Our first Poetica Petit event for 2026 is on the theme of LOVE. MC Miriam Hechtman will host a night with feature poet Joachim Li, and lovely jazzy tunes by Lydia to set the tone for a new year of poetry and music.
Our popular open mic session will provide an opportunity for you to share your work on the night, in the delightful setting of Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf/ Cultural Hub at Blackburn Gardens, Double Bay.
When: Thursday 19 February, 6pm-8pm
Where: Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf/ Cultural Hub
Cost: $25, includes refreshments.
Bookings essential.
https://poeticapetit2026.eventbrite.com.au
Joachim Li is a nonbinary poet and storyteller born and raised on China’s east coast and now based in Gadigal. They believe in the power of naming and mythologising the ordinary.
They are the co founder of Licensed Poetics, a storytelling podcast dedicated to amplifying BIPOC voices. Joachim has performed at the State Library of NSW and the Art Gallery of NSW, and their writing appears in Locative Magazine and Petal Magazine. They are the author of the poetry chapbook Devices of Body (Incision Press, 2026). They read for Frontier Poetry.
Lydia is a soulful vocalist and poet whose sound moves between neo-soul, r&b, jazz and folk. Born in London and recently returned to Sydney after a stint in Melbourne she blends her love of mysticism and the feminine nuance into a vocal style that is both Intimate and soothing.
With a Certificate in Music and a newly completed Associate Degree in Creative Writing Lydia draws on her dual backgrounds in sound and storytelling to craft her original expression. Her practice is rooted in improvisation and the reinterpretation of covers as well as crafting original fusions.
Now back in Sydney, Lydia is stepping fully into live performance, collaborating with musicians across jazz, soul, and genre-blending experimental projects.
The event is hosted by Woollahra Council and Poetica’s Miriam Hechtman.
Image: Poet Joachim Li.
For more information click here
