DAY 1 of 3
Friday, September 25:
Kick-Off Party & VIP Networking Event
MORE THAN A THREE-DAY POETRY FESTIVAL
The 2026 theme, “Viva! Joy as Resistance: A Journey of Radical Hope Through Art, Connection and Collective Imagination,” explores joy as an act of resilience and renewal. Timed alongside the nation’s two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the festival invites audiences to explore justice, freedom, belonging, and happiness across generations and disciplines.
Time: 7:00–11:00 p.m.
Location: The Stork Club
2 Chapel Avenue, Jersey City
Highlights: An opening night designed to move audiences from reflection to collective celebration.
Headlined by the Resistance Revival Chorus (Grammys, Carnegie Hall, Apollo Theater), the recording artist Meecah (Hamilton), and the award-winning artist Le Fiddler (The Vatican and Foreigner’s fiftieth anniversary tour in Las Vegas)
Featured Performers:
Dr. Grisel Y. Acosta
Alyssa Bacay
I. Buenaventura
Cozy
Jeff Dess
Cat Doty
Forget the Whale
Gabriel Diego Hernandez
The Jersey City Cabaret
Patrick Roche
Elisabet Velasquez
Includes an open mic connecting music, storytelling, and performance.
Networking opportunities with special guests:
Àbákẹ́ Books & Cafe
Black Lit Podcast
Bowery Poetry
CavanKerry Press
Color and Light Festival
Dodge Poetry Festival / NJPAC
3 Peas Productions
Trill or Not Trill
MORE INFO and schedule for 9/25–9/27
https://www.jerseycitypoetryfestival.org/pressrelease26
JCPOFEST TEAM:
Melida Rodas, Founder & Visionary I Poet Laureate of Jersey City
Eugene O’Connell, Philanthropy Chair
I. Buenaventura, Producer I Panel Curator
Le Fiddler Entertainment, Production I Sound Technician