Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Steampunk Image Workshop

Love those vintage images and wish you could make things with them? Well you can, with image transfers. 

Join me for a hands on workshop where we'll make a set of 4 Italian tile coasters for you to take home, with vintage engravings of cephalopods. During this class you'll learn simple image transfer techniques that you can use to decorate just about anything. 

Cost of materials is $10 per person, payable in class. Similar coasters sell for $40 in stores. 
Sunday, Dec 4th, 1 pm at the San Diego Lapidary Society, 5654 Mildred St, San Diego (Morena Blvd area)


Please RSVP if you plan to attend so I can bring enough materials for everyone. If you have any questions, please email me at thievingmagpie (at) cox (dot) net

Friday, September 2, 2011

Chrononaut Presents: "A Uniquely Steampunk Experience"


The above phrase was part of the write up for the opening night of Chrononaut in June 2009. It was a magical night with a packed house of young people dancing. Most of the science fiction, renaissance faire, and costuming communities had never heard of steampunk back then. As steampunk became "la fantaisie du jour" in those communities, it changed the crowd and the vibe at Chrononaut into something like a ren faire or a fan convention, which for some reason had a DJ. With the best of intentions people started shying away from the phrase "club night" when describing it.

While steampunk is, among other things, a genre of science fiction, its culture is much more diverse than mainstream "fandom" has ever understood. A new organization has formed to promote and celebrate that fact. The Gashouse Crew is dedicated to putting steampunk back in the hands of the steampunk community. Part of steampunk is its music scene so tonight we are getting back to our roots. Expect a high-energy dance set from the Professor, as we celebrate the rebirth of Chrononaut as a club night, and the steampunk community through the Gashouse Crew.

Thursday September 8th, 7 pm to 11 pm
At Electric Ladyland 4944 Newport Ave, San Diego
Five dollars at the door. All Ages
http://chrononautclub.com

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Jean Campbell, author of Steampunk Style Jewelry, will be speaking to The Bead Society of San Diego and they have graciously offered to have local steampunks join the fun. Jean's book is one of our favorites in the current wave of steampunk art & jewelry books out there. Not only does it have fantastic jewelry designs, throughout the book are sidebars discussing steampunk music, community, fashion and art. We're excited to hear her speak on "Designing Jewelry in the Steampunk Style".  We would love to see many local steampunks showing off their best gear for the Bead Society members to admire. Don't forget your steampunk jewelry as well!

Join us Saturday, August 20th at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park, dressed in your steampunk best. Suggested arrival time is 9:45 to ensure a good seat for the presentation. The Bead Society has generously offered to pay the Mingei admission for the first 20 steampunks and a discounted rate of $5 thereafter. Light refreshments will be served. Parking may be found in front of the San Diego Museum of Art, Alcazar Gardens lot behind the Mingei and the Organ Pavilion parking lot. Your admission to the museum is good for the day, so feel welcome to explore their exhibits afterwards. See you there!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

The Official Guide to Steampunk at San Diego Comic Con 2011

San Diego Comic Con 2011 is Steampunk Central the 3rd week of July. Concerts, panels, vendors & artists plus the always popular Saturday steampunk meetup will keep us and the Steampunk community up to our brass in things to do. We've created this post as a way to help everyone keep track of all of the events of steampunk interest. Events will be updated with information as we become aware of it. If you would like an event included, please email us. If you'd like to repost this list, all or in part, please give us a credit & a link. Thanks! See you at the con!

Exhibitors:
Kelly's Heroes (Steampunk gadgets & more) #D-07
Mysterious Galaxy (Author Signings) #1119
Tor Books #2301/2303
Joe Benitez/Lady Mechanika Aspen Comics #2321
Artists Alley:
Paul Guinan/Anina Bennett (Boilerplate) HH-15 & 16 
Fan Tables:
Dr. Steel's Army of Toy Soldiers #MZ-21
Gaslight Gathering (w/ConDor) #MZ-11
IKV Stranglehold #MZ-02 (Klingons known to pass as Steampunks frequently)

Around the Booths:
Chet Phillips/Union of Superlative Heroes & Order of Nefarious Villains #N-13, featuring The Union of Superlative Heroes and the Order of Nefarious Villains. Both explore a parallel universe of Victorian/Steampunk Superheroes and Villains. Along with the trading cards sets of each will be a limited edition, hand bound, back-to-back book that combines both series and includes extra characters along with a dozen short episodes of thrilling action and enlightenment. The book is still in production and will be unveiled at the show. In addition they also offer a limited edition softbound version of the Society of Sinister Simians, a Victorian themed evil monkey universe.

The League of S.T.E.A.M., #607, will entertain attendees with demonstrations of their amazing Steampunk gadgets, provide fan activities, prizes, and exclusive giveaways! Illustrator Claire Hummel will also be on hand to autograph copies of the long-awaited “Adventures of the League of STEAM” DVD, premiering at Comic Con!
With more special guests and other surprises, stay tuned to www.facebook.com/leagueofsteam and @LeagueOfSTEAM on Twitter for more information!

Yen Press, #1116, Yen Press panel at 6:30 on Friday night in Room 8. What better way to end your day than with new series announcements, Q&A, and, of course, more giveaways! For those of you who like to cosplay, come to the panel in Black Butler, Soul Eater, or Soulless costume for your chance to win an extra-special present!

Mysterious Galaxy, #1119, will have booth signings with a number of authors, including Scott Westerfeld, Saturday 1:00 – 1:50 pm. There are 75 tickets are available for each signing. Tickets can be picked up on the day of the signing from the staff in Booth #1119, any time after the Exhibit Hall opens. Get your signing schedule and details at mystgalaxy.com

Studio Foglio/Girl Genius #1301, Stop by the booth in your best Steampunk outfits for a Gaslamp Fantasy Costume Appreciation ribbon, plus all those awesome steampunk pins & of course Girl Genius comics.

Tor Books #2301/2303, Friday, 12pm Bram Stoker Award winner John Shirley, signing copies of Bioshock: Rapture, the prequel story to the award-winning and bestselling video game franchise. Sunday, 12 pm Dreadnought giveaway by steampunk high priestess, Cherie Priest.

Joe Benitez/Lady Mechanika Aspen Comics #2321 will be offering a Lady Mechanika #2 San Diego Comic Con 2011 exclusive cover by Benitez and Steigerwald, and limited to 1000 copies, which will be available at the Aspen Comics Booth #2321 in addition to other exclusive Aspen Comic Con covers.

Quantum Mechanix/QMx, #2944, will debut new Warehouse 13 products including a Tesla gun, a new Art Nouveau Ladies of Firefly poster series, and will be featuring a full-sized TARDIS for amazing photo ops!


Warehouse 13 exclusive promo card for the Season Two trading cards will be available at these dealers:
The Wright Stuff #A-10
K&J Non-Sports Cards #A11-12
Triangle Cards #B-1
Wee Bee Cards #C-9
Junior’s Comics #C-12
Julio’s Non-Sport Cards #134
Endless World #629
Mark’s Non-Sport Cards #5616

Thursday 7/21:

2:00-3:00 Bill Plympton: Independently Animated— Two-time Oscar nominee Bill Plympton (Mutant Aliens, I Married a Strange Person) celebrates the release of the new Rizzoli Press book Independently Animated: Bill Plympton, about the life and art of the King of Indie Animation. Also, Bill will discuss the recent release of his animated feature Idiots and Angels on DVD, screen some of his recent short films, and present a sneak peek at what he's working on next, including The Flying House, a remastering of a classic Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend short film by Winsor McCay. Everyone who attends will receive a free Bill Plympton autographed drawing! Room 25ABC

6:00-7:00 Arcana Comics: A Look at One of the World's Largest Graphic Novel Publishers— Sean Patrick O'Reilly (Clockwork Girl), Josh Blaylock (Devil's Due), Erik Hendrix (SideShows), Mike Kalvoda (Banshee), Brooke Burgess (Becoming), Matt Wilson (Scrooge & Santa), and Ryan Colucci (Harbor Moon) take you through some of the amazing talent coming out of one of the world's largest graphic novel producers. With over 150 graphic novels released, find out what the publisher currently has coming in the near future and get a sneak peak at the 3D animated feature film Clockwork Girl. Attendees will get free comics and the first in a series of Arcana Universe posters. Room 23ABC

7:00-8:00 The Scoop at Simon & Schuster! Get the inside word on Simon & Schuster's upcoming books and the chance to win exclusive prizes! Lucille Rettino (marketing director), Elke Villa (senior marketing manager), Carolyn Swerdloff (associate marketing manager), and Anna McKean (publicity manager) give you the scoop on upcoming books from exciting authors, including Cassandra Clare, Scott Westerfeld, Orson Scott Card, and Becca Fitzpatrick. Hear what is going on with S&S's hot properties -- Star Trek and The Smurfs -- and get a chance to win exclusive giveaways. All attendees will receive a limited edition T-shirt for Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Prince. Room9

8:00-9:00 H. P. Lovecraft in Comics and Film— "That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons, even death may die." Famous words penned by H. P. Lovecraft, regarded by critics and fans alike as "Master of the Weird Tale." A horror writer from the early days of pulp magazines, his work inspired thousands of writers, artists, musicians, game designers, and filmmakers. Explore a few of the works influenced by the Great Old Ones and get a sanity-smashing peek into the latest Lovecraftian comics and movies. With Adam Byrne (The Strange Adventures of H. P. Lovecraft), Andrew Leman (co-founder of the H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society), Michael Alan Nelson (Fall of Cthulhu), and Frank H. Woodward (Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown). Moderated by Aaron Vanek (The H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival). Room 9

8:30-10:00 Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog— Sing along with your fellow fans at this screening of the original three acts of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog hosted by the California Browncoats, complete with callbacks! Dr. Horrible stars Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly), and Felicia Day (The Guild) and was written by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon (Dollhouse), Zack Whedon (Fringe), and Maurissa Tancharoen (Dollhouse). Room 6BCF

Friday 7/22:

12:00-1:00 The Official Aspen Comics Panel 2011— Aspen Comics creators Frank Mastromauro, Peter Steigerwald, Vince Hernandez, Mark Roslan, Joe Benitez (Lady Mechanika), JT Krul, Alex Konat, Jason Fabok, Beth Sotelo, and some surprise guests announce and preview new Aspen releases for 2012, including a special look at their new series in association with director McG's production company, Haunted City, as well as answer questions about Aspen's growing library of titles. All attendees will receive a free gift courtesy of Aspen Comics! Room 4

4:15-5:15 Warehouse 13— For one day only, America's top-secret treasure trove is moving from the middle of nowhere to the middle of Comic-Con. Stars Eddie McClintock (Pete Lattimer), Joanne Kelly (Myka Bering), Saul Rubinek (Artie Nielsen), and Allison Scagliotti (Claudia Donovan), along with executive producer Jack Kenny, take you inside Syfy's blockbuster hit series, Warehouse 13. Moderated by Neil Grayston (Douglas Fargo, Eureka). Ballroom 20

5:00-6:00 Motion Picture and Television Illustrators— Nowadays a movie starts with an idea expressed in words or images. The men and women who turn these ideas into worlds of visual reality, be it a distant world of pure imagination or an earthly hovel, are the storyboard artists and illustrators. Panelists who will discuss their craft and answer questions include moderator Hank Mayo (Ghostbusters 2), Tim Burgard (Thor), Ricardo Delgado (John Carter of Mars), Robin Richesson (I Am Number Four), and Josh Nizzi (Transformers 3). Room 23ABC

6:30-7:30 Yen Press Panel— The Yen Press crew -- publishing director Kurt Hassler, senior editor JuYoun Lee, and assistant editors Tania Biswas and Abby Blackman -- unveil exciting new projects including the manga adaptation of Gail Carriger’s Soulless and take questions from the audience. And of course, the swag. We mustn't forget the swag! Room 8

9:00-11:00 Syfy Screening: Eureka, Haven, and Mercury Men— Imagine Greater with fellow fans during an advanced preview screening of the next all-new episode of Eureka, followed by a special presentation of an all-new Haven. And be sure to stick around for the exclusive premiere of the new digital series The Mercury Men. Introductions by Eric Balfour (Duke, Haven). Room 6A

Saturday 7/23:
STEAMPUNK DAY!!!

10:00-11:00 Steampunk Influences on Mainstream Media and Entertainment— Phil Foglio (Girl Genius), Kaja Foglio (Girl Genius), Greg Broadmore (WETA), Lon Muckey and Aaron Ginn-Forsberg (Mantecoza), and Thomas Willeford (Brute Force Leather) discuss the appeal of the Steampunk aesthetic and the reasons for its increasing popularity in media, the arts, and the entertainment industry, including literature, graphic novels, costuming, props, prosthetics, Internet, and film. Moderated by Kim Hutsell of Starburner Galactic Courier Service Room 23ABC The room has 405 seats, a great improvement over years past!

1:00 - 2:00 Steampunk Meetup Take the opportunity to be a part of one of Steampunk’s biggest gatherings. Join us for the presentation of the Annual Starburner Awards to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Steampunk community. 2011's Steampunk Meet-up and Annual Starburner Awards take place on the East Mezzanine level near the stairs (MAP)

3:00-4:00 Resin Casting and Silicone Moldmaking— Jeff Broz has presented eight previous seminars about plastics and casting at Comic-Con. Sam Girgis produces large-scale garage kits. Whether you want to produce a garage kit model, reproduce your sculpture, or reproduce vintage Steampunk, this year's seminar will cover new materials and tips from previous seminars about silicone mold design and casting techniques. Learn from the presenters' own pitfalls with short-run 3D duplication, garage kits, and industrial design. They will also talk more about vendors, guides, and material choices to cast your sculptures or models. Room 30CDE

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Anina Bennett and Paul Guinan— Join Comic-Con special guests Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett with moderator (and Eisner Award nominee) Shannon Wheeler for a multimedia panel spotlighting the creative couple's past and future work. Paul and Anina will perform excerpts from their book Boilerplate, which has been optioned by J. J. Abrams; talk about their comic book careers and becoming accidental apostles of steampunk; and give a sneak peek at their upcoming book Frank Reade: Adventures in the Age of Invention. Room 26AB

Saturday Offsite:
7:00 pm - 1:00 am The Time Machine The Comic-Con Steampunk After Party!
Multimedia steampunk concert and show featuring Abney Park and Unextraordinary Gentlemen.
Also appearing: Optomistichaos, Zoe Tantrum's Steamy Stilters, Tammy Firefly and belly dancers plus Steampunk art and fashion. Special FX.
Hosted by DJ Professor Greyshade of Chrononaut.
At Queen Bee's, 3925 Ohio St, San Diego (MAP), parking nearby on 29th St.
All Ages, beer & wine with ID

Sunday 7/24:
11:15-12:15 Building the World of Leviathan, an Illustrated Steampunk Series— Bestselling YA author and Comic-Con special guest Scott Westerfeld (Uglies, Midnighters) discusses how illustrated adventure novels disappeared in the early 20th century and how he worked with artist Keith Thompson to create one for the 21st, Leviathan, a steampunk reimaging of WWI. Lots of visuals (and some secret news about Uglies). Room 6DE 

Offsite Events & Meetups:
Saturday 7/23
The Time Machine: The Comic-Con Steampunk After Party! - 7:00 pm - 1:00 am
Multimedia steampunk concert and show featuring Abney Park and Unextraordinary Gentlemen.
Also appearing: Optomistichaos, Zoe Tantrum's Steamy Stilters, Tammy Firefly and bellydancers plus Steampunk art and fashion. Special FX.
Hosted by DJ Professor Greyshade of Chrononaut.
At Queen Bee's, 3925 Ohio St, San Diego (MAP), parking nearby on 29th St.
All Ages, beer & wine with ID



Monday, June 27, 2011

Chrononaut Pulls Up Stakes

Steampunk is about adventure, and what could be more adventurous than an expedition? Chrononaut is off to explore the legendary wilds of Ocean Beach, where no steampunk has dare tread before. 

We have commissioned legendary explorers The Eben Brooks Band to find us safe harbor at Electric Ladyland Studios and The Slow Poisoner to use his secrets of the voodoo spirits to ensure our swift passage.

Our journey begins promptly at 7 p.m. Ticketing office is located at Electric Ladyland Studios at 4944 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach. Passage is $10 for the compleat adventure, all ages. Motor car parking is available on street, or quite nearby for a modest fee at Apple Tree Market 4949 Santa Monica Ave. 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Chrononaut Presents: 6 String Samurai











Spring is upon us, here at Chrononaut. Shaking off the cold and damp of Winter, we look upon the coming months with great anticipation of fantastic Steampunk events yet to some. In the spirit of renewed joy at what the world has to offer, Chrononaut presents a night of just plain FUN! 
Join us for an epic night of steampunk music featuring San Diego's own 6 String Samurai! 


Thursday, April 14th, 8 pm to 12 am, 
$8, All Ages
Queen Bees, 3925 Ohio St, San Diego 
http://chrononautclub.com/
Not yet familiar with 6 String Samurai? 

"In mid 2009, a group of time traveling adventurers time traveled to San Diego to save the world from a prophesied catastrophe. These heroes numbered 3: Frank (AKA the Ronin Inventor, team leader, technological genius, scientist, gadgeteer ,bassist, and top hat enthusiast), Radar (alias the Mystic Gentleman, sorcerer, soothsayer, drummer, and master of the arcane), and Erik (nom de plume the Barbarian Blademaster, unparalleled master of the axe [both musical instrument and instrument of destruction], poet, songsmith, and general hedonist). (Un)fortunately no catastrophe ever occurred. There were no giant spider robots to battle or evil megalomaniacal monkeys with human minds. Thus the heroes decided to stay in San Diego and pursue a different career: music. Using their unique adventuring talents, the trio created 6 String Samurai: The Band, and now entertain crowds both near and far with unrivaled excellence and flair."

Thursday, January 13, 2011

A Concert for Sepiachord



Thursday January 13th at 8:00
Chrononaut presents: A Concert for Sepiachord

You wanted more live music? You've got it at this month's Chrononaut! Our biggest gathering of steampunk musicians since the League Gala in July has come together for a cause close to all our hearts. Our line up features Eliza Rickman, Flip Cassidy and the Junkyard Gospel, Veronique Chevalier and Jon Magnificent.

The steampunk music scene is unusual in that steampunk is not a genre of music as such but is instead a common thread of anachronism that runs across many genres. It's a network of artists, bands and DJs who have come to recognize that indefinable yesterday-meets-tomorrow something that we have in common. That network didn't just happen. Someone had to recognize the potential. Someone had to hear the groove. Someone had to define a "genre that doesn't exist." That someone was Jordan Bodewell, the man behind Sepiachord.

There are others who have helped of course, The Davenport Sisters of the Clockwork Ball and the Clockwork Cabaret, Joshua Pfeiffer of Vernian Process and Gilded Age Records, perhaps even that Greyshade chap, but none of us have Jordan's energy. Jordan writes more record reviews than I have time to read. He posts a song of the day on multiple Internet forums every day. He's put together two extraordinary compilation CDs and has pulled artists together who otherwise might not have known one another existed. Yet somehow he is so humble about what he does that he thought that if he couldn't do it anymore no one would care. Fat chance Captain Bodewell!

The Bodewell family was hit with medical bills so far beyond what their insurance covers that it will take years of careful budgeting to recover. As part of that budgeting Jordan felt he needed to cut out his Internet connection, his web hosting, and his music budget. This would have killed off Sepiachord. Already enough donations have come in, including the proceeds from Chrononaut's Jule Fest, so that he has promised not to do this hideous thing, but more is needed for both Sepiachordand Jordan's family. A band of Los Angles musicians all agreed to donate their talents to the cause but lacked a venue. As a result they are heading south to San Diego and Chrononaut. This is a rare opportunity for us at Chrononaut to host Northern talent that our humble little club normally couldn't draw.

$10 at the door (additional donations welcomed!)
ALL AGES
BEER AND WINE WITH ID