Archive for the ‘Cool Events’ Category

Arts of Darkness – The Shadow of Approval Award

/ May 17th, 2013 / No Comments »

Arts of Darkness Shadow of Approval Award for Dark Arts and Artists from conradzero.com Since 2003 I’ve been writing blog-reviews here about dark and beautiful things. I’ve used the category Ubercool to reference arts, artists, events and things that I think are glorious. And I never once worried that anyone would read them.

But now, my site traffic and ranking have increased to astonishing levels. My inbox is filled with requests for reviews and offers for paid advertising. You read that right. Paid. Advertising.

“You should have an award. You know, like a seal of approval!”

Ten years ago, I felt like the weird kid sitting by himself and reading Lovecraft while listening to Marilyn Manson. Now I feel like some kind of Dark Fiction Authority. The Goth Guru? The Hipster of Darkness?

But an award would be pretty cool. And easy. Or so I thought. It had to be generic enough to encompass all kinds of arts, artists and events…

…and I wanted the word “dark” in there someplace…

…and it had to be clear that it was something positive…

…and I didn’t want it to sound hokey…

…or make me sound like a minion of Satan herself. (A common misconception, btw. We just hung out in the same circles in college…)

Anyway, I’m proud to finally present my “Shadow of Approval” for arts and artistry that embrace the dark side. Mega-thanks to my graphic-savvy friend, J. Stuart Johnson for taking my conceptual-hack-job and turning it into an amazingly cool graphic. In fact, he should be the first artist I give the award to. If you need graphics or website work done, you should hire him.

What Are “Arts of Darkness”?

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Review of the 2013 Bloomington Writers Festival and Book Fair

/ March 26th, 2013 / No Comments »

Last Saturday I attended the 2013 Bloomington Writers Festival and Book Fair along with fellow Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers Group members: Terry Faust, Michael Merriam, Jason D Wittman and Joel Arnold.

We attended the writers festival last year, and we learned that this is not a large event, nor an awesome event for sales of spec fic. “Low maintenance, Low payoff,” is how I reported it to the other MNSpec group organizers. We decided to get a table anyway, and use this event as a practice for developing our marketing/promotional clout for larger events coming this summer.

Some numbers:

  • 408 – Registered MNSpec members
  • 22 – MNSpec members who RSVPed for the event
  • 8 – MNSpec members who actually attended the event, (which includes the 5 members who took turns working the table)
  • 3 – Number of books sold
  • 1 – Number of MNSpec member facebook/g+/blog posts for this event

That one MNspec member’s promotion for the event? I wrote it. Really thought there would be more promotion than that, but I couldn’t find anything. Please link up any posts that I missed in the comments below.

You Get What You Give

Our book sales were the same as the previous year… you know, back when we didn’t push the promotion quite as hard. LOL. Some might consider the sales numbers a failure, but there’s more to festivals than sales. For example, this event isn’t too bad for networking and promotion. If you have something free to hand out, you’d better bring lots of it. While working the MNSpec table, I gave away many of the writers group info bookmarks that Terry Faust made for us, as well as a lot of my own business cards. Jason D Wittman could hardly keep the table stocked with his very, very, very small (and free) books.

As I wandered through the author and vendor tables, I paid close attention to what tricks authors used to draw attention and what giveaway/bribes they resorted to. Some authors sat at their table playing with their phones while their books gathered dust, while others engaged the crowd. Making eye contact. Drawing people in. Explaining why you would really enjoy their 700-page, unspellchecked, unproofread memoir. I met and talked with many cool and talented Minnesota artists. A special shout out to the following folks for being super-awesome:

I loaded up on free things myself, and came home with a slew of business cards, fliers and adverts.  Then I sifted through them all and did some virtual stalking. The results were interesting. Imagine authors without their own website… Imagine social media “experts” without a presence on google plus…  Imagine thanking people via email and having the email bounce back undeliverable!

All in all I had fun, and met lots of cool local artists. Business cards and handshakes are not my weapons of choice, but I made over a dozen new contacts through the event, and I didn’t get them by sitting in the corner playing with my phone. “Low Maintenance, Low Payoff” is quite different than “No Maintenance, No Payoff.”

Conrad Zero LogoYours Darkly,

Conrad Zero

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2013 Bloomington Writers Festival and Book Fair

/ March 19th, 2013 / No Comments »

This Saturday, 23 March 2013, myself and many other authors from the Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers Group are attending the Bloomington Writers Festival and Book Fair. We’ll be celebrating stories, the authors who write them, and the readers who enjoy them.

This event is FREE and open to the public, although the seminars and workshops require registration. There will be plenty of freebees handed out. You’ll be able to buy books directly from the authors and have them signed.

See below for more details. I hope to see you there!

Bloomington Writers Festival and Book Fair

10th Annual Celebration of the Arts

March 22-23, 2013

Bloomington Center for the Arts
1800 W Old Shakopee Rd
Bloomington, MN

Friday, March 22 - Master Class with a Master Teacher, Tom Hegg

This four hour workshop is an intense study in creativity and developing authenticity in the written word. Hegg teaches you how to give depth to characters, how to keep their actions and reactions real, and their situations true. $100. Registration deadline, Monday, March 18.

 Saturday, March 23 – Book Fair

9:30 am Keynote Tom Hegg, author of A Cup of Christmas Tea and the children’s book classic series, Peef the Bear. $15

10:30 am – 3:30 am Book Fair and Author Readings, Free and Open to the Public

11:00 am – 5:00 pm Workshops $13

  • Getting Started Series includes workshops to stimulate your creativity, personal writing, writing other activities to help you find focus, overcoming writing resistance and writers block and more.
  • Telling Your Story Series includes workshops on writing memoirs, turning your journals into stories, writing for children and more.
  • Publishing Series includes panels and workshops on preparing your manuscripts, editing options, legal issues and publishing options.
  • Marketing and Publicity Series includes workshops that help you get the word out about your book, including preparation of press kits, news releases, use of social media, platform development.
  • Arts and Writing Series include workshops on cover design and writing lyrics.

Register early to ensure a spot in the workshop of your choice at www.BTACMN.org or 952-563-8575. Click on arts education or the link under upcoming events for a listing of the workshops and lunch selections.

Lunch orders deadline is Wednesday, March 20, at Midnight.

This program is supported by the Bloomington Theatre and Art Center. www.BTACMN.org

Conrad Zero LogoYours Darkly,

Conrad Zero

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Conrad Zero On KFAI Radio This Sunday!

/ February 26th, 2013 / 1 Comment »

radio_wavesNo seriously. My voice will be riding the radio waves this Sunday!

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 at 10 a.m. - KFAI’s Wave Project will host the Writers Reject Sack with guests: Abra Staffin Wiebe, Joel Arnold, Dana Baird, and myself.

Not sure which I like less: the word “reject” or the word “sack”. Nevertheless, I’ll be there. We’ll be talking about writer stuff, traditional publishing, self-publishing, podcasting and the Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers’ Group.

Tune in to:

  • 90.3 FM Minneapolis, MN
  • 106.7 FM West St. Paul, MN

The show should be recorded and listed on the KFAI website, I’ll be sure to link back to it when the recording is posted!

Conrad Zero LogoYours Darkly,

Conrad Zero

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2012 Zombie Pub Crawl in Minneapolis and St. Paul

/ October 16th, 2012 / No Comments »

Steampunk Zombie and Flo The Zombie Insurance Girl at the 2012 Zombie Pub Crawl, Minneapolis MN

You already knew that Minnesota was the coolest state on neither coast, but Zombie Pub Crawl (ZPC) is just one more reason why. On 13 Oct 2012, around 30,000 people dressed as zombies and painted the “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and St. Paul red. With fake blood.

The Zombie Pub Crawl is like Mardi Gras crossed with Halloween for adults. It’s a combination of several things:

  • A halloween costume party
  • A block party
  • A reason to eat, drink, dance…. and drink some more.
  • A bloodbath

Streets were blocked off, food trucks and portapotties set up along the block, bands and DJ’s blasted, and bars made a literal killing. Music acts included the Gin Blossoms, DMX, Exodus, The Sex Rays and more. A shuttle bus trucked loads of zombies back and forth between the two locations. August Shell Brewing Company, local brewers of Grain Belt Premium Beer and sponsors of ZPC, released a limited edition beer called Brain Belt Cranium just for the event. There was a giant slide, a gigantic inflatable zombie, and even a foam pit.

OK, so maybe it was the foam pit, but there is definitely a point where you realize something has gotten out of hand. Just ask Taylor Carik, who thought it would be fun for him and his handful of friends to theme out their annual pub crawl by dressing as zombies. Eight years later, the Zombie Pub Crawl has grown to “zombie apocalypse” proportions. Estimates are between 30,000 and 40,000 people attended. They should have no problem breaking the Guinness Book of World Records for the “Largest Gathering of Zombies”. A recent interview with Taylor in the City Pages shows the level of planning needed to pull off an event of this magnitude.

Tips for Attending the Zombie Pub Crawl

Zombie Pub Crawl Tip 1 – Dress for Success

Technically, you don’t HAVE to dress like a zombie for this event, but if you don’t, there are people who will find you and spray you down with fake blood. Or cover themselves with fake blood and hug you. Or drag you into the foam pit. (true story, btw…) So at the very least, do not wear anything you care about. Some of the fake blood does not come out of cloth, and takes a while for the color to fade away on hair and skin. However, ZPC is a good way to get rid of unfitting, unfashionable or unwanted clothing. Shred em, douse them with fake blood, and you are in. Paint your face white, eyes black and lips blood red. Seriously, you cannot overdo the makeup.

It’s even better if you can theme your zombiness. Last year, I was a hit as a zombified “The Dude” from the Big Lebowski. This year, I was a dignified zombie steampunker with cane, tophat and monocle. I saw a Zombie Elvis, Paramedics, Police and Firemen. Even a zombie Spongebob Squarepants, if you can imagine such a thing. Lots of wedding dresses, and lots of people in cleansuits. I’ll point out that my mother dressed as a zombie bride back in Halloween 2007 and had talked about the idea for years before that, so I think it’s safe to give her some credit for the fashion trend. And sexy zombies are always in fashion. There was a gigantic zombie donkey that dubsteped through the crowd. A good costume or makeup will get you asked for lots of pix.

Zombie Pub Crawl Tip 2  - Buy Tix in Advance

Anyone who’s been to the Minnesota Rennaisance Festival can tell you – buy your tickets early. Pre-event tickets are cheaper and you bypass the line to buy tickets at the door. I heard that ZPC came close to selling out of tickets this year, and you definitely don’t want to get all dressed up only to get shunned at the gate.

You might want to grab a bite before heading down there too. The food trucks are an interesting combination of foody and spendy meaning you’ll pay a lot for very little.

Hey, leggo my foot! Silly Zombie Flo! Good thing I have insurance coverage against being bitten by zombies in a foam pit! (Costs extra but not much. Ask your insurance agent.) -Z

Zombie Pub Crawl Tip 3 – Be Fun, Have Fun

One of the great things about ZPC is that it’s in Minnesota. People from Minnesota are joiners, and they are nice unless they are driving. They are especially nice when they dress as zombies, drink beer and listen to dubstep. So come, eat, drink, be bloody. Bring a camera. Take lots of pics and share them. Bring fake blood and apply liberally to yourself and others. It’s one of the few times it’s OK to spray bodily fluids on one another in public.

And never pass up the opportunity to start up the zombie chant:

What do we want? Braaains!

When do we want them? Braaains!

Zombie Pub Crawl Tip 4 – Be Safe

One reason this event has grown so large is simple – its fun for you and your friends to dress and act all silly, and people from Minneapolis aren’t likely to start a riot while they’re having fun. So no hatin’. Save all your ‘come at me bro’ for the country bars.

And do not drink and drive. Minnesota pays the state electric bill with all the fees they charge people for driving under the influence, so don’t do it.

Also, zombies are fairly unsanitary to say the least, so you might wanna bring some hand sanitizer. Just sayin.

Conrad Zero LogoYours Darkly,

Conrad Zero

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Frightmares at Buck Hill

/ October 8th, 2012 / No Comments »

In the winter, Buck Hill is a good place for skiing/snowboarding that’s not far from Minneapolis. But during October, it’s transformed into a community of horrific fun.

Frightmares at Buck Hill is not a haunted house. It is more like a haunted village. One admission fee ($20 Wed-Sat and $18 on Sundays) gets you a wristband that lets you stay as long as you like and you can keep going through the different attractions as many times as you want till they close at midnight. they stop selling tickets at 11, but you really will want to get there early so you have a chance to see everything. Lines for the attractions are all outdoors and can get quite long, so dress warm and give yourself plenty of time.

The chalet/bar has live music, dancing, food, and drinks. As we were told by our host “A Haunted House without alcohol is just a Museum.” There’s an outdoor stage where Kevin Hall runs down a series of fast-paced magic tricks. Bonfires and spooky lighting enhance the mood of the central courtyard area connecting all the events, and there are monsters that WILL try to sneak up on you. They love the screamers, so if you’re a screamer, be ever-watchful.

There are four primary attractions:

Haunted Hollow

The only outdoor attraction, and my personal favorite. The Haunted Hollow starts with a ride on the “magic carpet” if you are familiar with skiing/snowboarding, the magic carpet is simply a conveyor belt that carries you up to the top of the hill. There were no scares on the way up, but once at the top, you are in for an anything-but-leisurely walk down to the bottom.

Lights, smoke, a corn maze and disturbing characters lie between you and the exit.

We were advised to hit this attraction first, to take advantage of the last bit of sunlight, and to avoid the chill of night. But then again, darkness would ramp up the intensity of this attraction.

Orchard Manor Dead and Breakfast

This is your classic haunted house, and I mean that as a good thing. A quality scare, although I don’t remember anything specific about it except the end which I won’t give away, but you won’t want to miss it.

Inferno (Formerly Bellharm Lovejoy Asylum)

Asylum fireThis attraction was originally created as an insane asylum, but unfortunately it burned down a mere three weeks ago. The organizers have done a marvelous job of rebuilding it, turning it into a series of dungeon laboratories and now called Inferno.

Come and explore THE INFERNO, where the gates of hell have been unleashed and the tortured souls of the past yearn to share their pain and fear with all who enter.

Doctors, laboratories and inmates behind bars – all the scariness of an insane asylum moved underground. Best part was trying to get through the operating room, where the doctor was persistent that I get on the table for some kind of transplant. I didn’t wait around to see exactly what he wanted to transplant…

Fright Factory

This was a fun surprise, you get a pair of 3-D glasses when you enter. Once you are inside, the neon oranges, greens and pinks really turn the place into a cross between a 3-D movie and a Duran Duran video. There was a spinning tunnel I’d challenge anyone to try walking through it without using the handrails. Those who get motion sickness can simply close their eyes and use the handrails to get through.

Overall a cool effect, but it may not work as well for everyone. If 3-D movies give you a headache, you could certainly go through this without the glasses and still enjoy it.

SUMMARY

Overall I give Frightmares at Buck Hill an A. They really have done a great job with the whole event. The entire event is PG-13, and overall scariness was around 7 out of 10. And it’s a great dollar value. Keep in mind that you can go through the attractions as many times as you want, so give yourself some extra time to stop off at the chalet for some pub grub and a glass of Mold, then go back and revisit your favorite scare.

I recommend groups of 2-4 people. If your group is larger, break it down into smaller groups and stay close together for a better experience as you go through the attractions. There is a group discount for groups over 20.

Keep the weather in mind. Although three of the four attractions are inside, the lines are all outside, and you could be standing there for a while.

Get there early. It wasn’t very busy when we first arrived around 8PM and there were hardly any lines at all. By the time we left at 10:30 the lines had grown to a reasonable size, and I’ll bet you could wait for an hour to get into some of the attractions at the peak times. I’d expect it to get more busy as word gets out and as we get closer to Halloween.

Frightmares at Buck Hill
15400 Buck Hill Rd
Burnsville, MN 55306
frightmares.com

Conrad Zero LogoYours Darkly,

Conrad Zero

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Watch the Skies Sci-Fi Film Fest 2012

/ October 3rd, 2012 / No Comments »

Take-Up Productions and the Heights Theater in Columbia Heights, MN have teamed up to present the Watch the Skies SCI-FI Fest 2012

They will be showing several essential sci-fi films of the 1950′s starting this Thursday and continuing each Thursday at 5:30PM.

  • Sept 20 – The Day the Earth Stood Still
  • Sept 27 – This Island Earth
  • Oct 4 – The Thing
  • Oct 11 – Them!
  • Oct 18 – The Fly

Note that the Heights Theater does not show previews or time-wasters before the movies. They stop selling tickets 20 min after the show starts, so get there on time for a dose of Alien, Mutant, Monsters from the Future Future Future!

Conrad Zero LogoYours Darkly,

Conrad Zero

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Classic Japanese Horror Movie Series at the Trylon

/ October 2nd, 2012 / No Comments »

Take Up Productions has put together a series of classic Japanese Horror Movies to be shown as the Trylon in MN Mondays and Tuesdays through the month of October 2012.

  • Onibaba (1964) – Oct 8 and 9 at 7 PM and 9 PM
  • Kuroneko (1968) – Oct 15 and 16 at  7 PM and 9 PM
  • Kwaidan (1964) – Oct 23 and 24 at  7 PM only
  • Hausu (1977) – Oct 29, 30 and 31 at 7 PM and 9 PM

All tickets are $8 and can be purchased online through the Take-Up Productions website. They also offer a discount package – Five tickets for $25.

Trylon Microcinema
3258 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-424-5468
info@take-up.org

Conrad Zero LogoYours Darkly,

Conrad Zero

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A Review of Batman Live

/ September 18th, 2012 / No Comments »

I wasn’t sure what to expect when going in to see Batman Live at the Xcel Energy Center. All I was sure of was that the front-row tickets for Batman Live were WAY cheaper than going to see Rush. Sorry Geddy, but don’t worry, I’ll buy the Clockwork Angels Tour DVD. Promise.

Batman Live is a combination of live theater, Cirque De Soliel, special effects and a jumbotron. I’d say 70% theater, and 30% of the circus stunts you know and love – trapeze, balancing, tumbling, rope climbing, ribbonwork, stilts and more. The show had some of the most amazing stage effects I’ve seen. The batmobile looked great, and the rocket launcher was incredible. Real fire and pyrotechnics make any stage performance better. Neil Simon should make a note of this.

But the best prop in the show was an enormous LCD panel that took up the entire backdrop, probably three stories high, and in the shape of the batman logo. This was used to great effect, for not only a backdrop for each scene that included motion (ex: Wayne manor got closer as characters walked toward it.) It also provided video transitions between scenes including some animated sequences.

Batman Live won’t change anyone’s life, but it was an amazing show. Obviously, those who like comic books and cartoons are going to enjoy this more, since it is less of a Circus themed with Batman characters, and more of a Batman play spiced with circus tricks and FX. If you have kids between six and sixteen who enjoy action cartoons, this is a great way to introduce them to theater. Older theater-goers will find this a refreshing break from Shakespeare.

Conrad Zero LogoYours Darkly,

Conrad Zero

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Sky-Tinted Waters Release Party! 26 Aug 2012

/ August 21st, 2012 / No Comments »

Cover Art For Sky Tinted WatersThere will be a release party for Sky-Tinted Waters, the MinnSpec compilation containing my story, Pinky the Invisible Flying Pony vs the Giant Carnivorous, Poisonous Exploding Spider-Leeches.

There will be some food available, although I suspect “food” might mean something different to speculative fiction authors. So, consider there will be snacks available.

I’ll be there from noon till 4PM. I have no idea if there is any structure to the event, so come and go as you see fit. There will be copies of the book available for purchase, and most of the contributing authors will be there to sign and give readings.

Hope to see you there!

 

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Conrad Zero

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