Stephen King never gets this kind of reception, but then The Stand is no Ulysses. June 17 marks the annual BLOOMSDAY celebration, the day Leopold Bloom navigated Dublin in James Joyce’s classic novel. Personally, I can’t attest to the fuss over the novel, but I have to hand it to the torch-bearers honoring a literary work with such fervent passion. After all, 60 countries recognize Bloomsday. Locally, the festivities are at Covington’s Jack Quinn’s Irish Ale House & Pub from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This year’s program consists of dramatizations of the Telemachus chapter and the Cyclops chapter. In addition, there’ll be a reading from Penelope, a performance of “Love’s Old Sweet Song” and a questioning of Leopold and Molly Bloom’s love for one another. To attend, you need a reservation at the restaurant; there’s no additional charge for the program. 859-491-6699. …
The local poetry scene is losing a colorful character. TERRI FORD, who has long performed around the Tristate with her partner Uncle Glockenspiel, is leaving for her home state of Minnesota. But she’ll have one final hurrah as her friends have organized the TERRI FORD MEMORIAL POETRY READING, FISH FRY AND BEAUX ARTS BALL or “Terri-palooza” as some are referring to the evening. The frivolously fun-filled and arts-heavy event will feature readings and performances by Steve Abbott, 50 Shoes, Nancy Kangas, Shirley Maul, Judith Mikita, Jerry Roscoe, F. Keith Wahle, Colleen McCarty and Jeff Wilson, in addition to an extended set by Ford and Uncle G. The send-off begins at 8 p.m. on June 21, at College Hill Town Hall with a suggested donation of $10; food will be provided. Just not fish. 513-591-1227. …
Someone reading this column will care about this next nugget. I’m just not that person. JOSEPH-BETH BOOKSELLERS holds a HARRY POTTER PARTY with snacks, games, crafts and a costume contest beginning at 10 p.m. on June 20, leading up to the big release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which goes on sale at 12:01 a.m. In addition, all area locations of BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS will stay open late for the expected onslaught of passionate Potter-holics. Why people can’t wait until Saturday morning to get J.K. Rowling’s latest is beyond me. For info on the Jo-Beth brouhaha: 513-396-8960.
This article appears in Jun 11-17, 2003.
