Thiaw, Baby!
July/August 2013
Welcome!
MJT interviewed by Art Scene with Erika Funke
Former Poet Laureate of Hanover, Melanie Simms, is teaming up with Maria James-Thiaw for a poetic celebration of the Susquehanna at the Sunbury River Festival in Sunbury PA on August 17th. The performances will be at 12:00 PM and a book signing will follow. You can access the radio interview here: http://www.wvia.org/radio/wvia-fm-programs/artscene.
W.A.R. Inc
Thank you to all of the women who attended Literary Libation and raised over $300 for Women At Risk International!
The Central Pen!
This Spring, students at Central Penn College launched their new Literary E-zine. Check it out here: http://blogs.centralpenn.edu/centralpen/
Rumor Has It...
There's talk of a new poetry venue hosted by Maria James-Thiaw hitting Cumberland County very soon...
Tri-County Poets Go Deep at New Grounds Coffeehouse
On Saturday, July 13th, York PA welcomed Three Deep, a tri-county spoken word showcase hosted by Carla Christopher, York’s poet laureate, and Tiger Rose of Harrisburg. This event was held at New Grounds Coffeehouse on Market Street. Poetry dignitaries from Hanover to Lancaster were in place to see performances from the top spoken word artists in Central Pennsylvania.
Though a fuse blew affecting the lighting and air conditioning, the huge crowd continued till the very end, mesmerized by the powerful words of their poetic peers. Rappers, singers, and poets of all ages graced the stage and “spit” wisdom about topics from mental illness, to racism to sensuality.
It was hard to tell if it was the broken air conditioner or the way the poets fired up the mic that had the crowds sweating! Three deep was such a success that there is already talk of a “part 2.” For more information about upcoming spoken word events, you can connect with Carla YorkPoetLaureate Christopher on Facebook or Twitter.
Heavyword Poetry Slam Returns to Central PA
The 10th annual Heavyword Poetry Slam will be held on Saturday, October 5th at 6pm at Coakley’s, 305 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA. The cost is $5 to watch the show and $10 to compete. The top winner will walk away with $200 and gift certificates from local businesses. To register, send your fee via paypal to events@mariathepoet.com or mail check or money order to Maria Thiaw, English Department, Central Penn College, 600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA 17093.Proceeds will benefit The Better World Workshop.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, August 17th
Sunbury River Festival, Sunbury PA
Saturday, August 24th
Happy Nappy Day/Poets in the Park
12 to 8, Reservoir Park, State Street, Harrisburg, PA
Hosted by Jubair Freeverse Yother and Maria James-Thiaw
featuring rappers, poets, vendors, free hair products and other giveaways
YorkFest, York, PA
12:45 Featuring Maria James-Thiaw
Thursday, August 29th
Scoozi's Afterdark:
Central Pen Literary E-zine & Contemporary Writers of Color Class present: The NCommon Poetry Slam and Multicultural Fest
hosted by Cat & Pat
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, August 31st 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Book signing at
Mountainside Books, Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112 (Next to Giant)
Candlelight Poetry Night featuring Maria James-Thiaw
Dinner, poetry and hat show
New Hope Baptist Church in Steelton, PA
5:00 - 9:00 PM
Friday, September 6th
Reading and Book signing
Poetic Soul at the The Soul Restaurant, 33 Rank Avenue, Lancaster, PA
Hosted by G.I.
$10.00 cover, BYOB
8 PM
Saturday, October 5th
The 36th Anniversary of Nathaniel Gadsden’s Writer’s Wordshop
100 Poet’s ReadingState Museum of Pennsylvania
10 AM – 12 PM
All day, arts fest at Little Buffalo State Park...Not saying I'll be there....not saying I wont be!
Saturday, October 5th
11th Annual Heavyword Poetry Slam
Coakley's Bar in New Cumberland, PA
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
$10 to Slam, $5 if you’re just watching
Judges: Maria James-Thiaw, Craig Czury, G.I. (Arthur Brinson), Tamika SuNn Johnson, & Ryan Mergen
Host: Carla Christopher
Saturday October 12th
Candlelight Poetry Night at
Cupboard Maker Books,
Performance and Book signing
Refreshments by Tastefully Simple
Rt. 15 Summerdale, PA
6:00 PM
Wednesday, October 23rd
Reading and book signing
Barnes and Noble,
Fruitville Pike, Lancaster
Hosted by Le Hinton
7 PM
Schedules are subject to change so follow me on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates. You can also visit my website: http://mariathepoet.wordpress.com
I am booking workshops for the Fall on creative writing, performance poetry, post-blackness in art and diversity issues. Contact me to set up an event for your school, conference, or organization. events@mariathepoet.com.
Bio - Maria James-Thiaw
Maria James-Thiaw is the author of 3 poetry collections and one spoken word CD. She is known for dynamic performances and literary craft. This graduate of Goddard College is a professor at a small private college in Central PA. Her latest book, Talking "White," was published by postDada Press in conjunction with iUniverse and explores the issue of intra-cultural bullying and post-blackness theory within the Black community.
Contact Maria James-Thiaw
Sat. August 24th at Resevoir Park
Rap, Poetry, Music, Dance, and free hair goodies for Happy to Be Nappy folk!
Poetic Soul September 6th featuring MJT! $10 cover!
Spoken Word and Soul Food; What a phenomenal mix!
Get Your Copy Today
Cupboard Maker Books, Enola
Unity Church Bookstore, Enola
Readers Café, Hanover
Midtown Scholar, Harrisburg
Mountainside Books, Harrisburg