Bhangra

Where Jazz meets Indian Classical music. For one night only, enjoy cross-cultural storytelling with a live band in an intimate, BYOB venue. \*\*\*\* An evening of story telling and live performances, featuring an improvised music group that combines Indian Folk music and Jazz. Led by Indian guitar player Eshaan Sood on guitar the band features Annie Orzen on Piano, Ivan Demarjian on Saxophone, Sam Schaeffer on Drums, and Brendan Nie on Bass. The band will be featuring music from their album Dream River as well as their upcoming album ‘Love & In The Absence Of’. Join us from 7 pm onwards for a relaxed Sunday evening filled with fusion music and storytelling at Ernie's Place, a cozy and BYOB music venue in SE DC. Zoo Animal Productions is an artist-run collective focused on diverse, alternative, and community-focused events in the DMV and beyond. Tickets are $15. [Get yours now.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sonic-alchemist-spring-tour-tickets-1985086306580?aff=oddtdtcreator)

The District Language Exchange meets every Sunday evening around central DC or Arlington. Come practice Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and more! This Sunday April 5th, we will be meeting at Dacha Beer Garden in Shaw from 4-7pm. Dacha is a 21+ bar, so please be sure to bring ID. Check us out on social media to find out where the week's exchange will be! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/districtlanguageexchange Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dclangx/

"When we are walking with Spirit, we have a life of action. This is the way of Divine Love." --Harold Klemp, Love--The Keystone of Life, p.66 * Opportunity to learn how to walk with God in your spiritual consciousness * ● Get a deeper perspective of your physical life and your spiritual life * Learn to see God’s love for Soul in all that is around you * Join us as we explore this topic at our next ECK Light and Sound Service. You will have the opportunity to share your insights with like-hearted individuals. We gladly welcome people of all faiths; feel free to invite friends and family. We look forward to seeing you in person or on Zoom. **Attend in person at:** The Maryland Eckankar Center 1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104 Silver Spring, MD 20903 **Join Zoom Meeting:** [The ECK Light and Sound Service](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83425712995?pwd=GoEk28Hlj95P5PPbmoCem6GP7tHqlm.1) Meeting ID: 834 2571 2995 Passcode: 403417 Dial-In: 301-715-8592 For more information: Call or text: (301) 439-2120 [MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.org) Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies, Inc., chartered affiliates of ECKANKAR. Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. Terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOULTRAVEL, and VARAIGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 USA.

[https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens) **Regular Garden admission and memberships apply.** Ages 5 & under Free Age 6 - 17 $5.00 Age 18 - 59 $9.00 Age 60 and over $5.00 **We will meet at the visitor center.** **Bring Water, a tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards** **There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace.** **Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: [https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y](https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y)** **For lunch, after the field trip around 12:00 PM, we will head to The Virginian Restaurant, 169 Glyndon St SE, Vienna, VA 22180** Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. [https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/](https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

This is an absolute beginner Bachata group class. It is specifically designed for those with no prior experience in Bachata and participations does not require having a partner. $25 per person for 90 minute class. [Click Here to Sign Up](https://form.jotform.com/250681156839162) Every Other Sunday: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Beginner Bachata.

Lifestyle Photography and the Art of Natural Light -- Achieve Studio-Perfect Portraits Outdoors! HANDS-ON! Plus Male and Female MODELS! TESTIMONIALS: "I knew lighting was something that I need to improve in my photography skills but had no idea how much I didn't know about it until I took Philip Brasch's workshop "Lifestyle Photography / Show me the Light!" I look forward to attending his other workshops in the future." "Outstanding session. Learned an incredible amount of information and how to see light in a whole new way. Philip provides outstanding hands-on lessons that are invaluable to enhancing one's photographic skills. Highly recommend!" —Kym J. “Philip's course was one of the most beneficial I have ever taken. In a few hours, I improved from taking average pictures to taking professional-level photographs..." VOTED #1! If you have taken Philip's Super 1 Days or this workshop more than once, you know it's different each time as models, locations, seasons, & environmental conditions change. For the student that hasn't taken it or has, this workshop will continue to help you to "see the light" & nail those all-important outdoor people images with beauty, consistency, style, & confidence! \*\*\* RSVP NOW! \*\*\* All of the images in this post were created without a reflector, diffusers, or flash... https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/b/f/a/600_452891258.jpeg "The 'Lifestyle Workshop' presented by Philip was inspiring, it moved along in a smooth rhythm that seemed to hold the interest of the audience; it certainly held mine. Philip was so knowledgeable of his subject matter that he presented it with such ease. The hand out "TipsLifestyle" was most informative, and his explanation of each item on the list was given in a way that it was easily understood. There were some things on this list that I knew but did not know how to put it to use in a practical and hands-on way. After this workshop the dots were connected, now all I have to do is go out and practice!" —R. Virgil, Photographer https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/4/6/7/600_452862087.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/0/a/a/600_460992458.jpeg Anyone can buy a camera but it's lighting techniques that truly set the professionals apart. In this course, you'll learn how to up your game by improving your lighting skills. Learn how to maximize your use of available/existing light and your environment for ENGAGEMENT sessions, WEDDINGS, seniors, children, and more. Learn to understand, control, and plan the use of existing light while not sacrificing traditional lighting patterns, lighting ratios, and multiple light directions. Become comfortable with- and identify if fill light is necessary; determine when and where to use flash. We will teach you to use the light, your environment, and how to naturally pose your clients for images with natural emotional impact. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/c/6/4/600_464740036.jpeg Above: The newest addition from the Outdoor Night and Low Light Portrait Workshop (this is a one-light Q-flash)! https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/e/f/3/600_18336595.jpeg Whether you are a photographer for passion or profit, this course will teach you innovative and portable techniques for capturing stunning natural light and breathtaking composition in any situation. Be ready to change the way you think about natural and existing light photography — using street lights, pathway lamps, & iPhone controlled LED lights as our main, fill, kicker, and hair lights to create portraits after dark! These night portraits techniques are ideal for the wedding couple in front of their venue! This course begins with classroom instruction & Q&A and then take it outside to experiment and "find the light!" You will use multiple lighting options, pose a model or two & get instructor feedback in the field! https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/0/c/3/600_460992483.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/0/a/b/600_460992459.jpeg \*\*\* RSVP NOW! \*\*\* TO REGISTER: 1. Please RSVP in the upper right sidebar to express your interest. 2. PLEASE COMPLETE this short and secure (https) Registration and Contact Information FORM (REQUIRED for your contact info.): https://goo.gl/forms/HFsiT6bL9Ntx4nfx2 QUESTIONS: workshops@gallery252.com The workshop will be *POSTPONED* if a minimum of 2 students are not signed up and remit investment by Thursday at 11 pm, prior to the Sunday workshop! INVESTMENT: Early registration is $169 and is due by Sunday midnight, 7 days prior to the workshop date. Late registration is $189. Complete the FORM above & we will email you a very convenient and easy-to-use PayPal invoice. Please don't wait; we want to get the models-per-student ratio right! $15 DISCOUNT: Get a $15 discount if you're a Gold Member of NVPPA! LOCATION: We have chosen convenient & gorgeous environmental scenes for the shooting portions. Register on this page for *Starting* Location in Woodbridge, VA 22192. ITEMS TO BRING: snacks, water, your longest and fastest lenses INSTRUCTORS: • Philip Brasch, NVPPA President & Founder, Speaker, IPC Medalist, Wedding & Portrait Photographer 20yrs+ https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/b/d/c/600_464675804.jpeg Above: Night portrait. It's dark! Ambient doorway light, pathway lamps, and sconces create ambient and fill while a camera-right LED panel creates the main. The hair and rim light is an LED flashlight placed far to camera-right in the rear. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/0/a/e/600_460992462.jpeg Above: Night portrait. 3 pathway lamps triangulate the light to form main, fill, and hair while an additional LED panel kicks up more light on the hair on camera-left. BIO: Philip Brasch is an international award-winning professional photographer (PPA http://www.ppa.com) that is inspired by people (portraits), landscapes, and the technology we use to enhance it. He is the president and founder of www.NVPPA.org and a pro photographer specializing in weddings, lifestyle portraiture, and commercial photography. He also lectures and holds seminars and workshops on the same. Philip has now led over 50 lectures and workshops over a period of 10 years to peer-professionals, aspiring professionals, and most recently, the enthusiast. He will share a career of photography secrets with you... pulling highlights from his many highly-rated workshops as on this one from 4/28/2011 http://www.meetup.com/Prince-William-Professional-Photographers-VA-DC/events/15233723 with over 21, 5-star (out-of-5 :-) reviews! In addition, Mr. Brasch has earned the distinction of PPA Medalist, one of the most prestigious awards presented through the industry's most prominent photographic competition, the International Photographic Competition (IPC) of PPA. This is an incredible accomplishment. "...I love helping others exceed their photographic potential and that’s why I promote these professionally-led workshops at an incredible value. Once you remit your investment, you are guaranteed a spot in these limited-enrollment hands-on training sessions. These special sessions are fun, inspiring, creative, & technical – all my enthusiastic students learn and improve each and every time we head outdoors! I guarantee it (or just ask them yourself)!" —Philip Brasch

Top level Backgammon Tournament play. Have fun and improve your game. Free lessons to new and inexperienced players. Club been active over 30 years, posting on Meetup is new.

**HYBRID EVENT** **What would it feel like to walk with God—not just in quiet moments, but throughout your entire day?** Join us for a relaxed and uplifting conversation on what it means to \*\**walk with God*—\*\*not in a formal or religious way, but as a natural, personal experience of love, guidance, and inner awareness. This is a space to explore spirituality in a practical, down-to-earth way—no pressure, no expectations, just meaningful conversation and insight. ✨How to walk with God in your daily spiritual awareness ✨Get a deeper perspective of your physical life and your spiritual life ✨Learn to see God’s love for Soul in all that is around you 💫Come as you are—bring your questions, your curiosity, or just yourself. 🔗 More info : [https://eckankarmaryland.org/events/how-to-walk-with-god/](https://eckankarmaryland.org/events/how-to-walk-with-god/)

**Notice the new time. We are now 2-5pm.** Bring your own board games! The MoCo Pride Center has a few games as well. Newcomers welcome! You don't need to know anything, we will teach you how to play! We do not serve food. Note that you can bring drinks and food, but plan to leave the place tidy. Some of us may also get food together afterwards. Info about the MoCo Pride Center: [https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home](https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home) The Center is close to the **Bethesda Metro Station**. It is on the 2nd floor of the **Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center**. Look for the **blue awning** that says Geste Beer at the cross of Old Georgetown Road -- the front entrance is directly to the left of this awning. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center has an attached garage, which is accessible on Edgemoor. Go past the Center, then turn right at the stop sign across from the Metro stop. The garage is your first right. Payment is mobile using the ParkMobile app.

Join us after the walk for dinner at Royal Durbar Kitchen, a cozy Nepalese spot known for its rich flavors and warm atmosphere. Come hungry and ready to unwind with great food and even better company.

Join us for an hour of relaxing Yoga which. Cost: Free Level: Beginners What we will be doing: 1. This will be an hour long beginners flow yoga class. You are welcome to join if you are experienced or absolute beginner, just being interested is enough. Yoga is for everyone! 2. Through this meetup we will learn some yoga poses, breathing techniques, stretch our body, build strength. More importantly, we will try to learn about our body and find inner peace. Please: 1. don't get too full before practice but you can always bring snacks. 2. Please be on time, class will start on time. 3. Wear comfy clothes. 4. Bring your own mat or towel, water and YOURSELF. 5. UnRSVP if you can't make it. Disclaimer: Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program, including yoga. Yoga involves physical movement and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to accommodate your individual needs and abilities. By participating in this yoga class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and agree to release the instructor from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during or after the class

​**Due to the popularity of the event, registration is required at [https://luma.com/dcmahjongg](https://luma.com/dcmahjongg).** We do not use the RSVP system on Meetup. ​ **Drop-in games every Sunday afternoon at the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum.** * **Lessons (11:00 - 1:00) for new and returning players begin promptly at 11:00.** The fee is $10. * **A Support Table (1:00 - 3:00) is available for those who have taken a lesson and want to play with an instructor overseeing the game.** The fee is $5. * **Drop-in play (1:00 - 3:00) for** all experienced players. Tables are labeled for All Levels and Mahj Mavens. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Play is free, but a donation of $5 is encouraged to help defray event costs. ​ If you own a mah jongg set, we encourage you to bring it. Please bring your NMJL card if you have one. ​The museum is located one block from the Judiciary Square Metro station (Red line). Street parking is available, and a paid garage is located at 3rd and G Streets. You do not need to be a member of the museum to participate. On entry to the building, you will be directed to the Nosh Pit, where you can also purchase a snack and coffee while waiting for the games to begin. *Photographs taken by Museum staff during the program may be used for educational and promotional purposes in print and online publications. Attendance at the event implies your consent.*

Let's bedazzle some books while we discuss our April pick: Bloodguard by Cecy Robson! Book description: One hundred years. Tens of thousands of gladiators. And today, only one will rise… Everything in the Kingdom of Arrow is a lie. Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. He thought there was nothing left to lose. He was wrong—and they took everything. His hope. His freedom. His very humanity. All Leith has left is his battle-scarred body, fueled by rage and hardened from years of fighting for the right to live another day. Then Leith meets Maeve, an elven royal who is everything he despises. Everything he should hate. Until the alluring princess offers him the one thing he needs most: a chance to win the coveted title of Bloodguard—and his freedom. But in a kingdom built on secrets and lies, hope doesn’t come cheap. Nor will his ultimate revenge… Event: Please bring your own book, journal, bookmarks, etc to bedazzle. If you have bedazzling supplies, please bring them as well. I will supply gems, glue, and picker tools, but if you have certain colors in mind, you may want to bring your own.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Dinner and dancing

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .