Drum Circle

**Love to Drum - Djembe and Percussion Fun!** Join us for an exciting drum circle experience with our regular host, Simon, who will be teaching simple and not-so-simple West African based drum rhythms. Together, we'll create uplifting and positive vibrations through the power of drums and percussion instruments, sharing in the joy of making music in a friendly and inclusive environment. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this drumming session is open to all. You'll have the opportunity to learn Djembe and Dundun drum rhythms and playing techniques. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the world of drumming and connect with others through the universal language of music. Don't miss out on this joyful and enriching experience! No matter your level of ability, you're bound to enjoy it. The cost for the entire session, including drum hire, is £15. Advance booking available here or at www.bunow.co/events

Come along to the Maxilla to enjoy a drumming workshop open to all levels, whether you're beginning or an advanced drummer, you can learn how to play the authentic afro brazilian rhythms with Marcos Santana all the way from Salvador de Bahia! £10 Any queries call Marcos on 07772 470198 As featured in Time Out's "1000 things to do in London for under £10"! http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/f/8/c/event_243632652.jpeg

**🌿 The BIG Love Experience: an Urban Day Retreat (Bliss Beyond Fear)** **Bioenergetic Alchemy • Breathwork Journey • Ecstatic Dance & Cacao** **For booking and more info:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1980481460361?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1980481460361?aff=oddtdtcreator) London life can make our nervous systems feel stressed/overwhelmed/exhausted etc... This day is a sanctuary from that. The BIG Love Experience is a warm, grounded, heart-led “mini retreat” in the city: a full day of movement, release, music, connection, with a deep exhale. Come for the whole journey, or drop into the sessions that call you. **You’ll explore 3 powerful practices (each beautiful on its own, even better together):** * **Bioenergetic Alchemy: Embodiment & Stress Release Workshop** Discover simple yet potent practices to safely release tension, fear, and shock stored in the body, and reconnect with the underlying feeling: aliveness, ease, and love. * **Breath of Love: Bioenergetic Breathwork Journey** A deeply nourishing, guided breathwork session to reset your system, clear mental fog, soften the armour, and open creative states of consciousness... at your own pace, in your own way. * **DESERT GROOVES: Ecstatic Dance+ Cacao Circle** Finish the day with a high-vibration, mystical music-led, feet-on-the-floor, heart-in-the-sky dance journey. No steps to learn. No performance. Just music, movement, and medicine-grade cacao to bring you home to yourself. **✨ What this day is really about** It’s about coming home to ourselves. A space to move, feel, breathe, shake out the week (or the year), and remember what it’s like to be human again, connected, present, and a little more free. You’ll be welcomed exactly as you are: tired, tender, curious, grieving, joyful, shy, bold... all of you is welcome here. * “My classes follow a format of checking in with the body, warm-ups, grounding and building the body’s energy, then discharging the energy through movement and expression. This is followed by relaxation. The immediate result is a felt sense of security, vibrancy and exhilaration.” — Seth Newman * Some spiritual teachings say we live from two root states: either love or fear. This day is a gentle, embodied experiment in what happens when we release what the body has been carrying, and let LOVE be the default setting again. The Kalahari Bushmen call this natural state: “The Big Love.” * **🗓️ Schedule** **◈ 11:45am – 2:30pm** **The BIG LOVE Experience: Bliss Beyond Fear** Bioenergetic Alchemy™ exercises & postures (similar to Yoga / Tai Chi), designed to help release tension and restore grounded confidence. (Please bring a yoga mat & blanket.) * ◈ Break — 60 mins Tea/coffee available in the hallway. * ◈ 3:30pm – 5:45pm **Breath of Love: Bioenergetic Breathwork Journey** Grounding + tapping + conscious connected diaphragmatic breathing. Includes supportive space-holding, affirmations, aromatherapy and Reiki. * ◈ Break — 1 hr 15 mins Tea/coffee available in the hallway. * ◈ 7:00pm – 9:45pm **DESERT GROOVES: Ecstatic Dance / Movement Meditation + Cacao Circle** Complimentary Raw Vegan Cacao provided (truly… so delicious). ◈ 9:45pm – 10:00pm * Optional fruit social to nourish you after the dance. ✅ Come for the whole day — or drop in * You’re welcome to attend: All-day (full journey) Bioenergetics & Breathwork Workshop only Ecstatic Dance only No experience necessary. All bodies welcome. All hearts welcome. * 🌸 What to bring / wear Yoga mat + blanket (for the day workshop + breathwork) Water bottle Comfy clothing you can move + breathe in Optional: warm layers for relaxation, journal, eye mask * 🌿 The vibe Trauma-informed, consent-led, and deeply respectful. You are always in choice: you can rest, pause, or modify anything at any time. * Come for the release and shake it out with us. Stay for the Breath and breathe in vitality and prana. Stay on for DESERT GROOVES and take all that energy higher! Leave with the Best of who you are.

**🚨**Spoiler alert: We built the space we couldn’t find. A place where you show up alone, say hi first, and meet new people naturally. We celebrate the curious and the hungry—if you’re ready to expand your circle, you’re in the right place. Ps. You can check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/) 🚨 Find Your People (Over Uno, Murder… and maybe a Chicken vs Hotdog showdown). This isn’t your average board game night. No sitting in one spot for hours. We’re mixing it up with rotating tables, quick rounds, and games made for laughs, chats, and meeting a whole bunch of new faces. Pick your vibe, or try them all: * 🃏 **The Classics** – Think Uno, Cards Against Humanity, Mario Kart (Wii) and other easy favourites * ⚡ **High Energy** – Quick-fire games like 20 Second Rule and Chicken vs Hotdog * 🕵️‍♀️ **Roleplay & Mystery** – Yep, Spy Game and The Killers are back by popular demand 👋 Host Support – Our hosts are low-key legends. Need a hand, a nudge, or a friendly intro? They’ve got you. **After the Games Social, the night doesn’t stop there.** **Your ticket also gives you access to the main Social. We kick things off with a fresh icebreaker to bring everyone together, then a team game, and after 10 the Musician takes over and the vibe turns up.** ✨ **Pro Tips:** ✅📲 **Download our free [app](https://onelink.to/balancers)** to **track your rewards from the games** throughout the night and stay connected with the people you meet after the event. ### **Important Reminders:** 🔹 **Stay connected:** [Join our ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)**[WhatsApp group \[here\]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)**[ for last-minute updates.](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O) 🔹**Many attendees join via our app, so the Meetup ‘Going’ list only shows part of the crowd.** 🔹 **Coming alone?** Most people do. You don’t need a plus-one to have a great Saturday. Our hosts are on the floor to get you involved in the games and challenges as soon as you arrive. We make it easy to start those first conversations so you can connect with the room naturally. *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity.* *Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

DANCING EVERY 1ST AND 3RD SATURDAY NIGHTS <3 Tribalheart Ecstatic dance creates space for free-form movement in a chat free zone where you can dive deeply into the heart, reconnecting, expressing, dancing in and out, up and down, learning to let go of anything and everything that holds you back from yourSelf and inner freedom. Let the energy move you, let the spirit of the heart guide you. There is space to dance alone and no pressure to connect with anyone else, just be yourself and honour what you need in the moment. This night is an inspiration and fusion of club culture, dancing yoga, active meditation, cardio fitness, Ecstatic trance dance (blindfolds available) and a sacred Nataraj. If you choose to connect, it is a chance to meet others without words from a place of movement, meditation, energy and soul; eyes and heart wide open. ### We will start the evening with a welcoming warmup to relax the body and mind. Together we will set an intention for the evening inviting the heart to open and awaken within us thus creating sacred space for all. For those that wish to partake, we will enjoy and deepen our intention with a short Cacao ceremony. (The cacao is used to take us deeper into our body, awakening our senses, connecting us to heart energy and aiding a spring in our step) We also embark on some dynamic breathwork to fire us up for the evening. \- Please leave at least 2 hours after eating a heavy meal if drinking cacao\. -Please do not drink alcohol before the event as it is contraindicated with some of the breathwork techniques we practice We inject passion into sourcing the music for our events and aim to deliver an eclectic mix of genres for your heart. From tribal to electronic and everything in between we aim to assist a natural flow peaking and resting to mirror the rhythm and energy of life. Prepare to shake, spin, whirl and twirl. The music becomes the facilitator during the wild ecstatic dance ending with moments of stillness into silence where we can rest and breathe together Each DJ has their own sound and energy to be shared, making each night unique and different... 3/1/2026-DJ TARA 17/1/2026-TBC 7/2/2026- TBC 21/2/2026-TBC 6/3/2026-TBC 21/3/2006-TBC Will update DJ listing asap <3 Admission **New Venue**-Doors open from 630pm and we start at 7pm. Evening-7-930pm. Social till 10pm. Cost is on a sliding scale. Tickets- £15-early bird- purchase up to 5 days in advance before the event £20-Skint/student £25-Working Friend £30-Admission for people on an abundant wage ***All tickets include ceremonial cacao, herbal teas and fruit*** ***There are often places to crew if money is an issue. Please contact Tara on 07776321878 to inquire*** ALL TICKETS ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE, IF THEY ARE NOT, PLEASE CALL 07776321878 AS IT WILL BE AN EVENTBRITE ERROR! NO REFUNDS Book tickets via paypal- https://paypal.me/moveandmeditate?locale.x=en_GB (use friends and family option only or pay the the fee please) or eventbrite-https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tribalheart-ecstatic-dance-london-the-pirate-castle-tickets-168013682447 Optional teas and social after the dance Tara on [07776321878](tel:07776321878 "tel:07776321878") Tara has been facilitating dance, movement and meditation groups under Tribalheart since 2007. She is a lover of all types of dance, meditation, massage, breathwork and many other nourishing things. Tara qualified in Mental health nursing in 1998 and worked as a specialist addictions nurse for over 17 years. She trained and developed in various methods over the years from bodywork, tantra, shamanism, hypnotherapy, psychosexual somatics and breathwork which she blends into her various groups and 1:1 practise. If you are interested in a 1:1 session with Tara please email tara@tribalheart.co.uk , info@divinebodybliss.co.uk

**ECSTATIC DANCE LONDON presents:** **DESERT GROOVES - an evening of Mystical & Uplifting Dance Music, Cacao Ceremony, Live Percussion, Visuals & Fruit Social** **7pm-9:45pm** Ecstatic Dance London - Pioneers of the Ecstatic Dance scene in the UK since 2009 You are warmly invited to join us for our freestyle, expressive dance & moving meditation sessions. This is a unique sober Saturday night dance in London! **For Booking and more info:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981566615088?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981566615088?aff=oddtdtcreator) **WHAT IS "DESERT GROOVES" ALL ABOUT?** Many of us know that certain music genres can take us into deep states of Flow. Tuning us to aspects of ourselves that we perhaps have lost touch with. And that, through dance, movement & expression, we can begin to reconnect with the wonder, openness, and ecstatic nature of our being. This kind of dance-as-meditation has been practiced throughout the ages, as a primordial way of connecting us with something far greater than our individual selves. Ecstatic Dance London offers this event as an invitation to come and dance to OPEN-UP, release city stress, dance in more light and joy, and make new friends - all accompanied by a transformational mystical euphoric & uplifting dance music set to connect us deeply with our dance, our hearts, and our creativity. We'll be including delicious ceremonial grade cacao and a beautiful cacao ceremony/guided meditation facilitated by Seth to connect us with our body, our heart, and positive intention. No prior experience of ecstatic dance is necessary. All are welcome. **📌ECSTATIC DANCE GUIDELINES** \- No booze\, No Shoes\, No phones\, No Chit Chat\, Move However You Wish\, Respect yourself and others\. \- Zero\-tolerance drug and alcohol space\! This is one of the very few spaces where Londoners can go out dancing in London in a safe and clean sober space\. Please respect this\, and please don't come drunk or high as you will be refused entry or asked to leave\. \- No refunds\. \- Dancers enter at their own risk\. Event organizers accept no responsibility for spontaneous joy\, open\-heartedness or sore cheeks from too much smiling \(we also accept no liability or responsibility for any injury\, loss or damage\)\. \- Few photos/videos may be taken during the event by the event organizer for promo/marketing purposes\. **SCHEDULE:** ◈ 7pm-7:30pm Doors Open/ Check-in For Ecstatic Dance/ Warm up (No entry after 7:30pm sorry, this is so we can all journey together) ◈ 7:30pm-9:45pm Cacao Ceremony, Positive Intention Setting/ Ecstatic Dance SoundWave ◈ 9:45pm-10:15pm Optional fruit social to nourish you after the dance

I am proud to announce that we having our jam at the Temple Of Art & Music in Elephant & Castle!! 20 Second Chain: A structured improvisation format where a musical “chain” unfolds organically, with each player responding to and building on what came before. Lineup (on stage together): - 2 guitarists - 1 bass - 1 drummer - 1–2 singers - 1 additional instrument (sax, trumpet, percussion, etc.) How It Works: 1. All musicians on stage are assigned a number, which determines the playing order. 2. Playing order, a key (and available chords) is written on a whiteboard opposite the stage. 3. Number 1 begins alone with a simple idea for 20 seconds — leave space for others to build. 4. Every 20 seconds, the next numbered musician joins one at a time, layering something that complements what’s already happening. 5. Once everyone has entered and the full band is playing, the group improvises for 5 minutes, developing the groove — complexity and solos can grow naturally. 6. No on-stage planning — listen and respond in real time. 7. After the timer ends, the group rotates and a new chain begins. The Temple Of Art and Music is a live music venue and bar in Elephant & Castle so I encourage anyone attending to bring friends as it will be great fun for them even if they are not playing. The venue has a PA system, drum kit, mics and guitar/bass amps. There is no guarantee that there will be cymbals or drum accessories with the drum kit at the venue. Drummers please being your own if you can. Like all our other jams it will be a chance to jam with other musicians playing the music that you love in a gentle environment with no judgement and no pressure. This jam also uniquely gives the opportunity to play in front of a crowd! Tickets are **£10 online** message us let us know what instrument you play and we will confirm if there is space and send you the Eventbrite link for the jam. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about this jam and London Jam Sessions. At London Jam Sessions we have an active community on WhatsApp where we all discuss the upcoming jams and future events. Everyone in the community is encouraged to ask questions and bring forward new ideas. Dm me and I can add you to our Whatsapp group.

# ECSTATIC RAVE with Ecstatic Dance London No booze, No Shoes, No Chit Chat, Move However You Wish!! Please note: an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket. To reserve your place, please book via eventbrite, thank you x **For booking and more info:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/120615336719](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/120615336719?aff=oddtdtcreator) ### If you would like to receive 15% discounted tickets, please sign up to our mailing list! **Mailing list sign up:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london) **Saturday night ecstatic dance with awesome sound system, mesmerising visuals, raw vegan cacao, positive intention setting ceremony 7PM-9:45PM & complimentary fruit social 9:45PM-10:15PM** Best Saturday night out and no hangover! The Sober ReLOVEution! We are super excited to be offering Ecstatic Dances with Live Percussion & Cacao Ceremonies on Saturday nights! ***Ecstatic Dance London - Pioneers of Ecstatic Dance in the UK since 2009*** You are invited to join us for these freestyle, expressive dance & moving meditation sessions. An Evening of Ecstatic Dance with No Alcohol, No Drugs - Just Music, Amazing Rhythms and Cacao! This is a unique sober Saturday night dance in London! ### **WHAT TO EXPECT:** \- Next\-level\, conscious\, inspiring and diverse dance music journey with live percussion\! \- A unique conscious clubbing experience\! \- A beautiful\, sacred\, heartfelt\, fun & safe space for you to dance freely in\. \- Yummy\, velvety tasting raw vegan cacao drink and intention setting ritual\. \- Superb sound system\! \- Vibrant people who love to dance and love music\! \- Optional fruit social to nourish you after the dance\. Best Saturday night out and no hangover! No prior experience of dance necessary. All welcome. We also offer limited free crew space, scroll down to find more info and crew sign up form. ### 💜 **ALL UPCOMING WELLBEING EVENTS, MAILING LIST & CREWING.** **Website: [https://ecstaticdancelondon.com/events/](https://ecstaticdancelondon.com/events/)** **Linktree:** [https://linktr.ee/ecstaticdancelondon](https://linktr.ee/ecstaticdancelondon) **Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london](https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london) **💛FREE CREW SPACES:** We'd be very happy to hear from you if you'd like to help us in exchange for a free ticket! Requirement - you need to have attended at least two indoor events before you can join the crew. [Please complete the sign up form ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs "https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs")and we'll be in touch: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs/edit](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs/edit) **If you have any questions, please send us an email to: [info@ecstaticdancelondon.com](mailto:info@ecstaticdancelondon.com "mailto:info@ecstaticdancelondon.com")**

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:00PM – Free Bachata Taster • 6:30 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 7:30 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 8:30 PM–12:30 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £12 two classes 6:30 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

**Update: full for drums, bass, guitar, piano, vocals, 1 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments (sax, trumpet, violin, flute)** *Please only sign up if your instrument (or vocals) is not indicated above as full for this session.* full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: Vortex upstairs **Who's it for** Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments. **Tunes this week (Sat 21 Feb)** * Chitlins Con Carne in C (warm up) (Stringspace) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XauDUc8rDrE * Footprints in Cm (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-rrt8IYhe0 * Bye Bye Blackbird in F (Clark Terry) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGblgP6AoGY * Well you needn't in F (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JC1iqeoNQg Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. **Tune preview - next novice session (Sun Mar 1)** * Blue bossa in Cm (warm up) (Art Farmer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4FcsB_WXmI * All blues in G (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-488UORrfJ0 * St Thomas in C (Chad LB) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4u9iDU5Cs0 * Let's cool one in Eb (Thelonious Monk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7F5jxJCeRY **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Vocalists** Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing. **Observing** Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal. **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

**Update: full for all instruments (space remains for vocals)** *Please only sign up if your instrument (or vocals) is not indicated above as full for this session.* full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: Vortex upstairs **Who's it for** Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments. **Tunes this week (Sat 21 Feb)** * Chitlins Con Carne in C (warm up) (Stringspace) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XauDUc8rDrE * Footprints in Cm (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-rrt8IYhe0 * Bye Bye Blackbird in F (Clark Terry) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGblgP6AoGY * Well you needn't in F (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JC1iqeoNQg Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. **Tune preview - next novice session (Sun Mar 1)** * Blue bossa in Cm (warm up) (Art Farmer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4FcsB_WXmI * All blues in G (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-488UORrfJ0 * St Thomas in C (Chad LB) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4u9iDU5Cs0 * Let's cool one in Eb (Thelonious Monk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7F5jxJCeRY **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Vocalists** Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing. **Observing** Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal. **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

Ticket is needed for this event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sharing-circle-dating-relationships-tickets-1982040635897?aff=oddtdtcreator ### 🌿**Description:** Modern dating can feel ... deeply confusing. So many of us are navigating mixed signals, uncertainty, emotional patterns and the desire for real connection while trying to stay true to ourselves. This sharing circle is a space to slow down and open an honest, respectful conversation about dating and relationships from both men’s and women’s perspectives. Not to debate. Not to give advice. But to listen, reflect and understand each other more deeply. Together, we’ll explore what it’s like to connect in today’s world with more awareness, compassion and clarity. ### 🌿**What to expect** This is a gently guided circle, held in a safe and grounded way. We will begin with a short grounding practice, followed by reflective prompts and structured sharing rounds. You can expect: * A calm, supportive atmosphere * Space to speak from your own experience (only if you wish) * Deep listening and human connection * Insights into relationship dynamics and emotional needs * A chance to feel less alone in what you’re navigating No pressure to share — you are welcome to simply listen. ### ✨**Who is this for?** This circle is for anyone who is: * Navigating dating or relationships * Curious about the other perspective * Interested in conscious connection * Wanting more clarity, self-awareness and openness All genders welcome. ### 🧘 What to Bring: * Water * Comfortable clothes * Journal, notebook and pen * An open, curious heart ### ✨ After Class Feel free to join our **optional group lunch** nearby to continue the connection (not included). ### ### 💫 About Your Facilitator – Aga Aga is a London-based yoga teacher and coach passionate about creating spaces where people can feel seen, heard, and supported. Her circles invite deeper self-awareness, grounded connection, and meaningful conversations about the themes we all navigate in modern life. Spaces are limited to keep the circle intimate.

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!

**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.

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas

# **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.

**In March we will be making protest signs form carboard, paper, thick markers, and more! All supplies are provided, seats are limited! Come As you are, when you can; hope to see you there!**

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **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!