First Thursday Slam Poetry

I was lucky to arrive the week for First Thursday! I had read about it last year but had never been able to attend. If you arrive early enough, you should be able to find a parking spot. I had never been to this space before and there's quite a bit going on....pool hall and what sounded like a dance club....maybe next time.I like the open space and open seating. People were pretty chill and friendly. They also have beverages for sale which was great. There were a number of interesting poets and a guest poet from some poetry slam contest on reality tv...yeah, I can't remember her name but she was funny. They also had musicians play which was great too! The MC was great!I would've given 5 stars, but they allowed some guy to go up and all he did was talk about his life. His friend read earlier. By allowing some random person to just rattle off about his sad pathetic life, it diminishes the purpose and intent of a poetry slam.

I've been supporting our local slam poets since back when First Thursday was still in Chinatown. Zone 21 or something? I continued to to support them at the Ala Moana Hotel and now at their current location, Fresh Cafe. Kealoha and the rest of the slam team, who compete nationally, continue to inspire us all to celebrate the oral tradition that is native to our islands. They welcome open minded individuals from all walks of life. Come out and listen, support, cheer, and, if you have the courage to, perform. There's musicians, poets, and artists. A little for almost anyone but no room for haters. Snaps, poets!

This was different, down to earth, and over all a good place to just listen to creativity and be surrounded by strangers. I expected it to be lame but it turned out actually pretty fun because the performers were creative, funny, and a wide range of people are here. When you go later than 8:30 though, there aren't really any seats left for you and gets kinda crowded in the end. The decorations are really nice, almost like a hipster environment.