The Granfalloon Festival is an annual tradition in Bloomington, bringing campus and townies together to celebrate arts, ideas, and community. It’s a loving tribute to Hoosier author Kurt Vonnegut, who coined the term “granfalloon” in his novel “Cat’s Cradle.” Correspondent Brylee Stubbs speaks with a festival organizer for a deep dive into the philosophy and operating principles of Granfalloon in a special report produced in partnership with The Media School at Indiana University. This year’s festival culminated in a concert on June 7th at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater headlined by R&B legend Mavis Staples. The opening act was Murder By Death, a band born in the basements of Bloomington 25 years ago. Granfalloon was the kickoff show on their farewell tour.

20250630 Murder By Death perform Everything Must Rest at Granfalloon, the first show on their farewell tour

Today’s feature story on the Granfalloon Festival was produced by Brylee Stubbs in partnership with The Media School at Indiana University and featured music by Murder By Death and Jaspertine.