About this Event
I WAS, AM, WILL BE is an in-person showcase and open mic for professionals and community members to connect through poetry, music, film, storytelling, and reflection.
About the event
Join Oakland-born author, poet, and educator J.R. Rice and the Super Friends to celebrate Rice’s newest collection, I Was, Am, Will Be. Together, we’ll explore who we were yesterday, who we are today, and who we may become tomorrow.
- Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Time: 4:00–6:00 PM
- Location: EastSide Arts Alliance & Cultural Center, 2277 International Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94606
Meet J.R. Rice & the Super Friends
- J.R. Rice (@imjrice) — Oakland-born author, English teacher, and spoken-word artist exploring identity, grief, humor, and becoming. Author of Broken Pencils and I Was, Am, Will Be; host and curator of Get-Hype Open-Mic.
- Anthony “The Chef” Jefferson (@anthonymichaeljefferson) — Actor, playwright, chef, and activist. His stage work includes the solo show The Bumpy Road Less Traveled and performances with Marin Shakespeare Company.
- Cael Dueñas-Lara (@caelpoeta) — Poet and performer, 2025 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, who has shared poetry at Oakland City Council and community literary events.
- Rewop (@rewopbe) — Oakland-born poet, performer, host, and producer.
- Adam Hudson (@adam.hudson5) — Bay Area drummer, percussionist, writer, and educator. His background includes alternative rock band Sunata and solo djembe performance.
- Bianca “BB” Brown (@bbindisthang) — Singer-songwriter, educator, and musician.
What to expect
🎭 A theatrical poetry performance headlined by J.R. Rice.
🎬 A private screening of Affirmations (Why Write), the short film connected to the collection.
🎶 Live performances from the Super Friends.
✍🏾 A guided reflective-writing experience—no writing experience necessary
🎙️ An open mic for local artists, with a chance to W1N a special something something.
📖 Book sales and signings with J.R. Rice and participating artists.
About the Book:
I Was, Am, Will Be follows Jonah Tarver, a 25-year-old Black American traveling through Europe while reckoning with love, family, grief, and his changing sense of self. Poetry, short stories, letters, and creative nonfiction come together to tell his story.
Published by
Paperback: $19.99 | ISBN: 978-1-952555-12-1
📚
Also available on and.
Order ahead and bring your copy for a personalized signing, complimentary book merchandise, and a chance to connect with the author.
Find more about the book, films, and upcoming events at.
Can’t attend? You can still show love:
Order the book, share this event, tag a friend, or tell somebody to tell somebody. Every introduction helps this independent literary community grow.
Yesterday I was...Today I am…Tomorrow I will be…
I WAS, AM, WILL BE: Showcase + Open Mic
Who were you yesterday? Who are you today? Who will you be tomorrow? Join J.R. Rice and the Super Friends for an afternoon celebrating his newest collection, I Was, Am, Will Be. Through poetry, music, film, storytelling, and reflection, we’ll explore the people we’ve been, the lives we’re living, and the possibilities ahead.
Event details
When: Sunday, November 8, 2026, 4:00–6:00 PM
Where: EastSide Arts Alliance & Cultural Center, 2277 International Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94606
Featuring: J.R. Rice & the Super Friends
Event venue & nearby stays
Eastside Arts Alliance, 2277 International Boulevard, Oakland, United States
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