Music has always been a huge part of the Dragon*Con experience for me. Where I live--in Pensacola, FL--we simply don't get very many cool bands. Every year, though, comes that strange and awesome sonic wonderland only a five hour drive away in Atlanta.  

There will be a whole passel of steampunk-friendly artists in attendance this year, the majority with "main stage" shows at the Hyatt and Marriott. If you haven't already, saunter on over to my recent Steampunk Chronicle article: "The Mechanical Melodies of Dragon*Con 2012" where I detail who's playing and the particular where and when of each of their shows.

Beyond those big shows, though, there's so much more to experience. Here are just a few of the audio-visual gems:

The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company

Harkening back to the radio dramas of the early 20th century, ARTC uses live performers, live music, and foley effects to tell otherwordly stories via the power of sound. Their expertly crafted hour-long shows range from charming to downright horrifying.

For at least the past three years, they've performed radio versions of H.P. Lovecraft's work. Last year gave us a haunting rendition of The Music of Eric Zann accompanied by The Ghosts Project. The previous year featured a chilling version of Lovecraft's novella At the Mountains of Madness. I still recall their shrill, eerie voicing of the Shoggoths' "Tekeli-li! Tekeli-li!"

The ARTC performing Lovecraft's At the Mountains of Madness:

Photo: Mark Rossmore
 

This year, on Sunday, they will be interpreting "The Rats in the Walls", one of Lovecraft's most iconic short tales. I can only imagine what foley and voices they'll use to create the maddening sounds of "rats" etching into the protagonist's disintegrating mind. Friday's performance will be an original piece, and Monday they will be reading Tolkien.

Visit the ARTC's web site at http://www.artc.org/ to find out more.

Dragon*Con Burlesque: A Glamor Geek Revue

Looking for some sassy adult entertainment? Performer Talloolah Love's producing this year's burlesque show, and with it, "she hopes to appeal to not just the gluttons for glamour, but also to the Geek Chic who make Dragon*Con what it is. Be sure to mark this on the must do list for the weekend, you won't regret it!" Sexy geeky goodness, guaranteed.

There's a little something for every taste. Over a dozen performers are scheduled to bring the glitz and the glam to the stage, with some big surprises in store. Check out the event's Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/events/188114964649616/ .

Photo: Marc Tunley

The scintillation starts at 11:45pm on Saturday and runs until 2:00am, in the Hyatt's Regency VI - VII ballroom. 

The Concourse Shows

Couldn't make the main stage concerts? Just prefer a more intimate setting? Sit in on the hourly acoustic shows in the Hyatt's Concourse. 

Now, acoustic doesn't necessarily mean coffee shop-style maudlin sad sack songs. It's more a venue where the bands reinterpret their music by adding, removing, or changing its layers. New players come aboard to reshape the sound. Electronic world music transforms into shanty sing-a-longs. Industrial bands become introspective. Ethereal violin pieces turn into head-banging improv sessions.

Depending on the band, the concourse can get packed and rowdy. When Abney Park did their set in 2009, the space was so packed the *Con was threatening to call the fire marshall. So get in early, and--if you're in front--sit the heck down so people behind you can see. The bands usually have merchandise on hand. Bring a pen and get some autographs!

 Abney Park's "The Ballad of Captain Robert" in 2009. Video: Mark Rossmore
Note: This Dragon*Con appearance was Jody Ellen's first show after joining the band.

The Ghosts Project (Paul Mercer, violin, and Davis Peterson, drums) performing "War Zulu" featuring Nathaniel Johnstone (guitar), Hellblinki's Valerie (vocals), The Last Dance's Tom Coyne (drums), Genevieve Sabine (violin), and the taiko drummer (forgive me, but I know not her name) from Faith and the Muse (floor tom).  Video: Mark Rossmore

The Dragon*Con Drum Circle

Every night of the *Con, the D*C.D.C. brings good vibes and good times. Share in the spirit. Feel the walls shake from the thunder of dozens of drums. Jump in and join the exuberance of the dancers. Come ready to make some noise, fall into the groove, and let the rhythms flow through you.

All drums are welcome. Common types are djembes, doumbeks, and ashikos. Over the years I've also seen plenty of shakers, guiros, cajons, frame drums, bodrans, full-on drum kits, tambourines, zils, rototoms, and more. The only requirement is respect. The dancers and the drummers give and take, feeding off of each other's chosen form of expression.

 A little glimpse of the drum circle warming up.  Video: Mark Rossmore

The drum circle takes place every night from 10:00pm to 3:30am, in the Hyatt's Centennial I ballroom (right next to the Concourse stage).

Photos

On a final note, bring your camera wherever you go. There are so many people, so many shows, so many celebrities, all in one place. Don't let the good times go undocumented!