8PM at the Thirsty Dog, 469 K’rd

Guest Poet: Whaitiri Mikaere

Tribal Affiliation: Nagti Pukenga/Ngati Huarere/Ngati Maru/Ngati Ranginui Tribal Area: Coromandel Peninsula Qualifications: Bachelor of Science and Post Graduate Diploma of Science, Major in Psychology, from the University of Auckland. Profession: Research Psychologist Awards: Poetry Idol 2015 Winner Matariki Poet 2010 and 2012 Winner Projects: Masters of Creative Writing from AUT: A collection of over 500 poems, short stories and novel, unpublished. Member of: Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) Statement: “I have been a political activist both Maori and left wing for over 30 years and will continue contributing my voice for political change for the next 30 years and beyond. I have been performing live poetry and spoken word since 2008, competing regionally and nationally. The themes of my poetry are both personal and political in terms of lived experience as a radical, Maori, lesbian, feminist. I am committed to using my poetry as a medium for social change and education – which isn’t all that radical really.”

Guest Musician: Albi

A folk singer rambling around New Zealand with a voice that you just wouldn’t expect, Albi’s often soft sound is reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley with a reserved element of fierceness. His stand out voice has been characterized as a smooth rasp that is unhindered no matter the pitch, while his songwriting is soaked with passion and emotion from conception through to production. His first EP was released March 2011, his second coming in 2015, but his live performance is unparalleled and should be put on the must see list.   Open mic: all welcome to read/perform Koha entry MCs: Tim