Bloomsday 2010

As sure as the heat and and humidity, summer in Kansas City means Tom and Nancy Shawver, the wonderful people behind Bloomsday Books, will bring us another annual celebration of James Joyce's masterwork "Ulysses". June 16th is the day for the 14th annual Bloomsday celebration, this time around at the Irish Center in Union Station. Eddie Delahunt starts the festivities with live music at 5:30 PM, followed by a performance of the play "Bloomsday Dublin: June 16", an adaptation of "Ulysses", depicting key sequences in Bloom’s travels through the streets, pubs and bordellos of Dublin. No doubt Eddie will be singing about his exploits in those very same places. There'll also be some Irish dancers and abundant complimentary beverages of the types favored by many people of the Irish persuasion.*

This is a great, fun event and a highlight of the Irish year in KC. The event is free, but please leave the kids at home. Joyce's work has more than a few saucy bits unsuitable for young ears. For more info on the event or Bloomsday Books or rugby or French film or anything else you can think of, contact Tom or Nancy, two of the smartest people in the world, at info@bloomsdaybooks.com or by calling 816-523-6712.

Kansas City’s Bloomsday celebration is sponsored by the William T. Kemper Foundation-Commerce Trust, The Irish Museum & Cultural Center, and Boulevard Brewery.

*Legally, I can't tell you that there'll be free beer, so I won't.