Montauk’s Dick Cavett Kicking Off Inaugural “Word Up: Long Island LitFest”

“‘Word Up: Long Island LitFest’ is a day to disconnect from gadgets and connect with each other,” said LitFest founder and producer, Claudia Gryvatz Copquin.

On Sunday, May 31st from 1 to 5 p.m., the inaugural “Word Up: Long Island LitFest” will be held at Castle Gould at Sands Point Preserve. The afternoon of live, non-fiction readings by best-selling authors and award-winning columnists and essayists will feature three, one-hour reading sessions. Montauk’s Dick Cavett will kickoff the celebration of the written word with a selection from his latest book, “Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic Moments and Assorted Hijinks.” Funnyman Barry Dougherty will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

Other featured Long Island authors include Arlene Alda, Susan Isaacs, Time and PBS contributor Roger Rosenblatt, syndicated humor columnist Jerry Zezima, and humorist Carol Scibelli. “Word Up: Long Island LitFest” will also include readings from The New York Times humor columnist Henry Alford, Thurber Prize winner Dan Zevin, Julie Klam, columnist Susan Konig, and more.

The festival is also looking for a few lucky Long Island writers to be featured during one of the readings. “We’ve left a few spots open for selected voices from the community,” said Copquin, who will also be in the line-up. To be considered, previously published writers must submit their essays online by Wednesday, April 1st. Writers will be chosen to participate by a blind judging process.

Admission to “Word Up: Long Island LitFest” is $20 and tickets will be sold at the door.

Castle Gould at Sands Point Preserve is located at 127 Middle Neck Road in Port Washington. For more information, call 631-754-6363 or visit longislandlitfest.com.