Programming | DarkCon

TAKE A SNEAK PEEK AT THE ENTIRE
Programming Grid 01-08-14 A

Grand Opening Gala with performance by the band Traveler-World Fusion Music
Thurs, 9pm – ??, Yuma room

VIP Party & Raffle – only for members with VIP membership
Thurs 6p-10p, DarkSuite room #1014

DarkOnes Party – Dr. Who themed, not to be missed!
Sat 8p-whenever, Yuma room
Sat 9p – Hospitality opens in the DarkSuite room #1014

Volunteer Raffle – for volunteers only
Sun noon-2p, Yuma room

Pajama Party – last gasp of the con
Sun 7p-last one out, DarkSuite room #1014

ADULT – See separate listing under Events/Adult Programming

AUTOGRAPHING

Adrian Paul – see him at his table in Merchant’s Room

Gini Koch
Sat 1p-2p, Merchant’s Room
Sun 11a-noon, Foyer

Marcy Rockwell
Sat 4p-5p, Foyer

T.L. Smith
Sat 1p-2p, Merchant’s Room at Gini Koch’s table

Michael A. Stackpole
Fri 8p-9p, Foyer
Sun 1p-2p, Foyer

T.M. Williams
Sun 11a-noon, Foyer

Susan Wright
Sat 2p-3p, Foyer

DEMONSTRATIONS

Introduction to the Scottish Basket Hilted Broadsword
The basket hilted broadsword (or backsword) has been the iconic weapon favoured by the Scots for over three centuries. There have been a number of manuals written on the subject and this class will provide an introduction to the general principles and techniques described throughout these various manuals. We will also cover the use the targe shield in the off-hand as well as in conjunction with the dirk.
Sat 3p-4p, Yuma room. Sean Clark, Mike Strong

Leatherworking 101
See, feel and discuss the different types of leather. Learn about tooling and stamping, sewing materials, cutting materials, attaching leather together with rivets and snaps
Sat 6p-7p, Buckhorn room. Jeremy Schleining, Noe Sanchez

Leatherworking for Folks who don’t like Leatherworking
Discussion and demonstration of shortcuts for leatherwork plus the twenty different fasteners.
Fri 4p-5p, Yuma. Bob Beckwith, Robin Prosje.

Naval Boarding Actions: Combat in the Skies & on the High Seas
In this class, we will learn the use of various types of weapons commonly found aboard a vessel & used in close quarter combat. Some weapons will include the cutlass, tomahawk & large knife. Techniques will include grapples, off-hand use, secondary weapon use, blade assists, and defense against multiple opponents.
Sat 1p-2p, Yuma room. Sean Clark, Mike Strong

DR. WHO

Dr Who vs Serenity Smackdown.
Pick a side! Come spend some time with Loyal Fans Supreme Gini Koch (Team Firefly) and Chris Swanson (Team Dr. Who) as they use clips, wit and, potentially, violence to determine which show is REALLY the best — the far-too-soon cancelled Firefly or the long-running Dr. Who. Be prepared to participate because a winner WILL be chosen.
Sat 4p-6p, Sagebrush room. Chris Swanson, Gini Koch

Dr Who: Past, Present & Future
A discussion of all things Dr Who; where the series is now and where it might be going. Plus all the peripherals: web, audio, etc
Fri 3p-4p, Sagebrush room. Chris Swanson

FILM MAKING DIY

Actors are People, Too
Kevin R. Phipps, director and acting coach, will provide tools and techniques for both actors and directors to better work together.
Fri 630p-8p, Ponderosa room. Kevin R. Phipps

I Gotta Do What?!! an Indie Filmmakers Guide to Selling Their Film
Jon Bonnell will discuss how to design your project from the beginning to be saleable. We’ll look at keyart and trailer designs (from the bizarre to the marketable), casting choices, how to market to your niche, and how to maximize your return. It’s all about maximizing the return on your money.
Sat 1230p-2p, Ponderosa room. Jon Bonnell

Makeup FX on a Budget
David Ayres has worked on such great projects as The Hills Have Eyes, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Battlestar Galactica (TOS). He brings his skills as a makeup artist to Darkcon to show how you can do your makeup FX on a budget for film, tv, or cosplay.
Sun 10a-1130a, Ponderosa room. David Ayres

Visual FX Aren’t Rocket Science
These are the wizards behind Voyage Trekkers Season 1 & 2. In addition, David Stipes was Visual Effects Supervisor on such TV classics as Star Trek the Next Generation, Voyager, and Deep Space Nine. They’ll discuss and show you how they made virtual sets, masks, props and other special effects.
Sat 4p-530p, Ponderosa room. Nathan Blackwell, David Stipes, Nathan Stipes, and Brian Sheriff

GINI-CON with our Author Guest Gini Koch

Aliens Among Us
Discussion with our Local Author Guest of Honor about her most well-known books, the Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series. Have questions? Want insights into your favorite characters? Then don’t miss this!
Sun 10a-11a, Sagebrush room. Gini Koch, Hal Astell (moderator)

Autographing
Sat 1p-2p, Merchant’s Room
Sun 11a-noon, Foyer

Kaffee Klatsche
Friday 3p-4p, Terrace
Sat 3p-4p, Terrace

Self-Publishing Tips from the Trenches
More and more authors are going the self-publishing route, either for some or all of their work. Get the inside scoop on a variety of do’s and don’ts from successfully self-pubbed authors.
Fri 5p-6p, Sagebrush room. Gini Koch, Michael Stackpole, T.L. Smith

SF vs. Fantasy in Literature
Science fiction and fantasy are usually grouped together on the bookshelves, but there are distinct differences, both in how they’re categorized and how they’re written, and why. Our panelists share their views, preferences, and maybe even some secrets.
Fri 6p-7p, Yuma room. Gini Koch, Michael Stackpole

Worlds of Gini Koch
Our Local Author Guest of Honor Gini Koch writes under a variety of pen names, and in all the genres. Come learn about her other works, other names, and other things she has coming up in 2014.
Sun Noon-130p, Sagebrush room. Gini Koch, Hal Astell (moderator)

Writing Different Lengths in Multiple Genres
Is it schizophrenia or just an overactive imagination and a willingness to never sleep that allows our panelists to write in a variety of genres and in all the lengths imaginable? Join them and find out!
Sun 130p-230p, Sagebrush. Gini Koch, Marcy Rockwell, T.L. Smith

LITERATURE/WRITING

Bad Science in Laser Weapons
The laser is an incredibly power scientific tool. So who came up with the idea to make it a weapon – the scientists, or the SF writers? We’ll talk a little about the history of lasers and laser weapons, a bit about light and lasers in general, the present state of laser weapons research, and why so many SF writers get it wrong when they put a laser weapon in the hands of their characters.
Sat 11a-1230p, Ponderosa room. J.L. Doty

Worlds of Michael Stackpole
A rambling discussion of Mike’s various series, what it is like to write in someone else’s universe and what’s coming.
Sat 530p-630p, Yuma room. Michael A. Stackpole

Writers Workshop
21 Days to a Novel. New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole presents his three week program for preparing yourself to write a novel. This set of 21 exercises is broken down to give you everything from character creation to world building, practical plotting devices, dialogue development and character voice creation tools. This program is a practical, kick-in-the-pants place to start your career.
Sat 1p-3p, Sagebrush room. Michael A. Stackpole

Writing Movie Tie-Ins
Professional authors discuss what it’s like to write in a shared universe; the woes and the perks, the difficulties and the successes.
Sat 3p-4p, Sagebrush room. Michael A. Stackpole, Marcy Rockwell, Susan Wright

Zombies in Literature
What does the future of Zombie literature hold? Will the Zombie of tomorrow be different? Find out what author T.M. Williams of “Undead Winter” and Veronica Baxter of the Zombie Research Society think as they share and discuss the evolution of Zombies in literature and what we can expect.
Sat Noon-1p, Sagebrush room. T.M. Williams, Veronica Baxter, Zoe Mora

MAKE & TAKE WORKSHOPS

Cyberpunk Hair Falls
Have fun learning how to construct your own Steampunk & Cyberpunk hair falls! This workshop will teach you the basics of dreads, cyberlox, and other hair piece creation techniques. Everyone will construct an accent fall and we will also go over installation. All the basic decorations will be provided, though if you already have a specific item(s) that you’d like to incorporate please bring them! $20 per person, limited to 20 participants. Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Sun 10a-noon, Buckhorn. Lindsay Carson, Johnna Buttrick

Flogger Make and Take
Come learn hands on how to make a flogger from unique materials. Tara Lionheart and the Lionheart household will guide you in the construction of your own mini flogger, fully usable from the time you walk out the door. $10 per person, limited to 10 participants. Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Sat 10a-noon, Buckhorn. Tara Lionheart and House Lionheart

Home Brewing and Cordial Making
Come discuss the basics of home brewing and learn to make your own cordials in the comfort of your own home from an acknowledged Master of the Craft, our very own: Lord Craig of the White Cliffs. There will be a demo on the making of some easy cordials and discussion of some of the more complicated ones. Following the discussion we will have a hands on workshop in which you can make one or two cordials, one quick, one that needs time to sit and mellow.
You must bring your own 750ml bottle of vodka. It does not need to be expensive vodka but charcoal filtered is the best for taste. Bottles, ingredients and mixes provided. $15 per person, limited to 15 participants. Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Sat 230p-4p, DarkSuite room #1014. Lord Craig of the White Cliffs.

Leather Pouch
Come join the Brose Brothers’ Productions crew in creating your own leather pouch. Class will include instructions on how to hand dye, hand sew, and add your own personal touch. Pouch kits will be provided, additional decorative materials will be available for purchase. $25 per person, limited to 15 participants.
Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Fri 4p-6p, Buckhorn room. Ben Brose, Casey Brose, Mitch Brose.
Sun 3p-5p, Buckhorn room. Ben Brose, Casey Brose, Mitch Brose.

Owl Feather Steampunk Pins
In this workshop you will create your own Steampunk style pin with real Eurasian Eagle Owl feathers, filigrees, cogs and gears. It is a great accessory to any Steampunk outfit! $20 per person, limited to 20 participants. Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Fri 230p-4p, Buckhorn room. Spring Garrett.

Parasol Painting
Please join us for a couple of hours of pure fun. Release your inner child with paper parasols and paints. There will be paints in all the bright colors of the rainbow, as well as the darker ones for your Steam/Cyber-punk creations. And there will be glitter. Oh yes…glitter. And other fun findings as well. If needed, a basecoat of black, bronze, or grayish-silver to speed up the process of creating your masterpiece can be added. That way all you have to do is add your embellishments and finishing touches for that perfect parasol. Please let us know when registering for the class if you desire this. Cost $25 per person, limited to 15 participants. Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Sun Noon-230p, Buckhorn room. Rebecca Carter, Tracey Feltes

Steampunk Fascinators
In this workshop we will create lovely hair accessories to add to your steampunk collection. Fascinators were highly popular hair pins worn for special occasions during the late 1800’s. $15 per person, limited to 20 participants. Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Sat 430p-6p, Buckhorn room. Illeana Vega Herrera, Johanna Buttrick

Steampunk Goggles
Have fun constructing your own laser-cut leather Steampunk Goggles! These wonderful Steampunk accessories will be ready to wear. This class includes a complete kit with everything you need to build your very own laser-cut leather Steampunk goggles. $25 per person, limited to 30 participants. Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Fri 6p-730p, Buckhorn. Noe Sanchez, Mike Syfritt

Steampunk Holsters
Attendees at the workshop will put together and decorate a leather holster suitable for a Steampunk hand weapon. $15 per person, limited to 20 participants. Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Sat 2p-430p, Buckhorn. Bob Beckwith

Steampunk Weapons
Build your own Steampunk Maverick rub-n-buff class $20.00 per person, only 10 per class, and only 2 classes, so don’t miss this one! Gun, gears, and do-dads will be provided in the supplies.
$20 per person, limited to 10 participants. Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Sat 10a-noon, Buckhorn room. Dee Astell, Khurt Khave.

MEDIA

A Game of Thrones
A discussion of all things related to A Song of Ice and Fire. This amazingly popular and highly awarded TV series continues to enthrall us all. How closely does the TV adaptation follow Martin’s novels, and are the changes acceptable? Which characters are the most effective and how well do the different plot threads intermingle?
Sat 11a-noon, Sagebrush room. Chris Swanson

Barry Bard’s At the Movies
This is a favorite DarkCon event where you will get a sneak peak at trailers for some exciting new upcoming movies. After the trailer presentation we will hold a raffle for FREE movie promotional material (T-shirts, baseball caps, special posters and whatever else the studios have sent us).
Sponsored by CASFS.org (Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society). CASFS’ purpose is to promote interest in science fiction, fantasy and science. Please check their website for more info.
Sun 3p-5p, Sagebrush room. Len Berger, Mark Boniece, Richard Bolinski

Film Festival
Thurs 6p-10p, Sagebrush room. Hal Astell
Fri 6p-9p, Sagebrush room. Hal Astell

Meet Adrian Paul, our VIP Media Guest
Adrian Paul will discuss his career and take questions from the audience.
Fri 5p-6p, Yuma room. Adrian Paul
Sat 430p-530p, Yuma room. Adrian Paul

Tube Talk
What’s happening in current and upcoming Science Fiction and Fantasy TV? When will we see more of the new Doctor? Who’s the latest author to get a TV series? Find out all of this and more at SF Tube Talk!
Sunday 11a-noon, Yuma. Lee Whiteside, Chris Swanson

Walking Dead
We will be exploring the TV Series thus far. We will discuss the progression of the show in relation to the comic series, as well as look at what to expect in the second half of Season 4.
Sun 2p-3p, Ponderosa room. Veronica Baxter

MISC: Art, Gaming, Space & More Adult

Fantasy Art Techniques & Mediums
Three professional artists share their views on creating art – why, how, where, when, etc. and how they use it to market ourselves. Since each uses different mediums and techniques, you will get a broad overview of the field of fantasy art.
Sun 10a-11a, Yuma. Chris Wood, Mark Greenawalt, Jacob Dietz

Fighting for Sexual Freedom
Join Susan Wright, founder and spokesperson for the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, to learn more about the only national advocacy group that directly defends alternative sexual expression. You’ll get an overview of the techniques for court cases and incidents that NCSF uses every year to help hundreds of groups, businesses and individuals fight discrimination. You’ll also learn how NCSF works with the media to educate society about safe, sane and consensual BDSM, polyamory and swinging. Brochures will be available for NCSF’s Kink Aware Professionals free referral list. Join in this lively discussion by bringing up any issues or concerns you have about yourself, your group or your kinky business.
Fri 530p-630p, Ponderosa room. Susan Wright

Game Design with the Pros
Four successful game designers share the how and why they got into game designing, as well as how they are doing at it. You might also get some advice on tips and tricks to make gaming sessions more entertaining and memorable.
Sat 10a-11a, Ponderosa room. Tom Dowd, Ken St. Andre, Todd VanHooser, John Wick

Got Consent?
Come talk about BDSM and consent! Kinksters still have significant legal, political and societal issues facing us. The majority of us fear the very real threat of being prosecuted or losing our jobs or families. To change the law, we have to be able to tell the world what we think of consent. What is ethical consent? What are the gray areas? Are there things people shouldn’t be able to consent to in a BDSM context? What about subspace or mid-scene re-negotiation? NCSF’s Consent Counts project is holding discussions around the country to gather your input so we can move forward to change laws and perceptions of BDSM.
Sat 10a-11a, Sagebrush room. Susan Wright

LARP
Now an annual tradition, the Houses of the Blooded Live Action Event promises Intrigue! Sorcery! Romance! and Murder! Be sure to attend the event everyone will be talking about the morning after! This game was originally designed by one of our Guests, John Wick.
Fri & Sat 6p-10p, Terrace. John Wick

Robotic Space Exploration
Overview of latest results from all active NASA missions throughout the Solar System and a brief history of exploration by rovers, up through latest results from Curiosity.
Sat 8p-9p, Ponderosa room. Dr. David Williams

Shadowrun RPG Origins
With the recent release of the 5th Edition, the Shadowrun role-playing game continues to be a strong and popular mainstay. But how, where, and why did it get its start? Co-creator Tom Dowd was there from the beginning and he’s more than happy to spill the beans, and then some. Find out what the early days were like and what was done then that made Shadowrun what it is today
Sun 11a-Noon, Sagebrush room. Tom Dowd

Steampunk Poker Tourney Sign-Ups
Fri 8p-9p, Ponderosa

Steampunk Poker Tourney
Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Fri 9p-until last hand, Ponderosa

STEAMPUNK

Know Your Weapons
Want to know more about the different weapons that steampunk enthusiasts like? Here’s your chance to discuss weapons with some experts in the field.
Fri 3p-4p, Yuma room. Dee Astell, Ben Brose, Casey Brose, Mitch Brose, Khurt Khave

Mystery Theatre
Danger abounds at DarkCon’s Penderghast Asylum as the mad doctor uses insidious machines on the criminally insane inmates in a quest to find a cure for the zombie virus that is ravaging the world.
Tension is mounting between the medical staff, orderlies, and inmates within this cramped facility.
Something bad is going to happen, I can feel it.
Come play a character and help solve the mystery. Limited to 15 participants
Friday 6p-8p, DarkSuite room #1014

Steampunk Costume Contest hosted by Dee Astell
Come compete in your Steampunk finest in our costume contest, cross promoted with LepreCon. The winner will receive 2 full convention passes to LepreCon and one free night’s stay at Mesa Marriott Hotel during Lep40, where they can defend their title at LepreCon’s costume contest. There will be some goodies and swag for a few of the runners up.
Sat 2p-3p, Yuma room

Steampunk Costumes on a Budget
Learn how to create your own unique costume on a tight budget. Tips and advice on creating your own costume
Sun 1p-2p, Ponderosa room. Johanna Buttrick, Ben Brose, Casey Brose, Mitch Brose

Steampunk Fascinators
In this workshop we will create lovely hair accessories to add to your steampunk collection. Fascinators were highly popular hair pins worn for special occasions during the late 1800’s. $15 per person, limited to 20 participants.
Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Sat 430p-6p, Buckhorn room. Illeana Vega Herrera, Johanna Buttrick

Steampunk Party
with Performance by Keltic Cowboys
Fri 830p-Midnite, Yuma room – party starts
Fri 9p, Yuma room – performance starts
Fri 9p, Hospitality opens in the DarkSuite, room 1014

Steampunk Poker Tourney Sign-Ups
Fri 8p-9p, Ponderosa

Steampunk Poker Tourney
Signup under SHOP-AT CON EVENTS.
Fri 9p-until last hand, Ponderosa

Tea Dueling
Tea Dueling has become a popular sport among the members of the Tucson Steampunk Society and a regular staple at our larger events. Tea Dueling is an intense battle of wits and honor where one puts the whole weight of their worth on the fragile structure of a soggy biscuit in a bid to outlast their opponent! Taunts, teases and steely gazes are highly encouraged, but beware the giggle tremors, waiting too long to Nom and the dreaded Splodge—the most shameful way to lose!
Sat 230p-330p, Ponderosa room. Jocelynne Simone, Jennifer Lopez, Khurt Khave
Sat 630p-730p, Ponderosa room. Jocelynne Simone, Jennifer Lopez, Khurt Khave

The Fashionable Ladies of Steampunk
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a fashionable lady of Steampunk? Now is the time to find out. Get tips, advice and questions answered on this very subject. The panel will share tips, and advice on what they feel is necessary to be a fashionable steampunk lady.
Fri 4p-5p, Sagebrush room. Illeana Vega Herrera, Johanna Buttrick, Nola Yergen

The Red Queen’s Tipsy Tea – (21 and older)
“Sometimes I believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast,” said Alice.
Well you don’t have to get up quite so early to do so. Come join the Queen on Saturday afternoon, imagining many impossible things in a little game of cards (against Humanity).
Enjoy a trifle and a tipple with Her Mad Majesty and the company of several of your most closest strangers. Join us for this popular social experience…
Wonderland themed attire is requested, but not required.
Sat 4p-6p, DarkSuite room #1014. Jocelynne Simone

ZOMBIES

Zombie Apocalypse: Humble beginnings
A look into possible scientific real world ways in which a zombie outbreak could happen, including deliberate drug attacks and pathogen modification. Also includes information compiled from military and CDC sources on methods to quarantine a virulent outbreak, and methods of containment. The last half of the presentation is what you can do to prepare yourself for short and medium duration quarantines in the event of a zombie plague or outbreak.
Sun Noon-1p, Ponderosa room. Zoe Mora.

Zombie History
An exploration of Haitian Folklore in relation to the origins of Zombies. We look into the Haitian Voodoo religion, the facts and fiction that surround Haitian Zombie-ism, and how the Haitian/Voodoo Zombie relates to the modern day Zombie myth.
Fri 430p-530p, Ponderosa room. Veronica Baxter