Lit Up, Lit Up

Lit Up, Lit Up

It's generally a good thing when literature cops a bit of attitude from rock and roll. Events like Lis Ard and the Poetry Olympics have imported some of that energy onto the stage and my keenest hope is the we'll find a little of that with the Literary Belfast bash at the Ulster Hall, September 6.

Certainly, names like Martin Lynch, Colin Bateman and Glenn Patterson are familiar with rocking tunes. Paul Muldoon plays guitar with Rackett, Bernard MacLavery is an Ash fan while David Park was teacher to the young Tim Wheeler at Downpatrick High and primed his ears with The Undertones. Michael Longley is a jazzer with a penchant for Billie Holiday. Marie Jones has uncovered the drama in Ruby Murray and I'm sure Leontia Flynn must be intimate with Bjork. There's a language warning on the event invite, most likely due to the arrival of word-slinger Owen McCafferty. How could this not be an extraordinary night? And who will stage dive first?

All flippancy aside, these are amazing names, together for one night only, proof that we deliver great writers to the world. Check out additional info here and indulge your soul with a legendary gig.