Celtic Culture

*6:00 - 7:30 PM EST Followed by slow session from 7:45 - 8:45 pm* Ever wanted to learn a Celtic tune? This is your chance! Celtic cellist Ellen Gira leads a monthly intro to Celtic repertoire class where students learn a groovy Celtic tune and create a fun arrangement as a group. This class will also offer ideas to take your playing further, including ornamentation and Celtic jamming skills. All instruments are welcome. Cost is $30. Afterwards, Ellen hosts a **Free Celtic Slow Session** that is open to players of all levels and all instruments. These classes and sessions will help prepare you to join the DMV’s thriving Celtic music community and play in sessions anywhere in the world! This class is open to middle school age students and above, who are able to play chords and/or basic melodies as appropriate for their instrument. Students under the age of 12, or who have questions about whether their skill level or instrument is appropriate for the class, should contact SMT prior to registration. Sheet music is provided and added to Ellen’s growing tune book: [Celtic Slow Session Tunes](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/101oWUnaTqOOdrrqjQnTEL8lK34dVIyTh?usp=sharing) *Jam Content/Repertoire examples:* * Jimmy Ward's (Irish Jig) * *Lochaber Badger (Scottish)* * *Mairi's Wedding (Scottish tune)* * *The Silver Spear (Irish reel)* * *Lisnagun (Irish jig)* * *Wild Mountain Thyme (Scots/Irish song)* $30 Register Here: https://checkout.square.site/buy/T4Q2LUUYFIHVTLLFWFSSQX2O See what else is going on: https://schoolofmusicaltraditions.com/classes-workshops

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Artemis II and Beyond,”** on how the recent space mission fits into long-term plans for the Moon, with Michael J. Neufeld, retired senior curator for the Space History Department of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-artemis-ii-and-beyond](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-artemis-ii-and-beyond) .] NASA’s recent, spectacular Artemis II mission is a sign that the United States is serious about sending humans to the Moon again. Gain an understanding of how Artemis II fits in both past and planned lunar missions with historian Michael Neufeld, who was lead curator of the Smithsonian’s Destination Moon exhibit. He has taught at Johns Hopkins, Colgate, and other universities, and is the author or editor of nine books dealing with the history of technology. He’ll start by looking at the aftermath of the Apollo program of a half century ago and why it ended only four years after its first lunar mission. He’ll consider why no lasting lunar programs emerged from major announcements by two presidents, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, that astronauts would be going back to the Moon and on to Mars. His vividly illustrated lecture will then explore how Artemis is a product of a human spaceflight program that has changed dramatically over the past 50 years. We’ll look at how collaboration with Europe, Canada and Japan became integral to the shuttle and International Space Station programs, and how the rise of new commercial space companies such as SpaceX has enabled NASA to buy both space services and space craft. Both international and commercial partners are involved in the latest Moon efforts, with SpaceX and Blue Origin expected to supply the landers to take astronauts down to a planned base on the Moon’s South Pole. How soon will any of this happen? Probably not as quickly as NASA says, but the specter of a Chinese landing on the Moon by 2030 is one obvious reason to keep things moving along. We’ll look at the sustainability of the Artemis space program for at least the next decade or so. You’ll emerge from the talk with no doubt that exciting days are ahead for space fans. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: The Artemis II mission launch (NASA photo).

Come and join Northern Virginia porcelain artists. We will provide all the paints and materials needed. Just bring your smile and creativity. We paint from 10:00 am - 2:00pm every Tuesday & Wednesday. Please RSVP in advance if you like to join oir group. Text: 703-906-9150 We are located few minutes from Tyson’s corner in McLean.

Cool down with an icy drink at Electric Cool-Aid with the DC Portuguese Conversation Group. IF YOU ARE STILL LEARNING THAT IS FINE, ALL LEVELS WELCOME. Come practice Portuguese over a slushy cocktail (or a can of beer or glass of water if you prefer). Build new connections and broaden your cultural/lusophone horizons with us! Whether you are a native Portuguese speaker, an English-speaking expat looking to practice Portuguese, or simply interested in making international friends, this event is perfect for you. Come ready to engage in stimulating conversations, make new connections. Ate ja, tchau!

Welcome. Come out and play! We meet on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th TUESDAY of the month. Players of all skill levels are welcome. Bring a chess set if you can. Friendly group and a variety of skill levels are typical for each meeting. Adults of any age and children with a parent are welcome. Cohosted by Effie and Lawrence. Email us for updates: greenbeltchessclub@gmail.com Kids Night will be held on the third Tuesday each month. One of our most experienced chess enthusiasts and instructors, Gary Fok, and possibly other instructors, will be on hand to teach. (Adults are welcome as well!)

Step into an immersive journey with the Kuntanawa from the Amazon of Acre, Brazil as we share the ancient ancestral stories, songs, and wisdom of the Amazon rainforest and its people. Guided by Prince Haru and Dr. Hayra Kuntanawa, this gathering is an invitation to connect with the living spirit of the forest and deepen your relationship with the natural world. Spaces are limited for these intimate gatherings and are being offered on sliding scale donations. We hope to host this song circle by the fire at Real Eyes, weather permitting, or will be indoor if weather does not permit. This is an amazing way to directly support an indigenous tribe in the Amazon that is actively serving as guardian and protector of the land and her peoples.  Every $44 donated plants a tree in the Amazon and supports its care for three years. More info and tickets may be reserved here: [https://kuntanawa.aweb.page/kuntanawa-song-circle](https://kuntanawa.aweb.page/kuntanawa-song-circle?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOWxiU01Pc1pMNEVhYWhleHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5DwdgeNCLjIz63UqR6iSLxdCD8NIudj1rkCJg_4aPiC5PyBZeZVqDnuw3Tsg_aem_sAKToOhN1VVnGFTl0C7aTg) Your Impact: 100% of retreat donations go directly back to the people, supporting:  Reforestation of Amazonian lands  Cultural revitalization and community empowerment  Protection of ancestral territories through the demarcation process  Economic sustainability for 38 Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities  The survival and flourishing of the Kuntanawa Nation

\*This in-person program isn't affiliated nor related to World Language Cafe. Lingua Lounge is a place to speak a language you know or one you are learning, converse in a friendly atmosphere, meet new people who enjoy learning about other cultures, increase your fluency by speaking and listening, pick up useful phrases to use when traveling and recall your childhood language. Lingua Lounge are held once a month year-round. The Lingua Lounge meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 7-9pm at the 50+ Center of the East Columbia Library (6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia). Come in and join the language table of your choice. Language tables are hosted by a native speaker who will facilitate conversation. Languages include American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese - Mandarin, Chinese - Cantonese, Dutch, English, Esperanto, Farsi, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish Gaelic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. Children under the age of 13 should be accompanied by an adult. People are welcome to bring food and beverages and may bring treats from their culture to share with their table. For more information, to find out if there will be a native speaker of the language you are interested in practicing, to become a native speaker table host, or request that your email be added to the Lingua Language email group, please contact nagahana@gmail.com. If you are a Language Table Host (native or fluent speaker of a particular language), please let us know if you will be able to host by sending an email to nagahana@gmail.com. If you are new and would like to host a table, please specify which language you speak fluently.

Bring your child and join us for a fun morning of language practice and cultural exchange at Big Chimneys Park. Children will have opportunities to: * Practice languages in a natural setting * Participate in games and activities * Build confidence speaking another language Parents can: * Network with other multilingual families * Practice their own language skills * Share cultural experiences No Attendee limit. All languages welcome. No fluency required. Just curiosity and a willingness to communicate.

The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). **7:30 pm: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching** **8:30-10 pm: open request dancing** Admission: $10 We strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated and fully boostered, but do not require it. If you have not done so already, please send your email address to [dancingplanet@erols.com](mailto:dancingplanet@erols.com). Note: if you are having symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or may be positive, please attend the class via Zoom for the next week or 2. If you attend the class and then test positive, please let me know immediately, so I can inform those who attended the class (without identifying you). See the website for more information and for Zoom link: [dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance](http://dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance)

Join us on Wednesday, May 27 8:00-10:30 PM. Dan Gillespie calls to the playing of Carrie Rose (flute), Mari Carlson (fiddle), and Diane Sorenson (piano) Register: [https://www.fsgw.org/event-6650251](https://www.fsgw.org/event-6650251?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcGVDN0w5YWxFY20xektNaXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4jf6DuNwFoU_sG-quD4-YbmARHMQI03AMlXMx3Thr6webt_OogYbP5nMAbXg_aem_r7POoREq8mfWq5ayWTKOoQ) (Please note, you are not registered by responding on meetup, you must register through the FSGW website, or at the door if tickets are available) The FSGW weekly English Country Dance offers delightful dancing, led by talented callers, accompanied by top-notch musicians playing a wide variety of instruments. The crowd is friendly and enthusiastic; new dancers are always welcome and can get an informal lesson if they arrive around 7:30. You don't need to bring a partner, or dress up. * If you have not previously attended a Wednesday night English country dance at Glen Echo, you may select "first time free" when registering. New dancers are welcome. If you have no previous English country dance experience or would like a refresher, please arrive at around 7:30 for a lesson. Covid Protocol: masks and vaccinations are encouraged but not required. Some dancers are sensitive to fragrances, and they are grateful when you skip the perfume and scented after-shave. Additional information about this weekly event is available on the English Country Dance (in-person) web page. [https://www.fsgw.org/ecd](https://www.fsgw.org/ecd) **Pay at the door:** Admission - $15 FSGW Members, $8 Students and those with limited income, $17 Others. **Questions?** Email English Country Dance * **We look forward to dancing with you!**

**DMV Amapiano Day Fest Is Back** **[Click Here To Get tickets now](https://AmapianoFestDMV.eventbrite.com/?aff=MU)** **The Clash of South and West African Cultures** Join us **Saturday, May 30th** at **Citizens & Culture Rooftop** for the 2026 premiere of the popular Amapiano Day Fest event - This spring’s most electrifying cultural day party — **The ultimate clash of Africa’s biggest genres** going down at one of DMV’s most iconic rooftops Prepare for an electrifying fusion as Africa's two monumental music genres take center stage at the chic and captivating Citizens & Culture rooftop in the heart of Silver Spring. Immerse yourself in mesmerizing moments that blend West and South African cultural into an electrifying & festive rooftop vibe filled with rhythm, fashion, and flavor **Event Highlights:** • An unbeatable day party with an incredible lineup of 2 top Afrobeats DJs • Captivating dance performances that embody the spirit of both regions. • An exclusive Popup shop experience spotlighting a curated selection of retail vendors. • Make an entrance with our exclusive red carpet experience. Experience the heart and soul of Amapiano & Afrobeats culture as every beat, note, and melody tells a story. Whether you're a seasoned Amapiano enthusiast or just beginning to explore its rhythmic depths, the DMV Amapiano Day Fest promises an unforgettable journey. Join us, lose yourself in the collective euphoria, connect with an amazing community of enthusiasts, and etch this day into your memories forever. 🎉🌍🎶 **Secure your spot now before its too late** **$15 Early Bird Tickets \| $30 Advance Online Tickets**

Friday night Greenbelt International Folk Dancing has gone "virtual". As we all practice good social distancing, many in our folk dance community are feeling the absence of our usually scheduled local dances. In response, please join us for the Greenbelt Virtual Folk Dance Session. Let’s keep dancing! • Connect and dance in our own homes • Watch hosts leading familiar dances • See each other; listen and dance to our favorites How: We will be using the ZOOM video conferencing app to share music and live videos of the leaders and each other. This can be used on a desktop, laptop, or smartphone. What to Expect: Your hosts are Linda Mansdorf, Vita Hollander, Ben Hole, and John Robinson. Collectively they will play 25-30 dances, which should approximate the number of dances normally done on a Friday night in-person event. The hosts will do a quick teaching or demonstration of the steps to some of the dances that may be less familiar to you or just as a refresher, but the session is not designed as a workshop, so the majority of the evening will be spent playing dances that many of us already know and love to do. How To Join Us: Each week we will send an email with the Zoom Meeting link ID. Make sure John Robinson knows you would like to receive this email with the link. John's email address for Info: j_srobinson@verizon.net. https://www.facebook.com/GreenbeltInternationalFolkDancing/ Co-sponsored by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington

Event posted for your enjoyment - **ATTEND AND ENJOY ON YOUR OWN.** Celebrate Thai New Year at our Songkran Festival with Thai food, cultural shows, Muay Thai, music, and family fun! Free ticket. Get ready for the fun and excitement of Thai Songkran Festival 2026 💦🇹🇭 Join us as we celebrate the Thai New Year in a warm, festive atmosphere filled with delicious food, cultural performances, music, and fun activities for the whole family ✨ 📍 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 📅 Saturday, May 30, 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Highlights include: 🍜 Thai Street Food 🥊 Muay Thai 💃 Thai Traditional Performances 👑 Ms. Songkran 🎶 Live Music and more! 🎟️ Free Entry 🐾 Pet Friendly Bring your family and friends and come experience the beauty, joy, and culture of Thailand with us at Songkran 2026 🙏💙

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. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

**Pagans on the Patio! Summer/Fall Series** A casual gathering the first Thursday of each month. Time to relax, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends. There is no charge for the event itself and all are welcome but there are a few guidelines: 1. **You are expected to purchase food and/or drink to compensate the Cantina and our server.** 2. **No soliciting. Do not bring samples of your wares or brochures of your services.** 3. **Please respect the spiritual and political views of others that are present. No disruption of the peace.** In case of inclement weather, we will find seating indoors. I hope to see you there. Blessed be! \~ Cynthia ❤️---

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

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!