Songwriting

**Welcome to Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa!** **Spring is in the air, and with it comes the promise of new beginnings, fresh energy, and the joy of connection!** As the season of renewal unfolds, we invite you to step into the rhythm of community, dance, and celebration at Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa. My objective has always been to create a different kind of social gathering—one that is open, non-judgmental, and safe. A place where you can meet people just like you, where socializing and dancing come together to help build community and tear down the walls that separate us. Here, we make new friends, feel a sense of belonging, and enjoy the calmness that comes from knowing we are in a safe and welcoming space. Many times, I have been asked, “Why host an event on Monday night?” Many people escape on the weekend and dread Mondays when they return to work. I believe that if you dance and socialize on a Monday, you infuse your week with joy and positive energy, giving your life balance and helping you face your challenges with enthusiasm and confidence. We’re also thrilled to announce that our trial of advanced Bachata lessons, which began last September, has been a resounding success! Building on this momentum, we’re excited to offer an enhanced schedule for 2026. Our dance evenings will now feature three hours of classes: one hour of beginner to intermediate Bachata, one hour of advanced Bachata, and one hour of beginner to intermediate Salsa. As always, the entrance fee remains $15 for a night of 2 lessons and social dancing. For those interested in the advanced Bachata lessons, there will be an additional $5 fee. Here’s our updated schedule: **Miss Bachata – Main Ballroom** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Bachata Lesson (No partner required) 🕗 8:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing **Miss Salsa – Round Room** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Advanced Bachata Lesson (+$5) **NEW** 🕗 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Salsa Lesson 🕘 9:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing ✨ **Additional Details:** ✔️ Free Parking ✔️ Full Bar (Free Water, Beer: $5.75) Over the past decade, organizing Latin dancing events in Mississauga has been a labor of love. Our mission has always been to foster a sense of community, proving that the connections we share are far stronger than the differences that divide us. Loneliness is a growing concern, with over half of U.S. adults and many Canadians experiencing its effects. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened this issue. Harvard University's long-term study on happiness, which began in 1938, highlights the detrimental impact of loneliness on health. People with strong social connections experience slower mental and physical decline and greater overall happiness compared to those who are isolated. Here are some key findings from the study: 🌿 Close ties help delay mental and physical decline more than money, fame, social class, IQ, or genetics. 🌿 Relationship satisfaction is a better predictor of aging well than cholesterol levels in middle age. 🌿 A strong sense of community improves memory function. 🌿 Loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking or alcoholism. And there’s hope! Strengthening our relationships and supporting community initiatives can combat loneliness and build healthier, happier lives. Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa provides a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, expand your social circle, and enjoy a safe, welcoming, authentic environment. Bring your open heart and a smile, and we’ll take care of the rest. 🌸 **Cheers to a season of renewal, joy, and community!** 🌸 **Anna G.** https://www.facebook.com/groups/1871491806494168/ https://www.facebook.com/EventsByAnnaG

Kids Latin & Ballroom Dance Class Mondays | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM For kids ages 5 and up From fun social dancing to exciting competitive training, this class offers the perfect introduction to Latin and ballroom dance. Taught by a highly certified dance instructors in a spacious dance studio, kids will build confidence, coordination, and rhythm—all while having a blast! Whether your child is just starting out or ready to take the stage, we welcome all levels! Dance fo rhe Rhythm Text (647) 202-6236 Rosalie

Ready to add more fun, movement, and connection to your week? Come join our group dance classes at [Access Ballroom](https://studioaccessballroom.com/)! We have classes **every day except Tuesday**—that’s Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:50pm, and Weekends at 3:40pm. Visit our [Monthly Calendar](https://studioaccessballroom.com/class-schedule/) to view the group class Schedule. To sign up you can also download our APP that is in both the Google Play store and the Apple Store. Just look up Access Ballroom. Whether you’re a total beginner or already have some moves, you’ll fit right in! We always have multiple teachers on hand to guide every level, so everyone gets the attention they need. Our amazing environment and welcoming atmosphere are what make us one of Toronto’s premier Latin and Ballroom studios—and it’s why we have the most Google reviews in the city! Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

Ticket Link: [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/8pm-sundays-the-made-up-show-improvised-stand-up-tickets-436368649377?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/8pm-sundays-the-made-up-show-improvised-stand-up-tickets-436368649377?aff=oddtdtcreator) Get ready to laugh until you cry at the Backroom Comedy Club - where the all the comedy is MADE UP on the spot from YOUR suggestions. **8PM Sundays SHOCK SHOW\| Improvised Comedy \- BOMBING gets the host SHOCKED** Join us at the **Backroom Comedy Club** for a night of laughter and surprises on **Every Sunday at 8pm**. Get ready for a unique comedy experience where **BOMBING** leads to electrifying shocks for the host! Don't miss out on the funniest show in town!

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

Bring any piece of music in any form. We'll deconstruct it's musical elements and share with each other what the music evokes and what insights arise. Then, consider how this musical work fits into the broader world of music and sound. After a break well do a musical exercise together and end with a short slent meditation. Advance registration with pay pal $20. Please call Gary to confirm your registration. 647 292 5415 Generosity policy: limited spots available for no or low charge fir those who need it.

The **Toronto Guitar Meetup** is proud to announce our **Monthly Open Jam Night** **for musicians of every instrument including all ages and levels of players - guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keyboards etc.** Moving forward we now have **3 Open Stages**. **One for Advanced Musicians, One for Intermediate Players and One for Late Beginner / Early Intermediate Players**. Each stage will have a minimum of 1 or 2 instructors facilitating the jam. Also we will have limits now for each type of instrument so please R.V.S.P. in advance to avoid disappointment. **ABOUT THE TORONTO GUITAR MEETUP'S JAM NIGHTS** Due to our location, right in the heart of the biggest music scene in the country, as well as our access to top of the line equipment for performance and recording, the Toronto Guitar Meetup is uniquely positioned to offer incredible jamming opportunities for the Toronto music community. In addition our sponsor the [Toronto Guitar School](https://www.torontoguitarschool.com/) been running a highly popular Rock Band and Ensemble program for over 10 years. The program continues to evolve and grow and those interested joining a band that rehearses on a weekly basis can click [here](https://www.torontoguitarschool.com/rockbands/) and email the school for more information. If you are new to our Open Jam Nights please arrive early (10-15 mins prior / 8:45 PM) so we can assess your skill level and musical interests in order to place you with musicians of similar skill level and stylistic preference. A brief audition for those new to the open stage will ensure that you are matched with like-minded and amicable band members so that no time is wasted playing in a group that is either too basic or advanced for you. The jam is very well organized and runs a total of 2 hours in multiple rooms that are perfectly outfitted with everything you will need to rehearse and make great music together. **OPEN JAM SCHEDULE** 8:45 PM – Orientation and Auditions for those new to our open stage. For those who have already attended our Open Jams or participated in our Band program wait downstairs and immediately proceed to our band rehearsal rooms at 8 PM and start jamming with others. 9:00 PM - Open Jam Begins 11:00 PM – Open Jam Ends **INSTRUCTOR INVOLVEMENT** The bands that are formed in our open jam nights are intended to function in a self-directed fashion with people sharing the chair for certain instruments (i.e. guitar and bass) so that everyone gets a chance to play. For ease of convenience we have binders with music charts for each specific instrument (e.g. piano, guitar, bass, drums, voice, saxophone, trumpet, ukulele etc.) to make it easier to play the tunes together. We are constantly updating and improving our song lists so if there is a piece you think should be added to our rehearsal binder please let us know and we will do our best to add it in time for the next session. While music instructors will be present at the jam, they are not there to direct the Open Jam, assign songs, or any other heavy handed roles. Instructors are present at the event in case that a musician or band should want advice or assistance and to make sure things run smoothly without technical glitches or any other major issues. **WHAT IT COSTS** If you are already a student of Mint Music or The Toronto Guitar School the discounted rate for the Open Jam is $10. For anyone else the rate is $15. This amount is paid upfront before you enter any of our rehearsal rooms. You will find that we have many people participating in our jam nights so please bring exact change to speed up the payment process. All fees go towards helping cover the cost of the rooms, upkeep of equipment, and instructor fees for the evening. **WHO CAN PLAY?** Our Open Jam is accessible to all ages. Our band program is primarily geared to adults but if you are a teen we do have a teen band so please contact the school office in advance so we can be sure to connect you to other teens your age at the jam. **PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES** The Toronto Guitar School is proud to organize three live band showcases each year open to our students. A full PA, backline, and sound engineer are provided by the school, again at no extra cost to participants. Our last major showcase was held at the Jazz Bistro in Toronto. Many of our bands pursue their own performance opportunities outside of the school’s involvement as well. **RECORDING OPPORTUNITIES** The Toronto Guitar School features a top of the line recording studio that bands can use to record demos, and bands have also used our facilities to record professional music videos.

**Toronto Writers Community** is having an Open Mic event (our 15th) on April 9, 2026 at the Tranzac (**292 Brunswick Ave**). Happy Spring! Things are getting warmer in Toronto. Time to gather and share our work in the spirit of renewal and rebirth. Please let me know either here on Meetup or through [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/torontowriterscommunity/) or the night of, if you would like to present. Bring a friend or two, and get ready for a night of sharing work and taking in the talent that Toronto has to offer. Feel free to read or to come and listen. Meet new people, get inspired. The event starts at 6:30pm, ends at 9:30pm. At TRANZAC CLUB - 292 Brunswick Ave, On Thursday, April 9, 2026\*\*. See you there! As always, the event is free, but a donation bowl will be present and all donations all much appreciated.

The Toronto Guitar School is holding open auditions for musicians of every instrument for our one of a kind band program and jam nights. While guitar players are always welcome, we are especially looking for bassists, drummers, vocalists, keyboardists, brass and wind instrument players to fill out our amazing bands. All ages and levels of players from intermediate to advanced are encouraged to attend. **ABOUT THE TORONTO GUITAR SCHOOL'S BAND PROGRAM** Due to our location which is right in the heart of the biggest music scene in the country, as well as our access to top of the line equipment for performance and recording, the Toronto Guitar School is uniquely positioned to offer a band program unlike anything else offered at other music schools. It all begins with our audition process. Applicants will demonstrate their proficiency level at an in person (or online via Zoom) audition and they will also fill out a detailed questionnaire so that our staff can learn more about their musical background and goals. From there, applicants are carefully grouped together into bands using a process that we have refined over the course of twenty years of experience in running this program to ensure that the participants are matched with like minded and amicable band members. From there, bands will meet up on a weekly basis at our facility which is perfectly outfitted with everything you will need to rehearse and make great music together. **AUDITION SCHEDULE** 7:30 PM – Orientation and Auditions 7:45 PM – Play with Different Bands and Socialize with Other Participants 8:45 PM – Band Program Discussed and Questions Answered. **INSTRUCTOR INVOLVEMENT** The bands that are formed by our program are intended to function in a self directed fashion. While there will be instructors present at rehearsals, they are not there to direct rehearsals or to assign songs or anything heavy handed. Instructors are present in the event that a band should want advice or assistance and to make sure that things run smoothly without any technical glitches or major issues. **WHAT IT COSTS** The audition process for our band program is free, however once participants are placed in a band, weekly rehearsals range in cost from $25 to $35 per rehearsal depending on the size of the group, the number of instructors involved, and the length of the rehearsal. **WHO CAN AUDITION** Our band program is available for all ages. We have bands for adults as well as bands for teens, and we have bands across a wide range of genres including rock, R&B, funk, jazz and metal bands. **PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES** The Toronto Guitar School is proud to organize three live band showcases each year at no extra cost to its participants. A full PA, backline and sound engineer are provided by the school, again at no extra cost to participants. Our last major showcase was held at the Jazz Bistro in Toronto. Additionally, some of our bands pursue their own performance opportunities outside of the school’s involvement. **RECORDING OPPORTUNITIES** The Toronto Guitar School has a top of the line recording studio that bands have used in the past to record demos, and some bands have even used our facilities to record professional music videos.

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 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. 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:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. 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! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

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!

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

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

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)