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SPWF 2012: What is it?
Featured
Some quick links: Buy tickets here. Check out the Absinthe Tasting! See a huge and growing list of performers & pleasures (largest in the steampunk event world!) here. Our special buffet dinner & high tea is right here. And you can contact us, too.
Have you been to a Steampunk event?
How about a Steampunk World’s Fair?
We’re not just the world’s largest Steampunk festival – we aim to be the friendliest and most welcoming one, as well!
The first Steampunk World’s Fair brought together more Steampunk entertainment, and a greater variety of it, than had ever been seen before at a Steampunk event. We’re continuing that tradition, and adding to it with a number of special events – like our outdoor Midway!
Whether you’re a Steampunk veteran, or totally new to Steampunk and curious, or anywhere in-between, you are welcome here! Whether you have the finest Steampunk gear in all of space and time, or are wearing a t-shirt and some jeans, you are welcome here! Amazing Steampunk fun is afoot – come in and enjoy it!
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Also, you are most cordially invited to come find The World’s Fair on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/323705873173/.
You’ll find many, many updates on this page – take a look at our ginormous selection of delights, and please feel free to click around the website to learn more. Don’t forget to check out our Absinthe Tasting!
Coveilance Dance Project
Coveilance Dance Project is a group of mad scientists who research the principal theorem that the traditional art of Belly Dance can be bonded with various costuming, music, and other dance forms to create a hypnotic and sensual super art form. Headquartered in the Delaware Valley, the project utilizes a variety of materials from cultures all over the world for extensive experimentation. This year they experiment with the fusion of “old school” belly dance and steampunk cabaret.
Sometimes, the Coveilance Dance Project swashbuckles!
Steampunk World’s Fair Hotels!
Mid-March 2012 Update: Both of those hotels are sold out. But it totally helps the event if you book at our overflow hotel, The Hotel Somerset-Bridgewater, 732-560-0500.
Dearly beloved,
Because our hotels tend to book up terribly quickly, I’m getting you this information as fast as I can.
The two hotels of The Steampunk World’s Fair 2012 are the Radisson of Piscataway (acquire your hotel room by calling 732-980-0400; rooms are $99!) and the Embassy Suites of Piscataway – a lovely suite for only $109 for double occupancy; you can call them at 732-980-0500, or reserve online via this link right here. For the Embassy Suites, you must use group code SPK, or the Universe will explode. Okay, possibly the Universe won’t explode, but it definitely won’t work without that code.
Remember that the hotels are separated basically by a parking lot, and are a two minute walk from each other. There will be major events in both hotels: both hotels are a “main” hotel this year!
Much love to you all!
-Jeff
SPWF 2012: The Official Announcement!
Featured
Steampunk World’s Fair 2012: The Official Announcement!
It is with extraordinary passion, pleasure, and a certain amount of absinthe–okay, possibly quite a lot of absinthe–that I officially announce the Third Steampunk World’s Fair: May 18-20, 2012, at the Embassy Suites of Piscataway and the Radisson of Piscataway!
Update, October 26, 2011: We’re pleased as punch and pie that we’re going to be featured on CBS Sunday Morning’s segment on Steampunk this weekend! In a celebratory response, we’re opening ticket sales up this Saturday – stay tuned for details. Meanwhile, please feel cordially invited to visit us on Facebook, or join our mailing list for helpful updates!
The Steampunk World’s Fair 2012, under the new management of Jeff Mach (one of the original founders) and his company, Widdershins LLC, is officially back to its first year locations in Piscataway, New Jersey. Hotel rooms are now available! (Late October update: Reservation information for both hotels is now available here!)
Vending, performance, and other applications will open shortly, but are not yet open. Give us a tad more time!
You can see some of Jeff’s other events at www.WickedFaire.com and www.TheGeekyKinkEvent.com and, if you’re at all near New York City, do check out our weird and wonderful Steampunk night at www.TheAnachronismNYC.com – the next Anachronism is Sunday, December 4th.
We look forward to talking to you and bringing you updates soon!
History is calling–and it needs you to save it!
So last year, we supported the Steampunk benefit event at Historic Speedwell – birthplace of the telegraph.
THIS year, we’re DOING the benefit at Speedwell! Check it out – it’s October 5th-6th: www.InternationalSteampunkCity.com!
There’s more information on last year’s event, below. This year is bigger, better, and raring to go!
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Calling performers, lecturers, and crafters:
HISTORIC SPEEDWELL needs you!
This is a general call-for-help for an event up in Morristown, NJ that needs YOU and your music, skill, knowledge or general steampunkiness! SPWF is not running this event, but the team who is are good people and have a REALLY awesome historical site.
Historic Speedwell brings the birth of the American Industrial Revolution to life! They have 8 historic structures (homes and buildings from the early- to mid-1800s), 24-ft working water wheel, S.S. Savannah Exhibit of the first steamship to cross the Atlantic, and The Birthplace of the Telegraph with an interactive museum dedicated to its beginnings.
Click here for their UPDATED facebook RSVP page!
Saturday and Sunday, Sept 10 & 11
10 am – 5 pm
333 Speedwell Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
Admission:
$6 for adults, $4 for children,
and $5 for seniors. Kids 4 and under are FREE
All are welcome to attend!
http://www.morrisparks.net/speedwell/home.html
“Calling all steampunks and lovers of history to a weekend-long immersion festival… in the mid-1800s! Attend the Birth of the Telegraph. Witness the power of the fully operational 24-foot waterwheel. Tour The Vail House, a Victorian home boasting period antiques. Enjoy the musicians, performers and entertainers! Or take part in the varied discussions and workshops. Steampunk dress highly encouraged!”
The prices listed on the website are what an event company was charging, but that event company has backed out of running this event. The 6 person team in charge of this piece of beautiful Victorian History asked us for help getting the word out to steampunks like you!
How can you help…? KEEP READING!
PERFORMERS
Do you have some time this weekend to donate at bringing steampunk to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York locals? Do you love to perform? Street performers, sideshows, musicians, unplugged bands, demonstrations… anything you can think of! This is your time to shine. Maybe you’d like to talk about steampunk, too? Give a 101 on the subject? Performers, please contact Maressa McFarlane at mmcfarlane@morrisparks.net
VENDORS & CRAFTERS
And if you are a steampunk or enthusiast who likes to create and sell interesting steampunk pieces:
THERE IS NO REGISTRATION FEE FOR VENDORS and it is FREE TO VEND.
If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact Abagail Eckert! Call 973-285-6535 or 973-285-6537, or email aeckert@morrisparks.net. Again, vending is FREE. You may need to provide your own table and chairs, though, so make sure to ask!
Here is Speedwell’s message:
“[This event] was supposed to be one of Historic Speedwell’s biggest programs, and since it’s been on our calendar for a year, we were hoping to use the funds to help along the restoration of the Esty house and the Vail mansion. To not have this revenue coming in will greatly hurt Speedwell’s restoration and visitation.
We’ve already hugely advertised the program, and we now have nothing to present to visitors on Sept. 10th and 11th.
I know this is such short notice for an event of this magnitude, but if there is anything you can do to help Speedwell make this program happen, we would be so grateful to you.
Thank you!”
If you’re still on the fence about making a weekend in Morristown, check out this lovely Flickr page with images from around town and the rest of Morris County. Drool worthy locations for photo shoot scoping!
Thank you anyone who can help or spread the word. Let’s show Speedwell that Steampunks care about keeping History alive!
Merchants of SPWFs Past
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
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!
Exercise of Armes: Dueling Through the Ages
Exercise of Armes: A history of the sword and its use – Dueling through the ages, presented by Professor Mark P. Donnelly.
In 1884 Sir Richard Francis Burton wrote that, “… the history of the sword is the history of mankind.” This lecture/presentation examines the various types and evolution (read as process of change and not necessarily implying improvement) of swords through history. Why they are designed the way they are and the techniques which were taught for their use. Why and how they change and what other social and cultural factors they affected. This material shall not only be presented as a lecture using slides, etc, it shall also take the form of a presentation, with techniques demonstrated, and somewhere between 100-200 swords for the purpose of illustration.
The 60 minute lecture shall be followed by a 30 minute handling session of the weapons to get a sense of weight and balance in reference to the discussed techniques.
Advanced Bartitsu for Exp. Martial Artists
Presented by Bartitsu Master Professor Mark P. Donnelly, this 90-minute session is also a participatory and interactive workshop, but on a much less introductory basis. This is designed to be much more advanced material for participants with at least some degree of experience in martial training (in any form). Material covered in this session will include advanced La Canne techniques based on the work of Pierre Vigne as well as advanced grappling derived from the various disciplines within Bartitsu.
Participants will not need to wear anything different or special in order to take part. For the la Canne portion of this session, participants will need a cane or walking stick. The instructor can provide canes for 50-70 for this workshop.
This workshop is open to men and women aged 16 and up.
The Society of the Green Carnation Social Hour
Welcome to The Society of the Green Carnation!
The Society of the Green Carnation welcomes all LGBTQQIA folks and works to establish a safe, positive environment to bring people together through an online group and in-person meet-ups: like at this year’s The Steampunk World’s Fair! We hope you’ll join us on Saturday from 5-6pm for The Social Hour, which will feature:
* Special Musical Entertainment
* Special Guests “The Royal Baritarian Players”
* Lively conversation with the most pleasant of patrons
Why call ourselves The Society of the Green Carnation? Green carnations have a historical significance as a symbol for “the love that dare not speak its name.”
From Noel Coward’s operetta, Bitter Sweet, comes a song about dapper young gents wearing green carnations to distinguish themselves to each other. Coward writes:
“Pretty boys, witty boys, you may sneer at our disintegration.
Haughty boys, naughty boys, dear, dear, dear!
Swooning with affectation
Our figures sleek and willowy our lips incarnadine may worry the majority a bit
But matrons rich and billowy invite us out to dine and revel in our phosphorescent wit.
Faded boys, jaded boys come what may Art is our inspiration
And as we are the reason for the ‘nineties’ being Gay,
We all wear a green carnation.”
Its direct predecessor is the association with Oscar Wilde and his friends wearing green carnations in their lapels for the same reason.
Join us on the Book of Faces to discuss!
QST19C: Questionable Science Theater 1900
In the not-too-distant future (Friday evening May 20th), join the Doctors Mobius.. Mobii.. Mobiles.. The Mad Scientists as they demonstrate their new moving picture machine. Listen as they discuss the finer points of the film itself, making it a real bother for the audience to pay attention to it. They promise to be entertained by the film, and in turn hope you are entertained by them being entertained by the film.
What movie, you may ask? All we can say is that it is Scrumptious!
And if you’re wondering how they eat and breathe, and other science facts, just repeat to yourself “They’re not in space, I should really just relax, for Questionable Science Theater 1900.”
Paige “Ex Libris” Smith
Best known for her behind-the-scenes work as director of Steampunk programming and exhibits at conventions throughout the Southeast, Paige “Ex Libris” Smith is regularly recognized for her award-winning automaton costumes. A dedicated champion of ‘re-purposing’ garb and gear with Steampunk vision, Paige is a prominent advocate of Steampunk as a subculture in various media and her writing and interviews appear regularly in on-line and publishing outlets. As director of “The Steampunk Exhibition” at Dragon*Con in Atlanta, she is full committed to bringing the most talented builders, makers and designers of Steampunk and Victorian futurist gear to the attention of a broader, appreciative audience. Paige can also be found dumpster diving for new inspiration behind the finest hotels at conventions across the U.S.
PJ Schnyder
Born and raised in the North East, PJ Schnyder spent her childhood pretending to study for the SATs by reading every fantasy and sci-fi novel she could borrow from the local and school libraries. She scored fairly high in the verbal portion. She was introduced to the wonderful world of romance a decade later by her best friend at an anime convention in Seattle. She now lives somewhere temperate watching the seasons go by with her two dogs and super stealthy ninja kitty, writing her stories. She is a writer of steampunk as well as paranormal and sci-fi romance.
Jared Axelrod
Jared Axelrod is the author of The Battle of Blood and Ink: A Fable of the Flying City, a graphic novel to be published from Tor, a prequel podcast of which can be found at Fables of the Flying City. His written work has been published on the website I Should Be Writing, as well as the anthologies Podthology: The Pod Complex, The Sovereign Era: Year One, Salt and End Of Time. He was a founding writer for 365 Tomorrows. He currently resides in Philadelphia with his immensely talented wife.
He is not domestic, he is a luxury. And in that sense, necessary.
The Sun Never Sets
Slant of Light Theatre presents “The Sun Never Sets,” a new play by Kevin Mullins!
Set in a rundown bar in the British colony on Mars, a retired British general mourns the death of Queen Victoria. As he and his co-worker prepare for the afternoon rush of mournful colonists, a stranger from his past walks into the bar and turns their world upside down. Taking inspiration from Space 1889, The Sun Never Sets explores themes of colonialism, sexuality and the possibility of forgiveness.
Bartitsu for Ladies
Presented by Bartitsu Master Professor Mark P. Donnelly, this 60-minute workshop is designed to be an extensive introduction to this esoteric system of self-defense specifically focused on (and limited to) ladies and gentlewomen. Some of the techniques employed by Victorian ladies studying this art vary from those taught to their male counterparts. Partly this was physical (and partly a constraint of the fashions) but also due to the differing nature of the physical threat and the variety of accessories with which she might be equipped or encumbered. In the Ladies session, therefore, will explore: grappling; savate; canne; parasol; fan; handbag, etc..
Participants will not need to wear anything different or special in order to take part. If you have a parasol or fan which you would like to use, you are encouraged to bring it, though limited equipment will also be provided by the instructor.
This session is ideally limited to ladies only (or men in frocks)- though ladies are also welcome at the other two Bartitsu workshops as well.
Ego Likeness
Ego Likeness was created in 1999 by artist Steven Archer and writer Donna Lynch. Taking their name from Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel ‘Dune’, the band fuses many styles, including darkwave, trip-hop, and rock. Steven is the creator of the atmospheric electronica project Hopeful Machines, and the pair make up the experimental/spoken-word outfit The Trinity Project and have released two albums under that name. Steven is also a regular contributor to ‘Weird Tales Magazine’ and ‘Steampunk Magazine.’ He is the author of a children’s book, ‘Luna Maris’ and an illustrated story ‘Red King Black Rook.’ In addition to numerous poems and short stories, Donna has released two collections of poetry: ‘In My Mouth’ and ‘Ladies & Other Vicious Creatures.’ Her first novel ‘Isabel Burning’ debuted in 2008. She has also collaborated with Steven on several art projects, including a handmade, limited edition illustrated book called ‘Twenty-Six (An Uncommon Book of ABCs)’ and the upcoming ‘Daughters of Lilith.’ Archer and Lynch have been married since October of 1999 and currently live in Maryland with two hairless cats.
Bartitsu Workshop
Bartitsu
The Lost and Found Scientific Self Defense of Sherlock Holmes OR Self-Defense for Victorian and Steampunk Gentlemen (and not-so-gentlemen)
Presented by Bartitsu Master Professor Mark P. Donnelly, this 90-minute workshop is designed to be an extensive introduction to this esoteric system of self-defense which incorporates: fisticuffs (in the scientific method); savate (use of low kicks in self-defense); grappling (judo/jujitsu); as well as the use of numerous commonplace Victorian accessories such as walking-stick, cane, umbrella, top hat, snuff box, opera cape, handkerchief, etc. all employed in an effort to maintain “preservation of person and property when beset upon by ne’er-do-wells of nefarious intent”.
Participants will not need to wear anything different or special in order to take part. If you have a walking stick or cane which you would like to use, you are encouraged to bring it, though equipment for about 50 will be provided by the instructor.
This workshop is open to men and women aged 16 and up.
Mark P. Donnelly
Mark P. Donnelly is a multi-award winning author, historian, screenwriter, and television producer as well as internationally renowned duelist, swashbuckler, and constant gentleman.
Currently, he has about 20 books in print – all of which are non-fiction – and all of which are on historical subjects. In addition to his work in print, Mark P. Donnelly has scripted and/or produced nearly 200 hours of broadcast television for Discovery, History Channel, PBS, BBC, National Geographic, Biography, A&E, etc.
He is also a Professore di Armes in various forms of historical combat and western martial arts who has taught workshops around the world and is honored to have been frequently counted among the top instructors in Europe. After nearly 14 years in England he recently returned to the colonies and currently resides in Pennsylvania.
The Steampunk community may recognize him from his numerous television appearances (assuming they watch Discovery or History Channel); as ‘That guy in That coat’ from other events; or even as ‘the other one from Brute Force Studios’ (long story).
At SPWF 2011, Professor Donnelly will be running Bartitsu (Victorian self-defense) workshops for both ladies and gentlemen, as well as presenting several lectures relating to his written and professional work. When not otherwise scheduled, he will have a table for book signing and conversation. While he is aware that knowledge is power, he has been known to share anything he knows if asked nicely (and bribed with decent port or brandy).
The Gin Rebellion
The Gin Rebellion is the musical collective formed by the dapper H.M. and the eccentric Renfield, performing music in a manner never before heard in this century or any other.They draw their inspiration from the most seemingly innocent and innocuous of places,such as the Vaudeville stage, early American folk songs, and musical theater. The GinRebellion is a veritable assault of melodic noise designed to soothe and salve even the mostsavage of souls, and to further spread the word of The Uprising.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXGMQK_URtM
Tome Wilson of Dieselpunks.org
Tome Wilson is the founder and editor of Dieselpunks, an online magazine devoted to the dieselpunk movement and the growing steampunk art community. Spotlighting the best in film noir, WWII/alternative history, Lovecraftian fiction, streamlined machines, and the masterworks of Art Deco style, Dieselpunks continues to grow and welcome punks of all stripes (steam, diesel, atomic, and otherwise).
If you’re friends with Mugsy (and know the secret password), you can meet Tome at Friday night’s sold out “Speakeasy-in-the-Sky”, The Engine Room, where he’ll be spinning a hot jump mix of big band, jazz, and swing classics alongside modern shots of dieselpunk music.
Should you be sober by Saturday, Tome will be presenting the ins and outs of dieselpunk at “What the Pulp is Dieselpunk,” a presentation focusing on the music, movies, history, and fashion distinctive to the aesthetic. We promise it will be the cat’s pajamas and the bee’s knees!
Susan de Guardiola
Susan de Guardiola is a social dance historian and teacher who researches and teaches vernacular social dance from the 16th to the 20th centuries in between teaching workshops across the United States and running Victorian balls. She reviews F&SF, historical and paranormal romance, and historical fiction for Publishers Weekly and blogs about dance history at Capering and Kickery and historical fancy
dress (masquerade) costumes.
Clay and Susan Griffith
Clay and Susan Griffith are the authors of The Greyfriar: Vampire Empire Book 1 (Pyr Books, 2010) a steampunk fantasy adventure. This novel, the first of a trilogy, is set in a neo-Victorian world where vampires destroyed the great industrial nations of the north and drove the remnants of human society into the equatorial regions. Now bold new human kingdoms of steam and steel are rising in the deserts and jungles to face the vampire hordes. The Rift Walker: Vampire Empire Book 2 is to be published in September 2011. Of course, Clay and Susan don’t just write weird steampunk novels. Their prodigious comic book resume includes many issues of The Tick as well as the upcoming Victoriana adventure Allan Quatermain and the Lord of Locusts and It Came From Beneath the Sea… Again, the official graphic novel sequel to the Ray Harryhausen giant octopus movie. They are coming to New Jersey to read cheerfully and discuss Vampire Empire, and give random thoughts on how to collaborate creatively and stay married at the same time.
Austin Sirkin
Austin Sirkin is a man who wears many hats, both literally and figuratively. As a scholar Austin has spoken about and delivered papers on Steampunk at both fan conventions and academic conferences around the country. As a costumer, he has been a member of Outland Armour and has pushed the envelope with costumes such as Nerf Steampunk (Nerfpunk). Recently, he appeared in the Panic! At The Disco music video for “The Ballad of Mona Lisa”.
Also, he just sort of generally likes to wear hats.
Sirkin will be a man-to-watch at The Steampunk World’s Fair, bringing to us such topical discussions as “Modern Steampunk, Genre & Subculture” and “Steampunk as a Community”.
Cracked Monocle’s Tephra RPG
Cracked Monocle’s Tephra is a steampunk company working to put its own spin on the genre. Best known for their Steampunk Tabletop RPG, Tephra, they have been hard at work expanding the steampunk and tabletop gaming community.
Coming to us from Texas, Cracked Monocle shall be hosting several 3-hour demo sessions of Tephra throughout the weekend at The Steampunk World’s Fair!
Steam, wild gizmos, hulking automatons controlled by advanced brainworks, bio-engineered abominations, chainsaw swords, locomotives and elegant airships – let me introduce you to steampunk, a time ruled by intelligent industry, vests, top hats, and corsets. A time where adventure was one dirigible’s ride away, and gentlemanly duty was society’s norm. Welcome to Tephra, a steam-powered world, where fantasy meets science fiction, all pounded together into a pre-industrial technological boom.
Tephra is an evolutionary tabletop roleplaying experience, built by gamers who enjoy an easy-to-learn system with unlimited options. You’ll feel at home in our easy to use system, with just one die (a twelve-sider), over 400 different character abilities, and a seemingly infinite amount of character combinations. Gone are the specific classes of many systems – in are a massive numbers of skills for you to specialize in. To top it all off, everything’s available from level 1, and it only gets better.
From our easy character creation system to our intuitive and high-movement combat rules, to our enormous array of character abilities, Tephra will leave you building, creating, and dreaming until your friends start wondering about that new handlebar mustache you’re sporting. This is steampunk – the options are unlimited. Welcome to Tephra.
Knights of Steampunk Ceremony
On May 20th, 2011, at The Steampunk World’s Fair, our Queen Victoria shall be knighting FIVE steampunks for their active participation in the community, their skills and craftsmanship, and their dedication to bringing more steampunk awesomeness to us over the years.
Nominees were elected and voted on from April 11-April 15th on Facebook. Anyone who voted was able to nominate! In the end, we had over 30 nominees and 2200+ votes!
The Final Round of Voting shall take place on the SPWF website where the top 10 shall be voted on for the Top 5! Voting shall be open from April 18th at midnight until May 1st 11:59pm.
***YOU ONLY HAVE ONE VOTE in the Final Round!***
Please, choose wisely, and vote your heart. Vote for the person you feel has given the most to the Community as a whole, who you respect and look up to, and who you would be proud to have as a Steampunk Knight at The Steampunk World’s Fair!
YOUR TOP TEN NOMINEES ARE (in alphabetical order):
Capt. Cedric Whittaker, Airship Isabella
The Davenport Sisters
Dr. Grymm Laboratories
Eli August
Emperor of the Red Fork Empire
Handsome Chuck
Jake von Slatt
Professor Elemental
Spawn, Knightly Security Guard
Steampunk Boba Fett
Please note: nominees are subject to change, if a nominee wishes to bow out of the race or WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND the Knighting Ceremony. In such a case, the Nominee who placed next on the original Nominee chart shall be added in in their place.
For those of you on the Book of Faces, you may find us here!
AtSU Poster Series: Lovecraftian Horror
Welcome to our
Across the Steampunk Universe
poster series.
Below is the 4th in the series, brought to you by one of SPWF 2010′s special guest artists, Mr. Tom Brown! A master of Romantic Gothic artwork, Tom has brought back from the very depths a poster worthy of being called Lovecraftian Horror!
Lovecraftian Horror by Tom Brown
Love this incredible poster fit for an Elder God? Learn all about how the artist went from concept to final proof to finished poster!
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 Tom Brown the credit he deserves, or risk your sanity points! ;,,;
Ticket Sales End May 11th!
A quick reminder that Online Pre-Registration
tickets sales end May 11, 11:59pm.
After, you may purchase your tickets at the door, though the price rises to $60 for the weekend.
On May 11th, tickets to our
Catered Events & Dinner Theater
will also close!
Some of these extra events tickets may be available at Registration on Friday May 20th, but we cannot guarantee, so please purchase yours today! This especially helps us plan our guest lists, decorations, and entertainment!
And if you’re looking for a place to stay during the Fair?
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 get free cookies from the hotel, too! This hotel will fill fast, so reserve your rooms early!
With only a little more than a month to go, The Steampunk World’s Fair still has even more great announcements coming your way! Stay tuned!
The Davenport Sisters
The Davenport Sisters are the amazing, silly duo behind The Clockwork Cabaret, a weekly radio show and podcast that’s played every Monday since 2007. The Sisters feature a wide assortment of jazz, blues, goth, folk, swing, gypsy punk, dark cabaret, classical and other related steampunk genres. They also host The Clockwork Ball, a bi-monthly event in the Raleigh, NC area. Joining us shall be Emmett & Mingan!
The Kreptatka Bar Band
The Interstellar Multi-Dimensional Gypsy Band known as the Kreptatka Bar Band has reanimated from the quantum realm to share their knowledge from the past, present, and future for enlightened minds of the Steampunk Worlds Fair. The intricate melodies and finely honed musicianship of Kreptatka paired with the gypsies of Steampunk’s know-how to communicate, dance, exchange, and explore will determine the next 3,000 years of who rules the Earth on an absolutely stratospheric level. Kreptatka came from nowhere, to become anything, and now they’re everything, and that’s really nothing… While Steampunk leaps forward to the past to revert back to the future.
S. J. Chambers
S. J. Chambers is co-author with Jeff VanderMeer of The Steampunk Bible (Abrams Images, May 2011). She is the Senior Editor of Articles at Strange Horizons magazine, and a regular contributor to Bookslut and Tor.com. Her writing has appeared in a diverse array of publications including The Baltimore Sun’s Read Street blog, Yankee Pot Roast, New Myths, Fantasy, Mungbeing, and in Ann and Jeff VanderMeer’s forthcoming anthology Thackery T. Lambshead’ s Cabinet of Curiosities. She is a devout Poepathist, and has devoted a great portionof her career to emphasizing Poe’s importance to genre. She holds a degree in Art History, where her focus was upon 19th century European art, especially that of the French Symbolists.You can find out more about S. J., including her pronom, over at www.sjchambers.org.
CJ Henderson
CJ Henderson, creator of the Brooklyn Knight supernatural investigator series, and author of Steam-Powered Love, has written some 70 books and/or novels in his time, as well as hundreds and hundreds of short stories and comics along with thousands of non-fiction pieces. This legendary wordsmith, this gracious humanitarian, the man about whom Rolling Stone said “Who?” invites you to learn more about him at www.cjhenderson.com and to enjoy his company at our wonderful gathering. Those who bring bacon or fine cigars to his table may just make a friend for life.
Psyche Corporation
Specializing in a unique genre often described as dark Victorian fairytale science fiction, Psyche Corporation is named after a dream manufacture group from a future where widespread neural implants have allowed people to jack their nerve endings directly into the internet and download dreams. As a performance group, Psyche Corporation has at various times incorporated robot exhibitions, steel origami cranes, contortion, corsets, flashlights, and old radios. The music spans genres; a recent song mixes tribal singing with classical piano while embedding poliovirus DNA into its percussion.
The World of Wyck: Pleasurably Painful
Welcome to the world of Wyck, where Wyck’s pain is your pleasure! This devilishly odd performer mixes classic sideshow routines with his unique self-deprecating humor and unbelievable stunts– witness such wonders as the human pincushion and “the block head!” Wyck will keep you thoroughly entertained, consistently amazed, and pleasantly grossed out.
Bury Me Standing
A ragtag collective of virtuostic musicians led by Nate Greenslit (of HUMANWINE and What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?) and Vessela Stoyanova (of Goli and Fluttr Effect), Bury Me Standing describes itself as Gypsy Dirge-Core, a strange intertwining of Balkan folksong, art metal, and psychedelia, whose songs meditate on wars within and without. Their core instrumentation is singularly unique, including digital marimba, found-object percussion, prepared upright bass, and haunting, Bulgarian-inflected vocals. Their formidable roster of collaborating musicians varies from show to show. At The Steampunk World’s Fair, Bury Me Standing will include members from the circus klezmer punk Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band.
The Big Brass Ball, part 1
Friday evening Formal Ball
Come along to The Big Brass Ball-
our formal evening dance- from 7-10pm!
Join us for a time-traveling formal evening at the Big Brass Ball! At The Big Brass Ball, there is no such thing as “too formal”, though dress code allows all styles of formal dress from afternoon tea wear to full military regalia!
Enjoy Victorian and Victorian-inspired set dances and spin madly with your partner to romantic waltzes and lively polkas. No previous
experience is needed; all dances will be taught by dance historian Susan de Guardiola. Music will be an eclectic mix of modern and nineteenth century. Formal costume encouraged!
As always, at The Steampunk World’s Fair, we do not charge an extra admission price to our dances. The Ball is free with your membership badge!
More information coming soon! Times subject to change.
Image courtesy of Tom Brown
Queen of Steam 2011
The Steampunk World’s Fair’s Official ‘Queen of Steam’ Drag Queen Competition is returning for its SECOND year!
We hope you will join us to support the brave and beautiful men who don their corsets, stockings, and bustles to cat-fight over who will be the NEW ‘Queen of Steam’!
Your hosts: SPWF 2010 “Queen of Steam” reigning queen, Hortence Regalia! and Karl Custer, aka Uncle Yo!
A message from Hortence Regalia:
“I’ve been handed the duty of organizing this event and as the reigning Queen of Steam, hostessing it. Please, if you are interested or know someone that would be fabulous tarted up in their best steampunk/Victorian drag, sign up or encourage them to sign up.
The event is open to all ages, but there is an entry age minimum of 16. After all, this is for a Queendom, not a Princesshood.
Of course I would prefer the entries to all be male dressing as female, but if there aren’t enough entries, females who dress as males are more than welcome. Perhaps in the future there may be a full Queen and King of Steam, but for now, let’s focus on the Queens!
I do ask that you take this seriously and dress and act the part, not just a man in a dress.”
Email your interest in signing up to
Hortence Regalia via:
jrockheaven@live.com
Or use our easy online Sign-Up Form!
Please Note: Date and Time Subject to Change!
Absinthe Tasting SOLD OUT!
As we head into April, The Steampunk World’s Fair is less than two months away!
At this time, I wished to announce to all of you that the Absinthe Tasting is SOLD OUT! This is not an April Fool’s Joke, I promise. The special Additional Events & Dinner Theater tickets are limited, my friends, and selling fast. We cannot guarantee that tickets will be available at the door for events like dinner at The Chuckwagon Saloon, The Engine Room hidden speakeasy-in-the-sky, or any of our lovely tea parties with Professor Elemental, Miss Kitty, or Queen Victoria herself.
So take a moment, peruse the listings, and consider purchasing your ticket today to enjoy some of our other Catered Event offerings. Thank you!
Special Events Registration Form
Looking to participate…
If you are looking to sign up for an event at the Steampunk World’s Fair, look no further!
Below is a list of special events that require registration in order to participate. If you would like to sign up, please fillout and submit the attached Special Events Application.
* The Official Queen of Steam
* The Costume Extravaganza
* Iron Modder
* Steampunk’d Cosplay Competition (for steampunking pre-existing characters!)
* The Mad Science Fair Competition
* General George Rappleyea Memorial Beard & Moustache Competition
* Magnetic Mini-Air Balloon Race
* The High Noon Gentlemen’s Duel
* Tweed Ride
* Parasol Procession
[si-contact-form form='4']
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.comHere’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.
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.
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 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 Badge — Friday-Only Tickets: $30
1-Day Badge — Saturday-Only Tickets: $35
1-Day Badge — Sunday-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
* 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
* “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.
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!
This Way to the Egress
Step right up, step right up! This Way to the Egress takes sideshow hijinks, old world eccentricities, and cabaret concoctions to the highest level of perfection and entertainment. With their catchy songs and boundless stage presence, this is one unforgettable act!
They have been described as “circus-bound gypsy vaudeville music with a hint of menace, the allure of tawdry pleasure and the threat of physical danger”. If that’s not enough, This Way to the Egress also engages the audience with sword swallowers, human blockheads, fire-eaters, and bounty of burlesque dancers!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGy09tPXPZ8
What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?
Named after a Victorian children’s game, What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? likes to time-travel through multiple eras and genres, from the woods of Medieval France to the cabarets of the 1930’s. Their songs are full of memorable characters like a boy who turns into a cartoon, a naughty jack o’lantern, a murderous dandy, and the Humpty Dumpty Girl. WTF? is fronted by singer/songwriter/artist, Brian King. One of Boston’s most curious creatures, King is known for appearing onstage as a sad clown and occasionally the Wicked Queen from Snow White. Whoopi Golberg said King’s voice was the last thing she wanted to hear before she went to sleep. And recently TimeOutNYC wrote “catch him now as his star rises.” An accomplished songwriter, his songs have been recorded notable artists, including New Orleans’s legend, Irma Thomas, whose version of his “Cold Rain” was hailed by Rolling Stone and The Village Voice. The band features world traveler, Nathan Cohen on violin and trumpet, Mike Leggio on upright bass, Miss Lori Perkins on piano/organ, Nate Greenslit on drums, and The Furies on back-up vocals. Also, keep your ears open for some surprise musical collaborations with the Fox throughout the weekend. To learn more about the WTF?, visit them at http://www.whattimeisitmrfox.com
WTF? joined us in 2010 and we’re very honored to have them returning to us!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx4NOq5g5us
About Catered Events & Dinner Theater
Tickets for
Catered Events & Dinner Theater
The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011 offers a variety of Catered Events & Dinner Theater for your enjoyment, from teas and dinners to special absinthe tastings and open bar tickets at special shows! These tickets are limited, so please purchase yours at your earliest convenience as they MAY NOT be sold at the door. Tickets for Catered Events will remain on sale for all open events until 11:59pm on Wednesday May 11th.
You must be registered with SPWF 2011
As with our other events and shows, you must be registered with SPWF 2011 to attend and enjoy these events. Badges will be checked at the door.
Purchased invitations will be held at Pre-Registration
After you have purchased your Catered Events tickets, invitations will be held at Pre-Registration starting Thursday May 19th. Your invitations shall all be bundled together with your passes! If you would like to print your receipt to bring with you to aid in the process, you may but they are not necessary. 
Friday:
* Welcome Tea Party with Professor Elemental SOLD OUT!
* Absinthe Tasting (21+) SOLD OUT!
* “The Engine Room”, hidden speakeasy (21+!) SOLD OUT!
Saturday:
* Queen Victoria’s Birthday Party
* The Mad Tea Party
* Dinner at The Chuckwagon Saloon
* The Gaslamp Cabaret: Open Bar tickets (21+!)
Sunday:
* Queen Victoria’s Sunday Afternoon Tea
(Note: Our spectacular and absinthe-tinged drinks menu for the Cabaret is now online! Peruse it now!)
The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011
The Steampunk World’s Fair
May 20th-22nd, 2011
The Crowne Plaza Hotel
110 Davidson Ave.
Somerset, NJ 08873
“The Steampunk World’s Fair- the home of the steampunk nation- is back for 2011!
Join thousands of your fellow steampunks, enthusiasts, and time-traveling day-trippers as we descend upon Somerset, NJ! Immerse yourselves in all things steampunk – from music and performers, to authors and historians, to scientists and community personas!
We created World’s Fair with one idea in mind: To have a place where steampunks like us can socialize, connect, and share surrounded by more entertainment and fun, with more variety of Steampunk flavor than anywhere else.
Last year, The Steampunk World’s Fair set the bar by offering more Steampunk performances, shows, and events than any other gathering. In 2011, we are honored to be working once more with community favorites like Jake von Slatt, Professor Elemental, and Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band. New this year, we are working with Dr. Grymm’s Laboratories, The Davenport Sisters, Jason Webley, and many more we’re eager to announce! We are delighted to be working alongside all of these talented artists, performers, makers, and authors to explore this fascinating world.
We know that The Steampunk World’s Fair is truly the weekend your clockwork-heart deserves! We thank you for being a part of this and giving us the opportunity to make a warm and welcoming space to let your steampunk style and imagination run wild. Our Fair is constantly evolving, growing, and changing. So come inside. See what we’re doing this year to celebrate our community and the spirit of adventure!”
Queen Victoria’s Afternoon Tea
Queen Victoria’s Afternoon Tea
shall be held from 2-4pm on Sunday.
Featuring Opera Singer Katie Kat
And a reading from author Lia Habel!
The weekend is winding down. Before you say farewell to the new memories you’ve made among your fellow steampunks, Queen Victoria has a surprise for you! Her Majesty requests that her loyal subjects join her for Sunday Afternoon Tea. The company of a queen, petite pastries and other delectable delicacies, and light musical accompaniment make for an invitation you should never resist!
Tickets are $20 each (plus applicable service charges, taxes and fees.)
Some tickets still available at the Registration Desk starting at 11am on May 20th!
Gaslamp Cabaret – Open Bar ticket
The Gaslamp Cabaret Open Bar Passes are good at the Cabaret on Saturday night from 7pm to 11pm. 2011
(NEW! For a list of our scintillating house drink specials, pray go here!)
Many agree that The Gaslamp Cabaret is one of the highlights of the entire fair, where a selection of musicians and performers hit the stage for your entertainment. Admission is free with your badge, but for those of the 21+ persuasion, there is an open bar running for this four hour event. Purchase your ticket early and enjoy access to the bar all night!
Open Bar tickets are $20 each (plus applicable service charges, taxes and fees.) To enjoy the bar you MUST have a ticket; the rest of The Gaslamp Cabaret is indeed free!
Come see our incredible line-up, featuring:
* Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band
* Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys
* What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?
* Eliza Rickman
* Jeffery Straker
* And Burlesque featurettes with Madison Bartholemew, Arson, and others!
Mad Tea Party, with Miss Kitty
The Mad Tea Party is from 2-4pm on Saturday. Hosted by Miss Kitty.
Mad scientists and marching bands abound at The Steampunk World’s Fair, so sit a spell and take it all in at The Mad Tea Party! Hosted by the lovely Miss Kitty, Imperial Tea Hostess of the Red Fork Empire, renowned throughout New England for her delightful tea parties. Joining her shall be The Emperor of the Red Fork Empire, Justinian Stanislaus.
Prizes shall be awarded in the Mad Hat Contest, so be sure to bring your best!
Tickets are $20 each (plus applicable service charges, taxes and fees.)
Some tickets still available at the Registration Desk starting at 11am on May 20th!
Queen Victoria’s Birthday Party
Queen Victoria’s Birthday Party
will be held on Saturday afternoon,
from 12pm to 2pm.
Her Royal Majesty invites you to her birthday gala! Come out Saturday afternoon for tea with genteel gents, lovely ladies, and excellent edibles. A special birthday cake, biscuits and a champagne toast to the Queen are to be expected, as well as a special treat: a preview of Sunday’s fabulous fashion show. Plus a special sculpture-cake from Why Not Cake, the Official Cake Atelier of SPWF 2011!
Tickets are $15 each (plus applicable service charges, taxes and fees.)
Some tickets still available at the Registration Desk starting at 11am on May 20th!
Tea Party with Professor Elemental
The Welcome Tea Party with Professor Elemental
Friday 4-6pm. Other musical guest to be announced!
You’ve arrived at the fair. Your friends have all greeted you and admired your latest creation. But now it’s 4 o’clock on Friday and the festivities are just getting started. You know what that means: it’s tea time, of course! Join your Host, the delightful Professor Elemental, for a lovely Afternoon Tea complete with petite pastries and a host of fine teas to choose from, light music, and some of the best company around the fair.
Tickets are $20 each (plus applicable service charges, taxes and fees.)
[dpsc_display_product]
*As of 4/15/11, the Tea Party wit Professor Elemental is SOLD OUT! We hope you might enjoy some of our other Catered Event offerings. Thank you!*
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eELH0ivexKA
The Red Fork Empire
The Red Fork Empire is a Multi-Dimensional Empire whose enemy is the Dull. It is a collective of people who want to express themselves creatively, not necessarily as professionals but because using your imagination and being creative is what makes life enjoyable. The Empire encourages this in everyone even if they do not wish to be a part of the Empire. Those who do not join now will eventually in time. To help spread this message the Emperor and his citizens perform as their personas, speak on event panels, run Imperial games, and contribute creative works in the name of the Empire.
Stella Price
Stella Price is a literary renaissance woman, with her fingers many of the literary pies. She’s an author of over 24 books, art director for Tease Publishing LLC, award winning cover artist, event planner and the convention director for the Authors After Dark convention. With her sister she writes what they have coined “risk-taking romance”, using subjects and characters others shy away from in the genre, including weresnakes, and satyrs, as well as urban fantasy, and steampunk. Alone, writing as Dagmar Avery, she writes erotic romance and steampunk. On her off time, she designs costumes and steampunk accessories. You can visit them at www.stellaandaudra.com
Thee Bluebeard Show
Thee Bluebeard Show is the improv comedy late night talk show matinee! The pirate Bluebeard in all his pirate regalia interviews . . . well . . . you! Or the guy next to you or the girl behind you or the little kid with the hulk costume on. All from the audience. The questions are real. The comedy is unscripted. The pirate hat is huge. Bring a spatula! Thee Bluebeard hails from Chicago, Illinois and is a cancer/leo pirate improv comedian. His show has been seen across the country and has been picking up steam at various conventions and venues for the past few years. The late night talk show format where audience members are interviewed is a genius blend of improv comedy, audience interaction, piracy and random people talking about themselves in public. Also, you can buy a tee-shirt to prove you were there or lie and say you were.
Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys
Ladies and germs, we are honored and delighted to announce that Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys will be part of the evolving musical events at Steampunk World’s Fair! Walter Sickert’s musical alchemy has a “curious blend of mischief and morbidity” garnishing their “ominous doom-folk with the theatricality of a demonic circus troupe.” The band’s past performances have included storytellers, fire-eaters, glass-eaters, contortionists and their broken toy army. Combining the cello sweet melodies of bands like Rasputina and the bizarre hard-edged stage antics of Marilyn Manson with the man in black presence of Johnny Cash, Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys are a dance death folk ride in the mouth of a Kraken all the way to hell… and back in time for tea.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap_AoGOVf1E
Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band
Formed from the most talented deadbeats and drifters that could be rounded up, Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band will honk, wail, blow, beat, bounce, scream and serenade their way into your hearts. Playing anything that won’t break from vigiourous use, their instrumentation is a unique blend of brass, winds, violin, accordion and an eccelctic rhtyhm section. ENSMB combines the rich musical history of the circus and the vagabond peoples of Europe with the raw energy of avant-garde jazz and the irreverence and fun of today’s Vaudeville for a sound that is somehow familiar yet like no other. Label them anyway you like! Call them avant world fusion, call them experiemental big band, call them gypsy steamfunk, call them circus noise! They may be tough to sum up, but it’s easy to tell you they’ll show you a good time!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOKY9S0qvhk
Frenchy & The Punk
New York-based Frenchy & The Punk (formerly The Gypsy Nomads) invoke the spirit of the gypsy sound, infusing it with a vaudevillian and cabaret flavor that’s rooted in punk, folk and the vineyards of southern France. French-born lead vocalist/percussionist, Samantha Stephenson and American punk-veteran guitarist Scott Helland captivate crowds by seamlessly combining raucous, danceable old-world melodies with cheeky stories sung in English and French with wild, tribal-march-style drum instrumentals. They have been featured performers at alternative music festivals and conventions across the US such as DragonCon, World Steam Expo, SteamCon and FaerieWorlds. In 2011, they are releasing a Live Concert DVD and touring Europe and the US! www.frenchyandthepunk.com
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG7zaSxLcKc
Jake von Slatt
Tip your hat to a returning guest! Jake von Slatt is a maker, tinkerer, and all around techno dilettante living and creating just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. Jake is interested in the blending of 19th century aesthetics and technology with the modern world and showcases projects of that ilk on his website at http://steampunkworkshop.com. While he eschews the temptation to rigidly define the term “Steampunk,” he does know that it has something to do with the intersection of technology and romance. Among other reasons why Mr. von Slatt is wonderful, he shall be bringing along his modified bus and giving tours of it once more- and perhaps even a few extra goodies in tow! Let’s all cross our fingers!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfJ2xa9nzmw
Dr. Grymm’s Laboratories
No steampunk show would be complete without Dr. Grymm’s Laboratories! The Laboratories’ proprietors are coming to us from Connecticut, US: Dr. Grymm’s alter ego, Joey Marsocci, and his business partner and wife Allison DeBlasio. Grymm’s custom contraptions and sculptures have been seen in Steampunk exhibits, films, television, theater productions, and publications around the world. Most recently, Dr. Grymm, known for his Victrola “Eye-Pod” (a modded iPod) and his Brainstorm Machines, exhibited at the Oxford University History of Science Museum Steampunk Exhibit in 2010, and is also a featured artist at The Cosmopolitan Hotel of Las Vegas in 2011. Annually, Dr. Grymm hosts and curates an International art exhibit, “The Steampunk Bizarre”, which is the subject of the Documentary Film “I AM STEAMPUNK”, by Neurotic Films. Visit the official websites at: www.drgrymmlaboratories.net and www.drgrymmlaboratories.com OR Learn more about the Steampunk Bizarre Exhibit at steampunkbizarre2010.blogspot.com/
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvIBX2olFrE
Sponsored by Big Bear
2011 SPWF FAQ
Many of you have been busy chatting with us about The Steampunk World’s Fair, and several question have arisen! You might find the answer to your inquiry below. PLEASE NOTE: The following FAQ is for SPWF 2011. Answers have not yet been changed for the 2012 season.
The Steampunk World’s Fair! What is all the hoopla about?
Welcome to a three-day journey into yesterday’s future!
The Steampunk World’s Fair is the home of the Steampunk nation! In 2010, The Steampunk World’s Fair set the bar by offering more Steampunk performances, shows, and events than any other gathering. We invite you to join us again to see what’s new in store for our community.
SPWF is an interactive and social event for people of all levels of steampunk know-how to communicate, dance, exchange, and explore. We seek to represent the art, culture, fashion, technology, history, gaming, and music of our fascinating and scintillating subculture and genre.
So whether you’re looking to talk about the post-enlightenment of the Industrial Revolution, or dabble in Victorian Era upper-class sensibilities, or simply dance about looking dapper in your top hat… there is something here at The Steampunk World’s Fair for all of us!
***
1. What is this “steampunk” you speak of?
2. Where does SPWF take place?
3. Should I come in full steampunk dress?
4. Is there an age restriction?
5. Is your event handicapped accessible?
6. Can I bring my modified steampunk weapons into the hotel?
7. I want to be part of your Artist’s Alley; how can I get a table?
8. I am a big fan of [performer, artist, band]! Will you be getting them for SPWF?
9. I want to invite some friends to my hotel room. What is the policy on parties?
10. Will there be drinking at this event?
11. Are special events included in the weekend ticket price?
12. I have an idea for an event, discussion, debate, workshop, or reading. Who should I talk to?
13. I have a device I would like to do a demonstration with, who do I speak with?
14. What time do festivities begin and end each day?
15. What will the weather be like?
16. Where should I park, and how much does it cost?
17. Are there ATMs around?
18. If I can only come for one day, which day should it be?
***
1. What is this “steampunk” you speak of?
With so many possible answers to this question, and with so many personal thoughts on them, we find it best to point people to a few cool pictures (as many people have said “I know steampunk when I see it”).
There are thousands of different steampunk movies and cartoons, books, comics and graphic novels, anime and manga, and images of fashion, gadgets, cosplay groups, props, costumes, toys, gear, and garb available to inspire you. And many people have different ideas on what steampunk is based on their favorite parts of it.
But the most important part about steampunk to SPWF is that steampunk comes in many shapes and forms! From the genre of speculative fiction and latest styles of modern-meets-vintage fashion, to the lifestyle choice of embracing deliberate anachronism and the growing community of artists, authors, tinkerers and people just like you!
2. Where does SPWF take place?
The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011 will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel of Somerset, NJ! SPWF 2010 took place at The Radisson and Embassy Suites of Piscataway, NJ.
3. Should I come in full steampunk dress?
Should you? That’s up to you, honestly. Do you HAVE to? Of course not! Just as not everyone who likes steampunk reads books with a steampunk setting, Steampunk is not just about the dress-up part (though many people enjoy it and have a great time putting together the “just right” outfit or prop!) If you’ve got it, flaunt it! If you want to come to the event in your regular daily wear, that’s awesome, too!
But if you haven’t pulled together an outfit that you feel shows off your inner steampunk, you’ll never find a better time to get creative and try it out. Don’t worry about whether you’re “steampunk enough”, either. We’ve seen people pull off a perfect and visually recognizable steampunk look with jeans and a vest over a t-shirt. If you’re just starting out and have any questions or need some advice, message us!
Mostly though, remember to dress comfortably and prepare for heat or cold. And a lot of walking- so bring comfortable shoes!
4. Is there an age restriction?
There is not! Steampunks and steampunk enthusiasts of all ages are welcome, from the youngest aviator-in-training to the oldest time-traveling genius! While some events may have age restrictions, particularly later in the evening, we aim to have fun that the whole family can enjoy. The event is likely to be enjoyed by older children (10+), so please keep this in mind when planning your trip! Hopefully everyone will find entertainment in our many musical acts, performers, discussions, games, movies, and the camaraderie of fellow steampunks. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to message us.
5. Is your event handicapped accessible?
2011: The festival will take place on the first floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. As such, the hotel itself is handicapped accessible. The only possible exception being the pool, which has railing access. However, entrance into the pool area is wheelchair accessible.
6. Can I bring my modified steampunk prop weapons into the hotel?
At this time, prop weapons will be allowed at the fair. All prop of a weapons nature must conform to New Jersey State and federal firearms laws. Checks are mandatory: PLEASE bring your weapon to Registration for “peace-binding” tags so that our Security Team knows that it has been cleared as a prop. Modified firearms, etc, should NOT be brought into the event in anyway. We thank you for your understanding!
Any prop that shoots must not be shot inside the event. We will provide a Gentlemen’s Duel outdoor area for the purpose of demonstrating the firing power of your props.
This is event is in a hotel, not a convention space. We have a Weapons Check team who may, at times throughout the event, ask to see that your prop has a SPWF approved tag showing that it has been peace-bound. We appreciate your compliance and patience in this matter- they are here for your safety and want to make certain everyone is having a fun, enjoyable, safe weekend! If you are uncertain if your invention/prop/contraption is suitable for this venue, you may message us. Any prop or contraption that shoots, rockets, or so forth may need to be demonstrated in a specified area or given a demonstration time. Please contact SteamFairProg@gmail.com if you have a particularly ingenious contraption you would like to demonstrate and discuss with fellow attendees!
7. I want to be part of your Artist’s Alley; how can I get a table? and Do you have a Dealer’s Room?
These two questions have the same answer!
SPWF does not have an Artist’s Alley or Dealer’s Room as such. Instead, we have the Merchant’s Bazaar, “shops” in the first floor hotel rooms and an event room that our merchants will be selling out of. Room purchase and vending fee may apply. You are more than welcome to contact SteamFairVendors@gmail.com to be added to our 2012 Mailing List. Thank you!
8. I am a big fan of [performer, artist, band]! Will you be getting them for SPWF?
If your favorite steampunk artist is not on the list of performers coming to SPWF 2011, you are welcome to contact them to point them in our direction. PLEASE DO NOT tell anyone that you are a representative of SPWF, unless you actually are! You may tell your favorite performer about the event and give them the Performer Page to let them know more about us!
9. I want to invite some friends to my hotel room. What is the policy on parties?
Considerate parties are, indeed, permissible! Please be discreet and kind in your celebratory actions as their may be people trying to get some sleep for some of the earlier events the next day. Thanks for asking!
10. Will there be drinking at this event?
As a most-ages event, drinking is permitted so long as you are legally allowed to drink in the United States. The hotel even has a bar and lounge! This is an all-ages event, so please drink responsibly and treat other guests with courtesy at all times. Also, there may be events that require drink tickets, such as any open bar events or absinthe tastings. Please bring two forms of ID just to be on the safe side!
11. Are special events included in the weekend ticket price?
All of The Steampunk World’s Fair general access events are included in the Weekend Ticket Price. Special catered events (ex.: absinthe tasting, “The Engine Room”, themed dinners, tea parties, etc) are a separate pay ticket. You may find other events or programming that are being presented by guests of SPWF that might include a small workshop fee, but the majority of SPWF-run events with the above exceptions are included in your weekend ticket!
12. I have an idea for an event, discussion, debate, workshop, or reading. Who should I talk to?
You should talk to us at SteamFairProg@gmail.com! Discussions, debates, and workshops should be about 45-60 minutes long. Times for events or readings from original published work can vary. PLEASE no events longer than 60 minutes. Any event that needs to run longer, we encourage you to bring your audience out to the courtyard, lounge, or other unoccupied area of the hotel to continue! Many of our discussion hosts have done this in the past to great success.
13. I have a device I would like to do a demonstration with, who do I speak with?
We would love to hear from you at SteamFairProg@gmail.com! We’re looking for people with interesting devices that they want to show off, either that they made or that have become historically outdated. We are always interested in folks looking to demonstrate their creations or modified devices at The Mad Science Fair.
14. What time do festivities begin and end each day?
The events begin at 1:00 PM on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, programming will begin at 11:00 AM. Programming will go until the wee hours of the morning on Friday and Saturday nights, with closing ceremonies at 6:00-6:30 PM on Sunday evening.
15. What will the weather be like?
In 2010 we had May weather that was cool, nice, a little cloudy, and a few showers. Prepare yourself for the worst, though, especially if you have a walk to another hotel you are staying at.
16. Where should I park, and how much does it cost?
You should park at the hotel parking lot- it’s FREE! If you are a group coming from another nearby hotel, we request that you please carpool to the best of your ability.
17. Are there ATMs around?
There are, but ATMs in hotels tend to run out. And often. They will be refilled, but we cannot guarantee how many times the hotel staff will be able to refill throughout the weekend. Be responsible, but bring enough money to see you through the weekend and bring you home with lots of cool new items!
18. If I can only come for one day, which day should it be?
SPWF is such an on-going party, we couldn’t say for sure! If you can, go for the entire weekend: if you pre-register the price will be well worth it. But if you can only make it for one day, most event-goers will tell you to come out to Saturday. Events start earlier than Friday and run later than Sunday. There are several big events on Friday and Sunday that you may miss, but many too on Saturday like The Gaslamp Cabaret concert, The High Noon Gentlemen’s Duel, and more! If you plan to attend only to purchase from the vendors, you may wish to come out on Friday when the shops at the Merchant’s Bazaar are freshly opened and everything is in stock! NOTE: SPWF does not sell one-day tickets online. Such tickets must be purchased on the day of the event in person.
We are very much looking forward to seeing all you wonderful people there!
Image (c) 2009 Christopher Hayes
Tinker presents: The Wolf Hunter’s Ball
The Wolf Hunter’s Ball
FROM THE CREATOR:
Tinker is the story of Samuel James Thatch, a small time tinker and mechanical genius working out of the Five Points of Manhattan in the late 1800s. Inside you will hear of Hodgepodge Von Clockverk, the mechanical man, the crew of the airship Adolphus, and the mysterious menace known only as The Society.
Tinker owes much of its origin in The Steampunk World’s Fair. The crew of the Adolphus are characters patterned from the personas my friends and I adapted for the 2010 Fair. Thus, I wanted to celebrate the growing success of my creative project with a contest. Ladies and gentlemen, punks of all shapes and sizes — I present to you — The Wolf Hunter’s Ball.
THE GAME:
The Wolf Hunter’s Ball is a scavenger hunt. Adolphus means ‘great wolf’, so in short, you’ll be hunting for the Adolphus crew at the 2011 World’s Fair. SJ, The Baronness, Drusilla Gunn and more will be in attendance. As the Fair draws closer you will be able to get your hands on a Wolf Hunter Dance Card. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find the various officially sanctioned members of the Adolphus crew (and their associates), and have them sign off on your dance card. Prizes will be given (as supplies last) to those who bring a completed dance card to the author, Mike Perna, aka Captain Johannes Bosch. There will also be one, and only one, bonus prize given to the first fortunate soul to get a picture of themselves with the ENTIRETY of the Adolphus crew at once.
Be watching for details as we get closer to The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011. We hope to see you all there.
To contact Mike Perna about this exciting, interactive, event-wide game, message vonclockverk@gmail.com!
Official SPWF 2011 Flyers
OFFICIAL SPWF 2011 FLYER
You love The Steampunk World’s Fair? So do we! And we figure maybe more people would love her too, if we only had something to help promote her. Luckily, we were smart and thought ahead. Have some e-flyers! Post them around at your favorite internet haunts, or print them out to bring to clubs, conventions, and local gatherings. Anywhere steampunks might be, this handy little flyers can come along!
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| Images by Christopher Hayes. For more of his work, check out ReptileMind.com | |
Across the Steampunk Universe
Looking for the OFFICIAL SPWF 2011 posters? You can find them here!
These e-flyers are part of our poster series to help bring all flavors of the steampunk universe to The Steampunk World’s Fair. We thank all of the talented artists who have donated their talents to this project. We will have copies of these posters available around the event in May! Be sure to look for your favorites!
(Click the bold link to check out the series)
* Circuspunk
* Weird West
* Dark Cabaret
* Lovecraftian Horror
Absinthe Tasting with JM Renfield
The Absinthe Tasting is from 6-7pm on Friday.
Your host, the enigmatic JM Renfield, will preside!
La Fée Verte. The Green Lady. Absenta. Absinthe has had many nicknames over the years and with them a history of popularity among artists and bohemians. While vilified for three-quarters of a century, absinthe is once more legal to serve in the United Staes and enjoying a great revival of interest: particularly among steampunks! We invite you to sample a variety of absinthe brands and styles as you learn the facts, myths, and rituals surrounding this anise-flavored spirit!
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*As of 4/1/11, the Absinthe Tasting is SOLD OUT! We hope you might enjoy some of our other Catered Event offerings. Thank you!*
AtSU Poster Series: Weird West
Welcome to our Across the Steampunk Universe poster series. Below is the 2nd in the series, brought to you by Ms. Brigid Ashwood! She wrestled the Weird West into the ground with this one:
(Click the image for full size!)
Weird West by Brigid Ashwood
Love this amazing poster, mustachioed octopus and all? Learn all about how the artist went from concept to final proof here! Or purchase your own copy of the artwork and receive- for a limited time- a signed copy of the poster!
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 Brigid Ashwood the credit she deserves!
More coming soon!
AtSU Poster Series: Circuspunk
Welcome to our Across the Steampunk Universe poster series. Below is the 1st in the series: Circuspunk, brought to you by Doctor Q.
(Click the image for full size!)
Circuspunk by Doctor Q
If you enjoy this poster, be sure to let Doctor Q know when you see him in May! He’ll be spinning some tunes Saturday night, along with The Davenport Sisters and others, and participating in discussions about the evolving world of steampunk music today!
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 Doctor Q the credit he deserves!
Past Performers
Forget the name of that amazing band you saw in 2010? Need to hunt down that speaker to ask a follow-up question? Miss out on our past event but want to see what all the hubbub was about? Check out our Past Performers!
ALPHABETICAL LIST 2010:
* The Absinthe Drinkers
* Adam Smith
* Amy Blackthorn
* Ben H. Winters
* Black Tape for A Blue Girl
* Brigid Ashwood
* CJ Henderson
* Clay and Susan Griffith
* The Clockwork Dolls
* The Comiku Girls
* Coyote Run
* DJ Kiltboy
* Dr. Slickshill
* Ekaterina Sedia
* Eli August
* Elizabeth Muise
* Emilie P. Bush
* Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band
* The Emperor of the Red Fork Empire
* Epsilon’s Elixers
* Evelyn Kriete
* G.D. Falksen
* Genevieve Valentine
* Happy Hour Burlesque
* Honor Amongst Thieves Circus Sideshow
* Hubris
* HUMANWINE
* Jake von Slatt
* John Gregory Betancourt
* JM Renfield & HM
* Katie Kat
* Kyle Cassidy
* Leanna Renee Hieber
* Left Outlet
* Lillith Lore
* Luke Reynolds
* Marah Fellicce
* Matt DeBlass
* Mr. E
* ModVic
* Olde City Sideshow
* Outland Armour
* Platform One
* Professor Elemental
* Psyche Corporation
* RA Friedman
* Sepiachord.com
* Shane Chikeles
* The Slomski Brothers
* S.S. Icarus/The Penny Dreadfuls
* SteamSmith
* Stephen Segal
* Susan de Guardiola
* This Way to the Egress
* Tom Brown
* Tsirkus Fotografika
* Unextraordinary Gentlemen
* Veronique Chevalier
* Violet Haberdasher
* Voltaire
* Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys
* What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?
* White Elephant Burlesque Society/Cosplay Burlesque
Speakeasy-in-the-sky: The Engine Room
Psst… Hey kid! You heard of “The Engine Room”, the speakeasy in the sky? We’re calling all smugglers, political malcontents, and free spirits to meet up for some Prohibition Era celebrations! Remember: no password, no entry! But if you get your ticket now, they’ll be kind enough to issue the password and secret location-in-the-heights along with your invitation. Snacks and bar service are included at this 21+ event. Dress code of Depression era glitz and glamor, high-class tramp, or black-tie evening on the Hindenburg highly encouraged!
The Engine Room will be in operation Friday night from 12pm to 2am.
Featuring DJ’d music with Dieselpunks.org, and possible live sets from a pair of tawdry fellows…
Tickets are $25 each
*As of 4/20/11, The Engine Room is SOLD OUT! We hope you might enjoy some of our other Catered Event offerings. Thank you!*
SPWF 2011 First Attendee!
Special thanks to Mike P., our FIRST attendee to grab a ticket to the 2011 event! Here’s a picture Mike sent us showing off not only his awesome free swag (including a Professor Elemental CD) but also his cool, shiny goggles and epic facial hair!