November’s Last Friday – Anjela Abelian & Andrea Rinciari

Anjela Abelian & Andrea Rinciari

Stripped-back jazz with a unique blend of jazz vocal and guitar drawing inspiration from the timeless collaboration of Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass. During this special evening Anjela Abelian, Camden’s very own jazz/contemporary singer and songwriter, collaborates with the virtuoso jazz guitarist Andrea Rinciari, they perform a carefully curated mix of jazz standards and originals. Anjela will be also introducing her recent single – “It’s So Much Fun”.

Anjela Abelian – Camden based jazz/contemporary singer and songwriter. Deeply rooted in jazz tradition, she loves the purity of the song form in every musical style and seamlessly fuses her musical journey with contemporary nuances. She mastered vocals with Speech Level Singing school, and under the guidance of such voice gurus as Anita Wardell and Dr. Voice.Anjela started refining her songwriting craft during the pandemic, when she found solace in an international online community of songwriters, and one of her songs, “Strawberries”, went to the semi-final of the International Songwriting Competition. The track “Strawberries” was later released and gained international acclaim with widespread radio plays across Europe and the US.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5a6XSEFwJs Website: www.anjelaabelian.com Instagram @anjelaabelian

Andrea Rinciari, a dedicated full-time jazz guitarist, had the privilege of learning from the legendary Barry Harris, greatly influencing his playing. With two successful album releases, Andrea’s guitar style is uniquely shaped around the influences of piano players, making pianistic choices on the guitar. His inspiration comes from jazz icons such as Bud Powell, Tadd Dameron, Elmo Hope, Freddie Redd, and Barry Harris, as well as non-pianist greats like Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt, Fats Navarro, and Clifford Brown, resulting in a distinctive approach to bebop-straight ahead jazz.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fDRV7-Hf2c

New! – Tantra Hatha Yoga at the Library

Tantra Hatha Yoga is a sacred, embodied practice that cultivates energetic awareness and transformation (i.e., the chakra system) through asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation practices.

In this practice, you will be invited to slow down and guided on an internalised meditative journey, strengthening your physical body, purifying and balancing your energetic body, and liberating your mind.

In Jade’s classes you can expect a heart-centred, trauma informed and re-empowerment approach, cultivated through many years of supporting women who are living with trauma to heal and re-claim their lives. Jade’s yoga teaching is a creative expression, interwoven with yogic philosophy, reflexive poetry, and embodied practices and wisdom.

Jade’s aim is to support you to be in yoga and experience your true nature, loving stillness.

Suitable for everyone, all experience levels welcome! Head over to our Events page to book.

How Much Do you Love Our Coffee?

Imagine stepping into the cosy, aromatic haven of a community café nestled within the heart of Cricklewood. The scent of freshly ground coffee beans mingles with the sweet and spicy cakey aroomas, creating an irresistible invitation that beckons you to come closer. Now, picture yourself not just as a visitor, but as a volunteer barista, crafting these delightful experiences for your neighbours.

You might be seeking new ways to fill your days with purpose and joy. Volunteering as a barista offers the perfect blend of satisfaction and new skill development. Every cup of coffee you prepare becomes an opportunity to learn and grow, from mastering the art of creating the perfect espresso shot to frothing milk into a creamy, cloud-like consistency. The process is as rewarding as it is enjoyable, with each step providing a tangible sense of accomplishment.

But it’s not just about the coffee. It’s about the community. The café, located conveniently in the library, serves as a vibrant hub for Cricklewood’s residents. Here, you’ll meet people from all walks of life, each with their own story to share. You’ll find yourself building connections, one smile and one conversation at a time. The camaraderie among fellow volunteers and patrons alike fosters a sense of belonging and support that is truly heartwarming.

Imagine the satisfaction of seeing a regular’s face light up when you remember their favourite order, or the joy of a newcomer discovering their new go-to drink, thanks to your recommendation. These small moments of connection can brighten anyone’s day, including your own.

Full training will be given, and you can do this at your own pace. Please ask any barista for more details – they’ll be happy to advise, and to share what volunteering means to them. Alternatively, complete the volunteering form here and I’ll be in touch to discuss.

Free Forest Bathing Taster Workshop

This free taster workshop will be led by experienced Accredited Forest Bathing Guide, Elisabetta Murgia of Bluebells Forest Bathing.

Follow Elisabetta on InstagramFacebookLinkedIn.

Forest Bathing is an immersive and meditative experience in nature that improves our wellbeing. When taking groups to a forest, Elisabetta helps people to slow down, to stay silent, to connect to nature, to feel more of their sensations, more of their body and less of their racing thoughts. She uses breathing techniques and sensory exercises to slow down the nervous system and gain a sense of relaxation and peace. While connecting with nature, we can connect more with our inner self; this experience can arouse emotional and personal reflections along with creativity and heartfelt desires. Elisabetta works with nature to create a safe and supportive environment.

Meet at the library at 0900 on Saturday 23 November for introductory talk. The session will move to Gladstone Park around 1030.  Please wear suitable warm clothing for the weather!

Head over to our Events page to reserve your free place.

Cricklereaders Juniors is Back!

Happy to announce we’re restarting Cricklereaders Juniors, our FREE term time book group for 7-11 year olds.

Our talented and fun volunteers choose amazing books for your kids to get to know and love, and each week brings different activities to help bring the books to life and kindle a life-long love of books and reading. What better way to start the weekend than by coming along to Cricklereaders Juniors? Every term time Friday between 4 and 5pm.

Register your interest on our super-quick form.

CrickleUkers Time Change

Due to popular demand, we’re extending the timing of the monthly Ukulele jam, CrickleUkers, by 30 minutes. From Friday 5 July, the sessions will start at 1900, rather than 1930. This will hopefully give all the beginners enough time to get a few chords under their belt before joining the main group in the front of the library.

Also, a reminder that we have about 10 spare ukes to lend out, so no need to buy one before coming along to have a go.

It’s also fine to bring snacks and drinks to share on the night.

Looking forward to seeing more of you there soon.