Of all the minds to come out of Indiana, Kurt Vonnegut's is among the most prolific. His unflinching critiques of society, his dark sense of humor – it’s why his work is still being pored over today, 11 years after his death.
It’s also why his home state holds him in such high regard, from the mural of the author on Indianapolis’ Massachusetts Avenue to this week’s Granfalloon Festival in Bloomington.
But what in the world is a Granfalloon? Exactly. Vonnegut coined the term in his 1963 novel Cat’s Cradle as a “meaningless association of people, such as a fraternal group or a nation.” Indiana’s Hoosiers were one of his favorite examples.
Festivalgoers can get their own Granfalloon together May 10 through 12 across Bloomington for a smattering of panels, exhibits and live performances.
“Vonnegut is famous for his dark humor, but he was also an outspoken humanist and staunch defender of civic organizations and democratic principles,” Ed Comentale, IU Bloomington Arts and Humanities Council director and IU Bloomington vice provost for arts and humanities, said in a press release. “We view him as a presiding spirit over the festival.”
It kicks off Thursday at Indiana University Bloomington’s Lilly Library. There’s an all-day exhibit of Vonnegut’s art and writing with a reception at 5 p.m. Then at 7, the IU Cinema is screening advance clips of Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time, a new documentary from filmmaker and personal friend of Vonnegut, Robert B. Weide. Weide himself will be on hand for a conversation about the new film.
The Lilly Library exhibit carries over into Friday and Saturday, with the former offering several panels throughout the day on Vonnegut’s experiences, work and identity. Even more panels can be found from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the Bloomington City Hall Council Chambers.
You might want to make some room in the afternoon for the 2 p.m. stage reading of God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, the 1979 musical adaptation of the 1965 novel about a millionaire who grows a conscience and sets out to give away his fortune. It was adapted by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, whom you might recognize from their work on Disney classics like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. That reading plays one more time Saturday night at the Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center.
And from there, the music kicks in. Friday night’s concert starts at 5:45 p.m. at Upland Brewing Company with Voces Novae, Rodeola, Damien Jurado and Father John Misty headlining with a solo performance.
This Bloomington stop launches Father John Misty’s latest tour for his new album God’s Favorite Customer, due out June 1. Earlier this year, he landed his first Grammy Award for Best Recording Package with his 2017 album Pure Comedy. The album was also nominated for Best Alternative Music Album.
Saturday night, the concerts take to Walnut Street for three different shows all within walking distance of each other. It starts at 6 p.m. at Rhino’s All Ages Music Club with alternative multi-instrumentalist Sen Morimoto, electronic artist Baths and rapper Noname.
The Bishop keeps it rolling at 8 p.m. with Bloomington band Amy O, Kevin Krauter (also a Hoosier) and a solo set from Waxahatchee. Then cap off the evening and the festival at 9 at the Bluebird with Indianapolis-based White Moms, hip hop duo Shabazz Palaces and rock outfit Thee Oh Sees.
If you want to get your own Granfalloon together for the festival, passes are still available, either as separate day passes for the concerts or one big weekend pass.
Featured image courtesy of Indiana University Archives.
