Jen Cheng is a multi-disciplinary storyteller, weaving her skills as a poet, writer, musician, improvisor, and artist. She helps create your story and amplify under-represented stories.
News + Updates
Celebrate May Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! There are so many wonderful events happening and you’re invited! Read the poem “Still I Stand” that was printed in the Culture LA guide to AAPI events. Subscribe to Jen’s new Substack where you get the behind-the-scenes of what references are in her poems. If you want inspiration for creativity, it’s there on the Substack. Performing poetry and other community events is a joy for Jen and these can be found on her social media. There is writing intensive to dive deeper into your own writing with the help of the Five Elements, online through Tin House Workshops.
Poetry Collection
Order the poetry book, Braided Spaces. See a sample of the collection as Jen shares her feminist transnational poem, Ten Thousand Butterflies, with Grand Performances in Downtown Los Angeles. Links to the virtual book launch, videos, and praise are on the book page. This book sets a foundation of Jen’s teachings in Feng Shui Poetry writing workshops.
Jen is honored as a 2023 California Arts Council Fellow. More about the fellowship here. You can see more about Jen in the press or find out about upcoming events.
Poet Laureate of West Hollywood
Jen Cheng is the Poet Laureate of West Hollywood for 2023-2026. She is the first queer woman of color in the City’s Poet Laureate program and has a commitment for building bridges across communities. Participate writing workshops at the West Hollywood Library. New events are updated regularly on her events list or social media (JenCvoice). Learn more about April National Poetry Month in West Hollywood in the news here or more about the poetry billboard.
For all the arts and cultural programming in West Hollywood, check out events with WeHo Arts @wehoarts or sign up for the WeHo Arts newsletter.
Book Jen for your events
Jen recently performed a poetry set to celebrate International Women’s Day which you can see on her YouTube channel. Book her for your celebration. She tailors her sets for different audiences such as women’s events, queer spaces, or Asian American (AANHPI) celebrations. If you have a special occasion, she loves to write something special for your theme!
Podcast and Radio
On KPFK’s Poet’s Cafe, Jen shares about Palabras, a BIPOC-centered literary salon that she curates and hosts. Listen to the radio show here. On KPFK’s Feminist Magazine interview (Nov 15th, 2023 edition), Jen shares about her book, projects for her Poet Laureateship, and other news.
As a wellness coach, Jen Cheng talks her method of breath work, “music.:breath,” with Liberate Yourself.
Commissions: For unforgettable gifts to your special someone, a custom poem or song is something they will treasure. Jen does private parties and events also. Individual commissions are by appointment.
You can see some of her writing on Instagram @jenCvoice or more dog fun on @jen.and.potato
To contact her, please email JenCvoice at gmail dot com
Please subscribe below to our 1-2x/month newsletter, so you will can find out about special promotions, events, and performances! You might even be the winner of a custom poem.
Photo credits: 1) Slides are by photographer Mike Palma 2) Poet Laureate photo by Kristina Sado, courtesy of the City of West Hollywood 3) Photo of Palabras Literary Salon participants by Jen Cheng.
JEN CHENG 