Santa Barbara’s annual celebration of Bloomsday is back and better than ever. This fourth iteration of the Indy Award–winning annual salute to famed Irish writer James Joyce returns with spoken-word performances from a host of local actors and writers on Monday, June 16, at the unofficial home of the event — The James Joyce pub at 513 State Street.
Featuring actors and writers and other community members reading excerpts from Ulysses, that once-oh-so-shocking 1922 novel, which revolutionized Western literature, the event begins about 5:30 p.m. and readings begin at 6 p.m. No tickets or reservations are needed, and there are happy hour prices at the bar, as well as some light snacks provided.
With June 16, 1904, as the date that the entire novel Ulysses takes place, as Joyce sends his characters around Dublin, the Santa Barbara event was founded four years ago by local authors James Buckley Jr. and DJ Palladino, both of whom have lent their literary talents to the Independent over the years.
With Bloomsday now a worldwide celebration and Bloomsdays held everywhere from New York, Seattle, and Miami to Dublin, Tokyo, and Buenos Aires, Buckley and Palladino are very proud that Santa Barbara has become such a storied part of the fun. “Even if you’re not familiar with the book, come and listen. All will be made clear,” said Buckley…