For those either venturing into steampunk or already firmly entrenched in steampunk, you'll probably be interested to hear that Voltaire will be appearing at Wild West Con in Tucson, Arizona tonight (Friday, March 4th). He'll be screening his Chimerascope films at 7pm and then later performing live sometime between 9pm and midnight. Click here for convention info.



And on April 3rd Voltaire will be in New York City, performing at The Anachronism, a steampunk event at Webster Hall. Click here for event info.



-- Nephele

Why can't events like this take place in Jacksonville Florida?

(Sulks)

Midi, cheer up and check out the Cowford Steampunk Society, right in your hometown of Jacksonville. They have a meet-up scheduled for March 20th, from 10am to 4pm, at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum on 101 W. 1st Street. (I think the society is named "Cowford" because that was an early British name for Jacksonville). Here's their link.

-- Nephele

Actually, I'm extremely envious, too! I absolutely love that Steampunk is gathering momentum in the US; I'm less keen on the fact that it seems to be largely bypassing us... Steampunk trinkets are turning up in alternative retailers, but beyond that the culture appears to be being largely ignored.

Really? I've gotten the impression that there are a lot of steampunks in the U.K. -- I actually thought the culture was more active over there! (I think they have plans of taking over the Whitby Festival, and I know there's a big steampunk following in Dr Who fandom.)

-- Nephele

Thanks for the link! I think I'd have to join the club to attend, and I'm terrified of meeting new people, so I'm not sure I'll go or not, but I'll definitely give it some major thought! Thanks for the link, Nephele! You're the best!

Yah, I'm not exactly an overly sociable person, myself. I figured maybe you could just show up at the event and check it out, and then decide if you want to get more involved. It's going to be at a museum anyway, and that alone looks like a pretty interesting place to visit.

-- Nephele

NICE reminder about the Whitby event!

You're probably right... I'd just like to see a little more evidence of it in everyday life, I suppose (and a few more steampunk events wouldn't go amiss, either)!

As to Doctor Who fandom and steampunk... It's odd. It's as if the show has existed for nearly 50 years without a home to call its own - and now, Steampunk is that spiritual home! I have to say that I think some of the later episodes of the Tenth Doctor's tenure really payed homage to that fact... If you, dear Reader, have never seen it and are so inclined, I fully recommend "The Next Doctor", set in Victorian England...

I don't know if you're likely to see a lot of obvious evidence of steampunks around, as it's not a mainstream thing. But at scheduled steampunk events and conventions you'll sure see a lot gathered together.

-- Nephele