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!
Tag Archives: Saturday May 21st
“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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!