This calendar shows public events coming up at EBCS. Private events aren’t listed here, so this isn’t a complete list from which one can infer availability. To see events in a calendar format, click the buttons on the right side of the navigation bar just below here.
This six-hour training covers street safety and awareness, physical and verbal boundary setting, and full force self-defense skills proven effective at increasing safety and confidence. Students get the unique and powerful experience of practicing their techniques at full force in safe and realistic scenarios against a padded mock assailant. This class covers lots of additional skills on top of those learned in our 3-hour intro, including more physical scenarios and practice setting healthy boundaries with people you know!
Scholarship and Flexible Payment Plans:
We are committed to making our classes available to all people, regardless of ability to pay. Fill out our online scholarship form to apply or contact us to learn more about our flexible payment plans.
Learn about more ways you can support IMPACT Bay Area!
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
In practicing sacred sexuality, often called Tantra, we combine presence with erotic energy in order to attain higher states of consciousness. In these states, transcendent healing can occur, and perception shifts to unveil Divinity. This workshop will give you an overview of concepts to propel your sexuality into a new realm, particularly as related to coupling with another woman. This can be not only the beginning to a new way of seeing your life, but even to a new way of seeing the whole Universe.
Among the topics we will discuss are: subtle energy, orgasm and pleasure, tantric concepts of gender, and certain aspects of the female/female sexual pairing which make it a unique opportunity within the practice of Tantric sexuality. You will leave with a strong foundation to build on by yourself or with a partner, an increased ability to create fulfilling and sustainable relationships with other women, and deeper love for your sexuality and yourself.
About your facilitator: Elizabeth Mazzola specializes in assisting bi and lesbian women to open to healthy expression of their sexuality, release shame, foster happiness, and implement new ways of being in order to serve their relationships and unique purpose. Her events create a safe and supportive container to explore conscious relating, spirituality, and sexuality, and they provide a platform for like-minded women to meet.
*Although we each contain both feminine and masculine energy in varying proportions of activation, this course is specifically designed to address the experience of 2 people with female bodies*
**If you have not been active with other women, but you are curious or you are questioning your sexuality, this is a safe space for you**
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
Required Readings:
https://www.eastbaydsa.org/night-school/
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms
![Lesbian Couples Oakland Date Night: Conscious Date Night for women in relationships with women (LBTQ) - [Telegraph Room]](https://eastbaycommunityspace.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/https-_cdn.evbuc_.com_images_64209842_302224411829_1_original.20190620-155522-300x150.jpg)
This is for you if you are ready for a different kind of date night where you really get to connect with yourself and with each other in a substance-free environment where your love is celebrated in community with other couples!
Each Date Night will have 3 components:
– Clear your day and get present in your own body before connecting with your partner. So often we attempt to connect with another before we’ve resourced ourselves. We’ll share simple practices to tune into your body, mind and spirit as a foundation for the quality of connection you want with your beloved.
– Enjoy conscious connection explorations with your partner that leave you feeling more aliveness in yourself and within your relationship. You’ll walk away with a new practice each date night that creates more playfulness, intimacy, trust and presence.
– Meet other couples who are devoted to creating conscious loving relationships. Women committed to expanding in love and creativity instead of getting stuck in repetitive arguments and fear. Come gather in a shared experience and make new friends!
Your first Date Night is free and from there on by suggested donation of $20 per couple.
Meghan Neeley & Erika Cederdahl are the founders of Two Lesbians In Love and the hosts of Date Night! We lead workshops, transformational retreats and offer relationship coaching for lesbian, bisexual and Queer women. We each came out when we were 20 years old and in addition to a BA in psychology and LGBT studies our combined education includes over 3000 hours of training in relationship coaching, yoga teacher training, and bodywork offering a unique embodied spin on relationship coaching that moves you towards what you are longing for, rather than staying stuck in the past. We live together in San Francisco, California with our fur baby – a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Embrace the day with a little more love for your body through movement & mindfulness practices. This is a ONE HOUR yoga flow focused on breath work, core strength and dynamic movements. This class is designed for ALL body types! Big bodies, small bodies, bodies with injuries, all welcome!
Self care and self love is the main focus of this one hour class, and will be acknowledged throughout the hour. Angela uses Health at Every Size, Yoga For All, Curvy Yoga and Hatha principles.
Focus:
-Breath work
-Core Strength
-Feeling sensational
Sliding Scale $12-20. SIGN UP HERE: https://calendly.com/bigyogalife
If money is an issue please email me! [email protected] Please contact me before class if you have any limitations with being on the floor. You are more than welcome to do chair modifications, but this isn’t a specific chair yoga class. Space is wheelchair accessible. Please arrive as scent free as possible. More info on my website www.bigyogalife.com
![Community Board Game Night: Come play board games! Bring games, snacks and friends! [Telegraph Room] @ Telegraph Room](https://eastbaycommunityspace.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/59215995_654777598317958_3010690659095937024_o-300x217.jpg)
Bring your friends and your games for a night of nerdy fun!
Friendly folks on hand to help explain games and join in on the action.
Snacks and drinks provided. $5 Suggested Donation. NOTAFLOF
You can bring beer/wine.
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
* * Play in a band or just watch & enjoy * *
Somewhat eerily, the 12th Instant Band Night takes place on the 12th of September. It’s fate. FATE ITSELF wants you to come have a good time — who are you to say no?!?
Instant Band Night is a party where musicians who’ve just met form bands on the spot. Come play or come watch: either way, it’ll be the best night of your week.
(1)
The first rule of Instant Band Night is: * YOU * DON’T * HAVE * TO * PLAY * AN * INSTRUMENT * TO * ATTEND *
(2)
The second rule of Instant Band Night is: We guarantee you (the audience) an astonishingly excellent time.
(3)
The third rule of Instant Band Night is: Bring a friend or three!
In case you’ve never been to Instant Band Night, here’s the deal:
1. The stage has a drum kit, guitar, bass, keyboard, and mics.
2. We draw names out of hats to make instant bands that get 7 minutes in the green room to plan a 5-minute set.*
3. A hat-drawn artist will also take the stage alongside each band to draw their gig poster on a meeting room easel pad.
HOWEVER! No show is complete without an audience: if you don’t play an instrument or sing, COME ANYWAY and just watch — don’t forget the second rule of Instant Band Night!!
* If you’ve brought a friend (or friends) you want to play with and you’ve already worked something out, just put your whole group into the DUETS/GROUPS hat and we’ll slot you into the order.
Bring your people, crack a beverage: it’s time.
$5/person
BYOB
Some of us have made an unofficial tradition out of bringing desserts to Instant Band Night, too, and we’re not stopping now.
We’re never stopping.
(Bring a few donuts this time!)
* * * w e ‘ l l * s e e * y o u * t h e r e * * *
Updated F.A.Q.
Q: Do I need to be a musician to show up?
A: No. Absolutely not. Hell no. Come see the show and have a good time; you don’t have to get onstage.
Q: I’m a musician; am I guaranteed a slot in a band?
A: We literally draw names written on slips of paper out of coffee cans, so there’s a chance you may not be called; in a purely mathematical sense, it’s a function of how many musicians of each type show up that night (there are five musician cans (DRUMS, GUITAR, BASS, VOX, MISC) and one can for artists who’ll be picked to draw the bands’ gig posters, plus the DUETS/GROUPS can for people who showed up with at least one friend and already have something in mind). We say: surrender to the spirit of random chance, or maybe slip the MC a bribe of some sort.
Q: Do I have to be an amazing musician to throw my name in a can?
A: Probably not. Your band’s only gonna be onstage for 5 minutes, anyway; how bad can you possibly be?
Q: I play an instrument other than what’ll be onstage, like the sax or trumpet. Can I bring it?
A: Hhhheeeeeelll yyyeeeessssss you can bring it. PLEASE DO. We had a guy bring a bassoon once, and he rocked the living shit out of it — and, by extension, us. Woodwinds and brass, which tend not to need extra amplification for a space of this size beyond being pointed vaguely at a mic, are most welcome. If your instrument requires an amp, that’s cool, but you should get in touch with Jon about showing up early for setup.
Q: Do I have to pick my cover tunes beforehand?
A: Listen. You and your band (who you’ve JUST MET) have 5 minutes onstage to do whatever the hell you can think of in the 7 minutes prior to walking up there. You wanna try to pick covers everyone can agree on? Great. You wanna try writing something new? Fantastic; it can definitely be done. You wanna pick a key and tell each other to just fuckin’ wing it up there? You are a RAGING PSYCHOPATH and we love it. We’ll see you in 7; get in the green room!!!!
Q: I showed up with a friend (or two or three or four) and we already have something in mind. Can we play together?
A: We made a whole other coffee can just for you: it’s the one labeled DUETS/GROUPS! Put all your names (plus your band name) on one of the big paper entry slips and throw it right in there!
Q: What does BYOB stand for?
A: We don’t sell drinks at Instant Band Night, so you gotta bring your own. Get a cheap sixpack of something. Maybe a bottle and some cups. We’re not here to godmod how you get down.
Q: Is this in the East Bay?
A: It is. Do not be alarmed: it’s within walking distance of MacArthur BART, and as a bonus, you get to tour the delightful, scenic Temescal district on your way over. Or you could just take a Lyft from SF (or the BART station if you fancy). Got a car? Drive on over; parking around the East Bay Community Space is pretty simple. You can do this. We believe in you.
Q: I can’t make it, and I feel a little bad about it. Am I good?
A: The only cure is to think of a few friends of yours who live in the Bay and enjoy fun, then invite them to this.
Q: You got any other rules?
A: For some reason, almost every Instant Band Night sees a group do a rendition of “Creep” by Radiohead, so this song is now outlawed until at least Instant Band Night 16.
(photo mostly by pixpoetry on Unsplash)
This class is open to all genders ages 16+!
This three-hour training covers street safety and awareness, physical and verbal boundary setting, and full force self-defense skills proven effective at increasing safety and confidence. Students get the unique and powerful experience of practicing their techniques full force in safe and realistic scenarios against a padded mock assailant. This is a great class to take if you are considering a full-length Women’s or Young Adult Basics course, and attendees who complete this class will receive a discount on a future course! 3-Hour Intro classes are open to students of all genders ages 16+.
Scholarship and Flexible Payment Plans:
We are committed to making our classes available to all people, regardless of ability to pay. Fill out our online scholarship form to apply or contact us to learn more about our flexible payment plans.
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
Do you want to transmit more love and authentic emotional expression through your body while in deep connection with a partner?
Do you want to play with masculine/feminine energies in your romantic relationships to create more electricity through sexual polarity?
Come uncover your true desires for relationship and find how to access your sexual essence to create more love in any moment.
When we play with the sexual essences of masculine (consciousness) and feminine (energy), we can learn to create love and beauty in any moment. As we learn to fully embody one pole, we can draw out the other pole in our lover and create moments full of depth and spark. As we deepen in this practice of sexual polarity we learn to bring our desires, fears, complaints, hurts, and longings to the world with an artfulness that opens ourselves as well as those we love.
Whether you are in a relationship, single, poly, hetero or LGBTQ+ this workshop will lead you through embodiment and breath practices that open your heart, drop you into desire and consciousness, and express your heart’s deepest yearnings through the tool of your body.
Using practices drawn from authentic relating, sacred masculine/feminine embodiment, inner child work, and therapeutic techniques, this mini-workshop is sure to leave you feeling more open-hearted and in touch with your deepest feelings about what you wish to create in your relationship life and more bodily capacity to create that.
Doors open at 7:15pm. Hard start at 7:30pm. Doors will lock at 7:31pm to create a secure and safe container so we can go deep.
Couples, singles, and people of all gender and sexual orientations welcome. We will be practicing with masculine and feminine energies so we ask that, regardless of what gender you identify with, you choose ONE pole (masculine or feminine) to work with during the evening. We will strive to create a balance of feminine and masculine practitioners. If you come with a partner please be aware that you may also be practicing with others during the evening. The more you hone the tool of your body for expression and awareness, the more you can bring that back to your partnership to enliven your relationship.
Please wear clothes you are comfortable moving and standing in. Bring layers as once we are moving in practice it can get hot!
There will be NO nudity or touching of erogenous zones in this workshop. This is a safe space to explore the ENERGY of sexual expression and love through breath and body. We pride ourselves in creating a safe container to move through what has been keeping you stuck in relationship so that you can leave able to create more love.
About the facilitator:
Karen Wolfe, MA is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She earned her Masters in Integral Counseling Psychology from CIIS in 2008 and has been training in embodied sexual awakening since 2014. Her trainings in this area include a year of study in Tantra from the late Shakti Malan, PhD and 2+ years of study in the Embodied Relationship Training Salon taught by John Wineland and Kendra Cunov. She is also currently studying Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) and offers therapy sessions in her offices in San Francisco and Oakland. She has been running Intimacy and Polarity workshops and events since 2017.
Required Readings:
https://www.eastbaydsa.org/night-school/
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms
Fracture Comix Expo is a free inclusive event dedicated to promoting local bay area artists! The event will take place on September 21st at the East Bay Community Space in Oakland!
Exhibitors:
Fracture Comics
Svetlana Chmakova
Jimmie Robinson
Maia Kobabe
In Hiatus Studios
NPC Comics
Weldon Studios
Michael Magtanog
Morgan Hampton
Neil Ballard
Avy Jetter
Jessica Schwoob
Kwentobynica
Chuck Whelon
Debbie Huey
Wrought Comics
Micheledraws
Brainspace Comics
Gladys Ochoa
Gerry Chow
Stephanie Prountzos
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
In practicing sacred sexuality, often called Tantra, we combine presence with erotic energy in order to attain higher states of consciousness. In these states, transcendent healing can occur, and perception shifts to unveil Divinity. This workshop will give you an overview of concepts to propel your sexuality into a new realm, particularly as related to coupling with another woman. This can be not only the beginning to a new way of seeing your life, but even to a new way of seeing the whole Universe.
Among the topics we will discuss are: subtle energy, orgasm and pleasure, tantric concepts of gender, and certain aspects of the female/female sexual pairing which make it a unique opportunity within the practice of Tantric sexuality. You will leave with a strong foundation to build on by yourself or with a partner, an increased ability to create fulfilling and sustainable relationships with other women, and deeper love for your sexuality and yourself.
About your facilitator: Elizabeth Mazzola specializes in assisting bi and lesbian women to open to healthy expression of their sexuality, release shame, foster happiness, and implement new ways of being in order to serve their relationships and unique purpose. Her events create a safe and supportive container to explore conscious relating, spirituality, and sexuality, and they provide a platform for like-minded women to meet.
*Although we each contain both feminine and masculine energy in varying proportions of activation, this course is specifically designed to address the experience of 2 people with female bodies*
**If you have not been active with other women, but you are curious or you are questioning your sexuality, this is a safe space for you**
Explore connecting in a community focused on safety, consent, & healthy relations through hugs and dance.
*Desiring more hugs? Curious about cuddle parties?
*Craving nourishing touch, maybe a multi-person massage?
*Want to learn blues dancing or deepen your partnering more?
*Yearning for more authentic connections?
ASK & LISTEN: Partner dancing is an amazing analogy for relationships and life. Learn how to ask for what you want, listen deeply, and be clear about your yes’s and no’s — on and off the dance floor. We’ll have a playful event with honest discussions and exercises to support you in learning and deepening your experience in blues dancing and cuddly gatherings.
CONSENT IS PARAMOUNT: It’s all about clear communication and consent, so you get to CHOOSE who you want to interact with and how throughout the evening. You can dance or cuddle or simply observe or do all the above and change your mind ANY time at this PG-RATED, fully clothed event 🙂
7p Doors open (bring snacks; I’ll have some)
7:15-9:30p Workshop* (please be on time–lots to share!)
9:30-10:30p Practice lab: dance & cuddle party
***REGISTER*** for online ($30) and bring-a-friend deals ($20 each). At the door love exchange is $40 🙂
No good soul turned away for lack of funds.
*If for any reason, you anticipate being late and are new to this workshop, please message Rainbow beforehand to discuss workshop agreements. It’s important that you’re well informed to create a safe space for all to enjoy the event easily.*
LOCATION: East Bay Community Space with dance floor. Please ask for carpools/rides; let’s be green together!
MORE ON WORKSHOP description:
Rainbow Chen, seasoned relationships coach and trained dancer, will share connection concepts focusing on the exquisite nuances of human connection. You will experience facilitated exercises on authentic requests and responses to discover how we can respectfully intersect with each other and play a bigger game in life together. Get the fundamentals of blues dancing through the lens of connecting to ourselves, each other, and the energy created when two come together. It’s truly a fun evening together!
Some of the gratitude shared in closing circles included appreciation for “welcoming stretch into something once scary” [cuddles/partner dancing], “learning how to have playful, nice, and firm boundaries”, “new perceptions”, “being in community”, “feeling joy”, “safe environment”, “powerful teaching and facilitation”, “I learn something new each time, and am even applying the principles at work to get more of what I want and be a better communicator”, and “important work in the world.” We look forward to welcoming you!
NOTE: Please refrain from any scents/colognes and don’t use scented fabric softener or dryer sheets on your clothes to enable those with severe allergies to attend. Using fragrance-free detergent helps a lot too. Thanks for making this more accessible for all. For more details/support: https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/#toggle-id-2
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
Required Readings:
https://www.eastbaydsa.org/night-school/
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms
Bring your friends and your games for a night of nerdy fun!
Friendly folks on hand to help explain games and join in on the action.
Snacks and drinks provided. $5 Suggested Donation. NOTAFLOF
You can bring beer/wine.
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
Required Readings:
https://www.eastbaydsa.org/night-school/
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
In practicing sacred sexuality, often called Tantra, we combine presence with erotic energy in order to attain higher states of consciousness. In these states, transcendent healing can occur, and perception shifts to unveil Divinity. This workshop will give you an overview of concepts to propel your sexuality into a new realm, particularly as related to coupling with another woman. This can be not only the beginning to a new way of seeing your life, but even to a new way of seeing the whole Universe.
Among the topics we will discuss are: subtle energy, orgasm and pleasure, tantric concepts of gender, and certain aspects of the female/female sexual pairing which make it a unique opportunity within the practice of Tantric sexuality. You will leave with a strong foundation to build on by yourself or with a partner, an increased ability to create fulfilling and sustainable relationships with other women, and deeper love for your sexuality and yourself.
About your facilitator: Elizabeth Mazzola specializes in assisting bi and lesbian women to open to healthy expression of their sexuality, release shame, foster happiness, and implement new ways of being in order to serve their relationships and unique purpose. Her events create a safe and supportive container to explore conscious relating, spirituality, and sexuality, and they provide a platform for like-minded women to meet.
*Although we each contain both feminine and masculine energy in varying proportions of activation, this course is specifically designed to address the experience of 2 people with female bodies*
**If you have not been active with other women, but you are curious or you are questioning your sexuality, this is a safe space for you**
Explore connecting in a community focused on safety, consent, & healthy relations through hugs and dance.
*Desiring more hugs? Curious about cuddle parties?
*Craving nourishing touch, maybe a multi-person massage?
*Want to learn blues dancing or deepen your partnering more?
*Yearning for more authentic connections?
ASK & LISTEN: Partner dancing is an amazing analogy for relationships and life. Learn how to ask for what you want, listen deeply, and be clear about your yes’s and no’s — on and off the dance floor. We’ll have a playful event with honest discussions and exercises to support you in learning and deepening your experience in blues dancing and cuddly gatherings.
CONSENT IS PARAMOUNT: It’s all about clear communication and consent, so you get to CHOOSE who you want to interact with and how throughout the evening. You can dance or cuddle or simply observe or do all the above and change your mind ANY time at this PG-RATED, fully clothed event 🙂
7p Doors open (bring snacks; I’ll have some)
7:15-9:30p Workshop* (please be on time–lots to share!)
9:30-10:30p Practice lab: dance & cuddle party
***REGISTER*** for online ($30) and bring-a-friend deals ($20 each). At the door love exchange is $40 🙂
No good soul turned away for lack of funds.
*If for any reason, you anticipate being late and are new to this workshop, please message Rainbow beforehand to discuss workshop agreements. It’s important that you’re well informed to create a safe space for all to enjoy the event easily.*
LOCATION: East Bay Community Space with dance floor. Please ask for carpools/rides; let’s be green together!
MORE ON WORKSHOP description:
Rainbow Chen, seasoned relationships coach and trained dancer, will share connection concepts focusing on the exquisite nuances of human connection. You will experience facilitated exercises on authentic requests and responses to discover how we can respectfully intersect with each other and play a bigger game in life together. Get the fundamentals of blues dancing through the lens of connecting to ourselves, each other, and the energy created when two come together. It’s truly a fun evening together!
Some of the gratitude shared in closing circles included appreciation for “welcoming stretch into something once scary” [cuddles/partner dancing], “learning how to have playful, nice, and firm boundaries”, “new perceptions”, “being in community”, “feeling joy”, “safe environment”, “powerful teaching and facilitation”, “I learn something new each time, and am even applying the principles at work to get more of what I want and be a better communicator”, and “important work in the world.” We look forward to welcoming you!
NOTE: Please refrain from any scents/colognes and don’t use scented fabric softener or dryer sheets on your clothes to enable those with severe allergies to attend. Using fragrance-free detergent helps a lot too. Thanks for making this more accessible for all. For more details/support: https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/#toggle-id-2
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
Required Readings:
https://www.eastbaydsa.org/night-school/
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms
Bring your friends and your games for a night of nerdy fun!
Friendly folks on hand to help explain games and join in on the action.
Snacks and drinks provided. $5 Suggested Donation. NOTAFLOF
You can bring beer/wine.
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
* * Play in a band or just watch & enjoy * *
Instant Band Night is a party where musicians who’ve just met form bands on the spot. Come play or come watch: either way, it’ll be the best night of your week.
(1)
The first rule of Instant Band Night is: * YOU * DON’T * HAVE * TO * PLAY * AN * INSTRUMENT * TO * ATTEND *
(2)
The second rule of Instant Band Night is: We guarantee you (the audience) an astonishingly excellent time.
(3)
The third rule of Instant Band Night is: Bring a friend or three!
In case you’ve never been to Instant Band Night, here’s the deal:
1. The stage has a drum kit, guitar, bass, keyboard, and mics.
2. We draw names out of hats to make instant bands that get 7 minutes in the green room to plan a 5-minute set.*
3. A hat-drawn artist will also take the stage alongside each band to draw their gig poster on a meeting room easel pad.
HOWEVER! No show is complete without an audience: if you don’t play an instrument or sing, COME ANYWAY and just watch — don’t forget the second rule of Instant Band Night!!
* If you’ve brought a friend (or friends) you want to play with and you’ve already worked something out, just put your whole group into the DUETS/GROUPS hat and we’ll slot you into the order.
Bring your people, crack a beverage: it’s time.
$5/person
BYOB
Some of us have made an unofficial tradition out of bringing desserts to Instant Band Night, too, and we’re not stopping now.
We’re never stopping.
(Bring a few donuts this time!)
* * * w e ‘ l l * s e e * y o u * t h e r e * * *
Updated F.A.Q.
Q: Do I need to be a musician to show up?
A: No. Absolutely not. Hell no. Come see the show and have a good time; you don’t have to get onstage.
Q: I’m a musician; am I guaranteed a slot in a band?
A: We literally draw names written on slips of paper out of coffee cans, so there’s a chance you may not be called; in a purely mathematical sense, it’s a function of how many musicians of each type show up that night (there are five musician cans (DRUMS, GUITAR, BASS, VOX, MISC) and one can for artists who’ll be picked to draw the bands’ gig posters, plus the DUETS/GROUPS can for people who showed up with at least one friend and already have something in mind). We say: surrender to the spirit of random chance, or maybe slip the MC a bribe of some sort.
Q: Do I have to be an amazing musician to throw my name in a can?
A: Probably not. Your band’s only gonna be onstage for 5 minutes, anyway; how bad can you possibly be?
Q: I play an instrument other than what’ll be onstage, like the sax or trumpet. Can I bring it?
A: Hhhheeeeeelll yyyeeeessssss you can bring it. PLEASE DO. We had a guy bring a bassoon once, and he rocked the living shit out of it — and, by extension, us. Woodwinds and brass, which tend not to need extra amplification for a space of this size beyond being pointed vaguely at a mic, are most welcome. If your instrument requires an amp, that’s cool, but you should get in touch with Jon about showing up early for setup.
Q: Do I have to pick my cover tunes beforehand?
A: Listen. You and your band (who you’ve JUST MET) have 5 minutes onstage to do whatever the hell you can think of in the 7 minutes prior to walking up there. You wanna try to pick covers everyone can agree on? Great. You wanna try writing something new? Fantastic; it can definitely be done. You wanna pick a key and tell each other to just fuckin’ wing it up there? You are a RAGING PSYCHOPATH and we love it. We’ll see you in 7; get in the green room!!!!
Q: I showed up with a friend (or two or three or four) and we already have something in mind. Can we play together?
A: We made a whole other coffee can just for you: it’s the one labeled DUETS/GROUPS! Put all your names (plus your band name) on one of the big paper entry slips and throw it right in there!
Q: What does BYOB stand for?
A: We don’t sell drinks at Instant Band Night, so you gotta bring your own. Get a cheap sixpack of something. Maybe a bottle and some cups. We’re not here to godmod how you get down.
Q: Is this in the East Bay?
A: It is. Do not be alarmed: it’s within walking distance of MacArthur BART, and as a bonus, you get to tour the delightful, scenic Temescal district on your way over. Or you could just take a Lyft from SF (or the BART station if you fancy). Got a car? Drive on over; parking around the East Bay Community Space is pretty simple. You can do this. We believe in you.
Q: I can’t make it, and I feel a little bad about it. Am I good?
A: The only cure is to think of a few friends of yours who live in the Bay and enjoy fun, then invite them to this.
Q: You got any other rules?
A: For some reason, almost every Instant Band Night sees a group do a rendition of “Creep” by Radiohead, so this song is now outlawed until at least Instant Band Night 16.
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
Required Readings:
https://www.eastbaydsa.org/night-school/
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms
Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and compassion toward your body and your experience, moving through poses using the breath and mindfulness cues as touch points.
Mondays, 10 – 11:15 AM
Sliding scale $12- $20: cash, check, and Zelle accepted. No one turned away.
In practicing sacred sexuality, often called Tantra, we combine presence with erotic energy in order to attain higher states of consciousness. In these states, transcendent healing can occur, and perception shifts to unveil Divinity. This workshop will give you an overview of concepts to propel your sexuality into a new realm, particularly as related to coupling with another woman. This can be not only the beginning to a new way of seeing your life, but even to a new way of seeing the whole Universe.
Among the topics we will discuss are: subtle energy, orgasm and pleasure, tantric concepts of gender, and certain aspects of the female/female sexual pairing which make it a unique opportunity within the practice of Tantric sexuality. You will leave with a strong foundation to build on by yourself or with a partner, an increased ability to create fulfilling and sustainable relationships with other women, and deeper love for your sexuality and yourself.
About your facilitator: Elizabeth Mazzola specializes in assisting bi and lesbian women to open to healthy expression of their sexuality, release shame, foster happiness, and implement new ways of being in order to serve their relationships and unique purpose. Her events create a safe and supportive container to explore conscious relating, spirituality, and sexuality, and they provide a platform for like-minded women to meet.
*Although we each contain both feminine and masculine energy in varying proportions of activation, this course is specifically designed to address the experience of 2 people with female bodies*
**If you have not been active with other women, but you are curious or you are questioning your sexuality, this is a safe space for you**