The October edition of _Gen Blend_ brought writers and neighbors together for an evening of community, creativity, and shared food at Ruth’s Table. Hosted by Liz Cahill and Jessica Kie McCallum, the event featured readings by **Mary Graves**, **Carl Weiner**, **Daphne Gottlieb**, and **Barbara Handler**, each offering distinct reflections on memory, family, love and personal growth.

After the readings, **Spandan Rath**, a classically trained tabla artist, filled the room with rhythm and warmth, bridging generations through sound before the night transitioned into the open mic. Guests shared original poems and short pieces under the guidance of the Decentered Arts hosts, closing the evening with conversation, snacks, and gratitude.

_Gen Blend_ continues monthly on the first Thursday, nurturing an intergenerational community of writers and listeners in San Francisco’s Mission District. The event is a collaboration between [Ruths Table](https://www.ruthstable.org/), [Community Living Campaign](https://sfcommunityliving.org/) and the [Litquake Elder Project](https://www.litquake.org/elderproject). 



Gen Blend October 2025

An intergenerational writer's potluck and open mic. Every first Thursday at Ruth's Table.

Gen Blend: A monthly intergenerational writers potluck and open mic

**Every First Thursday | 5:30 - 7:30pm**
Ruth's Table, 3160 21st St, San Francisco, CA 94110 | Free
Join Decentered Arts and our partners [Ruth's Table](https://www.ruthstable.org/), [Community Living Campaign](https://sfcommunityliving.org/), [Adobe Books](https://www.adobebooks.com/), and [Litquake's Elder Project](https://www.litquake.org/elderproject.html) for this inspirational event. Featuring Writers from the Community Living Campaign Writing Program, the Elder Project workshops, local writers across a wide age range, and YOU! Limited Open Mic time available for pieces under 3 minutes.

This is a free event and potluck! Bring something to share! Beverages available. Each month a delectable culinary creation by Amirali Mir will be shared, as a generous contribution to our potluck.

**Visitor Guidelines: **Face masks are optional.
**Access: **Ruth’s Table gallery and adjacent green space are wheelchair accessible.
**ASL Interpretation: **ASL interpretation is available upon request. 72-hour notice required.

**Registration: **_Free and open to all. [RSVP here](mailto:contact@ruthstable.org?subject=RSVP%20For%20Gen%20Blend&body=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20RSVP%20for%20Gen%20Blend%20on%20Thursday%208%2F8%20at%205%3A30-7%3A30pm.%20Name(s)%3A)._

**Donate: **The program is free, donations are welcome.

Support our mission further by making a tax deductible donation to DCA:
<https://givebutter.com/decentered>

**Support the Arts**

At Decentered Arts we believe in building resilient community through art of all mediums. To help achive this we produce Decentered Open Mic, Eventracker, Writers Group, Poolside Poets, curated events, and more to come!
Your support helps us keep this up and dream bigger.

[Donate](https://givebutter.com/decentered)



	Gen Blend September 2025

Sarah Lewington

A diverse group of people sit on colorful chairs in a bright room with artistic wall designs. They attentively face a speaker by a vibrant backdrop.

Audience seated in a room faces two speakers on stage against a colorful quilt backdrop. The atmosphere is attentive and lively, with diverse attendees.

A group of seven women smiling warmly in front of a colorful patchwork background. They convey a sense of joy and camaraderie.

A musician plays guitar and sings on stage in front of an audience, with a colorful patchwork fabric backdrop behind her.

Four people gather in a colorful room with vibrant, abstract wall art. A woman sits on a red chair, while three others stand and chat nearby.

A person wearing a brown hat and glasses speaks into a microphone. They hold a small orange booklet. Behind them is a colorful patchwork curtain.

A group of six people stand smiling in front of a colorful patchwork quilt. They're dressed in casual, bright clothing, exuding a joyful, welcoming vibe.

A woman wearing glasses and a hat stands on stage in front of an audience, holding a paper, with a colorful patchwork quilt as the backdrop.

Performer in colorful striped outfit waves rainbow ribbons in front of a vibrant patchwork backdrop. Audience watches, some taking photos. Energetic and lively scene.

Two people speak into a microphone on stage. The background features a colorful patchwork quilt. The scene conveys a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

An older adult stand in front of a colorful, patterned backdrop, reading into a microphone on a stand.

A group of people at a lively indoor gathering, chatting and enjoying food. The room has colorful decor, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere.

A woman in a red dress and scarf speaks at a microphone, smiling. She stands against a colorful patchwork quilt backdrop. Her tone is joyful.

A smiling woman plays guitar, standing in front of a colorful, patchwork curtain. An attentive audience watches, creating a lively, engaging atmosphere.

A man in a bright yellow shirt plays tabla drums passionately on stage, surrounded by vibrant, colorful fabric backgrounds. A microphone is positioned nearby.

A group of people engages in lively conversation in a brightly lit community room. Some are seated, others stand. The atmosphere is friendly and social.

Sarah Lewington

Photographer at:

DECENTERED
ARTS