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.




Saturday, June 28, 2008

Stars of Hope - Week 3

Troop #11

Please see complete recap for details and pictures. Link Here

Star Wars Weekends - Week 4, Saturday

Troop #10

Guests: Dave Filoni & Jake Lloyd

The creative force behind the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, Dave Filoni is the Supervising Director of The Clone Wars animated feature and series, as well as a die-hard Star Wars fan himself. What does the future hold in store for Star Wars? He'll be there to offer an inside look. Joining him this weekend is Jake Lloyd, a veteran of previous Star Wars Weekends. He played the boyhood incarnation of Anakin Skywalker in Episode I.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Stars of Hope - Week 2

Troop #8

Please see complete recap for details and pictures. Link Here

Star Wars Weekends - Week 3, Saturday

Troop #7

Guests: Amy Allen & Matthew Wood

Amy Allen played the role of the striking Jedi Knight Aayla Secura in Episode II and III. Also there that weekend will be Episode III's Supervising Sound Editor Matthew Wood, the voice of the evil General Grievous in that movie as well as the upcoming animated series, The Clone Wars.

Personal Note: Amy Allen was a total asshole. She is the only person out of all of the celebrities that did not come over and speak to us at all. In fact, she walked directly by us without saying a word, shaded under the umbrella being held by her handler. (You have a three-second role in two of the Prequels, Sweetheart...really.)

Saturday, June 14, 2008