With 22 performances of melodic guitar strumming, hypnotic dancing, thought-provoking spoken word and soul-resonating singing, the Love Jones Cafe event was held Feb. 11 in Semesters Cafe to empower the Central community’s love for the arts.
Brought together by the Ruthe Boyea Women’s Center, the event welcomed more than 120 guests who watched homegrown artists express themselves in a vulnerable yet comfortable way, often involving the crowd in their numbers.
The host of the night, Rahisha Bivens — a successful entrepreneur and advocate for investing in aspiring artists — assured attendees the experience would be powerful.
“These artists come from all over Connecticut, representing the excellence of the state,” Bivens said. “Any love we want to experience starts with self-love. Artistry is our pathway to healing and freedom.”
Throughout the night, the energy never dissipated, including moments of singing along to a cover and chanting “Love Jones.” The passion was palpable.
Whether it was the boundless energy of Asia Bloom, the inability to stop yourself from moving to Montez’s Afrobeat-inspired music, or the seemingly endless freestyle by Jaedin, these performers didn’t hesitate to show off their character.
The profound words of Tchalla Williams, Pyro, Martha Norwood, Winston Hendricks and Bea$t dug deep into the audience’s minds, prompting snaps and long hums of approval.
The Women’s Center had a few performers of its own, including Jaelyn Taylor making “Creep” beautiful, and Zajah Divine and Amelia Hermitt putting the audience in a trance with their fluid movements.
Marquise showed off his soulful singing, Unique Ori honored her mother in a powerful way, Yanna Cruz-Taveras showcased the smooth side of R&B, Sweetie Belle offered the crowd the microphone for ad-libs, and Wren Alexander delivered a compelling piece that tackled mental health and the importance of support systems.
Malachi Sor filled the room with the reverberations of his guitar, and two very different but equally rhythmic performances from Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity and Amanda Stanberry gave everyone something to remember.
The two women who organized the specifics of the event, Isabella Musaud and Saran Moore, largely attributed the reason for the event to the community.
“[This event] means to bring community and creativity to one another,” Musaud said.
“I feel like in 2026 we focus so much on individuality; we don’t focus on each other,” Moore said. “Talent. Saying a poem, music, that what brings people together, that’s what we’ve done to bring every culture together.”
