* Marvelous Polka Haunt Us Fan(g) Review

It is with much honour that I today received this MAD-nifique "thumbs up" from a fan, who so kindly took the time to write this review of La Moi's "Polka Haunt Us" recording. Merci, Monsieur A. J. for your efforts and support!

+ + + + Begin fwd:

"Polka Haunt Us: A Spook-tacular Compilation" is one of those rare musical treasures that one stumbles upon randomly. The title almost has a ring of silly novelty, and even triteness to it, but don't let that put you off.

The list of included performers on the project is more-than impressive enough to quell any doubts the title might convey: Lili Haydn- The "Jimi Hendrix of Violin," on the same record as CalArts Music Professor & Woodwind Expert Vinny Golia? WTF...? Polka Grammy Nominee Alex Meixner, as well Kai Kurosawa, Japanese Bass & Warr Guitar Virtuoso??

Add to that a Norwegian Opera Diva, revered in her native land, named Elisabeth Ekornes, and toss in a Fulbright Scholar & UCLA Lecturer, named Kirk Brundage, who is the author of the ONLY fully-annotated, and academically-researched texts of Afro-Brazilian percussion in the world. Plus, many more artists & musicians I won't even list here- Whoa! That's some kind of crazy!

I just HAD to listen to this record after reading that partial list of Who's Who of diverse musical talents! And I was not disappointed. I won't say that I understood exactly what I was hearing right away, but the work certainly has grown on me in ways I could never have imagined earlier, if I had heard someone use the word "Gothic" as a descriptor for the word "Polka."

Besides forcing me to reassess how musical genres are, and are not, supposed to be combined, "Polka Haunt Us," is downright entertaining, and surprisingly appealing in a wild-ride-through-a-fun-house-hall-of-mirrors kind of way. Just when you think you recognize something familiar, (and dare I say, traditional?)- a tango, a waltz, a folk tune- without warning, portions of crazy polka spring out like an unruly jack-in-the-box, and take you on a merry side trip, only to plop you right back where you were a moment before, leaving you to shake your head and wonder if you really heard what you just heard!

Executive Producer and "Mistressmind" (because she's a lady & not a gent) Veronique Chevalier has truly created a timeless recording based on authentic supernatural lore from the world over, in which the indigenous music of the country of the tale's origin is combined with polka, creating an unholy, and frightfully-unique, yet musically-satisfying, "Sonic Frankenstein." I recommend this not only at Halloween, but any time of year, because quality music, no matter how unusual, has no expiration date."

-- A. J. Behar, Londonderry, New Hampshire, USA

+ + + + End fwd

* Holiday Well-wishes To All From Veronique!

^Clickez la photo to see full-size image^
.

* Veronique's Music Included in "Steampunk: A Soundtrack for Blood In The Skies"

Out now! Steampunk is a two volume CD soundtrack for G. D. Falksen’s novel The Hellfire Chronicles: Blood In The Skies. This musical compilation represents the combined work of some of the top steampunk bands and musicians from across the world, who have come together to provide you with music to listen to while reading Blood In The Skies. The soundtrack also features an exclusive preview of the book, read by the author.

Buy Steampunk Volume 1 here for only $6.99

Steampunk Vo.1

• “Lullabye for Lizzie” by Hellblinki (Hellblinki.com)


• ”The Killer” by The Magnificent Seven (Magnificentseven.se)


• “Terpsichore” by Strange Artifact (Strangeartifact.jp)
  


• “Thick As Thieves {Loreli, Pt. III}” by Dr. Carmilla (Drcarmilla.com)


• “The Beer Hall In Hell” by Veronique Chevalier (WeirdVal.com)


• “Valentine” by Sunday Driver (Sundaydriver.co.uk)
  


• “The silent have names” by Platform One (Platform-one.com)


• “On a 45”” by This Way to the Egress (Thiswaytotheegress.com)


• “For the Killers” by Unwoman (Unwoman.com )


• “House of Cards” by Frenchy and the Punk (Frenchyandthepunk.com)


• Prologue of The Hellfire Chronicles: Blood In The Skies, read by the author

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Buy Volume 2 here for only $6.99

Steampunk Vol.2

• “Glory (Blood in the Skies Mix)” by The Clockwork Dolls (theclockworkdolls.com)


• “goggles” by The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing (facebook.com/blamedfornothing)


• “The Cruel Intentions Of Time” by The Wet-Glass RO (thewetglassro.bandcamp.com)


• “Railroad Track” by Imaginary Airship (imaginaryairship.com)


• “The Man Who Learnt To Fly” by Tom Slatter (tomslatter.co.uk)


• “Blood in the skies” by Victor Sierra (victorsierra.net )


• “Smoke & Mirrors” by GHOSTFIRE (ghostfiremusic.com)


• “Eveen” by Life’s Decay (lifesdecay.com
)


• “Until the End” by Escape The Clouds (EscapeTheClouds.com)


• “Savior of the Skies” by The Cog is Dead (thecogisdead.com)


• “Zeppelins” by The Absinthe Drinkers (theabsinthedrinkers.com)


• Chapter One of The Hellfire Chronicles: Blood In The Skies, read by the author

* ATTN: Steampunk Music Lovers! Please donate to Sepiachord.com

ATTN: All 'Fiends' & Fan(g)s of great Steampunk Music, please give what vous are able to help keep The Goode "EAR"ship Sepiachord afloat. It is run as a labour of love by Monsieur Captain Jordan Bodewell & Ms First Mate Jennifer Dowling.

Visit this link http://sepiachord.com scroll down to the purple "HELP SUPPORT" button. Clickez vous, & voila! Instant good karma!
.

* The Cover of Veronique Chevalier & Walter Sickert's book is featured on Steampunk Writers & Artists Guild!

It is with great excitement that we announce that the cover of "My Cog Is Bigger Than Your Cog: SteamKu & Other Verbstrocities" has been placed in rotation amongst the covers of other steamlish books in the category of "Indie & Anthology Covers" on the Steampunk Writers & Artists Guild (S.W.A.G.) website!



.

* Veronique's Performance Schedule at TeslaCon 2

MAD-emoiselle Veronique is ebullient to announce her schedule of public appearances/performances/spectacles of Herself at TeslaCon 2:

* Friday, November 18th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, The Music Parlor
* Friday, November 18th, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, The Music Parlor
* Saturday, November 19th, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, The Music Parlor
* Saturday, November 19th, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, The Music Parlor
* Sunday, November 20th, 11:30 am- 1:00 pm, The Music Parlor

As vous can readily see, there shall be no shortage Veroniqueness at this eSTEAMed gathering!

What can vous expect? In addition to my warblings, attendees can also expect a plethora surprises- many of which shall no doubt be a surprise even La MAD One Herself.

And depending up the whim of the artiste, she may possibly be persuaded to read from her soon-to-be book of Steampunk Haiku "My Cog Is Bigger Than Your Cog: Steamku & Other Verbstrocities", and allow those deemed worthy-enough, to behold, first-hand, the full-color, retina-staining illustrations by Monsieur Walter Sickert.

Pre-orders for the book shall be taken as well, for those interested- and believe La Moi, vous shall be verrrrrry interested in owning this book after viewing the beautiful galley.

Alas, this year's event is completely SOLD OUT! Those of vous who shall not be joining us "20,000 Leagues Under The Aether," be sure to purchase your tickets for the 2012 event- "A Trip To The Moon," as soon as they are made available. Vous shan't want to repeat your faux pas again next year!

* Official TeslaCon Website: http://www.teslacon.com



.

* Veronique's Polka Haunt Us Music on Wild Wilson Radio

Wild Wilson Show #443 Week of October 30, 2011
Portion 2 - Running Time: 24:13 - TRACK LIST:

Real American Hero (over the top actor)
After Wife Polka Tango - Mike Surratt & Veronique Chevalier
Happy Halloween
Ghost Train - Mike Surratt & Veronique Chevalier
Burn Remedy
Full Moon Face Off - Alex Meixner & Veronique Chevalier
Big Bill from the sales department
Bubbe's Dybbuk Polka - Jann Castor & Veronique Chevalier
Outro...

Listen to this portion of the podcast here:
http://wildwilson.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/443october30track2.mp3
.

* Veronique's Music on Radio Metronomik!

Merci to Negr O Inmunsap & the folks at Radio Metromomik, broadcasting out of Mexico, as well as Spain, via the Aethernets, for including of the musical stylings of La MAD-emoiselle Herself, Veronique Chevalier, on their aurally delicious podcast!

http://radiometronomik.blogspot.com/2011/11/tercer-programa-de-radio-metronomik.html
.

* Is Veronique "Hell Bent" OR "Heaven Sent?"

View full-size flier here: https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/308211_10150317827846134_6660101133_8090640_1395353889_n.jpg

October 15th! Hell Bent OR Heaven Sent? MADemoiselle Veronique Chevalier & Dark Glam Opera sensation, Timur & The Dime Museum in an unholy alliance with some of Portland's most notorious musical mayhemists!
.

* MAD V Perv-orming a Duet with Kazakh Tenor Timur Bekbosunov on Oct. 7th

NUDES, er, NEWS:
The MAD One herself shall be perv-orming a duet with the fabulous Timur Bekbosunov and his band The Dime Museum this very week:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 – BOOTLEG BAR - $10 ADV/$12 DAY OF SHOW
2220 Beverly Blvd. (Across from Brooklyn Bagel), LA 90057

MUCCA PAZZA 11pm
TIMUR AND THE DIME MUSEUM 10pm
AK AND HER KALASNIKOVS 9pm

Venue Info:
http://www.bootlegtheater.org/music.html

Timur & The Dime Museum Website:
http://www.theoperaoftimur.com
.

* It's "Polka Haunt Us" Time Again!

Huzzah! It's October & The Season Of The Witch has begun! Soon it will be Halloween! Be sure to inhale deeply of the ever-crispening, Autumn air; carve a pumpkin for your front porch (& make a pie with the innards), but most of all don't forget to acquire a copy of my classic recording, "Veronique Chevalier's Polka Haunt Us: A Spook-tacular Compilation." It never goes out of season!

* Official Website (Cover Art, Lyrics & Liner Notes available):
http://PolkaHaunt.Us

* Digital downloads available on iTunes:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=293501182&s=143441

* Physical CD available on CD Baby & Amazon:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/veroniquechevalier

http://www.amazon.com/Polka-Haunt-Us-Spook-Tacular-Compilation/dp/B001HEID0W/ref=gfix-ews-form

.

* Veronique Featured in Gorgeous Steamgoth Magazine "El Investigador!"

Bonjour Chere 'Fiends' & Fan(g)s!

A nefarious character calling himself Profesor Lecumberri slipped this link into my Inbox today. I can think of no better way to kick off Halloween Season than with an eyeful of Steamgoth in Spanish.

The article about the Mad Sonics & Music of La Moi is on pages 19 & 20. There are also wonderful articles about Voltaire, Gothic Lolita, & ever morbidly maddening, dark & sundry subjects.

Let the beastly feast commence!

View the original post here:

http://mercenariosddios.blogspot.com/2011/10/el-investigador-n8-octubre.html
.

* What is "Steamku?"

SteamKu, is quite simply, "Droll Haiku on the subject of Steampunkery."

Instead of being buoyed aloft in the Aethers purely by steam, it is ardently hoped that one is also capable of being uplifted by somewhat indecorous humour; fun-pokery, and on occasion, a certain lack of seriousity.

I beg you, Dear Reader, do not take it as a *personal* affront- this skewering of Steampunkery- for indeed, one intended to be as broadly offensive as possible, so as to insult the greatest number, with the least amount of verbiage.

One found refuge in the paradoxical form known as Haiku, which on the one hand, forces all its practioners to adhere uniformly & unfailingly, (come Hell, high water, or tentacles), to 17 syllables, whilst on the other, giving the air of minimal effort, lack of strain, and very little evidence of extended bouts of nail-biting & self-flagelation.

One deems this form of verse to be the perv-ect vehicle with which to leave a few tyre treads over certain inhospitable portions of a sub-culture- for the most part charming- that is threatened, every-once-in-a-great-while, by over-zealous adherents, who may have a tendency to froth over into waves of pomposity, at but the slightest provocation.

The, at times, lurid verbiage & retina-staining full-color illustrations contained in the missive "My Cog Is Bigger Than Your Cog: SteamKu & Other Verbstrocities" by Veronique Chevalier & Walter Sickert, is the maiden voyage of this new artform, which one can only hope, shall serve to defuse efforts by persons of especially steamful inclination, to pass judgement (or gas) upon their fellows & fellettes of aetheric-tendancies.

With great eSTEAM,

MADemoiselle Veronique & Monsieur Walter

* Officious Facebook Fan(g) Page-
http://www.facebook.com/MyCogIsBiggerSteamKuBook

* Twit * Twat * Twot-
http://twitter.com/SteamKu

* Future Aetheric Home-
http://SteamKu.com/

* Veronique's Guest Column on "Age Of Steam" Blog

I was most honoured to have been invited to write the following Guest Column. Here is the link of the original post:
http://ageofsteam.wordpress.com/2011/09/22/what-is-%E2%80%9Csteampunk-music%E2%80%9D-by-veronique-chevalier/

September 22, 2011 by suzannelazear

Today we welcome MADemoiselle Veronique Chevalier.

Veronique Chevalier is the eccentric Françican (Français-American) Chanteuse (Songstress) known as The “Weird VAL” of Dark Cabaret. She’s an unparalleled Parodist; a Steampunk-lish Chanteuse, and Spooky Polkanista, who has been described as a twisted incarnation of Edith Piaf from an alternate reality – the one in which her parents are Jim Morrison, and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and her godparents are Lucille Ball and Weird Al. As a self-proclaimed “Mad Sonictist,” she takes maniacal pleasure in combining previously unrelated musical forms into new, unholy combinations. She vows to leave no genre unadulterated in her quest to create the ultimate Sonic Frankenstein. She originated the genre of “Gothic Polka”. Her twisted brand of humour hits at the core of daily reality. Being gonged off the premiere season of America’s Got Talent (which is FAKE reality) was irrefutable proof her gifts are wasted on the masses.

What Is “Steampunk Music?"

by Veronique Chevalier

MADemoiselle Veronique Chevalier

There seem to be more and more debates floating through the aethers on the subject of “Steampunk Music,” so I wrote this piece from the viewpoint that I have as an artiste. Although I have performed at numerous Steampunk events, and shall continue to do so as long as the invitations keep coming my way, I don’t call myself a “Steampunk” artiste, per say.

I prefer the word “artiste” without any descriptors, because I create to please myself, and I appear at non-Steampunk events (Cabarets/Music Halls/Gay Venues/Burlesque Rooms) as well. I do feel very privileged and honoured that many fine folk in the community appreciate my special brand of ODDitory MADemoiselle-ness.

However, I know that people new to the Steampunk community, as well as long-time adherents, yearn for more musical choices, so that they might have a soundtrack, as it were, to complement the aesthetics and spirit that drew them to the community initially.

In the spirit of inclusiveness, I’d like to share a couple of invaluable resources for Steampunk-ish music. Incidentally, there is no universal agreement about what constitutes “Steampunk” music, since it commenced as a literary and aesthetic movement. However, it does seem to follow that numerous music artistes enjoyed by many Steampunks (and in whose ranks I am honoured to be included) are congregated in the following two websites:

Gilded Age Records

* http://www.gildedagerecords.com*
*https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gilded-Age-Records/122519387775698*

The world’s only artist collective, founded by Joshua A. Pfeiffer of Vernian Process & Evelyn Kriete, focused on musician’s combining old world aesthetics and sounds with current genres of music. Steampunk/Cabaret/Swing/Ragtime/Gypsy-Punk/Darkwave/etc.

Sepiachord

*http://sepiachord.com*

*https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_208390005860341*

Founded by Jordan Bodewell, “Sepiachord is the “genre that doesn’t exist”. It is to music what “Steampunk” is to literature and cinema: something that looks back to the past to comment on the present while looking sideways at the future. A cubist aural experience. As goth & glam are the bastards of David Bowie, Sepiachord is the made from the genetic material sown by Tom Waits.

Sepiachord is assembled like a clockwork orchestra, from such elements of music Sinister Circus, Cabaret Macabre, Chamber Pop, Organic Goth, Celtic/Gypsy Punk, Mutant Americana, Ghost Town Country It is the music our grandparents or great-grandparents would have listened to, if they were as off-set as we are.”

“A Sepiachord Passport” released under the Projekt Records imprint, is a compilation with a generous selection of 20 tracks by as many artistes, and is an excellent way to dip one’s toe into the Steampunk Music pool. It may be ordered from the Projekt website:

*http://www.projekt.com/projekt/product.asp?sku=PRO00250*

Coming late fall 2011, Steampunk is a two volume CD soundtrack for G. D. Falksen’s novel The Hellfire Chronicles: Blood In The Skies. This musical compilation represents the combined work of some of the top steampunk bands and musicians from across the world, who have come together to provide you with music to listen to while reading Blood In The Skies. The soundtrack also features an exclusive preview of the book, read by the author.

Disc 1

• “Lullabye for Lizzie” by Hellblinki (Hellblinki.com)


• ”The Killer” by The Magnificent Seven (Magnificentseven.se)


• “Terpsichore” by Strange Artifact (Strangeartifact.jp)
  


• “Thick As Thieves {Loreli, Pt. III}” by Dr. Carmilla (Drcarmilla.com)


• “The Beer Hall In Hell” by Veronique Chevalier (WeirdVal.com)


• “Valentine” by Sunday Driver (Sundaydriver.co.uk)
  


• “The silent have names” by Platform One (Platform-one.com)


• ““On a 45”” by This Way to the Egress (Thiswaytotheegress.com)


• “For the Killers” by Unwoman (Unwoman.com )


• “House of Cards” by Frenchy and the Punk (Frenchyandthepunk.com)


• Prologue of The Hellfire Chronicles: Blood In The Skies, read by the author

Disc 2

• “Glory (Blood in the Skies Mix)” by The Clockwork Dolls (theclockworkdolls.com)


• “goggles” by The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing (facebook.com/blamedfornothing)


• “The Cruel Intentions Of Time” by The Wet-Glass RO (thewetglassro.bandcamp.com)


• “Railroad Track” by Imaginary Airship (imaginaryairship.com) “The Man Who Learnt To Fly” by Tom Slatter (tomslatter.co.uk)


• “Blood in the skies” by Victor Sierra (victorsierra.net )


• “Smoke & Mirrors” by GHOSTFIRE (ghostfiremusic.com)


• “Eveen” by Life’s Decay (lifesdecay.com
)


• “Until the End” by Escape The Clouds (EscapeTheClouds.com)


• “Savior of the Skies” by The Cog is Dead (thecogisdead.com)


• “Zeppelins” by The Absinthe Drinkers (theabsinthedrinkers.com)


• Chapter One of The Hellfire Chronicles: Blood In The Skies, read by the author

With great eSTEAM,

~Veronique Chevalier

http://weirdval.com

* MADemoiselle Veronique's next Steampunk Perv-ormance @ Pyrate Daze, Santa Ana 8/27 & 28

"Westways Magazine" published by The Auto Club of America named Pyrate Daze as one of their "5 Worth The Drive" Events for August, 2011. Add to that the perv-ormance of your very own MADemoiselle Veronique Chevalier at 5pm on both Saturday AND Sunday, August 27th & 28th, and vous have NO reason to stay home!

Also featuring:
Rillian & The Doxie Chicks
Zoe Boekbinder
The Pirates Charles
Moon-Mermaid
Aoha Nui Hula
Cirque Noir & MORE!!!

Here is a photo of page 68 of the August 2011 Issue of "Westways":



Here is the promo video. (Try not to blink or vous won't see my picture, jumbled in with other unnamed persons, at the very end. :-/ But, I shall "LIKE" it, since there is no such thing as bad publicity! :-)



I hope to see my 'fiends' & fan(g)s in the Southern Califor Nation there!
.

* Veronique's "Vampire Surprise" Included in June Sepiachord Playlist

.
Sepiachord
Playlist for the Week Ending June 12th, 2011

Veronique Chevalier: Vampire Surprise

Eli August: Vanish

Siouxsie and the Banshees: Rawhead & Bloody Bones

The Gloria Darlings: This House

Rhubarb Whiskey: Heart on Her Sleeve

Curtis Eller's American Circus: Hide that Scar

This Way to the Egress: Gypsy Shoe

Bakelite 78: Katie Dear

Clare Fader: Queen

The Dad Horse Experience: I Saw the Light

16 Horsepower: I See What I Saw

Vernian Process: Vagues de Vapeur

Slim Cessna's Auto Club: What'll I Do?

Alice Cooper: Crazy Little Child

Munly & the Lee Lewis Harots: The Denver Boot Redux

Birdeatsbaby: Rosary

Diable Amoreux: The Town Rat & the Country Rat

Di Nigunim: The Town Rat & the Country Rat

Baby Gramps & the Back Swamp Potioners: Shanghai Lil

Victor Sierra: Pale Golden Flecks

Jaakko Laitinen & Väärä Raha: Viratulet

Ando Ehlers: Damsel

Not Waving But Drowning: Processional

Cop Shoot Cop: Hung Again

.

* The Clockwork Cabaret, and Davenport & Winkleperry: Steampunk-run Radio & Cafe

.

Yes, Virginia, there really is a show devoted exclusively to that elusive ODD-itory genre known as "Steampunk Music."

To paraphrase some of the verbiage from their website http://www.clockworkcabaret.com says:

"The Clockwork Cabaret is a weekly radio show hosted by the darling Davenport sisters, Emmett & Klaude, on WCOM 103.5 FM-LP in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, NC, every Monday at 11pm. And, you can call in to the show via the telephone at 919.929.9601.

The sisters play the "Music o' Gears" for Steampunk ears, an anachronistic style of music that will make you long for the days gone by. A wide assortment of jazz, blues, goth, folk, swing, gypsy punk, dark cabaret, classical and other related genres."

(I might add that they have even had the excellent taste to play "Vampire Surprise," by MADemoiselle Veronique on their Halloween Programme, entitled "Episode 92: Screaming Banshees of Halloween (aka It’s Spooktacular)."

http://clockworkcabaret.podbean.com/2009/10/26/episode-92-screaming-banshees-of-halloween-aka-its-spooktacular/

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~


What's more, in addition to the aforementioned wireless transmission, there is also a family business involved, Davenport & Winkleperry: Purveyors of Fine Art, Coffee, Tea & What-not

Imagine a space filled with art, coffee, books, live music and an in-house seamstress. Impossible? Located in quaint downtown Pittsboro, North Carolina, Davenport & Winkleperry, is a gallery and coffeehouse that offers all those extraordinary things along with other amusing oddities for your purchase, most with a hint of the Victorian aesthetic.

Address: 18A East Salisbury Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: 919-533-6178
Website: http://www.davenportandwinkleperry.com

.

* Veronique Featured on WAIR- Wicked Awesome Internet Radio

Run by Brian Donovan, WAIR: Wicked Awesome Internet Radio, plays the best unsigned music from some of the worlds hottest unsigned artists, and he's chosen to spotlight my "Internet Date" song track.

Here is the link to his post:
http://thewair.posterous.com/veronique-chevalier-on-thewairposterouscom

Here is the video of "Internet Date":



Monsieur Brian has excellent taste to include La Moi, non?
.

* What Is "Steampunk Music?" Op-Ed by Veronique Chevalier

There seem to be more and more debates floating through the aethers on the subject of "Steampunk Music," so I wrote this piece from the viewpoint that I have as an artiste. Although I have performed at numerous Steampunk events, and shall continue to do so as long as the invitations keep coming my way, I don't call myself a "Steampunk" artiste, per say.

I prefer the word "artiste" without any descriptors, because I create to please myself, and I appear at non-Steampunk events (Cabarets/Music Halls/Gay Venues/Burlesque Rooms) as well. I do feel very privileged and honoured that many fine folk in the community appreciate my special brand of ODDitory MADemoiselle-ness.

However, I know that people new to the Steampunk community, as well as long-time adherents, yearn for more musical choices, so that they might have a soundtrack, as it were, to complement the aesthetics and spirit that drew them to the community initially.

In the spirit of inclusiveness, I'd like to share a couple of invaluable resources for Steampunk-ish music. Incidentally, there is no universal agreement about what constitutes "Steampunk" music, since it commenced as a literary and aesthetic movement. However, it does seem to follow that numerous music artistes enjoyed by many Steampunks (and in whose ranks I am honoured to be included) are congregated in the following two websites:

Gilded Age Records
* http://www.gildedagerecords.com*
* https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gilded-Age-Records/122519387775698*

The world's only artist collective, founded by Joshua A. Pfeiffer of Vernian Process & Evelyn Kriete, focused on musician's combining old world aesthetics and sounds with current genres of music. Steampunk/Cabaret/Swing/Ragtime/Gypsy-Punk/Darkwave/etc.

Sepiachord
* http://sepiachord.com*
* https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_208390005860341*

Founded by Jordan Bodewell, "Sepiachord is the "genre that doesn't exist". It is to music what "Steampunk" is to literature and cinema: something that looks back to the past to comment on the present while looking sideways at the future. A cubist aural experience. As goth & glam are the bastards of David Bowie, Sepiachord is the made from the genetic material sown by Tom Waits.

Sepiachord is assembled like a clockwork orchestra, from such elements of music Sinister Circus, Cabaret Macabre, Chamber Pop, Organic Goth, Celtic/Gypsy Punk, Mutant Americana, Ghost Town Country It is the music our grandparents or great-grandparents would have listened to, if they were as off-set as we are."

"A Sepiachord Passport" released under the Projekt Records imprint, is a compilation with a generous selection of 20 tracks by as many artistes, and is an excellent way to dip one's toe into the Steampunk Music pool. It may be ordered from the Projekt website:

* http://www.projekt.com/projekt/product.asp?sku=PRO00250*

.

* More Notices of "A Sepiachord Passport" Compilation with Veronique Mentioned!

This compilation, "A Sepiachord Passport" features performers from around the world with a common passion for steampunk music. More than just a fashion statement or a convention theme, the notion of steampunk extends into the music realm with a blending of the avant-garde, theatrical, and fantastical tones of gypsy punk, circus blues, and dark cabaret.

The 20-track album is full of surprises - some eerily outlandish and other resoundingly pleasant. With contributions by established acts with crossover appeal, like Black Tape for a Blue Girl (with guest vocals by Nicki Jaine), this album is at least worth a listen - even if only to understand how neo-vaudeville/steampunk music sounds.

The Clockwork Dolls and Veronique Chevalier are also presences worth mentioning, for being steampunk scene attention grabbers and having appeared at the Steampunk World's Fair in New Jersey. Both acts are clearly praised for representing the steampunk sub-genre of music.

There are also many Seattle bands that add their own local flair to the mix. Though surely an acquired taste, this collection is an excellent introduction for those uneducated on the unique breadth of steampunk music. - Alison

"A Sepiachord Passport" is available from the Projekt Records website:
http://www.projekt.com/projekt/product.asp?sku=PRO00250

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

THE ULTIMATE GOTH GUIDE:
A Blog About Everything about Goth & Dark Culture

Sepiachord is a relatively new term in the Goth scene, made increasingly popular by Projekt's compilation release The Sepiachord Passport (which "presents twenty(!) songs that meld dark cabaret, gypsy punk, neo-folk, twisted waltzes and circus blues with pop, rock, hip-hop, world music and the avant-garde").

The website Sepia Chord describes the genre thusly: "It is to music what 'steampunk' is to literature and cinema: something that looks back to the past to comment on the present while looking sideways at the future... As goth & glam are the bastards of David Bowie, Sepiachord is made from the genetic material sown by Tom Waits. Sepiachord is assembled like a clockwork orchestra, from such elements of music as Sinister Circus, Cabaret Macabre, Chamber Pop, Organic Goth, Celtic/Gypsy Punk, Mutant Americana, Ghost Town Country."

Musicians whose music could be termed 'sepiachord' include: Toy-Box Trio, Blackbird Orchestra, Bat Country, Tiger Lillies, Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, Circus Contraption, Veronique Chevalier, Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band, Sxip Shirey, Rhubarb Whiskey.

Original Blog Post Here:
http://ultimategothguide.blogspot.com/2011/04/dark-and-goth-friendly-music-part-10.html
.

* MAD Veronique's Upcoming 2011 Perv-ormances

* July 22, 23, 24, 2011
PDX Gear Con
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Portland, Oregon

* August 27 & 28, 2011
Pyrate Daze
Embassy Suites
Santa Ana, CA

* September 16,17, 18, 2011
TGNESE
Courtyard Marriott/
Central MA Expo Center
Fitchburg, MA

* October 21, 2011
Carnivale Delerium
Location TBA
Chicago, IL

* November 18, 19, 20, 2011
TeslaCon
Sheraton Hotel
Madison, WI

* Veronique is included in the book "1,000 Steampunk Creations"

Vous are cordially commanded to acquire this book when it is released in July! Edited by Joey Marsocci, aka Dr. Grymm, MADemoiselle Veronique Chevalier's image, in which she is sporting "Valkyrie" Goggles by PH Factor, was shot by David Zentz Photography, and is found on page 176. Merci, & many congrats to the other 999 includees in this beautiful volume by Quarry Books.

NOTE:
If you wish to pre-purchase the book go to http://www.qbookshop.com and enter the promo code: DRGRYMM to receive 25% off this and ANY BOOK at Quarry Publications! (Offer ends at midnight on Thursday, June 30th, 2011.)


A sepia-toned version of this image appears in the book ©David Zentz

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* Friday The 13th: Veronique's "Vampire Surprise" Featured on Six Feet Plus Radio!

6’+ (Six Feet Plus) Radio Episode 04:
You Don’t Need A License (To Drive A Stake)
Release Date: May 13th, 2011

The V word. Vampires. Once the inspiration for a thousand Halloween costumes, now they’re the inspiration for a million bad YA novels. But there are those who remember that vampires can be scary. For this episode of 6′+, we salute you, nosferatu.

Vous are cordially commanded to listen at your leisure!

Download Show Here:
http://6ftplus.gravediggerslocal.com/podpress_trac/web/183/0/Episode_04.mp3

Listen on the Six Feet Plus website here:
http://6ftplus.gravediggerslocal.com/archives/183

Playlist:
—————
Band: The Vooduo
Song: “Drink Your Blood”
—————
Band: Horror Story
Song: “Vampires…”
—————
Band: The Dark Shadows
Song: “Sleeping With A Vampire”
—————
Band: The Phantom Cowboys
Song: “Transylvanian Girl”
—————
Band: Teenage Bottlerocket
Song: “They Came From The Shadows”
—————
Band: The Dead Next Door
Song: “The Vampire Beast Craves Blood”
—————
Band: The Creeping Cruds
Song: “I, Vampire”
—————
Band: Veronique Chevalier
Song: “Vampire Surprise”
—————
Band: The Brickbats
Song: “Too Many Vampires”
—————
Band: Hola Ghost
Song: “Night of the Vampire”
—————
Band: Famous Monsters
Song: “Vampire Cosmonaut”
—————
Band: The Demon Seeds
Song: “Bloodsucker’s Lament”
—————
Band: Koffin Kats
Song: “A Vampire’s 2084″
—————
Band: Calabrese
Song: “Vampires Don’t Exist”
—————

Add the 6'+ Facebook Fan Page Here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/6-Six-Foot-Plus/213430098684895
.

* Veronique Chevalier Featured Artist on "The Traveler's Steampunk Blog"

Featured Artist: Veronique Chevalier

Direct URL to original post on "The Steampunk Traveler": http://daily-steampunk.com/steampunk-blog/2011/05/05/featured-artist-veronique-chevalier

Posted By Traveler on 5. Mai 2011

Veronique Chevalier is the eccentric Françican (Français-American) Chanteuse (Songstress) known as The “Weird VAL” of Dark Cabaret.

She’s an unparalleled Parodist; a Steamy Chanteuse, and Spooky Polkanista, who has been described as a campy incarnation of Edith Piaf from a parallel universe – the one in which her parents are Jim Morrison, and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and her godparents are Lucille Ball and Weird Al.

As a self-proclaimed “Mad Sonictist,” she takes maniacal pleasure in combining previously unrelated musical forms into new, unholy combinations. She vows to leave no genre unadulterated in her quest to create the ultimate Sonic Frankenstein…

She originated the genre of “Gothic Polka”. Her twisted brand of humour hits at the core of daily reality. Being gonged off the premiere season of America’s Got Talent (which is FAKE reality) was irrefutable proof her gifts are wasted on the masses.

This sums it up better than I ever could. Veronique really is one of a kind and when she introduced herself to me and I checked out her music, I first did not know what to expect. I did not expect what I found either…

Yes, this is a very unique and thoroughly weird style, Veronique has developed. It is also curiously, even frighteningly appealing.

Very danceable tunes for various different styles alternate with songs best listened to in a comfortable chair with a glass of fine absinthe or wine in your hand.

I also find the images the lyrics creat in in your mind fascinating. The Beer Hall in Hell in particular would make an excellent place for a lighthearted Steampunk adventure featuring intrepid explorers wearing Pickelhauben like this one:

This is a Bavarian Pickelhaube, the Prussians were not the only ones, despite what some people think...

Veronique Chevalier truely is a weird mistress of music, she delivers everything the description on her official page promises...Oh dear, I guess one day I really have to cross the ocean again and see all those wonderful Steampunk artist and musicians of the New World…

I digress.

Veronique Chevalier’s music is a unique and very refreshing experience. Each track is an accoustic adventure and you never know what too expect, and this, I am convinced, is just how the good lady wants it…

Ten out of ten zeppelins, and those zeppelins really have a weird colour scheme and follow an odd course…

* MADemoiselle Veronique Confirmed for PDX Gear Con, July 22-24, 2011

July 22-24
Portland GEAR Con
Portland's Gaslight Explorers, Adventurers, & Romantics Convention

REGISTER NOW

at

http://pdxgearcon.com/?page_id=11

Portland's Gaslight Explorers, Adventurers, & Romantics Convention is a celebration of Steampunk and neo-Victoriana in the Pacific Northwest, taking place over three days in Portland, Oregon. Members of the public can register to meet fellow enthusiasts, attend presentations and workshops, meet authors and other steampunk community luminaries, shop for costumes and other goods, enjoy musical and variety performances, and much more.

STARRING

VERONIQUE CHEVALIER

http:/www.weirdval.com/

Photo of Veronique © Ves Pitts

VAGABOND OPERA

http://www.vagabondopera.com

VERNIAN PROCESS

http://www.vernianprocess.com

WANDERLUST CIRCUS

http://www.wanderlustcircus.com

UNWOMAN

http://www.unwoman.com

and a host of others

with appearances from our honored guests

at
Crowne Plaza Portland
1441 NE 2nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97232
503-233-2401

What is Steampunk?

Steampunk is a retro-futuristic subgenre of speculative fiction, set in or thematically referring to an alternate Victorian period during which the technologies of the Industrial Revolution achieve fantastic sophistication and power. It is also an aesthetic inspired by said literary phenomenon, expressed in art, fashion, music, motion pictures, handcrafts, and other media. The name was coined as a tongue-in-cheek reference to Cyberpunk, another science fiction subgenre.

How do I register?

Adults and teenagers 14+ register for all three days of Portland GEAR Con by paying the PayPal button on our registration page, signifying that they have read and agreed to our convention policies and code of conduct.

REGISTER HERE: http://pdxgearcon.com/?page_id=11

If you are paying for multiple passes, please use PayPal's "note to seller" feature to provide the names and email addresses of attendees other than the purchaser. All pre-registered tickets will be available at the Will Call desk.

more about our featured personae

JORDAN BODEWELL

Record reviewer, musician interviewer and Chief Officer atSepiachord.com; Steampunk University faculty; role-playing game scribe and commentator at VictorianAdventureEnthusiast.com. Jordan is one of the leading voices in the ongoing debate over the question, "what does steampunk sound like?"

MELJEAN BROOK

Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing–and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.

VERONIQUE CHEVALIER

Veronique Chevalier is the eccentric Françican (Français-American) Chanteuse (Songstress) known as The "Weird VAL" of Dark Cabaret.

She's an unparalleled Parodist; a Steamy Chanteuse, and Spooky Polkanista, who has been described as a campy incarnation of Edith Piaf from a parallel universe – the one in which her parents are Jim Morrison, and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and her godparents are Lucille Ball and Weird Al.

As a self-proclaimed "Mad Sonictist," she takes maniacal pleasure in combining previously unrelated musical forms into new, unholy combinations. She vows to leave no genre unadulterated in her quest to create the ultimate Sonic Frankenstein…

She originated the genre of "Gothic Polka". Her twisted brand of humour hits at the core of daily reality. Being gonged off the premiere season of America's Got Talent (which is FAKE reality) was irrefutable proof her gifts are wasted on the masses.

JENNIFER DOWLING

Jennifer Dowling of Sepiachord.com is a graphic designer, performer, photographer, seamstress, but most of all- Dreamer. When she isn't in the spotlight, she is behind the stage helping out. She has been creating and entertaining for over 18 years. Her work has been showcased internationally on her many websites, but recently most events are in Seattle, WA.

M.K. HOBSON

M.K. Hobson was born in Riverside, California, but grew up in Portland, Oregon. She attended the University of Oregon, where she ran Catalyst Films (the campus film society), helped launch The Student Insurgent (a radical progressive 'zine that's still being published) and drove night-shift cab in nearby Springfield, Oregon. After graduating with a degree in English and Communications, she moved to Hiroshima, Japan to teach English. Returning to the United States two years later, she purchased The Northwest Neighbor, a community newspaper founded by legendary Portland mayor Bud Clark. She ran the paper for several years before moving on to a career in the field of corporate communications, working with Fortune 500 clients in the fields of retirement and healthcare.

Currently, she is one of the co-hosts of Podcastle, the acclaimed short fiction podcast. She lives in Oregon City, Oregon with her husband and daughter.

KIMBERLY KING

The fiend holding the scissors is Kimberly May King, a madwoman for historical fashion in Portland, Oregon. As a very young lady she gravitated toward daring and scandalous pursuits — not one for humble beginnings, her very first sewing project was a custom corset. In the years since, she has further debauched herself by immersion in dressmaking, theatrical costuming, Victorian wardrobe both faithful and fanciful, and ever-more-elaborate corsetry. (I hear she even grinds her own bones — the very thought!)

Rumor has the girl they call Scissorfiend continuing to flout decency by producing everyday apparel, occasional wear, accessories, and handbags for clientele of certain . . . inclinations. Not content to fall only so far, she has even learned the tricks of the milliner's trade; it is whispered that she will indulge herself for hours over steam, block, and ribbon, abandoning herself unreservedly to obsession and delight.

JAY LAKE

Jay Lake has been described as one of the rising stars of the science fiction and fantasy genre. Since first appearing on the scene in late 2001, he has seen over 240 short stories published, along with seven novels out, and three more forthcoming over the next few years. His work has received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Booklist, and significant recognition within the science fiction and fantasy field. He has won two of the most prestigious awards in science fiction and been nominated for numerous others.

Lake was born and raised overseas as the son of a United States diplomat. His childhood experiences in Asia, African and Europe have given him a wealth of cultural and geographical detail to draw from when creating exotic settings and strange situations. He has, after all, lived them. His professional career has been in advertising and marketing for the high technology field, which gives Lake a lifetime of exposure to technology issues and trends. Taken together, these go a long way to explaining his choice of writing fields.

Lake is a frequent guest at writing conferences and conventions, where his readings are well attended. He also workshops with newer writers, paying forward all the help and mentoring he has received and continues to benefit from. With his distinctive attire and quirky, improvisational humor, Lake is a familiar figure and a fan favorite all over the West Coast.

He also maintains a blog which has been ranked as a top 25 science fiction blog. There Lake talks about writing, photography, politics, his journey through cancer, his experiences as a parent, as well as posting travelogs of his trips to some unlikely destinations, such as a recent outing to a long-abandoned Titan I missile silo. Lake also regularly posts online reprints of his older work, and a biweekly podcast consisting of recorded readings, panels and interviews conducted during his travels.

Today Jay Lake lives in Portland, Oregon, where he works on multiple writing and editing projects. His 2007 book Mainspringreceived a starred review in Booklist. His 2009 novels are Green [Amazon ] from Tor Books, Madness of Flowers [ Amazon ] from Night Shade Books, and Death of a Starship from MonkeyBrain Books. His short fiction appears regularly in literary and genre markets worldwide. Jay is a winner of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, and a multiple nominee for the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards. Jay can be reached through his Web site at www.jlake.com.

ANDREW P. MAYER

Andrew Mayer has spent sixteen years involved with every facet of game design and production, bringing his unique insight and skills to companies such as Sony, Time/Warner, PlayFirst, Zynga, The Learning Company, 2K Boston, and more.He has been a creative force behind numerous best-selling titles, turning his unique insights in player participation and interaction into highly successful projects spanning a variety of genres and media, including online, television, and retail.As a designer and producer he provided original concepts for the wildly successful "Petz" brand, one of the first true "Social Games." He also created numerous unique titles based on top brands, including Batman, Scooby-Doo, the Powerpuff girls, Diner Dash, Tonka Toys, Reader Rabbit, Mavis Beacon, and many more.As a writer Andrew has completed numerous short stories and a Steampunk Superhero novel. He also co-wrote the script for THE LEGEND OF ZORRO, which was released for the Wii. In 2008 his short comic "OM NOM NOM"was published by Dark Horse as the first new story for Creepy Magazine in almost 20 years. Expect to see more published work in the near future.Andrew is currently working as a consultant in social games and virtual goods, focused on working with game publishers and developers to help them create successful, original social game titles and integrate effective development, monetization, and community strategies. He has worked with top social game companies including Zynga, Meteor, Mob Science, and Hands On, as well as core game companies such as 2K Boston and EA/Bioware.

NOAH MICKENS

Noah Mickens has produced, directed, and starred in five independent circus troupes over the past 10 years (Cicuri Curajul, The 999 Eyes ov Endless Dream, Societas Insomnia, Batty's Hippodrome, and Wanderlust Circus); as well as directing the new opera Queen of Knives with Eric Stern, a butoh version of A Midsummer Night's Dream with Mizu Desierto, and the dark fairytale operetta Bogville with Tiare Tashnick; sitting on the board of directors for 2Gyrlz Performative Arts; serving as booker and promoter of Someday Lounge, Rotture, Branx, The Jasmine Tree, and the Hippodrome Circus Arts Center; performing with the butoh troupe P.A.N., experimental theater group Implied Violence, ritual performance project Soriah, and numerous others; playing percussion with bands such as Nequaquam Vacuum and The Steve MacKay Ensemble; and MC-ing shows from Sinferno Cabaret to The Bite of Oregon. His work has been the subject of innumerable newspaper and magazine articles, television and radio shows, and government investigations. He'll take you off like a Saturday.

DEVON MONK
Devon Monk writes the Allie Beckstrom urban fantasy series, the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story. She has one husband, two sons, and a dog named Mojo. She lives in Oregon and is surrounded by colorful and numerous family members who mostly live within dinner-calling distance of each other. She has sold over fifty short stories to magazines and anthologies in five different countries, including a Year's Best Fantasy collection. When not writing, Devon is either knitting strange things, remodeling the house-that-was-once-a-barn, or hosting a family celebration.

CHERIE PRIEST
Cherie Priest is the author of ten novels, including the steampunk pulp adventures Dreadnought, Clementine, and Boneshaker. Boneshaker was nominated for both the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award; it was a PNBA Award winner, and winner of the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. Cherie also wrote Bloodshot for Bantam Spectra; Fathom and the Eden Moore series from Tor; and three novellas published by Subterranean Press. In addition to all of the above, she is a newly minted member of the Wild Cards Consortium – and her first foray into George R. R. Martin's superhero universe, Fort Freak (for which she wrote the frame story), will debut in 2011. Cherie's short stories and nonfiction articles have appeared in such fine publications as Weird Tales, Subterranean Magazine, Publishers Weekly, and the Stoker-nominated anthology Aegri Somnia from Apex. Though she spent most of her life in the southeast, she presently lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband and a fat black cat.

IRENE RADFORD
Phyllis Irene Radford, aka P.R. Frost, aka C.F. Bentley, has been writing stories ever since she figured out what a pencil was for. A member of an endangered species, a native Oregonian who lives in Oregon, she and her husband make their home in Welches, Oregon, where deer, bears, coyotes, hawks, owls, and woodpeckers feed regularly on their back deck.A museum trained historian, Irene has spent many hours prowling pioneer cemeteries deepening her connections to the past. Raised in a military family, she grew up all over the US and learned early on that books are friends that don't get left behind with a move. Her interests and reading range from ancient history, to spiritual meditations, to space stations, and a whole lot in between.Her signal corps brother has launched several communications satellites on the shuttle. Watching those launches got her hooked on the ideal of humans reaching out into the universe.Phyl has edited or co-edited several of BVC's anthologies, including the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund benefit book Breaking Waves and the Shadow Conspiracy steampunk books. Please visit her BVC Bookshelf for more about her and her work, and to read her free short stories and flash fiction.

PROFESSOR D.R. SCHRIEBER

As a professor of natural philosophy, presenter of experimental conjuring, and exhibitor of legerdemain, Professor DR Schreiber evokes the spirit of early magical performances. His audiences experience illusion and mystery in the same way that 18th, 19th, and early 20th century aristocrats, nobles and elite would have seen it, in their home, mansion, or estate with a private demonstration. Professor DR Schreiber brings parlor magic back into parlors.

Professor DR Schreiber is Danny Schreiber, a Portland, OR-based magic historian, performer, and teacher for young magicians. He is the Vice President of the Portland Assembly of Society of American Magicians, a member of the Portland Society of Magicians and the Academy of Magical Arts (Magic Castle), as well as a certified mentor for the Society of Young Magicians, Salem and Portland chapters. Schreiber uses his long career in television producing and years of working as a cast member at Disneyland to enhance the all around entertainment experience for his audiences.

KEVIN STEIL

Kevin Steil, the Airship Ambassador, is a one-man information clearinghouse about all things steampunk. His website and Twitter feed are a constantly-updating directory of global steampunk happenings, and his in-depth event reportage, editorials, and interviews cement his position as steampunk's cultural curator.

UNWOMAN

San Francisco's Unwoman, also known as Erica Mulkey, creates darkly beautiful music, a powerful collage of vocals, cello, and electronics. Matthew Heilman of Starvox.net writes, "Her style ranges from a kind of experimental trip hop to swirling darkwave atmosphere with just enough static and noise to give it that extra technical punch."
In July 2005 Unwoman published Wildness & Artifice, a wholly original double-CD featuring a full disc of material in a similar vein to her debut Knowledge Scars, plus a bonus acoustic piano-vocal CD. At the end of 2007 Unwoman released Blossoms, an utterly gorgeous album featuring original electro-acoustic works on the first half, and acoustic (mostly cello-vocal) compositions based on poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay on the second half. In 2008, struck with a rush of inspiration, Unwoman composed the six-song Trouble EP. Then in the Fall of 2009, Unwoman released The Keys as a 15-track download plus antique key. Unwoman has just finished a full-length album, Casualties featuring 16 songs, all written after Blossoms was released.
In April 2009 Erica toured with Voltaire as part of his Skeletal Orchestra. Prior to that she performed inRasputina at Convergence 12 in New Orleans and in part of their June 2006 US tour, in which she also opened solo. She currently plays cello with Stripmall Architecture (formerly Halou), Eliza Rickman, andVernian Process, and has also shared the stage with Abney Park, HUMANWINE, Attrition, Jill Tracy,Falling You, and improvised aural alchemy with Paul Mercer's The Ghosts Project. She often performs solo, with or without laptop accompaniment, in the Bay Area and all over North America, appearing at festivals and conventions for steampunks, sci-fi fans, vampires, anarchists, goths, and anyone else.

DIANA VICK

Diana Vick is vice chair, creative director, and co-founder of Steamcon, one of the largest steampunk conventions held thus far. For the past several years, she has been speaking on the topic of steampunk at many conventions across the country, beginning with the infamous "guerilla steampunk panel" that she instigated at Dragoncon in Atlanta. She has been interviewed by Women's Wear Daily Fast, and Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, and appeared on King Five News. She has written many articles and guest blogs on the subject of steampunk and has many more in the works. She has a few short stories and serials in the works as well. One of her steampunk costumes took grand prize in the masquerade at Orycon in 2009. Even her art has taken a decidedly steampunk direction lately and you can find examples of this on her Zazzle site at http://www.zazzle.com/artvixn. To find more of her art, costumes and articles, you may go to http://www.dianavick.com.

VAGABOND OPERA

European Cabaret! Vintage Americana! Balkan Belly Dance! Neo-Classical Opera! Old World Yiddish Theater! Welcome to the six-piece, Portland, Oregon-based Vagabond Opera.
Based in the Pacific Northwest, yet encompassing the world, Vagabond Opera delivers passionate offerings of Bohemian cabaret. Paris hot Jazz, gut bucket swing, Tangos, Ukrainian folk-punk ballads, Klezmer and vigorous originals meet a world of riverboat gambling queens, Turkish belly dancers, and the enigmatic Marlene Dietrich. Weaving elements of Kurt Weil, Duke Ellington and Edith Piaf with absurdist flair, theatrics and an old world mood, Vagabond Opera presents the new wave of opera--lusty (trained) voices singing in 15 languages and presenting a cabaret of rich musical phrasing, sparkling lyrics and indomitable stage presence, all played with exuberance, skill and a gritty Vagabond edge. This is Opera liberated and reinvented for everyone.
The band's lineup features trained operatic tenor and soprano vocals, accordion, tenor and alto saxophones, cello, stand-up bass, drums, and, when the mood is right, a burlesque hoola-hooping fire performer.
Vagabond Opera has been featured in Jazziz Magazine, shared stages and players with The Decembrists, Pink Martini, Al Franken and the Oregon Symphony. Vagabond opera has two full length albums.

VERNIAN PROCESS

Artists have dabbled in Steampunk's Scientific Romance, Neo-Victorian and Gothic Horror themes throughout the history of modern music, but none of them were created with the express intent of creating Steampunk music . . . until the year 2003. Enter Vernian Process, the San Francisco-based progenitor of the Steampunk music scene – inspiring a cadre of artists worldwide to find musical expression through retrofuturism. The band's moniker is inspired by the forefather of Steampunk himself: science fiction author Jules Verne. By fusing sounds and styles spanning over two centuries with the themes of an alternate Victorian timeline," Vernian Process musically captures the surreal and gritty essence of Steampunk culture. Their latest album, Behold the Machine (released October 1, 2010), has already sold hundreds of copies to an audience spanning the globe from the United States and the UK to Russia and Australia.

WANDERLUST CIRCUS

The ways of the Circus are older than the nightclubs, older than the banks, older than the cities. These most ancient of performative traditions have always existed just slightly to the left of the Mundane World. Now, at the first flickering of the 21st Century, our piebald clan is shedding its skin and remaking itself in the funhouse mirror image of The Second Great Depression.

To aid and abet this glorious rebirth, Wanderlust has established itself as the premiere circus operation in The City of Roses, helmed by Noah Mickens and Nick "The Creature" Harbar. Acrobats, aerialists, hand balancers, stilt dancers, trick ropers, jugglers and jazz-bos, crooners and clowns – these arts are our chosen creed, our map through the wilderness.

Ours is the story of an immortal carnie family blessed and cursed to live forever on The Endless Road. The logic of dreams pervades the action onstage and the lives of the characters backstage, and from those artifices to the True World of performer and audience.

2011 marks the further refinement of this fabulist fairytale revue into a pair of new forms. In both cases our new-broke trail leads Wanderlust Circus to a more complete synthesis with music – one embracing the breakneck madcappery of the 1920s novelty bands, one laying its root deep in the ecstatic ghetto of the Dubstep Massive.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg, beloved Cousins of the Spirit. Wanderlust will persist in presenting countless shows of all sizes and styles, in any room we may squeeze ourselves into, for any audience with eyes to see. We will not rest until the whole of the world has been entertained.

NOTE: This post is a slightly altered re-print of a post in the blog of
Wanderlust Circus at this URL:
http://www.myspace.com/thewanderlustcircus/blog/542668764