Open Jams

'HOMEGOING' by Yaa Gyasi 'Two sisters with two very different destinies. One sold into slavery; one a slave trader's wife. The consequences of their fate reverberate through the generations that follow. Taking us from the Gold Coast of Africa to the cotton-picking plantations of Mississippi; from the missionary schools of Ghana to the dive bars of Harlem, spanning three continents and seven generations, Yaa Gyasi has written a miraculous novel - the intimate, gripping story of a brilliantly vivid cast of characters and through their lives the very story of America itself. Epic in its canvas and intimate in its portraits, Homegoing is a searing and profound debut from a masterly new writer.' ***Please read the book and join us for a lively discussion (in English) about the contents during our afternoon book club meeting.*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **PLEASE NOTE:** This is an IN-PERSON event in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Please cancel your attendance in advance if you are unable to join, so that those on the waitlist can participate. Looking forward to seeing you all IN REAL LIFE then! Best regards, Sandra

During this open day, you’ll learn all about the many exciting aspects of a coaching training program and find out if this career path is the right fit for you. Special thanks to our friends at the Academy for Coaching and Counselling (ACC) for hosting this event. **ACC in a Nutshell** * **30 Years of Experience:** Since 1996, the ACC has trained thousands of successful coaches and counsellors. Most of them still hold a thriving practice, work as a teacher in the profession or have excelled in their professional careers. * **Comprehensive Training:** Develop your coaching and counselling skills from foundational techniques to advanced specializations with the ACC’s flexible two-year English training program, tailored to support your unique learning path. * **National and International Recognition:** Exemplary recognition for its institute and educational programs. * **Flexible Learning Options:** The ACC training programs take place in various cities in the Netherlands or in a live online setting, accessible worldwide. **Join the open day in Utrecht** Are you an international professional ready to take the next step in your career? Strong coaching and counselling skills help you communicate more effectively, support others through change, and create meaningful impact in your work. These skills are valuable across many professional roles – and can also form the foundation for a new career as an independent coach or counsellor. Many of the participants use the program to strengthen their professional effectiveness, while others successfully transition into a new career path. **Join the free Open Day on Saturday June 6th to discover how you can:** * Develop advanced listening and questioning skills. * Communicate with clarity, empathy and confidence. * Support people through professional and personal challenges. * Strengthen your impact in your current role. * Build a solid foundation for a career as an independent coach or counsellor. The ACC’s internationally recognized programs combine personal development with practical professional skills that you can apply immediately. Participation is free of charge. **Location:** Marekerk Zandweg 126 3454 JZ Utrecht view in [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4TfpEKQhrnYq7M1HA) **During this open day you will:** * Receive information about how to become a coach or counsellor in The Netherlands. * Discover the ACC’s training programs and what can be achieved with them. * Meet teachers, staff, and former students. * Get informed about the ACC’s accreditations and recognitions. * View course materials. * Receive advice on which training program suits you best. **Register** [FREE](https://tinyurl.com/ACC-June6th-OpenDay) **About ACC** The Academy for Coaching and Counselling (ACC) has offered training programs in the field of coaching and counselling since 1996. We stand for a personal approach with a focus on our students’ unique life paths. At the ACC, we attach great importance to quality. This is also reflected by our various accreditations, certifications and quality marks. We offer training programs in which people discover and develop their own talents, and learn to guide others in their process. In Year 1, you’ll learn the fundamentals of coaching and counselling. After completing this first year, you can deepen your skills and choose to specialize further – for example, by continuing with Year 2 or enrolling in our Addiction and Recovery specialization. Both Year 1 and Year 2 programs are available either in-person (classroom) or Live Online (via Zoom). The online program gives you the possibility to be guided by a teacher and practice with your fellow students onscreen from anywhere in the world.

Join me for a relaxed sketch walk through the beautiful estates and parks around Hilversum. 📍 Meeting: 11:45 inside Hilversum Station, near AH to go 🥾 Full walk: ~12 km 🚌 Short option: ~7 km with bus back to Hilversum Station after Proeflokaal Serre We’ll make several 20–30 min sketch stops along the way, with time to enjoy the scenery and draw at a relaxed pace. Expected return to Hilversum is around 17:00–18:00 for the full route. Highlights include: * Gooilust park & 17th-century mansion * possible visit to the Siertuin decorative garden (open 13:00–16:30) * horses and farm scenery * local farm shop with fresh dairy products * Jagtlust estate and pond * coffee/tea/food stop at Proeflokaal Serre ☕ Bring your sketchbook, drawing materials, comfortable walking shoes, and something to sit on during sketch stops. All skill levels welcome! In case of heavy rain, the event may be rescheduled.

Do you love books, or have you been wanting to get into reading more? Then this might just be the event for you! At this book swap everyone brings one or a few books they no longer need. We put them all out on the table and from there it's up to you, see if something catches your eye and take home whatever you'd like to read next. Any language is welcome, so bring whatever is sitting on your shelf! At the end of the meetup you can take back the books you brought that weren't picked up, or leave them with the organiser who will donate them to a local secondhand shop. ⚠️ If you're unsure whether you can make it, please free up your spot for someone else.

Zin in een avond vol leuke gesprekken, nieuwe gezichten en misschien wel een geslaagde match? Kom dan naar onze man-man speeddate in hartje Utrecht! Tijdens deze speeddate heb je ongeveer 20 dates van 4 minuten. Iedere ronde schuif je aan bij een andere single man. Klinkt de bel? Tijd om door te schuiven naar je volgende gesprekspartner! Na elk gesprek vul je op je datekaart in of je verder met de ander in contact wilt komen: ja of nee? Binnen een dag na de speeddate ontvang je van ons een e-mail met de voornaam en het e-mailadres van de singles met wie je een match hebt. Heb je bij alle deelnemers ‘nee’ ingevuld? Dan ontvang je een volgende speeddate [gratis](https://aboutlove.nl/geen-klik-volgende-speeddate-gratis/)! Date je mee? >> [https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/homo/](https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/homo/)

🎭 Improv Utrecht Presents a Show Like No Other! 🎭 The graduates of the course of trainer Emma Holmes at Improv Utrecht will take the stage at Villa Concordia to showcase their skills in a very fun and interactive show! Expect games like Whose Line Is It Anyway, De Lama's and even improvised singing! 💡 What is Improv? Improv is live, unscripted theatre where anything can happen! The performers create characters, scenes, and entire stories from scratch, all based on audience suggestions and their quick-thinking creativity. It’s spontaneous, electric, and completely unique—no two shows are ever the same! 🎟 Tickets Now Available! Don't miss this one-night-only spectacle of storytelling and laughter. Secure your tickets online before they’re gone! Book your ticket at [improv-utrecht.weticket.io](http://improv-utrecht.weticket.com/) : €12 plus €1 service fee Before and after the show we have a very nice bar to meet & greet people. 📅 When? Sunday 7 April 19:30h. Bar open 19:00 📍 Where? Villa Concordia. In your ticket confirmation mail you find directions to the theatre. Limited free parking spots available, close to Utrecht Central station. Join us for a night of creativity, comedy, and community—we can’t wait to see you there! Find out more about Improv Utrecht, our other shows and courses at [www.improvutrecht.nl](http://www.improvutrecht.nl/)

Are you ready to blast past the limitations of a jam session? Are you ready to extract every drop of musical creativity? This workshop is for those who are ready to risk putting everything that goes in their brains out there in musical form! After this workshop, you're never going to look at music the same way! More than a jam, the Jam With Humans workshop is a workshop on how to jam. Your teacher Daniel Matias Ferrer will guide you through exercises on musical improvisation and creativity. In a typical workshop, we start by getting to know each other and why we came to the workshop. Then, we warm-up by allowing ourselves to be silly and childishly curious, usually via theatrical exercises. At this point, we replace the verbal component of these exercises by improvised music. We proceed with exercising our skills in coming up with musical ideas, transferring them and listening to the ideas of others, and finish the session with one big jam. **The Jam With Humans Workshops are free to join. A (voluntary) contribution will be requested at the end of the session for helping with production costs (suggested €20).** **🤔FAQ🤔** **Should I bring an instrument?** If you can, please bring your instrument. The Q-Factory studio will be equipped with a bass and two guitar amplifiers, a drum set (no cymbals) and a PA system with many vocal microphones. It's also possible to rent cymbals, congas, a digital piano, guitars and basses from Q-Factory for very reasonable fees. **I’m a beginner, can I join?** Yes! The workshop is for everyone: we’ll be able to use whatever sounds you can produce plus all your knowledge of music (both from listening and playing) to explore how they can be used creatively in an improvisational setting. The workshop is also a safe space, so don’t be shy in taking risks musically, we have your back! **I’m a professional, should I join?** Absolutely! Given that the workshop is about improvisation and creativity, chances are you’ll be faced with exercises that allow you to explore your instrument in ways you never thought about before. Plus, you’ll be practicing mechanisms of being able to improvise with anyone else, in different instruments and with different musical sensibilities. **How often should I participate?** As often as you want! The workshops are weekly (or fortnightly during summer time) and their syllabus is circular. All workshops are different and it’s recommended that you come to at least three before you make up your mind about them. Otherwise, show up as often as you want: every week, every two weeks, many workshops in a row and then none for a few months… There is only one catch: those who come often will be invited eventually to join The Jam With Humans Orchestra in a separate rehearsal and join our Jam With Humans live shows. Also, those who come really often (regularly for over a year), will be invited to teach workshops themselves, as that’s a fundamental part of the Jam With Humans pedagogical ethos. **Does everyone have to participate, or can I just watch?** Everyone has to participate! If you’re in the room, you’ll have to participate. No observers! Again: we get your back, no worries. Hold our hand and be ready to dive into the world of improvised music, we’ll be there to help you through the journey. **What style do we play?** Whatever you’d like to play. Musical styles, musical genres, those are words which tend to not be imposed to the workshop participants. The goal of the workshop is to harness whatever is your musical language and sensibility to better cooperate with others in an improvisational context. **Is there anything I should do to prepare?** Actively listen to a lot of music. Sit down and think of what went through the musicians/composers heads that lead to what you are listening to. If you’re looking for inspiration, start with one of the three big influences on the Jam With Humans musical improvisation style: John Zorn, Sun Ra, Frank Zappa.

* We **start at 11:10** in front of Hotel Restaurant de Loenermark: Eerbeekseweg 4, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/4W6e27ij3aqjQnFg6 * Length: \~16 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by bus:** * Bus stop: Loenen, Bruisbeek https://maps.app.goo.gl/863vGKfe8nqBvZfw7 **Getting there by Car:** * Free parking opposite of Groenendaalseweg 15, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/W6213M7LwEQv8PMg6 or Free parking in the streets, close to: Eerbeekseweg 4, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/awWbkpVZJVzxmX859 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=eSkpxZf7TymaoFsvJkBCKQ * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

Wil jij met mij op een culinaire reis door rouw? Ik nodig je van harte uit voor de Troost Tafel – Lunch Editie. Een intieme middag waar we samen aan tafel gaan om de smaken van rouw te verkennen. Wat is pittig in jouw rouw? Welke herinnering smaakt nog steeds zoet? In een klein gezelschap van maximaal 8 mensen nodig ik je uit om mee te gaan op mijn culinaire reis door rouw – een reis die ik ooit begon na het verlies van mijn moeder. Eerder organiseerde ik diners, maar deze keer kies ik bewust voor een lunch. Waarom? Omdat ik weet dat het soms spannend kan zijn om over rouw te praten. Met deze kortere, laagdrempelige editie wil ik juist ruimte creëren voor wie dat spannend vindt, maar toch nieuwsgierig is naar verbinding, troost en smaak. 🕰 Indeling van de middag 12.30 – 13.00 Inloop & ontvangst 13.00 – 13.15 Welkom & introductie 13.15 – 15.00 Aan tafel – 3-gangen lunch 15.00 – 15.15 Afronding 15.15 – 15.30 Tijd om rustig naar huis te gaan. 🌿 Wat is de Troost Tafel? De Troost Tafel is een plek waar verliezen, herinneringen en smaken samenkomen. Een culinaire reis door rouw – waarin we onderzoeken hoe emoties en herinneringen zich kunnen vertalen naar smaken. Wat is licht in jouw rouw? Wat voelt zwaar? Wat smaakt bitter of juist zoet? 🌟 Voor wie is de Troost Tafel? Voor iedereen die verlies heeft ervaren – groot of klein. Of je nu net een dierbare bent verloren, of al jaren een gemis met je meedraagt: alle vormen van verlies mogen er zijn. Bij de Troost Tafel leggen we de rouw op tafel, in plaats van hem eronder te schuiven. 🍽 Wat kun je verwachten? Een driegangenlunch, met ruimte voor stilte, gesprek en verbinding. Je zit aan tafel met een kleine groep mensen, ieder met hun eigen verhaal. Bij elke gang staan we stil bij een ander aspect van rouw en smaak – zodat we samen verdieping kunnen vinden in wat ons raakt en verbindt. 💛 Waarom ik de Troost Tafel organiseer? In het laatste jaar van mijn koksopleiding verloor ik mijn moeder aan longkanker. Het was mijn eerste diepe ervaring met rouw, en het bracht me op een intense spirituele reis. In die zoektocht vond ik uiteindelijk rust en acceptatie. Helaas verloor ik recent ook mijn stiefmoeder. Na een zeer kort ziekbed werd ik opnieuw geconfronteerd met het verlies. De Troost Tafel is ontstaan uit mijn verlangen om anderen ook een plek te bieden – een veilige, warme tafel waar verlies ruimte mag krijgen, en waar troost mag ontstaan. Schuif je aan? Als je vragen hebt mag je me ook altijd een bericht sturen.

**When did you last do something just for fun** — with no goal, no productivity, no outcome? For many of us, play slowly disappears as life becomes more serious. Work, responsibilities, expectations… and somewhere along the way, “play” starts to feel unimportant — even a bit guilty. But what if play isn’t a luxury? In *Play*, Stuart Brown argues that play is not childish or trivial — it’s a **core part of being human**, as essential as sleep or rest. It shapes how we think, connect, create, and even how resilient we are in life. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4997659-play?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=fzFXhcGY46&rank=1 *** ## **What we’ll explore together** This will be a lighter, more energising session focused on curiosity and reflection: * What actually counts as “play” in adult life? * Why do we stop playing as we grow older? * What happens when life becomes too serious? * Different “types” of play (creative, physical, social, imaginative) * How play influences creativity, relationships, and well-being * How to reintroduce play without it feeling forced or childish *** ## **What to expect** * A relaxed, low-pressure conversation * Light reflection exercises (nothing heavy or personal unless you want to share) * A chance to reconnect with curiosity, fun, and spontaneity * A slightly more playful atmosphere than previous sessions 🙂 This is not a lecture or therapy session — just a group of people exploring what it means to feel a bit more alive and engaged. *** ## **Who is this for?** * Anyone who feels life has become a bit too serious * Anyone curious about creativity, joy, and balance * Anyone who wants a lighter, more uplifting discussion No need to have read the book. *** ## **Tone** Curious. Light. Relatable You can participate as much or as little as you like. *** ## **Closing** > “We don’t stop playing because we grow old — we grow old because we stop playing.”

**Modern and Authentic kintsugi workshop in Utrecht.** Choose from three options: * 1-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€60 * 2-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€96 * 4-Day Authentic Kintsugi workshop -€180 For all details, please visit my website. [https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/](https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/) Location: **CLAY TO PLATE** [Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht](https://www.claytoplate.com/) **Booking is essential**. Please contact me if you would like to participate in the workshop. Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

🎭 Improv Utrecht Presents a Show Like No Other! 🎭 The graduates of the course of trainer Emma Holmes at Improv Utrecht will take the stage at Villa Concordia to showcase their skills in a very fun and interactive show, called Time Well Wasted! Expect games like Whose Line Is It Anyway, De Lama's and even improvised singing! 💡 What is Improv? Improv is live, unscripted theatre where anything can happen! The performers create characters, scenes, and entire stories from scratch, all based on audience suggestions and their quick-thinking creativity. It’s spontaneous, electric, and completely unique—no two shows are ever the same! 🎟 Tickets Now Available! Don't miss this one-night-only spectacle of storytelling and laughter. Secure your tickets online before they’re gone! Book your ticket at [improv-utrecht.weticket.io](http://improv-utrecht.weticket.com/) : €12 plus €1 service fee Before and after the show we have a very nice bar to meet & greet people. 📅 When? Sunday 7 June 2026 14:30h. Bar open 14:00 📍 Where? Villa Concordia. In your ticket confirmation mail you find directions to the theatre. Limited free parking spots available, close to Utrecht Central station. Join us for a night of creativity, comedy, and community—we can’t wait to see you there! Find out more about Improv Utrecht, our other shows and courses at [www.improvutrecht.nl](http://www.improvutrecht.nl/)

Now in its 26th year, [The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/), in Gahanna, gathers world famous groups and performers at a single place for you to enjoy the best Blues & Jazz in Ohio. *SATURDAY NIGHT features: The Urban Jazz Coalition with Special Guest Brian Simpson, North Mississippi Allstars, The Deal Breakers & More.* The three-day cultural celebration features musicians on 3 stages, local food trucks and beverage stations, treats, artisans, and more. **Tickets are $15 for adults online.** Link to purchase tickets: [Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival Tickets](https://tickets.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/e/2026-creekside-blues-jazz-festival). $20 at the door. Military are free. WHAT: Here's the festival [EVENT MAP](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Event-Map/). Also, here's the [SCHEDULE](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Schedule/) map to help you determine who to see. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Parking -** The Creekside Parking Garage will be open throughout the festival weekend. Entrance is located near the intersection of Mill and North Streets; accessible only by traveling south on Mill Street. **Event parking rate is $5 and collected at entrance to garage. Cash ONLY is accepted at garage entrance for parking.** Although off street parking in the Creekside District is permitted, it is very limited and not recommended. **Shuttle Service** pickup will be at the following location: [AEP Ohio 700 Morrison Rd., Gahanna, OH](https://goo.gl/maps/K9GgvgEdxCHaXsKDA) **Shuttle Service Hours:** Saturday: 1 PM - 12 AM **BRING**: *Be sure to bring a **chair** since there is limited available seating. Also $ or paycard for food and drink.*

The Alliance is part of the Greater Central Ohio Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are an all-voices chorus dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all those who love to sing, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation or musical background. The Alliance is the first and only all-voices barbershop chorus in Central Ohio. **Who:** Anyone with a passion for singing at a high level. Previous barbershop chorus/quartet experience not required. **When:** The Alliance rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7pm-10pm. **Where:** Lord Of Life Lutheran Church: 2480 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 To become a full member of The Alliance, we welcome you to start by visiting us for a few rehearsals to experience the group and sing with us! Then, you may begin the 2-part audition process for membership: the assessement, and audition. We strive to make our auditions as stress-free as possible to help you let your best singing self shine.

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

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