Soul Space Presents Rhyme, Rhythm, and Restorations

Welcome to Soul Space Presents Rhyme, Rhythm, and Restorations! Join us for an unforgettable experience at our venue in .

Time: 6:00-9:00pm

Date: Friday August 22nd, 2025

Location: 1835 Harmon St, Berkeley, CA 94703

Admission: Free with RSVP

Soul Space Presents Rhyme, Rhythm, and Restoration is a poetry open mic hosted by author, poet, and educator, with poetry performances by Oakland's Youth Poet Laureate, Cael, and author and slam poet, Papi Grande (PG), and then a musical performance by R&B singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Wanda Gonzalez, followed by a panel discussion on creativity and mental health. Plus free food, drinks, book giveaways, and raffle prizes. Free admission with Eventbrite RSVP. See you there!

Open Mic Guidelines:

1. If you are a poet, singer, rapper, or storyteller, here's your chance to share your voice and narratives.
2. Performers are limited to 1 piece (5 mins MAX) and are encouraged to share stories connected to mental health and creativity.
3. Sorry, no music backtracks. Only acoustic.
4. Preregistration is encouraged and earns priority over walk-in sign-ups

Headliners:

• Wanda Gonzalez () an independent R&B singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Richmond, CA. She writes and produces music that explores love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Wanda has performed the national anthem for the Golden State Warriors at both the Oracle Arena and Chase Center, and has graced stages at venues like Brick & Mortar in San Francisco and various music venues across the UK. To learn more, visit https://www.wandagonzalezmusic.com
• Papi Grande aka PG () is a nationally touring spoken word artist, author, and musician from Oakland, California. He was a former member of both the Berkeley Slam team and Loudmouth Slam team. His debut poetry book, “Theme of Identity: Off the Stage” explores his poetic confessional style. PG’s poetry opens doors to new perspectives and unforgettable moments. To learn more, visit www.pap1grand3.com
• Cael Dueñas-Lara () is a Ninth grader and second-generation Mexican-American, born, raised and currently residing in the vibrant and diverse community of East Oakland. Cael is the 2025 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate and was a 2024 OYPL Finalist. He strives to educate and inspire both his elders and peers through writing and to debunk the dominant narrative of Black and Brown young men living in Oakland whose narrative has often been set forth by societal perceptions. To learn more. visit oaklandlibrary.org/oakland-youth-poet-laureate

Host or Publisher J.R. Rice