A “JIM OCEAN MUSIC” EVENT: SRAC’s Monthly Speakeasy: Singer/Songwriters and Poets Creating Vibrant Community

Two 20-25 minute sets of music and poetry which are followed by open mic. Afterwards we mingle for conversation, connection and light refreshments. More information at https://santarosaartscenter.org/events/

MUSIC: Thought-rockers, Jim and Kathy Ocean use their lyric-driven original music to explore the world, ask questions and start conversations. The Oceans write in many styles with content ranging from the satirical to the serious to the philosophical–sometimes weaving all three seamlessly within one song. Delivered with passion and humor, expect a folk-rocking romp through the wonders and quandaries of being human that will leave you refreshed, energized and wanting more.

This performance will also feature Steven Sauvain on bass.

Learn more at https://jimoceanmusic.com

POETRY: Michael H. Lopez is a poet, editor, and teacher based in San Francisco. He holds a BA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University and an MFA in Writing from the University of San Francisco. His poems have appeared in Door is a Jar, Acropolis Journal, The Sunset Beacon, and the 2025 Poolside Poets Anthology published by Decentered Arts. In 2021, he founded the Lone Mountain Literary Society, which publishes The Nature of Things, a magazine devoted to reflection, transformation, and transcendence.

His poetry explores love, loss, philosophy, and nature—pondering the secrets and strangeness of existence. Anchored in lyricism, surreal imagery, and playful form, his work moves between landscape and longing, spirit and renewal—drawing from both the vastness of the Great Plains and the waters, mountains, fog, and tidal light of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean.

In his downtime, Michael can be found exploring nature, attending live shows, or writing spontaneous haiku with The Haikuists throughout the Bay Area—crafting poems in the moment, inspired by place, mood, and connection. His debut collection, Where the Ducks Go, is forthcoming from Denise Low’s Mammoth Publications

Donations to support this free event are greatly appreciated.

Hosted by Brian Martens and Simmon Factor.