Celtic Culture

We will meet in person and gather afterwards to grab a bite to eat/drinks. The story is narrated by **Ivan Flyagin**, a wandering monk who recounts the extraordinary events of his life to fellow travelers on a boat journey. His life has taken him across Russia through a series of almost unbelievable episodes: * serving a noble family * killing a monk accidentally as a child * surviving captivity among Tatars * working as a horse trainer * wandering as a pilgrim Each episode feels like a self-contained adventure, yet together they form the story of a man gradually moving toward **spiritual understanding and repentance**. Many critics consider this Leskov’s **most representative and profound work** because it captures several elements that define his writing: * Russian **oral storytelling traditions** * deep **Orthodox spiritual themes** * colorful **folk characters** * the sense of Russia as a vast moral and cultural landscape The protagonist resembles the Russian archetype of the **“holy wanderer”**—a flawed but spiritually searching figure.

**Are you in the DMV and interested in the Banjo?** Join the [Black Banjo Reclamation Project](https://www.blackbanjoreclamationproject.org/) (BBRP) in celebrating the BLACK roots of the Banjo at our monthly meet-up! Learn about Black artists and musicians in the folk and old-time music space and get connected with other resources about the banjo and traditional Folk music…also don’t be shy– jam with us! **(All skill levels welcome!** ***If you have a banjo, bring it! If not, no worries–we can share!)*** We host meet ups in Baltimore but we are excited to expand our meet-ups to PG County! Huge shoutout to the the **[Archie Edwards](https://www.acousticblues.com/)** \*\*[Blues Heritage Foundation ](https://www.acousticblues.com/)\*\*for hosting our group in their amazing space. We meet EVERY 1st MONDAY from 6:30PM- 8PM!! **About the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation:** A volunteer-run Foundation in Hyattsville, Maryland dedicated to preserving the memory of Washington D.C. blues artist and barbershop owner Archie Edwards. Continuing his mission to keep acoustic Piedmont Blues music alive, the foundation hosts: * [Saturday blues jams](https://www.acousticblues.com/saturday-blues-jams) * Instrument and vocal workshops (they have done banjo workshops!) * Monthly Open Mics * Concerts AND MORE! As a thank you for offering their space for BBRP banjo meet ups, feel free to make a donation to the Archie Edwards Foundation, follow them, and attend their events!

Hello again! After a long hiatus, the Monday meet up at Nanny O’Briens is back! We’ll have some games to play, but feel free to bring your favorites as well. Stop by for a game and a drink, and say hello! We’ll be in the back room. Other info: Nanny O'Brien's is allowing us to use their back room for some board game socializing. Please reciprocate their generosity by purchasing food and drinks. Free street parking starts at 6:30 in most areas (make sure to read the signs). If you're taking the metro, take the red line to Cleveland Park and walk two blocks southwest on Connecticut (we are located next to CVS).

We will be participating in a trivia night event at 54 restaurant located at the Springfield Town Center mall on Monday. Trivia starts at 7 pm. Parking: There is free mall parking. There is also paid valet parking if you are feeling bougie. There's a maximum of 7 people per team, so please show up by 6:45 pm so that we organize accordingly. We may field multiple teams depending on turnout. Please plan on arriving and staying for the entire trivia event. To ensure you get a spot on a trivia team: * Please arrive by 6:45 PM, or notify the hosts that you are running late by 6:45 PM. If you arrive after 6:45 or don't notify the hosts, you are not guaranteed a spot on a trivia team and may need to form your own, separate team. * Please RSVP so we know to expect you. Don't be like Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn from Wedding Crashers and crash a trivia event (i.e., don't show up without signing up on the attendee list). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available. You must have an advance ticket to attend**. [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Happiness Workshop,”** a look at what recent research and centuries of wisdom tell us about bringing more joy and contentment to our lives, with Eric Zillmer, professor of psychology and the director of the Happiness Lab at Drexel University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-happiness-workshop](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-happiness-workshop) .] Are you happy? If not, how do you get there? Gain insights into happiness with Eric Zillmer, an award-winning teacher who leads a creative think tank that investigates the ingredients for happiness among individual people and communities. You’ll learn how the study of happiness is a growing, evidence-based field known as positive psychology, which aims to find solutions to happiness challenges that can bring positive change to our lives and environments. Dr. Zillmer will discuss the meaning of happiness and its place in our lives and society. He’ll draw from recent science and great thinkers in discussing how we can increase our own happiness and well-being, throwing out a few practical tips as well. He’ll talk about whether happiness can be measured and where in our brain happiness is located. We’ll look at the influence of socializing and social media on our happiness and about the roles that music, humor, adversity, and regret have in happiness research. Dr. Zillmer will discuss what we learn about happiness from competitive sports, and he’ll suggest ten actions that you can engage in that will make you happier. Among the questions he’ll tackle: What is the happiest day of the week? Can a specific place make you happy? What can we learn about happiness from travelling the world? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Happiness in the face of a Tibetan Buddhist monk. (Photo by Wonderlane / Wikimedia Commons.)

\#\# A low\-cost\, 6\-week beginner\-level Quechua course with the non\-profit organization\, the Global Language Network\. Ready to dive into the world of Quechua? Join our fun and interactive class designed especially for those new to the language. **Details** Quechua Foreigner with Julia Mondays from 7:00pm - 9:00pm ET Apr 6th to May 11th In-person, Farragut Square DC Ready to learn? **Register [HERE](http://%5B%5Bhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D%5D(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D)(%5Bhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform)) "\[\[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform\](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform)\](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform)").** **Additional Information** * GLN classes are open to everyone over 18 years of age. * Have a credit or stipend to apply to your payment? Learn more about our credit, stipend, and refund policy on the [Pricing & Course Levels page.](http://%5B%5Bhttps://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D%5D(https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D)(%5Bhttps://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D(https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)) "\[\[https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels\](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)\](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)") **About GLN** We are a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to "Use Language as a Tool to Help Fix Our World." Since 2015 we have been rated #1 Best Language Classes in Washington, DC by Yelp! We are so happy and grateful to have you join our network and we appreciate your support of our mission.

In this monthly workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of proper vocal technique and practice singing in harmony with others. Each class will focus on different vocal exercises and aspects of vocal technique, including breath control, diaphragmatic support, upper and lower register, vocal placement and blending, vocal agility, engaging vocal performance, and more. Additionally, in each class you will learn a folk song to practice singing harmony together. Whether you are new to singing or a seasoned chorister, there is something for you to learn from this class! Register Here: https://square.link/u/FQbwT3kF

To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460) 3. * **The Majesty of Mexico City** * **The Charm of Acapulco** * **The Excitement of Cancun** * **The Mysteries of Guadalajara** On Saturday Night, April 12th, be transported into a world filled with the wonders of the Mayan legends and the beauty of Cancun’s beaches as we invite you to step onto Mexican soil for an upscale cultural evening. Put on your best dresses and tuxedos as we spend a royal evening in this multi-roomed, multi-leveled Mexican Cultural palace filled with rich art, history, music, dance, food, and much more! The Embassy’s Cultural Center is a unique and beautiful building, one of the best of its kind in the world. It contains several large floors, each displaying the charms of the different regions of our neighbor to the south. Beautiful gardens, city nightclubs, historic palaces, art galleries, and much more await you inside! **Featuring:** **LIVE MEXICAN DANCE SHOW AND MARIACHI BAND:** Experience a live costumed Mariachi troupe with music and dancing. Its members have origins from all over Mexico and other parts of Latin America. The traditional mariachi ensemble emerged in the 1800s in several western states of Mexico, including Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima, and Michoacán. It is found at weddings, birthdays, Saint’s Day celebrations, rural dances, and many other social occasions. The spirit of celebration is recreated through its music and dancing. Special dancers will be on hand to perform and teach traditional Mexican dancing, in addition to performing an amazing, authentic Mariachi dance performance with traditional costumes! **DJ AND LATE-NIGHT DANCING:** One of Washington, D.C.’s best D.J.s will rival the best nightclubs in Cancun with both American and Mexican pop music and dancing. Includes modern high energy, Retro, Salsa, today’s top 40 hits, and much more! **MEXICAN BUFFET:** Challenge your taste buds with an authentic Mexican buffet. Featuring: crispy and soft tacos; Mexican rice refried beans; pico de gallo; chips and salsa; spinach quesadillas; cheese quesadillas; enchiladas; flan and tres leches; and chile con queso dip. (Menu subject to change to equal or more substantial-quality). **OPEN BAR:** Enjoy an open bar featuring a wide array of Mexican beers, wines, and, of course, Tequila! **GREETING:** Meet members of the Institute and learn more about our neighbors to the south during a special welcome. **QUESTIONS – PLEASE CONTACT US (Not the Embassy)**: Although this event is taking place at the Mexican Cultural Institute (the cultural arm of the Embassy of Mexico), if you have questions about the event, please email events@thingstodoDC.com or call 301 519 8030. This event is not being organized by the embassy itself and the people who work there are not in a position to answer questions. Thanks. ## Suggested Attire Black Tie Optional. Minimum of a suit & Tie for Men, Cocktail Dresses for women. Casual wear, jeans, or sneakers are prohibited. To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460)

It's May, so we've passed the halfway point in the Firefly Foundations class series meant to provide students the opportunity to learn about the House and about our way of being Pagan. For the fifth class of our seven-class series, we'll cover the eight holidays of the Wheel of the Year celebrated by the House as well as some of the other ceremonies that we might host from time to time. Since there's a lot of information about the Wheel of the Year online, we'll do our best to focus on the way that that House celebrates these holidays, especially when we differ from the traditional view, while still providing a summary of that traditional view for your information. When you RSVP for this class, you'll be asked to provide an email address. We'll send you a link to the class video at that address as soon as possible after we receive it. We keep won't share your email with anyone ever. Watch the video before the class date and time, and come to class with any questions you might have. During the class session, we'll be going over anything from the video you wanted to review, and then we'll pick our favorite holiday and maybe design a ceremony for it together. If you're comfortable with it, join us at the MLK Memorial Library in the **Room 401-F** to join the conversation in-person. Note: this is **not** the same room that we've been using; that one was unavailable today. Masks will be welcomed, but not provided, for in-person attendees. We will also have the necessary technology to allow folks to join in online via Google Meet if you prefer to attend remotely. Video conferencing information will be sent out the morning of the event. If you're connecting that way, please give us a few minutes past 3:30pm to get the stream online. This class is a part of our [foundations class series](https://docs.google.com/document/d/18-tA9ewEm1YEvY26jlWq07F2DT_-_HKwd-_wnl0l84g/edit?usp=sharing), which is only required if you wish to join the Firefly House as an initiate. If that does not interest you, then feel free to skip classes that you find less important for your journey. If you want to keep your options open with respect to initiation but cannot attend this session at the listed date and time, please contact the event host prior to the session. Keep in mind, you can only miss two of seven sessions in this way. Time spent with initiates of the House and your fellow classmates is an important part of knowing if you want to initiate. If you don't initiate, regardless of the reason, you're still welcome to all of the public events we organize. If you would like to, feel free to [join our Discord](https://discord.gg/RrS9XNzf9X) to chat with others in the Firefly House between sessions. This is also a great place to ask for help if you've lost a link to a video, for example. \*\*\* The Firefly House seeks to provide a friendly, safe environment in which all participants can engage in productive dialogue, sharing, and learning with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for all, regardless of gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the host.

Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

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)

SPRING IS IN THE AIR! Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

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 ❤️---

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

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

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!