Bloomington Leader

Grammy Award-winning R&B and gospel singer Mavis Staples will headline this summer's Granfalloon festival in downtown Bloomington. The annual event, inspired by author Kurt Vonnegut Jr., will feature an expanded schedule of free public programming from April through June, with the majority of events taking place from June 4 to 8.

Presented by the Indiana University Arts and Humanities Council, Granfalloon 2025 will include performances by notable artists such as the retro-soul trio Thee Sacred Souls and Grammy-nominated band I’m With Her. Indie rock band Murder by Death, which originated in Bloomington in 2000, will also perform as part of their farewell tour.

Lynda Barry, an award-winning American cartoonist and graphic novelist, is set to deliver the keynote address on June 5 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Her participation coincides with the IU Writers’ Conference's 85th anniversary.

This year's festival draws inspiration from Vonnegut’s novel “Cat’s Cradle.” Organizers aim to create a fun and engaging experience through collaborations with various university partners including IU Libraries and the Jacobs School of Music. Events will span music and theater performances, film screenings, readings, exhibitions, and more.

The main stage concert on June 7 will feature Mavis Staples alongside Thee Sacred Souls and Murder by Death. Other activities include a pop-up exhibition at Lilly Library on Kurt Vonnegut's board game “GHQ,” film series partnerships with local cinemas, adapted Vonnegut works performed by IU Theatre, and public readings hosted by the IU Writers’ Conference.

The festival will also highlight local talent through initiatives like an open-call exhibition hosted by the Gayle Karch Cook Center for Public Arts and Humanities. The Community Collaboration Art Project will present participatory art projects across pop-up booths. Additionally, music showcases featuring Girls Rock Bloomington and Cosmic Songwriters are planned.

Granfalloon receives support from community businesses such as Graduate Bloomington and Visit Bloomington as well as various Indiana University offices. Updates about events can be accessed via the Granfalloon website or through social media channels managed by the IU Arts and Humanities Council.