Singer Songwriter

***THIS IS NOT AN AWG EVENT - BUT SOME OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE ATTENDED IN THE PAST.*** Super Early Bird Registration ($389) ends on 12/31. **WASHINGTON'S PREMIERE LITERARY EVENT!** The Washington Independent Review of Books presents the 13th annual Washington Writers Conference. Please join us for the premiere writers’ event in the DC area to network with fellow writers, learn from panels and workshops, and, most importantly, pitch directly to agents! [Find out more at our conference website.](https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/page/the-2026-washington-writers-conference) Join us at the [Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PA52HAjf3qyMeMmF9) (one block from the North Bethesda/White Flint Metro). Free parking with validation.

Join host Sarah Hassmer for her birthday at AGUARDIENTE: Soul of the Caribbean at GALA Hispanic Theatre on Friday, May 1 at 8PM! I will be exploring whether there are outdoor dining options nearby, as I still don't dine indoors with my health conditions. You can purchase tickets online at [https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/pr/1245626/pe/11665586](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/pr/1245626/pe/11665586). Use code MAGIC25 to receive 25% off (must purchase by April 8). There are also cheaper rates if you are a senior, military, teach, student, or under 25. If you struggle with steps, there is an elevator on the Orchestra Left side, which is where I'll be in Row A. If you need the English subtitles, those screens will be on the left and right-hand sides of the stage. You'll get a better view of the screen and stage if you can get up to Row E or higher. In this exciting new musical two immigrant writers from Colombia and Puerto Rico, who are living in New York City, journey back to their childhoods to reconnect with the rich Caribbean culture. The production draws inspiration from traditional Caribbean rhythms, cumbia, bomba, currulao, and the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez. En este emocionante nuevo musical, dos escritores inmigrantes que viven en Nueva York, uno de Colombia y el otro de Puerto Rico, viajan al pasado para reencontrarse con su infancia y reconectar con su rica cultura. La producción está inspirada en ritmos caribeños tradicionales, cumbia, bomba, currulao y el realismo mágico de Gabriel García Márquez. Book by \| Libro de **Luis Salgado** Music by \| Música de **Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez** Lyrics by \| Letras de **Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez & Luis Salgado** Choreography by \| Coreografía de **Luis Salgado** Conceived by \| Concebido por **Luis Salgado & Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez** Bilingual with surtitles in English and Spanish \| Bilingüe con sobretítulos en inglés y español WORLD PREMIERE\. COMMISSIONED BY GALA \| ESTRENO MUNDIAL\. COMISIONADO POR GALA

🎤 Mika @ The Fillmore – A Change of Pace (Live Music Night) Let’s switch it up. After all the EDM shows and festivals, this is a chance to experience something different—live vocals, musicianship, and a completely different kind of energy. Mika is known for his powerful voice, theatrical performances, and feel-good pop anthems. This will be a fun, high-energy live show with a totally different vibe from a rave or club night. 👉 Highly recommended—this is a great opportunity to support live music and experience something outside the usual EDM scene. ⸻ 📅 Event Details Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 Time: ~8:00 PM (doors earlier) Venue: The Fillmore Silver Spring Address: 8656 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD Age: All ages (typically—confirm when purchasing) ⸻ 🎟️ Tickets Purchase individually via Ticketmaster or official venue site 💲 Approx. $40–$90+ depending on tier ⸻ 🔥 What to Expect * Live band + vocals (not a DJ set) * High-energy, feel-good atmosphere * A crowd that’s there for the music and performance * A refreshing change from EDM shows ⸻ 👥 DC Ravers Plan * 🍸 Optional pre-show meetup nearby (details in comments) * 🎶 Enter together or meet inside * 🎤 Enjoy the show as a group or spread out ⸻ 🙌 Who Should Join * Anyone who loves live music * EDM fans looking to mix it up * People who enjoy concerts with vocals and performance * 20s, 30s, 40s, 50+—everyone welcome ⸻ ⚡ Why This Event Variety makes the group stronger. This is a great way to: * Connect in a different setting * Attract new members * Keep things fresh and interesting ⸻ 🚀 Call to Action If you’re up for something a little different—join us.

[TO PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE](https://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/events/124386) Emmy, Grammy, and NAACP Image Award winner **Tiffany Haddish** has established herself as one of the most sought-after comedic actresses and performers worldwide. She is a multifaceted artist who, in addition to acting, sings and dances. Haddish is perhaps best known for her breakout role as the scene-stealing “Dina” in the smash hit comedy *Girls Trip.* She will soon reprise her role in the highly anticipated sequel *Girls Trip 2*, opposite Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, and Regina Hall. This November, Haddish will be seen in Peacock’s unscripted series *Tiffany Haddish Goes Off*, which chronicles Haddish’s 4-week long girls’ trip in Africa with her three best friends. She will also star in Lil Rel Howery’s feature *Haunted Heist*, which premiered at the 2025 Fantastic Fest; Carlo Bernard’s upcoming action-thriller, *The Deputy*, alongside William H. Macy, Duke Nicholson, and Julia Fox; Adam Rifkin’s psychedelic stoner comedy, *Toad,* alongside James Franco, Christopher Meloni, and Craig Robinson; THE GIRL IN THE RIVER, alongside Maggie Grace, Ralph Macchio, and Devon Sawa; and crime-thriller MOTION. Haddish is a *New York Times* bestselling author of the memoir *The Last Black Unicorn* and a children’s book author of *Layla, The Last Black Unicorn.* The companion audiobook to her memoir, which she narrated, was nominated for a 2019 Grammy Award for Spoken Word Album. Her latest book, a collection of essays entitled, *I Curse You with Joy*, was released in May 2024. Shortly after, Haddish teamed up with legendary songwriter Diane Warren to release her empowering single, “Woman Up.” Previously, Haddish executive produced VICE TV’s series *Black Comedy in America* and made a cameo in *Bad Boys: Ride or Die*, opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, which made almost $400 million at the box office. She can also be seen starring as Detective Danner in Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed murder mystery series, *The Afterparty*; in Disney’s *Haunted Mansion*; MGM’s *Landscape With Invisible Hand,* an adaption of MT Anderson’s futuristic sci-fi novel; and *Back on the Strip*. Prior to this, she starred in Lionsgate’s *The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent* opposite Nicholas Cage and Universal’s *Easter Sunday.* Haddish also voiced the role of ‘Tuca’ in Adult Swim’s *Tuca & Bertie* and the role of Aisha in Hulu’s *Solar Opposites*. Other recent credits include starring opposite Oscar Isaac in the critically acclaimed Paul Schrader film *The Card Counter; On the Count of Three,* alongside Jerrod Carmichael; and Netflix’s critically acclaimed *Bad Trip*, starring alongside Eric Andre and Lil Rel Howery. Haddish’s projects in development include *Down Undercover*, *Mystery Girl*, *Homecoming Queen* and *The Untitled Flo Jo Biopic.* Her other film and television work includes *Here Today, Like A Boss, The Kitchen, Between Two Ferns: The Movie*, *The Spongebob Squarepants Movie: Sponge on the Run, The Secret Life of Pets 2, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, The Angry Birds Movie 2, Night School, Nobody’s Fool, The Oath,* hosting both *Kids Say the Darndest Things* and *TBS’ Friday Night Vibes, Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker, The Last O.G.* and *The Carmichael Show*. Haddish also served as host and executive producer of the Emmy-nominated Netflix stand-up comedy series *Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready.* The series of half-hour comedy specials featuring her friends and long-time comedic collaborators ran for two seasons. Her Emmy-nominated and Grammy-winning comedy special, *Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah*, debuted on Netflix in December 2019. Haddish became the second black woman ever to win a Grammy for “Outstanding Comedy Album” and the first since Whoopi Goldberg won in 1986. Her first stand-up special, *Tiffany Haddish: She Ready! From the Hood to Hollywood* was released on Showtime in August 2017. Just three months after the special’s release, Haddish made history by becoming the first black female stand-up comedian to host *Saturday Night Live,* which earned her the 2018 Emmy Award for “Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.” In June 2018, Haddish took the reins as the host of the *MTV Movie and TV Awards*, a role that earned her critical acclaim and significant ratings boost for MTV. Haddish’s journey and life experiences have inspired her comedy and sense of humor both on and off the stage. She has been very candid about her experiences growing up in foster care in South Central Los Angeles. Her excessive talking and imaginary friends prompted her flustered social worker to steer her into stand-up comedy. She enrolled in the Laugh Factory’s Comedy Camp, a place for at-risk and underprivileged children to transform negative energy into something positive. The experience was just the beginning of her comedy career. Haddish recently founded The She Ready Foundation to help and support foster kids in need. In 2021, The She Ready Foundation launched an Internship Program with Ready To Succeed for foster youth in the SoCal area. 7:00pm Show - Admission is 21 and Over Unless Accompanied By a Parent 9:30pm Show - 21 and Older Only, no exceptions \*PLEASE PLAN AHEAD\* ***There is to be absolutely NO RECORDING or use of cell phones during the performance. If anyone is seen during the show with their cell phone out, it will be confiscated and they will be immediately ejected from the show. No questions asked.*** [Arlington Drafthouse FAQ-CLICK HERE](https://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/pages/faq) All Sales Are Final-Refunds Are Not Available \* For groups of 8 or more that purchased tickets separately, please add a note in the comment section or a name under group code so we can seat everyone together. We will seat everyone together but section will be released 10 minutes before show time \* Your ticket confirmation email will act as your ticket at the box office when you check in \* Show your ticket after the show to receive a special discount at [Pike Cornerstone](http://www.pikecornerstone.com/) across the street!!

Friday night Greenbelt International Folk Dancing has gone "virtual". As we all practice good social distancing, many in our folk dance community are feeling the absence of our usually scheduled local dances. In response, please join us for the Greenbelt Virtual Folk Dance Session. Let’s keep dancing! • Connect and dance in our own homes • Watch hosts leading familiar dances • See each other; listen and dance to our favorites How: We will be using the ZOOM video conferencing app to share music and live videos of the leaders and each other. This can be used on a desktop, laptop, or smartphone. What to Expect: Your hosts are Linda Mansdorf, Vita Hollander, Ben Hole, and John Robinson. Collectively they will play 25-30 dances, which should approximate the number of dances normally done on a Friday night in-person event. The hosts will do a quick teaching or demonstration of the steps to some of the dances that may be less familiar to you or just as a refresher, but the session is not designed as a workshop, so the majority of the evening will be spent playing dances that many of us already know and love to do. How To Join Us: Each week we will send an email with the Zoom Meeting link ID. Make sure John Robinson knows you would like to receive this email with the link. John's email address for Info: j_srobinson@verizon.net. https://www.facebook.com/GreenbeltInternationalFolkDancing/ Co-sponsored by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington

This dance is in the Great Hall at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Pre-register at [https://www.fsgw.org/event-6549574](https://www.fsgw.org/event-6549574?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNkVPT1ViMEdHTnBHNUZJY3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4Oxi_bM8hbsdDUQRsCemxoR7Fi5kohFADaSsUIOmyMN7k91kp4OEUrT9cCoQ_aem_VCnJqOGCXBgyo41yP9Hnsw) or register at the door *Please note: There is no longer free parking at the Civic Center Parking Garage* Callers: **Too Hot Mamas!** (Janine Smith and Susan Taylor) Band: **Dead Sea Squirrels** (Cathy Mason on fiddle, Craig Edwards on fiddle, banjo, and mandolin, and Henry Yoshimura on guitar) Calling Terms: Larks and Robins Lesson at 7:00pm, Dance is from 7:30pm to 10:00pm Covid Precautions: Masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required

**In honor of Donovan’s 80th birthday, let’s throw in a few of his songs. 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. **If you have copies of Rise Up Singing and Rise Again, please bring them. If you don't, we may have some 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** 1. **Feel free to bring lyrics and chords to hand out for songs not in the books. 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.** 1. **Bring something to drink, as singing is likely to make you thirsty.** 1. **We appreciate (but do not require) contributions to cover our room rental costs of $75 per session.** 1. **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!**

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)

First Saturday is sponsored by Joel Pomerantz, former board member of the Songwriter's Association of Washington. Keep in mind this periodic meetup will be canceled if there is another event at the maid at that time. Check the schedule at ElectricMaid.org to be sure. Questions/Concerns, contact Joel Pomerantz or myself at voice/text at 202 316 2203

Please provide your song suggestions for a Potluck jam. Asking participants to bring a dish, appetizer, dessert, or bevarages (or chip in $10). We'll have food and drinks after the jam. Use promo code Dish to avoid the fee if you plan to bring food or drinks. You can also rsvp on our new American Rockers site. https://www.americanrockers.org/book-online

**Info below: Welcome! Download Songbook, Seating** *** \*\* 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 \*\* *** **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! *** **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. *** c. FACEBOOK: Join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/ *** d. SEATING: You may want to bring a chair as seating may be limited. *** 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 *** 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. Image by www.magnific.com

This event is NOT for beginners please. If you can't make it, please try to sign out at least 5 hours before the event starts. Thank you!

Welcome to the suite life!!! Join us for an elevated concert experience at the Bruno Mars Romantic Tour May 2nd, 2026. [Grab your ticket here](https://traveljoy.com/bookings/hFQupDJo2ZuN8HUckn3nBWyw) Package includes: Ticket to the concert Food and drinks Parking pass- limited to first come first serve. Things to note: You can bring your significantcant other for this event. You must pay your $75.00 deposit by 10am January 15th, 2026.

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!

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!

This year's Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Vienna, Austria, and the finals are scheduled for 16 May 2026. The [Scandinavian Club of Columbus](https://www.scandiclub.com/) will be co-hosting a viewing party for the final event in conjunction with Germania and the [Columbus Maennerchor](https://www.maennerchor.com/). The delayed televised viewing will take place at the Germania. The program will start around 2:00 p.m. and the singing will **start around 3:00 p.m**. There will be a **cash bar**, and those in attendance can **bring food or snacks** for themselves and or to share with the groups. **Suggested donation: $10/person** to help cover the cost of the venue.

**Caller: Richard Ades** **Band: The McKenzies** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** 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.