Performing Artists

In recognition of Black History Month, the Nordic Culture and Language Exchange Meetup group will explore some of the African American artists, actors, singers, and musicians who lived, worked, and performed in the Nordic countries during the 20th century, particularly in the 1930s-1960s. Please join us to learn about performers like soprano Anne Wiggins Brown, who was the first Bess in George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” on Broadway and who later moved to Norway and had a career there (including being a voice teacher for Liv Ulmann) and Earle Hyman, who performed in many of Shakespeare’s plays in Norway (in Norwegian!). Many African American jazz musicians performed and made their homes in Denmark (some are buried in Copenhagen) such as trumpet player Thad Jones, drummer Ed Thigpen, pianist Kenny Drew, and saxophonist Dexter Jordan. Ella Fitzgerald bought a home in Denmark, performed many concerts there, and was reported to have married her producer, a Norwegian. Artist William H. Johnson spent much of the 1930s in Scandinavia- over a thousand of his paintings are in the collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. During the second hour, we will split up into smaller groups to practice Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Finnish and Icelandic.

Saw The Record Company at the Lincoln Theater a few years ago and really enjoyed the show. I think of them as old school, straight up rock n roll. Give them a listen and come out to the show! Tickets are $40.30 https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-record-company-give-it-back-washington-district-of-columbia-02-28-2026/event/15006350A4267DDE Doors open 6 PM

**Social Sips & Bite and El Ray - ONE NIGHT. BIG ENERGY. ALL YOU**. This is not a regular night out. This is a celebration of the people who make this group unforgettable. Social Sips & Bites and El Ray are joining forces to throw a high-energy, feel-good, can’t-miss night dedicated to YOU. Surprise drinks El Ray has surprise drinks for Social Sips & Bites members as a thank-you. Come early and enjoy what they have lined up. NOW FOR THE FUN PART… THE TALENT SHOW Got a hidden talent? Or one you’ve been waiting to unleash? **This is your stage.** * Sing * Dance * Stand-up comedy * Storytelling * Spoken word or poetry * Magic tricks * Impressions or characters * Group performances * Anything creative, fun, or surprising. No pressure. No judgment. Just good vibes, loud cheers, and a room full of friends rooting you on. WE VOTE. YOU WIN. The crowd will vote for the Best Talent of the Night, expect bragging rights, applause, and serious hype. Whether you’re performing or cheering from the sidelines, this night is about community, creativity, and celebrating the people who show up and make this group what it is. ✨ Big energy ✨ Big appreciation ✨ Big fun Come shine. Come support. Come celebrate. This is Social Sips & Bites at its best.

**Black Boy Art Show at the Convention Center 🎨✨** Calling all art lovers! Join us Saturday afternoon for the Black Boy Art Show in D.C.-a powerful celebration of Black male artists and creatives from across the country. From the website: **Overview** Join us for an extraordinary evening that pays homage to the brilliance and creativity of black male artists. We’re bringing **over 150+ Black male artists** from across the city and the country together under one roof to showcase bold, brilliant, and breathtaking work. From painters to illustrators, designers to photographers — this show is a full-on celebration of Black boy joy, power, and imagination. Expect a night where the walls drip with unapologetic Black excellence, DJs set the mood with immersive sound, curated vendors bring the culture to life, and photo-worthy moments meet you at every corner. **Interested in getting involved? [Visit BlackBoyArtShow.com](https://blackboyartshow.com/ "https://blackboyartshow.com/")** 🎟️ **Tickets:** [ get yours here] [Black Boy Art Show D.C. Tickets, Sat, Feb 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-boy-art-show-dc-tickets-1974942936487?aff=eprofsaved) **GETTING THERE:**🚇 **Metro:** Mt Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center (closest stop) 🚗 **Driving:** Parking garages near the Convention Center: [Walter E Washington Convention Center Parking Spot Hero](https://spothero.com/search?kind=destination&id=615&starts=2026-02-28T15%3A00&ends=2026-02-28T21%3A00&midfunnel=true&hide_event_modal=true&view=dl) **MEETUP LOGISTICS:** Once you RSVP, I'll add you to a GroupMe chat for this event so we can easily find each other and connect inside! See you all there!

Join the group for *Little Miss Perfect* at Olney Theatre Center on Saturday, February 28 at 7:30PM! TodayTix currently has discount mezzanine tickets starting at $45 ([https://www.todaytix.com/washington-dc/shows/44646-little-miss-perfect](https://www.todaytix.com/washington-dc/shows/44646-little-miss-perfect)). Please comment below on your seating preference so we can try to form some ticket blocks. **Joriah Kwamé became a viral TikTok star with his song “Little Miss Perfect,”** which garnered millions of views and launched this new musical with Broadway aspirations. High school kids today are under a lot of stress. Just ask Noelle, the daughter of a prominent local deacon who has lived up to local expectations of social and academic excellence all her life. But now it’s senior year, and she’s barely holding on. Her GPA is in the dumps, college applications are looming, and now an exchange student from the Philippines living under her roof has her questioning her sexuality. Can Noelle make it to graduation, achieve her dreams, and still stay true to herself? Can anyone? *Little Miss Perfect* distills her experience with earworms aplenty and genuine warmth for even its most calculating characters. Along with the title song, Joriah's hit, “**Ordinary**,” figures in the show, and his newest songs - like "Black Girl Magic," “Malaya's Words," and "Legendary," are sure to go just as big.

ADMISSION & RESERVATIONS $15 ENTRY WITH DINNER RESERVATION 7-9PM (ONLY 50 SEATS AVAILABLE) -MAKE YOUR DINNER RESERVATION AT ON ST.ELMO RESTAURANT https://shorturl.at/iL9Q5 ————————————————— $20 earlybirds SOLDOUT ————————————————— $30 REGULAR ADMISSION AT DOOR —————————————————- Payment methods: ZELLE search 240-463-8954 (Juste Pehoua) CASHAPP [https://cash.app/$JUSTEPRESENTS](https://cash.app/$JUSTEPRESENTS?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUd2eW1URG9qSkk0aVhSVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5rhEU21hcIex_eHxAhftZYIKGiEq0jC4lC4eV6IPl89b9bD1PH4bUl1jhk5g_aem_1bUKB5HWykgllpF9tnpm-g) VENMO [https://venmo.com/u/JPEHOUA](https://venmo.com/u/JPEHOUA?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUd2eW1URG9qSkk0aVhSVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5rhEU21hcIex_eHxAhftZYIKGiEq0jC4lC4eV6IPl89b9bD1PH4bUl1jhk5g_aem_1bUKB5HWykgllpF9tnpm-g) CLOVER(6%tax applies) [https://tickets.cloveronline.com/menu/all](https://tickets.cloveronline.com/menu/all?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUd2eW1URG9qSkk0aVhSVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6rE82-tm4qKkJKLd5oB9Lhj-NUY_NP6CNKgqkmAN552LgNAriXx6ZSFtqoeQ_aem_6d0N890HkfXrKReq_KmfTQ) DC Matanga is celebrating “Black History Month” It's the "International Grown & Sexy". DRESS CODE: AfroPrint Colors DINNER 6:30-9PM: Enjoy a night out at On St. Elmo Restaurant, an upscale spot in Bethesda, MD (4915 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814). LIVE PERFORMANCES 9-11PM \- Percussions from around the world\- Joe Falero's Band from "Cuba to Puerto Rico Representing DC is “MIGHTY MOE”, Congas superstar as seen with Chuck brown band, Sugar Bear, Jill Scott , Doug E fresh juts to name a few and to celebrate SENEGAL AFROCUP CHAMPS with a live performance of Djembe & Tama (talking drum) by the very Talented MALARI Moore of Versatile Soundzz Ultimate INTL’Dance Social\*: Get ready to groove to Kizomba, Konpa, Afrobeats, Salsa, Bachata, Urbankiz, Old School, Dancehall, Hip Hop, R&B & Zouk DRESS CODE AfroPrint Colors ADMISSION & RESERVATIONS $15 ENTRY WITH DINNER RESERVATION 7-9PM (ONLY 50 SEATS AVAILABLE) -MAKE YOUR DINNER RESERVATION AT ON ST.ELMO RESTAURANT https://shorturl.at/iL9Q5 ————————————————— $20 earlybirds SOLDOUT ————————————————— $30 REGULAR ADMISSION AT DOOR —————————————————- PAY CASH, ZELLE, CA$HAPP OR VENMO Payement methods: ZELLE 240-463-8954 (Juste Pehoua) CASHAPP [$JUSTEPRESENTS](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcash.app%2F%24JUSTEPRESENTS%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUd2eW1URG9qSkk0aVhSVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5-LwxPW2mVdIT7-fs4bBKzMa4azFzSoYOu23mYgKpB8PaktKw9BIuG06pCJw_aem_DihK7TgYdfrPGGALTjkSmA&h=AT69VW9isGJNdD3XFRQOaLPmO_oimsi2gCSB3WpakbTRxVrECWq1mglBRQ1lY4u5V2b-CrYnU4ikJKOI7YcmTtHev5RVPlx1eYTyc1F2NKfwRSIY7SmrI8dlj3ZYcgea6dTstOVmMdSMKeQgi2c&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT6A4wlNyNHAugq6om_cg2HRbgXf5SS68qshaVW_hCnDRyW4BgTEdmdqbptKEyC0I2r5aWptNhUkBba6mIf50cM9Mlxea6DWQliIZ4b2g9FmZGRYVXbJsyaDYNCcdBbDRU_v3ha8PmYfu3jCnCP4vIac0Q5iXg) VENMO [JPEHOUA](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fvenmo.com%2Fu%2FJPEHOUA%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUd2eW1URG9qSkk0aVhSVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5-LwxPW2mVdIT7-fs4bBKzMa4azFzSoYOu23mYgKpB8PaktKw9BIuG06pCJw_aem_DihK7TgYdfrPGGALTjkSmA&h=AT7ReerLT3xI5V_AB-NTImjF3HOFn1SDPMu7PkxGpbKRa_q8m-tb6jMQcEbQpHyxPIMtSYTgmuMqXROYgDW2zLRHkA5Z7KKCIUzEgAPs_5qAysamq0AxXXFKzaG2SA-cRvJkrieNKoa89_QuVd8&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT6A4wlNyNHAugq6om_cg2HRbgXf5SS68qshaVW_hCnDRyW4BgTEdmdqbptKEyC0I2r5aWptNhUkBba6mIf50cM9Mlxea6DWQliIZ4b2g9FmZGRYVXbJsyaDYNCcdBbDRU_v3ha8PmYfu3jCnCP4vIac0Q5iXg) CLOVER(6%tax applies) https://shorturl.at/h7nV0

Just a little side note, but if you didn’t know, in addition to managing this fabulous Meetup, I also produce music events in Clarendon from time to time. We’ve got a very exciting event coming up on Saturday, February 28, 2026 @ the Renegade in Clarendon, VA. **Details** Washington, DC-area, join us for AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE and TRIBUTE TO DAVID LYNCH -- A Night at The Black Lodge. Autograph signing by Harry Goaz. Music by Fuck You, Tammy! aka "The Band From Another Place" and Wait In the Fire. Join us for an unforgettable night of surreal mystery and offbeat beauty with art, vendors, games and music. Explore surreal art installations inspired by Lynch’s dreamy logic. Check it out here:[https://nightattheblacklodge.com/](https://nightattheblacklodge.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQ1V1Umk1TjA2eWtLTkFBaXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7ECXGKZVJTnacDglQ7p4ShuTav8sOLIriLek9wLiISDxLbFeA8Pu4mUx4FRQ_aem_TSDNDK5yMgdAPmVOdjCNHA) \*\* This is a paid event. Tickets required \*\*

Hey everyone! This is a winter social dinner that’s low key where we can just hang out and chill together! Come out and make new friends! Can’t wait to see you there! :)

Et tu, betch? 🏺Join our host MisSir Wat, Oop C Daisy, Fish Patty, and Stella Stargayzer for two hours of songs about revenge and backstabbing, benefitting the Westerville Queer Collective! Good Vibes Winery will have wine, wine slushies, and some breakfast items for sale. 🏺 🔗Get your tickets here: https://donorbox.org/events/907893/steps/choose_tickets 🥂This is a 21+ show, a prize will be awarded to the person in the best toga! (Optional!) Benefitting The Westerville Queer Collective- dedicated to education, advocacy, pride, and outreach in the Westerville community. A portion of sales will go towards funding WQC Pride! All ticket sales will be processed via WQC's Donorbox page, we are not liable for any sales make through third-party vendors. Additionally, this event seconds as a food drive! Please consider bringing shelf stable food items for WQC's food pantry, located in Java Central.

Join us as we get together for a CMG-favorite event, the OSCAR PARTY AND RED CARPET BASH at the Drexel Theatre! The highlight of the movie year live on the big screen always makes for a fun and memorable evening! Here are details for this event: WHAT TO EXPECT: This year’s ceremony will be hosted once again by Conan O’Brien. In addition to the Oscars on the big screen, your ticket includes a Meal Deal from the Drexel’s new food partner Newfangled Kitchen (I’m checking on vegetarian/vegan options) along with unlimited popcorn and sodas, a free box of candy, and your first beer, wine or specialty drink on the house! Also included: Oscar-themed trivia with prizes from local businesses, on-site paparazzi, and the Drexel's Oscar ballot contest with a chance to win a year of free Drexel movies! Plus, the BEST and most FUN way to watch the Oscars with fellow film fans and your CMG friends! ADVANCE TICKETS: General public tickets are $45 but Movie Group Members and their guests get in for just $35! Here’s how to purchase your tickets: \* Option 1 – In Person: You can purchase at the ticket counter anytime during operating hours. Just mention you are with the Columbus Movie Group for the discounted rate. \* Option 2 – Online: If you prefer to purchase online, you can do so by going to the link below and following these instructions: 1. Click the link below. 2. Click the little TICKETS box then click BUY TICKETS. 3. If you are a Drexel Member, you can log in here to receive the Member/Group rate, which is the same. If you are not a Drexel member, click “No” and the $40 Rate will pop up. But, don’t fret. It’s a little hard to find but there’s a “Promotion Code” section on the screen. Click the “Know a Promotion Code?” box, enter “CMG2026” (case sensitive) and submit. Select the appropriate number of tickets in the Discount Rate section and click “Add.” Next “Proceed to Checkout” then “Checkout” and enter your credit card info. There’s a $1.50 online service fee but it’ll save you a trip to the Drexel. (If you don’t already have one, you will need to sign in or create an account first.) Sellout possible so please purchase yours as soon as possible in advance! LINK FOR TICKETS (See Above Instructions): https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=373546\~e2e0a350-c626-4e33-bc63-27e983f4aecf&epguid=ab0b2f82-403c-4972-9998-5475e7dcfa0e&mdy=3/15/2026& DRESS: Dressing up for the occasion art of part of the fun! Dress up as much as you like – there will be everything from casual to formal at the event! Or you can go in character as one of this year’s nominated films! ARRIVAL: Doors open for CMG at 5:30pm so that’s when we’ll plan to meet! That’ll give us plenty of time to fill out our Oscar Ballots, pick up some free popcorn, candy, and something to drink, mix, mingle, take some photos, pick up your Newfangled Kitchen Meal Deal, grab a seat in our CMG Reserved Section, then settle in to enjoy the Academy Awards on the Big Screen! PICTURES: We’ll take pics throughout the evening and the Drexel Paparazzi will be on hand as well. We’ll also take a big group photo around 6:40 near the entrance before the show begins. If you happen to take some good shots yourself, be sure to upload them on the Oscar Party Meetup event! RESERVED SEATING: As you enter the theater, the roped off section to the right marked “Reserved” is reserved for you, your guest(s) and the Columbus Movie Group! VEGAN MEALS: As previously mentioned, the food vendor does NOT have a vegan option at this year’s Oscar Party. However, we DO have a solution! I have reached out to several individuals who are affected. If you are a vegan, plan to attend the Oscar Party and did not receive an e-mail from me, please reach out via private message post a note below. I’ll provide details off-line. And while there won’t be a vegan meal option this year, I think we do have a workable solution. And, all other plans are usiness-as-usual: popcorn, sodas, candy, on-site paparazzi, decorations, bar drinks (including your first drink on the house), the Drexel’s Annual Oscar ballot contest, along with the Big Show on the Big Screen and a fun group of Movie Group friends to watch ‘em with! BONUS LINKS: \* COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES: https://deadline.com/lists/2026-oscar-nominations-list/ \* INTERESTING ARTICLE ON RECORDS BROKEN, SUPRISING FACTS AND OSCAR FIRSTS: https://abc7.com/post/oscar-nominations-2026-surprising-facts-nominees-98th-oscars/18448908/ \* SHORT VIDEO MONTAGE OF THIS YEAR’S BEST PICTURE NOMINEES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3abMnrsaUA \* FUN VIDEO OF OSCAR NOMINEES HEARING THEIR NOMINATIONS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eY1yGQ2aU PARKING: Parking is available along Main Street in front of the theater, on Drexel Avenue, and other nearby side streets. Additional parking is available at the Bexley Municipal Parking Lot (two driveways west of the theatre). LINK: Should be a fun & festive evening and a terrific way to celebrate a great year of movies together! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" 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!

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**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!

**This is the biggest party in town!** ***Come help us enjoy the luckiest day of the year!*** The Irish Pub and outside overflow tent have Irish Beer, Whiskey and Food. Inside the giant tent the best local Irish bands perform while Irish dancers parade by and the Columbus fife and drum invade each late afternoon. **COVER CHARGE: $20.00** **4pm** - [Drowsy Lads](http://www.thedrowsylads.com/) Named as “The Best Irish-American Band” the 20 year performing veterans have galvanized their place amongst Irish and folk music’s must see acts. You’ll have a blast… and the band will be arm in arm beside you! **7pm** \- Ladies of Langford Since 1995, [Byrne’s Pub](https://byrnespub.com/) has served as a Grandview hub for all things Irish. In fact, co-owner Pat Byrne even operates a line of craft Irish whiskey, known as Bua. The Grandview Spot is also a huge patron of both Celtic music and bluegrass, as live musical guests from both genres perform at Byrne’s on the regular.