Guests
Media Guest of Honor
Adrian Paul - http://www.adrianpaul.net/
Originally born in London, England, Adrian balanced his academic interests in literature and history with a physical prowess that found an outlet in soccer and dancing. His first film role was Last Rites (1988) opposite Tom Berenger and Daphne Zuniga. After a string of other TV guest appearances and roles in films such as Love Potion No. 9 (1992) with Sandra Bullock, producers of the Highlander films found the perfect actor to play the role of Duncan MacLeod on the small screen. Since the final episode of the series aired in 1998, Adrian has remained busy with television and film work. Television guest appearances included Charmed and Relic Hunter; while film projects in recent years included The Breed, The Void, Code Hunter, Nemesis Game, Moscow Heat, Throttle and Tides of War.
Also a founding member of Los Angeles-based acting group Actors Collaborative (formerly Actors in Process), in April 2005 Adrian produced and starred in their stage production of Things Just Change. In 2009 he took the lead in Sci Fi Channel's Dramatic comedy Captain Drake in addition to the highly anticipated physiological thriller Nine Miles Down.
If this wasn't enough to keep anyone busy Adrian devotes the rest of his time to children's charities including his own, The PEACE Fund (Protect, Educate and Aid Children Everywhere) for which he received a Peacemaker award in Russia in 2006.
Adrian Paul is being sponsored by the Treasury Bay and Casino.
Gaming Guest of Honor
Jennell Jaquays - http://jaquays.com/jennell/index.html
Jennell Jaquays is an American game designer and artist of table-top role-playing games (RPGs) and video games. Some of her notable works include the Dungeons & Dragons modules "Dark Tower" and "Caverns of Thracia" for Judges Guild; development and design of conversions on games such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong for Coleco's home arcade video game system; and more recent design work for various video games, including the Age of Empires series, Quake 2, and Quake III Arena. The most renowned of her many works as a fantasy artist is the cover illustration for TSR's Dragon Mountain game.
One of the many "unsung heroes" of the gaming industry, Jaquays' Dark Tower was nominated for the 1979 H.G. Wells award for Best Roleplaying Adventure. Jaquays was co-author and illustrator for Chaosium's Griffin Mountain RuneQuest scenario. Set in Glorantha, this highly-praised scenario was nominated for the 1981 H.G. Wells award. The reworked version, Griffin Island, was nominated for the same award in 1986. Coleco's Wargames, for which Jaquays was co-designer of game play, won the 1984 Summer C.E.S. original software award. As a level designer for TSR's Castle Greyhawk module, Jaquays shared the 1989 Origins Gamer's Choice Award for Best Role-Playing Adventure.
Author Guest of Honor
Diana Rowland – http://dianarowland.com/index.html
Diana Rowland is an urban fantasy writer and is best known for her Kara Gillian Series and White Trash Zombie Series. She has lived her entire life below the Mason-Dixon line, uses "y'all" for second-person-plural, and otherwise has no southern accent (in her opinion.) She attended college at Georgia Tech where she earned a BS in Applied Mathematics, and after graduation forgot everything about higher math as quickly as possible.
She has worked as a bartender, a blackjack dealer, a pit boss, a street cop, a detective, a computer forensics specialist, a crime scene investigator, and a morgue assistant, which means that she's seen more than her share of what humans can do to each other and to themselves. She won the marksmanship award in her Police Academy class, has a black belt in Hapkido, has handled numerous dead bodies in various states of decomposition, and can't rollerblade to save her life.
Fan Guests of Honor
Bill and Cynthia Majure - http://www.gulfcoastgamersclub.com/
Regional Guests
Preston Asevedo – http://prestonasevedo.carbonmade.com/
Preston is a naturally talented, self-taught artist. He has been working as a professional artist for the last 19 years, with many publishers, creators in the comic book industry and a large amount of corporations. During Preston’s career, he has trained several artists in the digital field. His airbrush work has earned him the title of featured artist at the World of Wheels, and recognition in numerous magazines. He has been commissioned to do traditional paintings for corporations and collectors and had his illustrations published in numerous magazines.
Damon Bowie - http://elnino22.deviantart.com/
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is the city of New Olreans, Bowie has been a professional artist since the age of 16. He has worked in the Design and Illustration field in New Orleans for the largest fabricator to the Entertainment Industry in the Gulf South. As Art Director and Chief of Design he has helped create parades, sculpture, and elaborate settings for commercial clients and private organizations for over 13 years. Throughout that time he has made a supplemental living with efforts including comic book projects as well as many Art Prints he made available for public sale. Bowie has been busy as a Conceptual artist, as well doing tons of personal Commissions for clients all over the world. The Iconic book is a lifelong ambition finally realized for Bowie. There are plans for future Volumes of the seminal book with more exciting art to come.
Rob Cerio -
Rob Cerio was born at an early age, and has since grown much more hair. He may not be nearly as interesting as that Dos Equis guy, but Rob has worked as a paranormal researcher, piloted a riverboat on the Mississippi, stood in 34 out of 50 states, and touched the clouds. He has been writing since the age of nine, but has only recently broken through to the ranks of "professional writer". His first novel, "Dimensional Games" was a Semifinalist for the 2011 Amazon breakthrough novel award, with his writing style being compared favorably to the likes of Douglas Adams and Robert Asprin. In addition, one of his short screenplays, "Mailman of Steel" is currently in pre-production. Rob currently lives in Kenner, Louisiana with his lovely wife Cheri, two adorable stepkids, and one annoying dog named after a giant Japanese monster.
Jessica Cox - http://requiemforlost.com/index.html
Jessica has four years experience of fantasy illustration and concept art. She has done work for Rio Grande Games as well as private commissioners and is always looking for new and exciting projects to be apart of. Jessica has a strong affinity towards fantasy and period illustrations as well as mythological creatures and people. And is currently doing work for Savage Mojo, Ltd.
Allan Gilbreath - http://www.kerlakpublishing.com/allangilbreath.html
Allan Gilbreath denies that he was raised by wolves, but still enjoys quiet moonlit evenings. He is an accomplished skeptic, cook, gardener, computer geek, martial artist, and avid student of arcane knowledge. Allan is also a nationally recognized and award-winning author, publisher, speaker, and instructor. He has appeared on television, stage, radio, web/podcast, and tours the country in live appearances. He enjoys serving on convention panels and can cover a wide range of topics from the serious to the outrageous. In his adult vampire novels, Galen and Dark Chances, he links sensual fantasy with danger and predation to excellent effect. His exceptional use of plot tension between the various characters sets a wonderful stage for the little details that bring it all to life. Allan's Jack Lago supernatural mysteries are known for their attention to detail and suspense. His short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies and his collection, Allan Gilbreath: A Short Story Collection.
Jennifer Griffith - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kittiyes-Kreations/207543382613962
Kittiyes Kreations was a excuse to start crafting which started at a Dungeons and Dragons table sewing bows and snowballed into perler creations spilling from conference tables in the forever attempt, to now, keep crafting. What started as a hobby became a passion for Jennifer Griffith, the creator of Kittiyes Kreations. Kittiye opened its first booth at Mecha con in 2011 and she realized she was hooked. Kittiye has also set up shop with Backwoods Comic Festival and hopes to infect CoastCon with smiles and geeky goodies.
Jennifer aka Kittiye is a Suma Cum Laude graduate of Alcorn State University, writer for the Franklin County Remembers Series, and the Meet Me Midway Cemetery tour. When she's not spending time at the crafting table she can be found at the local museum setting up displays, at chamber meetings, volunteering at haunted houses and being a "high functioning" geek.
Allen Jaeger - http://www.allenjaeger.com/
Allen Jaeger is a professional artist who specializes in silkscreen media. He has done many Band and Event posters and tour t-shirt designs. Some of his past work includes posters for Black Mountain, Insane Clown Posse, KORN, Rob Zombie, House of Shock, and Anne Rice Coven ball. All of Allen's work is produced by himself. He mixes his own colors using a wide range of paint types, oils, latex and screen textiles.
Shannon Kitchens - http://shannononwritingandrewriting.blogspot.com/
Shannon is a librarian by day, filmmaker by night, and part-time novelist. She also is the Municipal Liaison for the New Orleans Nanowrimo and Script Frenzy chapter. She's been writing longer than she remembers, attending NOCCA for writing in high school and taking various writing and screenwriting courses in college. Over the next year, she wants to build a portfolio for graduate school. Check out her film work at www.thezbbc.com.
John Mangus -
John Mangus, a proud father of two, is living his dreams. He is an American History teacher and a costumer. Life has recently gotten better for him as he is now recognized, and paid, to portray Darth Maul (for promotions), for 20th Century Fox and LucasFilm.
As an experienced costumer and long time member of the Rebel Legion and 501st, John has proudly created many characters from Science Fiction. He has costumed as a Republic Senate Guard, a Rebel Fleet Trooper, an X Wing Pilot, a Jedi, an Episode's II and III Clone Trooper, Starkiller from the Force Unleashed, Starbuck from Battlestar Galactica(original series), and perhaps his pièce de résistance, is his Darth Maul. John strongly believes in charity and through costuming he has been afforded the opportunity to help those in need. Creativity, adulation, and charity, what else could anyone want?
Margali Morwentair - http://www.margali-online.com/
Margali Morwentari is just your resident Sorceress-at-Large, Wicked Witch and erstwhile host of Thriller Theatre with Margali, an award-winning late-night program for dedicated couch-pumpkins.
The character of "Margali Morwentari" first appeared in the fantasy roleplaying adventure game Wizards' Realm™, published in 1981. Several trapped spirits and a few ghouls later, the originators of Wizards' Realm™ were appearing in costume as characters from the game at science-fiction conventions, when Margali made her first public appearance, in 1984, at CoastCon in Biloxi. Soon she was raising spirits of a different sort, as Mistress of Ceremonies at CoastCon and elsewhere, providing commentary on the evening's proceedings and venturing into "stand-up horror".
Margali's persona underwent further evolution with the invitation to host WDBD-TV's late-night movie in Jackson, Mississippi, starting in 1990. So it is that Margali Morwentari has moved--lock, stock and castle--into yet another millennium, without leaving behind her roots. And, who knows? Given the nature of her mysterious castle, she just might have left a few routes open to those days of yore, too...
Jennifer Mulvihill - http://www.elsielind.com/
J L Mulvihill is the author of the young adult novel, The Lost Daughter of Easa, published through Kerlak Publishing. This Tolkien meets Lady Bathory adventure has a classic good versus evil storyline which appeals to a wide variety of ages. Though born in Hollywood and raised in San Diego, CA, J L Mulvihill has made Mississippi her home for the past fifteen years. Since the time she could rhyme and write, J L has been writing poetry, short stories, and song lyrics. Other stories J L has written and had published include, Chilled Meat, a Steampunk thriller released August 2011 in the Dreams of Steam II-Of Bolts and Brass, anthology; The Leprechaun’s Story, a Steampunk urban Fantasy found in the anthology, Clockwork, Spells, & Magical Bells released March, 2012, the Proud Oak, published through the Gulf Coast Writer’s Association, and Bath 10, a haunted thriller in the Southern Haunts anthology, not yet released.
J L is currently working on her second novel, Elsindai, as well as her young adult steampunk series, Steel Roots, and an anthology project with horror author Alexander S. Brown entitled Southern Haunts.
James Powell - http://greyhaven.weebly.com
Artist/Illustrator James R. Powell is a native of Mississippi, where he quietly resides, surrounded by the dark woods that provide inspiration for much of his work. He has a vast accumilation of old books, as well as a variety of very wierd things. In 1999 he was employed by Peavey Electronics, where he painted guitars for various musicians such as Eddie Van Halen, Sheryl Crow, John Entwistle, and Alex Lifeson. He's worked with best-selling author Neil Gaiman on a project called 'Grey People'. And he's been published with Renegade Arts Entertainment, Blue Leaf Publications, Dark Continents, Western Legends, and many others. He's done various book covers for authors Brian Hodge, Scott Nicholson, Matthew Tate, Alan Dale, and Blue Remy. He has created art for actor Lance Henriksen, and has done conceptual art for the Misfits and for the film Sick People.
Kimberly Richardson - http://www.kerlakpublishing.com/kimrichardson.html
After being found as an infant crawling among old and dusty books in an abandoned library, Kimberly Richardson grew up to be an eccentric woman with a taste for listening to dark cabaret music while drinking tea, reading books in every genre, and writing stories that cause people to make the strangest faces. Her first book, the award-winning Tales From a Goth Librarian, was published through Kerlak Publishing in March 2009. Her first time as editor is the wildly popular steampunk anthology, Dreams of Steam. In her precious, but little spare time, she enjoys all things Steampunk, Gothic, eccentric and eclectic, and anything that is coloured purple, blue, or green. Her family, albeit normal, loves her as much as she loves them. She currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee with two cats and several hundred books.
Suzaku 7 - http://www.thesuzaku7.com/
Consisting of a compliment of some of the most talented musicians in the New Orleans area, The Suzaku 7 was formed in 2004 by founding members Dreux Blalock and Elricka Fletcher. After having played at various venues, the disaster that was Hurricane Katrina forced the seven celestial warriors to part ways. After seeing the devestation that was caused by the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami of March 11, 2011, and remembering the aid brought to the Gulf Coast after Katrina by Japan, Blalock decided to reform what he could of The Suzaku 7 in hopes of raising money through their shows to donate to the people of Japan.
With the rivetting vocals of Megan Geeck and Anna Mannino, the screeching guitars of Thomas DeVille (Alias Orion), complimenting keyboards and trumpets by Billy Reike and Farrar Hudkins (Consortium of Genius), a rythmn section comprising of Jonathan Ruh on Drums and Dreux Blalock (Antarctica vs the World) on Bass, The Suzaku 7 bring forward a show that is unprecedented in today's market: A band of true heroes, who like their mythical namesake, have come together to help save a nation in need.
M.B. Weston - http://mbweston.com/
Award-winning author M. B. Weston's Elysian Chronicles series about guardian angel warfare and treason attracts both fantasy and non-fantasy readers of all ages and is being adapted into a graphic novel. Weston is also making her mark on Christian apologetics with column arguing in favor of God's existence called "Faith's Perspective," which she writes for the on-line atheist magazine http://www.endreligion.org. Weston is a talk radio host for The Final Cut in Movies, a show that discusses science fiction and fantasy movies, on WSBR Radio 740 am, reaching audiences from North Miami to West Palm Beach. A gifted orator, Weston has been invited as a guest speaker to numerous writing and science fiction/fantasy panels at conventions across the US. She has spoken to thousands of students and adults about the craft of writing and has been invited as the keynote speaker at youth camps and at several schools.
Weston's first paranormal thriller, Unleashed (working title), is slated for release in Summer 2013. Also in Winter 2013, two of her short stories will be featured in both a paranormal and a Steam Punk anthology.
Lou Zocchi - www.gamescience.com/
Colonel Louis Zocchi has been involved with Adventure games since 1959. He play tested them for the Avalon Hill Company, and later designed its Luftwaffe game, which remained on the top sellers list for the next 20 years. In 1981 Zocchi's Basic and Advanced Fighter Combat game received an Origins Award for designing the best air to air combat rules of all time. His Star Fleet Battle Manual won the British Games Day Award and was nominated for an Origins Award. Zocchi designed the 100 sided die and in 2009, he was given another Origins for co-designing the D-Total die which can generate the numbers for 18 different die shapes.
In 1987 Zocchi was inducted into the Adventure Games Hall of Fame and has lectured every year at Origins and Gencon since 1990. More than 120,000 gamers have gone to YouTube and typed in louzocchi to see both parts of his 20 minute explanation of why all dice are not created equal. You'll discover what the other dice makers want to keep secret.
Fan Groups
501st Rancor Raiders - www.rancorraiders.com
The Mississippi Rancor Raiders are Mississippi's definitive Star Wars costuming group, representing the 501st Legion.
Adventurers League of G.E.A.R.S. - https://www.facebook.com/LeagueofGEARS
Adventurers League of G.E.A.R.S. mission is promote and assist those who are interested in learning more about this wonderful way of life, called Steampunk. They also aim to assist Charities with events and fund raisers, and promote The League of S.T.E.A.M. Their motto is "We behave poorly, So you don't have to!" They are based out of New Orleans, LA.
Airship 67 - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airship-67/176495325697863
Airship 67 are the first Airship based out of Mississippi. Their mission is to educate and introduce Steampunk to as many in the state and surrounding areas as possible. If you are interested in Steampunk in Mississippi, this is the crew you need to follow.
BayouCon - http://www.bayoucon.net
BayouCon is Southwest Louisiana's original fan based convention. They specialize in Comics, Sci-fi, and Anime programming. BayouCon V will take place the last weekend of June 2013 in Lake Charles, La.
CONtraflow - http://www.contraflowscifi.org
One of Louisiana's newest Fan conventions, it focuses on science fiction, fantasy, comics, and related literary genres in any form, including printed and visual media. CONtraflow III will take place Oct 18-20, 2013 in New Orleans, LA.
CyPhaCon - http://www.cyphacon.org
CyPhaCon is the culmination of a dream of Anime, Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Gaming fans in S.W. Louisiana. They have come together from different walks of life and disparate interests with one goal: A recurring and fun fan convention, by fans, for fans. The next CyPhaCon will be April 19th-21st, 2013 in Lake Charles, LA.
Fans for Christ - www.fansforchrist.org
Christian geeks? Absolutely! Fellowship and fun for Christian fans of comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, Cosplay, RPGs, video games, goth, and such! Fans for Christ's mission is to provide fellowship between Christian fans and geeks, and let them know they aren't the only ones.
Geek Girls With Guns - http://www.geekgirlswithguns.com
They are your friends, neighbors, housewives, and daughters... all united by a common love of sci-fi and fantasy Cosplay and GUNS!!!! Geek Girls recognize that with great power comes great responsibility, and so have banded together to use their unique talents to make a charity calendar to help others.
Ironclad Cairo - https://www.facebook.com/groups/193414800718588/
Ironclad Cairo is a steampunk/neo Victorian group of educators, performers, inventers, and artists. Their motto is "Bringing Steam to the Seas!" They operate out of Slidell, LA and have an etsy and ebay store to help fund the group's hobbies.
Krewe Du Who - https://www.facebook.com/groups/kreweduwho/
Whovians UNITe... Krewe du Who is a Doctor Who themed Fan Group with a contingent that rolls in the Chewbacchus parade. They have their very own fully functional K-9, a Kool-9, an Emperor Barlek and more! All Doctors, Companions, Heroes, Monsters and Villains are welcome!
Rebel Legion Dagobah Base - http://www.rebellegion.com
Dagobah Base is a chapter of the Rebel Legion serving the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. They are a volunteer Star Wars costuming organization of fans that enjoy researching and recreating a wide range of costumes that represent the "good guys" of the Star Wars stories.
Red Stick Rebellion - http://www.redstickrebellion.com
The Red Stick Rebellion is a Star Wars collectors group based in Baton Rouge, LA but has members all across Louisiana. So come to the next monthly group meeting, interact in the forums, learn something, educate others and have fun with other Star Wars collectors!
SG-21 Louisiana Stargaters - http://www.sg-21.com
Louisiana Star-Gaters: SG-21 is a StarGate fan/costuming group based out of Lafayette, Louisiana. They attend conventions in Louisiana and neighboring states. SG-21's goal is to have a little fun and raise money for local charities.
USS Neptune - http://www.ussneptune.org
The USS Neptune is a Star Trek (and general science-fiction) fan club and is a chapter of STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association. The USS Neptune is based in Biloxi, MS and has members from across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
USS New Orleans - http://wp.sfi.org/ussneworleans/
The USS New Orleans is simply a group of Star Trek fans who enjoy getting together to promote their interest in science fiction, and attending events in authentic-looking costumes. They are a chapter of STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association and are located in New Orleans, LA.
Guests & Groups