Attention geeks! Geek.Kon, Madison's own anime, gaming, and science fiction convention, comes to the Marriott West hotel in Middleton Friday, September 3. Geeks of all stripes will find something to do at this three-day event.
Gamers can play various console and PC games or sit down for a round of "Munchkin" or "Settlers of Catan." On Saturday, Geek.Kon is hosting two "Magic: The Gathering" tournaments.
Con attendees who wish to align the stars of geekdom should try out Kon.Quest!, a treasure hunt-style game that brings together video games, table-top gaming, anime and science fiction. Participants must work in teams to beat the Water Temple's puzzles and dexterity challenges in the Fighters' Guild, along with trading card-type games and artistic feats.
Horror and science fiction geeks will enjoy a panel entitled, "Science of the Undead: Zombies," in which the mechanics of reanimation will be discussed. Those interested in the genre of steampunk can learn about "Steampunk Paranormal" literature. John Kovalic, local cartoonist and game designer, will be on hand at several panels to dole out his geek wisdom. Need a date for the big Masquerade ball on Friday night? On Friday, stop into the "Geek Dating" panel and pick up some tips (or another con attendee!).
If you want to meet and greet some great artists, head over to Artist Alley. Among the artists this year is Singing Lemur Jewelry, a studio that sells beautiful steampunk and beaded jewelry, and Jake Rueth, of cubecrazy2.com, whose art is wacky, color-saturated and adorable.
For entertainment, a group called the Spoony Bards will be performing on Saturday morning, and then throughout the rest of the convention. On Sunday, Dr. Cancer and the SKAmbies! plans to wake the dead with a combination of original ska songs and ska covers of old favorites.
Admission is $30 for the whole weekend, or $15 for Friday or Sunday, and $20 for Saturday. The Masquerade ball is open to the community at large; tickets are $3 for con attendees, and $10 for non-attendees. Proceeds go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
