A New Way to Connect
In a world filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and social divides, there’s a growing need for spaces that foster connection, creativity, and care. International House Davis is answering this call with an event that promises to bring people together in meaningful ways. On Tuesday, May 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., I-House will host Hope Café, an interactive gathering that blends art, music, and storytelling to create a sense of community.
The Vision Behind Hope Café
Hope Café is the brainchild of jesikah maria ross, the inaugural Community Engagement Artist in Residence at I-House. As an interdisciplinary artist, she uses storytelling and participatory media making to inspire change within communities. Her work focuses on deep listening and creative facilitation, helping people come together around shared values and visions.
With a career that spans nonprofits, public media, and educational institutions, jesikah has led award-winning projects that have reshaped how communities share their stories. Over the next five months, she will bring three Hope Café events to life, working closely with I-House staff to deepen community engagement in their programming.
About International House Davis
International House Davis (I-House) is an international culture center committed to promoting the exchange of arts, culture, and ideas. It serves as a gathering space where people from all over the world come together to celebrate common humanity, share cultural practices, engage with differences, and foster civic dialogue. The center aims to build a culturally vibrant, globally connected, and inclusive community.
The May 6 event marks the first in a series of 2026 Hope Cafés. These gatherings are designed to create face-to-face connections, allowing participants to feel seen and heard while rediscovering a sense of belonging. Originally piloted in 2025, the event received a positive response from participants and the broader community.
One participant shared, “I’ve lived in Davis for five years and never felt so connected to the community.”
What to Expect at Hope Café
The evening is structured to encourage authentic human connection through a variety of activities. Participants can expect welcoming activities, structured conversations that bring people together, live music and poetry from local artists, and collaborative artmaking such as poetry, drawing, or murals. The event culminates in a shared moment of reflection or song, creating a sense of unity among attendees.
May’s Hope Café features a world jazz duo, Nick Carvajal and Jim Frink, as well as the youth acapella quartet Davis Local Vocals — Evie Barnett, Ruby Schwerin, Charlotte DelFavero, and Matthew Vallero. Their performances will add a unique and vibrant energy to the event.
Join the Conversation
Hope Café is open to community members aged 14 and older. Tickets are offered on a sliding scale from $10 to $20, with free tickets available upon request by contacting [email protected]. This program is made possible thanks to the support of the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.
Whether you’re looking to connect with others, explore new forms of art, or simply enjoy a night of music and storytelling, Hope Café offers a unique opportunity to be part of something bigger. It’s more than just an event — it’s a chance to build bridges, share experiences, and create a stronger, more connected community.
