20Events on May 20, 2013 Harambe! (6mos to 6-years old) Starts: 10:00 am Description: In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.
With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children.
Parental consent required. Participation is a $7-10 donation per session or $100 for 12 sessions.
Details: http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/harambe Oriental Dance/Belly Dance (bilingue/bilingual) Starts: 6:30 pm Description: Explore the mechanics of dance posture; soft & hard isolations; how movements initiate, flow & culminate; timing & sinking into the movement; listening & improvisation; deep, internal undulations with careful attention to weight shifts; beautiful hands & arms; shimmy drills & combinations.* Oriental & tribal styles, all levels. Bilingual community classes. (1.25 hrs)
Info? Visit http://www.moveyourbelly.com
$10 suggested donation
Learn more: http://www.bloombars.com/garden-of-the-arts/a-dance-class-at-bloombars-is-never-just-a-dance-class
The Garden Open Mic feat. Dappho the Flow-er (guest co-host: Heather Nadolny) Starts: 8:30 pm Description: Join us for DC's only weekly variety open mic (poetry, music, comedy, storytelling, etc-ing) where the show is appropriate for all ages (please and thank you to performers). Each week includes a featured artist and guest co-host, as well as resident co-host Gowri K.
Sign-up list opens at 8:30 pm and the first performer goes on at 9:00 pm!
$7 donation
Featuring: DAPPHO THE FLOW-ER
Dappho the Flow-Er was born on August 4th and has been a Washingtonian ever since. Her love of music and expression stems deep. As a child she composed songs on her Casio keyboard, wrote poetry, and sang in the church choir. In love with the arts, Dappho is not only a singer, bassist, and composer, she is a host, promoter, audio engineer, poet, and educator. "I just wanna get free and move the people" is one of her favorite quotes. She is a member of the acoustic folk soul duo 'SolRose', the all female Rock & Soul band 'The CooLots', and is a solo artist currently working on her first EP. Her influences include Sonia Sanchez, Jewel, Nikki Giovani, N.E.R.D., The Police, and Me'Shell N'Degeocello.
Guest co-host: HEATHER NADOLNY
Heather Nadolny is a singer, actress, writer, and storyteller. A Memphis native and Chicago transplant, her theatre credits include Cabaret (Kit Kat Girl), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Susan), Something's Afoot (Miss Tweed), The Sound of Music (Mother Abbess), and Barefoot in the Park (Mother). Heather has performed in Austria, Germany, Scotland, and even a cave in Australia. In DC, she is a regular performer and guest co-host at LaTiDo, DC's premiere musical theatre cabaret and spoken word series. She has also appeared at Bloombars, Busboys and Poets, Speakeasy, Story League, B Spot DC, with the Washington Revels at the National Cathedral, and for the Gay Men's Chorus Board of Trustees.
| 21Events on May 21, 2013 BloomScreen and TransAfrica present: The Prodigal Son Starts: 7:00 pm Description: Bloombars - 3222 11th St NW - Washington, DC 20010
Tuesday, May 21st at 7:00 pm
Join BloomBars and TransAfrica as we commemorate African Liberation Day (May 25), with the presentation of…
The Prodigal Son (2008, 64 min), by Kurt Orderson – retraces the lost history of the Orderson family, and the West Indian community who left the Caribbean in the late 1800’s as emancipated enslaved Africans, to settle in District Six, Cape Town, South Africa. (http://tinyurl.com/prodigal-son-trailer)
South African filmmaker Kurt Orderson retraces the lost history of his great-grandfather, Joseph Orderson. He soon discovers that his great-grandfather did not come directly from West Africa as the family commonly believed, but rather from Barbados, as a descendent of emancipated enslaved Africans who had been brought to the island to work on the sugar cane plantations.
He also unearths his ancestor’s activist past: Joseph Orderson was part of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, founded by the great Marcus Garvey – father of contemporary Black Nationalism and Pan Africanism.
Our film will be followed by a discussion with filmmaker Kurt Orderson from South Africa, via Skype, and moderated by Mwiza Munthali, the Public Outreach Director of TransAfrica.
This film presentation was made possible thanks to our collaboration with TransAfrica – the oldest and largest African American human rights and social justice advocacy organization.
RSVP at: http://tinyurl.com/prodigal-son-rsvp
See trailer: http://tinyurl.com/prodigal-son-trailer
*Suggested Donation: $10. Proceeds will benefit both TransAfrica and BloomBars. Your support of TransAfrica will help give voice to millions of people in Africa and throughout the Diaspora. Your gifts to BloomBars support our work in the community. Free popcorn and refreshments provided.
BloomScreen Indie Film Night – is a weekly series of independent and foreign films, accompanied by discussions with filmmakers and other experts. Join us on Meetup.com - The DC Bloomscreen Film Club - Film + Discussion / Every Week!
Volunteers wanted! Have a suggestion for a film? Know a local filmmaker who wants to screen their work? Want to lend a hand? Email jonathan@bloombars.com with your ideas.
| 22Events on May 22, 2013 Samba Baby Starts: 10:00 am Description: It’s never too early to learn the infectious dance of the world’s 5th largest country. And there’s no better teacher then Zezeh Zax, a dancer, professional performer of Brazilian samba and founder of the ZEZEH BRAZIL Dance Troupe.
The class will get hearts beating and feet moving to rhythms of Brazil. Parental consent required for youth under 18. Participation is a $10 donation per session or $100 for 12 sessions.
Learn more: http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/samba-baby Percussion Petting Zoo and Playdate Starts: 6:00 pm Description: Join other kids (ages 5 and under) and caregivers for this weekly BloomU playdate. Musical instruments are provided. Bring your smiles and community spirit! On Hiatus - Under The Baobab Tree (Ages 5 and Under) Starts: 6:00 pm Description: We'll be back when Iya comes back from maternity leave in a few months. Stay tuned!
Jambo BloomBars family! I am Iya and I have been inspiring, educating, and empowering young people for over 15 years. Today, I’m proud to announce that I’ll be joining the BloomU team of instructors with a new weekly program “Under the Baobab Tree.” Starting August 1st (and every Wednesday from 5:30pm to 6:15pm thereafter), we'll take parents, caregivers and children under age five on a musical and educational journey that will cross continents, languages and cultures.
But first let me tell you a little about myself. In addition to being a mother of a 4 and 5-year-old and a Master Teaching Artist, I currently serve as a Master Educator for DC Public Schools (DCPS) where I provide instructional support to teachers. As a seasoned educator, I use the arts to promote critical thinking, character development, cooperative work and creativity. I also use the arts to support core-curriculum subjects such as reading, mathematics, science and history - making learning fun.
I am also the owner of Kuumba Kids™ an innovative developer and provider of educational programs and materials for children, and co-founder of the non-profit “The Baobab Tree Foundation.” Over the years, I have had wonderful opportunities to work professionally as a songwriter, producer and vocalist. My first children’s CD, “Ooh Kuumba!” will be available at BloomBars.
My first experience at BloomBars was filling in for David Greenfieldboyce and his weekly Friday program “Songs, Stories and Puppets.” I was in awe of the beautiful and engaged children and genuine sense of community that’s been created. I felt at home. Now I can’t to meet all of you!
Until soon, keep blooming!
Bashea "Iya" Imana Silent Meditation Wednesdays Starts: 7:00 pm Description: Thirteen years ago, a small group of individuals in California decided to devote a Wednesday evening to the spirit of sharing through meditation and reflection. Over time, the vibrations created during that single evening multiplied and rippled into a weekly gathering as more individuals joined the circle of sharing and created what has become known as “Wednesdays.” Planting seeds of inner transformation, individuals have left their “Wednesday” feeling inspired and renewed.
Now, “Wednesdays” has begun to bloom in the nation’s capitol, in the heart of Columbia Heights at BloomBars.
These gatherings have no teachers, no set agendas or proposed beliefs — simply a space to come together to listen to ourselves and each other.
If you have been interested in meditating but are not sure where to start, peruse these guided meditations from various spiritual teachers.
And the following two blogs are excellent and honest descriptions of the thoughts that go through all of our minds as we try to understand what meditation is all about:
The Whale I Saved, or So I Thought
Grab the Reigns! Training the Mind to Find Happiness
Join us on Wednesday. We will start with an hour of meditation and follow it up with a round-table discussion of “aha” moments from everyday life based on a recent iJourney reading.
There is no required cost to attend (although donations are appreciated!) everything is offered as a humble gift, in the spirit of paying-it-forward. Samba Class Starts: 9:00 pm
| 23Events on May 23, 2013 Harambe! Starts: 10:00 am Diaspora Dance Class Starts: 6:00 pm Description: My name is Mesi Walton and I'm excited to announce that I will be joining the BloomU family of instructors teaching Diaspora Dance every Thursday night from 6:00pm to 7:30pm starting March 7th.
Explore dance and cultural traditions of the African Diaspora including, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Ghana, Senegal and The Gambia.
As an African-American attending public schools in Chicago I was taught about Ancient Greece, the writings of Shakespeare and the U.S. Constitution but the teachings about my history would come from outside of the classroom. My parents recognized the gaps in my education and committed themselves to instilling in my siblings and I a strong identity connected to pride in our culture and history. We were fortunate to have access to so much knowledge at a young age and I have adopted as a personal mission the learning and sharing of African culture with others in order to broaden our scope of the world.
Traveling and learning about music and dance has greatly enlarged my perspective of the dance world to extend beyond the confines of continental Africa, to encompass cultural Africa—i.e. the diasporic regions of the Caribbean and Latin America. Each trip has allowed me to add another piece to the puzzle which is more information I am able to share with the world. I am interested in the story behind dance. I ask the questions, “What is the message is in the dance? Why was it created? What does the group or person want to express?”. Dance is it’s own language, and it can communicate so many things all at once.
Here at BloomBars with dance as my vehicle, I am committed to sharing what I know in order to connect us in positive ways through culture. Each session of classes will be an opportunity to gain mastery of a particular dance within the African Diaspora. Since dance is an interconnected form of expression, we will discuss, explore and learn about the history, spirituality, music, language and reason it is done.
Whether I am learning, teaching or performing Samba, Salsa, or Soca the fun comes from sharing it with you and I invite you to come and enjoy a step of the journey with me!
| 24Events on May 24, 2013 SONGS, STORIES AND PUPPETS (Ages 5 and under) Starts: 10:00 am Description: A variety show for the under 5 crowd, “Songs, Stories & Puppets” is the trifecta that could help form your baby’s first sentence, “Is it Friday?” David Greenfieldboyce is a puppeteer, former teacher, stay-at-home dad who organizes the Mount Pleasant Children's Puppet Hour. Suggested donation: $5. More info: http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/songs-stories-and-puppets
| 25Events on May 25, 2013 HARAMBE! (6mos to 6-years old) Starts: 9:30 am Description: In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” It is your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/harambe Harambe 2nd Show Starts: 10:30 am Washington Sound Museum Starts: 7:00 pm
| 26Events on May 26, 2013 African Drumming w/Kristen & Kweku (Drums Available) Starts: 1:00 pm Description: Ever dream of joining the Malcolm X Park Drum Circle?
Now’s your chance to build some confidence — Every Sunday at 1pm, join Drumlady Kristen Arant and Ghanaian drummer/drum-builder Kweku Owusu for West African drumming classes at BloomBars! Learn techniques and rhythms from Ghana and Guinea, West Africa on djembe, kpanlogo and dun-un drums.
For experienced drummers, get some practice with our expert instructors!
Suggested donation: $15
Learn more: http://www.bloombars.com/category/garden-of-the-arts/music/drumming-class Performetry: Old Poems, New Poems, Your Poems Starts: 3:00 pm Description: Performetry: noun \pə(r)-ˈfȯrm-ə-trē\, also \pə(r)-ˈfȯrm-i-trē\ : The act of giving body to sound and presence to poetry through performance.
This monthly performance series at BloomBars will traverse generations of verse, focusing on the theatrical presentation of classical, contemporary, and musical forms of poetry. Performetry begins on April 28, 2013, and continues through June, occurring on the fourth Sunday of every month from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Each event will include the performance of a classic poem, featured works from a contemporary DC-area poet, an open mic, and live musical interludes. Performetry is sponsored by The Performing Knowledge Project with the generous support of BloomBars, and funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
About The Performing Knowledge Project
The Sanctuary Theatre’s Performing Knowledge Project nurtures the space where performance and education meet. Founded by DC Writers/Theatre Artists Robert Michael Oliver and Elizabeth Bruce, the project produces a variety of performances and hosts writing, learning, and performance-oriented workshops on different subjects and writing styles. Performing Knowledge’s events seek new possibilities for expression and understanding. From the rhymed brilliance of classic poetry to the sweep of contemporary prose, their performances and workshops are dynamic, multidisciplinary explorations. http://performingknowledge.org
$10 donation
String Beings - Lessons and String Sessons - All Ages and Experience Levels Starts: 6:30 pm Description: There is in souls a sympathy with sounds: And as the mind is pitch’d the ear is pleased. With melting airs, or martial, brisk or grave; Some chord in unison with what we hear is touch’d within us, and the heart replies.~William Cowper
The more we learn about the science of sound and the affects of music in our lives, the more 18th century poets like Cowper sound prophetic. And the more we listen to our hearts beat, the stronger the urge becomes to pick up an instrument and explore our innate affections for tonal syncopations, tribal rhythms and created or recreated melodies. The calling can come at any stage in life. For my almost-two-year old, it started from the womb and grows with every instrument we place in front of her.
That’s just one of the reasons I’m so excited to bring back our weekly String Beings program starting the first Sunday in September (9/2) at 6:30pm. In this incarnation, String Beings will be an almagamous open classroom/jam session where the line between student and teacher gets lost in the mutual sharing and learning of string instruments. It’s basically our version of string theory, but instead of trying to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity, we seek to reconcile the vibration of stringed instruments with the resonance of our very being.
Led by Sitali Syolwe and (Soon to be official Artist in Bloom resident) Ella, we are still seeking folks to help lead violin, bass and cello. There will be a special effort to get young folks and seniors out, but all ages are welcome.
The discovery of song and the creation of musical instruments both owed their origin to a human impulse which lies much deeper than conscious intention: the need for rhythm in life… the need is a deep one, transcending thought, and disregarded at our peril. ~Richard Baker
Amen! And thanks to some generous guitar and bass donations (and a Rhodes, wow!), we’re able to provide our new house instruments for use by all. AND WE’RE STILL TAKING DONATIONS!
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27Events on May 27, 2013 Harambe! (6mos to 6-years old) Starts: 10:00 am Description: In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.
With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children.
Parental consent required. Participation is a $7-10 donation per session or $100 for 12 sessions.
Details: http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/harambe Oriental Dance/Belly Dance (bilingue/bilingual) Starts: 6:30 pm Description: Explore the mechanics of dance posture; soft & hard isolations; how movements initiate, flow & culminate; timing & sinking into the movement; listening & improvisation; deep, internal undulations with careful attention to weight shifts; beautiful hands & arms; shimmy drills & combinations.* Oriental & tribal styles, all levels. Bilingual community classes. (1.25 hrs)
Info? Visit http://www.moveyourbelly.com
$10 suggested donation
Learn more: http://www.bloombars.com/garden-of-the-arts/a-dance-class-at-bloombars-is-never-just-a-dance-class
The Garden Open Mic feat. Will McInerney (guest co-host: Anirudh 'Eka' Dhullipalla) Starts: 8:30 pm Description: Join us for DC's only weekly variety open mic (poetry, music, comedy, storytelling, etc-ing) where the show is appropriate for all ages (please and thank you to performers). Each week includes a featured artist and guest co-host, as well as resident co-host Gowri K.
Sign-up list opens at 8:30 pm and the first performer goes on at 9:00 pm!
$7 donation
Featuring: WILL MCINERNEY
Will McInerney is a spoken word poet, published author, and the Executive Director of North Carolina’s premiere youth spoken word poetry organization, Sacrificial Poets. He works as a poetry educator across North Carolina and internationally in the Palestinian West Bank. Will is a National Duo Slam Champion, Southern Regional Slam Champion, and a National Poetry Slam Finalist. During the summer of 2011, Will helped conceptualize and lead Poetic Portraits of a Revolution, a project that sent him and three young artists to Egypt and Tunisia to document the ongoing popular movements through a fusion of poetic and visual arts. The project partnered with NPR stations to broadcast poems in more than 100 cities across the country. Will recently graduated Phi Beta Kappa and with highest honors from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelors degree in Peace, War, and Defense.
Guest co-host: ANIRUDH 'EKA' DHULLIPALLA
Anirudh ‘Eka’ Dhullipalla is a poet born in Hyderabad, India and raised in Minnesota and North Carolina. Eka can't remember when he really "started" writing poetry, but his affair with spoken word began in 2008. He joined Sacrificial Poets, the Chapel Hill Youth Slam Team, on their first trip to Brave New Voices in Washington, DC. It was an amazing and eye opening event and from then on he could not put down the pen. Since then he has performed and featured in North Carolina, Atlanta, London, and Washington, D.C. His work has evolved from more slam-oriented pieces to works focused on spiritual growth. He is thankful for all the love and support he gets on and off the stage. He is humbled by every moment an ear has given him because words are just sounds coming out of throats until someone chooses to give them meaning. To him, the listener is the artist, the poet just brings the paint. Lets watch a masterpiece unfold.
| 28 | 29Events on May 29, 2013 Samba Baby Starts: 10:00 am Description: It’s never too early to learn the infectious dance of the world’s 5th largest country. And there’s no better teacher then Zezeh Zax, a dancer, professional performer of Brazilian samba and founder of the ZEZEH BRAZIL Dance Troupe.
The class will get hearts beating and feet moving to rhythms of Brazil. Parental consent required for youth under 18. Participation is a $10 donation per session or $100 for 12 sessions.
Learn more: http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/samba-baby On Hiatus - Under The Baobab Tree (Ages 5 and Under) Starts: 6:00 pm Description: We'll be back when Iya comes back from maternity leave in a few months. Stay tuned!
Jambo BloomBars family! I am Iya and I have been inspiring, educating, and empowering young people for over 15 years. Today, I’m proud to announce that I’ll be joining the BloomU team of instructors with a new weekly program “Under the Baobab Tree.” Starting August 1st (and every Wednesday from 5:30pm to 6:15pm thereafter), we'll take parents, caregivers and children under age five on a musical and educational journey that will cross continents, languages and cultures.
But first let me tell you a little about myself. In addition to being a mother of a 4 and 5-year-old and a Master Teaching Artist, I currently serve as a Master Educator for DC Public Schools (DCPS) where I provide instructional support to teachers. As a seasoned educator, I use the arts to promote critical thinking, character development, cooperative work and creativity. I also use the arts to support core-curriculum subjects such as reading, mathematics, science and history - making learning fun.
I am also the owner of Kuumba Kids™ an innovative developer and provider of educational programs and materials for children, and co-founder of the non-profit “The Baobab Tree Foundation.” Over the years, I have had wonderful opportunities to work professionally as a songwriter, producer and vocalist. My first children’s CD, “Ooh Kuumba!” will be available at BloomBars.
My first experience at BloomBars was filling in for David Greenfieldboyce and his weekly Friday program “Songs, Stories and Puppets.” I was in awe of the beautiful and engaged children and genuine sense of community that’s been created. I felt at home. Now I can’t to meet all of you!
Until soon, keep blooming!
Bashea "Iya" Imana Percussion Petting Zoo and Playdate Starts: 6:00 pm Description: Join other kids (ages 5 and under) and caregivers for this weekly BloomU playdate. Musical instruments are provided. Bring your smiles and community spirit! Silent Meditation Wednesdays Starts: 7:00 pm Description: Thirteen years ago, a small group of individuals in California decided to devote a Wednesday evening to the spirit of sharing through meditation and reflection. Over time, the vibrations created during that single evening multiplied and rippled into a weekly gathering as more individuals joined the circle of sharing and created what has become known as “Wednesdays.” Planting seeds of inner transformation, individuals have left their “Wednesday” feeling inspired and renewed.
Now, “Wednesdays” has begun to bloom in the nation’s capitol, in the heart of Columbia Heights at BloomBars.
These gatherings have no teachers, no set agendas or proposed beliefs — simply a space to come together to listen to ourselves and each other.
If you have been interested in meditating but are not sure where to start, peruse these guided meditations from various spiritual teachers.
And the following two blogs are excellent and honest descriptions of the thoughts that go through all of our minds as we try to understand what meditation is all about:
The Whale I Saved, or So I Thought
Grab the Reigns! Training the Mind to Find Happiness
Join us on Wednesday. We will start with an hour of meditation and follow it up with a round-table discussion of “aha” moments from everyday life based on a recent iJourney reading.
There is no required cost to attend (although donations are appreciated!) everything is offered as a humble gift, in the spirit of paying-it-forward. Samba Class Starts: 9:00 pm
| 30Events on May 30, 2013 Harambe! Starts: 10:00 am Diaspora Dance Class Starts: 6:00 pm Description: My name is Mesi Walton and I'm excited to announce that I will be joining the BloomU family of instructors teaching Diaspora Dance every Thursday night from 6:00pm to 7:30pm starting March 7th.
Explore dance and cultural traditions of the African Diaspora including, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Ghana, Senegal and The Gambia.
As an African-American attending public schools in Chicago I was taught about Ancient Greece, the writings of Shakespeare and the U.S. Constitution but the teachings about my history would come from outside of the classroom. My parents recognized the gaps in my education and committed themselves to instilling in my siblings and I a strong identity connected to pride in our culture and history. We were fortunate to have access to so much knowledge at a young age and I have adopted as a personal mission the learning and sharing of African culture with others in order to broaden our scope of the world.
Traveling and learning about music and dance has greatly enlarged my perspective of the dance world to extend beyond the confines of continental Africa, to encompass cultural Africa—i.e. the diasporic regions of the Caribbean and Latin America. Each trip has allowed me to add another piece to the puzzle which is more information I am able to share with the world. I am interested in the story behind dance. I ask the questions, “What is the message is in the dance? Why was it created? What does the group or person want to express?”. Dance is it’s own language, and it can communicate so many things all at once.
Here at BloomBars with dance as my vehicle, I am committed to sharing what I know in order to connect us in positive ways through culture. Each session of classes will be an opportunity to gain mastery of a particular dance within the African Diaspora. Since dance is an interconnected form of expression, we will discuss, explore and learn about the history, spirituality, music, language and reason it is done.
Whether I am learning, teaching or performing Samba, Salsa, or Soca the fun comes from sharing it with you and I invite you to come and enjoy a step of the journey with me!
| 31Events on May 31, 2013 SONGS, STORIES AND PUPPETS (Ages 5 and under) Starts: 10:00 am Description: A variety show for the under 5 crowd, “Songs, Stories & Puppets” is the trifecta that could help form your baby’s first sentence, “Is it Friday?” David Greenfieldboyce is a puppeteer, former teacher, stay-at-home dad who organizes the Mount Pleasant Children's Puppet Hour. Suggested donation: $5. More info: http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/songs-stories-and-puppets
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Tuesday, June 26th at 7:00 pm
