Synthesizer
Meet other locals who play the Synthesizer. Meet, collaborate, event plan, and discuss music-making using hardware or software synthesizers and MIDI music technology.
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Discover all the synthesizer events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Synthesizer Events Today
Join in-person Synthesizer events happening right now
Soul Orchestral Band
We've got the songs, the charts, the enthusiasm and some of the people. All we need is more people and your enthusiasm and your song choices.
All the standard elements of a Soul band plus orchestral instruments. Exploring the best Soul songs and the best arrangements - especially those featuring strings (violin, viola, cello), French horn, flute, brass, woodwinds, percussion, background vocals.
Let's have fun learning and playing a bunch of great tunes from the Soul / R&B back catalogue. There will be well-known standards and lesser-known or even obscure gems chosen from anywhere in the entire history of R&B.
This is for: lead vocals, backing vocals, guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, trumpet, trombone, French horn, flute, baritone sax, tenor sax, alto sax, woodwinds, violin, viola, cello, percussion.
Visit the "Thursday" page of our new spreadsheet to see vacancies, current members, current repertoire, and to make and see suggestions for new repertoire:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Zb1cMKrOMDvxacsw9AoRRstkx-M7r_NIrF4tZJIREU0/edit?usp=sharing
We'll learn some classic tunes by ear and play them. You do not need to be able to read music. Support is given in learning the parts (this may sometimes include written charts / tab).
The workshop will be led by Andy Dummett.
Andy has been privileged to play with a number of Soul legends including Stax, Atlantic and Motown recording artists - Eddie Floyd, Solomon Burke, Ben E King, Percy Sledge, Edwin Starr, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, the Memphis Horns, Steve Cropper, Teenie Hodges, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Leon Ware, Dorothy Moore.
Please check the studio's website for the latest Covid procedures:
https://www.huskystudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Husky-Studios-Coronavirus-COVID-19-customer-guide.pdf
Fees:
Per session (drop-in): £15
Your fees include the group's costs for rehearsal studio rental and hire of mic's, PA, bass amp, guitar amps and drum kit.
We will work towards a public performance.
See our Calendar (http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/events/) for all Events
http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/events/
To see details of individual Events (past and future), you can click through from the Calendar
The Badminton Collective Stratford Club Night
The session is Every Thursday 7PM till 10PM.
This is for all levels, so after the training you will be able to play games and use what you have learnt.
Just like the saying practice makes perfect.
Any queries on what levels you may be or just any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
PARKING:
Parking is available and Free onsite.
(The postcode is E15 3PA) This at the previous address on New mount Street. Press the buzzer and they will let you in.
PAYMENT:
We are accepting bank transfer rather than cash payments.
In 2 days in advance to confirm your attendance.
Bank Details:
Name: The Badminton Collective Ltd
Sort Code: 60-83-71
Account Number:69874292
Reference your name and date of the session.
£13 Games
IMPORTANT NOTES:
We shall be starting at 7PM sharp so if you miss the start you'll have to just catch up I'm afraid.
How to get there.
If you use the provided postcode it will take you to the front of the school.
By all means message me if you are having troubles.
There is now a water fountain so please bring a bottle to fill up, this is in the main building while they fix the one near the sports Hall.
The Badminton Collective and School 21 are not responsible for any injuries or loss of items.
Aerial Relaxation Pods - Sound Journey Gong Bath Meditation in Hammocks
**London's first multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with live ambient music, gongs, aromatherapy and aerial hammocks. An Oasis of Calm in our Busy Lives.**
# Aerial Relaxation Pods - Sound Journey Gong Bath Meditation in Hammocks
### **ABOUT AERIAL RELAXATION PODS™**
London's first **multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with a short guided meditation, live ambient music: gongs, crystal bowls, vocals, other live instruments and nurturing electronica, aromatherapy eye pillows and scents, sky-blue silky aerial hammocks** to soothe your stresses away and lift your spirit!
**A very unique, next level sound journey experience!**
*"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."*
Londoners stressed out by their busy lives can now turn to Aerial Relaxation Pods™ to transform their tension to calm, and restore the body’s natural healing wisdom.
***(please confirm all dates / times / venue via eventbrite. Not all dates are correct on meetup!)***
**PLEASE NOTE:** Please book via eventbrite. There are very limited spaces, and no sales on the door. an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket!
**For more information and bookings:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator)
*“Our pods are here to help Londoners relax. As a former teacher myself, I am fully aware of just how busy and stressed a lot of people are. And most of us just don't find the time to unwind. Our **Aerial Relaxation Pods** are going to help you alleviate stress, providing time & space to allow your body to deeply rest, harmonising your nervous system. You’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed after one session.” -* Seth Newman, co-founder of Aerial Relaxation Pods**™**.
The Badminton Collective Newham Improvers+ Club Night
DETAILS
The session is Thursday 6.45PM till 9.55PM
All 3 courts will be available for games.
Players are requested to finish the games by 9.50PM and leave the premises by 9.55PM.
This session was previously for higher intermediate levels however we have now changed to a lower intermediate level. Strictly a non beginner session.
We pride our sessions that everyone plays with everyone to keep it a friendly and fun session. We also understand that there is a need for being competitive and we welcome that also.
Payment:
£14 per session.
We are accepting bank transfers rather than cash payments.
Bank details:
Name: The Badminton Collective Ltd
Sort Code: 60-83-71
Account Number:69874292
Reference must be your Full Name to match you to the list of attendees.
RSVP Rules:
2 Day Policy
We shall be adhering to the 2 day rule which consists of confirming your spot by paying for the session 2 days in advance.
If you do not pay before the 2 day deadline you will be moved to the Not Going session and the next person on the waiting list will have 1 day to confirm and pay for the session or they will be moved to the Not Going list and so on.
Cancellation
If you have to cancel on the day please note there won’t be a refund for the session so try and get someone to cover your RSVP and please message to inform us so we are aware.
Important information:
Notes to be aware of that when warming up please don't use the game shuttle and please return the old shuttle for the new shuttle.
Parking is available for free onsite
There is a water fountain so please bring a bottle to fill up.
If you have any questions please contact us. Also we love to hear your views, so please drop us a line with your thoughts and suggestions in messages.
Photographs / Videos
As a club from time to time we post clips, pictures on social media to promote the club. We are also aware that players would like to video themselves to analyse their games. So if you have any concerns over that, please bring it to the host's attention, so that appropriate action can be taken.
Disclaimer
The Badminton Collective and Royal Docks Academy are not responsible for any injuries or loss of items.
Aerial Relaxation Pods… with Sound journey! Two sessions 7:15-8:30 & 8:45-10pm
Aerial Relaxation Pods… with Live Ambient Music!
- London's Deep Relaxation Experience -
Aerial Relaxation Pods - Lift Your Spirit
Please watch our video to give you a taste of the experience:
Our Aerial Relaxation Pods video on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxlR9u44llw
London's first multi-sensory, aerial relaxation experience with Live ambient music, aromatherapy and featuring our beautiful sky-blue silky Aerial Hammocks.
"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."
Two sessions per evening on Thursdays:
IMPORTANT: Please note your space is only confirmed once booked through Eventbrite.
7:15-8:30pm book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/84883457707
8:45-10pm book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/84878729565
COST:
1 x ticket £17 (£18.92 inc ticket fee)
Offer (limited availability) 2x tickets £28 (£30.77 inc ticket fee)
"Words are inadequate to express the uniquely nurturing experience I had during your Aerial Relaxation Pod class... and the music was amazing! The feeling of being securely wrapped in a silk hammock from head to toe, suspended in the air, slowly rocking, with the crystal bowls and ambient music created a sublime and profound atmosphere. It was as if I was in a cocoon of total support, allowing peace to flow into my entire being." - Alison
COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES & PREVENTION MEASURES:
- If you are showing any symptoms, please do not attend. Any participant repeatedly coughing in the space will be asked to leave immediately.
- You can wear a face-covering during the sessions if you choose to.
- Please come already dressed in comfortable clothing ensuring your knees, armpits and torso are covered, and with a bag for your belongings. There are bathrooms at the venue but no changing rooms.
- We will provide antibacterial wipes and hand sanitisers at the venue. Please wash your hands regularly and use the hand sanitiser supplied upon entering the venue.
- All touch hotspots will be regularly cleaned with disinfectant between each session.
- We ask that all participants keep at least 1m physical distance at all times. Any participant repeatedly breaching this distance will be asked to leave.
- We will provide clean lavender eye pillows and covers will be changed between each session. You are welcome to bring your own eye pillow/ eye mask.
- All hammocks will be disinfected with antibacterial spray between each session.
- Blankets and cushions: we will provide separate sets for each session. You are welcome to bring your own blanket & cushion.
- The venue has skylights that will be opened to allow more airflow in the space.
PLEASE NOTE:
1) Strictly no latecomers! - Sorry, please arrive on time! Unfortunately, if you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be allowed entry, (and there can be no refunds if you are more than 10 minutes late, very sorry!) as we need to make it a calm & peaceful space for people who are already here.
2) Please only arrive 5 minutes before the start of the session, as there is no waiting room.
3) No Refunds. No refunds are available as we need to have enough time to fill the space left. You are welcome to pass on your ticket to a friend, colleague or family member.
4) Clothing: Please wear a sleeved shirt that covers the armpits and leggings or yoga trousers that cover your knees. Wear form-fitting clothing. Please do not wear baggy clothing as they can snag and catch on the sling’s fabric causing accidents. Ensure that your clothing is "zipper free" and remove all jewellery (body piercings, watches and hair clips. These items can snag and damage the silk hammocks.
🏸FEATHERED: Social Doubles📍Canning Town 📶 Mixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/46669
**Game Description:**
Come and join our badminton session in Canning Town 🔥
Join our whatsapp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LsLjg8CxI8MIxSFb82qkdb
Music 🎶 3 courts, social session - the general ability is mid intermediate.
There will be spare rackets but please bring your own racket if you do have one.
1 new tube of FEATHERED shuttles will be provided per session, plus a set of Yonex 300 plastic shuttles.
🚪 Getting Into the School
1\. The school is surrounded by a green fence\.
2\. Entrance is near the stone wall\.
3\. At the gate\, find the intercom on the right\-hand side\.
4\. Press the ‘Call’ button and wait for security to respond\.
5\. When the intercom flashes green\, push the gate open\.
\-\-\-
🏸 Finding the Indoor Court
1\. After entering\, go through the visitor gate\.
2\. Follow the corridor to the end\.
3\. Look for the yellow double doors – the badminton courts are inside\!
\-\-\-
🚻 Facilities
🔹 Changing Rooms & Toilets
\- Located outside the court area in the corridor\.
\- Male facilities – right\-hand side\.
\- Female facilities – left\-hand side\.
💧 Water Points
\- There are three water points in the corridor outside the court\.
\- Bring a water bottle to use with the water pump\.
Enjoy your game! 🏸🔥
**Rules**
Games to 21
Max two games on in a row
Max one game off in a row
The RAG Reality Check: From Vibe-Coding to Production
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is the gold standard for grounding LLMs in proprietary enterprise data. However, the journey from a flashy proof-of-concept to a reliable, secure production system is fraught with complexity. This talk bridges the gap between rapid prototyping and rigorous engineering. We will begin by exploring the actual merit of “vibe-coding”—using AI-assisted, rapid prototyping to build compelling demo apps that secure client buy-in and validate use cases.
Once the demo is sold, the real work begins. We will navigate the architectural decision matrix, comparing the trade-offs of off-the-shelf products, cloud-managed services, and fully custom-built RAG solutions. Diving into the technical pipeline, we will cover modern ingestion strategies like agentic chunking and sophisticated retrieval methods, including re-ranking and GraphRAG, to overcome the limitations of simple vector search. We will detail the essential role of telemetry and LLM-as-a-Judge evaluation frameworks in ensuring sustained performance, faithfulness, and relevancy. Join us to learn how to transition from impressive demos to robust solutions that deliver measurable business value.
Our Speaker, **[Dr. Enrico Fonda](https://www.linkedin.com/in/enricofonda/)** is a data scientist with a background in physics. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Maryland and New York University, where he studied quantum fluids and applied deep learning to turbulence. In 2019, Enrico moved to London and transitioned his skills to the industry. He has since worked across the MarTech, Telco, and Tech sectors, focusing on machine learning modeling, generative AI applications, and code generation. Today, as a Solution Consultant at Sahaj Software, he continues to solve complex problems in data science and AI.
🗓️ **Save the Date:** 26th March, 2026
📍 **Location:** Sahaj Software, 1 Quality Court, London, WC2A 1HR
🕕 **Time:** 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (BST)
The evening will feature:
🎤 **One engaging talk** with Q&A
🤝 **Plenty of time for networking** over free pizza and non-alcoholic drinks
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and share with fellow tech enthusiasts.
👉 Please click the link below to register.
https://sahaj.ai/events/the-rag-reality-check-from-vibe-coding-to-production/
Synthesizer Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
The Jam - March 28th
# **Please expand to read event setup**
Max 25 participants can comfortably fit in the room at any one time with the following;
* 3-5 vocalists
* 5-6 guitarist
* 1-3 bassists
* NO MORE DRUMMERS PLS
* 1-2 keys
Participants will be called up to play songs they've noted on the Song list spreadsheet (link below) as priority.
We go to our local pub for some karaoke afterwards!
**The Jam Plan**
Working on tunes from the Song List spreadsheet
2:30pm-4:30pm
BREAK
4:30pm-6:30pm
**Song list sheet:**
Head over to the link below to nominate songs or put your name against existing songs on the list.
[Link to spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MFZSyioTvFhU3cipoh-CxLDB2Dgu7R2BXaW4G0Wg5nQ/edit?usp=sharing)
# **What to bring on the day:**
There will be a keyboard, drum kit, 4 mics, 1 bass amp and 2 guitar amps on the day.
Singers:
Bring along lyrics.
Guitarist / Bassist:
Bring along your instrument.
Drummers:
Drum kit and sticks are provided.
Keys/piano players:
Keyboard is provided.
# **Considerations**
1. Jammers should come prepared for the songs they have chosen on the spreadsheet.
2. No shows or cancellations up to a week before the Jam will not be refunded. Ask the organizer for a refund if you cancel before then.
3. Spreadsheet: maximum 5 song nominations per person. Put your name on the 'Nominated By' column.
4. Guitarists: there will be a rig setup for each amp you will all be using this jig. We will plan ahead and agree who is bringing what pedal for the day.
5. Jammers doing very few songs will go on the waitlist.
The cost is £12 pre-pay for the day, fees all go towards running The Jam.
Novice | 11-2pm Mar 29, 9M Studios
**Update: full for drums, piano, 1 of 2 spots taken for bass, 1 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments (sax, trumpet, violin, flute)**
**Please note 11am start for this session at 9M studios.**
*Please only sign up if your instrument (or vocals) is not indicated above as full for this session.*
*\*\* The 9M Studios sessions are now 3 hours long. The group is encouraged to use the last hour to call additional songs that are not on the repertoire list - similar to an open jam, or to experiment with arrangements such as intros and endings for the original repertoire. \*\**
full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/
**What is it**
The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group.
See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending.
already full for your instrument? Please check back on Wednesday mornings, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie).
Location: 9M Studios, SE17 1DX
**Who's it for**
anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians.
There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g.
https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics
You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing.
While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements.
Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas.
Playing the melody, or "head" - the responbility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time.
**What it's like**
A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on.
Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments.
**Tunes this week (Sun Mar 29)**
* Take the A train in C (warm up)
(Vache, Allen)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8JJv13K3WU
* Work Song in Fm
(Cannonball & Nat Adderley)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlepuNi40M8
* In Walked Bud in Ab
(Chad LB)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHX_5H80WBk
* Softly as in a morning sunrise in Cm
(Chad LB)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks9lzgh-NdI
Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books)
**Tune preview - next novice session (Sat Apr 4)**
* Bags' Groove in F (warm up)
(Emmet Cohen)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uICkruoxRv0
* Poinciana in D
(Scott Hamilton) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h3RWVeTlGM
* Summertime in Am
(Herbie Hancock)
(Chet Baker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y3FfjESXpU
* Have you Met Miss Jones? in F
(Stan Getz) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4aFcaAwOPU
**Preparing for the session**
The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books.
Resource for sheet music:
https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html
http://therealbook.info/
Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc.
Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off
**Playing well together**
The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group
* Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending)
* Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification)
* After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including:
\*\* Can everyone hear themselves?
\*\* Are the drums too loud?
\*\* Can everyone hear the bass?
\*\* Is the guitar comping too loud?
\*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up)
\*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs
* For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc.
**Equipment**
there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, and microphones. Limited number of music stands. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch
**Percussion**
Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion".
**Vocalists**
singers very welcome though usually I suggest you come to the intermediate sessions where you can pick your own song and key (as chances are many of the above are not in the right key for your range)
**Cancellation policy**
Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible.
Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session.
\-\-\-\-
any questions do get in touch!
Monthly Expat Pub Night: The Maple Leaf!
Monthly Expat Pub Night: The Maple Leaf!
Hey Everyone! For our monthly pub night gathering (The Vandoos), we are heading to The Maple Leaf on a Friday! Please join your fellow Canadian Expats and friends of Canada for a great night of socializing!
See you soon!
David Mathews
Leader - The London Expat Canadian Meetup Group
About the London Vandoos
The Vandoos is a group of like-minded and unlike-minded Canadians who get together on the 22nd of each month (or near about) at a selected London pub to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Guests and "honourary" Canadians are always welcome. The London Vandoos was originally formed as a Yahoo group and is the social arm of Network Canada.
Past Network Canada President Dave Mathews organizes the monthly Vandoos Meetups. The evenings are very similar to the Monthly Monday night wings event... without the wings!
The venues are announced roughly six to eight weeks prior to the event. Keep the 22nd of each month circled, something will be happening around that date!
Hope to see you at a Vandoos gathering soon!
[)
The London Expat Canadian Meetup Group is dedicated to providing a harassment-free meetup experience for everyone. Our Code of Conduct outlines the standards and behaviours that help to shape and strengthen our community group. All event participants are expected to uphold these high standards, ensuring fellowship within a community of Canuck-minded people. For further information, please go to [https://www.meetup.com/London-Canadian-Expat/pages/22410148/Code_of_Conduct/](https://www.meetup.com/London-Canadian-Expat/pages/22410148/Code_of_Conduct/)
Novice | 9-11am Mar 29 Vortex upstairs
**Update: full for all instruments (spot remains for vocals)**
*Please only sign up if your instrument (or vocals) is not indicated above as full for this session.*
full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/
**What is it**
The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group.
See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending.
Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie).
Location: Vortex downstairs
**Who's it for**
Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians.
There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g.
https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics
You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing.
While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements.
Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas.
Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time.
**What it's like**
A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on.
Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments.
**Tunes this week (Sun Mar 29)**
* Take the A train in C (warm up)
(Vache, Allen)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8JJv13K3WU
* Work Song in Fm
(Cannonball & Nat Adderley)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlepuNi40M8
* In Walked Bud in Ab
(Chad LB)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHX_5H80WBk
* Softly as in a morning sunrise in Cm
(Chad LB)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks9lzgh-NdI
Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books)
**Tune preview - next novice session (Sat Apr 4)**
* Bags' Groove in F (warm up)
(Emmet Cohen)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uICkruoxRv0
* Poinciana in D
(Scott Hamilton) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h3RWVeTlGM
* Summertime in Am
(Herbie Hancock)
(Chet Baker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y3FfjESXpU
* Have you Met Miss Jones? in F
(Stan Getz) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4aFcaAwOPU
**Preparing for the session**
The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books.
Resource for sheet music:
https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html
http://therealbook.info/
Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc.
Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off
**Playing well together**
The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group
* Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending)
* Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification)
* After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including:
\*\* Can everyone hear themselves?
\*\* Are the drums too loud?
\*\* Can everyone hear the bass?
\*\* Is the guitar comping too loud?
\*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up)
\*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs
* For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc.
**Equipment**
there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch
**Vocalists**
Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing.
**Percussion**
Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion".
**Observing**
Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal.
**Cancellation policy**
Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible.
Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session.
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any questions do get in touch!
ELECTRIC DREAMS (electronic/alternative club meetup) **NEW VENUE**
**ELECTRIC DREAMS** is at a **NEW VENUE** – The Star of Kings, Kings Cross – in the "BOOKCASE BASEMENT" downstairs.
Meet friendly, sociable, like-minded people who are into the same music.
**FIRSTLY**... Please say **"HELLO"** on the door as you walk in and you will be introduced to other meetup members –**POSITIVE** feedback is appreciated.
**ELECTRIC DREAMS** is a long running, very well established friendly and sociable club night for all fans of the electronic / alternative 80s. Meet new like-minded friends and dance the night away to club classics.
Expect to hear the likes of Depeche Mode, The Human League, La Roux, OMD, Japan, Ultravox, PSB, Soft Cell, Blancmange, Goldfrapp, Visage, Blondie, Duran Duran, The Cure, NIN, Daft Punk, Adam Ant, Ladytron, Fischerspooner, Erasure, New Order, Joy Division, Yazoo, Eurythmics, Alphaville, Devo, Talking Heads, Roxy Music and many, many more.
**Open from 9pm - 1am**
The Star of Kings is towards the top of York Way, about a 10-15 mins. walk from Kings Cross rail station, and also close to both St. Pancras and Euston rail stations.
**Door time: 9:00pm, Start time: 9:00pm**
18 and over.
Love to Drum - djembe and percussion fun!
**Love to Drum - Djembe and Percussion Fun!**
Join us for an exciting drum circle experience with our regular host, Simon, who will be teaching simple and not-so-simple West African based drum rhythms. Together, we'll create uplifting and positive vibrations through the power of drums and percussion instruments, sharing in the joy of making music in a friendly and inclusive environment.
Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this drumming session is open to all. You'll have the opportunity to learn Djembe and Dundun drum rhythms and playing techniques. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the world of drumming and connect with others through the universal language of music.
Don't miss out on this joyful and enriching experience! No matter your level of ability, you're bound to enjoy it.
The cost for the entire session, including drum hire, is £15.
Advance booking available here or at www.bunow.co/events
Synthesizer Events Near You
Connect with your local Synthesizer community
From Web Forms to Web Components - Burton Smith
**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you.
The building address is 4450 Bridge Park
The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400
**Abstract**
Web Forms gave .NET developers a powerful abstraction for building reusable UI controls long before design systems were a thing. Web Components finally bring that same idea to the browser natively.
This session explores how the Web Forms mindset translates into Custom Elements, Shadow DOM, and HTML templates. We’ll examine how Web Components enable design systems that work across frameworks, how they differ from server‑driven controls, and why they’re becoming a foundational layer for modern UI. Whether you’re maintaining legacy apps or building greenfield projects, you’ll leave with a practical understanding of how to apply familiar patterns in a modern, standards‑based way.
**YouTube Link**
TBA
Arthouse Friday: THE DRAMA at the Drexel Theatre!
Join us as we get together for an Arthouse Movie Friday event to see the A24 dark comedy /romance / psychological-thriller, THE DRAMA! The film stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple whose relationship is challenged when one discovers unsettling truths about the other. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: The film follows a happily engaged couple whose relationship is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails. The film comes from A24, is written/directed by Kristoffer Borgli stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates and Zoë Winters.
QUICK WORD OF WARNING: The film hasn’t screened for critics yet and most of the details are being kept tightly under wraps. But, early buzz (possibly promotional) says the film is a brilliant psychological thriller/romance but also provocative, twisty and some contains occasional uncomfortable viewing! I love the cast and trailer, so look forward to seeing for ourselves!
ZENDAYA-PATTINSON TRIFECTA CHALLENGE: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya will star in THREE movies together this year, including THE DRAMA, Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY this Summer and Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE: PART THREE at Christmas!
TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk)
PLAN: We’ll plan for 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised. Possibly post-movie get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer.
Take care and look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Central Ohio Radio Enthusiasts - WiFi HaLow: Introduction and Practical Use
Central Ohio Radio Enthusiasts—CORE—is an informal community for anyone enthusiastic or curious about radio—whether you're new to radio and want to learn or you've been tinkering for years and want to share. Ham radio operators, GMRS users, Meshtastic fans, software-defined radio nerds, makers, and technical and non-technical folks are all welcome. No experience required or expected.
This month we have **WiFi HaLow: Introduction and Practical Use** with **Alex Barbur**.
Details are are [core.radio](https://core.radio).
Discount Tuesday: THEY WILL KILL YOU at the Gateway Film Center!
Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of two great films! Option 1 is the dark comedy/drama based on a true story TOW! The film stars Rose Byrne as a homeless Seattle woman how battles a towing company. Option 2 is the off-the-rails, over-the-top, action-comedy-horror THEY WILL KILL YOU! The film stars Zazie Beetz as a woman who answers a help wanted ad to be a housekeeper in a mysterious New York City high-rise not knowing its mysterious past! Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event:
TOW: This dark comedy/drama is based on a true story and follows a homeless Seattle woman who fights her way out of "tow-company hell" to reclaim the car that had held her life together after receiving a tow bill for $21,634. The film stars Rose Byrne, Ariana DeBose, Demi Lovato, Octavia Spencer, Dominic Sessa, Elsie Fisher and Simon Rex! The film premiered to solid reviews at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival where critics declared, “TOW is a winner!” It’s “a story of perseverance, heart, and real fight, the kind of small human story we see less frequently these days, but need now more than ever.” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdkpcsuPAhA
THEY WILL KILL YOU: A woman takes a job as a housekeeper in a NYC high-rise, unaware of the building's history of disappearances. She soon realizes the community is shrouded in mystery. The film is directed by Kirill Sokolov and Zadie Beetz, Myha'la, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton, Heather Graham, and Patricia Arquette. The film is being released immediately following its premiere at this year’s SXSW Festival earlier this month. Early reviews say it’s “an adrenaline rush of action-packed fights, tons of blood and gore and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments” and a movie that’s “unafraid to march to its own campy, violent, and clever little drummer!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYqQPiXpi4w
PLAN: Not exactly a “Choose Your Movie” event, more like an early show and a late one (or both if you’re feeling sparky)!
\* If you’d like to see TOW, please purchase your ticket for the 5:00pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 4:40 and 4:50pm!
\* If you plan to see THEY WILL KILL YOU, please purchase your ticket for the 7:45pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 7:25 and 7:35pm!
\* Tickets for both films on sale now and advance purchase is advised! Tickets just $5.00 ($6.50 after online fees when purchased via the GFC website). Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event.
\* Also, as a reminder, close, convenient parking available in the nearby garage (Between 9th and 11th, just off High) and just $2 when you have your ticket validated at the theater!
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Psychic Development Series II - Pueo Group
Private Group. Closed to the Public
Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy.
In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected.
The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve.
I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia
Columbus Chess Club
This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!
Pranic Healing Level I - PH I--- DAY 2 of 2
MCKS PRANIC HEALING® Level I
In PRANIC HEALING® Level 1, you learn the basics of working with your energy aura, including learning to "scan," or feel the energy, to "sweep," or clean away congested energy, and to "energize," or supplement areas in your aura that have a pranic deficiency.
PRANIC HEALING® has been taught to doctors, nurses, massage
therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, shiatsu practitioners, and many others in the healing field. It has allowed them to heal confidently and consistently in the shortest learning time possible. These professionals find PRANIC HEALING® very effective and easy to apply.
Other topics covered in PRANIC HEALING® Level 1:
Energetic anatomy: You will learn to work with the network of chakras, meridians and auras to accelerate the healing processes of your body.
Preventive healing: You will learn to remove the negative energetic patterns of a disease to prevent it from fully manifesting as a physical ailment.
Self-Pranic healing: You will learn to apply these healing techniques to accelerate your own healing.
Step-by-step techniques for ailments related to your:
respiratory system, e.g., asthma,; circulatory system, e.g., heart ailments; gastrointestinal system, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome; musculoskeletal system, e.g., arthritis and back pain; reproductive system, e.g., menstrual problems. You'll also learn how to address common problems as migraines and sinusitis.
Additionally, you'll learn to apply distant healing to loved ones who are not present in the room with you.
All PRANIC HEALING® courses are "experiential," which means that you learn by actually performing the techniques and exercises in class - on yourself and those around you. During class, all the principles will be explained thoroughly and you will practice the techniques exhaustively so you will be confident in your ability to produce positive results when you finish the course.
This is Day 2 of 2 Attendance at day one is required to attend day 2.
The Course text book is Choa Kok Sui, "Miracles through Pranic Healing" Please bring this with you to class.
PRANIC HEALING® Level 1 is a prerequisite to all other GMCKS courses.
For those interested to review the class...Review fee is only $75!!
LOOK AT THIS!! Review for FREE when you bring a new student to class with you.





















