ALL I want for my birthday is ...

Absolutely—here’s a revised version of your newsletter that’s warm, grounded, and relatable, with a softer tone that still invites support without feeling like a pitch:

Subject: A Season of Blooming (and You’re a Part of It) 🌱

Hey y’all,

I wanted to take a moment to share what’s been moving in my world lately—because somehow, after years of grinding, creating, parenting, and dreaming, I’m suddenly in a season where a lot is happening… all at once.

This month is packed with performances, openings, readings, and community events. I’m proud—and a little overwhelmed—in the best way. If you’ve been wondering how to connect, show up, or just keep up with where I’ll be, here’s the full lineup:

May Dates

May 8 – The Live Input Show @ Secret Pour, 9PM
May 9 – Lucille’s in Harlem w/ @AJamCalledSaturday
May 11 – Glimmer Garden Mic-Shop @ WOW Café (6pm sign-up, 7pm show)
May 16 – Opening: “Planting Possibilitrees” @ Bailey’s Café
A garden installation that grows with community reflection. I’ll be in conversation with Amy Touchette about joy, grief, and Black imagination.

May 17 – WomensJam @ Artichoke Pizza, Bushwick
May 24 – “Let Em Cook” @ Bailey’s Café – food + storytelling, come share space (and a plate if you’d like)
May 25 – “Rituals of Resistance” gallery opening @ Moonzescope, Soho
May 29 – Live painting + convo w/ Alex Harsley for FAB’s 50th @ E. 4th Street
May 30 – Comedy Feature @ Sugarmouse – it’s my birthday!
May 31 – “Blooming Brunch” closing of Possibilitree Garden @ Bailey’s
Music, stories, reflection on two years of art-making in community

June

June 7 – Philly reading of my poem in S/He Speaks Vol. 3
June 22 – Glimmer Garden Mic-Shop, feat. @poetniamora
June 24–30 – New Orleans, LA for Kolaj Fest:

• Sitting on a panel about curiosity, wonder, and joy

• Performing poetry

• Showing work in a group exhibition

I’m writing this not just to promote events, but to say: I’m really doing this. I’m finally in a moment where the work is being seen, asked for, celebrated. And that means everything to me.

This season is stretching me in all ways—artistically, emotionally, and logistically. I’m still figuring out how to make it all work, especially the travel, shipping, and performance costs. But I’m going to show up, because these moments feel too aligned, too affirming, to miss.

So whether you come to a show, send a word of encouragement, or just forward this to someone who might want to connect—I appreciate it more than you know.

With love and art,
J. SansChez
@thenotoriousrbj
💜