Astoria

Are you looking to make new friends in the DC area? This is it! Reserve your spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980936944727?aff=oddtdtcreator)**. Make new friends and meaningful new connections and do community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that **[Hotel Zena](https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/zena?gclid=CjwKCAjw9NeXBhAMEiwAbaY4lmNIGNhZ43UtLelRqLdCZsZ_eXi5gUulOWkczZ9-jBZcrF_XJTC2lxoC4rgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)**, an art-filled boutique hotel, is hosting Go Gay DC! Get ready for another gathering of members of the LGBTQ+ Community! About 20 LGBTQ+ folk are expected. We are gathering in Figleaf lounge located to the left of the main entrance. We will be in the back by the pool table. Arrive when it is convenient for you! Most attendees will likely arrive by 7:00 p.m. **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. The hotel is located at 1155 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005. The closest Metro station is McPherson Square. **[See a map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hotel+Zena,+a+Viceroy+Urban+Retreat/@38.9050701,-77.0315871,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x734a7f7109afbeb2?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwio7Yrx1dSBAxVolWoFHQUPA14Q_BJ6BAhnEAA&ved=2ahUKEwio7Yrx1dSBAxVolWoFHQUPA14Q_BJ6BAhxEAc)**. Use Metro Trip Planner: [https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/](https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdGpIZGhiNnVBbDE5M3JvbAEeuhWmqw_N3p_FOJ2_Yq-5SF6I0pWlao_wznf3lEZ2-ILBc9NuFZDB-mg7Zp0_aem_KDRJar8HqyuVZ-9Q8EUtfQ) You're welcome regardless of where you live. This LGBTQ and Allies community-wide social provides everyone a chance to socialize, network, and share community spirit in a splendid setting. This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) At this exciting event, you'll even get to meet Go Gay DC's Founder, **[TJ Flavell](http://www.tjflavell.com)!** Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. Name tags will be provided. It's FREE to attend; cash bar. There will be a bartender on duty; cash or credit card is fine. Casual attire is fine; this will be a relaxing and fun time. The event is free to attend but registration is highly recommended to get in. Hotel Zena, an Urban Retreat By Viceroy, is where art, music, and design thrive. Part hotel and part art gallery that features work that celebrates the contributions and courage of women. Find us at the nexus of downtown DC and the 14th Street Corridor, close to DC’s most notable landmarks and museums. The 191 guest rooms and suites are soothing spaces with artful touches. The hotel is even offering a [Go Gay DC discount on a hotel stay](https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=9029&Chain=1003&arrive=2022-09-23&depart=2022-09-24&adult=1&child=0&promo=GOGAYDC)! Invite all your friends. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExN2tRNWxxbmJINDBLRjgyeHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6w6hV7nnd4_ib7hO4sGpsSn_cdXfPd75Bu3M7zmEi9Dl9TPCaWhdsOiMuyEg_aem_2P-pfs9FaQjn7QAvmFHriw) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies Non-binary

Our club meets the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month at 10:00 am. We are always delighted to see new guests -- please come about 5 minutes before start to help us get you introduced. It is a hospitable, supportive, and fun environment. Stop by and make new friends and plan on having a good time! We meet in the Youth Room on the top level of the Center. Park on the right side of the building and take the elevator all the way up. The Youth Room is just around the corner to your right as you exit the elevator. See you there!

Experience GALA's contemporary staging of the modern classic ***La casa de Bernarda Alba (The House of Bernarda Alba)*** by Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca. Directed by José Zayas and with original music by Koki Lortkipanidze, the play explores themes of female oppression, sexual repression, and the conflict between tradition and modernity, all universal topics that resonate with audiences today. García Lorca’s ***The House of Bernarda Alba*** brims with tension, desire, and rebellion as five sisters are forced into strict mourning for their father under the iron rule of their mother, Bernarda. In this electrifying new production, passions simmer behind closed doors, secrets spark dangerous rivalries, and the pressure of a house built on control threatens to explode. This contemporary staging infuses Lorca’s classic with a sensuous, modern pulse and a dark Gothic mystery, illuminating why Bernarda Alba remains as urgent and thrilling today as ever. CAST: Luz Nicolás as Bernarda, Evelyn Rosario Vega as Poncia, María Coral as Adela, María del Mar Rodríguez as Angustias, Giselle González as Martirio, Anna Malavé as Magdalena, Alicia Kaplan an as María Josefa, and Ixchel as Amelia. PERFORMANCES: February 5 through March 1, 2026. The production is presented in Spanish with English surtitles, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Community Night is Thursday, Feberuary 5 at 8 pm. Press Night and Noche de GALA, which includes a post-performance reception with the creative team and cast, is Saturday, February 7 at 8 pm. TICKETS: $50 Premium Center, $45 Orchestra Standard, $35 Orchestra Value, and $25 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 25 and Under; Community Night $20; and Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). **[GET TICKETS](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245608)** This production is made possible with the generous support from the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC, Spain Arts & Culture, and of our Honorary Producers Circle for The House of Bernarda Alba that includes Janet Farrell, Patricia Sosa, and Wanda Báez.

Lego has a campaign slogan "adults welcome"... yeah duh... lol. This group is for adult Lego enthusiasts to bring their brick collections, any sets they're working on, and come build together and socialize with fellow Lego enthusiasts at the Chesterbrook Shopping Center Starbucks in McLean, VA. I look forward to meeting you all!

**This exciting event is listed on Go Gay DC as a community courtesy by an allied-group and is not run by Go Gay DC; just go and have a blast anyway!** NOTE: there is an event in the art gallery this Friday, so we’ll be at the main bar/lobby (and unfortunately, no karaoke)! Please join us for our exclusive DC Lesbian Happy Hour (the original home of the color-coded stoplight name tags) at The Ven at Embassy Row Hotel in Dupont Circle! **It looks like the free format is here to stay for the time being!** Please note that while our name is "Lesbian Happy Hours", we welcome all female-identifying women who love women... and our allies. Address: the Ven at Embassy Row Hotel in Dupont Circle, 2015 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 What to expect: * Happy hour specials for beer, canned cocktails, and select wine specials (red, white, sparkling, and rosé) * Stoplight name tags; red means you are unavailable, yellow means it's complicated, green means you are single... and presumably ready to mingle Valet Parking is available (limited when the hotel is at full occupancy) at about half-price ($16 vs $30 as of the time I'm writing this). Please call the hotel if you are interested in the cost of parking. Street parking is also available and of course the Metro is nearby. 21+ Only. Dress: Casual, jeans, after work wear, dressy. See you then! Melinda

Shilohites Toastmasters meets every 2nd and 4th Sundays. Meetings start at 4:00 pm, and last one hour. We are a community club open to all. Parking is free. We focus on personal goals for professional development.

Join the group for *School of Rock* at The Little Theatre of Alexandria on Sunday, February 22 at 2PM. NOTE: This performance is sold out. If you're interested in attending on a different date, please comment below. Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within. (The New York Times says, **“BE WARNED! There’s a love story in this one.”**)

This is the sign you've been waiting for! Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

Join the group for *Stereophonic* at National Theatre on Saturday, February 21! There will be a gathering at a nearby restaurant between the matinee and evening performances for folks to gather (those attending after the matinee--just don't give anything away for the evening attendees). All of the group tickets for our initial order have been sold. I can access additional group tickets for those interested, but these seats may not be adjacent to our existing ticket blocks. * Left Orchestra: $132 * Center Mezzanine Row F: $114 * Center Mezzanine Row L or M: $87 * Left Balcony: $42 Please comment below on your ticket location preference. NOTE: This is a play with music. The most Tony Award-winning Show of the year. The most Tony Award-nominated Play of all time. ***Stereophonic*** mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. The ensuing pressures could spark their breakup—or their breakthrough. Written by **David Adjmi**, directed by **Daniel Aukin**, and featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s **Will Butler**, *Stereophonic* invites the audience to immerse themselves—with fly-on-the-wall intimacy—in the powder keg process of a band on the brink of blowing up. ***Stereophonic***, which features original songs by Academy Award® nominee and Grammy Award® winner **Will Butler**, formerly of Arcade Fire, dominated the “Best Theater of 2023” lists, with top rankings in *The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Washington Post, Time Out New York, Town & Country, TheaterMania, Theaterly*, and *The Spectator*. In April 2024, Stereophonic became the most Tony-nominated play in history receiving 13 Award nominations. It then became the most Tony Award-winning show of the 2024 season, winning 5 Tony Awards including Best Play, Direction (**Daniel Aukin**), Scenic Design (**David Zinn**) and Sound Design (**Ryan Rumery**).The Stereophonic creative team includes **David Zinn** (scenic designer), **Enver Chakartash** (costume designer), **Jiyoun Chang** (lighting designer), **Ryan Rumery** (sound designer), **Justin Craig** (music director), and **Gigi Buffington** (voice, text, and dialect coach). ***Stereophonic*** is 2 hours and 50 minutes including one intermission.

**Brunch starts at 11 a.m.** at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia 22202. Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979033683020?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. Enjoy a delicious brunch and meet LGBTQ+ folk. Make meaningful new connections. The event is free to attend; you simply pay for whatever you order on your own on separate credit card; there's no group tab to worry about. Name tags will be provided. About 10 LGBTQ+ folk are expected. The menu is at [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu) OR better yet, order the all-you-can-eat buffet that includes a mimosa or coffee/tea or soft drink, and dessert for only $14.99. Casual attire is fine. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are now capped at only $2.50 on weekends, regardless of distance traveled. Crystal City Metro station on the Yellow/Blue lines is the closest Metro stop. When you arrive, go out the station, walk towards your left to 18th Street and then veer right and walk under the Route 1 overpass to Eads St. Turn left and walk to 23rd Street. Turn right. Freddie's is up 23rd Street just a block. Just look for the rainbow flags on the right-hand side of the street! The venue phone number is (703) 685-0555 in case you get lost. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. Freddie's was voted the Best Virginia Bar by *Washington Blade* readers. Don't like a smoky bar? You are covered: Freddie's is a smoke-free establishment. (Ashtrays are provided outside the back of the building if smoking is 'your thing'). Freddie's is an LGBTQ+, straight-friendly restaurant and bar. It offers Happy Hour daily from 4-7 pm. [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/) This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Arrive at any time that's convenient for you. Go Gay DC Leader **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** will be there to greet you. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol is carded of course. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc "https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc") Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies brunch nonbinary

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Good Cafe](https://goodcafeeaston.com/)!

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. (NOTICE - Location change!) This session will be at the Karl Road Branch of the Columbus Library in the Conference Room 2.

Coffee and conversation at [Stauf's Coffee Roasters](https://www.staufs.com/) in German Village. Street parking is free on Sundays.

Optimistic Orators Toastmasters non-profit speech improvement group. No materials needed.

# **Band: Old Possum's Menagerie; Caller: Richard Ades** 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.