Mandolinists

Romanians of DC and the Glen Echo Folk Dancers invite you to a Romanian folk dancing workshop/party on Saturday, May 9, from 4 until 6 pm. The event will take place in the Ballroom Backroom of the Glen Echo Park located at 7300 MacArthur Boulevard in Glen Echo, Maryland. 3 - 6pm Picnic (Please bring a dish/snack/beverage to share) 4 - 5pm Workshop of easy Romanian dances 5 - 6pm Romanian dance party led by the Glen Echo Folk Dancers (recorded music) The event will begin with a one-hour workshop led by Jamie Platt, who will introduce participants to several Romanian folk dances and traditional steps. The workshop will be followed by another hour of dancing with the Glen Echo Folk Dancers, featuring a broad range of Romanian folk dances. No prior dance experience is required, and everyone is welcome to join in the celebration. The Glen Echo Folk Dancers have been an active part of the Washington area’s international folk dance community for over 40 years, welcoming dancers of all ages and skill levels to their weekly events at Glen Echo Park. Their repertoire includes folk dances from Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, and many other countries. To learn more, please visit: [https://dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdancingplanetproductions.com%2Ffolkdance%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExSVVoQkJZbEl0M21CdThBZHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4tz8zX3bV-SoD-zdmB7mY0jUgC_L6lQaVGPtX3vtSebeCu205uQB4LdRbj9Q_aem_vfjQyGPAeDNj5EANK-6Krg&h=AT5Nbo5gM-9b07UhxWouggWPpd0XSMhJEBXjrUThMDsJ2VS5Hfc-27V5HAuom8XViMeOMwWsfoqaNp2DbKV4sTvFMH2kBWsVaKt2XZt9soBCnlfLTlFlaQ1trtTesryFs4dWFRXHXgHe1FYM6zPqXowFvz6PAM1cwWeuog&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT74b69kPEoo1LZU5c1jxl6vGAlywta_QGGrkoUDm3RyHNnAkh_TELSJCMTvLiM4jboCsdD23_9Z1DVma9SjYzyaJjA-S4ERcfxaeWUklWGOnP4KgzVk-PERj_uQuk9SEfhih32YAmy5AjTZNbAbAVBkAXwF3l2ZH5A) Jamie Platt, a respected instructor and founder of Dancing Planet Productions, has been teaching international folk dance for nearly five decades. His experience, enthusiasm, and deep love of dance have made him a beloved figure in the local folk dance scene. Admission is $10 per person (cash) and is payable at the door. Bring shoes suitable for dancing. Feel free to invite friends, whether they have Romanian roots or are just curious to learn. Come learn a few new steps, celebrate Romania’s rich traditions, and enjoy an afternoon of community and joy through dance!

**Looking to** \- Help out neighbors in the DC area? \- Support a secular charity? \- Connect with other atheists and humanists? Join Atheists Helping the Homeless DC at our monthly distribution event! Atheists Helping the Homeless is a 501(c)(3) charity that distributes items like backpacks, socks, gloves, and toiletries to people in need throughout the Washington, DC region. We meet up on the second Saturday of every month outside of a homeless shelter in Silver Spring, MD, called Progress Place, and pass out whatever items we have to whoever is there. Each month we serve between 60 - 100 people. Afterwards, we usually go out for breakfast. Our goal is to provide a way for people to help each other without affiliating with a religion. Our method is to go straight to those in need, and create a welcoming and fun atmosphere to effectively create an environment where secular community can grow and thrive. If this sounds fun, see you there!

Join us for the world premiere of the musical ***Aguardiente: Where Magic Transcends Borders,*** commissioned by GALA and conceived by Helen Hayes multi-award winner Luis Salgado from Puerto Rico and Colombian artist Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez. Blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as bomba, currulao, and cumbia, and Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism, Aguardiente is a bold new musical about the messy, urgent act of making art in a world on fire. As a group of artists race to finish a new show, their rehearsal room becomes a battleground of ideas, ambition, and lived experience—especially for a composer whose undocumented status makes the dream of success anything but simple. As the team wrestles with what story they should tell, the line between reality and imagination begins to blur, until—like two currents meeting in the same river—the artists’ own struggles spill into the story they are creating: a vibrant tale set in a river town on the brink of environmental collapse, where two young lovers must decide whether to stay and fight for their homeland or leave in pursuit of a dream, making Aguardiente a theatrical journey about migration, memory, and the complicated act of transforming real lives into art. **PERFORMANCES:** ***Aguardiente*** is a bilingual production with surtitles in English and Spanish, and runs April 30 through May 24, 2026. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. The show is approximately 160 minutes long and includes one intermission. Community Night is Thursday, April 30. Noche de GALA, which includes a post-performance reception with the cast and creative team, is Saturday, May 2, under the honorary patronage of His Excellency Daniel García-Peña Jaramillo, Ambassador of Colombia to the U.S. **TICKETS:** Regular tickets for ***Aguardiente*** are $60 Premium, $55 Orchestra Standard, $45 Orchestra Value, and $35 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 25 and Under; Community Night tickets are $25 each and Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). **[GET TICKETS HERE](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245626)** **CAST:** ***Aguardiente: Where Magic Transcends Borders*** features an 18-people multicultural cast that includes Samuel Garnica (Venezuela) as Alberto, Sebastián Treviño (Colombia and Mexico) as Alejandro, Vin Ramos (Puerto Rico) as Azuquita, Ana Luisa Martínez (Mexico) as Anís, Shayla Hernández (Puerto Rico) as Kiara, Emy Ramos (Dominican Republic and United States) as Beta, Eric González (Spain) as Eve, Machirán (Cuba) as Pepe/MC, and Leanna “Leah” Finol (Venezuela and Hungary) as Mamá/Mom. The ensemble includes Ralphie Rivera (Puerto Rico, Dance Captain), Álvaro Medina Molina (Puerto Rico and Colombia, Alberto U/S), Santiago Ayala (Colombia, Alejandro U/S), Brianna Ríos (El Salvador and Puerto Rico, Anís U/S), Ana Daniela Pérez (Panama, Beta U/S), Bibi Sánchez (Mexico, Mamá U/S), Julia Neveu (United States, Eve U/S), Zaramaría Fas (Puerto Rico, Swing), and Rodrigo Calderón (Peru, Swing, Azuquita U/S). **CREATIVE TEAM:** This enthralling new musical is written, directed, and choreographed by Luis Salgado, with music and music direction by Daniel A. Gutiérrez, and lyrics by both Salgado and Gutiérrez. Scenic Design is by Clifton Chadick, Lighting Design is by Colin Bills, Projections Design is by Milton Cordero, and Madeline “Mo” Oslejsek is Sound Designer. Costume Design is by Jeannette Christensen, Properties Design is by Chelsea Dean, and Hair and Makeup Design is by Andre Hopfer. Sorany Gutiérrez is the Dramaturg, Valeria Cossu is Associate Director, and Ralphie Rivera is Associate Choreographer. Cody Von Ruden is Assistant Costume Designer and Elias Hall is Assistant Properties Designer. The band includes Daniel Gutiérrez (Music Director, Conductor, Keys), Sebastián Natal (Assistant Music Director, Multi-instrumentalist), Juan “Juancho” Gómez (Guitar), Iván Navas (Multi-instrumentalist), Jaime Rodríguez (Percussion), Roger Torres (Trumpet), and Michael “Mike” Ventura (Saxophone). Ester Teixeira Vianna is Stage Manager, Rbekah Nogueira is NYC Assistant Stage Manager, Brian Martínez is DC Assistant Stage Manager, Ilyana Rose-Dávila is Production Manager, Amanda Leyva is Assistant Production Manager, Anson Stevie is Technical Director, Delbis Cardona is General Manager for Rehearsal Space, and Lorena Suárez is Company Administrator. Gustavo Ott is the Producer and Rebecca Medrano is the Executive Producer. The production is made possible in part with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Paul Angell Foundation, the National Latinx Theater Initiative, and the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. Additionally, GALA Hispanic Theatre is a recipient of the 2026 THRIVE! Grant, funded by the Mark Edelman Theater Fund and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the National organization for theatre leading for a just and thriving theatre ecology.

Keep in mind this periodic meetup will be canceled if there is another event at the maid at that time. Check the schedule at ElectricMaid.org to be sure. Questions/Concerns, contact me via voice/text at 202 316 2203

Every Second Sunday of the Month from 1-2 pm EST This is a chance for young pickers to play the tunes and songs they love together with other kids! Students will learn how to collaborate, communicate, create and play well with others in a bluegrass jam session. Mari Carlson facilitates a fun and supportive environment that encourages flexibility, experimentation, and listening. This is an open ended jamming situation that may explore different acoustic genres including folk, old-time, blues and more. Parents and older siblings with accompanying instruments are welcome to sit in and support the jam. $30/session. Come every month or just once. Who knows - maybe you’ll meet future bandmate… [https://checkout.square.site/buy/RKAXL7VL3DZTFMNRJ2QOTQAT](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcheckout.square.site%2Fbuy%2FRKAXL7VL3DZTFMNRJ2QOTQAT%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOGhVQ2k0b2g0Tkh0MkNJTgEe8n49Ur8UheXrPvV9tuqM9tHt7roV98z1uB9noLudWMLlGXQDFlw9uplVnEk_aem_tGa34dgHF9MSrLXbb3lJxg&h=AT0dRLI4rVUl4bpQG_DUh9my34Zc_nc4xrFSTZrbKY8iqah0tWA_L6CPexeirKBgawv1CoAIsCbPUWkpkqjH74hlJavr9GuxTggxel-v635cTHs8JDc7d0oqeHoNCoaGZ4eamYckH-ucuJwzHmDtD9MXPFKK30JtqAI&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT1bMR07rIyK5Sln0FvxJp3kCXsOFI0bRjYhJoQFYiISS6ePbzbNOLMZndtLzCHE0LnQuGmPDdjpU9Sg_hbbC66Rosb2PKruxXGUvoqBrtp7ghRWCK654ffbPTXGNSDtE56KHG77JcCqwD-AyDdBOiZanG8pjte1eTQ)

The Buddhist Kingdom of the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan, boasts of ancient monasteries, towering fortresses, dramatic scenery of mountain peaks, valleys, and subtropical plains, and a soft and tranquil ambiance throughout the country. Nepal is the home of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. A trip to Nepal will never be complete without soaking in the view of the sunrise amidst the towering snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Take a plunge into the world of ethnic groups who take pride in their vibrant art, culture, religion, history, and expression in Nepal, located between the two landlocked countries, China and India. Highlights Visited Places: • Kathmandu • Paro • Thimphu • Buddha Point • Punakha • Chime Lhakhang • Hongtsho • Taktsang • Tiger’s Nest Monastery • Kichu Lhakhang • Pashupatinath Temple • Boudhanath • Swayambhunath • Patan • Chitwan National Park • Pokhara • Nagarkot Travel Experience: • Sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara • Hiking • Visits to Buddhist monasteries, temples, and pagodas • Local festivals and performances • Interaction with the Tibetan community • Long picturesque drives • Wildlife activities like elephant safari, canoeing, bird-watching, and jungle tours • Entertaining Tharu Dance performances • Paragliding • Witnessing the sunrise at the peak of Mount Everest Tour Start KathmanduTour End Kathmandu Destination Nepal - Bhutan Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 6pm • Return: Day012 anytime after 6am Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) – Kathmandu Itinerary Day01 Kathmandu Day02 Paro – Thimphu Day03 Thimphu – Punakha Day04 Punakha – Paro Day05 Paro Day06 Kathmandu Sightseeing Day07 Chitwan National Park Day08 Chitwan NP Day09 Pokhara Day10 Pokhara Day11 Nagarkot Day12 Kathmandu Cost: $3100 (Double Occupancy) $3690 (Single Supplement) Inclusions Price Includes * Flight to Paro and Back from Kathmandu * Visa Fees * Govt.fee $250 per Day for Foreign Nationals * Private transportation. * All necessary travel permits * English speaking local guide. * Accommodation on twin room basis. * Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary * Meal plan: Full Board Basis * All transport by privet car and driver * All accommodations in Chitwean/Pokhara/ **BB** Plan * Guided tour in Chitwan as per itinerary * Sightseeing in Pokhara * Sightseeing in Kathmandu * Mt. Everest Sunrise activity – Nagarkot * Full board Chitwan Jungle Safari package **BLD** * All necessary government taxes including VAT * All necessary monument entrance fees and Chitwan national park permits * Paragliding flight in Pokhara ($90 Off if you want to skip this activity) Price Excludes * International Flights * Meals (other then mentioned above) * Personal Expenses * Tips and gratuities (allow $50) * Transfers other then mentioned in the Itinerary (available at extra cost) * Travel insurance / Visa ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/bhutan-nepal-paro-thimphu-kathmandu-pokhara/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/bhutan-nepal-paro-thimphu-kathmandu-pokhara/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

**Info below: Welcome! Download Songbook, Seating** *** \*\* WEATHER: Please check the your email before heading to the jam. I will send out an email if it will be cancelled due to rain. \*\* \*\* SAFETY: Please note by participating in this event you agree to the Health and Safety Waiver/Release below \*\* *** **ALL Jammers! All Instruments! All Skill Levels Welcome!** JOIN US FOR A JAM - IT IS A GREAT WAY TO: * Get in some practice time * Learn new songs * Socialize with other musicians * Build your confidence Come join us make music together! Anyone who can play any instrument at any skill level is welcome to stay and play for some or all of the Jam. We all play and sing songs from our song books of lyrics and chords. Everyone gets a chance to pick a song or pass. No pressure! *** **a. BRING SONGBOOKS: Please DOWNLOAD our TWO song books.** Download our TWO song books: at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/files/ b. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Safety is our number one priority! We want to be sure everybody attending the jam understands personal responsibilities to keep themselves and others safe. By attending this event you agree to the terms of the HEALTH AND SAFETY WAIVER which can be found in any one of the following: 1. At this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/permalink/2276132525918969 2. At this link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gzfqo4fnw0a2268zr95nx/MITCHELL-PARK-JAM-HEALTH-AND-SAFETY-WAIVER-RELEASE.pdf?rlkey=gztmv5k1shtxunjkc40hj5ij6&st=rek95rkg&dl=0 Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Only people who are fully vaccinated can attend. Local laws allow for some exceptions to this rule. Please contact me if you fall under these exceptions so we can make the appropriate arrangements. All members should follow CDC and Washington, D.C. guidelines. In addition, please respect other members needs for space. *** c. FACEBOOK: Join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/ *** d. SEATING: You may want to bring a chair as seating may be limited. *** e. LOCATION: The jam will be held at Mitchell Park in Washington, DC. You can find our exact location on this map: https://bit.ly/mhpjamloc1 *** d. DONATIONS: Suggested donations: $2 per jam -OR- $5 per month -OR- $20 per 6 months. You can Venmo @Eric-Cohen-114 Meetup costs money. Eric pays for most of the costs out of his own pocket, but he asks you to help defray some of the costs with a small donation. Thank you. Image by freepik\ (https://www.magnific.com/free-ai-image/view-woman-playing-electric-guitar-instrument_169111739.htm#fromView=keyword&page=1&position=25&uuid=ddc9de4d-4908-49d0-aa0c-518dba54c9ef&query=Grandmother+with+guitar)

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

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

Learn to manage stress and achieve self-growth through simple relaxation and Meditation. Heartfulness Meditation is a simple, modern, methodical approach to meditation. Rather than homing in on your breath or repeating a mantra, you simply focus inward, on your heart, to cultivate inner strength and serenity. Heartfulness meditation is gaining traction in recent years. It focuses on the heart, allowing individuals to connect with themselves on a deeper level, and ultimately achieve peace, relaxation, and clarity. It is a practice that encourages patience, self-compassion, and acceptance, helping cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment. This practice is offered with love and at no cost

A night of early 2000s bliss. The band Starting Early will be playing their favorites from the pop-punk/emo genre. Think old Fall Out Boy, blink 182, Dashboard Confessional, etc. They will be joined by the band Molly & the Static. They are an angst-driven (but fun), strange and unlike anything you've really seen act. Paramore covers, please!

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

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.

# **Saturday, May 16, 2026** **Beginners’ Session 1:30 to 2:00 PM** **Dancing 2:00 to 4:30 PM** **Please note that this is an afternoon dance!** **You are invited to join us for dinner at Olive and Lime (in the church’s back parking lot) after the dance.** **Kim Thompson, from Athens, will take the mic and we’ll dance to the music of Roscommon Sessions. Kim will lead us through a variety of old and new dances that welcome newbies and delight experienced dancers.** **Roscommon Sessions, a traditional Irish music quartet from Columbus, Ohio, began their musical journey centered around the energy and spontaneity of Irish sessions. They are excited to bring their lively jigs and reels, a couple of flowing waltzes, and the occasional musical surprise to the All Soles contra dancers!** **Roscommon Sessions is Steve Steele (guitar), Jim Lindroth (percussion), Carol Metheny (fiddle) and Sarah Sigmon (fiddle).** **We hope to see you dancing!** **Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus, OH 43214.** **Cost is $10 for adults, $5 ages 12-25.** **New to dancing? A beginners’ session, from 1:30 to 2:00 PM, will get you started. You will learn some basic figures that will be repeated in the afternoon’s dances. All dances will be taught and no partner is needed. Dancing is from 2:00 to 4:30 PM.** **Please bring your own refillable water bottle.** **All Soles Dance upcoming dance dates are, as follows:** **June 20, 2026** **Tentative:** **July 25, 2026–Summer Potluck and Dance** **No August Dance** **September 26, 2026** **October 17, 2026** **November 21, 2026** **December 19, 2026** **Visit our website at: https://firstuucolumbus.org/connection/all-soles/**

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).