In 2011, The Steampunk World’s Fair was honored to have the following merchants gracing our halls. These merchants stuck with us through thick and thin, and we hope you will patron them throughout the year for all of your steampunk needs! Continue reading
Monthly Archives: May 2011
Why Not Cake, Official Cake Atelier
Why Not Cake is the Official Cake Atelier of The Steampunk World’s Fair! And we’re very excited to have them!
Why Not Cake offers a wide selection of flavors blending only the finest ingredients to produce the highest quality confections this side of epic! These delicious treats are then decorated and transformed into edible sculptures in any shape, for any occasion. There is no limit to what can be created in cake, just as there is no limit to imagination.
Why Not Cake also provide traditional wedding cakes, cupcakes, cakelettes, petit fours, sugar art, chocolates, and cheesecakes. These one of a kind designs draw from a background in special effects and incorporate influences from steampunk, horror, rock, gothic, renaissance, vintage genres and more.
Why Not Cake has catered at events such as Chiller Theatre, Monster Mania and The Alternative Living Expo. and served celebrities Ace Frehley, John Zacherley, Bobby Steele and Tom Savini. You never know what these inventive cake artists will think of next, but its certain to be delicious!
Those attending The Queen’s Birthday will have a chance to see a sample of this lovely work, and we look forward to working with Why Not Cake in the future!
Lilith Lore
Lilith Lore is a storyteller, burlesque dancer and much, much more. For starters, she’s probably at least a little crazy. Hospital records and rational thinking will tell you that she’s not the Lilith of legend… But just try getting her to admit to that. In addition to spinning tales magic and mischief, Lilith has prepared a special discussion on the history of oral storytelling and fairy tales, with a particular emphasis on their popularity in Victorian England. In addition to her original stories, she may also be telling her all-time favorite fairy tale, as originally told by Mr. Oscar Wilde. Above and beyond storytelling, Ms. Lore will be hosting a workshop on being a human statue. Ever wished you could make money just standing around? This is the event to attend! Lilith will cover costuming, choosing the best busking locations, and, of course, standing very still.
Pandora’s Toybox
Cynical, theatrical gothic rock. Pandora’s Toybox corroborates how life is little more than a bleak circus. Therefore, we are obliged to rock the f**k out. Morte McAdaver and the Grim Pills come forth to musically espouse the creed of their desolate carnival ways. Pandora’s Toybox is best defined overall as gothic rock, although it draws a great deal of influence from punk rock, video games, ’80s metal, funeral doom, swing, blues and classical music.
Steampunk Boba Fett
Steampunk Boba Fett (John F. Strangeway) is one of the most recognized figures in both the Steampunk and Star Wars fan communities. He had the idea for a Steampunk variation for quite some time but lacked the resources to build the suit to match his vision. That changed at AnachroCon 2009, where he met Matt Silva of Penny Dreadful Productions. A few months later, PDP began work on the suit, which debuted at Dragon*Con 2009 to overwhelming acclaim. John and PDP are featured prominently in the PBS documentary “Four Days at Dragon*Con.”
The Leader & Ledger
The Leader & Ledger, by Emily Tullis and Brian Siano, is ready for a little look-see!
Here you will find the schedule, event descriptions, fun things to do around the Fair, our performers and vendors, and much more! Including the ever-popular and amusingly captioned wood pressings!
Do take a peek, won’t you? The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011′s Leader & Ledger!
Left Outlet
The glamour and glitter of our very modern age have produced, for your aural pleasure, the latest in rock technology: Left Outlet. Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, this rag-tag quartet brings together the foundations that built Rock and Roll music with modern flair and a touch of glam to create a chorus of wonders unheard of in these dark days. Steel trap songwriting from a band of rough and ready minstrels, prepare your ears for the sweet caress of amplified metal and electric emotion. These indomitable warriors from the edge of time and space combine their talents to create an unstoppable battery of raw inspiration. Ignore them now and they may just travel into your dimension, ever thirsty for the blood of the weak-hearted.
Lia Habel
As an only child of good geek stock (her mother still attends San Diego Comic-Con yearly, and her father is still an early tech adopter), young Lia Habel was lovingly reared on horror movies, video games, and Victorian novels. She developed an affection for horror movie monsters early on, often challenging her weary mother with lists of reasons why Jason Voorhees might yet be saved or excuses for Darkman’s cackling insanity. As she grew older and her natural sympathy extended to ever more serial killers, swamp monsters, sentient fanged beasts, and reanimated gents, her mother began to worry what her daughter might one day bring home.
It’s no surprise then that Miss Habel would pen the upcoming YA novel Dearly, Departed, a sweeping tale of zombie-living romance set in a cyber-Victorian/steampunk future. How can we say no to an army of walking corpses?
Miss Habel enjoys attending anachronistic and steampunk events, watching zombie movies (her goal is to watch every zombie movie ever made), and collecting Victorian and Edwardian books and ball gowns. She still hopes one day to run into the beautiful monster of her dreams, but would settle for the reincarnation of Vincent Price.
The beautiful Miss Habel will be joining us on Sunday to give a reading from her up-coming novel, Dearly, Departed, at Queen Victoria’s Sunday Afternoon Tea!
She’ll be giving away several Advance Reader Copies of the novel, which won’t be officially out until October… Won’t you join her?
Meff ‘n’ Jojo’s Tiny Instrument Revue
Meff ‘n’ Jojo’s Tiny Instrument Revue features retrosexual music and fancy-dress vaudeville from 2 wind-up members of The Army of Broken Toys. Includes Muppet banter over speak-easy era standards rife with “euphemn-uendo” and glam rock interpretations on ukulele and mandolin. These street urchins spread a message of Shalom’ha and l’anarchie! (Cog save the Queen.)
To Whom Does That Line Pertain to, By Chance?
Remember the beautiful insanity of “Who’s Line Is It, Anyways?” and how even the simplest of prompts could create a laughter explosion? Well, your hosts Mr. Saturday & Sixpence, Mentalist & Mime for Hire, have decided to Steampunk it up, kick up the wildness (and kick out the kids), add perhaps some drunken stupor into the mix along with some of the World’s Fair prime guests as the cast, and throw this deliciously-crazy cocktail back into your face! Trust us when we say you won’t want to miss this late night event that will make you fall right out of your chair!
The Crew of The Titilus
The few, the proud, the completely deranged. The Crew of the Titilus has been cobbled together as an eclectic assortment of skilled vagabonds from across the bounds of time, space and alternate dimensions. Captained by their wrangler, A Count Named Slick-Brass, they’ve been assembled to swindle, coerce or otherwise entice you into their sundry panels, exhibitions and shows … including this Con. Bad Pun Intended, but disavowed by the management. Come be amazed, amused or simply appalled!
Leanna Renee Hieber
Award winning, bestselling author, actress and playwright Leanna Renee Hieber is returning to The Steampunk World’s Fair!
Ms. Hieber graduated with a BFA in Theatre, a focus in the Victorian Era and a scholarship to study in London. Having adapted works of 19th Century literature for the stage, her one-act plays have been produced around the country. The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, first in the Strangely Beautiful quartet of Gothic Victorian Fantasy novels, hit Barnes & Noble’s bestseller lists, won 2010 Prism Awards for Best Fantasy and Best First Book and the rights have been sold for adaptation into a Broadway musical theatre production currently in development. The Perilous Prophecy of Guard and Goddess (a Strangely Beautiful prequel) has just recently released and Leanna’s new Gaslight Gothic series set in 1880 New York City, Magic Most Foul, launches in November with Darker Still. A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, RWA and International Thriller Writers, Leanna is also a proud member of actors unions AEA, SAG and AFTRA, working often in film and television. When not writing or on set, she’s a devotee of ghost stories and Goth clubs, adventuring about NYC, where she resides with her real-life hero and their beloved rescued lab rabbit Persebunny.
Mr. Saturday & Sixpence
THIS JUST IN!! Joining us straight out of San Antonio, Texas… Mr. Saturday & Sixpence!
Mr. Saturday & Sixpence are this universe’s prime space-time bending gentlemen-for-hire, at your service! No other high caliber masters of their art can claim to include the finest mentalist in 16 dimensions and a charismatic mime wanted in 13 of those 16 dimensions! Saturday & Sixpence are entertainers extraordinaire with a high improv flair when not on one of their fantastic (and assuredly foolish) adventures, enjoying the adoration of the crowds, gaining energy from their applause, laughter, and if need be, outright confusion. When in this space-time quadrant, they attend conventions for jolts and jollies, head up the San Antonio Neo-Victorian Association, and for some strange reason, can usually be found in the Texas vicinity. They also happen to be the con-men behind AetherFest, Texas’ first Steampunk convention in San Antonio, TX and they do put on one hell of a convention!
Join them on Friday for a discussion on “Performance Art & Steampunk”, Saturday as they host the Steampunk’d cosplay competition and To Whom Does That Line Pertain to, By Chance?, and then on Sunday for the Mad Science Fair!
Exerevno: An Exploration of Greek Myths
Exerevno:
A Steampunk Exploration of Greek Myths
Art Show, Friday 2pm-8pm
What would the Greeks use for today’s personification of memory? What if Icarus had been a soldier in a flying steampunk army? Or if Hecate was a bounty hunter in the American West?
Talented artists from all over the country are coming together to bring you their vision of what happens to the Greek gods, goddesses, and myths when they get steampunk’d! The Exervno Art Show features a dozen different pieces with Sandalpunk, Weird West, and classic Steampunk all represented here in many shapes, sizes, and mediums!
*NOTE: Many of these pieces are for sale by the artists! You could have a unique piece of steampunk art to treasure, so be sure to inquire.*
Charity Silent Auction & Spectacular Spectacle
Charity Silent Auction and Spectacular Spectacle
Come one, come all! Come to the Spectacle Spectacular! Come bid on items in a silent auction ranging from tickets to Dorian’s Parlor and Anachronism NYC to items from various shops at the World’s Fair donated for the cause! While all this is going on, Miss Amber Hopwell (from Hopwell’s Awesomesaucetastic Chronokinetic Contraption Co. plc.) will SHAVE HER HEAD to support finding a cure for blood cancers! You could help her with the process if you make a substantial enough donation… So come join us for a great time of frantic bids and the snipping of scissors and whatever else Miss Amber comes up with!
All proceeds go directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Donations and payment for the silent auction items can be made by cash, check (made out to “Leukemia & Lymphoma Society”), and credit card (through Miss Amber’s donation website, found at http://pages.lightthenight.org/md/Annapoli11/ADionne ). Receipts can be given if you’d like one for tax purposes.
2011 Muse of the Fair Contestants
For your consideration as the 2011 Muse of the Fair, we present O.M Grey, Katie Kat, Knight Redfield and Ember Lark. You may cast your vote for this years Muse of the Fair in the sidebar Ballot Box to the right.
~ O.M. Grey ~
1. How do you feel you inspire people?
On her blog, Olivia writes openly about relationships and the importance of true intimacy among lovers, alternative lifestyles, and dealing with heartbreak. By writing about the essence of love and desire, she connects with readers and helps them feel validated in their feelings and experiences, without judgment. So often, people fear openness and intimacy, but it is in embracing these that one finds true security and happiness. Just yesterday, a reader emailed her personally seeking out relationship advice.
2. Please describe any creative pursuits you have:
O. M. Grey has penned two Steampunk romance novels, several short stories, and even some angsty poetry. She opens her heart onto the page, and readers respond.
3. What is unique about you?
Olivia is impeccably honest, almost to a fault. She prides herself in maintaining a high level of integrity in both professional and personal relationships.
~ Katie Kat ~
1. How do you feel you inspire people?
I hope that, through my passion for my own artform, people can be inspired to pursue their own passions with renewed fervor. I have been witness to voices with otherworldly effect on people; the ability to empathize, and give musical form to emotion words alone cannot express. I can only hope I might be able to bring that experience to others.
2. Please describe any creative pursuits you have.
I am a person who makes things happen. I built Audrey II puppets for the musical Little Shop of Horrors. I took a 4 month course in stage magic with Dr. Larry Haas and worked with Teller of Penn and Teller. My singing voice is an artistic, scientific and intellectual project. I study anatomy, acoustics, philosophy, performance practice, and aesthetics. I sing in Italian, German, French, Czech and English, with painstaking translations and interpretations so my audience will understand the stories of the music. I write my own backing tracks from public domain scores in Finale and Reason 5, I make my own costumes and jewelry. I sketch and do my own graphic design. I’m also a teacher of voice, and a Martial Artist.
3. What is unique about you?
No matter what, I will never stop creating. It is what I am; not just what I do. Also… I’m a vampire. No Really.
October 12th 2004 I died in the ER. I had bled to death internally from a ruptured cyst. Thanks to the drugs in the IV my body pushed through. I was not allowed to sleep the first night, for fear I would not wake up again. Normal hemoglobin should be around 15. I was at 3. Over the next few days I had two blood transfusions. I was bed bound for 3 months. As soon as I could move, I began researching, singing, and got up and went to Italy to study opera. I had a lesson with one of Maria Callas’ voice teachers. I celebrate oct. 13th as my rebirthday.
SO, bled to death, blood was replaced, I live. Hence I am a vampire. Not even death can keep me from my art.
~ Knight Redfield ~
1. How do you feel you inspire people?
I try in all the pieces I create to get people to look at Steampunk from a different perspective. By trying to maintain the overall esthetic, while also pushing my fashion pieces in directions that aren’t traditionally considered “Steampunk”, I hope that I can inspire others to push beyond the bounds of what they think is part of the culture.
2. Please describe any creative pursuits you have.
I try and dabble in many fields, though I am mostly known for my clothing and fashion work. My pursuits vary, from sculpture to writing and welding, and I’m always looking to expand my creative side. I also work in Theatre, in the costuming and props shops for a variety of productions. When sharing my work, I do my best to encourage others to make and share their work with others.
3. What is unique about you?
In my work I try to question things that are considered mainstream in Steampunk. In my fashion designs I look at line, fabric and fit to convey my view of Steampunk. I try to accomplish this without using the traditional aspects like brown coloring, gears and goggles, though for some pieces it is unavoidable.
~ Ember Lark ~
SPWF 2011 Schedule
THERE’S STILL TIME for you to be a part of
the Greatest Steampunk Festival IN THE WORLD!
Pre-registration has closed, but…
Tickets may still be purchased at the door starting
11:00 am, Friday May 20th!
The SPWF 2011 Schedule is here!
Let the planning begin! We have a HUGE lineup of talented performers and knowledgeable presenters, interactive workshops and unique events! Thank you all for being part of this event.
We have 3 jam-packed days and hundreds of hours of programming prepared for you…. So what are you waiting for? Go check out the schedule! We recommend viewing the file in “Single Page Continuous”!
SPWF 2011 Schedule
- CLICK HERE TO VIEW PDF -
*Please Note: All events and times subject to change.
A finalized schedule of events will be made available at the Fair.
Katie Kat
Katie Kat has revolutionized the classical voice recital. She produces and stars in an operatic recital performance for arts venues and private events across the country. These performances come with translations, videos, electronic backing tracks, costuming, and a superpower voice. Katie Kat is also an adjunct professor of voice at NYU Steinhardt.
With translations, storytelling, and a superpower voice, she makes what used to be old and stuffy, into inspiring and powerful. She is a full time performer and adjunct professor of voice at NYU Steinhardt. At The Steampunk World’s Fair, along with giving several performances on her own and at The Queen’s Tea on Sunday, Ms. Kat will be presenting a Voicemaster Class for attendees to learn about their body’s own steam-power!
“I Am Steampunk” Documentary
“I Am Steampunk”
A Documentary Film by Neurotic Films in association with Dr. Grymm Laboratories
Follow the Creator and Artists of the 2010 Steampunk Bizarre as they discuss the annual Art Exhibit held last year in Hartford CT, as well interviews of gallery viewers and various personalities in the subculture discussing the Steampunk movement and where the Art world is taking it. A discussion with the creators will follow.
PLUS* Catch the trailer for the upcoming film “STEAM DRIVEN” by Ajar Communications Starring The Emperor, Miss Kitty, and Dr. Grymm!
DJ Dave Ghoul
Philadelphia’s Dave Ghoul (artist and designer D.E. Christman of Grendel’s Den Design Studio fame) is a longtime DJ and event organizer that specializes in alternative dance music. His musical styles vary but he mainly focuses on playing Goth, Industrial, Electro, Synth, Steampunk, Neo-Swing, and Dark Cabaret. He’s performed at some of the largest alternative events in the region including Dracula’s Ball, Diabolique Ball, The Philly Pirate Cruise, and Wicked Faire. He is currently a resident DJ at Dorian’s Parlor, Philly’s premier monthly Steampunk event. He is also co-organizer of Shadowland Lancaster, The SteamWërk Ball, and all three of the PhillyZombieCrawl.com events – The Philly Zombie Crawl, Zombie Beach Party, and Zombie Prom. Form more information visit DaveGhoul.com.
Dave will be joining us on Saturday night to spin at The Big Brass Ball, part deux!
Peter Woodworth
Peter Woodworth is an author, English professor and professional game designer. He got his start in the gaming industry and spent a number of years working for White Wolf Game Studio, particularly on their Mind’s Eye Theatre line, where he was a writer, editor and line developer. All together, he’s been rolling dice, swinging swords and playing rock-paper-scissors for almost two decades, and has been delightfully surprised to see it shows no signs of stopping. He made the acquaintance of Mister Lapin shortly before his wedding last year, and has been jotting down his new friend’s exploits ever since.
At The Steampunk World’s Fair, Peter will be reading from “The Impossible Mister Lapin: The Affair of the Terrible Boar” plus presenting discussions and workshops on “Building Steampunk Table Top Game Settings”, “Staging Your Steampunk & Victorian LARPs”, and “Breaking into Game Publishing With Your Steampunk Setting”!
House Drinks Menu
Joining us at The Gaslamp Cabaret?
Request one of the House Drinks!
These drink recipes have been created, gathered, and otherwise assembled with The Steampunk World’s Fair audience especially in mind! We hope you enjoy them.
And if you don’t yet have your ticket for The Gaslamp Cabaret, what are you waiting for? GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
Battle Circus
Battle Circus pummels the senses with stunningly dramatic ferocity. The four-piece’s reputation for explosive performances and bold, ambitious musical arrangements has led them to take the stage at numerous international festivals and open for Amanda Palmer, Gary Numan and more.
Having garnered critical acclaim for its post-apocalyptic-themed debut EP, The Half-Light Symphony, Battle Circus has completed its first full-length album. Due for release later this year, the new album is unashamedly grandiose in both scale and ambition, and explores the full breadth of the musical ability the band’s live performances deliver.
The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011 is excited to have Battle Circus joining us this year. Do yourself a favor, and WATCH THIS VIDEO!
Poison Apples & Pretty Witches
Gather ’round for Lilith Lore‘s wickedly salacious retelling of classic stories from the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and Charles Perrault. Be prepared to see your favorite fairy tale heroes and heroines in a whole new light once you’ve heard her take on wolves, witches and, of course, poison apples.
In addition to her original twisted tales, join Lilith for a brief discussion on the popularity and meaning of original fairy tales in Victorian England, as well as a recitation of Lilith’s all time favorite fairy tale, written by none other than Oscar Wilde.
The SPWF 2011 – Muse of Fair
Will YOU be our Muse?
Since ancient times, laureates and artists have invoked heavenly beings to serve as their guiding inspiration — the creative force that drives their hand to create works of unrelenting beauty, wonder and awe. In the same sense, The Steampunk World’s Fair seeks its own Muse. With the opening ceremonies fast approaching, we are searching for someone who embodies these qualities, and the individual who receives the most votes will be crowned the Muse of The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011.
This contest is open to all talented and lovely individuals who exemplify the essence of Steampunk imagination – innovative, radiant and creative. We are seeking submissions over the next week. Please send us an image of something amazing that demonstrates why you are our Muse. Be unique! Our Muse would transcend any easy definition and leave us all marveling in their presence.
Voting will span from May 8th until May 17th. The voting process will occur on our site, and the winner will be invited to The Steampunk World’s Fair with other prizes, adoration, and inspiration in store- and to be announced at Opening Ceremonies on Friday May 20th at 1pm in Main Events!
If you wish to be nominated, please Contact Us with your name, link to your image, and any info you wish us to have on why you are our Muse!
“He who approaches the temple of the Muses without inspiration, in the belief that craftsmanship alone suffices, will remain a bungler and his presumptuous poetry will be obscured by the songs of the maniacs.” — Plato
When to Doff Your Hat: Art of Gentlemanliness
“When to doff your hat… or Etiquette and Manners: civility, decorum and the art of gentlemanliness”
If you call yourself, Sir, or Lord, or Baron, or Captain, etc., one will expect that you are a gentleman, and as such will expect you to behave accordingly. One does not always have to follow the rules, of course, but one should at least be aware of what the rules are such that any infraction on the rules is a deliberate act, and not an affirmation of ignorance. Etiquette is far more than knowing which fork to use at a formal dinner, or knowing when to rise from your chair or when to hold open a door. This 60-minute presentation by Professor Mark P. Donnelly is designed for modern men who may never have had access to the rules strictures and mores which govern the behavior of gentlemen from the 19th century onwards.
Library of Lost Literature
At The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011, we are hosting book-release celebrations for no fewer than five notable new steampunk-related titles that are publishing this spring! The Library of Lost Literature is open… won’t you step inside for a good book?
The Steampunk Bible
by Jeff VanderMeer and S.J. Chambers
VanderMeer, coeditor of the acclaimed fiction anthologiesSteampunk and Steampunk Reloaded, has spent the past couple years working with coauthor Chambers to assemble this definitive nonfiction book that takes the reader on an illustrated tour of the modern steampunk movement.
Ms. Chambers will be kicking off the Northeast book-release tour with a live event on Saturday May 21st! The Steampunk Bible Event will also feature such contributors as Dr. Grymm, Magpie Killjoy, Ay-Leen the Peacemeaker, Jaymee Goh, Jake von Slatt, and Stephen Segal!
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
by Ransom Riggs
A unique novel built around a haunting collection of vintage black-and-white photographs, it ties the mysterious 1908 Tunguska explosion in Siberia to the origin story of a group of young WWII orphans who might best be described as, “What if Edward Gorey had created the X-Men?”
Miss Peregrine’s Home hits stores June 7; publisher Quirk Books is offering attends of The Steampunk World’s Fair a special sneak peek, providing a gallery of framed artwork from the pages of the book and giveaway posters!
Mechanique: A Tale of the Circus Tresaulti
by Genevieve Valentine
The stunning debut novel from popular Tor.com blogger Valentine, Mechanique launches the ongoing saga of a brass-and-copper mechanical circus whose performers are engaged in a secret war with one another even as a real war blazes outside their tents. Cover art by fantasy/steampunk favorite Kiriko Moth.
Valentine, a New York author, will appear at SPWF to read from the book, and publisher Prime Books will provide prizes/giveaways.
The Meowmorphosis
by Franz Kafka and Coleridge Cook
In this hallucinatory pre-WWI fantasy — the latest mashup from Quirk Classics — Gregor Samsa wakes up to find that he has been transformed, not into a hideous insect, but into an adorable kitten. In an adventure that doubles the length of the original “Metamorphosis,” Gregor-kitty escapes his parents’ home to wander the foggy streets of 1910-era Prague, stumbling across characters from Kafka’s other nightmarish stories along the way.
Editor Stephen Segal will bring the freshly-published book to SPWF for its first live reading!
The Gospel According to Verdu
by Emilie P. Bush
After you find your savior, you may have to save yourself.
When Verdu sacrificed his freedom to help Chenda and the rest of her companions escape from Tugrulia, he hoped to join the Tugrulian resistance movement. But then he hit rock bottom. Captive, injured, and depressed, he saw no way to help the resistance, let alone himself, until he found he was closer to real power than he could have dreamed. The question becomes, how far is he willing to go to get it? And meanwhile, what will his friends do to get him back? The crew of the Brofman abandon the safe skies and find all kinds of trouble on their journey to reclaim what they lost.
The Gospel According to Verdu is the exciting follow up to Emilie P. Bush‘s Steampunk adventure Chenda and the Airship Brofman. Ms. Bush shall be launching her book with us at SPWF!
The Perilous Prophecy of Guard and Goddess
by Leanna Renee Hieber
The third volume of the bestselling neo-Victorian “Strangely Beautiful” gothic-fantasy series!
New York author Hieber attended last year’s SPWF in full period dress to read from the previous book, and was very well received; she’s returning this year to have a formal book release at SPWF 2011!