Hong Guang Pyo

First Thursday October highlights

Ed Morita,

Fresh Cafe was decked out all in white for October’s First Thursday poetry slam. The new white interior was in preparation for artist Aaron De La Cruz, who was next door painting a car as part of his new exhibit,…

First Thursday September highlights

Ed Morita,

September marked the beginning of the official slam poetry season, with the first qualifying round of the First Thursday poetry slam taking place last night at Fresh Cafe.Every month, the top two finishers of the monthly slam competition qualify for…

Video: First Thursday June Poetry Slam

Ed Morita,

The summer of “No Rules” continued at last night’s First Thursday poetry slam at Fresh Cafe. Among the many talented performers was featured poet Jason Carney, who has appeared on HBO’s “Def Poetry.” Carney is a former skinhead who had…

Video: First Thursday Poetry Slam

Ed Morita,

First Thursday kicked off its summer of “no rules” on a festive, yet slightly soggy, Cinco de Mayo. This summer, performers are allowed to do team pieces, use musical instruments, props and even perform cover works. A first for First…

First Thursday poetry grand slam finals

Ed Morita,

First Thursday celebrated its eighth anniversary in grand style at Fresh Cafe Thursday night. Kealoha kicked off the evening with an original poem inspired after a day at the beach. After warming up the crowd, he started the competition that…