Karl Custer

Karl Custer was published through SteampunkTales.com in 2010. Besides that, if you’ve attended a video game, comic book or anime convention in the past four years, you could recognize him as geek-specific stand-up comedian and event host Uncle Yo. As New York City’s premiere otaku comedian he has hosted cosplay masquerades at the New York Anime Festival, Anime Boston and Zenkaikon in Valley Forge, PA just to name a few. Join him for celebrations and tomfoolery as he helps host the Queen of Steam Competition, the Costume Extravaganza, and trolls the game room for 2011. You can learn more about Uncle Yo’s delusions of lycanthropy at his website: www.uncleyo.com

Here’s him at the New York Anime Festival:

Dinner at The Chuckwagon Saloon

Come’n get it! Dining!  Entertainment!
Special treats!  Find out more below!

The Chuckwagon Saloon! On Saturday May 21st, from 5pm-7pm, enjoy a fantastic buffet dinner with Weird West entertainment!  A great time, a great value, a great meal!

FULL BUFFET, INCLUDING ALL-YOU-CAN-DRINK SODA AND COFFEE


  • Vegetarian chili
  • Corn & Black Bean Salad
  • Corn bread
  • Beef & Chicken Fajitas with all the fixin’s!
  • And for dessert, delicious fried dough Churros and sweet Georgia Peach Cobbler

Like any good chuckwagon, ye can have all the coffee ye can drink!  Unlike traditional chuckwagons, the same goes for soft drinks.

PLUS…

  • Interact with “Cookie”, the Chuckwagon Cook, and his… colorful friends.
  • A set of Western-themed songs by acclaimed Steampunk musician Eli August!
  • Ghost stories told by Steampunk authors, including C.J. Henderson!
  • The Cursed Gold Nugget game!
  • A good ol’ fashioned shoot out!
  • …and more Wild West entertainment!

Some tickets still available at the Registration Desk starting at 11am on May 20th!

Tweed Ride

The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011 Tweed Bicycle Ride

Airships are nice for crossing continents but…

For local travel, the true gentleman or lady turns to their trusty velocipede. And what better way to show off your beautifully modified bicycle or dapper active-wear than a leisurely Sunday morning ride?

We’re kicking off the last day of World’s Fair with a group bicycle ride around the local
Environs, culminating with a bicycle procession past the main entrance! Whether you’re a tinkerer with a nifty human-powered contraption, look especially good in cycling knickers, or simply want to prove once and for all that Rational Dress is the height of both fashion and function for the modern lady, you’re welcome to join us for the most photogenic cycle tour that Somerset has ever seen.

The ride will be roughly thirty minutes long at an easy pace over relatively level ground. There may be some slight up and down grades involved, but we’ll make every effort to keep it easy for all fitness levels and vehicle types.

Please check out the PDF for more info on “What is a Tweed Ride?”, what types of velocipedes and garb are welcome, and to learn about the SPWF Tweed Ride “Riding Etiquette”!

Let us know you’ll be joining us!
Use our easy online Sign-Up Form!

AtSU Poster Series: Dark Cabaret

Welcome to our Across the Steampunk Universe poster series. Below is the 3rd in the series, brought to you by Kelley Hensing! She has brought us Dark Cabaret at its finest:

(Click the image for full size!)

(612×792)

Dark Cabaret by Kelley Hensing

Please feel free to snag this image from our page! Then post it around your favorite sites to let your fiends know about The Steampunk World’s Fair. Just be sure to give credit to the wonderful Kelley Hensing!

More coming soon!

Welcome to The Steampunk World’s Fair!

Have you been to a Steampunk event?
How about a Steampunk festival?

On May 20th-22nd in Somerset, New Jersey, you’ll find more performers and shows than ANYWHERE in the Steampunk world… All in a friendly, welcoming festival atmosphere!

Whether you’re a curious new-comer or a time-travelling veteran of the Steampunk Nation, we invite you to experience this non-stop extravaganza – an incredible Steampunk event, unmatched in the United States!

*Online Registration has ended, but…
you may buy your tickets at the door starting
11:00 am, Friday May 20th

Until then… check out the Schedule of Events, Subscribe to our Newsletter, or find out more about us and all that The Steampunk World’s Fair has to offer you!

Staying overnight..?

The Doubletree is our official overflow hotel. Not only does it really help us if you stay there, you also get to hang out with lots of other World’s Fair-goers, meet new people, make new friends, and snag free cookies from the hotel, too! This hotel will fill fast, so reserve your rooms early!

The Steampunk World’s Fair
is located at:

Fri 1pm-2am,
Sat 10am-2am,
Sun 10am-7pm
The Crowne Plaza Hotel
110 Davidson Ave.
Somerset, NJ

Vendors are open until 9pm!

*Please note: All tickets purchased at the event must be paid for in Cash.
Thank you for your understanding!

Book your stay with The DoubleTree Hotel

Please be advised: The following is for the 2011 event. Information has not yet been updated for the 2012 season. Thank you!

We now have exciting news about the wonderful new hotel you may book your stay at for The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011.

We have secured a group rate with The DoubleTree Hotel of Somerset, NJ!

GROUP Code: SPE

* Single/double occupancy – $99/night (plus applicable taxes & fees)
* Triple/quad occupancy – $119/night (plus applicable taxes & fees)
* Rooms are available at our Group Rate on Friday May 20th and Saturday May 21st.
* This hotel is 0.8 miles from the main event hotel. We are setting up shuttles via the Crowne Plaza to aid in bringing you to the action! Walking is possible- as a sidewalk is available- but we know how heavy our props can get.

Now the important part: We encourage you not to wait to book your hotel as we are likely to sell out our room block here as well. So please consider booking your rooms today before the rush!

You may call the hotel or visit their website to book your stay! Please use the GROUP Code: SPE

200 Atrium Drive
Somerset, NJ 08873
(732) 469-2600

Thank you so much! We look forward to having you with us in May! If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

Jason Webley

Described by the Seattle Times as “one of Seattle’s most talented musicians,” Jason Webley is known for his huge gravelly voice and a battered porkpie hat that dances around his head as he stomps out the beat.  His relentless touring schedule and legendary live performances have built him a loyal cult of followers across North America, Europe and beyond (he is especially loved in Siberia.) Bellowing out apocalyptic dirges in a sandpaper baritone, Webley’s specialty is involving his audience in his performances – most concerts end with the entire crowd locked arm-in-arm, singing at the top of their lungs.  He has shared the stage with the Dresden Dolls, the Avett Brothers, Devotchka and Regina Spektor, and has released five solo albums and numerous collaborations on his own label, Eleven Records. Recently, Webley finished a world tour with Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls as one-half of the duo Evelyn Evelyn.The Steampunk World’s Fair is honored to have this monster of accordion, a true inspiration, at our 2011 festivities! Do not miss Jason Webley.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuraTmMfspk

Murder By Death

They may call Bloomington, Indiana, home, but since their 2000 formation, Murder by Death have been a band without musical borders. Theirs is a world where Old West murder ballads mingle with rock-injected Western classicism; where an album’s sequencing can take listeners from a haunted back alley in rural Mexico to a raucous Irish pub. All of which is to say, Murder by Death albums don’t just string together songs; they create experiences. With their fifth album, Good Morning, Magpie (04/06/10), Murder by Death continue the tradition of border expansion that drove career standouts like 2006’s In Bocca al Lupo and 2008’s Red of Tooth and Claw.

In 2009, Murder By Death created the instrumental soundtrack for Finch, a novel by Jeff VanderMeer (Steampunk Reloaded, The Steampunk Bible). Give a listen or download here!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt2Sf2-o94g&feature=player_embedded

Professor Elemental

The incomparable Professor Elemental! Returning to us from Brittania to make his second appearance here in the New World! A pioneer of Pith-Hop, the Professor is known, among other things, for the songs and videos for “Cup of Brown Joy” and “Fighting Trousers”. He will be attending Steampunk World’s Fair once more to bring you delightful moments of insanity, tea drinking, gin swilling, and the sort of general mayhem that only the British can get away with! Jolly good! Check out his new website and be sure to snag a copy of his latest CD, The Indifference Engine which premiered with us at SPWF 2010!

The good Professor shall be joining us for several special events throughout the weekend, including hosting our Welcome Tea Party on Friday. Many of our performers have expressed interest in performing with him: so watch out! You never know what this mad-cap adventurer will be up to next at The Steampunk World’s Fair!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iRTB-FTMdk

Jeffery Straker

Singer.  Songwriter.  Pianist.  Is there anything Canadian performer Jeffery Straker cannot do?  Stealing hearts at over 100 shows per year, Jeffery’s music creates a dynamic and infectious carnival ride of sounds blended with lyrical artistry and a sharp sense of humor.  Jeffery has been influenced by combining classical training, the pop music he listened to growing up with his family, and the “strong story-telling tradition” where he grew up in Saskatchewan. He has toured his music with the Regina Symphony Orchestra.  Jeffery Straker’s current album ‘Step Right Up’ features boisterous tunes accompanied by circus performers and antique pianos.  Watch for a new album in 2011!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbVq8L6bz8M&feature=player_embedded

Igor’s Egg

Somewhere at the cross-space of rock anthems, epic steampunk science-fiction tales, funky dance grooves, mind-blowing improvisation, and orchestral melodies lives Igor’s Egg. This Philadelphia phenomenon performs progressive rock, at its best. Within the music unfolds the history of the planet Amaris, a place where cogs litter the landscape and power the society. Igor’s Egg produced their first album, “The Ultimate Tuh” in 2008, which is a prequel to their upcoming Amaris trilogy. So get ready for a sci-fi adventure that will blow your mind! The live show is powerful and animated, full of lights, images and sounds which will transport you to another planet.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9g1UiqzCic

Not Waving But Drowning

Not Waving But Drowning makes a joyful noise with banjos, violas, whiskey bottles, trumpets, and pots and pans, all while spinning together shipwrecked shanties, homespun Appalachian reels, whiskey-drenched bordello blues, and gleeful indie rock. Born in a squalid Brooklyn cabaret and shanghaied by a dilapidated freighter bound for uncharted waters, NWBD sings tales of mystery, adventure, and poisoned love in distinctive three-part harmony and impeccable attire. Their toe-tapping rag and bone style will charm you into dancing the Madison while artfully palming your pocket watch.

“…pops & rattles with an old world urgency.”  -Sepiachord

Ay-leen the Peacemaker and Jaymee Goh

Ay-leen the Peacemaker is the founding editor of the multicultural steampunk blog Beyond Victoriana, which had won the 2010 Last Drink Bird Head Award, a prize widely recognized in the greater science fiction & fantasy community. For the past few years, Ay-leen has been involved with the steampunk communities in the New York metro area and New England. Her upcoming published work will be included in the fashion academic anthology Fashion Talks: Undressing the Power of Style from SUNY Press in 2012. She has also been interviewed about steampunk and its evolving subculture for many steampunk and sci-fi sites and for the books The Steampunk Bible (Abrams Image, May 2011) and Steampunk: Reloaded (Tachyon Publications, 2010). Ay-leen is also the social media manager for Tor.com – Steampunk on Facebook and torsteampunk on Twitter.

Jaymee Goh is a writer of speculative fiction and scholar/blogger of critical theory. She has contributed to Tor.com, Racialicious.com, the Apex Book Company Blog, Beyond Victoriana, and Steampunk II: Reloaded (Tachyon Publications, 2010). Her fiction has been published in Expanded Horizons and Crossed Genres, and she has co-written an essay on steampunk fashion and race for Fashion Talks (SUNY Press, 2012). She graduated from Saint Mary’s University (Halifax, Nova Scotia) with an Honours degree in English and is currently working on an MA in Cultural Studies and Critical Theory at McMaster University. Her blog explores issues of marginalization and culture, and she analyses steampunk literature from a postcolonial perspective at Silver Goggles.

Petal Blight

As a group, Petal Blight blends the genres of trip-rock and chrono-crash, bringing to the stage a bizarre energy, painting pictures in motion and music, frightening and intriguing.  The members of Petal Blight bend preconceptions to the breaking point, implementing acoustic instruments and electronic gadgetry together to create soundscapes welcome in any age, and appealing to any ear. Observe as our therematrix and vocalista weave upper-register harmonies beside our orchestral bass and stellar guitar.

 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVGEjflNLdY


Copal

Copal sets an evocative tone; lavish voices of violin and cello flicker against a twilight scape of electronic swells and textures, impelled by a driving rhythmic sense, and original melodies steeped in global musical traditions. NYC-based, Copal is lead by violinist/composer Hannah Thiem surrounded by an impressive cast of talented collaborators. The band’s sound is a steampunk melding of styles set on a world stage. Nordic melodies ride Middle-Eastern rhythms into the halls of a remembered past, Hungarian riffs blush hotly against Spanish-cadence, opulent harmonies from far-gone depths. Copal’s 2010 aptly named ‘Into the Shadow Garden’, is a moody arabesque of cultural influences and sonic tapestries. The music here is darkly intimate, compelling on multiple levels. “Evocative” (Blue Railroad) and “artistically beautiful yet darkly tantalizing” (Maximum Ink), like lucid dreams, the sounds of Copal will take you away.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afFhkXnL6lg

Samara

A newcomer to World’s Fair, Samara began bellydancing in the summer of 2006 and has never looked back. She blends her strong tribal background with a rich fusion of folkloric and gothic bellydance, hip-hop, breakdance, flamenco, classical and modern Indian dance, West African dance, steampunk aesthetics and sensuous musicality. In addition to studying and dancing with teachers Neylan and Tempest in Providence RI, Samara teaches the occasional class of her own. Also in 2006 she launched her professional living statue career, quickly becoming a regular sight at the Waterfire festival in Providence. Since then she has been spotted as a variety of enchantingly immobile characters at a broad range of events all over New England, both independently and as a performer for Ten31 Productions, a worldwide leader in living art installations. In what free time she has left she is earning a Master’s Degree in Theatre Education.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChudZhG1dX0

Emilie P. Bush

Adding to our literary wonders is Emilie P. Bush. Former Host of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Georgia Gazette, Emilie released her debut Steampunk novel, Chenda and the Airship Brofman, in late 2009. This is an adventurous tale with a feminist twist. Emilie’s NEW book is part two of the Chenda series – titled The Gospel According to Verdu. Her next project, Chyptid, is a modern mythological fantasy set in New York City. Emilie lives and writes in Atlanta, where she is the Queen of Steam at CoalCitySteam.com, and writes for SteampunkChronicle.com and other websites.

Tee Morris & Pip Ballantine

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Philippa Ballantine (or Pip, to many) has always had her head in a book. In 2010, Pip set her sights on America with her first mass market paperback release with Ace Books — Geist. In 2011, she is one of the voices behind Harper Voyager’s Phoenix Rising: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, co-authored with Tee Morris. This Ministry novel is only the beginning as work is underway on its sequel, Of Cogs and Corsets. Pip is currently in the United States where her two Siberian cats, Sebastian and Viola, make sure she stays out of trouble.

After years of writing definitive guides in the Social Media movement and speaking across the country and around the world on the subject, Tee Morris in 2011 returns to fiction with the steampunk romp Phoenix Rising: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, co- authored with Philippa Ballantine. This novel marks his mass market paperback debut with Harper Voyager. Phoenix Rising is where Tee prefers to be: in his imagination. When he is not there, Tee is in the Washington D.C. area with his five cats and one daughter, all of whom have him very well-trained.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fju3m-tCqE&feature=channel_video_title

The Extraordinary Contraptions

The Extraordinary Contraptions

An accidental time traveler from an alternate future, a law officer stripped of rank in the pursuit of true justice, and two brothers of one mind in avenging home and family despite their divergent bearings: these otherworldly iconoclasts, thrown together by the whims of chance and music, are The Extraordinary Contraptions.  These darlings of Atlanta’s steampunk cultural hub keep wowing crowds with their musical mastery, genre-defining anachronism, scientific-romance shenanigans and blatant refusal to take themselves or steampunk too seriously. Ranging from silly love songs through dark, seething explorations of power to their characters’ own epically orchestrated tales of Victorian-influenced sci-fi, this quartet of aural anachronisms cranks the temporal bi-resonator to eleven for romance, music and science! Equally renowned for their unplugged performances, their acoustic instruments are rumored to go to twelve!

 

Brigid Ashwood

Brigid Ashwood‘s art could be described as Contemporary Figurative Mythic Surrealism. But the artist prefers to describe her work this way: “I paint steampunk bugs, clockwork dolls, fairytales & vinyl toys. I seek to reinterpret mythic and fairytale worlds and heroines for a modern audience.” A contemporary artist exploring classic themes through a Sci-Fi lens, Brigid’s influences and technique is well rooted in traditional mediums such as oil paint and silverpoint.  She also works in the luminous tones of the digital palette; merging the labored craft of portraiture with the flexibility of modern mediums. Brigid’s work is known globally and has been featured in exhibits around the country as well in books and international magazines. Her originals are collected by notable authors, musicians, actors and CEOs. Brigid’s images have been licensed for a variety of products sold worldwide. She resides in Maryland in a 246 year old house with her husband & daughter, and four aggravating yet lovable pets. In her spare time she writes for GeekMom.com and haunts Twitter under the handle Skwerlgrrl.

White Elephant Burlesque & Cosplay Burlesque

New Jersey’s favorite burlesque society, the White Elephant Burlesque Society, returns to the World’s Fair with gears galore and collaborates with Cosplay Burlesque!  WE intends to repeat last year’s success with Cosplay Burlesque and pack the audience to standing room only again! WEBS, headlined by Viktor Devonne and Femme Fae La Butche, are a staple of the Wicked Faire community and are amongst its longest running participants; and have been notable ecdysiasts for fetish, subculture, and cabaret events in NJ, NYC, Upstate NY, and Philadelphia areas since 2006. Cosplay Burlesque was founded in early 2008 by Victoria Belmont who saw the need for conventions to offer their adult patrons the pageantry of cosplaying and the spectacle that is burlesque.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X6lsi6-iio

O.M. Grey

O. M. Grey dreams of the dark streets of London and the decadent deeds that occur after sunset. She dons a tight corset, a fluffy bustle, and a teeny-tiny top hat for fantasy conventions where she enjoys meeting fans and participating on panels. Olivia prefers to live in the cobwebbed corners of her dark mind writing paranormal romance with a Steampunk twist.

Her premiere Steampunk Paranormal Romance novel, Avalon Revisited, is an Amazon.com Gothic Romance bestseller. She also writes short stories, relationship articles, and angsty poetry. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, tending the garden, or drinking a hot cup of tea.

Just two drops, please.

Platform one

Platform one brings to the stage a powerful aesthetic that crosses genre boundaries. Led by V. Nigel Taylor whose voice is as haunting as he is madly entertaining; he’s backed by keyboardist Daniel Gill, guitarist Jesse Dunstan, percussionist Allison Lahikainen, and joined by Tim Heireth. Platform one melds darker melodies and danceable beats that keep the dance floor filled. They have been transporting themselves around the country since the 1999, currently anchored in New York. As timeless as the music they make, Pl-1s members have long been involved with the arts – screenplay writing, soundtrack work, visual and aural construction. They have recently released their latest EP “The Silent Have Names.” A full length follow up is currently in the works.

Platform one’s appearances at The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011 have been sponsored by MayFaire Moon Costumes and Corsetry! Visit MayFaire in the Merchant’s Bazaar!

Doctor Q

Dr. Quincy Erasmus Quartermain, or simply Doctor Q, is an eccentric audio arranger and morally ambiguous scientist. After exposing the general public to various experiments in aural engineering at a number of steampunk events, he came to the decision to up the ante of his current modest abilities and move on to other more delectable challenges. He is the Media Editor of the Steampunk Chronicle as well as the Founder of the Artifice Club, headquartered in Terminus, also known as Atlanta, Georgia. It is the Doctor’s hope that through the fellowship of musicians, artists, builders, and performers of all kinds, the Artifice Club can host affairs that bring more people into the steampunk subculture and provide a haven and meeting ground for those spreading the aesthetic far and wide.

Hubris

Hubris is a fun-loving, piratical, licentious, geeky band of fire freaks who seek to entertain and amuse with wickedly creative antics.  Returning to the Fair, they hope to amaze their audience once again with their dangerous delights.  Performers and instructors, Hubris loves introducing people to their element, FIRE!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_0edgLSkO8

Matt DeBlass

Matt DeBlass, steampunk’s favorite bard and the Steampunk World’s Fair’s official Chief Bow Tie Inspector, turned to the world of steampunk after being told that he couldn’t wear a bow tie to perform at renaissance faires. Here, Matt found an ideal niche for his own eclectic, gleefully anachronistic collection of music. By bringing elements of world folk, Celtic, rock, classical, and 19th century parlor music into one program, he stretches the bounds of genre and period. Matt performs on a variety of acoustic instruments, including mandolin, guitar, harp and percussion instruments, some of which he has built or modified himself. When not trying to invent a new standard of parlor music, giving presentations on modifying and building instruments, or demonstrating how to tie his signature neckwear, Matt is a busy gigging musician and teaches lessons in percussion and rhythm guitar. Come see Matt perform for a chance to learn what, exactly, the man on the floor’s been drinking!

The Cyborg Seamstress

Over the last 7 years, Laura, the Cyborg Seamstress, has been creating costumes of her favorite characters for showcase at anime, gaming, and sci-fi conventions. In 2007 she began creating original steampunk character designs with Outland Armour, an artist collective that she continues to collaborate with today. As a returning guest to the Steampunk World’s Fair, Laura is again looking forward to sharing her expertise in costume design and craftsmanship through the presentation of panels and workshops.

Tin-Types

Tin-Types are an alternative folk duo hailing from New Hampshire, AKA guitarist and vocalist Hagbard (Seth William Chatfield) and singer Lulabelle (Shana Hall).  Their upcoming debut CD (Feb/March 2011), and some live shows, also feature violinist Madelaine Ripley.  The sound is acoustic ‘folk’ based but diverse in scope – ranging from ironic political observations done in a retro-60′s style, to gypsy tunes commenting on homogeny of culture, to a love song about underwater zombies. They also put their own unique spin on a number of popular ‘covers’ spanning many genres and decades. Find Tin-Types music, photos, shows and info on MySpace and Facebook.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07YZZReCuek

 

Eliza Rickman

Eliza Rickman is a singer, songwriter and pianist living in California. Her unique and haunting sound combines the lilting sweetness of popular vocalists like Feist or Annie Clark with the gritty sensibilities of PJ Harvey and the playfulness of Kurt Weill. When she began performing at venues, she purchased a toy piano out of necessity. The compact, antique, two-octave piano quickly became her trademark accompaniment. Its piercingly nostalgic sound created a lyrical dissonance with her deceptively powerful voice. While she often performs with a small chamber of musicians, the toy piano is the central instrument on her EP, Gild the Lily. Full of lovesick lullabies, Gild the Lily marries pure and sultry melodies with melancholy lyrics. The raven-haired, porcelain-skinned songstress serenades listeners into an unexpected vulnerability while leading them on a quest for love by a little girl lost.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ri7CCPJSEo

Eli August

Eli August creates music with zeal and energy, focusing on mood, tonality and lyricism. The songwriting mines memories of past regrets and failures to create melancholy aural set pieces that are sincere, passionate and some times dark, but never completely devoid of redemption. Many of the works carry the sobering notion that life may never be as good as it once was, but there is still reason to carry on. The music is here to say one thing: though the outlook may seem bleak and the path dark, we are in this together.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7qEYn0qPqQ

Epiphany Blackwood

Epiphany Blackwood is a Thread Alchemist who received her training as a seamstress at the finest sweatshops in Savannah. When she’s not creating clothing for epic adventuring of the up-most quality, Epiphany enjoys the life of a vigilante for Emperor Joshua Norton I, and living the life of a socialite. She will be coordinating The Costume Extravaganza as well as panels on historical costuming. She does adore her admirers, and begs that you approach her for conversation. Mundanely, she is a student of Historical Costume and Textiles at the University of Rhode Island.

Workshops

Workshops are times for you to join our many wonderful guests to take an active role in learning from these experts in their fields!

More workshops and descriptions coming soon!

* Bartitsu: The Lost and Found Scientific Self Defense of Sherlock Holmes

With Professor Mark P. Donnelly
Click here for full info!

* Bartitsu for Ladies

With Professor Mark P. Donnelly
Click here for full info!

* Simple Bustlemaking for Victorian and Steampunk Costuming

With Laura Vaughn, of The Cyborg Seamstress

Learn how to make a quick and easy bustle for Victorian formal wear in this one hour workshop! Participants should bring 1 1/2 to 2 yards fabric of your choice. Workshop includes a live step by step demonstration of the construction process. Sewing machines and basic tools including scissors and thread will be provided. ($5 materials fee. Number limited to sewing machines available!)

Victorian Dance Workshop I: Polkamania!

With Susan de Guardiola
In-depth lesson on two popular Victorian ballroom dances, polka and schottische and dancing to historical and modern music! No experience needed!

Victorian Dance workshop II: Whirl of Waltz

With Susan de Guardiola
The secrets of how to spin madly around the dance floor in Victorian-style waltzing to a wild mix of historical and modern music! No experience needed!

* How to use your body’s steam power!- A Voice Masterclass

With Katie Kat (Workshop fee may apply)

* DIY Instrument Building

With Matt DeBlass (Materials fee may apply)
Make your own instruments using household objects. We’ll explore the construction fo diddley bows, cigar-box guitars, cookie tin banjos, coffee can drums and other fun and completely playable instruments.

* Breaking into Game Publishing With Your Steampunk Setting”!

With Peter Woodworth
Bring your Steampunk Setting!

* The Language of Flowers

With Nora Knightsbridge, Lady Explorer
During the Victorian times, flowers played a large role in society. They served to cover unpleasant odors as well as to communicate with lovers or enemies by the use of the secret language of flowers. Each flower had a meaning, and these meanings would be assembled through a tussie-mussie to communicate messages. In this class, we’ll talk about the secret language of flowers and how to communicate with them, as well as assemble our own smelling pomanders or tussie-mussies.
If you wish to make a tussie-mussie or pomander, there is a $5.00 supply fee; if you wish simply to attend the class, there is no charge.

* History* of Tea

With Nora Knightsbridge, Lady Explorer
Tea is near and dear to the hearts of both Victorians and Steampunk aficionados alike. It was the drink of choice of its day, suitable for airships, zeppelins, explorations or hunting trips to the wilds of the Far East or the Dark Continent, and even in the parlor or salon. In this session, we’ll try a few of the classic teas – English Breakfast, Earl Grey, a green from the Far East, a French tisane, and a smoky Lapsang Souchong from the Russian countryside.

Beginners SP Persona Workshop

With Emilie P. Bush

Professor Elemental’s Rap Workshop

With Professor Elemental

Belly Dance Workshop

With Coveilance Dance Project

Gaming

More games and descriptions coming soon!

* The Sphinx’s Den of Games & Riddles – Our OFFICIAL gaming room! RPGs, Demos, and more!

* The Wolf Hunter’s Ball

* The High Noon Gentlemen’s Duel

* Charity Poker Parlor

* Martian Croquet – Explorers, adventurers, chrononauts, and aethernauts! Join us in the fine sands of the remote Martian Canal Estates, where the well-dressed 19th-century tourist and all civilized alien entities may indulge in the genteel yet cutthroat Martian pastime of parlor croquet.

* Germans: Victorian Dance Games – What those wacky Victorians got up to in the ballroom after a few drinks too many! Blindfolds, musical chairs, fan-slapping and more. Freud would love it!

* Cracked Monocle: Tephra Tabletop RPG

* BESM Steampunk Adventure RPG

* D20 Modern Noir Mystery RPG

We are looking to expand our Gaming offerings! We currently have a few event-wide games happening throughout the weekend, our official game room brought to us by “The Sphinx’s Den”, and are looking for:

* Game Masters to run Steampunk themed RPGs
* A weekend long LARP set in a steampunk world; or a late night LARP to run Sat. from 11-3am (especially interested in White Wolf’s Victorian Era Vampire)
* Demos, especially for minis!
* Any and all board games and card games folks may be interested in demo’ing during the weekend!

2011 Discussions

These Discussions are brought to you by many of our guests, staff, and programming participants!

Click on the Discussion Title to learn more about it!

* The Art of the Fantastic in Silent Film
* Between Castle & Sucker Punch: The Emergence of SP into Mainstream Media
* Building Steampunk Table Top Game Settings
* Clockwork Dolls & Coin-Operated Boys: Human Statue Workshop
* Dreams of Africa
* Drunken Tales of the Outlanders
* Envisioning a Better Steam Society: Social Issues & Steampunk
* Extraordinary Inventions – Bizarre Victorian Inventions that never took off
* How the British Empire Invented sport, exported it to the World, and then proceeded to systematically lose at everything
* How To Steampunk Your Favorite Characters
* HP Lovecraft: Legacy of Tentacles
* Kimono & Steampunk
* Mixing Genres in Steammpunk Lit.
* Modern Steampunk, Genre and Subculture
* Naughty Custom Art and the People Who Love It (18+)
* No-Sew Costuming
* Notable Non-associative Numbers of Victorian Mathematician Arthur Cayley
* The Philosophy Engine
* Podcasting for Steampunk
* Staging Your Steampunk & Victorian LARPs
* Steam Around the World: Steampunk Beyond Victoriana
* The Steam Engine
* Steam-Scholars Parts 1 & 2
* Steampunk & Art
* Steampunk & The Apocalypse
* Steampunk as a Community
* Steampunk at Home Depot
* Steampunk in Comics II: To the Dirigible and Beyond
* Steampunk in Comics: Capes & Steam!
* Steampunk in the Arts
* Steampunk on the Cheap
* Steampunk Literature: An Overview
* The Steampunk Soundtrack: Steampunk & Retrofuturist Music
* Steampunk Video on a Budget
* Social Media: Steampunk’s New Platform
* Swagger 101
* Theology in Steampunk
* Topics in Replacement Body Parts and Cyborgs
* The Victorian Vampire
* Victorian Ballroom Etiquette
* Victorian Sexuality
* Virtual Worlds of Steampunk
* What the Pulp is Dieselpunk?

* When to Doff Your Hat

***

* No-Sew Costuming

With Laura Vaughn, of The Cyborg Seamstress
There are many ways of creating a successful costume without ever sewing a stitch! This panel offers a variety of tips and tricks on creating your favorite costume or original design with no sewing required! Discussion includes handouts and accompanying photo presentation with question and answer period to follow.

* How To Steampunk Your Favorite Characters

With Laura Vaughn, of The Cyborg Seamstress
The trend of “steampunking” existent characters has become popular within the steampunk community over the last couple of years. But what does it take to re-design and create a successful steampunk version of a character’s costume? What aspects of a character’s original design need to remain intact in their steampunk version, if any? Are there some characters who should simply not be subjected to “steampunk-ification?” This one hour panel consists of discussion and photo presentation with a question and answer period to follow.

* The Notable Non-associative Numbers of Victorian Mathematician Arthur Cayley

With Dr. Dubious Lie
In this presentation we discuss the mathematics of Arthur Cayley, often known as the Mathematician Laureate of the Victorian Age. We will begin with a biography and then focus on what is perhaps his most important work, the construction of an 8 dimensional algebraic structure called the Octonians (otherwise known as the Cayley Numbers.) The works of Sir William Rowan Hamilton from the same period will also be discussed to provide background and clarity for this great work of Cayley.

* Swagger 101

With A Count Named Slickbrass and the Crew of the Titilus

* Steam Around the World: Steampunk Beyond Victoriana

With Jaymee Goh and Ay-Leen the Peacemaker
Beyond Victoriana, what steampunk possibilities exist? Come join us as we take you on a trip around the world to see how steampunk manifests itself outside of Europe. We will also approach the ethical challenges that come up when engaging in multicultural steampunk and discuss matters of race, privilege, and cultural appropriation.

* Envisioning a Better Steam Society: Social Issues & Steampunk

With Jaymee Goh and Ay-Leen the Peacemaker
A panel where participants discuss their thoughts about finding aesthetic inspiration in a historical era rife with sexism, racism and classist thinking. We hope to engage in an open dialogue about whether steampunk confronts or condones the historical ideas behind its inspiration, how 19th century thinking is re-interpreted in the present day, and what makes steampunk actually “punk.”

* Steampunk on the Cheap

With Jaymee Goh and Ay-Leen the Peacemaker
You don’t have to hold an aristocrat’s purse-strings in order to look like one. Join a discussion about how steampunks can get the aesthetics they want without the cost. Share personal experiences, from thrifting and costuming shortcuts to more in-depth talks about the meaning of class and its impact in the steampunk community.

* Modern Steampunk, Genre and Subculture

With Austin Sirkin
This panel is an examination of Steampunk as a modern, rather than historic, movement that deals with modern issues and sensibilities. Additionally, we will look at Steampunk as both a genre and a subculture in order to explore how they may fit together into a larger explanation of what Steampunk is.

* Steampunk as a Community

With Austin Sirkin
Steampunk is about more than just the Victorian era and brass machines; it’s about you! In this panel, we’ll discuss notable members of the larger Steampunk community, Steampunk ideology (or lack thereof?) and what we present to outsiders.

* What the Pulp is Dieselpunk?

With Tome Wilson of Dieselpunks.org
A dieselpunk primer for people not familiar with the aesthetic. Includes a short talk defining dieselpunk, examples of source materials, and a Q&A.

* Steampunk in Comics: Capes and Steam!

With the Queen of Sanctuary of the Red Fork Empire
This panel covers steampunk influences in comics, including DC and Marvel superhero work as well as great indies and self-publishers. A great introduction to steampunk in sequential art and storytelling, and an excellent visual reference for readers and costumers alike.

* Steampunk in Comics II: To the Dirigible and Beyond

With the Queen of Sanctuary of the Red Fork Empire
A sequel to the ‘Capes and Steam!’ comic panel, this discussion covers more in-depth steampunk works and related genres, including dieselpunk, decopunk, and more. The edges of the steampunk movement will be explored, and we will see how far a steampunk comic can go in the world of art.

* Steampunk at Home Depot

With Pixel
Paint, pipes, hardware and more! When it comes to prop making, Home Depot is a veritable playground. Come get ideas, share suggestions, and show off props you’ve created. We’ll also be sharing other suggestions for where to get prop parts & supplies.

* Steam-Scholars Parts 1 & 2

Academics inside and outside the steampunk community are turning their attention to steampunk culture and literature. In these panels, we’ll look in depth at steampunk propmakers as folk artists, as well as steampunk in the context of issues such as postcolonialism, Marxism and workers’ movements, and environmentalism and the Industrial Revolution. Please come join us, hear about our work, and share your ideas. Nonacademics very, very welcome! With Jaymee Goh, Austin Sirkin, Leah Richards, Catherine Siemann (organizer)

* Victorian Ballroom Etiquette

With Susan de Guardiola
Victorian ballroom etiquette for beginners. Proper bows and courtesies, how to perform introductions (and what you can do when you have one) and the secret strategies of the dance card!

* Kimono & Steampunk

With Marina Gurland
A Dressing Demonstration in 4 parts. Ms. Marina Gurland invites you mix up your steampunk with a Japanese flair! Learn the history of kimono, why kimono mixes so well with steampunk, and marvel at the beauty of dressing in kimono. Will feature dressing demos in the traditional way with all 3 layers, the “cheater’s” way of dressing, how to put a corset on a kimono without causing damage to your garment, and how to steampunk your kimono dressing! Followed by Q&A!

* The Victorian Vampire

With Vikki
Why was the Victorian Vampire so scary? We’ll discuss Dracula, the folkloric vampires Stoker drew on, and Lair of the White Worm; plus Jack the Ripper!

* Steampunk and the Apocalypse

With Catstraphone Orchestra
In an era of climate chaos, peak oil and economic crises, steampunk’s imagination and DIY ethic may inform how we live in the future! Learn about the Victorian disasters that were apocalyptic and how they changed their societies, how has steampunk seen the future post-oil, and how we can help ourselves and our communities if we were to find ourselves without oil or the electrical grid. We will provide a demonstration of sand and coal water purification systems, solar steam boilers and other such old timey DIY survival contraptions. Presented by fiction authors who have organized relief efforts in New Orleans and the Midwest.

* Extraordinary Inventions – Bizarre Victorian Inventions that never took off

With Professor Mark P. Donnelly
History is full of ingenious inventions. Progress through civilization has always been fueled by scientists, engineers and inventors. But not all inventions lead to progress. This 60-minute presentation highlights some of the most bizarre inventions and ideas to come out of the industrial revolution.

* How the British Empire Invented sport, exported it to the World, and then proceeded to systematically lose at everything

With Professor Mark P. Donnelly
The Victorians invented sport. Of course sports and games have been played throughout history, but it was through the nineteenth century that most of the modern sports played around the world were developed, and codified. The Victorians invented and published rules for sports. For the first time these sports and games were played in the same way and with the same rules in widely different areas. Sporting equipment (croquet sets, tennis racquets, boxing gloves, etc.) was mass produced in factories for the first time and shipped with rule books throughout the British Empire and around the world.

Building Steampunk Table Top Game Settings

With Peter Woodworth

Staging Your Steampunk & Victorian LARPs

With Peter Woodworth

Steampunk in the Arts

Dr. Grymm and The Emperor of the Red Fork Empire (along with a few surprise guests) will host a discussion on how Steampunk has infiltrated the art scene and the direction Artists can take to become part of it. Discussions will also include methods of design, protecting your artwork, and future projects as well as a Q&A.

Dreams of Africa

With Dr. Gerrard D Evans, Dorothy Winterman, and Doyaun Raisuli De Valda-Martinez
The mind relates what the eyes show it. Africa has long been held a land of mystery. A world unto itself filled with hidden secrets that have made many an author, filmmaker and colonial power covetous. It is also a place filled with history and ripe with the fruit for the avid Steampunk. We seek to first shed some light on this history and expose you to elements you may not know, and show an example of how to use this insight into expanding into a largely untouched source to fuel your dreams.

The Art of the Fantastic in Silent Film

With The Outlanders
Do you love silent films? Come join us as we discuss the role of the fantastic in the silent films of early cinema. We’ll also discuss modern films made in the silent style, and if you’re interested in making your own silents, come on by…experienced filmmakers will be on hand to give you a few tips and tricks!

Drunken Tales of the Outlanders

With The Outlanders
Come listen in as the folks from Outland Armour regale you with tales of their exploits and possibly create new ones! You don’t want to miss this one, a good time will be had by all!

The Costume Extravaganza

Use our easy online Sign-Up Form to participate! **CLOSED!**

At The Steampunk World’s Fair, we know proud our attendees are of their amazing costumes and props- and with good reason! On Saturday May 21st 2011, we would like to present to you The Costume Extravaganza, coordinated by thread alchemist Epiphany Blackwood!

The Rules:

* Entrants will be divided by age and skill level. There will be 2 age groups, child and adult. The Adult group will be split into 3 skill levels: Novice, Journeyman, Master/Expert.

* Entrants are allowed to enter any costume as long as it is not a store-bought kit (Like one of the complete outfits from Gentleman’s Emporium). They can, however, model work commissioned or on behalf of a designer as long as full credit is made and can be announced as such.

* Entrants will be scored on creativity and originality, as well as craftsmanship and presentation. Members of a group will be scored as a whole, not individually. Fan creations of a familiar character are permitted as long as you state on your application and tell the judge whom you are portraying, but we’d really prefer you don’t. Be creative!

* Entrants that are qualified to enter as a skit participant will have 90 seconds for the duration of their skit. Those that exceed this time will be disqualified. The contest is limited to 5 skit entrants.

Additional skit terms:
* No reenacting copyrighted material.
* No profanity or vulgarity is allowed while performing. There are children here!
* No violence, even implied, is permitted.
* Romance must be kept to a minimum.
* Absolutely no stripping/burlesque performances. We have other events for that!
* …In other words, if you wouldn’t show your grandmother, don’t show us!!

Props are welcome. However, all weapons must be peace-bonded. No props may be fired or discharged during the contest for the safety of our attendees.

Divisions:

Children
* Best in Show
* Best Craftsmanship
* Best Presentation
* Best Prop
* Judge’s Honorable Mentions

Adult
* Best in Show
* Best Prop
* Best “Alternative” Punk (Diesel, Atom, Cyber…)
* Best in Class – Craftsmanship
* Best in Class – Presentation
* Judge’s Honorable Mentions

Honorable mentions can be anything from a specific costume element to a runner-up that the judges feel need recognition.

To submit an application to participate in the event, please send the following information to Miss Blackwood:

* Legal Name:
* Stage Name:
* Address:
* Phone:
* Email:
* Costume name or theme:
* Division: (Adult or Child? If Adult, please state Novice, Journeyman, or Expert.)

For skit submissions, please send/link to a short teaser video. Remember, only FIVE skits can enter, so you may want to have a backup plan as a walk on if space allows.

Special Performances 2011

The Steampunk World’s Fair is honored to bring to you these Special Performances- entertainment that is beyond the everyday brought to you by our many performers and guests!

More announcing soon!

* Pub Sing with Eli August, The Dypsomanics, and others
* HVBRIS & Professor Elemental

2011 SPWF Pre Registration

Please be advised: The following is for the 2011 event. Information has not yet been updated for the 2012 season. Thank you!

Pre-registration has closed, but…
THERE’S STILL TIME for you to be a part of
the Greatest Steampunk Festival IN THE WORLD! 

Tickets may still be purchased at the door
starting 11:00 am, Friday May 20th!

Don’t miss the absolutely unique experience which is World’s Fair. Mark your calendar, make your plans, and bring your friends!

Memberships – Day of Event:

Please Note:
All tickets purchased day-of-event are CASH-ONLY!
Thank you for your understanding!

3-Day Badge — $60
2-Day Badge — Any Two Days: $45
1-Day BadgeFriday-Only Tickets: $30
1-Day BadgeSaturday-Only Tickets: $35
1-Day BadgeSunday-Only Tickets: $25

Please note:
~ SPWF does not make 1- or 2-day badges available during pre-registration.
~ All tickets purchased day-of-event are CASH-ONLY!
~ Your membership includes access to all official SPWF events with the exception of separate cost Catered Events & Dinner Theater.
~ If you are interested in our Catered Events & Dinner Theater, pre-registration for these events has closed but a limited number of tickets for select events may be made available for purchase at the door. Seating is limited for these special events so SPWF cannot guarantee availability of tickets.

If you have pre- registered for the Steampunk World’s Fair

~ Your tickets will be available for pick-up starting in the evening of Thursday May 19th through Sunday May 22nd.
~ Please print a copy of your PayPal invoice showing your name and also bring a photo ID (drivers license, school ID, military ID, etc.) and proceed to Pre-Registration!

 

Gen. Rappleyea Beard & Moustache Competition

Use our easy online Sign-Up Form!

Gentlemen, start your facial hair!

Join us for The General George Rappleyea Memorial Beard & Moustache Competition! This is a competition for all types of beards, moustaches, muttonchops, and other epic facial hair the sort our community is so fond of and famous for. Prizes awarded in 6 categories: Best Moustache Natural and Freestyle, Best Muttonchops, Best Full Beard, Longest Beard, and Best Facial Hair in Show. Hosted by the 2010 SPWF Epic Facial Hair winner, James Brown! Special guest judges TBA!

* Best Moustache – Natural: naturally grown moustache, no more than 1-1.5 inches (may be styled but without aides)
* Best Moustache – Freestyle: a creative moustache category, all lengths and styles eligible
* Best Muttonchops: facial hair grown on the sides of the face, extending from the hairline to below the ears and worn with an unbearded chin (may be styled, with or without aides)
* Best Full Beard – Freestyle: a creative beard category, all lengths and styles eligible (may be styled with or without aides; beards may have accompanying moustaches, which will not be included in the judging)
* Longest Full Beard: facial hair on the chin, cheeks and neck (in order to make an accurate measurement, we recommend there be no styling aides in the beard. Ya still can but we hope you don’t’!)
* Best Facial Hair in Show: all contestants are automatically entered into this category

Note: Beyond Best Facial Hair in Show, each contestant must enter one category and only one. If a category has no entrants at the beginning of the competition, that category shall be removed and no prize given.

Moustache Allies are encouraged to attend and cheer on their favorite gentlemen!

Competitions & Contests

These Competitions & Contests may earn you fabulous prizes from our many vendors, performers, and sponsors! Plus the adoration of The Steampunk World’s Fair and the steampunk community at large!

More events and descriptions coming soon!

* The Official Queen of Steam
* The Costume Extravaganza
* High Noon Gentlemen’s Duel
* Iron Modder
* Steampunk’d Cosplay Competition (for steampunking pre-existing characters!)
* The Mad Science Fair Competition
* Magnetic Mini-Air Balloon Race
* General George Rappleyea Memorial Beard & Moustache Competition
* How To Take Over the World In Style (featuring “Evil Laughter Competition”, “Best Doomday Device”, “Deadliest Deathray”, and “Best Elevator Pitch for Taking Over the World”!)

Special Events

These Special Events include participation events, photo shoots, meet-ups, social hours, dances, sing-alongs, and others!

More events and descriptions coming soon!

* The Big Brass Ball, part 1 – formal Victorian dance

* The Big Brass Ball, part 2 – dance party

* The Gaslamp Cabaret

* Tweed Ride

* QST19C: Questionable Science Theater 1900

* Parasol Procession

* Across the Steampunk Universe Fashion Show

* Authors of SPWF 2011 Book Signing Hour

* The Society for The Green Carnation Social Hour

* “Knights of Steampunk”, knighting ceremony

* 2011 Muse of Fair

* “Exerevnos: A Steampunk Exploration of Greek Myths” Art Show

* The Brass of 2011: Steampunk Graduation Ceremony

* TSU Meet-up, photo shoot, and propaganda watching

* Dieselpunks Meet-up & Swap Meet

* Madame Pomegranate’s Clockwork Salon (The Clockwork Cabaret Meet & Greet)

* Sky-pirate Sing Along

* Steampunks Around the World Unite: Multicultural Steampunk Photoshoot
A causal meet & greet for those interested in multicultural steampunk, hosted by steampunks Ay-leen the Peacemaker of Beyond Victoriana & Jaymee Goh of Silver Goggles. Come dressed in your non-Eurocentric best or bring ideas for discussion about potential outfits. Open to steampunks of color and allies.

* “Poison Apples & Pretty Witches” with Lilith Lore

Buskers Guild

Busking (Performing for Tips) at The Steampunk World’s Fair

Throughout human history, as long as there have been streets, there have been street performers. Otherwise known as “buskers.” These entertainers have plied their trade in the hopes that passers-by might enjoy their offerings and show their appreciation with a kind word and, more importantly, a bit of cash dropped in a jar or instrument case.

Our feeling at The Steampunk World’s Fair is that street performers add to the ambience of an event, and can help fill in a quiet corner or draw attention to a row of vendors. We also recognize that for some of our attendees, the option to sing for their supper can be a great help in stretching a tight event budget.

While we believe busking is a most excellent enterprise, we’ve also seen it get out of hand at other events, with performers being disruptive, inappropriate or monopolizing a spot and discouraging others from making the effort. With that in mind we’ve decided to license and regulate (but not tax!) busking in an effort to keep it as civil as possible and enjoyable for both the performers and event patrons. The rules we’ve established for the Guild of Steampunk Buskers are outlined below.

~Matt DeBlass, Katie Kat, Lilith Lore
Heads of the Buskers Guild

Guild of Steampunk Buskers Rules and by-laws:

1. Membership: Membership is open to all types of performers interested in retro-futurism, willful anachronism and good-natured fun.

2. Fees: There are no membership fees. We make little enough money as it is without giving it to “The Man.”

3. Event licenses: Specific events, notable The Steampunk World’s Fair and other future Oneroi productions, may issue numbered busking licenses in order to make the best, and most fair, use of limited busking space during events. The number of licenses available will be determined by management and will be available to those who apply ahead of the event. A small number of licenses may be available on the day of the event, but are not guaranteed. For The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011, there will be 10 licenses issued on a first-come-first-serve basis.

4. Performance Spaces/Times: There will be designated zones for performance with sign-up sheets for license holders. Time at these spots will be signed up for in one-hour blocks, and buskers will not sign up for more than one block at the same spot per four-hour period. Performers may contintue beyond their hour limit only if nobody has signed up for the block immediately after them, but should turn over or share the spot if another member (who is not signed up for another block within the limit) requests it.

5. Silent Performances: There may be specific spots reserved for “silent” performances, such as living statues, sketch artists or other non-musical, non-vocal displays. These spots will have high visibility, but not so close to scheduled stage performances that a noisy performance would be disruptive to the busker

6. Unlicensed Acts: Your numbered busking license must be displayed while you perform. Unlicensed acts will be asked to stop. If there are available licenses for that day, you may then be offered a chance to sign up and “go legit.”

7. Non-Designation Areas: Busking in areas other than designated spots is not allowed. If you have identified a spot you think would be suitable, but is not a designated spot, talk to Guild leadership, and if we agree we’ll create a new spot. If it’s a really good spot we didn’t think of, we’ll give you a cookie.

8. Appropriateness & Safety: All acts must be appropriate for the venue. SPWF is a family-friendly event, and excessive vulgarity, violence or overty sexual content is not permitted (obviously some innuendo and humor is fine, but try for a PG rating, and go by the maxim “if you’re not sure it’s appropriate, it’s probably not”). Also consider safety, a crowded hallway is not the place to juggle flaming chainsaws or live cobras. If you have an act that involves juggling live flaming cobras with chainsaws, that’s pretty cool, contact SPWF management, and we’ll give you a stage.

9. Respect: Don’t be obnoxious. Do not block pathways, heckle passers-by, harass them for money or disparage other acts. Be respectful. Keep your performance within the bounds of the designated space as much as possible.

10. Mindfulness: Amplifiers and P.A. systems are not allowed. Acts that require a small boom box or battery-powered radio are permitted, but power outlets will not be provided. Also, if you require time to set up or clean up after you’re done, that all must be done within the allotted hour time period. If you can’t set up, perform and clean up within an hour block, you may wish to revisit your concept of street performance.

11. Removal of License: Violation of these rules will result in you being asked to stop performing and/or removal of your license. Repeated or totally egregious violation may result in Security removing you from the event. Behave.

The Buskers Guild is closed for 2011! Thank you everyone who applied for a license, you all have wonderful talents that we’re looking forward to seeing at Fair! Make sure you have your Pre-Registration! Or to Register on-site!