About this Event
Word 66 is more than an open mic — it’s a creative crossroads.
Born in San Bernardino and inspired by the spirit of Route 66, this soulful open mic brings together poets, spoken word artists, emcees, storytellers, singers, and community voices who speak with heart and intention. Hosted by Brandon Allen — curator of When Thunder Speaks, a series of educational workshops and artistic experiences that deepen creative practice — and Dr. Ant Black, a poet, professor, and lifelong cultural curator, Word 66 is intentionally crafted as a space where creativity meets community.
We believe words carry weight.
We believe stories deserve distance.
We believe truth should travel.
Expect an atmosphere rooted in rhythm, reflection, and deep community energy — where performers and listeners alike are welcomed, seen, and heard. Come to perform. Come to listen. Come to be reminded that your voice matters.
This is not just an open mic — it’s presence.
It’s power.
It’s truth.
Featured Poet:
Judah 1, also known as David M. Oliver, is a poet, educator, and community arts leader from Pomona, California, and the city’s first Poet Laureate. A central figure in the Inland Empire’s spoken word movement, he founded LionLike MindState INC in 2008, an organization dedicated to creating platforms for poets, artists, and youth to develop their craft and share their voices. Through this work, he has organized open mics, workshops, and large-scale community events, helping to cultivate a sustained poetry scene in Pomona and beyond.
Oliver also co-founded and helped lead The dA Center for the Arts and its Machine Pomona space, contributing to the development of Pomona’s downtown arts district as a hub for creative expression. His poetry and organizing have been closely connected to social movements, using spoken word as a tool for political reflection, healing, and community empowerment.
Through performance, mentorship, and institution-building, Judah 1 has built a legacy rooted in access, cultural pride, and the belief that poetry can transform both individuals and communities.
4th Fridays - 7:30 pm
Follow us:
Wordsixty6.com
IG @wordsixty6
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Pulse - Stronger Together Now, 479 West 4th Street, San Bernardino, United States
USD 7.18 to USD 12.51
