Celtic Culture

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Bondaroo & The Couch! Kick off the Year of the Horse with games, laughter, stories, and a sprinkle of good luck 🍊🧧 📅 Thursday, 5 February ⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 📍 The Couch – International Student Centre, 69 Bourke St, Melbourne Whether you're new to Lunar New Year or have celebrated it before, this session invites you to learn something new, practice your English, and enjoy hands-on activities with a cultural twist. 🌟 What to Expect: 🗣️ Spark conversations and practise casual English while making friends 🌍 Discover how New Year is celebrated in different countries 🎨 Get creative with a festive take-home activity 🧠 Test your knowledge in a fun mini quiz 💬 Share stories, customs, and laughs in a friendly space ✨ This session is perfect for international students looking to connect, learn, and celebrate together. No experience needed — just come along with an open mind and festive spirit!

🍻Come to the language exchange in Melbourne! 🌍Practice your preferred language while making new friends and getting to know more about new cultures. THURSDAYS 👉🏻Where? DIESEL BAR, 202 Little Lonsdale St. ⏰What time? From 18:00 to 22:45 👨🏻‍🎓🍻The first 50 international students who register at the QR CODE entrance will get a free drink. 🤩5$ ENTRY + 1 free drink for non-students.

Dive headfirst into the vibrant world of Brazilian drumming with O'Ziriguidum Escola de Samba. Whether you're a seasoned percussionist or just starting out, we promise there’s a beat for everyone to catch here.We’re not just any drumming group; we’re a community! Founded by the renowned Mark Grunden (yeah, the maestro from Bad Boys Batucada), O'Ziriguidum (pronounced Aussie-riggy-doom) is all about pounding out those powerful rhythms that make you feel like you're right in the heart of Brazil. From samba to samba reggae, we'll cover it all. Our tools of the trade? Traditional Brazilian instruments, spruced up with some vocals here and there, just to keep things spicy! We’re a mix of energy and ages, backgrounds and beats, all mashed up into one dynamic bundle. We love making music, but hanging out and supporting local events and causes hold a special place in our hearts too. So, joining us means you get to jam, make friends, and help out – all at once! Every Thursday (during our school terms), our crew whips up an electrifying Brazilian drumming workshop. And guess what? We want YOU to come and play along. Don’t worry about hitting a wrong note; it’s all part of the fun and learning process. Plus, you'll get the inside scoop on all the bloopers and triumphs we face as a group (spoiler alert: it’s always a wild ride). **Our 2026 school term dates:** * Term 1: Thursday 5 February – Thursday 2 April * Term 2: Thursday 23 April – Thursday 25 June * Term 3: Thursday 16 July – Thursday 17 September * Term 4: Thursday 8 October – Thursday 17 December **What you'll get** * Under the guidance of Mark Grunden (Bad Boys Batucada, Tumbarumba, etc) and the talented members of O’Ziriguidum, explore the techniques and patterns of traditional Brazilian percussion. * From the celebratory beats of samba to the powerful grooves of samba reggae, you’ll learn it all. We may also hand out some sheets to help you learn at home. * Our drumming sessions are more than just classes; they’re a place to make friends too! * Ready to take the stage? O’Ziriguidum isn’t just about learning; it’s about performing! Join us at community events, street festivals, and more. **What to expect:** Our drumming classes don’t follow a rigid course structure; instead, we learn and evolve throughout the term at a relaxed pace. There’s no fixed content – each class begins with a jam session as everyone arrives, creating an informal and fun environment. After warming up, we dive into learning new songs/breaks or honing specific drumming techniques. You'll have the chance to experiment with various instruments, explore different songs, and refine your drumming skills. The casual nature of our classes provides flexibility, understanding that everyone has a lot going on in their lives. This approach allows us to adapt and enjoy the learning experience together, making it more enjoyable and accommodating for everyone. **No knowledge required, everyone is welcome to attend!** Whether you're a seasoned percussionist or just starting out, we promise there’s a beat for everyone to catch here. You can rock up to any class we host – you don't need to wait for a beginners class or open session. Everyone is welcome, any time. **What to bring:** Bring ear plugs, drinks, and snacks. (Instruments are provided). **Cost:** First class at half price ($10), subsequent classes at $20 or $15 concession. Special member's deal: Buy five classes upfront and get one free. Cash and EFTPOS accepted. **Venue:** Our Lady Help of Christian Hall 49 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East (Hall is located underneath the church). **Access:** Driveway access via 1 Barkly St, opposite Anytime Fitness. Free parking is available on either side of the hall (take first or second right, once entered driveway). Please park with consideration for other cars (i.e. don't block driveway, perpendicular parking only). Convenient access via Tram #96 (Stop #20), Bus #250, #251 (Holden St) or #504 (Park St). Bike parking facilities onsite or inside the hall. Walking access via Nicholson St, take stairs on the right side of church down to the hall, or walk around to the driveway on Barkly Street (opposite Anytime Fitness). **Cancellation/Changes:** Any changes in schedule or venue will be communicated via our social media pages ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/oziriguidum) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oziriguidum.samba)) and WhatsApp community (members access only).

This is so much better than sitting at home watching TV!", said one of our participants after a jam session :) Forget the pressure of performance and join our relaxed jam session! This is a low-stress, high-fun opportunity to connect with fellow players. What to Expect: \- Hundreds of leadsheets to choose from\. \- Whether you know three chords or 30 scales\, please come along\. You might learn a few things\, or discover the satisfaction of teaching others a few things\. \- I will provide a bass uke \(amplified\)\, a Casio keyboard\, and a drum machine \- these will help make our sound fuller\. If you are a singer who can harmonise\, come along too \- always great to hear harmonies\. \- drinks available at the bar\, and you can bring takeaway food to the RSL if you haven't had dinner\. Come ready to listen, learn, and make some beautiful noise!

1 Crockford St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 EVERY FORTNIGHT THURSDAY! 2週間に一度の開催! PRIVATE EVENT! 完全プライベート語学交換会！ 🇯🇵🇦🇺 \[FREE Language Exchange:無料\! 2週間ごと開催！！日本語と英語で話しましょう\!\] \[MUST READ\!\!\! English below\] 🎉hosted by: MELLIFE 🎉 メルライフ主催🎉 概要は下に！ We do most of the announcements on Instagram! Check us out! インスタフォローもよろしくお願いします🙏 IG: @mellife2022 [毎月2回木曜日開催] Location: The Cornerstone 1 Crockford St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Entry fee: Free !!! Time: 6pm\~ 8pm [Schedule　当日のスケジュール] 6:00 - 6:30 Entry opens 入場開始 6:30 - 6:45 Japanese time　日本語タイム 6:45 - 7:00 English time　英語タイム 7:00 Announcement from staff members, crowd shuffle, find different partner/group スタッフからのお知らせ、注意喚起等。違うパートナーを探す時間 7:00 - 7:15 Japanese time　日本語タイム 7:15 - 7:30 English time　英語タイム 7:30 - 8:00 Socializing time　社交タイム 💡メルボルン最大の日英ランエク【会場変更のお知らせ🎊】 長すぎたロックダウンを終え、新しく皆が楽しめる場所を提供したいと始まった私たちMELLIFE🇦🇺🇯🇵 初回は30名ほど集まる小さなコミュニティでしたが、結成から半年が経ち、あっという間に毎回200人を超える方々に参加頂けるメルボルン最大の日英ランエクグループに成長する事が出来ました😊 今後のMELLIFE が更に成長して、より楽しい時間を提供するために次回のイベントから会場を変更し、最大４００名ほどの大きな会場へ移る事を決めました🥳 今回からはメルボルン市内でもとても有名でおしゃれな会場、The Cornerstoneで開催を決定いたしました。 ぜひ次回のイベントからもMELLIFE をよろしくお願い致します😆🤲 メルライフ一同 日本語を学びたい世界の方が集まるので、英語が得意でなくても、コミュニケーションが取れます😆(日本語、英語喋れる人も) お互いの得意な言葉を教え合って一気に語学上達しちゃいましょう✨ メルボルンで新しい友達が出来るチャンスです🌍 ぜひ参加表明をお願いします！ 途中参加の方も受け付けております！ [下記を必ずお読みください] メルライフが主催するイベントはどのような方も歓迎しています。しかし、"お酒などの強要・いじめ・ハラスメント・暴言"　など他のメンバーが不愉快に感じる行為は絶対におやめください。このルールを守れない方は積極的に処置をとらせていただきますので、これらを経験した、または見つけ次第メルライフスタッフにいつでも言いつけをお願いいたします。メルライフを　”いつでも気軽に来れて安全なコミュニティ”　をモットーにするため、皆様のご協力をお願いいたします。 Social event: JAP/ENG language exchange at a fancy venue with great vibes! FREE ENTRY!!!! ✨️ Thursday from 6pm\~✨️ Do you want an opportunity to have a conversation and make friends in person? Say no more! We are organising a language exchange event at a trendy venue near the CBD!!! Feel free to join at any time throughout the event, but good things may happen to those who come in early ;) We had WHOPPING 🎉250+ PEOPLE🎉 on previous events and we've tried to reserved enough space to fit everyone wishing to attend this time as well! 🔥ENROLL EARLY TO SECURE YOUR SPOT🔥 See you guys then👋👋👋 PLEASE READ BELOW (Everyone is welcomed to MELLIFE events. However, we ask that all attendees treat each other with respect and be polite. Our community does not tolerate innappropriate behaviour or any form of HARRASMENT!!!!! When you see or experience any, please call it out or reach out to Mellife staff members ASAP so we can address this and keep the community a safe space.)

Join us at Speak Easy Melbourne for a fun and interactive language exchange meetup where we will be practicing both Japanese and English conversational skills. Whether you are a beginner or fluent speaker, this event is perfect for anyone looking to improve their language skills in a relaxed and informal setting. Come meet new friends, engage in conversations, and enhance your language learning journey. Our experienced language facilitators will guide you through various activities designed to help you practice English and Japanese in a supportive and welcoming environment. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a culturally enriching experience while honing your language proficiency. Let's chat, learn, and have a great time together!

### Meet time **7:30am sharp – Meet outside Abbotsford Convent** We’ll have around **15 minutes together *outside* (in front of BIKE SHED) before the event**, which is perfect for a **quick round of friendly introductions** and settling in as a group before heading into "Daybreaker". ### Daybreaker **8:00am – 10:00am** We’ll attend "**Daybreaker"** together – an alcohol-free morning dance experience designed to energise your body and mind and start the day feeling alive and present. "Daybreaker" tickets are booked separately and can be purchased here: [https://www.daybreaker.com/event/melbourne-02-07/](https://www.daybreaker.com/event/melbourne-02-07/) No dance experience needed. Come as you are. ### Brunch + deeper conversation After "Daybreaker" (10am), we’ll meet outside the BIKE SHED again, then head out for **brunch together** (optional but encouraged). Depending on the group and availability, we may: * Walk straight into the **Collingwood Children’s Farm Café**, or * Take a longer walk to a nearby venue such as **Three Bags Full**, **Cam’s Kiosk**, or **Jinda Thai** We’ll decide together on the day. This is where there’s space to slow down and deepen conversations. After moving together, it’s often easier to connect and talk about: * Your experience of Daybreaker * Dance, music, art, or creativity * Food, wellbeing, and living healthy * Life in Melbourne and upcoming events As with other **Good Conversations Club** events, you’re welcome to arrive exactly as you are. There’s **no pressure to perform or talk constantly**. I’ll have **conversation prompts available** that you’re welcome to use if you’d like — or not at all. They’re simply there to support ease, connection, and better conversations if you want them. Brunch is where conversations naturally deepen and flow more easily. ### Who this event is for This event tends to attract people who are **young at heart**, open-minded, and curious about life. There’s no strict age range — you’ll likely meet people across different ages who: * Enjoy movement, music, and shared experiences * Value meaningful conversation over small talk * Are open, respectful, and socially aware If you’re comfortable in mixed-age groups and enjoy connecting beyond labels, you’ll likely feel at home. ### Important notes * We’ll keep pre-event conversation light due to time * Deeper conversations happen after Daybreaker over brunch * "Daybreaker" tickets are purchased individually * Brunch is pay-your-own This event is about sharing an experience first, then enjoying meaningful, nourishing conversation afterwards. **Movement first. Conversation after. Connection naturally.** NOTE: For "Daybreaker" ### **Come ready to dance.** ### **Wear something that lets you move freely.** ### **Bring a water bottle and an open heart.** ### **Leave the rest at the door.** ### **We’ll see you on the dance floor.** ### **Door open at 7:40am** ——- Keep in touch via the WhatsApp group for this event: https://chat.whatsapp.com/ByoTlhgWUyu6VJole2fCO6?mode=gi_t

**Please note:** We meet at 11am and start walking towards Elwood soon after. Please be on time or message us. Thanks! :) Walk and talk with us. Meet on St Kilda Beach in front of Republica near the Rhinocerous statue, Walk to Ormond Point Elwood 🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️🏃🏻‍➡️ We practice English conversation plus our first and second languages on the way. Bring a friend, dog and perhaps a ✍🏽 and notepad to remember new words and phrases. Meet new people. We look forward to chatting with you!🤗 ***Please note:*** *For attendance at this beach walk read the disclaimer below:* *By signing up and participating in this **Language Practice and Walking on the Beach** today I agree to do so at my own risk. I know that my attendance and this agreement operates to exclude any liability in negligence for harm that I may suffer. I have been warned that this recreational activity may cause physical harm to me or to someone under my control or accompanying me, and I confirm that I do not have a condition, medical or physical, that could prevent me from, or be aggravated by, participating in this activity. Examples of the risks I have been warned about include: Tripping, slipping and falling • Collision with someone or something • Something giving way unexpectedly • Back injury, strains • Spillage and burns • Trip hazard• Bites and stings • Sun • Injury from falling branches*

**This Meetup account will be deleted soon**, but the **Language Exchange hosted by JAPANEASY will continue to be held every week**. **★Notice: JAPANEASY Meetup Account Closure★** Hello everyone, Thank you very much for always joining JAPANEASY’s Language Exchange events and cultural workshops. We are writing to inform you that the JAPANEASY Meetup account will be closed in the near future. Please rest assured that JAPANEASY will continue to run events and programs as usual. If you are interested in our upcoming activities, please visit the links below: (1) **Language Exchange** https://japaneasy.com.au/events/language-exchange/ (2) **Cultural Workshops** https://japaneasy.com.au/workshops/ (3) **Japanese Lessons (Group courses & Private lessons)** https://japaneasy.com.au/courses/ (4) **日本語教師養成講座** https://japaneasy.com.au/courses/日本語教師養成講座/ We sincerely appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you at our future events. Warm regards, JAPANEASY \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- JAPANEASY Japanese Language & Culture Learning Centre Tel：0422-266-308 Address：Level 1, 183 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Email：[reception@japaneasy.com.au](mailto:reception@japaneasy.com.au) Website：[www.japaneasy.com.au](http://www.japaneasy.com.au/) Facebook：[http://www.facebook.com/EasyPeasyJapaneasy](http://www.facebook.com/EasyPeasyJapaneasy) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/japaneasymel/](https://www.instagram.com/japaneasymel/) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

***Picture:*** *Tanya & Julie about to do some Saturday magic ...* **Event posted in other places so number shown below doesn't represent how many people will actually come.** **Saturday 27th December** Come along ANYTIME between 10.30am and 5.30pm. **Only $20**, pay on the day - BUT PLEASE DON'T COME IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LIVE WITH FEELS SICK with COVID or FLU! You know? We know how it is … You've read the books and looked up stuff online … and you’re bursting with ideas and questions and you want to talk about it with someone … but … your family won’t understand, your friends won’t take you seriously … and don’t even think about your workmates … That’s why, many years ago, we started Magic Saturdays to provide a safe, comfortable and very pagan space where you can immerse yourself in Witchcraft, Paganism, Magic, Spells, Rituals … everything … nothing is off-limits and there are no stupid questions. Each Saturday, apart from the obvious conversations, we try to do some magic just so you can get a feel for it. The people that come along range from complete beginners to those that have been living the pagan life for some time. It doesn’t matter. Everyone has something to contribute or some just want to soak up the atmosphere. Either way, whether you come for half an hour or the whole day you’ll feel refreshed, empowered and validated … and you may have even met some of our nature spirits. Our shop is also open (it doesn’t cost anything if you just want to come and look at the shop), so remember to top up on your magical supplies while you’re here. We now also have a selection of potted herbs for sale including such magical herbs as Mugwort, Rue and Squill. Tarot readings are also available. When: Saturday, 7th February … Time: … anytime between 10.30am & 6.00pm Where: 130 Boronia Rd., Vermont, Melbourne, 3133 Cost: $20 03 9873 3736 (please note this event is also posted on our website and facebook pages, so the number of people attending shown here does not reflect the number of people that will turn up) **Email:** esoteric666@optusnet.com.au **Website:** [https://esotericbookshop.org](https://esotericbookshop.org/) **How to find us :** https://esotericbookshop.org/contact-us/

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."

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**Caller: Dan Kappus** **Band: Trillium** **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!

# **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.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow