Kurt Vonnegut Jr. receives an honoary Doctor of Humane Letters, May 13, 1973. (Indiana University Archives)
Bloomington kicked off its fifth annual Granfalloon Festival last month, more than sixty years since Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s novel Cat's Cradle was released.
An Indiana native, Vonnegut defines a granfalloon as a proud and meaningless association of human beings; part of the made-up religion in his book.
The Granfalloon Festival in Bloomington celebrates art, music, and Vonnegut’s work. This year features a line-up of local and touring performers like Amy O, The Linda Lindas, Sleater-Kinney, and Young@Heart Chorus.
It also includes art exhibitions and discussions related to Vonnegut.
His writing is known for its satire, social commentary, and dark humor. Researcher Christina Jarvis says his work’s honest tone and sense of humor continue to resonate with people.
This week on Noon Edition, we’ll talk with guests about the Granfalloon Festival and the life and work of Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.
You can also record your questions and send them in through email.
Guests
Bob Cilman, Young@Heart Chorus co-director
Nanette Vonnegut, artist and Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s youngest daughter
Anita Shumway, Young@Heart Chorus member
Christina Jarvis, Fredonia State University of New York professor of English, author of Lucky Mud & Other Foma