Monday, August 25, 2008

Steampunk at Dragoncon Update

Here are the Steampunk events planned for Dragoncon 2008

Panel: Friday 4:00 at the Hyatt, Montreal room

Meetup: Friday 9:00 pm at the Hilton, Casablanca Bar, prior to the Abney Park Concert

Concert: Abney Park plays 11:30/12:00* Friday Night at the Hyatt, Centennial II ballroom. *Depending on the source

Parade: Mustering at 9:00 AM, in Woodruff Park, 4 1/2 blocks down from the main lobby entrance of the Hyatt on Peachtree.

Concert: Abney Park Victorian sing-along/acoustic set Saturday Noon, Hyatt Concorse

Panel: Sunday 5:30 pm at the Hyatt, Fairlie room

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Mana Potion Engergy Drink



Think Geek is offering these smartly bottled energy drinks reminiscent of the ubiquitous blue potions of RPGs. These are perfect for late night gaming sessions and high energy conventions. I'm sure it tastes like something used to degrease diesel engines, but the concept wins with me.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Steampunk at Dragconcon Update: Abney Park Schedule



Abney Park's Dragon*Con Schedule has been announced!

They will be performing Friday night at 11:30 in the Hyatt Regency Ballroom.
Their unplugged set will be Saturday Noon on the Hyatt acoustic stage.

The Friday night show will likely be the primary gathering for the crew and Companions of the Airship Vertigo.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Anachrotechnofetishism: Artifacts by Pioneers of American Steampunk


Anachrotechnofetishism: Artifacts by Pioneers of American Steampunk
Originally uploaded by exoskeletoncabaret.


Long before the age of the internet, and well before the cold efficiency of the assembly line, existed fantastic and terrible machines, run on hope, sweat, and steam. It was a time in which form and function lived in sin, and everyman was a revolutionary.

This is a showcase of 13 American artists united by broad geography and narrow aesthetic.

Marrying narrative and nostalgia to design and technology, we imagine the triumphs of the past overriding the failures of the present to create from the ruins and detritus a dazzling future-perfect.

September 12 - October 3, 2008
Opening Reception: September 12 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Suite 100 Gallery
, 2222 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 956.3900

Friday, August 08, 2008

Dragoncon Advent

As this is the third Friday before Draconcon, we are entering Advent, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Fandom. My costuming is complete, my panel scheduling started, and I can finish up my trip prep.

I think I may have some calenders printed up with the important dates of the fandom liturgical year printed on it, consistent with how I perceive the year with fannish eyes.

Labour Day long weekend of Dragoncon marks the End of Year celebrations which the calender surrounds. The 40 days after the Con is Fan-Lent; a time of fasting, repentance and chemical and emotional detox. October brings the high holy day of Halloween, while December is the Lesser Season of films. The end of February is Dracosymstice, the longest time between Conventions. Finally, June and July mark the Greater season of films, which leads back to Advent.

There are other dates of course, Comic and Entertainment Expo, San Diego Comicon, May the Forth, and so on. Some dates are important, but are not consistent, such as the release dates of comics or movies. The television season used to start in September, but now shows start and stop though the year which makes them movable feast days.

What big fandom dates do you use to mark the year?

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Calgary Steampunk Gathering: Anachronauts Assemble!

I am planning a Steampunk gathering at Heritage Park in Calgary for Saturday, October 11th. Heritage Park is a 1880-1910 reenactment settlement, so it is the perfect setting for our well mannered and anachronistic hyjinks.

The idea is to have lunch at the Wainwright Hotel, ride the steam train, enjoy the free amusements, and have lots of pictures taken in our steampunk finery.

I'm looking for all Calgary area steampunks, neo-victorians, pulp adventurers and keen photographers to attend. Costumes are not required as it should be a fun day out for all. This is Thanksgiving weekend, which will have a strong effect either way on attendance, though I hope works to our benefit. If you are interested in this event, either post here or email me direct.

Keep it brassy!

Monday, August 04, 2008

Steampunk at Dragoncon

Due to the serious upsurge in steampunk popularity, Dragoncon 2008 is to be rife with steam and brass and gears, top hats, cravats and Victorian ray guns. I'm really looking forward to it.

There will be at least one steampunk panel, part of the Dark Fantasy Track, which is scheduled for Friday at 4 pm in the Montreal room (subject to change). A Meetup to set to follow.

There is a Meetup in the Hilton bar either before or after the Abney Park concert (TBD). This is still being planned, and I will try to post when I know more.

[info]kissmythistle of livejournal-land posted about forming a steampunk group for the big Dragoncon Parade, and there is a call out to any other steampunk costumers to join in with them. This is for 9 AM on Saturday morning starting at Woodruff Park.

The Steam_dragon community on Livejournal is keeping on top of this too, so check there too.

Keep it brassy!