Dragon*Con 2007, Day 0

[thatcrazycajun]

No, that's not a typo above; the biggest annual SF/fantasy/horror/gaming/comics/costume/you-name-it convention on the planet, Dragon*Con, had its unofficial start last night, with registration opening and an un-schedule-listed mega-concert in the evening featuring three talented Renfair-type bands: Three-Quarter Ale, The Lost Boys and Emerald Rose. (Official programming starts today, which I will miss a lot of until I get off work at 5 PM or so.) Being fortunately a local, I went down after work to pick up my performer's badge (I share an hour with Roberta Rogow tonight at 8:30 PM, Inman Room, Hyatt sub-basement), and ran into D*C current filk czar/performer filkertom, running around like a decapitated chicken and already looking haggard enough to have been here three days, the poor sod. (Of course, driving down from Michigan [!!] might have had something to do with that...)

The only other two people I knew who showed up this early were Roberta, who had flown in Tuesday from her NJ digs, and another longtime crony of mine,filkferengi, who showed up for the concert. We stayed long enough to hear 3QA's miked-acoustic set, which was still at a respectable volume given the towering amps and cavernous room the show occupied. Once the electric-guitar contingent took over around 10:30P or so, we both bailed; any music that hurts *my* half-deaf ears from 50 feet outside closed auditorium doors was more than either of us could stand. (Both TLB and ER will be performing in more intimate, less deafening setups on the Hyatt concourse level, as well as more ballroom concerts, during the weekend, so this show was just gravy for me and wasn't a heartbreak to miss 2/3 of.)

I even get to share dealer-table space with Roberta and the Bedlam Bards, two levels up from our concert room. Now if only I'd had the foresight to get some CDs and/or songbooks made up to sell...Grrr.

So who's gonna be here this weekend? Who's already here that I haven't mentioned? Or if you're not attending, what are you doing that's exciting and fun this weekend? Post here.

Comments

I'm There In Spirit

[sodyera.livejournal.com]

Perhaps the whims of the Gods shall bring me down there one year or another, but not today. I haven't been to Atlanta since 1978. My wish for good times go with you and all my other friends in attendance, but CONTATA's Hausfilk shall happen Sunday, the second at Merav's house in Jersey City. It's considerably closer, cheaper and has the words "DON'T PANIC" written in large, friendly letters across the front.

[kitanzi.livejournal.com]

I'll be there tomorrow, just for the day. Try my cellphone, if you find yourself at loose ends. :)

Oh Well,

[shelleybear.livejournal.com]

I guess the flier waits a few more days.
Not that I"d be there anyway as I'm sick.

Re: Oh Well,

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

I apologize for not replying to your phone messages sooner; but yes, it does look like the flyer design will have to wait until Tuesday or so. Thank you for your patience.

Re: Oh Well,

[shelleybear.livejournal.com]

Matt, I do appreciate the help.
I know I am essentially on a tear to make some money up here (see my lj post) so that is why I'm so pushy.

[gingicat]

My roommate's friend katarik is attending her first D*C; if you see her, please make her welcome.

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

Sure. Got a picture so I can recognize her? (Alternatively, you can just pass her my cell # - 7708613041 - and she can find me.)

[stevemb.livejournal.com]

I'm going to be at a local gaming con (TCEP 14 -- Gamers of the Carribean) this weekend. I tend to prefer a relaxacon environment where I can just kick back and pick up a few games to the madness that (by reputation; I haven't seen it firsthand) is Dragon*Con; that said, there are a few D*C panels I'll regret missing: partiallyclips mentioned an EFF-track webcomics panel that sounds interesting. He also mentioned his annoyance with the rather disorganized schedule that doesn't mention the fact that he's on it (I got the info from the Erfworld forum).

[filkferengi]

They've been doing the pre-con Celtic concerts for at least the last five years or so, maybe longer. They were listed in the progress report that went out a few weeks ago & in the pocket program [the 120+ page one that only got online a couple of days before the con].

It was fun seeing you guys; super set!