Tessa Robago is a passionate poet and performer based in San Antonio, known for her electrifying open mic performances. With a unique blend of raw emotion and vivid imagery, Tessa captivates audiences, drawing them into her world through powerful storytelling. Whether she’s reciting in a cozy lounge or a crowded theater, her intensity and authenticity leave a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to witness her artistry.

Music by Jamie Seward

Rod Carlos Rodriguez has an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso and is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio Writing Program. He is an award-winning poet who has been writing for over 40 years. He has 5 books of poetry published: Exploits of a Sun Poet (Pecan Grove Press, 2003), Lucid Affairs (Sun Arts Press, 2012), Native Instincts (Human Error Publishing, 2016), Cantos, Incandescent (Finishing Line Press, March 2024), and A History of Echoes: Poems (Gival Press, October 2024). He is founder/chair of the Sun Poet’s Society, South Texas’s longest running weekly open-mic poetry reading (1995-2022). He was nominated for the San Antonio Poet Laureate in April 2012, April 2014, April 2016, and April 2018. He was the poetry editor for Ocotillo Review, a literary journal/periodical and he was the editor of the Texas Poetry Calendar 2023 (Kallisto Gaia Press).

Music by Jamie Seward

A fire sprinkler designer for over 20 years, Jose H. Mojica used his free time to write poetry. In 2016, he was inspired by local poets to finally share his words and voice. He now performs around town and is a confident regular at the Jazz Poets of San Antonio.

Jose has curated art events through various collectives, including Art of Consciousness, a project he started with fellow artist, Jagwire.

Jose embraces all that he absorbs, channeling his creativity into poetry in various forms.