Ling, Hatch among celebs at Geekonomicon
Gaming, cosplay, comics and films -- if it appeals to geeks, it can likely be found at the second annual Geekonomicon this weekend at the Coast Convention Center.
Julianna McRae, CEO of Geekonomicon, founded the comic convention-type event in 2014 to bring something good to the Coast while also supporting local charities and promoting children's academics.
"We're trying to give back to the community as much as anything else," she said. "We're trying to make something new here."
Among at least 80 special guests is screen and television sensation Bai Ling. The actress won an Asian Oscar for her role in the horror film "Dumplings," but her greatest fame among geeks comes from the 1994 comic book adaptation "The Crow" and "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith."
There will be two celebrities from the classic series "Battlestar Galactica" -- Richard Hatch, who starred as Capt. Apollo, and Jack Stauffer, who played Capt. Bojay. Additional guests will represent the world of anime, art, entertainers, diesel punk, indie films, gaming, writing, paranormal, quidditch, comic books and cosplay.
From 6 to 10 p.m. today, a throwback USO dance will benefit the United Service Organizations Inc. Stauffer will present the cabaret "Why I Never Get the Girl." Live swing music will follow. Special guests include cosplayers dressed in diesel punk style. Admission is $5 or free with Geekonomicon membership.
Other live entertainment includes a pin-up contest and the Tales from the Flip Side Burlesque Show tonight. On Saturday night, there will be a costume party with music by John Sprocket, followed by a magic and entertainment show by Johnny Delarroca and his Bombshell Kittens, and live music by Voltair at 10 p.m. Additionally, organizers have information about on- and off-site after-parties each night.
Hatch will hold a two-hour acting workshop Sunday at 1 p.m. Admission is $25 plus a Geekonomicon membership. Other workshops include acting, animation, magic, sword fighting, anti-bullying and a paranormal "track event."
There will be dozens of vendors, gaming and an anime room, plus a room devoted to screening independent sci-fi and horror films until 2 a.m. Films are family friendly until 10 p.m.
Costume contest categories range from kids to adults and novice to advanced. Entry ends at 3 p.m. Saturday. Forms are available at whynot geek.com under the menu's "Attendee Info" tab.
There will be arts and crafts for kids, but also special guests with them in mind, including the Team Storm robotics team.
Hours are noon to 1 a.m. today; 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Membership, required for admission, is $65 for the weekend, $25 for today only, $35 for Saturday only, and $25 for Sunday only. Kids 10 and younger get in free. Membership is half price for ages 11-16. Seniors receive 10 percent off.
This story was originally published December 10, 2015 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Ling, Hatch among celebs at Geekonomicon ."