Audiophile
Meet other local Audiophiles who love to listen to, build, and modify stereo equipment.
517
members
1
groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out audiophile events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the audiophile events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find audiophile events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Audiophile Events Today
Join in-person Audiophile events happening right now
Rock the Docs: Applying music theory and band dynamics to technical writing
The discotheque gets disco-technical at **Rock The Docs**!
This double headline bill sees **[Marco Spinello](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-spinello/)**, Technical Writer at [Booking.com](http://booking.com/) showing us how music theory can be applied to documentation, using examples from both his professional and creative life. Following this act, **[Jerry Bartlett](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-bartlett-content-pro-tech/)**, founder and principal at [Content Pro Tech](https://www.contentprotech.com/) will demonstrate how the fundamentals of technical writing can be applied to gathering and organising metadata for digital music libraries.
These presentations will cover:
*Why Git is like a metronome
- Why managing stakeholders is not unlike managing band members
*Why recording an album is not unlike delivering an MVP
- How metadata underpins the algorithms of streaming services
*How curating metadata is a key aspect of technical writing work
- The difference between descriptive metadata and management metadata
**Marco Spinello** tells the story of a disco band that shrank from eight members to a power trio, not unlike a company reorganisation with a built-in product pivot. Music and technical writing have more in common than meets the eye; music theory maps the territory like information architecture, a metronome enforces discipline like git, and song dynamics prevent the "wall of text" effect of very long, very dense docs.
**Jerry Bartlett** discusses how uploading his music collection to a NAS drive found him drawing on skills honed during his day job as a technical communicator, and working on striking a balance between the right level of granularity, while making sure to not have ‘too much’ metadata.
This event is kindly hosted by [Wise](https://wise.com/).
**📅Agenda**
**When:** Thursday, 18 June, from 6:30pm
**Where:** Wise, 65 Clifton Street, London EC2A 4JE
**What:**
**18:30 - 19:00** Arrival
**19:00 - 19:15** Welcome & Housekeeping
**19:15 - 19:20** Short introduction to Wise
**19:30 - 20:00** Rocks the Docs by Marco Spinello
**20:00 - 20:30** Jerry's presentation
**20:30 - 21:00** Networking
**📍How to find us**: Please head to Wise, 65 Clifton Street, London EC2A 4JE, from 6:30pm onwards -- one of the friendly Write The Docs London team will be checking guests in.
🌎 **Google Maps**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/r6zdmeDKhyAbLbaf7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/r6zdmeDKhyAbLbaf7)
📜 **What3Words**: [///lift.send.curiosity](https://what3words.com/lift.send.curiosity)
📷 **Photos:** Please note that the organisers may take some photos for the WTD group.
Primrose Hill Life Drawing
Life Drawing ✍️ Pls pay at class £15 cash or £16 by card. If you are a concession pls speak to Sophie. Class fee includes tea, coffee & biscuits 🍪& sometimes 🍰 😋 We’re upstairs at Primrose Hill Community Association NW1 8TN
Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras: Haydn in London
**https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/whats-on/monteverdi-choir-orchestras-haydn-in-london/**
**Please see programme and for booking on the above link. We will meet in the cafe in the basement before the concert.**
The Alphabet of Happiness -Klaudia Mitura
What does it take to live a happier life? Discover your path to fulfilment with The Alphabet of Happiness, a real, refreshing, science-backed guide to living a more joyful life.
Inspired by Klaudia Mitura’s award-winning podcast, The Happiness Challenge, this invaluable book combines expert insights with hands-on ideas to build happiness in relationships at work and within your own skin. Weaving surprising science with personal anecdotes and topical examples, each of the 26 alphabet-inspired principles offers easy-to-understand psychology with practical solutions, allowing you to explore and apply these insights in any order, step-by-step, to achieve genuine positive transformation in your life. Perfect for self-reflectors and go-getters alike, The Alphabet of Happiness is a must-read for anyone ready to take small but powerful steps toward a happier life.
Aerial Relaxation Pods - Sound Journey Gong Bath Meditation in Hammocks
**London's first multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with live ambient music, gongs, aromatherapy and aerial hammocks. An Oasis of Calm in our Busy Lives.**
# Aerial Relaxation Pods - Sound Journey Gong Bath Meditation in Hammocks
### **ABOUT AERIAL RELAXATION PODS™**
London's first **multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with a short guided meditation, live ambient music: gongs, crystal bowls, vocals, other live instruments and nurturing electronica, aromatherapy eye pillows and scents, sky-blue silky aerial hammocks** to soothe your stresses away and lift your spirit!
**A very unique, next level sound journey experience!**
*"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."*
Londoners stressed out by their busy lives can now turn to Aerial Relaxation Pods™ to transform their tension to calm, and restore the body’s natural healing wisdom.
***(please confirm all dates / times / venue via eventbrite. Not all dates are correct on meetup!)***
**PLEASE NOTE:** Please book via eventbrite. There are very limited spaces, and no sales on the door. an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket!
**For more information and bookings:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator)
*“Our pods are here to help Londoners relax. As a former teacher myself, I am fully aware of just how busy and stressed a lot of people are. And most of us just don't find the time to unwind. Our **Aerial Relaxation Pods** are going to help you alleviate stress, providing time & space to allow your body to deeply rest, harmonising your nervous system. You’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed after one session.” -* Seth Newman, co-founder of Aerial Relaxation Pods**™**.
Successfully Parenting Children
Description: We invite you to join us for an inspiring and insightful lecture that aims to equip parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising children. In this empowering session, we will explore the essential elements of successful parenting and delve into the profound impact it can have on shaping the lives of our children.
Parenting is a multifaceted endeavor that requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices that contribute to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. By drawing upon the latest research, psychological insights, and practical experiences, we will explore key aspects of successful parenting.
During this enlightening session, we will cover the following topics:
1. Building Strong Foundations: We will discuss the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children to flourish. This includes establishing routines, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of security and trust.
2. Effective Communication: Understanding the significance of open and effective communication between parents and children is crucial. We will explore strategies for fostering healthy dialogue, active listening, and empathy, enabling parents to build strong relationships based on mutual respect.
3. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence: Emotions play a fundamental role in a child's development. We will discuss ways to help children recognize and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.
4. Discipline with Love: Navigating discipline can be challenging for parents. We will explore positive discipline techniques that promote cooperation, self-discipline, and a healthy sense of responsibility, ensuring a harmonious and respectful family dynamic.
5. Promoting Independence and Autonomy: Allowing children to develop their independence and autonomy is essential for their growth. We will explore strategies to foster self-esteem, encourage age-appropriate decision-making, and support the development of healthy independence.
6. Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset in children is vital for their personal and academic development. We will discuss ways to foster a love of learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of curiosity and exploration.
7. Balancing Self-Care: Parenting is an all-encompassing role that requires self-care to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We will explore strategies for self-care and stress management, ensuring that parents can provide the best support for their children while also prioritizing their own needs.
By attending this lecture, parents will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin successful parenting. Armed with this knowledge, they will feel empowered to create nurturing and loving environments that foster their children's growth, resilience, and overall well-being.
Note: This lecture is designed for parents of children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Whether you are a new parent seeking guidance or an experienced parent looking to enhance your parenting skills, this lecture will provide valuable information and support. Join us to embark on a transformative journey as we explore the joys and challenges of successful parenting together.
Aerial Relaxation Pods… with Sound journey! Two sessions 7:15-8:30 & 8:45-10pm
Aerial Relaxation Pods… with Live Ambient Music!
- London's Deep Relaxation Experience -
Aerial Relaxation Pods - Lift Your Spirit
Please watch our video to give you a taste of the experience:
Our Aerial Relaxation Pods video on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxlR9u44llw
London's first multi-sensory, aerial relaxation experience with Live ambient music, aromatherapy and featuring our beautiful sky-blue silky Aerial Hammocks.
"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."
Two sessions per evening on Thursdays:
IMPORTANT: Please note your space is only confirmed once booked through Eventbrite.
7:15-8:30pm book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/84883457707
8:45-10pm book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/84878729565
COST:
1 x ticket £17 (£18.92 inc ticket fee)
Offer (limited availability) 2x tickets £28 (£30.77 inc ticket fee)
"Words are inadequate to express the uniquely nurturing experience I had during your Aerial Relaxation Pod class... and the music was amazing! The feeling of being securely wrapped in a silk hammock from head to toe, suspended in the air, slowly rocking, with the crystal bowls and ambient music created a sublime and profound atmosphere. It was as if I was in a cocoon of total support, allowing peace to flow into my entire being." - Alison
COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES & PREVENTION MEASURES:
- If you are showing any symptoms, please do not attend. Any participant repeatedly coughing in the space will be asked to leave immediately.
- You can wear a face-covering during the sessions if you choose to.
- Please come already dressed in comfortable clothing ensuring your knees, armpits and torso are covered, and with a bag for your belongings. There are bathrooms at the venue but no changing rooms.
- We will provide antibacterial wipes and hand sanitisers at the venue. Please wash your hands regularly and use the hand sanitiser supplied upon entering the venue.
- All touch hotspots will be regularly cleaned with disinfectant between each session.
- We ask that all participants keep at least 1m physical distance at all times. Any participant repeatedly breaching this distance will be asked to leave.
- We will provide clean lavender eye pillows and covers will be changed between each session. You are welcome to bring your own eye pillow/ eye mask.
- All hammocks will be disinfected with antibacterial spray between each session.
- Blankets and cushions: we will provide separate sets for each session. You are welcome to bring your own blanket & cushion.
- The venue has skylights that will be opened to allow more airflow in the space.
PLEASE NOTE:
1) Strictly no latecomers! - Sorry, please arrive on time! Unfortunately, if you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be allowed entry, (and there can be no refunds if you are more than 10 minutes late, very sorry!) as we need to make it a calm & peaceful space for people who are already here.
2) Please only arrive 5 minutes before the start of the session, as there is no waiting room.
3) No Refunds. No refunds are available as we need to have enough time to fill the space left. You are welcome to pass on your ticket to a friend, colleague or family member.
4) Clothing: Please wear a sleeved shirt that covers the armpits and leggings or yoga trousers that cover your knees. Wear form-fitting clothing. Please do not wear baggy clothing as they can snag and catch on the sling’s fabric causing accidents. Ensure that your clothing is "zipper free" and remove all jewellery (body piercings, watches and hair clips. These items can snag and damage the silk hammocks.
Audiophile Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Practical Philosophy Club Meetup - London 🇬🇧
**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?**
Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎
Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic.
The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌
📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?**
Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going.
When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture.
**General Meeting Agenda**
Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline:
* 14:00-14.15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start.
* 14:15-14:20 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines.
* 14:20-15:20 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them.
* 15:20-15:30 - We do a group conclusion of the things we discussed, and then we typically take a photo and go on our way :) If you don't want to be in the group photo, there's no pressure, it's just a way to close out the meeting. We occasionally have an unofficial social so the different groups can mingle afterwards too!
**🧧PRICING?**
Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend, and we operate on donations.
If you'd like to donate to support our running costs, that helps keep our group self-sustaining. Donations are 100% voluntary, but your contribution is appreciated! QR codes to donate will be present.
Tea’s and coffees and are paid by the individual should they wish to have them.
**💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY**
🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam
🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel
**🤓 FAQ**
* What will we talk about? What's the topic?
The topic for the week is shared every week in the Whatsapp group before the session. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS).
* Do I need to study or read anything to attend?
No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required.
* Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?
The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school.
* Is it mostly men that attend?
Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms.
* Can I come alone?
Of course you can, we encourage it :)
* Can I be late?
Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation.
* Where do you meet?
The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/).
🤝**POLICY**
To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
**PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨
Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️
\*\*\*
Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) 👈
Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/?hl=en) 👈
Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club) 👈
Workshop: The Sacred Geometry of Sound
**This is a paid event, tickets available [here via eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workshop-the-sacred-geometry-of-sound-tickets-1990188956744?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*6our0c*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTIzNzU4NTQxLjE3Nzk0ODUzNTk.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3Nzk0ODUzNTgkbzEkZzEkdDE3Nzk0ODYxMjUkajQxJGwwJGgw&keep_tld=true).**
**3-hour workshop will explore how the harmonious intervals of music serve as a model for universal structural principles.**
There is a long history of connection between music, mathematics, science and philosophy. From the ancient idea of the *music of the spheres* to the cosmological reflections of Kepler, Leibniz, Fludd, Newton and later thinkers such as Hans Kayser, sound and harmony have been understood not only as a musical phenomenon, but as a geometrical pattern inherent in nature. Myths across many cultures also express the concept that the universe was created by sound, and according to modern quantum field theory matter and energy fundamentally behave like vibrating waves.
The aim of this workshop is to share these ideas with a wider audience and popularize the interdisciplinary field called *harmonic research* or *harmonics*, in which the harmonious intervals of music serve as a model for universal structural principles.
**Content:**
* Fundamental harmonic principles in music and mathematics, including practical demonstrations on the monochord
* Harmonic proportions in nature and architecture
* The concept of harmony as a universal organizing principle and how we can apply this to our individual and collective lives
*
The workshop leader, Sabine Leitner, has an MA in music and completed the 2-year course 'Fundamental Research into Harmonics' at the Hans Kayser Institute at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna (1990-1992). She also has an MA in Philosophy and an MA in Leadership Coaching. She is the director of the New Acropolis School of Philosophy in London.
This workshop has been organized to celebrate the International Day of Music and to promote the theme of 'Philosophy and Science'.
**Admission:** £50 (concessions £30)
There will be 2 breaks of 15 minutes (refreshments included in the price)
Street Photography - Telling a Story in Notting Hill
Part of the art of street photography is telling a story. In this workshop you'll learn how to tell a story and develop street photography skills. You'll be given some tips and then set a series of challenges to help build your confidence when shooting street photography.
EXPERIENCE
* Beginner/refresher
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
* What makes an interesting subject
* Candid or posed and how to approach people
* The legalities
* Camera settings
* Depth of field
* Composition
* What shutter speeds are important
* Black & white and why you need to think about colour
EQUIPMENT:
* Any camera
* A standard 18-55 kit lens will do or use a 70-200 for candid shots
OTHER ESSENTIALS
* A fun and experimental attitude!
PAYMENT OPTIONS
* PayPal via RSVP - Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend
* Send £25 via PayPal to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee.
* Text Alex on 07956264049 and we will add you to the event attendee list.
TRAVEL
* As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey
CONTACT
* Alex 07956 264049
VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026
[https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095)
UPCOMING EVENTS
[www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events](http://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events)
The SAFO Music Group Networking Evening
Safo Music masterclass
**WHY SOME ARTISTS GROW AND OTHERS STAY STUCK**
You write great songs.
You release music.
You post on social media.
Yet somehow other artists seem to build momentum while your project stays in the same place.
Why?
Join us for the launch of **Green Chair Artist Growth** and discover the strategies that successful independent artists are using to build audiences, create opportunities, and develop sustainable careers in today's music industry.
This isn't another seminar about posting more content or chasing algorithms.
We'll show you the key principles that separate artists who build genuine momentum from those who spend years working hard with little to show for it.
You'll discover:
• Why talent alone is rarely enough
• The biggest mistakes artists make when trying to grow their audience
• How successful artists build momentum release after release
• The strategies that turn casual listeners into genuine fans
• How to create opportunities instead of waiting for them to happen
• The framework we use to help artists develop long-term careers
Whether you're just starting out or already releasing music, you'll leave with practical ideas you can implement immediately.
**FREE SEMINAR**
**Friday 19th June \| 7pm**
**Safo Music Group, Crouch Hill, London**
Places are limited.
To reserve your seat, email:
**[info@safomusicgroup.com](mailto:info@safomusicgroup.com)**
After work drinks @Aces & Eights
Come join us for after work drinks at Aces & Eights, the fantastic bar and music venue with a great selection of beverages and delicious pizzas (including vegan options).
For the newbies, look for an inflatable animal....
Nearest tube station (northern line): Tuffnel Park
Nearest overground station is Kentish town (20 min walk away)
LondonJamSessions x TAM MIC DROP (Chord Flow) #34
I am proud to announce that we having our jam at the Temple Of Art & Music in Elephant & Castle!!
Chord Flow:
A structured improvisation session where players explore a shared chord progression and key, creating music organically in the moment.
Lineup (on stage together):
• 2 guitarists
• 1 bass
• 1 drummer
• 1–2 singers
• 1 additional instrument (sax, trumpet, percussion, etc.)
How It Works:
1. A simple chord progression and its key are written on a whiteboard opposite the stage.
2. The group has 5 minutes on stage to explore the progression together.
3. Tempo, time signature, style, and chord changes are left open — the music’s direction is determined by the group.
4. When the timer starts, the music begins. Musicians respond to each other in real time, building the flow organically.
5. No planning or discussion — focus on listening, reacting, and creating a shared musical experience.
6. After 5 minutes, the group rotates and a new set of musicians begin.
The Temple Of Art and Music is a live music venue and bar in Elephant & Castle so I encourage anyone attending to bring friends as it will be great fun for them even if they are not playing.
The venue has a PA system, drum kit, mics and guitar/bass amps.
There is no guarantee that there will be cymbals or drum accessories with the drum kit at the venue. Drummers please being your own if you can.
Like all our other jams it will be a chance to jam with other musicians playing the music that you love in a gentle environment with no judgement and no pressure. This jam also uniquely gives the opportunity to play in front of a crowd!
Tickets are **£10 online** message us let us know what instrument you play and we will confirm if there is space and send you the Eventbrite link for the jam.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about this jam and London Jam Sessions.
At London Jam Sessions we have an active community on WhatsApp where we all discuss the upcoming jams and future events. Everyone in the community is encouraged to ask questions and bring forward new ideas. Dm me and I can add you to our Whatsapp group.
Audiophile Events Near You
Connect with your local Audiophile community
Drunken Philosophy: Where Is Everybody? The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter
Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle.
**Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?**
In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox.
One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread.
Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for.
**Questions to wrestle with:**
* Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving?
* Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why?
* If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming?
* Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection?
* And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species?
* Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now?
As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.
Losing Weight in Columbus - Saturday morning Metro Park at Scioto Audubon Park
Join the weight loss in Columbus group at the Scioto Audubon Park for an in person meeting. We'll meet to chat casually, talk about goals and enjoy one of Columbus's wonderful parks.
We'll meet at one of the outdoor shelters, which is covered in case of rain, is close to some walking trails, and there's also a climbing gym that people can try out (my favorite past time) if people are interested.
Let's meet and see where we can take things!
Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival
Now in its 26th year, [The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/), in Gahanna, gathers world famous groups and performers at a single place for you to enjoy the best Blues & Jazz in Ohio. *SATURDAY NIGHT features: The Urban Jazz Coalition with Special Guest Brian Simpson, North Mississippi Allstars, The Deal Breakers & More.* The three-day cultural celebration features musicians on 3 stages, local food trucks and beverage stations, treats, artisans, and more. **Tickets are $15 for adults online.** Link to purchase tickets: [Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival Tickets](https://tickets.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/e/2026-creekside-blues-jazz-festival). $20 at the door. Military are free.
WHAT: Here's the festival [EVENT MAP](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Event-Map/). Also, here's the [SCHEDULE](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Schedule/) map to help you determine who to see.
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
**Parking -** The Creekside Parking Garage will be open throughout the festival weekend. Entrance is located near the intersection of Mill and North Streets; accessible only by traveling south on Mill Street.
**Event parking rate is $5 and collected at entrance to garage. Cash ONLY is accepted at garage entrance for parking.** Although off street parking in the Creekside District is permitted, it is very limited and not recommended.
**Shuttle Service** pickup will be at the following location:
[AEP Ohio 700 Morrison Rd., Gahanna, OH](https://goo.gl/maps/K9GgvgEdxCHaXsKDA)
**Shuttle Service Hours:** Saturday: 1 PM - 12 AM
**BRING**: *Be sure to bring a **chair** since there is limited available seating. Also $ or paycard for food and drink.*
Tribal Viewpoints (Ethiopia) - FEE BASED
**Itinerary And Pricing To Be Published Soon...**
Professionally guided photographic tour and workshop throughout the country of Ethiopia.
Sunday Afternoon Coffee at Grandview Grind
Who else is ready to sit outside?
Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!
Stalker
Based on the novel Roadside Picnic, it is NO picnic, but rather one of the masterpieces of world cinema. Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 Soviet sci-fi classic, recounts the expedition of a writer and professor led by a mysterious guide called "The Stalker." to a futuristic wasteland called "The Zone." Dripping with existential dread, it continually presents strange occurrences that will have us debating the meaning of what we've just viewed right through the ending.
*Stalker* (1979) can be streamed for free on HBOMax, the Criterion Channel or Kanopy. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime and AppleTV. The Columbus Library has two copies on disc.





















