The Guide to Pop Conventions
Posts tagged Sci Fi
Who do you want to see at an event near you? Vampires, Werewolves or Ghosts?
Jan 12th
Hello Con Maniacs,
Cons are always looking for new and interesting guests. With Sci Fi Channel about to release the US version of BBC’s hit Being Human I thought we might take a look at both. Please weigh in with your thoughts.
First lets look at the original UK and new US version’s side by side. Here is Aidan Turner who plays “Mitchel” the Vampire in the BBC version and Sam Witwer who plays “Aidan” the vampire.
They are definitely both tall dark and handsome but does Sam have more genre cred due to playing Doomsday in Smallville and Starkiller in Star Wars the Force Unleashed?(Sam’s Facebook page) What do you think?
Now how about we take a look at our lovely ghosts. In the UK version Lenora Crichlow plays Annie and in the US version Meaghan Rath plays Sally.
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Meaghan Rath as Sally the ghost
So which one of these gorgeous young women would you like to see on stage or behind a desk signing?
Both of the Werewolves are some of my favorites. Russell Tovey who plays George and has also been on Doctor Who and Sam Huntington who plays Josh and was Jimmy Olsen in the recent Superman Returns.
Here is a bonus shot of Sam Witer…
So there you have it. Now you can compare each side by side. I am split on the whole things. I love the UK version but I am also a fan of the actors on the new US version. I think I am just going to have to watch both…LOL
Feel free to email me your ideas at Magid@raybin.com Seeing as how I am going to have to wait to see Sam Witwer on Being Human I guess Ill just have to settle for him as Doomsday and maybe play some Force Unleashed. Anyone have any good cheats? 
Mag
The thing about conventions!
Jan 11th
Hello Con Maniacs,
You know I would have to consider myself a con goer from the mid 1980′s. I started off by attending events in Melbourne Australia like Trek Con and the very first Skywalking events. Going to these I would dress as the Emperor from Star Wars for the costume party. I had so much fun at those events. Yes they were smaller than the massive events that occur today but you really got to know people. I left those events with some really great friends. One of them me and my friend Lee went as Batman and Robin. They were amazing costumes. I can remember a couple of people dressed as AT AT’s. They were cool, they had to walk on all fours. There were constant screenings of the Star Wars movies. I remember Shane Morrisey being able to recite every line…Show off! He was great though, also the creator of Skywalking in Australia.
Coming here to the US, I have attended the event at the Shrine in LA several times. They always have great freebees. But it always so crowded. It is pretty much just about buying.
What I have noticed about so many of the events these days is that they tend to be so jam packed that you are always rushed. Heck most do not even offer a lunch or dinner break. Your going from your seat to a line to another line and back to your seat. With no time to really get to know anyone. I know everyone loves their autographs and their photo ops but wouldn’t it be nicer to be able to actually spend a few minutes with the people? Maybe even longer! Not to be rushed through each line with barely a chance to say hello?
There are some events who have expanded their VIP/GOLD seating to such an extent that there is no longer a point. Almost the entire auditorium is VIP/GOLD! Is it me or is that ridiculous? I know for me, I like the idea of it being fun and not a marathon. I have noticed some smaller events are appearing which is fantastic. Con’s should get back to being about the human experience. Not one ticket to the next.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. You can reach me at Magid@raybin.com
Mag
New things coming in 2011…
Dec 18th
Hello Con Maniacs,
This site is for you, so in that vain I would like to extend to all of you an invitation to not only let me know(Magid@raybin.com) what shows you want to see covered here but please let the promoters of the events you are interested in know that you want to see them featured here. Consider me an extension of you! Ill ask the questions you want answered! If you are not sure how to contact a promoter drop me a line and Ill be happy to assist you.
Who knows what may happen if you raise your voices and let them be heard.
As a treat here is a fan made youtube video from the Plano Texas event, Star Trek Fan Days.
Drive careful out there friends.
Mag
Oz Trek 4, Spiner and Phillips together in Melbourne….
Dec 15th
Hello Con Maniacs,
I hope your countdown to Christmas is going well. Continuing my coverage of Australian conventions. Upcoming in Melbourne at the Rydges Melbourne, 186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC on January 30, 2011 is Oz Trek 4.
Headlining this event is Brent Spiner who portrayed the Android Data in Star Trek: Next Generation.
Next up from one of my favorite Treks is Ethan Phillips who portrayed Neelix in Star Trek: Voyager.
Ethan Phillips in Star Trek: Voyager.
Also appearing is Hallie Todd who was Data’s short lived daughter Lal. Kind of a sad character.
I love Brent, not only is he a wonderful actor but he has a singular wit that is pleasure to see. Ethan is hilarious. I have seen the skit he and Robert Picardo do and they are fantastic. Neelix was one of my favorite character on Voyager. Watching him slowly make Tuvok a bit more human until he finally “danced” for Neelix on his farewell episode brought tears to my eyes. Hallie Todd gave a very touching performance on Next Generation. It was very touching.
Personally I love Melbourne. The trams are reminiscent of San Francisco. I used to have a very dear friend who lived there. If your attending this event please let me know at Magid@raybin.com
Well folks, 10 days and counting until Santa Claus squeezes himself down your chimney, or surfs up to your house(depending on what part of the world your in) try to enjoy and take a deep breath and enjoy this time of year. To those of you who are maybe alone or having a tough time please know that you can always chat to me. Here is my Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/MagidHarbison
Keep your shields up and phasers on stun…
Mag
More fun from Down Under…Armegeddon Expo! Feb 26/27 in Sydney
Dec 12th
Hello Con Maniacs,
Well the show the handsome Ryan Robbins switched to from Gate to the Sanctuary is this one, Armegeddon Expo. (http://armageddonexpo.com/au/) This event will occur at The Dome, Sydney Showground, Olympic Park, February 26/27th 2011
Their guest list is fantastic. Makes me want to go home for a visit. By attending this event you will get a chance to meet some of the following great people.
David Hewlett – Dr Rodney McKay in StargateAtlantis. I am going share a great photo of me and my Mum with David at an event we worked together in 2006.
Christian Kane – Lindsey McDonald in Angel and Eliot Spencer in Leverage. Christian Kane has always been a scene stealer. He was one of the best foils Angel had.
Christian Kane
Laura Vandervoort– Kara Zor-El in Smallville and Lisa in V. In other words, Laura is Supergirl…
Laura Vandervoort
Christopher Heyerdahl – major roles in Stargate Atlantis, Sanctuary as well as appearances in Supernatural, Twilight New Moon and Smallville.
Christopher Heyerdahl
Karen Allen – Marion Ravenwoodin Indiana Jones films. I just adore this woman. I worked with her once in the mid 1980′s on a film with Bryan Brown. Wonderful woman.
Karen Allen
Patricia Tallman – LytaAlexander in Babylon 5. I caught up with Patricia at the Hollywood Xpo at the Universal Hilton several weeks ago. She is doing better than ever…
Patricia Tallman
Rainbow Sun Francks – Rainbow co-stars in the first season of Stargate Atlantis as bad ass Lieutenant Aiden Ford. He previously hosted Canada’s MuchMusic as a VeeJay, and writes and performs in his own hip-hop group, The Oddities.
Rainbow Sun Francks
How about that amazing talent and fantastic Magician Colin Cunningham. When I worked with him, he did some magic for us that rivaled that of Criss Angel – Sometimes referred to as Canada’s ‘Gary Oldman’, this California native has played everything from the ‘straight up’ Major Davis on STARGATE SG-1, to ‘crooked’ cop Brian Curtis on DaVINCI’S INQUEST. Cunningham is currently starring on two television series. The first as John Pope in the new STEVEN SPIELBERG/DREAMWORKS produced, FALLING SKIES and again as Neil Styles on HBO Canada’s LIVING IN YOUR CAR. Cunningham also recurs as Roy Lane (the brother of Hugh Dillon’s, Ed Lane) on CBS/CTV’s FLASHPOINT.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Cunningham has been pursued by Arnold Shwarzenngegger in THE SIXTH DAY and put his life on the line for Jennifer Garner in ELEKTRA. Indie favorites include BEST IN SHOW and BREAKFAST WITH SCOT.
Colin Cunningham
This next woman is the epitome of grace and style. The fantastic singer and dancer, Nana Visitor who played Kira Nerys in Star Trek Deep Space Nine. I cannot say how much I adore this talented lady.
Nana Visitor
I know you all remember Ryan Robbins who plays Henry Foss on Sanctuary. A character actor, Ryan is constantly reinventing himself; aspiring to keep each character fresh and unique. Ryan, an avid comic book fan, can be seen most recently guest starring in reoccurring roles on Blade, Battlestar Galactica, Stargate: Atlantis, Season 3 of The Collector andthe series lead in the CTV series Alice I Think. Robbins can also be seen in the independent films The Cabin Movie and When Jessie was Born (a multiple award winner) as the lead. His other credits include Supernatural, Smallville, Catwoman, Walking Tall, The Days, Kingdom Hospital and The Bug (winner of three Leo Awards). You can also see Robbins in Steven Spielberg’s Taken and the highly acclaimed Steven Spielberg mini-series Into the West.
Ryan Robins
Some special events within the expo will include:
- Voice acting workshop
- Mela Lee, Magnolia Memoir Music concert
- Live Wrestling
- Amusement rides
- Animation screening room
- SEPARATE main stage area’s to avoid sound issues
- Pre-prepared timetables for Photo and Autograph times
- Eating challenges
- Cosplay Parade
- Trans-Tasman Cosplay contest
- Guests discussion panels
- VIP exclusive discussion panels
- Exciting News Development: the First Armageddon Film Genre Film Festival to be held in conjunction with Armageddon Sydney.
WOW! This is going to be sucha great event. I wish I could make it. If your attending I would love to hear from you. My email is Magid@raybin.com
This show really has something for every fan. If you go, make sure to ask Colin to perform some magic for you…You will be amazed and give my best to Nana.
Mag
Florida Supercon! Miami July 1-4, 2011
Dec 8th
Hello fellow Con Maniacs,
Let’s venture to Miami, Florida for Florida Supercon. This event occurs at the “MIAMI AIPORT CONVENTION CENTER” (MACC), formally known as the Miami Mart Airport Hotel and Convention Center. 711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami FL. 33126, SUPERCON HOTLINE: 954.263.0654 During the weekend of July 1-4, 2011
Florida Supercon is NOW a 4 DAY FESTIVAL dedicated to Comic Books, Anime, Animation, Video Games, Fantasy and Sci-Fi featuring celebrity guests,comic book creators, voice actors, industry guests, cosplayers, artists, writers, panels, Q&A’s, films & shorts, costume & cosplay contests,vendors, parties, anime, workshops, video gaming and more! 2011 will be the 6th annual Florida Supercon.
Their comic book lineup is quite extensive.
Mike Perkins
Jose Delbo
Ken Lashley
Jim McCann
Dennis Calero
Allen Bellman
Joe Jusko
Paul Gulacy
Charlie Adlard
Shawn Crystal
Tommy Castillo
Rodolfo Migliari
John Layman
Clay Mann
Rob Hunter
Brad Walker
Ariel Olivetti
Greg Horn
And to think they have more than 6 months to add more guests. I am excited to see who else gets added to this event as it gets closer. If you plan on attending let me know at Magid@raybin.comI would love to hear about what kind of cosplay you are planning on wearing.
Well friends, I hope the week is treating you well. Remember, your over the hump now. I am off to go start cataloging my comic book collection. I know, not that interesting but at least I will know where everything is.
Mag
Timegate! A Doctor Who and Stargate event combined!
Dec 6th
Hello my time travelling Con Maniacs,
For your viewing pleasure I would like to present to you Timegate! This event occurs at the HOLIDAY INN SELECT, 4386 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30341 May 27-29, 2011
Timegate has only just begun to set their guest list, but their first major guest is a good one. For all you Doctor Who fans(classic). Sophie Aldred will be appearing. Sophie Aldred has had a long and varied career in television and theatre but is best known to American audiences as Ace, the trustworthy, staunchly loyal, explosives-happy companion of the Seventh Doctor in Doctor Who, starring alongside Sylvester McCoy in such classic tales as “Remembrance of the Daleks”, “The Curse of Fenric”, “Ghost Light”, “The Greatest Show in the Galaxy”, and the final story of the show’s original 26-year run, “Survival”.
TimeGate is an annual science fiction / fantasy convention that focuses on Doctor Who and Stargate but also includes programming on a wide range of other sci-fi / fantasy interests. So if you’re into Stargate SG-1, Doctor Who, Stargate Atlantis, Torchwood or The Sarah Jane Adventures—or you’re excited about the new show Stargate Universe—this is the convention for you! But if not, they will also have Star Trek, Battlestar, Star Wars, Heroes, literary, horror and comics programming too, along with many other topics.
This looks to be a great show to keep your eye on. I’ll update you as they add new guests. You know, Ace was one of my favorite companions of the later Doctor’s. Some of them were written WAY to dumb. They always work better when they challenge the Doctor in some way. Whether it be morally, emotionally! Just long as they make him work.
Well I’ll be, K 9 just came into the room. What’s that? Sarah Jane’s in trouble? Again?!? Oh I hope she has her Sonic Lipstick. Got to go save the day again…Drop me a line at Magid@raybin.com I would love to hear from you…
Mag
Gaylaxicon…Atlanta, Georgia, May 13 – May 15, 2011
Dec 5th
Happy Sunday Con Maniacs,
Here we have a unique event that I am so glad is out there, Gaylaxiconwhich occurs May 13-15, 2011 at the Holiday Inn Select – Perimeter, Atlanta, GA. Gaylaxicon is the annual international Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Convention for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered people and their friends!
This event and network has been around for a long time. In 1986, the Gaylaxian Science Fiction Society (GSFS) was formed in Boston. That September, as a result of folks gathering at Worldcon, they began a national group called the Gaylactic Network. Elected board members and officers, along with many other volunteers, administer the Network. Since 1986, the Network has had up to 12 affiliate clubs. The affiliates are locally oriented, regionally based, autonomous clubs with their own leadership and membership. Currently, affiliates are located in Boston, Washington DC, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Niagara Falls and Toronto.
In 1988, the Network and GSFS sponsored Gaylaxicon, the very first LGBT science fiction convention, in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Our first Guest of Honour was J.F. Rivkin.
Through Gaylaxicon and other activities, the Gaylactic Network pursues the following goals:
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To promote science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and other related genres (SF/F/H) in all forms, with particular attention to materials of interest to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) people.
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To provide forums for LGBT people and their friends to share their interest in SF/F/H.
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To promote the presence of LGBT elements within SF/F/H and within fandom.
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To promote SF/F/H within the LGBT communities.
Gaylaxicon
Through Sci Fi the Gay community is supported. I know Dr. Who would be proud as am I. Let me know what you think. Do you have a GLBT friend who would enjoy an event like this? I would love to hear from you. Contact me at Magid@raybin.com
John Barrowman would make a great guest for this event. I worked with him in 2008. He is just as good as man in person as you would expect. I’m looking forward to his return to Torchwood…
John Barrowman aka Captain Jack
Have a great Monday everyone. I’m off to another galaxy with the Doctor and Captain Jack! Who knows what adventures we will get up too…
Mag
Sci Fi on the Rock…Newfoundland here we come, April 16 & 17, 2011
Dec 4th
Hello there Con Maniacs,
Lets take a trip to Newfoundland in Canada for Sci Fi on the Rock which will be held at the The Holiday Inn,
180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John’s Newfoundland April 16 & 17, 2011. I know it sounds like it is far away. Really it is not that far from New York. This is a fan run event.
So far they have a rather eclectic guest line up. First up it the gorgeous Suzie Plakson. Suzie has played several different Star Trek characters over the years. A Vulcan doctor named Selar, Worf’s Klingon mate K’Ehleyr, a female Q and Tarah an Andorian on Enterprise.
Suzie Plakson
Also from Star Trek is JG Hertzler who is best known for his portrayal of of the Klingon General Martok. Although he is an amazing actor who has appeared on Six Feet Under, Roswell, Charmed, Highlander: The Series, Zorro and so many more.
JG Hertzler
Now we travel through the eye of the storm to Stargate with David Nykl who played Doctor Zalenka.
David Nykl
Last but certainly not least is Robert Axelrod. Robert is an American actor who has been in several movies and lent his voice to countless television shows including Digimon, having started anime voice acting in 1980. Two of his best known roles was that of Lord Zedd, the main antagonist of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and Finster, the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers monster maker. He has also portrayed a Paul McCartney look-a-like on the popular sitcom, Family Matters.
Robert Axelrod
Just to get a chance to go to Newfoundland would be a treat. I love Canada, it is a beautiful country with wonderful people. I have been to Toronto and Vancouver. Both are great cities. Vancouver is so plush and green and Toronto has a wonderful atmosphere due to being on the lake. If you get a chance you should make the trip to this event. If you do let me know, you can reach me at Magid@raybin.com
So many choices! I can travel via starship or Stargate…Hmmm what to do?
Mag
Steamcon II-Hilton Seattle Airport…buff up your brass!
Nov 7th
Hello Con Maniacs,
I hope you have all had a great weekend. Up coming in 2 weeks is Steamcon II. The event is held at the Hilton Seattle Airport hotel. Another great event in Seattle. Their theme this year is the weird, weird west, a nod to our collective western roots, and it’s got so much potential. From clockwork sharp shooters to Indian shamans. I love the whole idea of Steampunk technology and the “what if” scenario of it having been a part of the wild west. Can you imagine Billy, the kid with Steampunk technology? Or Wyatt Earp outfitted with some brass and steam…
James Ng Steampunk inspired artwork
