Flinders Street, Docklands (South Wharf Venue) **Cost:** **Free Entry** (Donations for costs are welcome) **Vibe:** Great venue, great vibe, great tunes, and drinks at great prices 🍺🍷 Live music in the ‘open air beer-garden’ (weather permitting) or in the courtyard under the rooftop. This is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, so come down to this iconic South Wharf venue and support the historic Mission to Seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers Victoria is a heritage-listed building in Melbourne's Docklands and provides welfare services to seafarers. Your attendance supports this vital cause! Getting there by public transport is easy - the tram stop is just nearby or it's just a short walk from Flinders Street station. Even closer from Southern Cross Station. Enter around the back to the beer garden. [Website](https://www.pianomanaustralia.com) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dinash.daniel.2025/) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dinashdaniel) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRJ12M0lS6XorFBn_L8Y4A) \| [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/0eARClesHkH8wUNHCaFVOc) \| [TikTok](http://www.tiktok.com/@dinashdaniel)

For many First Nations People Jan 26th is a day of mourning. I am Aboriginal and will be attending this Mourning Ceremony, feel free to join me. 🖤💛❤️ — 🎟️ This event is free but requires a ticket, the link is below. — ✏️ Bring your sketchbook along if you feel like sketching. I will bring mine. — ☕️ Drinks will be available but they request you bring your own reusable cup. ——————————————————— Join Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson for the January 26th Mourning Ceremony: Healing, Resilience and Survival. January 26th is a day of grief for many First Peoples, as it marks the beginning of dispossession and ongoing impacts of colonisation. In 2017, Merri-bek City Council chose to no longer refer to January 26th as Australia Day and supports calls for a new day that brings people together. This ceremony is a time to reflect on resilience and survival, to listen and learn, and to stand together for truth-telling, justice and Treaty. Light refreshments will be provided at 9am. ——————
This event is proudly presented by Merri-bek City Council on the unceded land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples. Merri-bek pays our respect to Elders past, present and acknowledges that sovereignty was never ceded. ———— This event is free but requires a ticket via this link - https://events.humanitix.com/26-january-2026-merri-bek-city-council-mourning-ceremony/tickets?utm_content=linkstream_stream&utm_source=storystream&fbclid=PAVERFWAPeWdBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafC0_xxH7gkNOfci-16kOKycRa7JvXrXWOn3bkf16yzGJfcC1B7lsM0QFtRkA_aem_XqemOFMXOv2OjTo63R8Uuw

## Details 📍 \[DIESEL BAR\] \| 🕖 Every Friday \| 🎟 FREE ENTRY \| ⏰ From 7PM till LATE Get ready to unleash your inner superstar at our **new weekly Friday Night Karaoke Open Mic**! Whether you sing in English, Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Japanese, French, Portuguese—or all of the above—this stage is yours! 🌍 **INTERNATIONAL SONG COLLECTION** We’ve got tracks in *multiple languages*, so bring your voice and represent your culture! 🎤 **OPEN MIC VIBES** Solo, duet, or group performance? It’s all welcome. Sign up on the night and grab the mic when your name is called. 💃🏽 **ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE** Meet international friends, cheer for new voices, and vibe with our amazing multicultural community. 🍹 **Special drink deals** all night 📸 Photo & video moments to remember 🎉 Surprises and sing-along moments guaranteed! **Tag your crew, warm up those vocal cords, and see you every Friday from 7PM till late!** ✨ *FREE ENTRY – Everyone welcome* ✨

* Have fun and meet friendly people at our regular contra dances! Every second Saturday evening (except March, June, Nov) and fourth Sunday evening (except Dec) of each month in 2026, often with live music. Contra dance has some similarities to bush dance and square dance. It is very popular in the USA, Canada and London. The dances consist of interesting patterns, walked to upbeat music. For a good description, look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance. A good example can be viewed at [http //dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163](http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163-heartbeat-contra) * All dances are called. Singles and couples are all very welcome. The cost is $12 ($6 for students). If no live music, then the cost is $8 ($4 for students). Cash or PayID is preferred. * No experience needed. If first time, please attend for free instruction before the dance from 7.15 – 7.45 pm. * **Uniting Church Hall, 72 Highfield Rd, Canterbury** * You might also like to eat beforehand at Bao & Bun Vietnamese restaurant 770 Riversdale Rd at about 6 pm. Just roll up.

Experience the breathtaking theatrical presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's® iconic musical film The Sound of Music. Meticulously restored and remastered in 4K for its 60th anniversary, the beloved classic is more brilliant than ever with pristine picture and sound. In this true-life story, Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves the convent and becomes a governess to the seven unruly children of Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). Her warmth, charm and songs soon win the hearts of the children and their father. But when the threat of war rises, Maria is forced to attempt a daring escape with her new family. One of the most successful movie musicals of all time, The Sound of Music features unforgettable treasures like “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “Do-Re-Mi.”

**Caller: Dan Kappus** **Band: Trillium** **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!

# **Band: The Pegheads; Caller: Liz Burkhart** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** 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 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. 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. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

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!

Let’s meet and discuss whatever comes to mind about one of Tennesse Williams’ most famous plays.