As its 7th official season rolls on, First Thursdays relocates to Fresh Cafe at 831 Queen Street. 

On Jan. 7, the special guest is Joaquin Zihuatanejo.  Joaquin is an IndividualWorld Poetry Slam Champion, World Cup Champion, National Poetry Slam Finalist, and an HBO Def Poet who has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Mexico. As a professional performance poet, he has shared the stage with artists such as Saul Williams, E. Lynn Harris, Alicia Keys and Maya Angelou.  Born and raised in a barrio of East Dallas, Joaquin infuses his Latino culture as well as his experience teaching inner city students in much of his poetry.

As always, the night will be hosted by Kealoha and will feature live painters, massages in the lounge, and a guest DJ providing turntable sorcery throughout the evening. The top two poets will qualify for the HawaiiSlam Finals in April 2010 that will determine the team to represent Hawaii at the 2010 National Poetry Slam in Minneapolis.

Fresh Cafe is at the intersection of Queen Street and Cooke Street downtown. There is street parking, and $2 valet parking will be available.  Doors open at 7:30pm. Show starts at 8:30pm. Admission is $3 before 8:30pm and $5 after. For more info, check out the website at www.HawaiiSlam.com, send an email to info@HawaiiSlam.com, or call 387-9664.