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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
I have been reluctant to post if only for the reason that this event is the same weekend as Kay and Tory's gathering. If it were not on the same weekend, I would be on the West Coast seeing Mr. Higley and others in person, and possibly partaking in some of the festivities associated with Bat's Day.
For those not attending The Odd Gathering, and especially those who live on the East Coast, please consider the following: http://www.nationalhalloweenconvention.com I am putting together some close to final bits of information, including the full entertainment lineup, information for the Haunters' Got Talent Competition, and other items of interest to "people like us." Last year, I was fortunate enough to work with people like Jonathan Frost, Ron Fitzgerald, and Danny Borneo and Reggie B from the Olde City Sideshow. This year, Professor Ouch and the Creatures East will return, and a bunch of new talent has been added. More details to follow, including more information on the following: *Headliners John Bundy and Morgan *Tony Gangi's performances and book-signing appearances *Prize packages to include offerings from Doug Higley and Outlaw Effects as a part of the first-ever Haunters' Got Talent Competition *THREE exhibit areas right off of the Midway and the grounds of the New York Renaissance Faire As I finalize some of the information, I will post it to this thread. I am very excited about the convention itself as every day adds something new and exciting to my list of things to offer to convention guests. Happy Halloween! Chris Handa NHC Entertainment Director |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
Social Activities of a [mostly] non-magic nature:
THURSDAY NIGHT MEET AND GREET SPONSORED BY MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE Join Host Marty Gear, a.k.a. “Uncle Vlad” of Castle Blood and Balticon fame, for a casual social to meet and socialize with convention guests, presenters, and talent. John Bundy and Morgan will be on hand to provide a taste of their magical talent that will run on the Fangoria Stage Friday through Sunday. The band who spawned a genre, Midnight Syndicate, will show the trailer to the upcoming film THE DEAD MATTER as well as their first and brand-new music video. Throughout the evening, Marty will be giving away prizes from Midnight Syndicate and other sponsors for those who show that they can match or surpass his superior vampire bit…sorry, wit! We cannot say much more about this, except that one should be prepared to put their “best fang forward” and remember that even vampires like to laugh. This event is included in general convention admission. SATURDAY “AFTER PARTY” WITH THE YOUNG WEREWOLVES Don’t go to bed or hide in a corner! Rock with The Young Werewolves from Saturday night through the wee hours of Sunday morning. If you haven’t heard The Young Werewolves play, then you haven’t heard why FANGORIA, Sid Haig, GOTHIC BEAUTY, ROCKABILLY MAGAZINE, and others have had such great things to say about Philly’s best offering to the Psychobilly Planet! See and hear for yourselves: they look as great as they sound! This event is included in general convention admission. |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
HAUNTERS’ GOT TALENT COMPETITION
If you have five minutes of talent in you, then share it with us and compete for a coffin-load of prizes! At present, we have well over $1,500.00 in prizes to give away, and the prize list is still growing. EVERY entrant will receive a prize, but if you advance to the final round, even the consolation prizes increase in value. Finalists will compete for larger prize packages that include NHC’s now-infamous “Convention Cash.” Convention Cash spends like real money at any dealer booth on the show floor and is also awarded in smaller amounts for various reasons over the weekend. There is no additional entry fee for Haunters’ Got Talent. Rules are available online. Entrants must register in advance with Chris Handa, NHC Entertainment Director, to receive a spot in the competition. Maximum number of competitors: 12. Finalists’ award categories: Best Presentation Overall (Judges’ Choice), Best Halloween Presentation (Convention Management Choice), and People’s Choice (ballot of those present during finals). Prize sponsors include: *Kristen Lawrence/halloweencarols.com *Doug Higley/grindshow.com ($250 Custom Prop as part of Best Halloween Presentation Prize) *Rick Roth/outlaw-effects.com (high-end magic prop designed especially for dark entertainers) *Chris Handa/spookymagic.com *Castle Blood/Midnight Monster Hop *Midnight Syndicate *Tony Gangi/carnysideshows.com *Charlie Fleming/b**t*rdsofhorror.com *Haunt Rocker Jerry Vayne/jerryvayne.com *Jen Sharlow/screamqueenmarketing.com *Tom Straub Ghost Artist/zazzle.ca/tomornorman Special thanks to Jen Sharlow for prize wrangling assistance More prize sponsors to come! |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
MAINSTAGE SHOWS
John Bundy and Morgan will appear all weekend with highlights from John’s long-running and highly successful “Wacky Dracky Spooktacular” show. John has years of performance as Wacky Dracky and other character appearing everywhere from trade shows to theme parks. Among magicians, John has received many accolades and been featured in many publications, including a prestigious MAGIC MAGAZINE Cover Story for October 2005. Morgan was recently awarded “2009 Escape Artist of the Year” and was featured on the World Magic Awards in January. Tony Gangi, The Amazing Human Head will present his sideshow-themed performance on Friday and Saturday. Tony will also be available to sign copies of his newly-released CARNY SIDESHOWS: WEIRD WONDERS OF THE MIDWAY and discuss his current and upcoming projects. The Creatures East will return to the Fangoria Stage with spooky storytelling, as well as be around all weekend on the show floor, as seminar presenters, and a part of the Children’s Programming Track. Fangoria.com has been a great partner and few people know more of the details of the Horror Biz than the people of FANGORIA. Join them as they take the stage to ask you questions about classic and contemporary horror films, and have the chance at winning one of the many items in their unique stash of haunt and horror themed prizes! The Curator of the Medieval Weapons of War Show and Professor Ouch will step away from their respective exhibits to entertain and educate us on the Fangoria Stage. Chris Handa of spookymagic.com will remove and demonstrate items from Professor Scrye’s Closet of Curiosities. As an entertainer and magic director, Chris has honed his craft and collected some very unique items. He will share some of those with you from the Fangoria Stage if you are brave enough to assist him with some experiments! Finally, veteran masquerade director Dawn McKechnie, known to many as “Kaijugal” and “Autumn” from various conventions and gatherings, will host the SCREAMS AND DREAMS FASHION SHOW. Think of it as a “Best in Show” exhibition of the premiere costumes, props, and products in haunting and horror. This is your chance to our vendors and crastspeople put their best foot forward and onstage with a display of the things that everybody wants for their own show or display. All of the above is included with convention General Admission. FEATURED EXHIBITS We’re bringing the Midway and the Ren Faire to you! For a very small admission cost, you can visit the most unique collections of items assembled in one convention. Visit Professor Ouch’s Odditorium and Great American Midway, Doctor Slickshill’s Sideshow Museum of Monsterous Oddities, and Rich Hanf’s Medieval Weapons of War Show during Show Floor Hours Friday through Sunday. Each Showman has his own collection of unique items and experiences to share. We are very fortunate to have all of these “Curators of the Creepy” with us for our entertainment and education. |
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Marqus Special user 899 Posts |
Chris,
I'm seriously thinking about attending as it is only an hour & a half away. But I would only be attending on Saturday, May 1st. What time do the doors open? What time do they close? I've been to horror conventions (Fangoria, Chiller) but never to a Halloween convention. Is this pretty similiar? Thanks. |
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Leslie Melville Special user Blackpool-U.K. 708 Posts |
A Hallowe'en event in April! Well, it's certainly bizarre!
Leslie.
Stories....?....That's telling!
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
Not that it matters to the majority of the population, but we deliberately schedule the convention around Beltane, which is "Halfway to Halloween" in the calendar. Moreso than for religious or sentimental reasons, it gives us a "hook" to explain why such an event exists when it does.
The more practical reason is that the vast majority of attendees have other things to do in October. They are running haunted attractions, performing, decorating their own homes, or attending other seasonal events. This is as much in preparation for October as it is in celebration of Halloween. We differ from Fangoria and Chiller in that the focus is a bit more broad than movies and movie memorabilia. You'll be able to browse Halloween and Horror collectables, catch a show, learn makeup and costuming techniques, listen to Halloween music, engage in role-playing games, and even learn (or teach others!) the "official" Thriller dance! Other offerings beyond those listed under entertainent include a full and diverse vendor area, a make-up competition, various artistic contests, educational seminars (see the list at the website), a lights-on tour of a haunted attraction after seeing it in full operation, and a zombie-themed costume ball. We welcome day-trippers as well as full weekend participants. More info is available at the website. See the first post in this thread for a link. Thanks for asking! Chris |
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Leslie Melville Special user Blackpool-U.K. 708 Posts |
I think it's a great idea! I market my Spook Show:
http://www.thestorytelling-resource-cent......how.html all the year round. If you do it again in 2011, let me know! Good luck, Leslie.
Stories....?....That's telling!
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
Leslie,
Ask and ye shall receive. We'd love to have more international guests! 2011 Dates: Thursday May 5-Sunday May 8 2012 Dates: Wednesday May 2-Sunday May 6 *We're so positive that we'll still be around in 2012 that we added an extra day! Chris |
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Marqus Special user 899 Posts |
Chris,
I know the tickets are available online. Are the tickets available at the door also? What time do the doors open? |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
Tickets are also available at the door.
There will be people at registration every morning at 9am because some seminars start that early. The tradeshow floor opens at 10 am each day, and most of the entertainment activites are within the schedule of the tradeshow floor. Café Members can also PM me if they are interested in a discounted coupon for general admission. I will mail these (traditional post only) as long as I have them. Chris |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
Prize Sponsor Update:
The prize offers keep rolling in. Music, books, how-to guides, props, and a couple of other surprises are all part of the packages. Each of the three category winners gets a "Convention Cash" prize (spends like real money at any dealer booth) as well as a prize package worth at least $200.00. The list of prizes is still growing. (Note: any duplicate prizes in the final round will be awarded as a part of prizes given to any remaining runners-up. Any multiple award-winners will receive the "convention cash" for each category, a general prize package, and anything unique to the category-specific prize package.) Sponsors so far: Kristen Lawrence: halloweencarols.com Doug Higley: grindshow.com ($250 Custom Prop as part of Best Halloween Presentation Prize) Rick Roth: outlaw-effects.com (high-end magic prop designed especially for dark entertainers) Chris Handa: spookymagic.com Castle Blood and Midnight Monster Hop: castleblood.com Midnight Syndicate Halloween Music: midnightsyndicate.com Tony Gangi: carnysideshows.com Charlie Fleming: ***sofhorror.com Haunt Rocker Jerry Vayne: jerryvayne.com Jen Sharlow: screamqueenmarketing.com Tom Straub Ghost Artist: zazzle.ca/tomornorman Mike Melillo: blacklightfright.com Kim Yates: kimskrpyt.com Jeannine Lorenz: mommie-d.com I also have some celebrity autographs to add as soon as I get 100% confirmation from the talent. Don't forget that EVERY person who enters receives a prize as a thank-you for being a part of the competition. Any mizarrist who reads this page should be thinking about queuing up for a chance to win something from Doug Higley and Rick Roth, and I will only award Rick's prize to a deserving mystery entertainer! Happy Halloween! Chris |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
Add Big Josh and skin-collector.com to the list of prize sponsors...I just confirmed that he will be sending something along to us!
And if you haven't been to http://www.skin-collector.com yet, take a few minutes to do so. Look around the shop. It's some very wicked stuff! Chris |
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StrangeMagick Special user 635 Posts |
Tony Gangi is a DREAT guy. I just attended his book signing in the Boston area.
I'd LOVE to make this Gathering. I actually grew up near where this takes place and have relatives who live in in Phoenixville, but as luck would have it, I don't think I can make this AGAIN. I'm good friends with Johnathan Frost, who performed there in the past. He also has done a few sets with our Salem October Bizarre Magick Troupe. Hey Chris, someday I'd like to meet you personally. I know we have a lot of friends in common (Rick Maue, included). I also know you from Shadow Digest land (although I need to re-join, as my email changes and I didn't let Bother Bruce know). I don't beleive I met you at the seance gathering a few years ago that Rick Maue did ... or maybe I did and my mind ain't what it used to be ;-) Dam*, I wish I could rearrange things to get to this. Magickally, Dave Birtwell |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
Dave, I appreciate the encouraging words.
Without rambling (hard to do), I can tell you that we will be around for the next few years, and that the magic/allied arts track will expand and improve as time and budget allow. Our ownership group likes the idea of providing a haven for magicians, side show performers, psychobilly musicians, and the like. We add some very interesting colors to the typical palette associated with Halloween. I can also say that I'm thrilled w/ ALL of the performers who worked w/ us last year, and it is my sincere hope that they will be a part of future plans. There are plenty of opportunities for informal fellowship over the weekend. One thing that I plan to do in future years is create a couple of more formal programs, including a round-table discussion and an open sharing session. Pricing is also set up for both day trippers and weekend warriors. Depending upon what they want to see and do, it can be a very light/low-cost day or weekend or they can load up the schedule w/ our programmed activities and pay a la carte. Lectures and one-day workshops will be no problem as our seminar format already allows for that option. So, again, if you're not going to the Odd Gathering, please consider visiting us if only for a day. Coupons for a significant discount off of general admission are available through me. Please PM or email me for these. Thanks, Chris P.S.--Dave, we have met. I'm just not as colorful a figure when I'm working in more behind-the-scenes roles as I am when I'm the one at the front of the room. |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
This is the "near final" list of Prize Sponsors, as well as where/when prizes will be awarded during the weekend.
I say “near final” because surprises are still happening on a near-daily basis! As new Prize Sponsors contact me, I will add them to the list. I am also pleased to announce that we will award OVER $2,000 TOTAL IN PRIZES, we have a SPECIAL FOURTH CATEGORY in which somebody will walk away with some excellent bonus prizes! Prize Sponsors have contributed one or more prizes to any of the following events: 1.Door Prizes for the Thursday Night Meet and Greet (Main Sponsor: Midnight Syndicate Halloween Music) 2.Scary Scavenger and Brain Eater Prizes awarded from the Fangoria Stage before performance slots. 3.Consolation and Prize Packages for the Haunters’ Got Talent Contest. EVERY contestant will receive at least one prize from the list of sponsors below. A special thank-you goes out to Kristen Lawrence of halloweencarols.com and Jen Sharlow of Scream Queen Marketing for their unique and invaluable assistance with the success of this year’s Prize Sponsorship program. Here is the list of Prize Sponsors to date: Kristen Lawrence: halloweencarols.com National Halloween Show: halloweenshow.com Doug Higley: grindshow.com Rick Roth: outlaw-effects.com Chris Handa: spookymagic.com Castle Blood and Midnight Monster Hop: castleblood.com Midnight Syndicate Halloween Music: midnightsyndicate.com Tony Gangi: carnysideshows.com Charlie Fleming: b*****dsofhorror.com Haunt Rocker Jerry Vayne: jerryvayne.com Jen Sharlow: screamqueenmarketing.com Tom Straub Ghost Artist: tom-straub.artistwebsites.com Mike Melillo: blacklightfright.com Kim Yates: kimskrpyt.com Jeannine Lorenz: mommie-d.com Lola Davidson, actress Horror Realm Convention: horrorrealmcon.com Jeff Wehenkel : wehenkelgallery.weebly.com Josh James: skin-collector.com The Next Post will contain the prize breakdown for the HGT Contest, including the addition of a special award category just for Mystery Entertainers! Chris |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
Read carefully. Magic types have a shot at their own special prize worth $175.00 in addition to being eligible for an additional $475-$875 worth of prizes.
HAUNTERS' GOT TALENT PRIZE PACKAGES AND WINNING CATEGORIES Each contestant in the final round who wins one, two, or even all three of the Finalist Categories will receive a single prize package valued at approximately $275.00. Only one package will be awarded/final winner. Remaining packages will be split among non-winning finalists as consolation prizes. Prizes contained in each package come from the following sponsors: Halloweencarols.com Jerryvayne.com Spookymagic.com Castleblood.com Blacklightfright.com Screamqueenmarketing.com Midnightsyndicate.com Carnysideshows.com Tom-straub.artistwebsites.com Horrorrealmcon.com Overall winners of each category receive the following unique prizes: MOST ENTERTAINING OVERALL: *Awarded by choice of Celebrity Judge Panel *Total Value Over $200.00 1. $75 in NHC “Poker Chips” to spend with any vendor on the trade show floor! 2. One VIP General Admission to the 2011 National Halloween Convention 3. One Alien Resin Statue from blacklightfright.com 4. One Custom-Painted Mask from wehenkelgallery.weebly.com BEST HALLOWEEN THEME: *Awarded by Convention Management Staff *Total Value Over $200.00 1. $75 in NHC “Poker Chips” to spend with any vendor on the trade show floor! 2. One VIP General Admission to the 2011 National Halloween Convention 3. One custom shrunken head from grindshow.com PEOPLE’S CHOICE *Awarded by ballot of those in attendance for Finals Competition on Sunday *Total Value Over $200.00 1. $75 in “Poker Chips” to spend with any vendor on the trade show floor! 2. One VIP General Admission to the 2011 National Halloween Convention 3. One Custom Preserved Tattoo from skin-collector.com SPECIAL AWARD: PROFESSOR SCRYE’S PROMISING PERFORMER PRIZE, A.K.A. “THE P.S.P.P.P” *This category is awarded independently of all other awards, and is not a part of any of the Finalists’ Award Packages. The winner may or may not be a finalist to receive this award. The only requirement is that the winner demonstrates the best presentation of Mystery Entertainment (magic or allied art) among all entries. *Sponsored by spookymagic.com and outlaw-effects.com *Total Value of at least $175.00 1. $50.00 in “Poker Chips” to spend with any vendor on the trade show floor! 2. One of the books from Outlaw Effects’ infamous “Luna” series 3. Prize Package from spookymagic.com To all contestants: Chip a Fang and Happy Halloween! Chris Handa NHC Entertainment Director |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
And from the "These Guys Stand Out In Any Crowd Department," a special thank you goes to Café Members Doug Higley, Rick Roth, Big Josh, and Tony Gangi (jondark445) for their effort to provide an incentive for magic-types to enter the HGT!
I don't expect anyone to want to win products with my thumb print on them, but I know that EVERYONE here wants a Higley, to be an Outlaw, their own tattoo to carry with them, and a signed first edition of Tony's new book! -Chris *Edited to add proper credits |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
An update on Prizes, as inventory of items received continues:
In addition to the the three special prizes each winning finalist receives, the general prize pack contains: About $50 worth of Haunted Art A DVD colletion of movies worth at least $40 Over $60 in Original Music, all of which comes with the option to write the creators and secure performance rights About $65 in reading material on the subjects of prop-making, spooky magic, and side shows A few other goodies that are DEFINITELY of interest to any mystery performer. I still have a few coupons for a deeply-discounted general admission rate, and there is NO CHARGE to enter the contest. And don't forget that there is a special prize that will only be awarded to a deserving mystery entertainer! PM me if you are interested or have questions. Happy Halloween! Chris |
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handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
Well, we're within the "hours" countdown to go time for my part of the show.
I would hope that with all of the cool magic-type stuff going on this weekend on both North American coasts and elsewhere that everyone is doing SOMETHING this weekend. If you aren't...then why not? And for those going to Kay and Tori's Gathering: I do have Higley-envy and hope to get out there at some point. Have lots of fun and share no secrets that you earned during the weekend! Chris Handa NHC Entertainment Director |
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