Long Island City will celebrate the literary community of Queens next month during a two-day festival — the first of its kind in the borough.
The Inspired Word, founded by journalist Mike Geffner, is presenting the first-ever Queens NYC Lit Fest on Aug. 1 and 2 at the LIC Bar, located at 45-58 Vernon Blvd.
The event, which is free and will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, will celebrate the literary arts in Queens with a mission to bring together the diverse community through days filled with “heart, soul and love.”
“I think [this is] wonderful. I think that not enough events like this occur,” said Megan DiBello, one of the organizers and performers for the Queens NYC Lit Fest. “It’s really lovely to be a part of this community and grow. It’s nice to be part of a community.”
DiBello will also serve as one of the hosts during the festival together with Audrey Dimola.
During the event, there will be an open mic in LIC Bar’s private room where artists will perform 5-minute-long poetry, prose and spoken word. The days will also feature works from writers Paolo Javier, a former Queens poet laureate, and newly named Poet Laureate Maria Lisella.
Queens-based reading series, groups and organizations will also take part in the two-day event with some of them having vendor tables selling books and other items in the bar’s backyard garden.
The main bar section will be selling drinks along with featuring musical performances by Queens-based musicians.
“So many people are using spoken word, poetry and music to channel all their thoughts to create something beautiful,” DiBello said.
All money generated at the event will go to the performers and artists taking part in the festival during the two days.
Donations of $1 and up will be accepted, and sponsors are still being accepted.
For more information on participating artists and vendors, and to purchase tickets, click here.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
