The Philosophers House

¿Hablas Español? Spanish Language Club
2026-04-03 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-04-10 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-04-17 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax)
*NOTE: First Fridays will be at a local restaurant outside the teahouse.* Please check here or text instructor for location the week of First Fridays.
Conversational Spanish with Laura and friends. This is an opportunity to practice Spanish with several native Spanish speaking people, and form a community with activities like potlucks, game nights, etc… while speaking/learning Espańol.
All levels welcome, even if you speak no Spanish!
How to register: Drop-in
Location: Drawing room, 2nd floor (except First Fridays which are rotating on location)
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged.
Materials required: Notebook if you prefer. No materials needed.
Organizer: Text Laura Lopez at 423-383-6547

Storytelling Open Mic
2026-04-03 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Sign ups start at 6:15pm
Theme: TBD
(Note: your story does not have to fit into the theme of community but if you are looking for a creative challenge, feel free to try and match the theme!)

Step into an evening of stories with local storytellers at our brand-new Open Mic series, hosted in our cozy living room space for community, creativity, and connection. From 6:30 to 8:00PM, we invite storytellers to take the mic for 5–7 minute slots. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or taking your first leap, this is a welcoming space to share your voice.
Sign-up opens at 6:15 PM, so come early and grab your spot. Each evening also features a 20-minute set by a featured storyteller, offering a deeper dive into the power of narrative to connect and inspire. The featured teller for this month, and beyond, could be you! Contact Vianna for details. Wander through the teahouse, grab a cup, and let the stories inspire you!
Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouesnonprofit or food and drink purchases encouraged. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
Location: Living Room/Fireplace, 1st floor
Host: Vianna Isbister at isbisterv13@gmail.com

Drawing and Tea Social
2026-04-04 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-04-11 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Drawing and Tea Social: We support and appreciate each other’s artistic journeys. We have weekly challenges, sketchbook tours, art mentoring and more.
When: Saturdays at 4:30 – 5-30p
Location: Tea Table, 1st floor
Organizer contact: Benjamin Abbott with The FADE Initiative. Email: benjaminabbott3@gmail.com or Laura Carlson at Laura@fadeinit.org
What to bring: any dry art and dry materials you would like to work on (Pencil, charcoal, pastel are ok. Please refrain from bringing any glitter or wet medias such as ink or paint.)
Seating is limited, and dependent on which room we will occupy: 10 people maximum can attend.
Learn more and RSVP at https://fadeinit.org/events

Listen up Book Club
2026-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join us for this read-aloud book club at the awesome Philosopher’s House! For this read-aloud book club, no one has to read anything in advance, and there’s nothing to prep – just show up as you are, grab a snack or tea at the counter, and enjoy the weirdly wholesome community of a read aloud. I read the first part of a “classic novel” aloud for the group (one I’ve never read before!) – this would be perfect for listener crafts, mending clothes, or coloring books – but there will also be socializing before and after, and of course LITERATURE DISCUSSION (if you like).
How to register: Drop-in (feel free to bring a portable craft project, textile project, or?? to work on during this meetup)
Location: Living room/Fireplace, 1st floor
Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse nonprofit OR food/beverage purchase. All are welcome regardless of ability to donate/purchase.
Organizer: Emily Katt at Emilyskatt@gmail.com

Follow/join the Listen Up Book Club page on FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585915229733

Be a Good Human Tri-cities Tea and Potluck
2026-04-05 17:00 - 18:30 UTC
Be a Good Human Tri-cities is a multi-cultural social club focused on human rights, based in Eastern TN and interested in fostering community and building bridges between all people in the Tri-cities.
All religions, no religion, all cultures, all genders, all orientations, all ages, all humans interested in building community through cultural events, education, sharing food, and growing friendships based on openness and respect for differences are welcome. Our main method of communication is through our Facebook group. Please answer the group questions to get approved. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14SxFYCR927/
Our monthly potluck is a chance to meet in person and enjoy a community meal with members and newcomers. All are welcome whether you have joined the FB group already or you’re new to BAGHT. Potluck will have a theme with hands-on project, food, and a tea included each month. Join us for interesting dialogue, community, and delicious food!
How to register: Registration not required, drop-in welcome.
Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse or drink purchase to support nonprofit. Donations towards projects are always welcome but not required. Requests for supplies will be posted in the FB group. All are welcome regardless of ability to donate.
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor for potluck. Parlor, 2nd floor for project. Please let us know if stairs are not accessible for you. If programming allows, we will move to main floor.
Bring: Your own plate/bowl/cutlery/cup to reduce waste. Projects will sometimes have a “bring items” component. All information will be listed monthly along with the theme.
Organizer: Ren Anne at thephilosophershouse@gmail.com
NOTE: Themes are here for inspiration and conversation but you do not have to abide by the theme. All food is welcome regardless, please write out ingredient label or recipe on 3×5 card (provided) for those who might have food restrictions.
April theme: Regrowth
What grows back? What in your life or community has returned after loss?
Potluck food suggestions:
Foods that incorporate greens, fresh herbs or lighter spring dishes.
Suggested Tea (purchased at tea counter)
Lemongrass Glow

*SOLD OUT* Children's Beginning Japanese Language Class (registration required)
2026-04-07 16:30 - 17:30 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
*This class is currently full but we encourage you to reach out to Junko Arnold to get on the wait list or to be informed of future offerings.*
Join Junko Arnold for a wonderful 6-week series designed to introduce young people to the Japanese Language. Learning another language helps children make new neural connections, increases empathy, and enhances cultural understanding. This low cost series is designed to reduce barriers to learning Japanese and also supports the teahouse nonprofit.
For young people age 6-10 years of age (parent welcome to attend with child). If you are unsure about whether your child might be able to attend outside of that age range, please email instructor.
Please contact Junko if you have any questions about this class. Reserve your space soon as there is limited seating.
Cost: 40.00 for entire 6 week series starting March 3rd.
How to register: Sold out
Materials needed: Please bring a blank notebook and pencils or a pen to write.
Instructor: Junko Arnold TEZUKA@mail.etsu.edu
Junko was born and raised in Japan and is the Master Lecturer of Japanese/ Program Leader of Japanese Major & Minor and Adviser of Japanese Cultural Society at ETSU. She is a PhD candidate at ETSU, currently researching the cognitive benefits of second language education. Junko also leads the ETSU Japanese Language Table here at The Philosopher’s House monthly.

Mandarin Language Class
2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
Description: Mandarin Chinese is the single largest first language in the world, with over 941 million native speakers, and has become an invaluable language for anyone to learn, whether they’re interested in engaging with Chinese business, learning more about Chinese politics, wanting to study deeper into Chinese culture, or just fascinated by language! This course will function as an absolute beginner course in Mandarin Chinese. Learning objectives will be to be able to read and pronounce pinyin, to learn very basic grammatical structures, very basic day-to-day vocabulary, begin to recognize and reproduce some characters, and be able to hold simple, introductory conversations. No prior Mandarin knowledge is necessary. If there are more advanced learners who would be interested in more advanced material, please contact the instructor.
How to register: Advanced registration is greatly preferred as class does have limited seating. See instructor contact for registration.
Cost: Food and drink purchases encouraged OR 5.00 donation at tea counter to support our nonprofit.
Location: Parlor, 2nd floor
Materials needed: A notetaking device (laptop, tablet, notebook, etc.) . We will be using Integrated Chinese Level 1; Part 1, 4th edition, which is available in print and eBook formats from several sources. You can also use a previous edition, as those are readily available and less expensive. We will use Simplified characters in the class, as that is used in Mainland China and elsewhere. As that series has both textbooks and workbooks, be sure to select the textbook. If you have questions about the suitability of a version, feel free to contact the instructor.
Instructor Contact Information: Please text Heather at (208)215-6738

Tuesday Tunes: Bradley Dargan, singer/songwriter
2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Halifax)
Bradley Dargan is a musician originally from Illinois who has been writing and recording original songs for 15 years or so. Intricate finger picking and vocals highlight live performances, building songs which are simultaneously calm and complex.
Bedphones.bandcamp.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1MD0zMK3i6NXU7cvulSPrL?si=SKQ0wtPFQSO5a4Sp227LPQ
How to register: No registration needed, Drop-in
Location: Living room/fireplace, 1st floor
Cost: Food/drink purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit. Tips to musicians encouraged.
*NOTE: Brad also does a weekly meditation time upstairs in the classroom on Fridays at 12pm. Join him for your own solo practice or guided meditation if you prefer.*

Chess Club
2026-04-08 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax)
Make new friends and play chess! This group meets weekly in the main room. All levels welcome.
Materials Required: None
Location: Living room/Fireplace area, 1st floor
Cost: Food and drink purchases encouraged to support nonprofit
How to register:Drop-in.
Instructor Contact Information: Joegumina@hotmail.com

Guided Ana Pana Breathwork Meditation
2026-04-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax)
Guided group meditation Thursdays at 12. Open space for anyone looking to practice silent or guided meditation. Open to all. Beginners welcome. We will be focusing on ana pana/natural respiration/nostril breathing. Lots of silence, but some gentle guidance into the practice
How to register: Register through this donation button, or drop-in. https://square.link/u/rsQey2gI
Cost: Sliding scale donation to support teahouse nonprofit (2.00-8.00) OR food/drink purchases encouraged.all are welcome regardless of ability to pay https://square.link/u/rsQey2gI
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd level
Organizer Bradley Dargan:
“I am a Yoga practitioner and instructor with over 15 years of meditation experience. Breath and mindfulness meditations have been an integral part of my wellness over the years, and I would love to share practice with anyone interested in meditation.”

Dungeons and Dragons (Group 2)
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of tabletop adventure games, Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. Beginner focused, no pressure gaming for ages 18+. Contact instructor for more information.
Materials Needed: None to start, see instructor for details
Where: Drawing room space 2nd floor (walk through Parlor and down hall)
Cost: 5.00-8.00 sliding scale suggested donation to support the space, OR food/drink purchase appreciated.
How to register: Drop-in permitted, first come-first serve so advance registration preferred. See instructor contact info below for registration. 8 person max
Instructor contact information: Anthony at gudguygoku@gmail.com

Dungeons and Dragons (Group 1)
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of tabletop adventure games, Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. Beginner focused, no pressure gaming for ages 18+. Contact instructor for more information.
Materials Needed: None to start, see instructor for details
Where: Parlor space 2nd floor
Cost: 0-5.00 sliding scale suggested donation to support the space, OR food/drink purchase appreciated.
How to register: Drop-in permitted, first come-first serve so advance registration preferred. See instructor contact info below for registration. 8 person max
Instructor contact information: Sam at msixteenatoo@gmail.com

PoetTEA; Open Mic Poetry
2026-04-10 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join members of the Poetry Society of Tennessee and the Philosopher’s House Writer’s Workshop for an evening of poetry and community at this monthly open mic night.
Second Fridays of each month from 6:00-7:30PM, with open mic sign-ups starting at 5:45PM. Spots are limited to 4 minutes per poet.
Co-hosted by various members of the Poetry Society of Tennessee.
Also be sure to check out our Poetry Writer’s Workshop held every other Friday at 3:30 PM at the Philosopher’s House if you would enjoy the opportunity to share your poetry in a more intimate setting and receive feedback. For more information about the Poetry Society of Tennessee, check out their website.
How to register: Drop-in
Location: Fireplace/living room, 1st floor
Cost: Free. Food and drink purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit
Organizer contact: Contact Kayla Nichols with any questions: nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com / 423-571-2949.

CommuniTEA Arts and Wellness Fair
2026-04-11 13:00 - 18:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join us at the CommunitTEA Arts and Wellness Fair!
Come experience a vibrant day full of arts, wellness, and good vibes! This in-person event is all about connecting with your community through creative workshops, wellness activities, local vendors, and plenty of tea to sip on. Whether you’re into shopping local, good food, learning more about your health, or just want to chill and meet awesome people, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the fun…grab your friends and dive into the good energy!
Art and craft vendors, food truck, mobile sauna, health and wellness booths, and more!
Cost: Free and open to all. Food/drink purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit. Vendors will have a mix of free diy projects and items for purchase.
How to register: Help us better prepare by registering (free) at Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/communitea-arts-and-wellness-fair-tickets-1982780025431
Locations: Living room and Courtyard, 1st floor, Classroom and Parlor, 2nd floor.

Steeped in Stories Author Meetup
2026-04-14 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Halifax)
Twice-Monthly meet up for local authors on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays: The goal is to be in community and encourage fellow authors on their current projects. We’ll do group feedback, discuss local events and collaborations, and have various discussion topics on the craft of writing, and the business of selling, books.
Feel free to drop in, but if you’d like to get on the email list to request feedback on a project or hear specifics about each month’s topic, email Molly McDonough at mcdonough.author@gmail.com.
The suggested payment for this event is a $5 donation to Philosopher’s House or the purchase of food or drink.
How to register: Drop-in OR email Molly to get on email list
Location: 2nd floor, drawing room
Cost: 5.00 donation at the following Steeped in Stories Donation or food/drink purchases encouraged.

No Climate Cafe 4/14/26
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
Climate Cafe will resume on 5/12/26

Tuesday Tunes: Indie/Folk with singer/songwriter Jacob Donham
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:30 UTC
Jacob Donham is an Asheville, NC based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose folk-rooted music blends craft, imagination and everyday storytelling. Drawing influence from 60’s folk artists such as John Martyn and Nick Drake while mixing in jazz, soul, lo-fi and indie vibes. Jacob’s sound feels both familiar and newly invented—music built from simple moments, honest reflection, and melodies that stay with you.
How to register: Drop-in
Cost: Food/drink purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit, tips to musicians encouraged.
Location: Fireplace/Living Room, 1st floor
Music link:
https://jacobdonham.com/home

Women in Ag discussion panel
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
One of the most meaningful ways we can support sustainability and protect the environment is through supporting local food systems. Come meet some of the women creating waves in food systems, agriculture, local farms, and through advocacy. They are all deeply influential, each in their own way. We are proud to share this year’s edition of “Women in Ag” at the teahouse! Join us for an educational and engaging discussion with some of the powerhouses of agriculture and change in our region.

How to register: Drop-in, no registration needed. Bring your questions and curiosity!

Cost: Food/drink purchases encouraged to support ongoing programming at our teahouse nonprofit.

Location: Living room/Fireplace, 1st floor.

Meet the panelists:
Deborah Byrd is the Executive Director of Jonesborough Locally Grown, the non-profit operating Boone Street Market and Jonesborough Farmers Market. She is dedicated to strengthening connections between local farmers, food, and community. Deborah brings a diverse background in sustainable agriculture, having worked as a grower at Serenity Knoll Farm and with Farms Work Wonders at Wardensville Garden Market.

Chelsea Green, MA, LPC, is a masters level therapist who offers nature-based therapy and equine therapy services at Fauna Forest Farm in Jonesborough, TN. Chelsea provides holistic and trauma-informed care to support adults and couples while caring for horses and the land in regenerative ways. She also hosts the monthly Climate Café of East Tennessee and facilitates family constellation group work that integrates horses into these healing practices on the farm. You can learn more about her work at www.anubeginningtherapy.com

Margie Kendall is a local food and farming advocate that lives with her family in the Tree Streets. She serves on the board of directors for Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development Council, but previously worked with Jonesborough Locally Grown, launched Serenity Knoll Cooking School in 2016, and runs her own food blog.
Sarah Long is an author, chef, gardener, and Mother Earth fan girl. A professor of writing at Appalachian State University, Sarah’s scholarly research focuses on the intersections of technology, agriculture, and women’s empowerment. Creatively, she works in the nonfiction space. Her latest work, “Uprooted: A memoir of belonging and becoming,” is available through Regal House Publishing, July 28, 2026. She is the Executive Director and President of Slow Food Tri-Cities (www.slowfoodtricities.org), a narrative medicine practitioner (www.thewritingcure.com), and a TedX speaker for the 2026 summer season (https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/67032).
Iliana Pate is a grower, maker, sheep shearer, and forest school instructor, currently located at The Earth School at Fauna Forest Farm in Jonesborough. Iliana was born and raised on a small family farm on the Cumberland plateau, where she developed a deep appreciation for good food, and a passion for sustainable, equitable, agriculture. A desire to learn more about sustainable agriculture and land management models has taken Iliana from Tennessee veggie farms, to a Wisconsin dairy, to a NPS prescribed fire crew, and back to Tennessee to teach nature studies and gardening at Fauna Forest Farm.
Rachel Slaughter is co-owner and farmer at Rain Crow Farm in Jonesborough, TN growing a wide variety of vegetables for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), restaurants and farmers markets. Before moving to Jonesborough Rain Crow Farm produced on a quarter acre urban farm in Johnson City. Before starting Rain Crow Farm Rachel worked on a variety of vegetable and cut flower farms in Tennessee as well as in agriculture education.

Fireside Chat: Artist Jai Gervin
2026-04-16 18:30 - 19:30 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
*Sponsored by Carson and Paige McSailor*

Jai Gervin
Mixed Media Artist
“I am a “creative visionary” with the soul of an artist and the heart of a Social Worker. I was born, raised, and still live in Johnson City, TN. I believe that this small, typically conservative, town forced me to find alternative creative outlets even as a child. As I grew up, my artistic nature was not valued in my family, so I didn’t tap in to my creative side for many years.
During the pandemic I began to desire to create again this time as an adult with no rules or lines to color within. You will find that my art is much deeper than the first glance. It reflects life experiences, inspirations, emotions and stories I have fabricated along the way. I tend to create pieces that are personal to me and relatable to others. I find the most joy working with mixed media by combining ordinary things with other mediums that don’t traditionally “fit” together; much like me. I have found great joy and healing via this avenue and am excited to be able to share it with folks that appreciate it and find their own joy through my lens.”

Cost: Food/drink purchases encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit

Location: Fireplace/Living room, 1st floor
Artist Statement: For me, art is both therapeutic and fascinating. I’ve always been
intrigued in how two or more people can look at the same piece yet interpret it
differently. I am no stranger to thinking outside of the box and creating art that sparks conversations. My art follows no rules. It is bold, vibrant, thought provoking, diverse, distorted and interesting. I create original one-time pieces that are never duplicated.

For more about Jai’s art: https://jgervin.com

Poetry Writer's Workshop
2026-04-17 15:20 - 17:20 UTC
*This group is currently full, but if you would like to be added to the waitlist please email Kayla at nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com *
This bi-weekly sharing circle is open to poets of all levels. Participants are encouraged to share their poetry in a friendly, constructive, and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees often discuss poetic themes, share resources and book recommendations, and discuss local poetry-related events. Occasionally, the group will offer a prompt for inspiration or have free writing time together. Contact facilitator for more information.
How to register :Advance registration required. See instructor contact below for registration.
Location: Drawing room, 2nd floor (through Parlor and down hall)

Materials Required: Writing notebook or laptop/tablet.

Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse at tea counter OR drink/food purchases encouraged.
Instructor contact information: Kayla Nichols at 423-571-2949, nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com

Tea and Tai Chi
2026-04-18 10:30 - 12:00 UTC
Join the White Lotus crew on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays monthly for the best Tea in Johnson City, some heartfelt community, and some relaxing yet invigorating movement arts to top it all off. We will meet at the Philosopher’s House for a tea of your choice, then head out to the park (weather permitting) for Yang 24 (Beijing Style) Tai Chi. Our warmup will include some Qigong and exercises influenced by martial arts style like Bajiquan and Baguazhang.
How to register: Drop-in, no registration needed.
Location: Meet at the teahouse at 10:30am, then walk with us down to King Commons for Tai Chi time
Cost: Beverage or food purchase encouraged to support teahouse nonprofit.
Instructor Contact: David Cable at pdcable@gmail.com

Poetry Writer's Workshop #2
2026-04-18 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
*New group is FULL! Please email Kayla at nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com to get on waitlist.*
This monthly sharing circle is open to poets of all levels. Participants are encouraged to share their poetry in a friendly, constructive, and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees often discuss poetic themes, share resources and book recommendations, and discuss local poetry-related events. Occasionally, the group will offer a prompt for inspiration or have free writing time together. Contact facilitator for more information.
How to register: Advance registration required. See instructor contact below for registration.
Location: Drawing room, 2nd floor (through Parlor and down hall)

Materials Required: Writing notebook or laptop/tablet.

Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse at tea counter OR drink/food purchases encouraged.
Instructor contact information: Kayla Nichols at 423-571-2949, nichols.kmichelle@gmail.com
