Civic Groups London
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Un drink con Joe: Vieni a Conoscermi PrimaDelle Elezoioni!😏🇮🇹✨
Sun, Oct 18, 5:00 PM**Ciao a tutti gli italiani di Londra! 👋** Sono Joe, uno dei candidati di **Moving Forward – Democrazia Bene Comune**, e voglio incontrarvi di persona… senza discorsi lunghi, senza noia e soprattutto **senza cravatte**! Ci vediamo per bere qualcosa insieme e fare quattro chiacchiere in totale relax: 😄 **Chiacchiere, risate e un po’ di “come funziona davvero il Comites”** spiegato in modo semplice ed energico. # Comites Londra: larga partecipazione per “Moving Forward”. Il 18 la presentazione di programma e candidat **LONDRA -verra'** presentata sabato 18 ottobre, con un largo numero di sottoscrizioni di cittadine e cittadini, la lista **“Moving Forward - Democrazia Bene Comune”** per le elezioni del **Comites di Londra** che si terranno il prossimo 4 dicembre. “Moving Forward – Democrazia Bene Comune” è una coalizione civica della comunità italiana **progressista, democratica e antifascista** nata dall’incontro di cittadini, associazioni, movimenti e partiti uniti da valori di civismo democratico, solidarietà sociale, europeismo, internazionalismo e ambientalismo e dalla convinzione che i Comites rappresentino uno strumento fondamentale di partecipazione democratica e integrazione per le comunità italiane all’estero. La lista è composta da **venti persone** con storie, competenze ed esperienze di **attivismo al servizio della comunità italiana a Londra,** nel Sud dell’Inghilterra e in Galles: artisti, ricercatrici e ricercatori, interpreti, mediatori culturali, operatori di patronato e professionisti del no profit e altri settori. Il capolista è FEDERICO VARESE , docente presso l’Università di Oxford, esperto di criminalità organizzata e corruzione. “Da oltre dieci anni Moving Forward è forza di innovazione, laboratorio di integrazione e scintilla di progresso nel Comites di Londra – tra PARTECIPANTI il presentatore della lista ed ex consigliere Andrea Pisauro e i consiglieri uscenti Anna Cambiaggi, Germana Canzi e Golam Maula Tipu -. Abbiamo difeso i diritti degli italiani e degli europei dopo la Brexit, promosso ricerche all’avanguardia sulla mobilità della comunità italiana e lavorato su temi importanti per la nostra comunità come multilinguismo, ambiente, memoria e legalità. Abbiamo portato le esigenze della comunità nelle istituzioni britanniche ed europee, con attenzione al supporto alla disabilità e al benessere psicologico delle persone che espatriano. Abbiamo lavorato duramente per un Comites più aperto, trasparente e accessibile al servizio della più grande comunità italiana in Europa.” I rappresentanti della lista hanno poi aggiunto che la loro volontà è quella di “continuare a modernizzare e rendere più solidale e inclusivo il Comites di Londra, difendendo i diritti dei cittadini per rafforzare il senso di comunità. Moving Forward per noi vuol dire andare avanti ispirandosi a valori di civismo, partecipazione e solidarietà. Democrazia Bene Comune significa prenderci cura delle istituzioni e farle funzionare per tutte e tutti, valorizzando il contributo della comunità italiana alla vita sociale, culturale ed economica del Regno Unito. Il capolista Federico Varese aggiunge che “nel futuro la lista continuerà ad interpretare il concetto di italianità in modo aperto e inclusivo e si impegnerà nell’attenzione e nella cura di connazionali, nell’ampliare i servizi consolari e aumentare i corsi di lingua e cultura”. Il 18 ottobre, alle 18.00 presso il DoubleTree Hotel di Londra, verranno presentati programma e candidati della lista. 🗳️ **Parleremo delle elezioni** e di come possiamo farci rappresentare meglio nel Regno Unito. L’idea è semplice: dopo la presentazione ci vediamo ancora nel locale, ci prendiamo un drink al banco, ci presentiamo, ci raccontiamo un po’ di vita a Londra e vediamo se vi va di sostenermi per rappresentare la nostra comunità. *(Nota: l'evento è un momento d'incontro per parlare e bere qualcosa e conoscersi, per questa presentazione siamo stati aiutati da ZEN un amico inglese e non solo che sostiene tutte le persone di buona volontà).h ttps://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon* Niente propaganda pesante, solo buona compagnia, energia positiva e un sorriso. programma ora disponibile sul sito grazie a tutti quelli ci hanno lavorato! [https://movingforward2014.uk/programma-2026/](https://movingforward2014.uk/programma-2026/) **i comites sono un organo di rappresntanza per gli italiani gli eletti non ricevono nessun compenso ne rimborsoe quindi totalmente volontario** Portate un amico, un cugino o pure il coinquilino che dice sempre *“ma cos’è sto Comites?”*. Ci vediamo lì… e chi arriva per primo sceglie il posto migliore! 😏🇮🇹✨ A presto, https://moving-forward-kit.lovable.app/candidato/stefano-rosatelli **Introduzione iniziale di Stefano :** * Vive nel Regno Unito da quando era giovanissimo. * Lavora nel mondo dell’arte e dello spettacolo. * Ho aiutato a mettere in salvo alcune persone durante l’attacco terroristico a London Bridge (2017). * [https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-terror-attack-witness-armed-himself-with-extinguisher-and-kitchen-knife-as-he-took-refuge-in-a-restaurant-a3556556.html](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-terror-attack-witness-armed-himself-with-extinguisher-and-kitchen-knife-as-he-took-refuge-in-a-restaurant-a3556556.html) * \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Some Tips:** 1. **Let’s all commit to updating our RSVPs if plans change**—it helps us plan better and ensures great attendance for everyone. If you RSVP “yes” but don’t attend and don’t update your RSVP, you may be removed from the group to keep things fair. No stress, though—you can rejoin for a small £10 fee! Just send me a DM, and I’ll share the PayPal details to get you back in. 2. **Turn Up on Time at the start!** This helps the quality of the event and helps you. 3. If you are struggling with the **app**, use the web page instead, that's what I use. 4. **Attendee Numbers & Guest Lists:** We have this event listed at least on two groups and the guest list includes attendees from all. You can see the list of attendees here: [https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/](https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/) [https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/](https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/) [https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife](https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife) 5. **Join our** **social media**: **Instagram**: [https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/](https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/) **X:** [https://x.com/CityZenLondon](https://x.com/CityZenLondon) 6. **Our WhatsApp group:** [See private comment in the comments section below]. We have a few rules including no ads, no DMs unless recipient is in the "Direct Messaging List" or risk removal and £10 rejoin fee. 7. **Support Our Amazing London Event Hosts! 🙌** Our incredible crew of hosts is the heartbeat of London’s buzzing meetup scene, bringing people together for unforgettable experiences that spark connection, growth, and fun! 🌟 From museum adventures to flirty dating mixers, these rockstar hosts pour their energy, time, and passion into creating events that level up your social and communication skills. But hosting isn’t easy—it takes resources, effort, and heart. 💖 Please consider supporting our hosts with a donation to keep the good vibes flowing and help us make London the ultimate social hub! 🚀 Below, meet our hosts for this event and see how you can chip in to fuel their amazing work. **Zen & The Meetup Groups** *The Visionary Social Connector* Zen, our AI guru with 25 years in the game, founded these meetups to transform his own social skills and now helps others do the same. From sparking in-person networking to coordinating epic events, Zen’s passion for connection is unstoppable. Help him keep the momentum going! Support Zen: Donate to cover event planning tools, venue bookings, and more. **[Donation Link](https://paypal.me/Zenswalks)** \*\*\*\* **Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: **Organiser Identity** – The organiser operates under the community name **“ZEN”**, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. **Assumption of Risk** – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. **Personal Responsibility** – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. **No Organiser Liability** – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as **ZEN** accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. **Guests** – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. **Independent Event** – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. **Media Consent** – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. **Acceptance of Terms** – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknown, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event. Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend.
Novice | 10-12pm Oct 10 Vortex upstairs
Sat, Oct 10, 9:00 AMupdate: full for bass, piano, guitar, vocals, 2 of 3 lead instruments spots taken **Meetup event will always show as closed - please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-10-12pm-oct-10-vortex-upstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) There will be a delay in the attendee list here being manually updated - please always check tickts.co.uk link above which is always up to date for what instruments are available. full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** (please expand for full description including set list) 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 upstairs **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. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sat Oct 10)** * Blue bossa in Cm (warm up) (Joe Henderson) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUxv3AAaK_Y * Billie's bounce in F (Charlie Parker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4mRaEzwTYo * Maiden Voyage in D (Herbie Hancock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWC5x9G45yo * There will never be another you in Eb (Modern Jazz Quartet) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ00miCbQrs 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 (Sun Oct 18)** * Blue Monk in Bb (warm up) (Monk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWOz9mILqbA * Girl from Ipanema in F (Jazz Core) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGNSflh59KQ * Wayne’s Thang in Em (future standards, Kenny Garrett 1995) (Kenny Garrett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ers8eoD410 Lead sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1vf9t3criaw0046bo4xh8/AF52_32pXlExOa_MP43KDbs?rlkey=j0m3a20g8goork115mm6t0czu&st=7l78ysx9&dl=0 * All of You in Eb (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di16W_std0c **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 finding sheet music: seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ (may be temp unavailable, use Google) 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 **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 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. **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. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!
Women in Observability
Wed, Oct 21, 4:30 PM**Women in Observability** is a new London meetup bringing together women who work in, learn about, or are simply curious about observability. You don’t need to be an observability expert to join us! We welcome everyone from experienced practitioners to people early in their careers, students, career changers, and anyone who wants to understand the field better. If you work in SRE, DevOps, platform engineering, cloud, software engineering, or another related area, you’ll find plenty of common ground here too. We’ll prioritise talks by women, creating more opportunities for women to share their knowledge, experiences, and ideas with the wider observability community - however, everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of gender. Our goal is to create a friendly, inclusive space to learn from each other, share experiences, make connections, and talk openly about the challenges and opportunities in observability. Come along to meet others in the community, hear some great stories and ideas, and maybe even be inspired to share your own. And if you’d like to speak at this inaugural meetup, contact us. Talks of all levels are welcome. **Agenda:** 17:30-18:00, meet & greet - snacks and networking 18:30-19:00 **Carol Cheung, Product Manager @ Wireless Logic.** **Before the Dashboard: Why Product** Should Help Decide What Gets Observed 19:05-19:35 **Roxana Turc, Software Engineer @ BNY** 19:40-20:10 **Fiona Liao, Staff Software Engineer @ Grafana Labs** 20:10-20:30 - wrap-up and goodbyes **Talk 1.** After a launch, someone asks: "Which customers are affected?" You open the dashboard. There are request counts, error rates, response times — but can you actually answer the question? Let's walk through a practical list of questions product teams often need answered, and how planning observability upfront, rather than after the fact, helps close the gap between what you need to know and what the dashboard can tell you. Talk 2 and 3 - coming soon! The meetup is hosted by BNY, and co-organised by observability engineers from BNY and Grafana Labs. \#\#\# 📸 Important Information * **Building Access (ID Required)**: Please bring a valid form of ID on the day, as it may be required for entry to the venue. * **Photography & Media**: Photos and videos may be taken during the event. By registering and attending, you consent to being photographed/recorded. These materials may be used by Grafana Labs and the event host (BNY) for social media, marketing, and internal communications. * **GDPR & Data Usage**: By signing up, you agree that your registration details (such as name and email) may be shared with the event host (BNY) strictly for event logistics, including building access and attendee management. Your data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection regulations. * **Dietary Requirements**: If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please inform us in advance so we can accommodate you. Note that by registering for this event you consent to related event & product communications from Grafana Labs and agree to our [code of conduct](https://grafana.com/events/events-code-of-conduct/).
Novice | 12-2pm Oct 18 Vortex downstairs
Sun, Oct 18, 11:00 AMupdate: full for piano, vocals, lead instruments, 1 of 2 spots taken for guitar Note this rehearsal will be downstairs at the Vortex due to studio availability. **Meetup event will always show as closed - please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-12-2pm-oct-18-vortex-downstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) There will be a delay in the attendee list here being manually updated - please always check tickts.co.uk link above which is always up to date for what instruments are available. full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** (please expand for full description including set list) 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. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sun Oct 18)** * Blue Monk in Bb (warm up) (Monk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWOz9mILqbA * Girl from Ipanema in F (Jazz Core) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGNSflh59KQ * Wayne’s Thang in Em (future standards, Kenny Garrett 1995) (Kenny Garrett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ers8eoD410 Lead sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1vf9t3criaw0046bo4xh8/AF52_32pXlExOa_MP43KDbs?rlkey=j0m3a20g8goork115mm6t0czu&st=7l78ysx9&dl=0 * All of You in Eb (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di16W_std0c 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 Oct 24)** * Autumn Leaves in Gm (warm up) Lead sheet https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2uzg5kowaah3vswd3zrsb/AGJM9FjuAr1BHdaMYDhxsPs?rlkey=i2xriyxxvio3zbk2yudwkpk9h&st=nsx003ud&dl=0 (Adderley, Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpB7-8SGlJ0 * Alice in Wonderland in C (Harper, Mecca) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwrPjG5s3L4 * Nardis in Em (Chet Baker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziufEDFhlEA * Cold Duck Time in F (Eddie Harris) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8YOLY4Tats **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 finding sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ (may be temp unavailable, use Google) 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 **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 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. **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. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!
Doctor Bike in Barking Town Square
Thu, Oct 15, 10:00 AMNipnip provide a free 'Doctor Bike' service each month.
Novice | 10-12pm Oct 18 Vortex downstairs
Sun, Oct 18, 9:00 AMupdate: full for drums, bass, piano, vocals, 1 of 2 spots taken for guitar Note this rehearsal will be downstairs at the Vortex due to studio availability. **Meetup event will always show as closed - please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-10-12pm-oct-18-vortex-downstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) There will be a delay in the attendee list here being manually updated - please always check tickts.co.uk link above which is always up to date for what instruments are available. full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** (please expand for full description including set list) 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. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sun Oct 18)** * Blue Monk in Bb (warm up) (Monk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWOz9mILqbA * Girl from Ipanema in F (Jazz Core) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGNSflh59KQ * Wayne’s Thang in Em (future standards, Kenny Garrett 1995) (Kenny Garrett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ers8eoD410 Lead sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1vf9t3criaw0046bo4xh8/AF52_32pXlExOa_MP43KDbs?rlkey=j0m3a20g8goork115mm6t0czu&st=7l78ysx9&dl=0 * All of You in Eb (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di16W_std0c 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 Oct 24)** * Autumn Leaves in Gm (warm up) Lead sheet https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2uzg5kowaah3vswd3zrsb/AGJM9FjuAr1BHdaMYDhxsPs?rlkey=i2xriyxxvio3zbk2yudwkpk9h&st=nsx003ud&dl=0 (Adderley, Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpB7-8SGlJ0 * Alice in Wonderland in C (Harper, Mecca) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwrPjG5s3L4 * Nardis in Em (Chet Baker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziufEDFhlEA * Cold Duck Time in F (Eddie Harris) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8YOLY4Tats **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 finding sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ (may be temp unavailable, use Google) 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 **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 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. **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. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!
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