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For nearly a decade, Michele Walker's performances on radio and at numerous live venues have earned her the
reputation as one of Chicago's respected writers.
As the author of four books published by Inertia Press, including the latest, "girl of a thousand trees," Walker has honed an unusual and captivating style that's part urban tough-girl laced with the small townness of her Southern youth.
"A lot of what I write about is based on my childhood," said Walker, "I grew up in a little town called Irmo in South Carolina and later in Tennessee, and even though I don't live there anymore, there is still something intriguing and magical that I find to use and build stories."
Walker, who received a B.A. in English Literature from Boston University and an M.Ed. in English Education from Chicago's DePaul University, first gained local attention through poetry readings in such clubs as Lunar Cabaret and Fitzgerald's.
From there she created the Vertigo Show and Fox Force Five, evenings of spoken word performance by Walker and other top female talent in Chicago. It was through these that WBEZ (91.5) asked her to join their staff as an on-air commentator.
A former teacher at Chicago's Garfield Alternative High School, Walker has always felt a strong connection to youth. She has performed at the prestigious Writers Week at Fremd High School in Palatine, along side famed poet Nikki Giovanni.
Walker's latest endeavor is a four-track CD, "disheveled and disordered," which includes a song she co-wrote with singer Traci Buckle.
Rick Kogan and Jan Coleman of WGN Radio (720 AM) in Chicago have had Walker on their shows and praised her work. And whether you hear her live, on CD or on the radio, it's likely you will agree with their assessment.
Michele Walker is available for live poetry readings and various school programs. For more information contact michelew@michelewalker.com.