Stand-up Comedy

Michael Palascak is a comedian who grew up in Indiana and now lives in LA.He performed on both [The Late Late Show with James Corden](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqGB9FDPKlo) and [The Late Show with Stephen Colbert](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kqIbYMKm1E&t=344s) in the same year.He has over 1 million views on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH5VAiBHcMATo79cv0k3AR4wlTo4TbYQv).In addition, his resume includes [A Little Late with Lilly Singh](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keMK5a2LN60), The Tonight Show, [Letterman](https://vimeo.com/185925699), [Craig Ferguson](https://vimeo.com/75856450), [Conan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUFHHjt5JFI&feature=emb_title), has a [Comedy Central Half Hour ](https://youtu.be/KYSC6TToaUk)special, and was a [Top 5 Finalist on Last Comic Standing](https://vimeo.com/140408883) where one judge claimed, “My first impression of Michael was a great likability. This is a guy that could star in a sitcom.”Michael’s likability allows him to relate to his audiences in a real way which sets up the huge laughs he gets from his sharp, personal material.Consistently writing and performing, this summer Michael released both a new album— [The Internet Live](https://800pgr.lnk.to/PalascakWE) through 800 Pound Gorilla and a new stand-up special on the Dry Bar app— [1984](http://www.drybarcomedy.com/michaelp).Available for free streaming.Drew Hunt of [The Chicago Reader](https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/michael-palascak/Content?oid=9964001) wrote about Michael, “In a lot of ways, he represents the ideal antidote to the sort of unbridled cynicism that pervades much of contemporary stand-up.”Michael’s optimism continues in the new National Lampoon series — [The Bright Side](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG8Hz-se3CNIc6JeEepO5VA/?guided_help_flow=5) where he takes a positive stance on a negative topic streaming on YouTube.[www.michaelpalascak.com](http://www.michaelpalascak.com/)

For Elvis Presley's birthday, lets add some of his songs into the mix! See you at SOJO! Seasoned SOJO'ers already know the program, but below are all the details which may be helpful to our new members. MOST IMPORTANT POINTS: 1. Feel free to bring lyrics and chords for your favorite songs to hand out. If you'd like to bring a song that most people don't know well, see if you can find a YouTube link and post it in the comments when you RSVP. We'd like to listen a few times before the SOJO to get the hang of it. 2. If you have copies of Rise Up Singing and Rise Again, please bring them. If you don't, we have extras available for you to borrow (one time only, please). Both books are easy to find and order online. And here's a link to find YouTube Videos of any song in either book. https://www.riseupandsing.org/songs/search 3. Bring something to drink, as singing is likely to make you thirsty. 4. We appreciate (but do not require) contributions to cover our room rental costs of $100 per session. 5. Please do RSVP. It helps us know how to set up the room and allows us to contact you if we have to cancel. *** FURTHER DETAILS, if you like: * Our regular gatherings take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. We meet from 2 to 5 p.m. with a break around 3:30. You can come for the whole time or just part of it. If you can arrive a little early to help set up or stay a little late to help put things back in order, that would be great. Occasionally we take pictures of our events. If you would rather not be photographed, just politely let the person with the camera know and step out of view. We'll be respectful of your wishes. Whether you're new to SOJO or not so new, we look forward to singing and playing with you!

Join us for a run. Sign up through Front Runners link, they do sell out. This is a fun event that is family friendly. Not an offical Queer Alexandria Meetup, instead an event many of us are attending! If you want to join we will be excited to see you! Want to join a team at sign-up… you can join “The Fruit Bowl” and then we will know to look for you! https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/Washington/DCFRPrideRun Price goes up May 1st!

Darlings! If you haven't experienced this yet, you are in for joy! Join award-winning drag queen Tara Hoot for a Family Fun Story Time Brunch on at noon! It's fun for EVERYONE! Songs, stories, bubbles, puppets and dancing! It's the feel-good event you didn't know you needed. Plus a tasty brunch from the iconic Freddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant. Perfect for kids and kids at heart! Reservations are free! There is no cover. This event has an **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989181128302?aff=oddtdtcreator)** page. **Unlike the weekly Go Gay DC brunch, this particular one requires that you reserve a table in advance or sit at the bar. Reserve a table today** at [https://www.yelp.com/reservations/freddies-beach-bar-and-restaurant-arlington](https://www.yelp.com/reservations/freddies-beach-bar-and-restaurant-arlington) **This fun brunch officially starts at 12 a.m.** at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia 22202. The menu is at [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu) OR better yet, order the all-you-can-eat buffet that includes a mimosa or coffee/tea or soft drink, and dessert, for only $14.99. The mimosa is for the adults in the room of course! This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com) **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** is the founder of Go Gay DC. Casual attire is fine. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there. You will thoroughly enjoy this show even if you don't have children. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are now capped at $2.50 on weekends, regardless of distance traveled. Crystal City Metro station on the Yellow/Blue lines is the closest Metro stop. When you arrive, go out the station, walk towards your left to 18th Street and then veer right and walk under the Route 1 overpass to Eads St. Turn left and walk to 23rd Street. Turn right. Freddie's is up 23rd Street just a block. Just look for the rainbow flags on the right side of the street! Freddie's was voted the Best Virginia Bar by *Washington Blade* readers. Don't like a smoky bar? You are covered: Freddie's is a smoke-free establishment. (Ashtrays are provided in back of the building if smoking is 'your thing'). Freddie's is an LGBTQ+, straight-friendly restaurant and bar. It offers Happy Hour daily from 4-7 pm. [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/) Arrive at any time that's convenient for you. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol is carded of course. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzBKUjdCOWl2ODVBSUxhOXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4vtv0oaloHF_KuZvknxZ4pCB1jTPvmKsSxRCWRS7-gcUVfMNkop-ZIObsTcw_aem_5j5M3z-MEO2tSV6eFsE1Uw) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExN2tRNWxxbmJINDBLRjgyeHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5wn7CoNkDnzZk1J8PGqEXSOaiVTjajzIpsVdNeg2WI7X_BJ5MeR6ierA9SUg_aem_YJJoTeXOh5HTjDXienXIZQ) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex non-binary #brunch

Michael Tiddes, 2026 - horror parody, slapstick Will it be cringe and likely offensive? Yes. See the Wayans brothers and my girls Anna Faris and Regina Hall fight baddies - in the first Scary Movie in 13 years! Sitting in L10 at the 7:45 Dolby show at Hoffman. Will be at Atlas at least an hour before if anyone wants to hang out before, and will regroup in the lobby after! Tickets and more info at [AMC](https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/scary-movie-79322).

Wake Up DC Sangha for young adults - seventh practice session Saturday, June 6th, 2026 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Dear friends, This is a warm invitation for young adults aged 18-35 (at heart) to join Wake Up DC Sangha's monthly practice session on Saturday, June 6th 2026 from 1:30-3:30 PM. Practice will be held at: Opening Heart Mindfulness Community 3812 Northampton St NW Washington, D.C. 20015 Program of events: 1:30 - 1:40: Arrival & intro for newcomers 1:40 - 2:00: Introduction to practice 2:00 - 2:20: Guided sitting meditation 2:20 - 2:40: Walking meditation 2:40 - 3:00: Offering of Teachings 3:00 - 3:20: Dharma Sharing 3:20 - 3:30: Announcements/closing Friends are asked to arrive prior to the start of seated meditation. Cushions will be provided.

Michael Palascak is a comedian who grew up in Indiana and now lives in LA.He performed on both [The Late Late Show with James Corden](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqGB9FDPKlo) and [The Late Show with Stephen Colbert](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kqIbYMKm1E&t=344s) in the same year.He has over 1 million views on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH5VAiBHcMATo79cv0k3AR4wlTo4TbYQv).In addition, his resume includes [A Little Late with Lilly Singh](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keMK5a2LN60), The Tonight Show, [Letterman](https://vimeo.com/185925699), [Craig Ferguson](https://vimeo.com/75856450), [Conan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUFHHjt5JFI&feature=emb_title), has a [Comedy Central Half Hour ](https://youtu.be/KYSC6TToaUk)special, and was a [Top 5 Finalist on Last Comic Standing](https://vimeo.com/140408883) where one judge claimed, “My first impression of Michael was a great likability. This is a guy that could star in a sitcom.”Michael’s likability allows him to relate to his audiences in a real way which sets up the huge laughs he gets from his sharp, personal material.Consistently writing and performing, this summer Michael released both a new album— [The Internet Live](https://800pgr.lnk.to/PalascakWE) through 800 Pound Gorilla and a new stand-up special on the Dry Bar app— [1984](http://www.drybarcomedy.com/michaelp).Available for free streaming.Drew Hunt of [The Chicago Reader](https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/michael-palascak/Content?oid=9964001) wrote about Michael, “In a lot of ways, he represents the ideal antidote to the sort of unbridled cynicism that pervades much of contemporary stand-up.”Michael’s optimism continues in the new National Lampoon series — [The Bright Side](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG8Hz-se3CNIc6JeEepO5VA/?guided_help_flow=5) where he takes a positive stance on a negative topic streaming on YouTube.[www.michaelpalascak.com](http://www.michaelpalascak.com/)

### Drop-In Improv Class — Beginner Friendly **Improv for good people.** Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly drop-in improv class focused on play, laughter, and connection — in a supportive, no-pressure environment. You don’t need performance experience, improv training, or a “funny personality.” You just need a willingness to try. *** ### What to expect Each session includes: * Friendly introductions * Easy warm-ups * Guided short-form improv games * Lots of laughter in a small, welcoming group The exercises are inspired by shows like *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*, but the focus is on participation, not performance. *** ### A few important reassurances ✔ You don’t need to be “funny” ✔ You don’t need improv experience ✔ You *do* need curiosity and a willingness to play Everything is explained clearly, and you’re never put on the spot. *** ### Who this class is for This class is a great fit if you: * Are curious about improv but a little nervous * Want to meet new people in a genuinely welcoming space * Enjoy playful learning and low-pressure activities * Want a break from overthinking and daily stress Many people arrive unsure and leave smiling. *** ### How Meetup fits in Many participants first discover Laughy Place Improv through Meetup, attend a class or two, and then decide whether they’d like to continue by booking future classes directly through the website. There’s no pressure — Meetup is meant to be an easy, friendly way to try things out. *** ### Location & logistics 📍 **Theatre on the Run** 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA Parking and entrance are on the opposite side of the building from Four Mile Run Drive. Use the door labeled **“Arlington Cultural Affairs – Main Entrance.”** Ring the doorbell to be buzzed in. Sunday classes are usually in room 174 and Wednesday classes are usually in room 147, but you can check the class list by the concierge desk to be certain. I’ll be in the room about 20 minutes early to set up and meet folks as they arrive. If you can, please come a few minutes before the scheduled start time so we can kick things off together. *** Looking forward to laughing with you!

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)

Higher Grounds – Arlington is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you you (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations. Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions * What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? * When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? * What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles * Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? * What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? * How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human * What human experiences will AI never truly understand? * If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? * What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning * What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? * How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? * What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche * What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? * Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? * What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose * When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? * What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? * How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection * What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? * When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? * What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality * What are you running out of time to say or do? * How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? * What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? Suggested Questions: Society & Culture * What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? * Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? * What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy * What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? * When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? * What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,”** on findings, debates and trends in the use of psychedelic substances to treat trauma and other conditions, with Whitney Marris, instructor at the University of Buffalo’s School of Social Work, certified psychedelic-assisted therapy facilitator, and consultant to clinical trials. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-psychedelic-assisted-therapy](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-psychedelic-assisted-therapy) .] Psychedelics are rapidly moving from the margins into the mainstream, and questions abound as the sociocultural and legal landscapes surrounding them shift. President Trump’s recent executive order expanding access to psychedelic drugs for certain conditions and accelerating research on them has both heightened interest and added to confusion. Learn more about the so-called “Psychedelic Renaissance,” and get help separating the hope from the hype surrounding it, with Whitney Marris, a leading trainer and facilitator of psychedelic therapy who has used it to treat trauma survivors, military veterans, and people with cancer. She’ll present foundational information on what we know about how psychedelics work. You’ll learn how psychedelic-assisted therapy differs from “trip sitting” and about what we know about the effects of “microdosing” versus “macrodosing.” We’ll examine what has been demonstrated to be helpful versus harmful before, during, and after a dosing session intended to support significant, sustainable change. Marris also will discuss the historical and cultural context of the use of psychedelic medicines for healing, and she’ll describe the ethical challenges that arise as such practices move from counterculture to clinic. We’ll look at emerging and evolving findings in the field, as well as at the roles being played by various financial interests and ideologies in determining the direction of psychedelic-assisted therapy and research on its outcomes. Attendees will gain an awareness of the need for new professional standards and regulatory guardrails related to such work, and they’ll leave knowing key questions to ask potential providers of psychedelic-assisted therapy. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

**Come enjoy a unique musical experience called a "Sound Bath"** **Sound bath! What’s that?** **According to a member of our community from Annapolis MD, “A sound bath is an immersion in sound frequency that cleanses your soul.”** **Rubber Duckies not required.** **Get ready for this super relaxing immersion!** **According to cutting-edge doctors from Harvard, some of the deepest, most profound healing in the body are accomplished with sound frequency.** **That’s old news, though.** **A 2nd century stone relief in the Himalayan mountains shows Buddha and his buddies playing ancient Tibetan singing bowls.** **A sound frequency specialist with the Human Activation School of Expanded Consciousness, will be playing several of these rare Singing Bowls, some of which are over 200 years old.** **A magical alchemy of 7-12 different metals rings in the past, present, and future for our relaxing enchantment.** **Experience these gifts from the past in this non-religious practice of our present. Come be rejuvenated, or just captivated, by this unique musical experience.** ***Did You Know?*** **Mitchel Gaynor, Cornell Medical College's Center for Integrative Medicine director of medical oncology, is renowned for Tibetan Singing bowls successfully being used in his medical practice?** **"The peace, strength, and confidence this experience has given me has made me want to explore meditation. It’s given me a whole new perspective. My intuition feels incredibly enhanced and my sense of awareness has expanded. I’ve never felt better than I do now!"- MM** **Each month on the first Sunday we will be coming together as a community for a Unique sound bath offering in Burke VA. Every month will be something new ranging from different chakra centered meditations, Gong Baths, and even unique themed meditations honoring the whales and elephants of our sacred Mother Earth.** **Bring your pillows, blankets, and yoga mats and snuggle into the comfort of the tranquil sounds. Feel free to sit, lay, or even stand! First-timers welcome.** **7:00 pm - Meditation Reception** ***\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:30 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:30 pm.\*\**** **7:30 - Doors Close & Meditation Begins** **8:30 - Meditation Ends** **Contemplative Conversation will follow after the collective experience is complete.** **Suggested energy exchange, sliding scale between $15 - $30.** **All proceeds go to support the Crystal Ashram 501(c)(3) non-profit.**

Come check out the DC Rocker's Summer Showcase at Tommy Joe's in Bethesda. Five fantastic bands playing a mix of originals and rock covers. Admission is free, the food is great, and the crowd will be fun! 3 pm Shee's Unhinged 4 pm Neil Petty & The Horsebreakers 5 pm The Skinner Principle 6 pm Southfield 7 pm Hard Raki

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you were quoted in *Truth in Comedy*, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**! The idea behind improvised comedy is to create entire scenes from scratch. A suggestion is taken from the audience and laughter is built on the spot. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway, Make Some Noise,* or *Wild 'n Out*; it can also be done in a longer way, to tell a complicated story, like *TJ & Dave*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and FREE!) weekly comedy event, brings the games for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Afterward, many members will hang out in *Gresso's* itself and get to know each other. Not only is this a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, your public speaking, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and build relationships that will last a lifetime, and you do that while laughing your butt off! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "*Yes, And*" that you'll have a blast!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you were quoted in *Truth in Comedy*, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**! The idea behind improvised comedy is to create entire scenes from scratch. A suggestion is taken from the audience and laughter is built on the spot. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway, Make Some Noise,* or *Wild 'n Out*; it can also be done in a longer way, to tell a complicated story, like *TJ & Dave*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and FREE!) weekly comedy event, brings the games for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Afterward, many members will hang out in *Gresso's* itself and get to know each other. Not only is this a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, your public speaking, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and build relationships that will last a lifetime, and you do that while laughing your butt off! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "*Yes, And*" that you'll have a blast!

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!