Cal Poly MultiCultural Center to Host Poet Gina Loring on Jan. 7

SAN LUIS OBISPO - The Cal Poly MultiCultural Center's "Another Type of Groove: Spoken Word Poetry" will bring poet, musician and actress Gina Loring to Chumash Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7.

Loring, the 2002 National Poetry Slam's top-ranking female poet and featured artist on two seasons of HBO's "Def Poetry," describes her influences as ranging from Nina Simone to classic hip hop and from Sylvia Plath to Sonia Sanchez. Loring's poetry touches on subjects such as love, spirituality and social activism.

She was a 2007 cultural envoy to the American Embassy in Kuwait and has worked as a writer and performer on Norman Lear's "Declare Yourself" tour (which urges young people to vote) and on The Brand New Heavies' 2003 CD "We Won't Stop."

Another Type of Groove is a spoken word poetry event held the first Wednesday of each month throughout the school year. It is intended to create a place for the interchange of ideas, beliefs and personal expression. Each event features a highlighted poet as well as an open mic opportunity for interested students, staff, faculty, and community members.

The event is free and open to the public.

The MultiCultural Center cultivates a campuswide community that represents and celebrates the diversity of Cal Poly's student body. For more information, contact Josue Urrutia or Saba Abuhay at 805-756-1405 or mcc@calpoly.edu, or visit the MultiCultural Center Web site at http://multicultural.calpoly.edu.

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