Touch of Jazz and Blues

For this month let’s take in some holiday cheer at the [Downtown DC Holiday Market](https://www.downtowndc.org/holiday-market/)! We will meet at the corner of 7th St NW & F St NW on the museum side, and wander around the market. There’s food, [vendors](https://www.downtowndc.org/holiday-market/vendors/), cute kitschy stuff. Market closes at 9pm. Dress for being outdoors!

♠️ Spades in Virginia! ♠️ Nando's Peri Peri, Mosaic District 2987 District Ave Ste 100, Fairfax, VA 22031 🌟 3rd Fridays 🕕 6:30pm to 10:30pm Spades in Virginia! We are trying a new location. If things go well, we may meet there more often. 🚗 Parking is FREE!!! Alcoholic beverages are available!Please support the business by ordering food/drinks. No partner is needed! Find one when you get there. All skill levels are welcome. Come hang out with us and have a great time! 📆 Posted in multiple groups. So expect a nice crowd. 🌟 The fun starts at 6:30pm! RSVP today.

_The Unique Jazz Spa Lounge provides a vendor and networking opportunity for local businesses. We offer mini spa services at introductory prices, lite fare, coffee and tea bar, a lounge set up and tranquil jazz music (live performances coming soon). You are cordially invited to join us bi-weekly. All are welcome to come out and support local businesses, network and enjoy!__

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez intermédiaire/avancé ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with a glass of wine, appetizers and drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from intermediate to native fluency. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

[The Conservatory Classic Jazz Band](http://www.ccjazzband.com/) opens and closes the music, with a Jam Session at the end of each set. All are welcome to sit in or just sit back and enjoy! [The Conservatory Classic Jazz Band](http://www.ccjazzband.com/) was formed in 2003 to present the sounds of traditional jazz to Washington DC audiences. A seven-piece group, they play New Orleans style, Chicago style, small-group swing, and mainstream. CCJB members include Dave Robinson, leader/cornet/trumpet, Brian Priebe on trombone, Gary Gregg on clarinet/sax, Dan Hall on bass, Jeff Reynolds on guitar/banjo, Brian Alpert on drums. Visit the band's [website](http://www.ccjazzband.com/) for additional information. The PRJC Monthly Jam Session is held at [Alfio's La Trattoria](https://alfios.com/) in Chevy Chase. There is plenty or room for you and your friends. We could fit 100 people in there. That said, we do recommend, if you want a table for your group, arrive early. We will get you in, but can't promise seating groups together if the space has filled up. [Alfio's](https://alfios.com/) has free valet parking (tips are appreciated). Street parking is free but unobtainable. There is a full [menu](https://alfios.com/dinner.shtml) and bar. We welcome suggestions for possible event venues anywhere in the DMV. Our requirements include space for at least 70 people, plenty of parking, and a conveniently accessible location; near Metro is a plus. Admission: Non-Jammers (PRJC members $10, non-members $15), Youth & Jammers (Free). If you play, you don't pay! Cash, checks or PayPal at the door, or [in advance on Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-prjc-monthly-trad-jazz-jam-featuring-the-conservatory-classic-jazz-band-tickets-1640135362019?aff=erelpanelorg)[.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-prjc-monthly-trad-jazz-jam-featuring-the-conservatory-classic-jazz-band-tickets-1364884950629?aff=ebdsoporgprofile)

Each month Noah Gitlis teaches a different Jazz Standard with emphasis on melody, harmony, accompaniment, and rhythm. The goal of the class is to help students boost their jazz repertoire, and build the skills required to feel confident in a jazz jam session. These classes are a lot of fun and a great way to get out and play with other people while learning some really fun music. All instruments and skill levels are welcome but students should have basic proficiency on their instrument to get the most out of the class. Songs such as: Blue Bossa Autumn Leaves Footprints All of Me So what My Favorite Things Ages 14+ Register Here: https://square.link/u/e1yAgBNo

**[Click Here To Reserve Your Table Now At Now](https://TheContinentDCBrunch.eventbrite.com/?aff=ACMU)** **🍳 BRUNCH REIMAGINED. AFRICA-INSPIRED. UNFORGETTABLE.** Welcome to the Afro-Fusion Brunch at The Continent DC — the city’s boldest all-you-can-eat brunch experience. Every Saturday & Sunday from 12PM to 5PM, we're serving up an indulgent buffet spread where Africa’s most beloved bites meet brunch classics in a flavorful fusion. **Sundays from 12PM TO 5PM** Enjoy a full-service brunch buffet with chef-attended stations, serving everything from suya-spiced omelettes to jollof rice bowls, pancakes, and more. Our menu blends the familiar with the flavorful for a culinary journey you won’t forget. 🥘 Endless dishes to explore 🍾 Bottomless mimosas that keep pouring 👨🏾‍🍳 Live chef stations with curated Afro-fusion delights 🌞 Indoor & outdoor seating for the perfect weekend vibe 🎶 Afrobeats, amapiano & laid-back rhythms all day Whether you're brunching with friends or celebrating something special, this isn’t your average brunch — it’s a whole experience. 📍 Reserve your table now at www.thecontinentdc.com and come brunch like you mean it.

**Spirit of Giveaway Gathering** You are warmly invited to gather with us in the gentle spirit of generosity, gratitude, and shared abundance. This is a sacred time to honor the season through giving—not from obligation, but from the heart. Throughout the gathering, we will enjoy a shared spread of appetizers, so please bring a dish to offer if you feel called. As we eat and commune together, we open space for connection, kindness, and the natural flow of giving and receiving. The Spirit of Giveaway is not a time for clearing out unwanted items, but for offering something meaningful—an object that carries intention, beauty, or personal significance. Many of us serve as caretakers of sacred tools and talismans, and when the time comes for an item to change hands, it becomes a powerful act of trust and devotion. You may bring something you feel guided to give to a specific person, or place your offering into the central circle where any member of the community may be intuitively drawn to receive it. During this gathering, most items in our crystal shop will also be available on a “name your price” basis. Twenty-five percent of all proceeds will be donated to a local soup kitchen, extending our circle of giving beyond these walls and into the wider community. This event will immediately follow our **11am Ring of the Bowls Sound Bath Meditation**, creating a beautiful flow from deep listening into sacred exchange. All are welcome, as long as you arrive with an open mind and a respectful heart. We look forward to sharing this gentle celebration of giving with you. ✨ 📍 Directions Address: 15406 Riding Stable Rd. (property is at the end of a ½ mile driveway into the woods). You will cross a small stream—drive slowly (under 10 MPH) to keep dust down. Please be mindful of our neighbors and do not stop to interact with horses along the way. With Love & Gratitude

Hey Social Sips & Bites Get ready for a holly, jolly rock 'n' roll night! State Theatre is throwing A Holiday Tribute to Elvis Presley and you're invited! Put on your blue suede shoes and join us for a night filled with the King's greatest hits and classic Christmas tunes. We'll have: A spot-on Elvis Tribute Artist Festive sips & tasty bites Great company & holiday cheer! https://thestatetheatre.freshtix.com/events/elvistributedec19

Join us for the wonderful sounds of **ContraPuntal** (Zachary Mills (fiddle), Bobby LaRose (mandolin), Charlie Pilzer (piano)) who will bring their exciting, engergetic dancing tunes to the Spanish Ballroom for the Friday Night Dance. Our callers, **Dave Winston**, will bring us an evening of delightful dancing fun. Don't miss this fun-filled evening! Come on out and join us for an amazing evening at the Friday Night Dance!! **All dances called gender-free.** Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD 20812. Tickets are $15. Purchase tickets at[ here ](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/friday-night-contra-dances-at-glen-echo-3504989)or pay at the door. **The admission price includes the lesson at 7:30 p.m.** **Dance from 8 to 11 p.m.** You can register and pay online in advance, which is faster. You may also pay at the door with cash and credit cards. You have the ability to cancel registrations prior to the event, and any payment will be refunded as a credit for future use. No refunds will be available after the event has started. The Friday Night Dancers are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organization, welcoming all of our neighbors to join us in this energetic and delightful evening of fun each week. Be sure to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us each Friday evening at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park!! **UPCOMING FND DANCES** **December 26 - New Hipsters** (Joe DeZarn (fiddle), Liz Donaldson (piano), Ralph Gordon (bass)) with **Perry Shafran** calling - in the SBR **January 2 - Contra Rebels** (Aaron Blouin (bass), Todd Clewell (fiddle), Henry Koretzky (guitar and mandolin), Barb Schmid (fiddle)) with **Lo Ziv Peckman** calling - in the SBR **January 9 - Callithump** (Glyn Collinson (bouzouki, vocals, stomping), Andrew Marcus (accordion), David Knight (fiddle)) with **Chloe Levine** calling - in the SBR **January 16 - Gigmeisters** (Ralph Gordon (bass), Alexander Mitchell (fiddle, mandolin), Paul Oorts (mandolin, accordion, guitar), Dave Wiesler (piano, guitar)) with **Alyssa (Lyss) Adkins** calling - in the SBR

Hi! This will be a pretty chill night of dream pop, soul, and pop rock. Whoever would like to go, grab tickets at the link & let’s meet at 7:30 on December 20th for a pre-show beverage at the bar in Jammin’ Java! Seriously looking forward to seeing everyone & sharing some good vibes on a Saturday night. ✨🖤✨ [Ticket Link ](https://www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/bird-and-byron/)

Join us as we kick the New Year with a fun Happy Hour and your choice of two fun, new films! Option 1 is the biographical-musical-docu-drama, SONG SUNG BLUE, which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in the story about a real-life couple and Neil Diamond Tribute Duo. Option 2 is the comedy-action-adventure ACACONDA, which stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd as part of a group of friends remaking a favorite movie from their youth. Here’s a complete description, trailer and our plan for this event: SONG SUNG BLUE: The film follows Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, who experience success and heartbreak in their musical journey together. Not a tribute to Neil Diamond, but a tribute to a Neil Diamond Tribute Band! The film is based on the 2008 documentary of the same name and is directed by Craig Brewer. It stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, along with Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi. Critics call the film, “a crowd-pleaser with a ton of heart!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCM0Ztp3o1o ANACONDA: In this action-thriller-comedy-adventure, a group of friends going through a mid-life crisis head to the jungle to remake a favorite movie from their youth but encounter “unexpected events.” The film is directed by Tom Gormican and stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Selton Mello, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn. The film is a reimagining of the 1997 original. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMsFsfrPNaw PLAN: We’ll kick off the event with a pre-show Happy Hour at nearby Bravo! We’ll confirm the details and exact meeting time once we get the showtimes, but planning for 5 to 5:30pm for the Happy Hour and a 7pm-ish showing of both films. For the movies, we’ll meet inside the lobby area about 20 minutes before showtimes! Once showtimes are announced, advance ticket purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your Movie of Choice and seat number in the Comments below. Complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

# **Band: Firefly Trace, caller Kenny Greer** Beginner lesson at 7:30, regular dancing begins at 8:00 **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** 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. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

The emotional pain from past bad experiences easily lingers in the present, making it hard to enjoy life and create your future. Even when you think you've moved on, the negative emotions can be triggered, sending you back into the pain of that experience. And we are talking about pain; emotions such as grief, depression, anxiety, fear (or terror), boiling anger, simmering resentment, feelings of shame, blaming and regret can leave you incapacitated to a greater or lesser degree. In this local event we will be discussing the reasons why these past bad experiences have the power to affect you long after they occurred. We'll go over why the emotional pain can be so strong. We'll also discuss some simple solutions to overcome your emotional pain and be free to fully enjoy your life again. Examples of painful experiences include: * A broken relationship or divorce. * Death or loss of a loved one. * Death of a pet. * A sudden shock or bad news. * A betrayal. * Being part of an abusive relationship. * A bad injustice. * Loss of a job, position or business. * A grave illness or injury. The negative emotions from these experiences don't just go away on their own. But the good news is there is a way to clear them out of your way. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Hey there Black Love Friends! We're back for the final week of our 2025 **Pre-Resolution Fitness Challenge!** this week we will be at Franklin Park Conservatiry! Every Sat for the rest of 2025 we will be hosting a new challenge at a new park where all fitness levels are welcomed. What a great way to get a jump start on those fitness resolutions and make some new connections in the process. Don't wait reserve your spot today!

**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/ "https://columbussalsadancing.com/") Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 .