Live Entertainment
Check out this year's live entertainment, with music, poetry, and more, shown below.
But don't forget about our Speakers, Authors and Podcasters, and Awardees.
Nancy Gonzalez
Inaugural Poet Laureate of Lodi and Educator
In 2023, Nancy became Lodi's inaugural poet laureate. Her poetry has appeared in Huizache: The Magazine of Latino Literature, La Tolteca, Mujeres De Maiz Zine, Hinchas de Poesía, Fifth Wednesday Journal, and several other literary journals.
Her work is featured in the Poetry of Resistance: Voices for Social Justice, Sacramento Voices: Foam at the Mouth Anthology, Lowriting: Shots, Rides, and Stories from the Chicano Soul, and Puro Chicanx Writers of the 21st Century.
She has served on the Sacramento Poetry Center Board for several years and been a part of the writing group “Los Escritores del Nuevo Sol” since 2011. She hosts a monthly poetry series called “Mosaic of Voices” at the Lodi Library.
Nancy has also been a public educator for twenty-two years, as a elementary school teacher in the Lodi Unified School District.
Follow Nancy on Instagram (@unforgettablenancyaide).
📅 Nancy will be performing at our main event on Sunday, near the closing.
"Steve" Mackey
Musician
Steve, a zealous young theater major, gave up what may have been a promising career as an actor, to become "Abraham"… a born again, spirit-filled Pentecostal preacher espousing the virtues of the Christian faith in the mid 1970s.
After more than thirty-five years of trying to reconcile Christian beliefs with reality, Abraham and his wife, Mary, both said “enough is enough” and left the world of faith.
Today, Abraham Steve Mackey, does what he loves doing most by entertaining audiences with his singing voice, guitar playing, and sharing of stories and classic hits from the rich history of 1960’s and 70’s rock and roll. Subscribe to Abraham on YouTube. 📅 Steve will be performing at the Supporters' Reception on Saturday evening and in the afternoon of our main event on Sunday.
After more than thirty-five years of trying to reconcile Christian beliefs with reality, Abraham and his wife, Mary, both said “enough is enough” and left the world of faith.
Today, Abraham Steve Mackey, does what he loves doing most by entertaining audiences with his singing voice, guitar playing, and sharing of stories and classic hits from the rich history of 1960’s and 70’s rock and roll. Subscribe to Abraham on YouTube. 📅 Steve will be performing at the Supporters' Reception on Saturday evening and in the afternoon of our main event on Sunday.
James Courtney
Caricature Artist
James has been drawing live caricature at events since 1985. He captures personality and likeness in about three minutes.
James is comfortable drawing anywhere and for almost anyone from elegant guests at a catered affair to hyper dogs at a pet store.
His business, Cavalier Caricatures, has provided entertainment across the State with live caricature art -- the perfect accent to any wedding, promotion, or party.
Learn more about James at his website (cavaliercaricatures.com).
📅 James will be drawing guests upon request at the main event throughout the afternoon, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
Andy Swan
Uncle Sam
It all began when Andy's oldest brother, George, taught him how to juggle back in 1966. At first Andy would visit the circuses just to see the jugglers, but once he saw what else the circus had to offer he fell in love. After high school he went off to join the DeWayne Bros. Circus in Oregon. During his year with them he learned just about everything there was to learn about circus life.
Andy will delight children and adults with juggling, balloon animals, magic, and all kinds of good-natured fun. Learn more about Andy from his website (sbcircus.com). 📅 Andy will be delighting our guests on Sunday in the afternoon, on the move through the crowd and exhibitor area.
Andy will delight children and adults with juggling, balloon animals, magic, and all kinds of good-natured fun. Learn more about Andy from his website (sbcircus.com). 📅 Andy will be delighting our guests on Sunday in the afternoon, on the move through the crowd and exhibitor area.
Exclusive to our Reception
Join us at our Fundraising Reception, Saturday evening for these additional guests.
Maryam Mosavi
Comedian
Maryam is a local stand-up comedian who has performed all over Sacramento and the Bay Area.
She has produced shows such as Living Room Live! and Comedy in the Park.
Follow Maryam on Instagram (@maryamtheestallion) and TikTok (@maryamtheescallion).
📅 Maryam will entertain our guests at our evening Reception.
In Addition...
Our reception will also feature:
- Live music by Abraham "Steve" Mackey
- Explosive Science by Jen Young