Libraries featuring poets
for Teen Read Week 2003
In celebration of Teen Read Week 2003, Hawaii's public libraries will feature poetry performances by Kealoha, a two-time Wordstew poetry slam champion, and poets Eric Paul Shaffer and Melinda Gohn. Admission is free.
Kealoha, born and raised in Honolulu, will conduct "Stylistic Elements," a slam poetry program, at libraries on Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island. Slam poetry combines poetry with performance arts. Kealoha will host a poetic journey through the world of slam poetry, breaking boundaries between hip-hop, spoken word and performance poetry. His program is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
Kealoha founded HawaiiSlam and hosts First Thursdays at Studio 1. At the 2003 National Poetry Slam in Chicago, he placed in the top 25 percent of the world's best slam poets.
On Maui, Shaffer, winner of the 2002 Elliot Cades Award for Literature, Hawaii Literary Prize, will conduct poetry reading programs at two libraries.
Shaffer, a professor at Maui Community College, is the author of "Living at the Monastery: Working in the Kitchen" and "Portable Planet." His program is meant for ages 12 and up.
Gohn, also a teacher, is an organizer of the Maui Live Poets Society and the Peace Poem Project. She will emcee a Teen Poetry Festival at Wailuku Public Library. Young adults ages 12 to 19 are invited to read an original poem or to share a favorite poem. Prizes will be awarded. The schedule:
Oahu
Today: 3:30 p.m. at Kalihi-Palama
Tomorrow: 3 p.m. at McCully-Moiliili, 6:30 p.m. at Aina Haina
Wednesday: 11:15 a.m. at Ewa Beach, 2 p.m. at Waipahu, 6:30 p.m. at Mililani
Thursday: 9:10 a.m. at Kahuku, 3 p.m. at Kaneohe, 6:30 p.m. at Liliha
Saturday: Noon at Hawaii State Library, 3 p.m. at Aiea
Big Island
Next Monday: 10:15 a.m. at Pahala, with 11:45 a.m. lunch session and slam poetry competition; bring your own poetry.
Kauai
Oct. 29: 2:30 p.m. at Waimea, 6:30 p.m. at Lihue
Maui
Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. at Makawao
Thursday: 12:30 p.m. at Kahului, 6:30 p.m. at Wailuku
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calendars and events.
