Even if you've never read James Joyce's "Ulysses," even if you've never read a word of Joyce, even if you cannot read -- you are invited to the first annual Bloomsday Garden Party in Champaign.

On Sunday, June 16 at 4:00 p.m. scholars, musicians, dancers, gardeners and gourmands will gather in the beer garden at Mike & Molly's (105 N Market St, Champaign) to celebrate James Joyce's "Ulysses," Irish music and dance, and the flowers of Spring.

"Ulysses" is the story of one day in Dublin ‚- June 16, 1904 ‚- as an ordinary man, Leopold Bloom, makes his way through the urban landscape: the odyssey of a modern-day Ulysses.

Bloomsday -- June 16 -- is celebrated annually in at least sixty countries worldwide. In Champaign the party will feature readings from "Ulysses," live Irish music, a James and Nora Joyce lookalike contest, and Irish stepdancing, all amid the beauty of Springtime blossoms.

Attendees are invited to bring a picnic luncheon or to partake of a traditional Bloomsday meal -- a gorgonzola cheese sandwich and a salad -- which will be available at the event until sold out.

For more information or to volunteer to read a selection, contact Lisa Boucher (217-359-0379 or lisa@fpmrecords.com).

     -- Force, hatred, history, all that. That's not life for
     men and women, insult and hatred. And everybody knows
     that it's the opposite of that that is really life.
     -- What? Says Alf.
     -- Love, says Bloom. I mean the opposite of hatred.

Bloomsday links:

The Brazen Head
All About Bloomsday
Ulysses for Dummies
A nice overview of the book

News:

Ireland spends 12 million euros to bring Joyce manuscripts home
(29 May 2002)