Programming
Hear ye, hear ye: the ICON 36 Program Book and Pocket Program are now available for download!
Concerts and Special Events
The James Brothers and band return to share their unique original music, along with some old English versions of some old Irish versions of some old Scottish songs. (It’s true!) Their music, primarily inspired by traditional folk, is lively, fun and sure to get your face smiling and feet tapping. Don’t miss out on this performance.
Adam Stemple has been a member of the rock-and-reel band Cats Laughing, as well as spending twelve years as lead singer and guitarist with Boiled in Lead and the Irish band the Tim Malloys. All of these have common musical roots of Celtic and rock styles.
Art and Charity Auction (5:30 pm Saturday)
Come bid on fantastic artwork and charity pieces.
Masquerade (7:30 pm Saturday)
One of the highlights of ICON, the Masquerade is a theatrical presentation where you will see fandom’s best costumers briefly bring to life characters and scenes from science fiction and fantasy.
Masked Ball (9 pm Saturday)
“Your presence is requested for an enchanted evening of music, mystery and fantasy. Bring a Mask and wear it well, so your true identity no one can tell.” We will be holding a a Masked Ball (not to be confused with the masquerade) instead of our traditional dance on Saturday night. Fancy dress or costume recommended, masks required. Masks will be available in exchange for a donation to charity.
Chocolate Ceremony (Midnight Sunday)
A pagan celebration of chocolate. Yum yum!
More programming highlights
Interested in writing?
Collaborations in Fantasy and SF
Two heads are better than one, right? The answer is – sometimes. Authors will talk about collaboration experiences, how they add to the creative process, and when to consider trying it.
Writing Other Cultures
While much of the fantasy genre remains based on Celtic mythology, there are other cultures with rich folkloric heritages to consider. How did you choose your particular direction? What have you borrowed from these cultures? Are there myths or traditions yet to be explored?
Serious about reading and SF/F Lit?
Genre Fusions: When Worlds Collide
We’re all familiar with the traditional genres and tropes of speculative fiction, from the hero’s journey of epic fantasy to the classic space opera. But some of the most interesting fantasy and SF being written today is happening at the busy intersections of these genres. Whether you’re in love with modern folktale adaptations, steampunk, the urban-fantasy-noir of the Dresden Files, or the New Weird of China Mieville, come join us to share and discuss your favorite works.
Young Adult Fiction: Not for Kids Anymore
We’ll explore the growing readership of YA fiction by adults – from Harry Potter, Redwall and Lemony Snicket to Oz, Narnia & A Wrinkle In Time.
The Books that Influenced Us (And Still Do)
Authors will discuss the books and writers that influenced their childhood and that they still remember fondly.
Like to make stuff?
What Am I Doing Here Dressed Like This? Costuming Roundtable Discussion/Open Workshop
Why do we do it? What inspires us to dress ourselves up at conventions? Come talk about what draws you to costuming and bring a costume you’ve been working on to show off. If you’re stuck on what to do next, maybe someone with a fresh pair of eyes has an idea for you. Bring your sewing kits and any spare material you feel we may need in case we can implement our brilliant ideas right away.
T-Shirt Superheroes!
Give heroic new purpose to some old shirts you never thought you’d wear again! Bring 2-3 large-on-you t-shirts that you can cut up and together we’ll make a uniform fit to wear while saving the world. Open to all ages. No pre-registration is required. $5 materials fee. Have a clean shirt to donate? Bring them to the Registration desk and leave it in our box.
Chainmaille Workshop
Hands-On Origami
Stitch ‘n B!tch
Build-A-Blinkie Workshops
Are you a performer?
Fan Vids: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Work with a Budget
Fan videos have been a part of fandom for a long while. This panel will discuss how to turn your vision into a reality– while also working on a budget.
The Art of Improv
Improvisation, the timeless art of making crap up, has always been an important part of the creative process in the theatre. But the principles of improv are valuable in many other places. So grab your pantomime briefcase, and come discover how improv can demolish your writer’s block or make you D&D sessions amazing. Improv is infinitely more fun to do, so be ready to get up and improvise. (Adult and youth workshops will be held.)
Want to geek out in your fandom?
Exploring the WHOniverse
Be you a casual fan, a new fan, or a long time Whovian, come here to discuss all things Dr. Who!
The Dead Shall Rise: Zombies in Folklore, Science and Popular Culture
If vampires are the aristocrats, are zombies the lower class among the undead? How does the popular brain-eating movie zombie differ from the original Haitian folklore zombie? What other types of zombies are out there? What roles do they fill in a horror story? Can zombies be reconciled with science? Why are they so popular?
Want to discuss “real world” issues with other fans?
Fannish Health
Turns out many of us have various health issues: Heart problems, diabetes, “big bones”. This panel will discuss the health problems facing the fannish community and what to do about them.
Art and Mental Health
Can you still create if you get cured?
Anonymous, Lulzsec, and Hacktivism
Computers and computer networks as a means of protest to promote political ends; a discussion of Julian Assange, WikiLeaks, Anonymous, and the ongoing Occupy Wall Street movement.