April at Symposia: Tunes, meditation and a favorite read

What we loved this month

April events

Wednesday concert series, April 2, 9 & 16 from 5 – 6 p.m. | Free entry

Local singer/songwriter Gregory McLoughlin is taking up residency this month at Symposia for a series of after-work concerts. Celebrate spring with Gregory’s positive spirit and music. Check out his work at gregorymcloughlin.com/ or contact Gregory at 917-533-8455.

Book club, April 3 at 7 p.m. | $5, to register email Yesenia at delossantosy369@gmail.com

Bookworm Baddies Book Club will discuss Dope! by E.S.P. This book club is for bookish girlies that love to read as much as they love to yap. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or looking for a new hobby, this club is all about sharing thoughts, laughing at bookish quirks and maybe even getting sidetracked with life stories. Learn more by searching “Bookworm Baddies” on the Fable app.

Midlife Magic: An Evening of Transformation, April 6 from 7 – 9 p.m. | $15 online and $20 at the door, register: rubinasheth.com/event-details-registration/midlifemagic

This empowering evening is designed to redefine midlife as a time of expansion, self-discovery, and deeper inner alignment. Join Rubina Sheth and Leah Crescenzo for meditation, mindfulness, and meaningful conversation to help you step into elevated self-worth, embrace your body’s wisdom, and cultivate unshakable peace. Bring a friend and a journal. Refreshments included.

“Flower Power” Open mic, April 8 from 7:30 – 10 p.m. | $5 suggested donation, https://www.facebook.com/share/16Gg8Jj4UJ/

Embrace the vibrant spirit of the 60s and 70s as we celebrate peace, love and artistic talent. We want to hear your voice whether you’re a poet, musician, or storyteller. Dress in your retro or floral attire if you really want to get groovy. BYOB with light snacks provided.

Hoboken Silent Book Club “Titles & Treasures,” April 10 from 6 – 8 p.m. | $5, registration required: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/hoboken-sbc/hoboken-sbc-at-symposia-bookstore

Join Hoboken Silent Book Club for Titles & Treasures. Bring your current read (or discover a new treasure at Symposia), enjoy peaceful reading time in good company, and connect with fellow book lovers in a relaxed, pressure-free setting. There will be an optional book swap at the beginning. If you’d like to participate, bring a book or two to share, browse what others have brought, and take home something new! 6:00 – 6:30: Arrival, settling in, book swap drop-off & mingling (optional); 6:30 – 7:30: Silent reading hour; 7:30 – 8:00: Book swap browsing, socializing or continued reading.

Symposi-Ha! comedy nights, every Friday from 8 – 9:30 p.m. | $14.52, Tickets available here.

Symposia transforms into a cozy comedy club every Friday night in March. Whether you’re a comedy lover or just looking for a fun night out, this is the perfect way to support local arts and enjoy some stand-up featuring Jersey and New York City comedians. BYOB!

Meditation class, Sundays April 6, 13 and 27 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. | $5 – $10 donation encouraged, but finances will never encumber attendance. To register email or text Hope at entanglingvineszen@gmail.com or (917) 627-7088

Leader Hope Blosser has been practicing Zen Buddhism for three decades, most recently as a resident of Barry Magid’s Ordinary Mind Zendo in NYC. Magid combines Western psychology with traditional Zen practice to bring meditation into our lives right here and now. All are welcome, no experience needed. Beginner instruction at 5:30 followed by two, 25-minute periods of silent meditation (zazen) from 6 to 7.

Hoboken Silent Book Club Blended, April 24 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Hoboken Silent Book Club is adding a new variation to its rotation: Hoboken SBC Blended. This format invites you to read alongside other quiet, introspective pursuits. Hobbies under consideration include journaling, drawing, calligraphy, origami, and jewelry-making. Cast your vote for your preferred blend at @HobokenSBC on Instagram. Hoboken SBC Blended meetups will follow a familiar rhythm: friendly conversation to start, a serene hour of individual focus, and optional community connection to conclude. All are welcome. Just bring your book, your hobby or both!

A book review from Symposia volunteer Elisabeth Oliu

We Die Alone by David Armine Howarth

I first read of Jan Baalsrud’s amazing WWII adventure in a March 2016 New York Times Magazine article. I was haunted by the description of a failed attempt by 12 Norwegians sailing from Scotland to land in Nazi occupied Norway in order to sabotage German installations. This book chronicles lone survivor Jan Baalsrud’s perilous journey to freedom. By turns horrifying, awe-inspiring, and suspenseful, David Howarth meticulously introduces the reader to “ordinary” Norwegians, who despite certain death if discovered by the Nazis, aided Baalsrud over a nine week period and ultimately helped him escape to Sweden.

Baalsrud’s physical and mental stamina despite overwhelming odds, and the stories of the many villagers who bravely assisted him, make for a spellbinding true story that depicts the very best of human nature. This is a story I can’t forget.

Reminders

We stay in business by selling donated books, and you can bring your books to donate any time Symposia is open. We also welcome donations of shipping materials like bubble wrap and NEW bubble mailers and envelopes. Peruse our Amazon store here.

We love welcoming new volunteers to help run the store. Give back to the community while joining the Symposia community at the same time! Call to learn more.

Symposia Community Bookstore

510 Washington St, Hoboken NJ

www.symposia.us

201-805-1739

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