NETWORKING EVENT - At The Iconic "STORK CLUB"

Melida Rodas

JCPOFEST Founder & Creative Director,

Poet Laureate of Jersey City 2025 - 2026

PRESENTS: VIP FESTIVE NETWORKING EXPERIENCE at The Stork Club

• *with a COSPLAY ELEMENT

  
  

• Date: Friday SEPTEMBER 25th 2026

• Time: 7pm - 11pm

• An exclusive gathering for select voices in poetry, publishing, and the arts.

• Venue: The Stork Club  

  
  
  
  

  This unique evening brings together creatives, visionaries, and art-lovers in an immersive celebration of poetic legacy and lyrical brilliance. As part of the evening's theme, we invite you to dress in bookish attire or attend dressed as a renowned poet or lyricist who has inspired you—be it Emily Dickinson, Tupac Shakur, Bob Dylan, Maya Angelou, or any artist whose words have left a mark on history. In honor of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, revolutionary-era costumes are also welcome—celebrating the voices who helped ignite the spirit of freedom and those whose books or words were once banned for daring to challenge the status quo. We also encourage each guest to bring a short piece—a poem, verse, or lyric—to read aloud, authored by the artist you embody. This shared experience will celebrate the timeless power of words and the diverse voices that continue to shape our cultural narrative.

  
  

• DRESSCODE:

  Creative attire, bookish and literary figure costumes are not mandatory but they are joyfully encouraged.- Let's have some fun!  Be as creative as you like or be as subtle as you like, OR simply come as you are and take in the vibes!

  
  
  
  

  Line up:

• TBD

  
  

  A keepsake. A spell ...

  
  

• Qwert Poetry aka  Pierce Logan - custom type written poems - Whisper a word, a memory, a mood. A poet listens —the keys begin to sing.

  In moments, a custom poem appears, inked on paper, born form a type writer just for you.

  
  

  Meet & Greet Special Guests:

  
  

• CanvanKerry Press

• Monira Foundation

• Art House Productions

• Friends of Liberty State Park

• 3 Peas Productions 

• Àbákẹ́ Books & Cafe

• Black Lit Podcast  

• Color and Light Festival 

• Trill or Not Trill 

• and more surprises !

Your VIP access includes:

• An exclusive networking lounge

• Passed Hors d’oeuvres

• Cash Bar - Signature Cocktails

• Participation in the Live Reading Circle (Limited to Those With Full Costume Who Arrive Early to Sign up)

• Prize for Best Costume & Poetry Performance

• An electric atmosphere enriched by poetry & art 

• Creative ambiance

• The exchange of ideas 

• Camaraderie

• Connections holding the potential for collaboration

• Celebration of creativity and community

ABOUT STORK CLUB:

A Modern Reinvention of a Historic Club

Since its founding in 1929 by Sherman Billingsley, the Stork Club has been synonymous with glamour, exclusivity, and cultural significance. From hosting New York’s high society to setting the tone for nightlife across the globe, it was more than a club—it was a cultural beacon, a “place to see and be seen.”

It is contemporary with clean lines and with a focus on unsurpassed panoramic views. Situated at the end of Port Liberté in Greenville, Jersey City, NJ, this structure is an arm’s length away from the Hudson River and boasts a panoramic view of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Verrazano Bridges and of course the NY Skyline.

This event is made possible with the generous support of Landmark Hospitality.

We are truly grateful!