After 6 months of studying San Jose’s scene, I finally got the knowledge and network, and a venue, to host my own event. I am encouraging ALL performers to come out for San Jose’s newest Open Mic/ Happy Hour. Welcome yourself to We Create Wednesdays!

We Create Wednesdays
Hosted by QueenEarth
@ I Java Cafe
387 Delmas Ave
Downtown
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 753-9732
6:30-9pm
FREE (no cover) #wecreate
FB Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/536324963150347/

How open is the mic? – VERY open! That means poets, singer/songwriters, comedians, emcees, beatboxers, stupid human tricks, community announcements, college students, artistic elders, beginners, novices, hosts who facilitate other open mics, educators, slam teams, actors/actresses, visual artists (we have crayons and paper and rumors of live community art installations), photographers (smart TV) etc. The venue is large enough to accommodate a small band. Just let us know that you’re coming. With 10 open mic-ers every week, there will be plenty of time to share a little bit about you and your creative self! As the event grows, we will have a featured artist(s).

Who’s going to be there? – You never know who will stop by. We are just starting this event, but I believe that by keeping the mic fully and truly OPEN, we can increase the chances for awesomeness. There will likely be some poets as San Jose has a great scene for spoken word. Folks can use my guitar. Maybe we should also add a piano? If you have an unusual request and want to know if we can accommodate you, e-mail me! QueenEarth@queenearth.com

Who is hosting? – I was brought up under a legacy of community leaders, from college improv hosting and facilitating social justice work to hosting and planning college-wide and community events. I learned from some of Baltimore’s greatest. I carry these lessons with me in San Jose.

If you need more convincing, I asked someone who might know something about my credentials as a musician and host of an open mic.

“The first time I heard her perform I was captivated by the genuineness of her lyrics, her humble demeanor, and the appealing melody of her music compositions. I am a participant of her open mic and a prior feature. I am truly a fan . . . It is sometimes difficult to find music that is so heartfelt, with an appeal that reaches across social and cultural groups.” – Mama Adeke Rose

When/Where is the event?
I Java Cafe
387 Delmas Ave
Downtown
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 753-9732
6:30-9pm
FREE (no cover) #wecreate
FB Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/536324963150347/

 

iJava will continue offering Happy Hour prices until 8 and you’ll be home early enough to unwind and regroup for the end of your workweek! Professionals and late night owls can appreciate an end time of 9pm. If you’re up for it, I recommended the after party at Blackbird Tavern with Jackie Gage!!

Atmosphere – The owners have decorated the walls with multimedia originals from local artists. They boast a huge flatscreen TV which is great for live sports games or movie screenings. I’ve overheard community meetings from multicultural constituents planning events to feature Bay Area artists and politicians. I’ve met a touring musician/producer from Los Angeles, another online professor, middle aged couples and their puppy brothers. It seems like people in the neighborhood, downtown and nearby, are stumbling into the place and making it a staple in their workweek.

Product – The menu here is legit, pretty extensive, and offering food for any time of day. My girlfriend and I hunt for breakfast burritos. Theirs is one of my favorites, heavy on the eggs, avocado, and turkey bacon. They’ll add spinach too! The pastries are delivered, every morning, from a bakery in San Francisco. The owner brings them himself 🙂 I ordered a pastrami sandwich last week. George (aka Sunshine) hooked it up. For the formal talkers, that means he made me a very good sandwich. There was a great portion of meat and avocado, the bread was warm and toasted, the sandwich was perfectly sized (no chips or side needed). The coffee is tasty, never watered down and always flavorful. They also have over 50 brands of hot sauce, a great selection of desserts and snacks, and an assortment of adult beverages. The show is FREE so use your money to order a hummus platter and a glass of wine!

Parking – There is an adjacent lot that will validate your parking ticket for visiting ijava cafe. Whenever I go, there is plenty of street parking. The right open mic could change all of that 😉

Come out for We Create Wednesdays! Grab a spot on the open mic list and a seat at our table! Feel free to comment or e-mail me with suggestions and/or to let us know you’ll be stopping over! QueenEarth@queenearth.com #wecreate Maybe I should make a Guide for Open Mic-ers 😉