African Music

Book your specific time here! www.betheband.org/book-online You'll receive the exact location after booking your slot. 🎸 **Join a Band – Audition for BetheBand** 🎤 Ready to stop playing solo and start gigging with a real band? BetheBand is a London-based music programme for amateur to intermediate musicians who want to rehearse weekly, improve with a professional music director, and perform live on stage — *without all the hassle of organising it yourself*. 📝 **What’s the audition?** We’ll ask you to prepare 1 song from a short list. You’ll play it with a backing track alongside one of our band directors. It’s relaxed, fun, and a chance for us to get to know your level, preferences, and goals. ✅ We match you with musicians at your level ✅ You rehearse weekly in a central London studio ✅ You’re guided by a professional musician as your band director ✅ You perform a full set live in front of friends and family at the end of each 8-week term 🎶 We’re currently welcoming guitarists, bassists, vocalists, drummers, and keyboard players. 🗓️ **Audition slots available:** Choose a time when you RSVP and we’ll send you details + the song list. 📍**Location:** Central London (address sent after sign-up) 💷 **Audition fee:** £15 (non-refundable) 🎟️ Spaces are limited — sign up now to start your journey from bedroom player to band member!

Monday 19th January 2026. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30 start. Come directly to our venue - look for our sign outside the main entrance on the High Street. Bring any drink you want. We will be there to welcome you personally. Please do introduce yourself and let us know you're a member of the Meetup Group. Admission is £5 - pay by cash or card. Children 16 or under are free. We have tables and chairs set out for a relaxed and informal evening. The atmosphere is warm and light-hearted. The music is really good, provided by anyone who wants to perform (do let us know beforehand by email to pengeopenmondays@gmail.com). The setting is Arts & Crafts era with a wonderful musical acoustic. We do live music covering all genres from Baroque to Blues and it's almost all acoustic. Everything is real and live. NB Even though we meet in a church, there is no religion at our events.

Always wanted to sing but worried about performing in public? Looking for a group to help coach and support your singing at all levels...? Want to learn more about music technique and sight singing while having fun at the same time? Then London Sings! is the group for you. London Sings! is a no audition local community choir which is big in personality and looking to grow. We cater both for experienced singers and those fairly new to singing, with plenty of opportunities for interesting performances. We are even planning a trip to Madrid this year! We sing a wide variety of pieces ranging from jazz and musical theatre to classical, and from unison through to four part harmony, while having a lot of fun in the process. We rehearse every Monday evening , starting at 19:30 and finishing at 21:30 (with a break for snacks and chat obviously!). Rehearsals are held at Mostyn Road Methodist Church, Mostyn Road at St Lawrence Way, London, SW9 6PH. You are welcome to drop in any Monday evening, but for more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on chair@londonsings.org.uk or by telephone on 07785 905355 For further details about the group and our fellow ensembles in South London Community Music, visit http://www.londonsings.org.uk/

Open weekly Maracatu percussion classes for all levels – beginners to advanced – Newbies very welcome! The classes are run by Sam Alexander, a professional musician, teacher, and artist. He leads the community group Baque de Axé in London, which plays traditional Maracatu Carnival percussion music from Recife in Pernambuco, Brazil. Classes run every Monday from 6:45pm to 9:15pm (Times include set up and pack away, drumming 7:00pm to 9:00pm) and are held in Maxilla Social Club, 2 Maxilla Walk, London, W10 6SW, underneath the Westway, 5 mins from Latimer Road Tube Station on the Hammersmith & City/Circle Lines. £15/session (payable on the evening via contactless reader (referred) or cash). No booking required. Axé 💚❤️

Join us at Vivat Bacchus London Bridge for an immersive, beginner-friendly guided tasting of South African wines and authentic cuisine. Experience the Rainbow Nation's finest flavours without leaving London for just** £29.70** ****_What's Included:*_** **Guided Tasting:** A 60-minute session led by a Vivat Bacchus wine expert. **Wine Flight:** Sample three different South African wines. **Authentic Pairings**: Enjoy traditional Biltong paired with your wine flight. **£20 Voucher:** Receive a voucher to use at the restaurant or wine shop after the event To secure your spot for the Passport to South Africa event, you must purchase a ticket directly from Eventbrite before you RSVP RSVPing here alone does not guarantee a place. **Steps to Join Us:** BUY TICKET: Purchase your ticket using the link below:Book Your Ticket on Eventbrite Here: **https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/passport-to-south-africa-welcome-to-the-western-cape-tickets-1819056971369?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android&sg=3b3cab978f0b83a0715026a6df8690536d16356f4307301e99e64d48a9a684419662c1f73aa29becd8958cdb8f59529716c9e40fd8e7dccb088dd0a4fc181a18c3eb35d2eaf57ece1c14e5b15fbf** CONFIRM ATTENDANCE: After buying your ticket, RSVP leave a comment confirming your purchase. Note: If you RSVP ' but have not purchased a ticket, your RSVP may be removed.

THIS EVENT IS ADVERTISED IN OTHER SITES TOO. So the numbers shown attending here does not reflect how many may attend ! :) £10 cash to tutor on the day Further class info at www.hulaboogie.co.uk Come and learn to dance 1950s style in the fabulous 1930s pub The Stag's Head, in Hoxton N1 NRA ! Come early and have a drink and learn a great new skill and open up your social life! No experience required No need to come with a partner Classes are easy, fun and friendly £10 per person for the class. Pay cash to the teacher on the night or online in advance http://www.hulaboogie.co.uk/mondays---absolute-beginners-hoxton-n1.html After class you can sit, dance and socialise with your fellow students. THIS EVENT IS ADVERTISED IN OTHER SITES TOO. So the numbers shown attending here does not reflect how many may attend! Further class info at www.hulaboogie.co.uk email: info@hulaboogie.co.uk See you there! Julie

### ECSTATIC DANCE LONDON presents: ## 🌎CACAO DANCE TRIBE: **Afro House & World Beats Ecstatic Dance + Cacao Ceremony** **(DJ & live percussion set)** **Friday Night \| 7:45PM–10:15PM** **Fruit Social: 10:15PM–10:45PM** **Tufnell Park, London** Immerse yourself in an **ecstatic dance journey** infused with **Afro House rhythms, world beats, and live percussion**. Move freely, connect deeply, and let the music take you on a powerful journey of embodiment, release and ecstasy. We’ll open the evening with a dance movement warmup, then shift to a **heart-opening raw vegan cacao ceremony** and positive intention setting ritual, tuning in together before the main dance Wave begins. **Please note:** an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket. To reserve your place please book via eventbrite. Thank you x **🎫Tickets:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-london-cacao-dance-tribe-wellness-rave-cacao-ceremony-tickets-498619222517](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-london-cacao-dance-tribe-wellness-rave-cacao-ceremony-tickets-498619222517) **🌟 Join the Mailing list for EVENT UPDATES & DISCOUNTS:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london) **📣Join our WhatsApp Community:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuJVuQiUmENDJGD7bhYRZr?mode=ems_copy_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuJVuQiUmENDJGD7bhYRZr?mode=ems_copy_t) **✨Follow us on Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london?igsh=MXFmdm01NzRtd2xndg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london?igsh=MXFmdm01NzRtd2xndg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) **What to Expect?** ✨ Uplifting **Afro House**, **Brazilian grooves**, and **organic world rhythms** 🥁 **Live percussion** bringing fire and soul to the dancefloor 🍫 **Raw ceremonial cacao** to open your heart and elevate your energy 💃 Freestyle, expressive movement & moving meditation 🍉 **Optional fruit social** afterwards to nourish and connect No alcohol, no drugs, just rhythm, breath, and community. This is one of London’s most loved **sober Friday night dance experiences**, where you can shake off the week’s stress and celebrate life through movement. ### About Cacao Dance Tribe Founded in 2017, **Cacao Dance Tribe** was one of the world’s first **Cacao Ceremony + Ecstatic Dance** events, originally held in Camden. After a pause during the pandemic, we’re thrilled to have **revived the tribe in Tufnell Park since 2023,** co-created by the **Ecstatic Dance London** community, pioneers of the UK’s sober dance movement since 2009. No dance experience needed — everyone is welcome. We also offer limited **free crew spaces** — scroll below for details and sign-up. **Music Vibe:** Afro House \| World Beats \| Brazilian \| Organic Rhythms

Step into the live pulse, feel the floor ignite, Galician strings and voices cut the night. Ancient echoes breathing through the bass, Techno hearts and house rhythms interlaced. Baiuca bends tradition, breaks the mold, Old-world fire in circuits bold. A hypnotic ride, electric and deep, Where roots awaken and bodies keep. Tickets calling - secure yours now, Don’t wait for later, don’t ask how. [https://dice.fm/event/xenooe-baiuca-live-23rd-jan-village-underground-london-tickets](https://dice.fm/event/xenooe-baiuca-live-23rd-jan-village-underground-london-tickets) Closer to the date, a WhatsApp line, To sync, to plan, to fall in time. Come just to listen, let the sound move through, Or stay and share what the night did to you.

Join us on Tuesdays for a vibrant and immersive experience of West African drumming in SE5. This event is perfect for both beginners and experienced drummers looking to enhance their skills and connect with the energetic beats of the Djembe drum. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of African music as our skilled instructors guide you through rhythmic patterns and techniques that will transport you to the heart of Africa. Bring your drum or borrow one of ours and become part of a dynamic drum circle where everyone's unique contributions come together to create a mesmerizing musical tapestry. Whether you're a seasoned drummer or just starting your rhythmic journey, this event promises to be a joyful celebration of African drumming that will uplift your spirit and leave you feeling connected to the vibrant beats of the continent. Join us in SE5 and let the rhythms of West African drumming awaken your soul.

**SOLD OUT - The next workshop is on Sunday 8th March** **[https://tinyurl.com/yfhstksx](https://tinyurl.com/yfhstksx)** **Safo Music's – Songwriting workshop** **Sunday 25th January** **11:00am – 6:00pm** **Safo Studios, 23–27 Crouch Hill, London N4 4AP** **£40.00** **Led by Laurence Hobbs – gold & platinum-selling songwriter, producer, and owner of Safo Music.** *** After our sold out workshop last month, we'd like you to join us for a full-day **Songwriting workshop** at Safo Studios – a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the joy of writing songs. Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, this is your chance to connect with others and explore the craft of songwriting in a supportive, inspiring environment. ### What to Expect: Small group co-writing sessions in professional studios A relaxed space to share ideas and build confidence Meet like-minded musicians and discover new collaborators Personal mentoring and guidance from Laurence Hobbs throughout the day Working in teams, you’ll co-create original songs from scratch – blending lyrics, melodies, and experiences into something fresh and exciting. It’s all about enjoying the process, learning from each other, and celebrating the art of songwriting. Bring your instrument, your notebook, or just yourself – and spend the day writing with us. [ ](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WJTRS3LACZ6CS)**[Tickets: £40.00](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WJTRS3LACZ6CS)** Spaces are limited to keep sessions intimate – book now to secure your place. See you on the 25th January

Whether you wanna throw it back with Biggie, Missy, or The Fugees, or keep it current with Drake, Kendrick, or Kanye, this is YOUR moment to shut down the stage. No judgment, no stress – just energy, laughter, and the best people. Grab the mic, show out, and let’s make it a night to remember. Free entry

We've got the songs, the charts, the enthusiasm and some of the people. All we need is more people and your enthusiasm and your song choices. All the standard elements of a Soul band plus orchestral instruments. Exploring the best Soul songs and the best arrangements - especially those featuring strings (violin, viola, cello), French horn, flute, brass, woodwinds, percussion, background vocals. Let's have fun learning and playing a bunch of great tunes from the Soul / R&B back catalogue. There will be well-known standards and lesser-known or even obscure gems chosen from anywhere in the entire history of R&B. This is for: lead vocals, backing vocals, guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, trumpet, trombone, French horn, flute, baritone sax, tenor sax, alto sax, woodwinds, violin, viola, cello, percussion. Visit the "Thursday" page of our new spreadsheet to see vacancies, current members, current repertoire, and to make and see suggestions for new repertoire: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Zb1cMKrOMDvxacsw9AoRRstkx-M7r_NIrF4tZJIREU0/edit?usp=sharing We'll learn some classic tunes by ear and play them. You do not need to be able to read music. Support is given in learning the parts (this may sometimes include written charts / tab). The workshop will be led by Andy Dummett. Andy has been privileged to play with a number of Soul legends including Stax, Atlantic and Motown recording artists - Eddie Floyd, Solomon Burke, Ben E King, Percy Sledge, Edwin Starr, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, the Memphis Horns, Steve Cropper, Teenie Hodges, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Leon Ware, Dorothy Moore. Please check the studio's website for the latest Covid procedures: https://www.huskystudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Husky-Studios-Coronavirus-COVID-19-customer-guide.pdf Fees: Per session (drop-in): £15 Your fees include the group's costs for rehearsal studio rental and hire of mic's, PA, bass amp, guitar amps and drum kit. We will work towards a public performance. See our Calendar (http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/events/) for all Events http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/events/ To see details of individual Events (past and future), you can click through from the Calendar

Whether you’re due a change or just want a brighter, more responsive sound, this one’s for you. Join us for Re-String Day at Presto Music on Saturday 24 January from 9:30am. Walk-ins welcome. Purchase any set of D’Addario guitar strings in-store, and we’ll fit them for FREE on the day. Plus, D’Addario specialists will be in-store alongside our own guitar team, on hand to chat through string choices, gauges, materials, and the right accessories to match your playing. Just bring your guitar, pick your set, and we’ll take care of the rest. [Sign up here](https://daddario.formstack.com/forms/prestorestring)

**Daniel Neihoff** is an *emerging singer/songwriter from Paducah, KY*. He has been described as “one of the best storytelling songwriters in Nashville.” Daniel grew up in a family of songwriters, with both his father and grandmother crafting melodies and lyrics. He wrote his first song at 8 years old, surrounded by a family fit for country songs – the old kind about struggle and lonesomeness, mistakes among enduring love. The melodies and legends were all around him in his family, and it all seeped in. His accolades are impressive: he won the Kerrville New Folk Competition in 2019, was a 3-time finalist of Songwriter Serenade, placed 3rd in the Woody Guthrie songwriter contest, and won the Rocky Mountain Songwriters Contest in 2023. Neihoff has also been featured on PBS and received praise from Lori Walsh, host of In The Moment on SDPB, who said, “Daniel Neihoff, you are just what we need.” **Eryn Michel**’s songwriting walks the tightrope between real-life mess and wild imaginings—like her life, you’ll never be quite sure whether she’s singing truth, fiction, or a generous splash of both, drawn from a résumé that almost sounds made up: convoy gunner in Iraq, staffer in the Obama White House, phlebotomist, janitor, wedding planner, voice actor, and private security for a king’s granddaughter. Her songs have earned her the 2024 Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Grand Prize and a two American Songwriter lyric contest wins. **Reserve your seat by paying Scott Moore at [Moore Music in the House](https://www.mooremusic.org/). Suggested in-person contribution is $30.00. All proceeds go to the artists.** **At 6:00 pm**, I will be seated at the [Outta the Way](https://www.outta.com/) Cafe in Derwood. I'll bring a Meetup sign. Consider joining me before going to Scott and Paula's house. The cafe is 8 minutes away from our music venue. At Scott and Paula's house, I will be the tall woman with grey hair and a dark mask. I will ask Scott to reserve our seats together. **Please,** either let me know that you have not reserved a seat or you intend to not show up.

Per Collective: Ooooh party people. LISTEN UP: we're doing something fun yet again. It's the only way we know how! On Friday Jan 23 Collective is holding a "Dark of Night" event at Rai's Rendezvous. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?!?!? Come in black - your fanciest, your most emo, your most badass black leather...it ALL goes. And we're pulling a bunch of older Collective songs out of the shadows and putting them back on stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY. We can't wait to see you!

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.