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.

Tantra Hatha Yoga

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!

October’s Last Friday is Jessop Duo

This month we’re delighted to be joined by Emily Suzanne Shapiro on clarinet, and Danielle Rogan on flute, collectively known as The Jessop Duo.

Northern Irish flutist Danielle Rogan is a freelance orchestral, chamber and solo musician based in London. She has worked with London Concert Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra Ireland, Mozart Symphony Orchestra and Wexford Festival Opera. She has played on commercial recordings and on RTÉ Lyric FM, and performed in prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Berlin Konzerthaus, Cadogan Hall, Hammersmith Apollo and the National Concert Hall Dublin. Danielle has appeared in several recital series including ‘Making an Entrance’ at Castletown House Kildare, Live@St. Mark’s Hamilton Terrace and St Saviour’s Church Pimlico. She performed at the 2022 Euro Knowledge Awards in the House of Lords, and around the world on Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. Danielle was a member of Euterpe Wind Quintet, Galway Music Residency ‘Apprentice Ensemble of the Year 2018’, and is currently a member of the World Harmony Orchestra. Danielle graduated with a Masters in Performance with distinction from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where her teachers were William Dowdall and Patricia Morris. She previously studied with Elizabeth Bennett during her Bachelor degree at Queen’s University and Richard Davis at the Royal Northern College of Music. She also had memorable masterclass experiences with James Galway, William Bennett, Michael Cox, Lorna McGhee and Paul Edmund Davies, and completed orchestral training with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. Danielle is grateful for the support of the Arts Council NI, who awarded her the ‘Musical Instruments for Individuals’ grant in 2020. In 2008 she was awarded the ‘Sam Mahood’ bursary by Banbridge District Arts Council.

Emily Suzanne Shapiro is a bass clarinetist and clarinetist dedicated to exploring and creating new music. Originally from Canada, Emily pursued her studies at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Academy of Music, Concordia University and the Domaine Forget academy. Emily has a special love for the sound and scope of bass instruments and constantly pushes the limits of what she can do on bass clarinet.
Alongside performing contemporary music on bass clarinet, Emily is involved in many other musical endeavours. Composing and improvising are central to her career, and she has been an active performer of Balinese gamelan for 10 years and has also explored jazz, klezmer, rock and electroacoustics. She is always seeking out new artistic experiences to enrich and motivate her work.
She has performed all over London, including l’iklectik, Café Oto, Hundred Years Gallery, LSO St Luke’s, the Vaults festival, the Barbican and many more.

Get your tickets here.

Line Dancing with Donna

What better way to keep fit than by dancing with Donna? Those of you who have tried Donna’s seated exercise at the library on Monday mornings will know she’s a brilliant, upbeat teacher and great dancer. If you’re feeling the beneficial effects of seated exercise and want to take your fitness journey up a knotch, this is perfect for you. It’s also just great fun for those who just like a good bop of an evening. Why not come along and try it out?

Places are limited, because the room is not huge, so you MUST RSVP to attend. There will be a small charge for this class but we hope that if funding comes through we’ll be able to offer it for free in a few weeks.

Entry to the activity room at the back of the library will be via the side passage, to avoid disturbing the Writers Group. Please arrive from 1850.

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.

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 for introductory talk. The session will move to Gladstone Park around 1030.  Please wear suitable warm clothing for the weather!

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.

November’s Last Friday – Anjela Abelian and Andrea Rinciari

Join us for an enchanting evening of stripped-back jazz that promises to be a soulful journey through time and sound. Featuring the unique blend of jazz vocal and guitar, this special night draws inspiration from the timeless collaboration of Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass. Anjela Abelian will be gracing the stage, showcasing her recent single, “It’s So Much Fun,” which has already captivated Camden’s music scene.

Anjela Abelian is deeply rooted in jazz tradition, and her love for the purity of song form transcends every musical style she embraces. With a seamless fusion of her rich musical journey and contemporary nuances, Anjela’s performance is sure to resonate with both jazz purists and modern music lovers alike. Her voice, both powerful and tender, promises to create a memorable and intimate experience for all attendees.

Joining her is the dedicated full-time jazz guitarist Andrea Rinciari, whose playing has been profoundly influenced by the legendary Barry Harris. Andrea’s two successful album releases showcase a guitar style uniquely shaped by the phrasing and choices of renowned piano players. Drawing inspiration from jazz icons like Bud Powell, Tadd Dameron, and Charlie Parker, Andrea’s approach to bebop-straight ahead jazz is both distinctive and deeply evocative. His ability to make pianistic choices on the guitar adds an intriguing layer to his performance, promising an unforgettable musical evening. Come be a part of this community celebration of jazz, where tradition meets innovation in the most welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Doors open 1900, music starts 1930. There will be a short interval at 8pm. Music finishes 9pm.

Don’t forget to order your pizza!