Saturday, July 19, 2008

Metrocon

Troop #14

METROCON, held at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, is a weekend-long celebration of the numerous facets of Japanese popular entertainment from anime (Japanese animation), manga (Japanese comics), J-pop and J-Rock (Japanese pop and rock music, performed by "idols") to cosplay (costume design and performance) and video games.

Programming and Events:
Video Programming: Anime Screening(s)
AMV ContestPanel Programming: Guest Panels, Fan Panels, Workshops
Costume Events: Hall Cosplay Masquerade / Cosplay Competition
Art Programming: Artists' Alley
Music Programming: Concert, Dance, Formal Dance, Karaoke
Game Programming: Video Gaming
Other Events: Autographs (free), Dealers' Room, Game Shows, Other Events

Guests:
Greg Ayres, Steve Bennett, Johnny Yong Bosch, Greg Cipes, Cipes and the People, Ashley Clark, DJ HeavyGrinder, Eyeshine, Lauren Goodnight, Ya Ya Han, The Heroes Alliance, Scott McNeil, Select Start, Doug Smith, David Stanworth, and David Williams.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Stars of Hope [Recap]

Troop #13

The Heroes Alliance, Tampa Bay Ghostbusters and the 501st Legion teamed up throughout the month of June to raise many for various charity foundations. I am not sure what the total was, but it was a really cool event. It was hosted at the Park Place 16 in Pinellas Park.

This event was held four consecutive Saturdays throughout June of 2008. Which meant that after doing the Star Wars Weekends troops at Hollywood Studios, Florida That Guy Brian (Vader) and I would leave from Orlando and drive straight back, get back into costume, and troop for about 5-6 hours. It was exhausting. By the final Saturday I was so worn out I could hardly stand the idea of trooping anymore. Thankfully that silly idea wore off by time the next troop came along.