Banjo Player

!ONE-TIME EVENT! Hey Badminton Enthusiasts! **This meet-up is only for intermediate players and up!** Everyone is welcome to join our large weekly events, test their skills and have some fun together! However, ***this event is for the people that want to push their skill forward and would like to play during the week as well.*** The host will reserve courts in advance, that means please only register if you really plan to come (or cancel at least 24 hours before the event starts). The fee for this event is 10€: * If you plan on paying in cash, please bring the exact amount as the host might not have any change available * you can also pay via card on the spot We are meeting at about 20.55 pm near the reception by the lounge area (next to the courts). Come a bit earlier so you have time to change into workout/sports clothes. The locker rooms are free to use, but for the men lockers you need a padlock - or you can also take your bag of clothes upstairs to the courts if you do not have a padlock. Also, bring clean indoor sports shoes, your racket and a water bottle with you. If you are just passing through town and do not have a racket, it is possible to rent rackets, either from the club or from us. Sometimes the host or other members have spare rackets - please ask in the comment section below! If you are joining our events for the first time, **WELCOME!** We are an open and friendly group and we are sure you will develop connections with the people in our community in no time! Without further ado - let's play some (intermediate) badminton and have fun together!

Hey Badminton Enthusiasts! **This meet-up is only for intermediate players and up!** Everyone is welcome to join our large weekly events, test their skills and have some fun together! However, ***this event is for the people that want to push their skill forward and would like to play during the week as well.*** The host will reserve courts in advance, that means please only register if you really plan to come (or cancel at least 24 hours before the event starts). The fee for this event is 12€: * If you plan on paying in cash, please bring the exact amount as the host might not have any change available * you can also pay via card on the spot We are meeting at about 19.25 pm near the reception by the lounge area (next to the courts). Come a bit earlier so you have time to change into workout/sports clothes. The locker rooms are free to use, but for the men lockers you need a padlock - or you can also take your bag of clothes upstairs to the courts if you do not have a padlock. Also, bring clean indoor sports shoes, your racket and a water bottle with you. If you are just passing through town and do not have a racket, it is possible to rent rackets, either from the club or from us. Sometimes the host or other members have spare rackets - please ask in the comment section below! If you are joining our events for the first time, **WELCOME!** We are an open and friendly group and we are sure you will develop connections with the people in our community in no time! Without further ado - let's play some (intermediate) badminton and have fun together!

**\*\*\* Enrollment and all info** [https://www.iicv.at/intermediate-classes](https://www.iicv.at/intermediate-classes)**\*\*\*** **Description:** **Come join for a journey of some of the nitty-gritty of improv performance.** We’ll work on scene work, stage presence, breaking out of our patterns, finding fun in the stillness, and stillness in the craziness of Improv. This is for improvisers who understand the foundations and concepts of improv and want that extra challenge to perform or refine their performance skills. **Teacher:** Shawn Fisher Shawn Fisher is an improviser, performer, and educator. With over 15 years of experience in improv, you can see him with The English Lovers, one of Vienna’s longest-standing improv groups, Two-Buttons Short, and with Rainbow’s Last Wish. Originally from the US, he has taught classes, workshops and led open improv sessions in Vienna since 2018, fostering community where curiosity leads the way. ​ Whether directing, MCing, or coaching at venues like Vienna’s Maestro, Shawn thrives on the spontaneity and connection of live performance—especially when leaning into the fantastical.

***Does understanding the world make it richer or does it drain something essential from it?*** In this first session of **Marginal Thoughts**, we’ll explore that question through three short and very different works: * A short story by Italo Calvino: ["The Distance of the Moon"](https://www.ruanyifeng.com/calvino/2007/07/ch_1_the_distance_of_the_moon.html) (\~40 min read) * An animated clip of Richard Feynman's ["Ode To A Flower"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSG9q_YKZLI) (\~1 min) * A poem by Walt Whitman: ["When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer"](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45479/when-i-heard-the-learnd-astronomer) (\~1 min) Along the way, we'll see Calvino anticipate the dating trend of *'orbiting'* and take it very literally, Feynman may or may not ruin flowers for us, and Whitman will demonstrate that rage-quitting an astronomy lecture can still produce poetry. **How to prepare** Please read/watch the materials in advance. As you do, try to identify at least one point of curiosity, confusion, or uncertainty - these will be natural starting points for our discussion. **What to expect** This is an in-person, conversational meetup. The goal isn't to debate, lecture, or "confess" - it’s to explore ideas and leave with better questions than we arrived with. **Optional context for the extra curious** Calvino's story opens his collection [Cosmicomics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmicomics). The Feynman clip comes from the BBC interview ["The Pleasure of Finding Things Out"](https://vimeo.com/340695809). And here's an honorable mention to Borges' poem ["The Moon"](https://dprbcn.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/the-moon-jorge-luis-borges/) which narrowly lost out to Whitman's.

Vienna Storytelling Collective's hugely popular **OPEN MIC STORYTELLING** nights continue on **Thursday 19th February 2026 at 19.00h** in Café Korb, with the audience-chosen theme "In My Defence" At our OPEN MIC STORYTELLING NIGHT performances range from stories, songs, poetry and stand up from aspiring writers, plus we always have a selection of experienced and/or established professional writer/performers to close the first and second halves of the evening for us. Vienna Storytelling Collective’s Open Mic event is one-of-a-kind for Vienna, an English language event where creative minds come together to share captivating stories. Whether you are an author, poet, writer, or just someone who loves storytelling, this evening is the perfect place to share your work or simply be inspired by others. Our open mic sessions provide an opportunity to perform your short stories, poems, share your songs (piano available) , or even try your hand at stand-up comedy or spoken word performances. It's a great way for newcomers to the city to meet like-minded individuals in the performing arts and fiction writing scene. It’s a gripping, fun and varied storytelling experience as audience or performer. Please read the **"What We're About"** section for full details of what to do if you'd like to read or perform your work at our Open Mic sessions. To guarantee a spot - direct message us in advance. Looking forward to seeing you all for another wonderfully entertaining evening of stories and much more. All our evenings since Sept. 2021 have been full ..... so come early. WE ASK FOR A MINIMUM 5 EURO DONATION, TO HELP WITH RUNNING COSTS. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- (Photo by Katarina Humajova on Unsplash)

To contact the main organizer for any information about our events, please use this number: +436767401074 (Also WhatsApp) Welcome to our friendly badminton event! Let's get moving, improve our game, and make new friends. We will be playing every Thursday from 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM. **Very important: this event is for you if your level is intermediate or any higher level above that.** 🏸🙂 **If you're joining us for the first time, the organizer will contact you directly to confirm that you have the required level for this event.** Feather shuttlecock will be use for this event, and it will be provided by the host. The location: Sport and Fun Halle Leopoldstadt / Venediger Au 11, 1020 Wien The Price: We try our best to provide you with the best price in Vienna. You will be paying 9.5 Euro for 2 hours. How to pay: We accept card payment and cash (card payments are preferred) Number of players : We have 2 courts reserved for this event and aiming to have 10-11 players in total (so we can take a small break between matches) Remember to bring your own racket, please. **Cancellation policy:** 1- Canceling 24 hours before the event = free cancellation 2- Cancellation after the 24-hour deadline = we will ask you kindly to pay the event fee if we are not able to find a suitable replacement. (No exception) In case of not paying = banned from future events. See you on the court :)

**KONTRA-STRICH** music and live drawing jam with **Anna Rotter** on Contrabass and **Eugenio Belgrado** on Malerhand *Music, Drawing, and Society in improvisational, creative dialog* WHEN: **19 February, 7-9:30 pm** WHERE: **The Living Room**,\* 1080 Vienna Free admission. A small contribution is welcome. Reservation is required. (RSVP here on meetup!) \*New to the Living Room? We'll send you a message of confirmation containing the address. **Eugenio Belgrado** is a classically trained painter, illustrator, and printmaker who lives and works in visual arts and art education in Vienna since 2016. He is also the author of Italian and German language graphic novels, including, most recently, "Köglberger" (Bahoe Books, 2025), and is a regular creative graphics contributor for DATUM and other contemporary magazines and newspapers. **Anna Rotter** is a bass player, singer, and songwriter from Vienna. She's a member of the jazz fusion band "Diminished Gravity" and founder of the chanson trio "Hommage à Georges Brassens". She's passionate about improvised music and experiment at the crossroads of interdisciplinary artistic expression. wege sind zum gehen da, strümpfe zu zerreissen denn die sonn' geht schon lang nicht mehr pünklich auf und die meeresfrüchte beißen \- aus *Licht sein*, Anna Rotter, 2025

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT. The outrageous solo comedy show by Turan Ali, is back by popular demand! STRAIGHT TALKING is back in Vienna for a third and final time, written and performed by Vienna Storytelling Collective's Turan Ali. After selling out in Volkstheater Rote Bar twice in 2025, this is a final chance to see Ali’s outrageously funny and thought-provoking solo comedy show, Straight Talking. It's an evening of shockingly candid truths. Where do straights go wrong in their lives? What can gays can teach straights about leading the lives they really want to live? Mixing comedy-storytelling, performance poems, ukulele songs, fabulous costumes and much more, Ali delivers outrageous claims with his much-celebrated, provocative direct-speaking. What the critics have said about Turan Ali : “Utterly fabulous.” (The Q Review) "An absolutely splendid human…a masterful storyteller" (The Wee Review) “Like the best stand-up comedians, his material has been tried, tested and perfected for an audience. It was a joy to watch” (Broadway Baby) “Highly recommended! Entertaining, educational and emotive” (Fringe Review) Turan Ali is an acclaimed stand-up comedian and storyteller from London, now based in Vienna with a very Turkish name, Austrian roots and a big mouth. He writes, produces and directs drama and comedy for the BBC, and performs comedy and stories on stage throughout Europe. This is high quality, intelligent, camp and provocatively queer comedy. An outrageously clever solo show. “I laughed my arse off the whole night” (audience member April 2025) Ali makes sense of having a Turkish Muslim father, an Austrian Catholic mother, growing up in London, going to a Jewish school, and being gay and proud of it. But not all parts of his world cope well with that pride. In this solo show, Straight Talking, Ali shines a light on some of the crazy ways heterosexuals run their lives and relationships, with many surprising things he claims straights can learn from gays. Expect outrageous stories, silliness, shocking confessions and incendiary suggestions, all delivered very queerly, through exceedingly straight talking. But, however funny it is, can you handle the truth? Tickets only available from Volkstheater: https://www.volkstheater.at/event/3184961/straight-talking/inhalt/ Book early - it will be sold out again.

Bist du bereit für einen unvergesslichen musikalischen Abend mitten in Wien? [SingAlong - Das große Mitsing-Event](https://singalong.de/) lädt dich ein, gemeinsam mit Hunderten von Menschen die größten Hits zu singen! Die Songauswahl und der Moderator vor Ort sorgen für ein unvergessliches Mitsing-Erlebnis! Alle Songtexte werden zum Mitsingen auf einer großen Leinwand visualisiert. Entfliehe dem Alltag und reise mit uns in die wundervolle Welt der Musik! Schaffe gemeinsam mit hunderten Gleichgesinnten neue wunderbare Momente! Bei der Song-Auswahl wurde darauf geachtet, dass für jeden Geschmack etwas dabei ist. Alle Lieder wurden auf Bekanntheit und Mitsingtauglichkeit getestet. Dazu gibt es interessante Fakten, Infos und Anekdoten zu den Songs vom Moderator! Zeitlicher Ablauf Einlass: 20:00 Uhr - Beginn: 20:30 Uhr - Ende: ca. 22:30 Uhr Melde dich jetzt alleine oder gemeinsam mit Freund:innen zum SingAlong in Wien an und mache dich auf eine musikalische Reise! Achtung: Die Plätze sind begrenzt - sichere dir rechtzeitig deinen Platz bei diesem einzigartigen Mitsing-Event. Jetzt anmelden und dabei sein: [https://singalong.de/](https://singalong.de/)

This is our weekly event! ----------------- Hey Badminton Enthusiasts! This meet-up is for all levels: beginners, intermediates and experts. Everyone is welcome to join, test their skills and have some fun together! The host will reserve courts in advance, that means please only register if you really plan to come (or cancel at least 24 hours before the event starts). The fee for this event is 12€ (for the 2 hours). If you plan on paying in cash, please bring the exact amount as the host might not have any change available. We are meeting at about 10:25 am near the reception by the lounge area (next to the courts). Come a bit earlier so you have time to change into workout/sports clothes. The locker rooms are free to use, but for the men lockers you need a padlock - or you can also take your bag of clothes upstairs to the courts if you do not have a padlock. Also, bring clean indoor sports shoes, your racket and a water bottle with you. There is a drinking fountain available if you need to replenish your bottle. If you do not have a racket, it is possible to rent rackets from the club, if necessary (3€). Sometimes the host or other members have spare rackets - please ask in the comment section below! If you are joining our events for the first time, WELCOME! Let the host know that you are new and they will find a place for you. Don't worry, we are an open and friendly group. We are sure you will develop connections with the people in our community in no time! Without further ado - let's play some badminton and have fun together!

**Neue Gruppe in der Stadt!** Offen für alle Gesangsbegeisterten! Wir treffen uns einmal im Monat, um **Circle Songs** zu singen – die improvisierten, geführten Lieder, die vom großen Vocalisten Bobby McFerrin inspiriert sind. Musikalische, vielschichtige Treffen mit strukturierter, achtsamer Gestaltung. Tauche ein in die Klänge mehrerer Stimmen, vertraue deiner Intuition, singe frei, voller Energie und musikalischer Freude! **New group in town!** Open to all singing enthusiasts! We meet once a month to sing **Circle Songs** – guided improvisational songs inspired by the great vocalist Bobby McFerrin. Layered, musical gatherings with a thoughtful, structured approach. Immerse yourself in the sound of multiple voices, trust your intuition, sing freely, and share music and energy with joy! **Sprache:** **Deutsch** und/oder **Englisch** (je nach Teilnehmer\*innen) **Achtung! Es wird eine kleine Gruppe sein, deshalb bitte deine Anmeldung nicht stornieren, damit alle teilnehmen können!** Sichere dir hier deinen Platz und zahle am Tag des Workshops bar (15 Euro) [ticket EVENTBRITE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/circle-songs-tickets-1982274247636?aff=oddtdtcreator)

🎤 Karaoke Night 🎤 Friday | Start: 7:30 PM | Stay until 2am Whether you’re a karaoke fan or just looking for a relaxed and social evening, this event is for you! 🎶✨ Our karaoke night is all about fun, connection, and community - no singing required to enjoy the good vibes. We’re excited to bring back this popular FUSE event at a new location, now with even more ways to connect! We’re teaming up with Brainpower Events and Mausen Bar, expanding beyond Meetup so you can meet people from all over Vienna’s social scene. 📍 New location – with both indoor space and an outdoor seating area, perfect for chatting between songs or just soaking up the atmosphere. Start: 7:30 PM Kind reminder: Please be polite and order at least one drink to support the venue. 🎤 Singing is optional. Socializing is guaranteed.

# [GET TICKETS HERE!!!](https://www.eventbrite.at/e/why-so-serious-interactive-stand-up-comedy-experience-thecomedypub-tickets-1981787768564?aff=MeetUp) An interactive English comedy show where the audience becomes part of the show. Games, confessions & bold stand-up — every Sunday in Vienna. 🎭 About the Show Why So Serious? is Vienna’s boldest interactive stand-up comedy show — a weekly Sunday night where comedy happens with the audience, not in front of it. This is not a passive sit-back-and-watch kind of night. This is a show for people who want to laugh, react, participate, and experience comedy in real time. Through crowd work, improvised formats, live tryouts, audience confessions, Q&A segments, and interactive games, the audience actively shapes every show. No scripts. No repeats. No safety net. If you’re looking for traditional stand-up only — this might not be for you. If you want comedy that feels alive, risky, and different every single week — welcome. 🎤 What Makes Why So Serious? Different Interactive comedy formats built around the audience Crowd work-heavy sets by professional comedians only Live joke tryouts with real-time audience feedback Games, challenges, and improvised moments A safe space to test bold, smart, and absurd comedy ideas Every show is unique — nothing is repeated This is comedy magic happening in real time. 👥 Who This Show Is For Comedy lovers who want more than punchlines People who enjoy being part of the moment Expats & locals looking for English comedy in Vienna Anyone who wants to end their weekend laughing and reset their brain Age: 16+ Language: 100% English 🧠 The Sunday Vibe Sunday night, but not sleepy. Think wild reset, playful chaos, honest laughs, and bold ideas. It’s the perfect way to: Shake off the week Laugh at yourself Start Monday lighter than you expected 🏛 Venue The Comedy Pub – Vienna The city’s home for international stand-up comedy. Intimate stage, full bar, and the perfect setting for a show where anything can happen. 📍 Kettenbrückengasse 7, 1050 Vienna 📅 Event Details When: Every Sunday Doors: 18:30 Show starts: 19:00 Duration: \~90 minutes (no break) Language: English Tickets: €15 Seating: First come, first served 💥 Why You Should Come Because this isn’t safe comedy. Because it isn’t polished to death. Because it’s honest, playful, risky — and alive. Why So Serious? The most daring interactive comedy show in Vienna. #WhySoSeriousComedy #InteractiveComedyVienna #ComedyWien #StandUpVienna #EnglishComedyVienna #LiveComedyVienna #ComedyExperience #CrowdworkComedy #ImprovComedy #ViennaEvents #TheComedyPub #ComedyNerds #ComedyMagic

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

# **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.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 18 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **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!

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!