April 19, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan
Queens literature buffs assemble.
The third annual Queens Lit Fest, a two-day festival at LIC Landing celebrating local writers, poets and musicians, will take place on April 29 and 30, offering free performances and readings throughout that weekend.
The festival will host many local vendors and more than 100 local writers and performers over the course of the weekend, giving a stage to local talent.
“The idea is to create an epicenter for the literary arts community in Queens, since there are so many people with diverse backgrounds and a range of talents,” said Megan DiBello, one of the event organizers.
The event began three years ago, when the founders were at LIC Bar and were inspired by the range and level of talent in the community. They launched the festival with the mission to “bridge the gap and bring together the diverse Queens literary arts community” and to “create a dynamic event that is unpretentious, all-inclusive, and filled with heart, soul, and love.”
Since its first year, the festival has grown, and this year will host over 100 writers, poets and musicians performing their work, including Queens Poet Laureate Maria Lisella, Former Queens Poet Laureate Paolo Javier and NYC Youth Poet Laureate Sharon Lin of Corona, among many others. There will also be several open mic segments throughout the festival.
Many local businesses have rented booths to sell goods and all proceeds of the booth fees, which run $35 for one day or $50 for both days, will go directly to the performers.
“We believe strongly in paying the artists for their time and craft and for dedicating themselves to showcasing their talent,” DiBello said.
The festival also partnered with several local colleges in the area this year. Literary presses from La Guardia Community College, Queens Community College and Saint John’s University are all involved in the festival. DiBello said that the festival hopes to expand the partnership with high schools and other local colleges in the future.
For more information or to sign up for an open mic slot visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-queens-lit-fest-poetryprosespoken-word-lic-landing-free-tickets-30551037977.
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2 Comments
Just noted the many dislikes from first post. No sarcasm was intended ( just chiding writers for not writing on this story,that’s all). Truly it IS a great idea/ event& would like to read how it went. Love & thanks to LICpost,too.
The (commenters) silence is deafening; ironic for a story about literature! This sounds like a wonderful event. Let us know if there’s a reading of”Greatest hits of Astoria/LIC/Sunnysideposts” lol.