Poet Tamesha S. Hawkins released her first book, Sugar Lumps and Black Eye Blues, in 2008. Touted as “a smorgasbord of emotions that are sautéed in wordplay,” the collection of poems touches on notions of womanhood and ethnicity in contemporary society. Originally from Lakewood, N.J., Tamesha attended Temple University, where she majored in elementary education with concentrations in theatre arts and psychology. Currently she is pursuing a certification in business in preparation for the 2009-2010 opening of her non-profit recording studio, Basic Pentameter. Maintaining a home away from home in Philadelphia, she devotes her time to working as the box office supervisor at the Arden Theatre Company, promoting literacy in Philadelphia public schools, performing, and serving as a board member for Represented Theatre Company. In addition, Tamesha has participated in a number of theatre productions, including Represented Theatre Company’s presentation of Bus Stop and Pierrot Productions’ Lust ‘N Rust: The Trailer Park Musical. In 2009, she plans to release her second book, Confectionately Yours. To listen to some of Tamesha’s spoken word work, visit her MySpace page.

Also Featuring:

• Photographer Christopher Paquette
• Performer Martha Kemper
• Musician Matt Davis and his band Aerial Photograph

First Person Salons at the Gershman Y (401 S. Broad)

May 14th 7-9pm
$5 admission, but additional donations gratefully accepted

All ages welcome!