Vocal Harmonies

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Queer Country,”** on the long, often-hidden presence of LGBTQ+ performers in country music, with Tanya Olson, lecturer in English and scholar of gender and sexuality studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-queer-country ](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-queer-country) .] Although country music is often thought of as conservative, rural, and straight, queer artists have always been part of its story. Learn about the important role that queer artists, their ideas, and their experiences have played in country music with Tanya Olson, a cultural critic whose recent work explores the intersection of country music, identity, and tradition. She’ll talk about queer artists across generations, describing how they are hidden and what it means to stand in the circle of tradition without being seen. She’ll explore how queerness shows up in the songs, stories, and sounds of country music even when it isn’t named, and also what’s at stake when those threads are left out of the history we tell. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of country music’s past, as well as a sharper eye for who’s been missing from the picture all along. You’ll gain an appreciation for why inclusion in country radio and the Grand Ole Opry matters, as well as an understanding of how a queer presence might strengthen, rather than threaten, country music's legacy. Olson’s latest book of poetry, *Born Backwards*, builds on the language and imagery of country music to ask who gets remembered and why. Learning from her will make for a memorable evening. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Country artist k.d. lang performs in 2008 as part of the Cambridge Folk Festival (Photo by Bryan Ledgard / Creative Commons).

Every Monday Night (Rare Execeptions posted on NOVA BG website ) since the late 1980s, we are new to Meetup. https://sites.google.com/site/novabackgammon/ Register at 6:45PM Random Draw 7:00PM sharp. Results Usually Reported on Tuesday - via NOVA BG E-Mail Double-Elimination: Main & Consolation Brackets We follow USBGF Rules and the following options: - Legal Moves. - Use of two dice is Preferred over four dice. - Dice landing on checkers is legal. - Use of clocks is Preferred.

Mondays just got delicious! Join us at **Divino** for **Wine Mondays: 50% off our entire wine list**—all day, every Monday. From crisp Italian whites to bold Barolos, it’s the perfect excuse to explore something new or revisit a favorite. **Less Monday stress...More Wine!** FREE PARKING

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

👉 Enroll at **[www.worklifespanish.com/conversational-spanish-clubs.html](http://www.worklifespanish.com/conversational-spanish-clubs.html)** Our ***Beginner Banter Club*** meets online and is available to all Spanish learners at the A1-B1 levels who want to start speaking and build confidence. Each week, we’ll explore vocabulary and cultural themes like holidays, food, and daily life in the Spanish-speaking world. **​**Location: Zoom Day: Mondays, 5pm - 6pm ET ​Price: $27.50 / session or FREE with monthly credits 🎁 **FREE Trial Event Available!** Use code **FREECLUB** when you sign up. 👉 Enroll at **[https://www.worklifespanish.com/conversational-spanish-clubs.html](https://www.worklifespanish.com/conversational-spanish-clubs.html)**

• If you RSVP for an event, please attend that event or cancel at least two hours before the event starts. Members that no-show will receive one warning then will be benched (suspended) from events for two weeks. Three no-shows can result in a permanent ban. (No-shows create uneven numbers and prevent folks on the waitlist from playing. Please do your part to un-RSVP as soon as you know that you cannot attend an event.)
• Members must have a way to communicate with organizers and hosts. This can be through the Meetup app messages or by providing other contact info.
• Any member can ask a host or organizer to have their skill rated for event attendance purposes. You will not be allowed to participate in events higher than your NTRP rating. (We may try to limit numbers or have multiple events on a given day to accommodate players of different skill levels and also to help alleviate the court availability problem).
• All members shall conduct good sportsmanship and be courteous to other members at all times.
• Sexual harassment, racism, sexism or any kind of intolerance will not be tolerated and will result in the permanent ban from the group.
• If member receives three warning infractions, the member will be suspended from the Meetup for a period of one month. If a member is suspended twice (six warnings), that member will be permanently banned and any membership dues will then be forfeited.
• If you are scheduling to play with others outside of a MoCo Topspinners event, and you know that there is a MoCo Topspinners event scheduled for that day at that time, please try to use courts other than the courts where the event is scheduled, or move your time so that it does not conflict with the Topspinners event.
For a list of complete rules and definitions you can see the MoCo Topspinners front page. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are hoping for a fun season but we may have to wait for courts and leave earlier than we are used to. Please be patient as we adjust to this new normal and try a few different things that will hopefully help the situation. Happy playing!

Please join us. We are a group of 6-12 people who come together weekly on Mondays for an hour of silent meditation, walking meditation. No RSVP needed; just show up! We all need more silence and peace in this world. We end with tea and snack and a poem with sharing. Our guiding teacher has practiced Zen meditation for 25 years, but we all share leadership. Beginners or anyone interested in silent meditation and fellowship are welcome. We sit in chairs, have a reading or brief instruction, a bell and silent meditation for 10 minutes, followed by walking meditation, a bell and 20 minutes of silent meditation. We end with an offering of tea and a snack, conversation and a poem and reflections. A warm and welcoming group. Free, please join us. We meet in the sanctuary In [Rockville United Church](https://www.rockvilleunitedchurch.org/) in Twinbrook, MD. Plenty of parking. Enter the main door and look for a green sign. ***This is a good place to rest and refresh on the way home from work and before dinner.*** Free. Try it.

We are Metro Voices, the treble chorus associated with the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (The Collective). On Tuesday January 13th from 7-9pm we will be rehearsing at AlexRenew, 1800 Limerick St., Alexandria, VA (6th Floor). Please visit and sing with us or just listen to our rehearsal...we love guests. We rehearse at the same time and place as The Harmonizers, the lower voiced chorus associated with The Collective. Here's an article about our success in a barbershop style convention. https://www.alxnow.com/2025/03/27/notes-alexandria-singers-win-top-honors-at-regional-contest/ Hope to see you soon.

Our all-women a cappella group has the middle sounding fantastic, but frankly, we're a little saggy on the ends! We are desperately seeking women to fill out our **top (Tenor/High)** and **bottom (Bass/Low)** harmony parts. **Are you a woman who...** * Can hit high notes that shatter glass *and* break the male tenor stereotype? (We need your **Tenor** power!) * Can drop notes so low they require their own gravitational field *and* provide our rhythmic foundation? (We need your **Bass** stability!) Stop trying to fit into that boring "soprano 2" box. We need your **massive range**, your **vocal support**, and your **even bigger sense of humor**. *No vocal fry. Just vocal fire.* **Visit now and give us the full support we deserve!** Are you looking for a fun, creative outlet and a new group of friends? This is the perfect time to visit the **Chesapeake Harmony Chorus!** We're opening our rehearsals for guests to discover the joy of singing **four-part barbershop harmony**—an original American art form. **Reward?** The best night of your life Come see what we're all about! You don't need experience, just a love for singing and the ability to carry a tune. We provide the rest: * 🎶 **Expert Vocal Coaching** (It's free!) * 👭 **Instant Sisterhood** and Lasting Friendships * 🎄 **Guaranteed Performance Opportunities** for the Holidays! **Ready to find your voice?** * **When:** Wednesdays at 7:00 PM * **Where:** 1358 Millersville Road Millersville, MD 21108 * **RSVP:** Just show up, or message us to let us know you're coming! * **What to bring:** "Just bring your voice. We can't wait to meet you!" Also suggested: wear comfortable shoes for the risers and maybe a bottle of water. You can find out more about us at our website, [[www.ChesapeakeHarmony.org](http://www.chesapeakeharmony.org/)]

We all sing. In the car, in the shower, at the pub. But many of us are unsure about our ability to sing in front of other people. The Arlingtones Barbershop Chorus wants to help you get the most beautiful sound possible from your voice with the confidence to perform. We love to sing – that’s why we do it and have for over 60 years. Join us for a Tuesday evening and we'll show you what Barbershop Music is all about. No experience or materials necessary.

LOVE 2 SING? Join our weekly rehearsal on Wednesday nights to see what we are all about! Harbor City Music Company is an internationally-recognized Sweet Adelines a cappella show chorus. We invite you to come see what we’re all about. We are actively seeking new voices and smiling faces to join our world-class chorus. We invite you to visit our rehearsal and take part in vocal training, make music with us, and enjoy the opportunity to learn from our Master Director Michael Gellert. We rehearse every Wednesday night in Severna Park, MD from 7:00-10:00 pm. Whether you are an experienced singer or simply enjoy singing in your shower, we invite you to come check us out and enjoy an evening of music and camaraderie. No experience is necessary! To attend our rehearsal, contact our Membership Coordinator at *membership@harborcitymusiccompany.org* or go to our website at *[https://harborcitymusiccompany.org/schedule/](http://harborcitymusiccompany.org/schedule)* and fill out the form at the bottom of the page. We will respond as quickly as possible to provide you more information about attending our in-person rehearsals.

Session are January 12th, 26th, February 9th, 16th, 23rd and March 2nd 7:30-8:30pm From “Tiny Dancer” to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” - join us for a celebration of one of Rock and Roll's most iconic songwriters! We’ll jump around through the entire discography, from the eras with Bernie Taupin to his collaborations with Tim Rice and others. The ensemble is open to all instruments - we’re hoping to reimagine these classic songs to breathe new life into them (though standard rock instruments are welcome as well). Students interested in the ensemble should have a working proficiency on their instrument, ability to read music, interpret chords and rhythms, or have an advanced ability to play by ear. Register Here: [https://square.link/u/qw70LFjZ](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsquare.link%2Fu%2Fqw70LFjZ%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2w0WEZMTGNGTkNGQktoQnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5UW5QJr3I6pBhufZQbIqo83BBaWjKIFLlu41cseQ7txoFF29QuC1SpYfUTaw_aem_pY6cFjl2p42tIJAF_my4yQ&h=AT3SuWhYx1TXu6UmVvCnolsERU5iBz5dbOWTVUV8r5hI_bjUb3dBQwwNTiP2x15XfMS7focMo4HtWbECWknvDp48hJC6_LMhqOTIeHO-8Y5BPiWy1UesWBYCPLhknQbbBXWxU65baELOCKNfTvk&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT1SnXmLSaDcKZbLqvdq3KB-45P01awb5RVURLd6L1olYgE-qkoKO_FZFJasXEh8s6UzsBCSxdUEpII4fPIAGDLNMMEsLiE678WZ_EKeBWSDcyyKs-Sp7KJXAB80KX7Qq2LzFxgqsGPmPXfsZJWNYFRGNjwGgy8OIEI) Check out our other Group Classes and Workshops: [https://schoolofmusicaltraditions.com/classes-workshops](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fschoolofmusicaltraditions.com%2Fclasses-workshops%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2w0WEZMTGNGTkNGQktoQnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7BQriz1MwOpAn5GxxNjPt6-NZLdRBVKqKgbOVHvDmOV2gaCgITQVeQxZXvSA_aem_B5_ZEJ8XWD1_zXhDIoIb_g&h=AT3np_7G9sYIY9sDFf8P6xerJt0YtecZj5DEep3K0RGSmk9TLTGMU3Bbcao492apVQvbQyOlzk0OMK0ABcvbEy8oJrHKe0v9Ow9UrzSgmFgGmuNvhwDw75VmX23eCMtZagP_W527m1NvrFcHHqg&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT1SnXmLSaDcKZbLqvdq3KB-45P01awb5RVURLd6L1olYgE-qkoKO_FZFJasXEh8s6UzsBCSxdUEpII4fPIAGDLNMMEsLiE678WZ_EKeBWSDcyyKs-Sp7KJXAB80KX7Qq2LzFxgqsGPmPXfsZJWNYFRGNjwGgy8OIEI)

Since 1961, Amnesty International USA has fought to protect human rights as the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Our local group generally meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Cleveland Park Library. Each month, we do letter writing actions, discuss human rights issues in the news, and plan for hosting or participating in occasional events area events. For more information, email Mike Duffy at michaelbernardduffy@gmail.com.

Thursdays Jan 15, Jan 29, Feb 5, 19, 26, March 5th (THURS MAR 5 IS POTLUCK CONCERT PARTY) 7 - 8:30 pm. In this ensemble we’ll have fun learning and playing songs selected from the early, middle and late periods of the Beatles catalog. I’ll provide the materials we need to render them accurately and in their full complexity, while also tailoring them to meet the needs and abilities of our ensemble. Although we won’t always be able to recreate the exact instrumentation on the records, we will strive to inhabit and enjoy the essence of the songs— the rhythmic feel, edge, humor, whimsy and joy. All instruments and skill levels welcome— A flexible, kind and playful attitude required. All instruments and skill levels are welcome, though you should have basic proficiency on your instrument to get the most out of the class. Register Here: [https://square.link/u/ImF28kj1](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsquare.link%2Fu%2FImF28kj1%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2w0WEZMTGNGTkNGQktoQnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7BOCUv-XVwSnSwH_-c8DcgcZSC7KdP8IJbLZwNJkXdOA1NXL6-08GCGDJMBg_aem_RE80Bgus9zv1f4wWnmx7uQ&h=AT0sAyu5subhlD_LJxmjSpxk5ky4-2Gmgbo1J5iHBD_KHsON3kBmc3c3fEekqZRmyYU6IrREx1g3zqX1MpH8f84Pn6qiPIfHOUlqVnxld7NQCmPHv9g39lGM_HPfoH0u4rNpI2x8PsR9o9oMJ3Q&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT3F9jdYQviC34I7hMHagGZ3ZlUUYzK2hQLGtyEmpwL_i9PQEBqKEUKvl9qhlEYdCO0UbGFyGHOW4lQeD14-7j1dsmt-oqYiqRHAzWAWQ0otrRu2fDdhFP0PZRKuWqvqbzQ-4Vay6eLgA59Nfr0IBYSSqelI31cv5fg) See what else we have coming up at the school: [https://schoolofmusicaltraditions.com/classes-workshops](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fschoolofmusicaltraditions.com%2Fclasses-workshops%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2w0WEZMTGNGTkNGQktoQnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5UW5QJr3I6pBhufZQbIqo83BBaWjKIFLlu41cseQ7txoFF29QuC1SpYfUTaw_aem_pY6cFjl2p42tIJAF_my4yQ&h=AT04M-pjqGxeXjjpJGCP1o996m4kzAS20MZVLNT57NYloPHdj5bcsettpGMNEZv0iVEq63w21StyhIFT5PBHoAaY6fgf_bMjszANBhm2oDOK-UTzChot4dQQCcsX87JeUHfZYoq9oDp2XvYIvP8&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT3F9jdYQviC34I7hMHagGZ3ZlUUYzK2hQLGtyEmpwL_i9PQEBqKEUKvl9qhlEYdCO0UbGFyGHOW4lQeD14-7j1dsmt-oqYiqRHAzWAWQ0otrRu2fDdhFP0PZRKuWqvqbzQ-4Vay6eLgA59Nfr0IBYSSqelI31cv5fg)

Now at **11 a.m.**, this beginner-friendly guided meditation class helps stabilize the mind and open the heart. The session includes traditional practices such as Shamatha (calm abiding) and Tonglen (sending and receiving), as well as Jetsunma’s Light Expansion Prayer. Both relaxing and healing, these meditations can be practiced by anyone, regardless of religious tradition. Each class concludes with a dedication that our efforts benefit all beings. All are welcome whether new to meditation or regular practitioners looking for a supportive group with whom to sit. Join us! Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on our Facebook and YouTube channel. Watch online here: [https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/](https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/) Missed a class? You can watch past classes on our YouTube channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams)

Join us at 11:30 a.m. for a meditation class led by Khenpo Karze, followed by a public talk and Q&A. The meditation focus varies from class to class. We are currently learning how to meditate on the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. The class begins with 30 minutes of meditation instruction, followed by 5-10 minutes of meditation practice, and then continues with discussion and Q&A. Each session concludes with a brief Chenrezig practice in which we recite Om Mani Padme Hung (a prayer of compassion), and a dedication prayer that our efforts benefit all beings. This class offers a strong foundation in meditation, helping cultivate inner peace and compassion amidst busy lives. All are welcome! This program is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and you can come to all or any part of the program. Families are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are encouraged. Join us! Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on [Facebook Live](https://www.facebook.com/KPCBuddhistTemple/) and [YouTube Live](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams). You can also watch online here: https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/ About the teacher: Khenpo Tenzin Karze graduated from Ngagyur Nyingma Institute’s intensive Buddhist graduate course in 2006, and was awarded the degree of Khenpo, equivalent to a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy, in 2011. He has received teachings and empowerments from many great Nyingma masters, and taught extensively in various Palyul temples in Nepal, India, Europe and Taiwan. This is his first time in the USA. We are delighted that Khenpo is now in residence at KPC and will be providing traditional Dharma instruction to help us deepen our practice of wisdom and compassion.

Per Collective: Ooooh party people. LISTEN UP: we're doing something fun yet again. It's the only way we know how! On Friday Jan 23 Collective is holding a "Dark of Night" event at Rai's Rendezvous. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?!?!? Come in black - your fanciest, your most emo, your most badass black leather...it ALL goes. And we're pulling a bunch of older Collective songs out of the shadows and putting them back on stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY. We can't wait to see you!

We are meeting in person at a location to be announced in Rockville, MD... \*\*\* The community-singing event where where everything's made up and the point — to sing for our lives — matters. Our leaders will teach you parts to sing for spontaneously-composed choral pieces. We play a variety of listening/music/singing games, and create safe opportunities for participants to improvise as little or as much as they might like. Good for all skill levels, shower-singers to seasoned pros, no sheet-music-reading required. \*\*\* We usually meet on the second Sunday of the month, and will continue to meet in-person as long as it makes sense. We encourage and provide masks. We will also plan on continuing our Zoom circles from time to time. So please check the day before/day of the meetup each month to confirm date & details. This world needs more song; join in the fun, and be the music you want to hear in the world. Hope to see you there! \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ L❤️ving this? Donate! : ) Your donations help keep our mission alive! We love doing this with you. Thank you to all who support us. Suggested donation is $15-20. Please include "VX" in the memo/notes! Via paypal: [ParisKern@comcast.net](https://paypal.me/Pariskern) Via Venmo: [@Pariskern](https://account.venmo.com/u/Pariskern) Check? Email: [ParisKern@comcast.net](mailto:ParisKern@comcast.net) IMAGE RIGHTS: We may take pictures and record videos of our in-person events, and record our Zoom meetings online. This material will be available for us to use to publicize upcoming circles and workshops and performances. By attending our events, you are agreeing with the image rights agreement. \~\~ This event is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council ([msac.org](https://msac.org/)). \~\~

Let's meet up and have an acoustic gypsy jazz jam! There is a nice quiet studio space on the third floor of Photoworks and the owner of Photoworks (Neil) will let us use the space. He has folding chairs there. There is a a parking garage that is free on weekends almost right next to the store, so parking is way easy. I am hoping that an early evening on a Sunday will work well for a number of folks. I am open to doing a Wednesday evening or other times that might work well for folks in upcoming events. We can also explore other venues and locations. A local bar also said I could use their restaurant on a Sunday afternoon or evening or a mid week evening for a possible future jam session. Step one is meeting up and getting to talk and play some music and then we can discuss what works for folks best etc after we see each other. Hope lots of y'all can make it. My personal email address is Taraworlds@gmail.com. I am not awesome at using the meetup platform for communicating quite yet. If you want my cell phone number and plan to come and want it in case of questions email me ahead of time and I can give it to you. I will not be checking emails that day. Looking forward to lots of friend making and music making. :) Tara Linhardt