Community Drum Circle

**Have you ever had a cheering section in your life?** As a former comedian, it's tough getting up on that stage. You tell a joke, hope and pray that it lands, and if it doesn't, you stand there in a state of total oblivion. Like a job interview with a humorless hiring manager. You all live in the DMV. You've experienced this. **So...what would it be like if we showed up and *were* the cheering section for every comedian, no matter how funny or unfunny the jokes were?** Friends, this is as much a fun outing as it is a social experiment: **What would it be like if we made a pact to cheer wildly and laugh at every joke by every comedian the whole night?** We're going to completely take over the energy of the room and make it a place of celebration, support and enthusiasm. This will be the best open-mic any of these comedians have ever experienced. And it'll be a complete surprise to all of them. We'll meet at 6 downstairs to get to know the others in our group, then migrate up around 6:30 to grab some tables and settle in for the show that begins at 7. If you're ready to show some love and have some laughs, then join us on April 6th and let the good times roll.

Specifically catering to those in the LGBTQIA+ community (though Allies are welcome), Queer Circle is a place to gather safely where space is held for everyone. Led by Ginny, the circle focuses on empowerment, individuality, and how our practices entwine with it all. Prepare to work with queer/androgynous deities and beings, and our queer/trans-cestors! HATE HAS NO HOME HERE. Please be conscious of shared experiences and how it may impact fellow circle members. 🏳️‍🌈 fee is $25 🏳️‍⚧️

Come join local improv troupe, the ***Home Improv Mints***, as we run through some of the basics of short form improv. Wear clothes you can move around in. We will start at **7:15**. We will run until just after 9 pm. Bring yourself and a willingness to try new things - like (insert audience suggestion here)! We try a different topic each session to see if it changes who sees the announcement. There might not be bobwhite imitations, hyena butter, lava floors, trans livestock, thalidomide twinkies or inflatable turnips (all things that HAVE come up), but we can promise something *random*. But we encourage you to bring cookies. NOM NOM NOM! We only have so many slots available. **Please don't RSVP as a yes *until* you are certain.** We limit the class size so everyone gets a chance to play, and ask for RSVPs so we know how many outlines to print and cookies to bring. We understand things change sometimes. Please message us if things change and you can't make it, rather than being a No-Show. Multiple No-shows get you put on the naughty list and may get you ejected from the group. Please don't make us do that. Please donate - *running* a Meetup group ain't free folks. Suggested Donation is $10/session. And feel free to bring more cookies. Everybody likes cookies. If you're keeping track, this one will be Workshop # 3. Hope to see you then!

**West Coast Swing with Lara Deni** **Where:** Deni Danzco Studio - 3408 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA ​ \*Max 16 people per class **Monday** 7:00pm - Level 2 (Novice) 7:45pm- Drills/Musicality/Technique - Levels 2-4 8:30pm - Level 3 /4 (Intermediate/Advanced) ​ **Thursday** 7:00pm - Level 1 (no experience/beginner) **Cost: *$74/month*** \- Three classes per month in any one level ***$199/monthly subscription*** \- Unlimited Class Monthly Membership of any level \- cancel anytime **Explanation of Levels** * Level 1 (No Experience/Beginner) - 6 count Rhythm, Left and Right Side passes ), Starter Step, Connection, and a few other basics * Level 2 (Novice -Beyond Basics) - See 6 month Syllabus on the website * Level 3 /4 (Intermediate/Advanced) - Turn techniques, Leaders Turns, Hammerlocks, Re-directs, Sling Shots, Whip Variations, and so much more. The moves and information learned in this class is endless. You will not be bored! :o) * Drills/Technique/ Musicality (Levels 2-4) ​- Each month will be concentrating on one of the three mentioned. We will dive deep into that area of dance, so you walk away with a better understanding, more knowledge, and musicality to enhance and make your dance more fun! Definitely a class not to miss! ###### Q&A * Classes are 45min * Refunds offered only 48 hours before class/class series starts * You can make-up a class with a class that is of a lower level and running during your current series class time period ​

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Do you find yourself showing up in meditation sessions wondering why your mind won’t settle down?Are you trying to figure out why your body seems to become so uncomfortable in meditation sessions? Join Marsha, non-conventional meditator, certified yoga therapist, trauma sensitive yoga facilitator, and energy and sound healing facilitator, as we show up and unpack ways of meditating that uniquely resonate with you. Whether you find comfort in standing, sitting in a chair or on a yoga mat, or lying on the floor, eyes open or closed, you are welcome to show up just as you are, as we seek peace through movement and compassionate sharing experiences, while embodying the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual benefits of meditation, energy + sound healing, and yoga therapy. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St. Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.

Open your heart, find your voice... We invite you to come sing with us! Gathering together, we will sing some sacred songs from various traditions/cultures. This is a wonderful heart-opening experience. An opportunity to connect with yourself, others, and Spirit through song. Let's share this medicine in community like our ancestors have done for generations before us. No experience needed - come as you are. Song sheets provided. Rhythm instruments, such as rattles and drums, are welcome. This event is led by Mandy and Theresa. Weather permitting, this event will be held outdoors in our large fire circle area. If the weather shifts, we will move indoors. Space is limited, so RSVP is required. This also helps in case we need to notify you of any changes or updates. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. Given the time of year, this event will be held indoors in our large great room. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome, as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. No prior experience necessary. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out our crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable Rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile long driveway into the woods. You will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) so as to not stir up any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway, so it’s important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. Suggested Donation: $15-30. There's a bowl by the front door. Put in what feels right. There are also Venmo and Paypal options. With Love and Gratitude

Africa is entering a defining economic decade. Rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, agricultural modernization, and digital transformation are reshaping markets across the continent. Yet many professionals and members of the diaspora in the United States lack structured, grounded insight into how development actually works — beyond headlines and social media narratives. The **Africa Development & Capital Forum** invites you to our in-person gathering in Washington, DC. This session will explore: • Key macro trends shaping African markets • Infrastructure and real asset development opportunities • The evolving role of diaspora participation • Risks, realities, and responsible engagement • What disciplined, long-term development looks like This event is educational in nature and designed to foster meaningful dialogue and relationship-building among professionals interested in Africa’s long-term economic trajectory.

We are meeting in person at Elwood Smith Community Center, Rockville! \*\*\* The community-singing event where where everything's made up and the point — to sing for our lives — matters. Our leaders will teach you parts to sing for spontaneously-composed choral pieces. We play a variety of listening/music/singing games, and create safe opportunities for participants to improvise as little or as much as they might like. Good for all skill levels, shower-singers to seasoned pros, no sheet-music-reading required. \*\*\* We usually meet on the second Sunday of the month, and will continue to meet in-person as long as it makes sense. We encourage and provide masks. We will also plan on continuing our Zoom circles from time to time. So please check the day before/day of the meetup each month to confirm date & details. This world needs more song; join in the fun, and be the music you want to hear in the world. Hope to see you there! \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ L❤️ving this? Donate! : ) Your donations help keep our mission alive! We love doing this with you. Thank you to all who support us. Suggested donation is $15-20. Please include "VX" in the memo/notes! Via paypal: [ParisKern@comcast.net](https://paypal.me/Pariskern) Via Venmo: [@Pariskern](https://account.venmo.com/u/Pariskern) Check? Email: [ParisKern@comcast.net](mailto:ParisKern@comcast.net) IMAGE RIGHTS: We may take pictures and record videos of our in-person events, and record our Zoom meetings online. This material will be available for us to use to publicize upcoming circles and workshops and performances. By attending our events, you are agreeing with the image rights agreement. \~\~ This event is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council ([msac.org](https://msac.org/)). \~\~

This is a regularly held in-person integration circle and a supportive container that centered on psychedelic experiences. We co-create a space of inclusivity, compassion, and care for all. We gather to help each other integrate our journeys, find "the others", and or seek wisdom about altered states of consciousness. Arrive ready to share honestly, openly, and from the heart. Bring your insights from journeys to unpack or your questions about plant medicines and psychedelic experiences to ask the more experienced journeyers. At 7 pm we will do a short grounding exercise and a brief check-in/ice breaker. At 7:15 pm we will begin the integration circle with honest and open processing of psychedelic experiences. Your facilitators are trained in psychedelic integration and or other coaching/facilitation modalities but we are not mental health professionals, we are community members called to service in mutuality. The event is by donation as we do need to pay for the space and supplies used. The suggested donation is $10-$20/person (cash, Paypal or Venmo). Surplus above and beyond covering costs will go towards future community event facilitation and or materials.

Get started! Whether you are experienced or a complete new thisdrum class offers fun for you. Learn the basics of popular Brazilian rhythms: samba, samba reggae, axé, ijexa and more. We provide the drums in a fun atmosphere to learn. Drop in:$15

**Circlesinging Workshop: Discover Your Musical Voice (90 minutes)** **Register here**! [https://pci.jotform.com/form/260257392651156](https://pci.jotform.com/form/260257392651156) Join members of VoiceExchange on April 12 for an introduction to -- or continued practice of -- the art of collaborative vocal improvisation. In this 90-minute workshop, we'll explore the captivating practice of circlesinging—where voices intertwine to create spontaneous, layered musical landscapes without instruments, written music, or rehearsal. **The Workshop Experience** Standing together in a circle, you'll discover your innate capacity to create music with nothing but your voice. We'll guide you through foundational techniques for developing simple musical patterns that blend with others, creating beautiful moments of shared sound. Through focused instruction and guided practice, you'll experience the unique joy of co-creating improvised vocal music. This workshop draws from practices developed by Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, and Música do Círculo, introducing you to the essential elements that make collaborative vocal improvisation both accessible and deeply rewarding. **What You'll Learn** * Basic techniques to unlock your personal capacity for musical invention * How to create simple looped musical ideas that combine with others * Foundational skills including listening techniques and basic vocal layering **Who Should Attend** This workshop welcomes anyone comfortable with their singing voice—particularly those who've found themselves naturally harmonizing with songs on the radio or humming improvised melodies. No formal music training or ability to read sheet music required—just bring your curiosity and willingness to explore. **What You'll Take Away** * **First Steps in Musical Discovery:** Begin to uncover your unique musical voice and capacity for spontaneous creation * **Taste of Community Creation:** Experience the connection that forms when voices unite in collaborative musical conversation * **Introduction to Mindful Listening:** Practice attentive listening and responding through sound **Workshop Details** **Date**: Sunday, April 12, 2026 **Time**: 1:00-2:30 PM **Location**: Elwood Smith Community Center, 601 Harrington Rd, Rockville, MD 20852 **Parking**: Available in lot outside the building **Register here**! https://pci.jotform.com/form/260257392651156[https://pci.jotform.com/form/260257392651156](https://pci.jotform.com/form/260257392651156) Presented by members of VoiceExchange, a vocal improvisation ensemble dedicated to exploring and sharing the joy of collaborative vocal creation. **Contact**: [circlesinging.maryland@gmail.com](mailto:circlesinging.maryland@gmail.com) \~\~ This event is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council ([msac.org](https://msac.org/)). \~\~

The monthly **[Song Circle](https://www.fsgw.org/event-6605778)** provides a daytime opportunity to enjoy delightful songs, old or new, humorous or serious, timeless or topical. **Free!** **Everyone is welcome**, regardless of experience. Come for informal group singing or just to listen, in person or via Zoom. **With income taxes due on April 15 and Earth Day on April 22, bring or request your favorite Spring songs, songs about taxes or the environment, or any other songs!** [Learn more](https://www.fsgw.org/event-6605778) **Elizabeth Rosenberg and Joe Whitesell** will lead songs with guitar accompaniment, and any participant may lead any song, *a cappella* or self-accompanied. The Song Circle will be held in person at the **Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901**. Plenty of free parking!

**Men of Unity** is a safe, welcoming space for men to connect, share, and grow together. In this circle, we explore what it means to live with purpose, integrity, and spiritual awareness in today’s world. Through open dialogue, reflection, and mutual support, we learn to balance strength with compassion, confidence with humility, and action with mindfulness. Whether you’re seeking deeper spiritual connection, personal clarity, or simply a supportive brotherhood, this group invites you to bring your authentic self and grow in community. Each gathering may include: * Open discussion on real-life challenges and victories * Guided reflection, prayer, or meditation * Encouragement for living from truth, not fear * Tools for emotional and spiritual growth No preaching. No pressure. Just real men, real conversations, and real transformation.

**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus** Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy! Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm. No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes! Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.

Communication is everything in life! You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

How do you feel happier with people? How do you get into the spirit of group activities? How do you get rid of the anxiety of communicating in front of people? In this meeting, you will learn the secrets of how to connect with people, open yourself up to people, and have a grand time being yourself. This meeting will be led by an expert who has been working with people just like you to feel happier and improve communication skills for over 10 years. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

**Caller: Kim Thompson** **Band: Full Moon Country Dance Orchestra** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** 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.