Poetry

Join the Craft Cocktails Club as we usher in Spring at Metrobar. Seating is outdoors unless you wish to enjoy your seasonal cocktail in a converted Metrorail car (no seriously there's a Metrorail car they converted into a bar). Rush (Happy) Hour is until 7pm metrobardc.com

Now in its 10th year, the [The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards](https://www.strathmore.org/nurturing-artists/bernardebb-songwriting-awards/ "Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards") showcases some of the most compelling emerging songwriters from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Finalists take the stage at Strathmore to perform their original work before judges select this year’s winners. The competition awards a $10,000 grand prize plus studio recording support, along with a $2,500 award to one talented songwriter under 17. All finalists in both the adult and youth categories receive additional cash prizes. Tickets are as low as $20 and include a dessert reception after which is very nice to socialize. **[Click here](https://www.strathmore.org/nurturing-artists/bernardebb-songwriting-awards/bernardebb-songwriting-awards-concert/)** to purchase tickets. Price goes up $5 the week of the event. The evening offers a rare chance to hear fresh, original music from artists on the rise and to celebrate the region’s vibrant songwriting community.

Friday, April 24, 2026. Doors at 7PM, Music at 7:30PM. CRESCENDO STUDIOS 8101A Lee Hwy Falls Church VA 22042 Pre-sale tickets: 10$. At the door: $15. Get your tickets early and save! https://snrg.bigcartel.com/product/april-is-for-emo-crescendo-band-night Get ready for a night of pure pop-punk, emo, and post-hardcore nostalgia. Four killer bands are hitting the stage to give tribute to the songs that defined a generation. Scream along to the iconic hits of Paramore, sing your heart out to the anthems of Pierce the Veil, throw down with the heavy pop-punk energy of A Day to Remember, and relive the classics from Blink-182. From emotional breakdowns to crowd-jumping choruses, this show delivers the full Warped Tour-style experience. Expect big riffs, bigger sing-alongs, and a crowd that knows every word. Whether you grew up on these bands or just love high-energy live music, this is a night you don’t want to miss. Grab your friends, lace up your Vans, and get ready to party like it’s the mid-2000s again. Doors at 7PM, music at 7:30PM. THERE IS NO PRINTED TICKET \*\*\*IMPORTANT: PLEASE KEEP YOUR EMAIL CONFIRMATION OR TAKE A SCREENSHOT. THIS IS YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AT THE VENUE FOR ENTRY.\*\*\* "When you take the time to WORK on your SOUL, your SOUL shall find you WORK." -BEAUcanLAST of SNRGmusic.com YOUR SOUL SHALL NET WORK. YSSNW.COM

* **Are you seeking your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Would you like to connect more deeply with the source of life?** Join us for the **Friday HU Chant** and discover how this simple, sacred sound can bring **love, happiness, and inner stability**. **What to Expect:** * 20 minutes of chanting HU, either aloud or silently, whichever feels right for you * Gentle contemplative time afterward * Friendly conversation with others of like heart Everyone is welcome—whether you’re new to chanting or have been practicing for years. Come and experience the uplifting sound of the HU!

Would you like to look deeper into the source of life? * Do you want to find your own answers to everyday questions? * Singing HU can bring you Love, Happiness, and Stability **You’re warmly invited to join us at our** **Friday HU Chant at 7:00 pm** **You will be welcome to chant out loud or simply listen, whatever is right for you. The chant lasts about 20 minutes, followed by brief contemplative time and conversation with others of like heart.** **Attend In-Person at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **(Doors open at 6:30 pm)** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301)439-2120** **MEC@eckankarmaryland.org** **Presented by the DC & Maryland Satsang Societies, Inc. Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2025 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

Can’t make it out in person? Join your **DTs friends** for our Weekly Virtual Happy Hour — a relaxed, welcoming space to unwind, chat, and connect from wherever you are. Whether you’re catching up with familiar faces or meeting new people for the first time, Virtual Happy Hour is all about easy conversation, shared laughs, and low-pressure connection. Bring your favorite drink, get comfortable, and drop in when you can. ✨ **No RSVP needed. Just click the link and join.** Come relax, connect, and **find your tribe** with DTs — from anywhere. 💙💻 Join in via Google Meet: [https://meet.google.com/jvc-ajhk-vci](https://meet.google.com/jvc-ajhk-vci)

**Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=2F499498-3E1B-498E-97BE-82EDA24E7AEB](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=2F499498-3E1B-498E-97BE-82EDA24E7AEB) Join us for a spectacular rooftop soirée under the stars with a live Latin band, salsa lessons, and sweeping views of the DC skyline at The Ven at Embassy Row! Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime member, don't miss this wonderful opportunity to meet International Club of DC members, make new friends, and enjoy an evening filled with music and dancing amidst the spectacular backdrop of the DC skyline. **Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=2F499498-3E1B-498E-97BE-82EDA24E7AEB](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=2F499498-3E1B-498E-97BE-82EDA24E7AEB) Enjoy cocktails and other drinks available for purchase as you enjoy a night of dancing and socializing under the stars. The evening starts with salsa lessons followed by dancing to a Latin band performing sounds of Havana. Reserve your tickets now, as space is limited. A partner or prior dance experience are not needed to attend! **Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=2F499498-3E1B-498E-97BE-82EDA24E7AEB](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=2F499498-3E1B-498E-97BE-82EDA24E7AEB)

At this session we will be discussing the poetry of Robert Frost (1874-1963). Below are 15 selections we'll plan to cover, but please bring any other favorites to discuss. There are all available in [The Poetry of Robert Frost](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-poetry-of-robert-frost-robert-frost/1107483231) except for "The Prophets." I've also complied a PDF of the selections, available [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/15TFtWrFbOvj1y87Yvn3XxR8DfJ-eWvNS/view?usp=sharing). **Poems** *Mending Wall* *Home Burial* *Mowing* *Christmas Trees* *Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening* *The Gift Outright* *Ten Mills* *The Prophets Really Prophesy as Mystics The Commentators Merely by Statistics* *Nothing Gold can Stay* *The Road not Taken* *Acquainted with the Night* *The Star-splitter* *The Pasture* *Fire and Ice* *The Death of the Hired Man*

Hey Poetry Lovers! This group is on a roll. Here’s the gist: We meet at the **Capital One Café in Chinatown** from **12pm - 2pm** every other week. For enrichment, we start by reading and reflecting on a **“published poem”**, suggested by someone in the group. No advance preparation is necessary. But feel free to check out some of the poems we’ve read [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyE_wCLQCPHRrKmN5F9tOIeeRQUZESxjRXGVBoCF2uU8Gm0_d0uECiCBCQXEy6ksxfsBOhtRIOpW3T/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E). Or submit suggestions for future meetings [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexGc2Z2Kp6bZW0D3_hfJ7NUUkfNHf7TXX-43FglCeBd9EF2Q/viewform?usp=send_form). Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Ian / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

Join our monthly writer meetup to share ideas, socialize, kick off your creativity, and write something! To find us, either take the stairs or elevator to the fourth floor, following the signs for the conference center. We'll be in room 401-A. All writer levels are welcome; we're all about building community and confidence. If you have any questions, please email us! (writingheptagon@gmail.com)

Love Riot is a Baltimore-based indie rock band started in 1993. In 1994 Love Riot won MusicQuest, a worldwide contest sponsored by Yamaha, traveling to Japan and taking grand prize. They released four critically acclaimed albums before going on a hiatus in 2000. Now Love Riot is back, with a new album, Better Now, set for early 2026 release. Bring a chair. We will sit near the front to the right facing the stage.

Namaste and Blessings! We welcome you to join us for a House Kirtan Concert on **Sunday April 26** in **Silver Spring MD** (address below) \*\*\*4:00 - 6:00 pm. (\*\*\**mask optional)* ***We chant the Hanuman Chalisa at 4 pm – after which there is a break and regular chanting begins at 4:30 pm*** \~\~***Doors open at 3:45 pm - come early to get settled*** \~\~ **Please note:** This kirtan will be live-streamed using **Facebook Live** on this page: Bhakti Chant Kirtan (from 4 to 6 pm) **So about kirtan in Silver Spring** \- this is a private residence \- open to the public \- all are welcome \- bring a friend\, the family\, the kids\, the parents\, the spouse \- comfortable setting\. If you want to sit on the floor, it might be wise to bring something to sit on - Zafu or pillow or the like. *This is chanting with meditation* \- we chant in Sanskrit and English\, mantras and bhajans\, honoring the many aspects of the Divine\. ***Feel free to bring a percussion instrument***, if you are moved to do so. (This will be percussion by committee!) 
***Donation***: Suggested $10-20 (no one turned away) **On Paypal:** [paypal.me/RufusJuskus](http://paypal.me/RufusJuskus) **On Venmo**: Rufus-Juskus \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Snacks afterwards!** 

Many thanks -- peace and blessings to all! -Rufus Juskus **Address:** **9516 Pin Oak Drive** **Silver Spring MD 20910** The event page for this event on Facebook is here: https://www.facebook.com/share/17Fnro5Mua/

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

FREE event [https://www.ccad.edu/chroma](https://www.ccad.edu/chroma) Friday, May 16, 3–7 p.m. CCAD campus, 60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH Join Columbus College of Art & Design for *2025* *Chroma: Best of CCAD*, our annual campuswide exhibition showcasing outstanding student work from across the college’s academic programs. This faculty-juried show features select work from CCAD students of all class years, and is a can’t-miss end-of-year campus celebration recognizing their tremendous achievements. It’ll be a night of fun and entertainment, with interactive games, animation and film screenings, art symposiums, poetry and prose readings, and more (along with some of the best local food trucks). *Chroma* is free and open to all. Many exhibitions including... **Game Art & Design:** **DSB, first floor, Welcome Center lobby and Room 115**

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!

The topic for May is "Ink" 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!

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**