Photo of the day -The Skull
Month: March 2017
My First Cosplay Costume Contest
Last weekend I participated in the famous costume contest at the Wizard World Comic Con in Cleveland Ohio. I’ve never entered any sort of costume contest before, so it was definitely a new experience for me. I’ve cosplayed before, but being in a contest was definitely new and exciting for me. Unlike the comic heroine Black Canary I dressed up as, I definitely had a bit of stage fright.
Cosplaying is what you call dressing up as your favorite character from something like a comic, video game, movie, or show. Talented cosplayers of all ages gathered in the large auditorium room, where photographers flocked to take photos of the elaborate costumes before the judging started. That’s when I got the time to check it all out and talk to the creative minds behind the amazing work. People from all backgrounds and interests took days assembling their intricate cosplay so they can look just like their favorite characters. From Disney princesses to Marvel superheroes, everyone did a wonderful job. My favorite costume, hands down, was Princess Amidala!
Before we went on stage, they took a short video of all of us in line. That’s when things started to get real. The room started filling up with people, and suddenly there was at least a hundred or more attendees waiting to see us show off our costumes on stage. As I was waiting in line, I met a mother and daughter entering together. The daughter was dressed as a flower from a video game, something that looked vaguely 8-bit. Her mother had an original design, that is to say she created the character herself. Her costume was, “The Dragon Queen”. Of all the people I met, she had the only original costume. I thought that was awesome.
Eventually we moved to the part of the line where they took our photos studio style. I struck a couple poses, and was then ushered towards the stage. At this point I was pretty nervous, but I knew there was no turning back now. They called, “The Black Canary!” and I climbed up the steps onto the stage, letting my inner punk rock heroine let loose, and then promptly made my exit. I did it. I competed in a world renowned costume contest!
If you go to Wizard World next year, I highly recommend you attend their famous costume contest. You will not be disappointed.
-Chelsea Lovegood
Staff Writer
Bikes O’ Plenty at I-X Piston Powered Show
Cleveland, Ohio- The winter freeze and chill is upon us last St.Patrick’s Day weekend but all gear-heads and enthusiasts were in one place . The annual Summit Racing Equipment I-X Center Piston Powered Show held at the I-X Center . The word Autorama takes me back to the car and bike shows held in Cleveland during my youth at the old Cleveland Convention Center , The event covered all things piston powered but my heart and head were focused on one thing . Motorcycles , the open road, heavy metal thunder as Steppenwolf would sing about in ” Born To Be Wild ” and this show did not disappoint .
If it had anything close to a motorcycle description it was at this show , concept bikes, old Harley’s and everything in between . It was great seeing the camaraderie of the bikers getting along and talking each other . In addition the Riders Helping Riders booth proved to be a big hit . We plan on more coverage of this event in the near future but for now get on the road and enjoy those bikes and in the meantime here are some teaser images to satisfy that summer urge !
Arnold Sports Festival Draws Worldwide Competitors and Fans
Columbus ,Ohio- The annual pilgrimage of sports enthusiasts to Columbus , Ohio earlier this month brought the world a little closer together .I met people from Italy, Poland, Australia and all parts of America . The Arnold Sports Festival ,named after Arnold Schwarzenegger and now in it’s 29th year which started in 1989 as the Arnold Classic has greatly expanded its goals and outreach.The weekend now has featured 20,000 athletes from 80 nations in 75 different sports and events . In addition to bodybuilding, it has dance,cheer-leading ,arm-wrestling,martial arts, fencing, art, chess and many more , The event is now held world wide on every continent on the planet . The events are run very smoothly and friendly with the practiced hands of the very best people at the top of their game. In addition to the competitors there is a wide and varied assortment of fitness minded merchandise for the weekend warrior who just likes being the best they can be . To make this a true family event the expo now has a separate section called Kids Expo to show that fitness and sports are for the whole family .The event is held ever year in Columbus, Ohio and I suggest you make it down at least once to see what its all about . It had an inspiring effect on me to take ones health to heart and to live a better lifestyle . See ya in Columbus !
Stephen Pearcy of Ratt Delights Kent Audience
Kent, Ohio- The Kent Stage , located in Kent ,Ohio is normally associated with indie music , jams bands and some country shows however that myth was displaced the other night . The 1980’s metal icon Stephen Pearcy made his debut at the venue and the audience, staff and band could not have been happier. Stephen sounded better then ever as he proudly took the stage with a new found zest for life as a sober man .The look and sound brought back the memories of a by gone era and he proved Rock N Roll was not dead and that you can still rock out even past your 20’s. The set included a hit by hit list of songs from his catalog including a very cool Judas Priest cover and it is not easy to do Halford. My favorites of the night were ” Wanted Man ” ” Round & Round ” and ” Lay it Down “. The band was top notch music industry veterans rockstars in their own right including a former member of White Lion on drums Mr Greg D’Angelo .The lighting and sound were some of the best around , along with staff a true professional organization at the Kent Stage and I look forward to seeing another show there ! If you get a chance to see Stephen Pearcy coming to a city by you , make sure you go ,the time is now , the moment slips away !
Wizard World Cleveland Comic Con Draws Celebs, Artists and Fans
Cleveland ,Ohio- The staff at Wizard World have done it again for the third straight year .Bring a packed comic and pop culture festival to the rock capital and this time they turned the volume up to 11. I refereed to it as a festival because that is now what it is , music , movie screenings , comedy, art and musical shows is how the weekend played out and left a very exhausted and happy Cleveland in its place. Cleveland is a city has that been starving for conventions for quite a while now, but that was not always the case . In the 1960’s Star Trek premiered here at a sci fi convention, during the 1980’s and 1990’s both fan based and corporate operated conventions such as Creation Conventions dominated the landscape but for many years there was a lull in Cleveland and with Wizard World those times are a thing of the past !
The Celebs are the drawing power for the general public , however the artists attract the true collectors and the camaraderie and fun bring in cosplayers of all ages !
The artists are some of the highlights of the con and its your chance to get one of a kind art from the artists themselves !
The fans and fandom are what the weekend is about and cosplay rules supreme and this con was full of fun and adventure !
Fantasticon Draws Record Numbers To The Toledo Area !
Toledo ,Ohio- The city made famous for the battle of Toledo and in the television show M*A*S*H played host to one of the best fan friendly comic and pop culture events in the area .Fantasticon brings you an event full of fun and adventure with out the big name stars and big ticket prices and Toledo could not get enough.The Sea-gate Convention Center was the place to be with a friendly staff , amazing and talented artists and enough pop culture to satisfy any fan of just about any genre. The costume contests and karaoke and variety of vendors and artists make this the perfect family outing . To see future cities and locations please check out http://www.fantasticon.net/
Adam Ant Brings His Anthems The Singles Tour This September to The US
That dandy highwayman himself, the musical maestro known as Adam Ant brings his unique styling this fall to 16 cities across the US, did your city make the cut . We plan on trying to catch at least two of the performances as this artist doe not come around that often , more details to follow but below are the dates !
Wednesday, September 6, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Parker Playhouse (Broward Center PAC)
Friday, September 8, Clearwater, FL, Capitol Theatre
Saturday, September 9, Orlando, FL, The Beacham Theatre
Sunday, September 10, Jacksonville, FL, Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, September 13, New York, NY, Beacon Theatre
Friday, September 15, Detroit, MI, Sound Board @MotorCity Casino Hotel
Saturday, September 16, Cleveland, OH, House of Blues
Sunday, September 17, Pittsburgh, PA, Palace Theatre
Tuesday, September 19, Baltimore, MD, Baltimore Sound Stage
Wednesday, September 20, Richmond, VA, The National
Friday, September 22, Charlotte, NC, Fillmore
Saturday, September 23, Atlanta, GA, Variety Playhouse
Sunday, September 24, Nashville, TN, War Memorial Auditorium
Tuesday, September 26, Denver, CO, Paramount Theatre
Friday, September 29, San Francisco, The Masonic
Saturday, September 30, Los Angeles, Greek Theatre, with special guest L7
Photo of The Day- Gene Simmons of Kiss Interviews His Mini Me !
Wizard World Cleveland Comic Con 2017 played host to Gene Simmons of the rock super-group Kiss who had a chance to interview a young fan of his yesterday and for Gene to ask mini Gene what is is like to be him !
Photo of the day – Sons of Anarchy Tribute Motorcycle
The amazing tribute motorcycle based on the hit show Sons of Anarchy on display at the I- X Center Piston Powered Show this weekend in Cleveland, Ohio