April is National Poetry Month, and you would do well to beware of bookstore chains and newspapers that speak of poetry in vague, general terms - as if it were some mass-produced, sludgelike substance. Poetry is the most specific of art forms, and the best way to tap into its secrets is not through poetry, but through a poet. Tacomans have an opportunity to do just that Friday, thanks to Maria Gudaitis and former Tacoma Poet Laureate Tammy Robacker. The duo will host a Tacoma Poetry Month kickoff party where folks may hear poetry and hug poets, pick up a free copy of the Tacoma poetry month anthology and win poetry prizes

ANTHEM COFFEE & TEA, 6 P.M., NO COVER, 1911 PACIFIC AVE., TACOMA 253.572.9705