Playing Music
Meet other local people interested in Playing Music: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Playing Music group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out playing music events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the playing music events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find playing music events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Playing Music Events Today
Join in-person Playing Music events happening right now
Jam in the Park! 1-3pm * All skill levels * Download Songbooks
**Info below: Welcome! Download Songbook, Seating**
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\*\* 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 \*\*
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**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!
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**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.
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c. FACEBOOK: Join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/
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d. SEATING: You may want to bring a chair as seating may be limited.
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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
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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.
[Illustration](https://unsplash.com/illustrations/a-colorful-parrot-plays-a-guitar-with-musical-notes-DolDg83hDW8?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) by [Meghan Lee](https://unsplash.com/@arctica_studio/illustrations?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/illustrations?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText)
American Roots Concert Series at The Hill Center in DC - need to register
These are really nice concerts, outdoors when possible. They do a great job finding amazing talent. And it's free. **[Will Kimbrough](https://www.willkimbrough.com/)** is a renowned Nashville-based singer-songwriter, an uber versatile multi-instrumentalist, a musicians musician and was named the Americana Music Association’s Instrumentalist of the Year in 2004.
**Sign up [here](https://www.hillcenterdc.org/event/american-roots-concert-series-will-kimbrough/).**
Known for his fluid, expert guitar work, he is considered a staple in the Americana music scene and a frequent collaborator with artists like Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Shemeika Copeland, Todd Snider, Steve Forbert and more. He is recognized for his prolific work as a session musician, a Grammy winning producer, adorned with many more awards and accolades and often called the hardest working man in Nashville.
Will is the longtime lead guitarist for Emmylou Harris and a member of her esteemed Red Dirt Boys. Kimbrough’s twenty year songwriting relationship with Jimmy Buffett culminated in Buffett’s swan song, “Bubbles Up” and Will still plays with Jimmy’s Coral Reefer Band. After the loss of two of his closest musical partnerships in the last year, Jimmy Buffett & Todd Snider, Will’s is on tour honoring these special relationships, with a delightful tribute sharing how music, stories and songs bring us together rather than tear us apart.
Draw Together at Open City at the National Cathedral
Next up is Open City, the cafe of the National Cathedral. You can enjoy a drink and snack while you sit at the tables, or wander around the cathedral to find a subject.
https://www.opencitycathedraldc.com/
Tommy Joe's Summer Showcase
Looking for 4-5 bands (new or existing) to play a summer showcase event at Tommy Joe's. Open format, so play what you like (just keep it relatively popular). Priority given to bands who can draw a crowd or are willing to bring and share equipment. We will set the best bands up with follow on paid gigs at Tommy Joe's. Just message ericSeisler@gmail.com or 301-272-7644 with your bandname, lineup and preferred time slot. Sets will be 40 minutes long and start on the hour. Keep Rockin!
Bands:
3 pm Shee's Unhinged
4 pm Neil Petty & The Horsebreakers
5 pm The Skinner Principle
6 pm Southfield
7 pm Hard Raki
Playing Music Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Heito Presser & Swing Prime at Bossa Lounge Sunday, May 7
1st Sundays at Bossa belong to Brasil 🇧🇷Come out and festa with Heitor Presser and Seing Prime! Terrific live music, dancing, great atmosphere and the best Sunday night Brazilian live music. Authentic rhythms to get you moving! Enjoy a cool drink and bring your dancing shoes ! Heitor's suave Rio groove plus the carnaval energy of Swing Prime. Two amazing shows in one night!
DC Rockers' Summer Showcase
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
Sunday Boardgaming @ Panera
Open gaming at Panera! New players welcome. We have many games on hand or you can bring your own. We are happy to teach or learn one of yours.
DC Casual Bridge
As always, the goal is fun. Beginners are welcome. We play until 5 or 6.
Parking (Free): Plenty of free street parking available on Sunday afternoons near the playing area. Contact Organizer for exact address and other helpful details
Metro: Foggy Bottom Metro Station is an 8 minute walk
Monthly Game Dev Meetup!
Join local video game developers, artists, musicians and writers to talk about the art and science of game development. Bring a device and demo your game, talk shop, find like minded folks to join forces with, have a snack or a beverage among new friends. We are an informal meetup where we share what we've been working on and socialize. Come for all or just a bit of the time!
DC Rockers' Summer Showcase!
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, parking is free, the food is free (OK, not the food).
3 pm Shee's Unhinged
4 pm Neil Petty & The Horsebreakers
5 pm The Skinner Principle
6 pm Southfield
7 pm Hard Raki
Dancing to the Tim Christopher Quartet at Glen Echo (Ticket Purchase required)
Dancing to the Tim Christopher Quartet
The New Columbia Special
Glen Echo Park
7300 Macarthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, MD 20812
Admission: $20 in advance/$30 at the door ($25 for students/military)
(includes free drop-in lesson)
Dance the night away in the beautiful and historic Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park to live music from the Tim Christopher Quartet featuring Imani Rouselle! An introductory swing dance lesson from 8-9 pm is included with admission, followed by dancing from 9 pm-midnight.
https://newcolumbiaswing.org/dancing/
Playing Music Events Near You
Connect with your local Playing Music community
Shucking Bubba Deluxe Music on the Patio!
Let's mix and boogie! We'll start with social time over dinner/appetizers/drinks from 6:00-8:00pm. Then we'll get down with a live band [Shucking Bubba Deluxe](http://www.shuckingbubba.com/). COVER CHARGE: $10.00 (cash)
SBD: A great danceable cover band playing popular genres of music - funk, classic rock, pop & club/dance.
[Harry Buffalo](http://www.harrybuffalo.com/locations/westerville/) has a wide selection of quality appetizers and entrees.
Harry Buffalo seating is first come/first serve this evening. We need a few folks to be there by 6:00pm or so to secure a table on the patio.
DRESS: Late Summer Patio (picnic table friendly)
BAD WEATHER CANCEL (usually by 4pm)
PARKING: lots near restaurant and down the street. Do not park at Taco Bell.
Port St. Lucie Random Play Dance for BTS Armys
**🎶 BTS Is Coming – Port St. Lucie K-Pop Random Dance Party!**
K-pop fans in Port St. Lucie, this one's for you. We'll put on the music, call random songs, and dance together. BTS tracks, K-pop bangers, all of it. Come ready to move.
**🔞 18+ only.** This is an adults-only event.
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🎶 **What to expect:**
- A chance to meet Port St. Lucie locals who love K-pop as much as you do
- Random play dance to BTS and K-pop hits
- Fan chants, singalongs, and pure concert energy
- Random song calls — jump in when you know the choreo
**Event Details**
- **Format:** In-person random play dance – Port St. Lucie fans only
- **Vibe:** Loud, fun, and full of Port St. Lucie K-pop fans
- **Age:** 18+ only
**How It Works**
1. **Show up** – RSVP and come ready to dance. 18+ only.
2. **The music starts** – We go random play dance format. Song called, fans jump in.
3. **Full BTS section** – We dedicate a proper block to BTS to get everyone hyped for the concert.
4. **Fan time** – Between rounds, meet fellow Port St. Lucie fans and share concert plans.
💡 **Tip:** Even if you don't know every move, come and vibe. The energy is the point.
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✨ See you on the dance floor, Port St. Lucie. 18+ only. 💃 ✨
Hialeah K-Pop Random Play Dance – Concert Vibes
**⚡ BTS Is Coming – Hialeah K-Pop Random Dance Party!**
With BTS on their way, it's time to get the fan energy going in Hialeah. We'll put on the music, call random songs, and dance together. BTS tracks, K-pop bangers, all of it. Come ready to move.
**🔞 Adults only — 18+.** Please only RSVP if you are 18 or over.
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🎶 **What to expect:**
- All levels welcome — know the moves or just vibe along
- Fan chants, singalongs, and pure concert energy
- Random song calls — jump in when you know the choreo
- Celebration vibes ahead of the BTS concert
**Event Details**
- **Format:** In-person K-pop fan gathering with random dance
- **Vibe:** Loud, fun, and full of Hialeah K-pop fans
- **Age:** 18+ only
**How It Works**
1. **Come along** – RSVP below and show up on the day. 18+ only.
2. **Random play dance begins** – Music plays, a song gets called, fans who know it jump in.
3. **BTS set included** – We'll make sure the BTS catalogue gets plenty of play.
4. **Meet the fans** – Connect with Hialeah locals who love K-pop as much as you.
💡 **Tip:** Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be on your feet the whole time.
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✨ Random dance, BTS vibes, great people. What more do you need? 👑 ✨
Fun & easy way to play more tennis (read event description)
We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches.
These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun!
Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up:
https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/
If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works.
Happy hitting!
- Scott
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
**History**
The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood.
In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio.
A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization.
In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden.
Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community.
**Maps of the Conservatory**
Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below).
**Summary**
For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year.
Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now.
**Tickets and pricing**
On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20.
Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4.
Parking is always free.
If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000.
**Where we'll meet**
We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather.
**Your GPS is stupid!**
Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you.
The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road.
If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West.
You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive.
\* Don't really do this.
**After the event**
After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu).
The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event.
We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.




























