A-Kon 22 Overview

June 10th marked one of the biggest events for anime fans, especially Texas anime fans. It was the first day of the longest running anime convention and one of the largest in America called A-Kon. I had the opportunity to stay for the whole weekend and participate in a few activities.

If you've never been to A-Kon or heard about it, let me tell a little bit about it. A-Kon is a Dallas base convention that usually runs on the first or second weekend of June. There are several panels held ranging from art, voice acting, animation, sewing tips, and anything else you can think of. There are also various contests held from video game tournaments to cosplay contests, dealer's room, artist's alley, concerts, and events where you can interact with the guests. Not only does A-Kon cater these things, but majority of other conventions around the nation do the same.

So, here's a short report of A-Kon 22 through my eyes. Friday was the first official day of the con. There were a lot of people waiting in line for pre-registration and on-site registration. The line circled the whole first floor! I took part in the jpop/jrock cosplay contest and snagged second place, after changing into my second costume. Later that afternoon/evening, they held the welcoming ceremony where they introduced the various guests that attended the con. After that was over, they set up for the Blood Stain Child and D concert. There was a very good turn out and both bands were amazing! They also held an autograph session after their sets. Saturday was full of activities! I had to take care of a few interviews and attended some Q&A sessions. A-Kon held their first fashion show with Chantilly and Atelier courtesy of Babel Entertainment. There was also another autograph session with the bands and I'm pretty sure the other guests that attended to the con had one as well. Later that evening, they had the major cosplay contest. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend, but two of my friends won a judge's award as Panty and Stocking, I believe. Sunday was the final day. There were a few panels and such being held, but none of them really interested me. Although, I did attend the final band autograph session.


with Sophia of Blood Stain Child

If you're interested in reading the interviews I did for that weekend or a live report of Blood Stain Child and D, check out my blog, Muddy Cult. Lastly, the Houston based anime convention Oni-Con has moved to Galveston this year! It's a really great anime con, I've gone to it four times and it's one of my favorites. Please check out their website and attend.

"Bring on the Bard" today @ 1pm in the Wortham

Shakespeare’s works were always meant to be performed, not merely read. In this captivating and educational performance, storyteller Dan Gordon gives students a taste of Shakespeare’s contributions to the theatre. He enlightens students about Elizabethan theatre while mixing in monologues from Shakespeare’s writings. Students will experience the wide variety of drama while also learning about the structure and techniques of literary performance. They will understand the concepts of prologue, epilogue and soliloquy while gaining a unique appreciation for Shakespeare’s comedy (Twelfth Night, Merry Wives of Windsor), Tragedy (Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet), History (Julius Caesar, Richard III).

Audience Limit: 150
Program Length: 45 min

Location: Rosenberg Library
Wortham Auditorium
Date : June 23rd, 2011
Time: 1-1:45pm

Contact Gavin Sheaffer, Young Adult
Librarian at 409-763-8854 or at
gsheaffer@rosenberg-library.org for more information.

Jump Rope Demonstration 6/21 @ 10am in the Wortham

Special elite jumpers from USA Jump Rope in town for the National Jump Rope Competition will do a special demonstration show at Rosenberg Library at 10am on Tuesday, June 21. Event is free and open to the public.

"Bring on the Bard" Thursday, June 23rd @ 1pm

Shakespeare’s works were always meant to be performed, not merely read. In this captivating and educational performance, storyteller Dan Gordon gives students a taste of Shakespeare’s contributions to the theater. He enlightens students about
Elizabethan theater while mixing in monologues from Shakespeare’s writings. Students will experience the wide variety of drama while also learning about the structure and techniques of literary performance. They will understand the concepts of prologue, epilogue and soliloquy while gaining a unique appreciation for Shakespeare’s comedy (Twelfth Night, Merry Wives of Windsor), Tragedy (Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet), History (Julius Caesar, Richard III).

Audience Limit: 150
Program Length: 45 min

Location: Rosenberg Library
Wortham Auditorium
Date : June 23rd, 2011
Time: 1-1:45pm

Contact Gavin Sheaffer, Young Adult
Librarian at 409-763-8854 or at
gsheaffer@rosenberg-library.org for more information.

Screen Printing with Danny Russo 6/9 @ 2pm

Welcome to the wonderful and exciting world of screen printing.  Danny Russo introduces students to a versatile printing process utilized by visual artists
worldwide. The printing technique allows students to quickly and easily make multiple images of original art.  Countless ink and paper color choices are possible; students will be amazed by how quickly and easily they learn to make stunning prints.   This workshop can also reveal to students how math, science, and history are an integral part of the screen printing process – which is actually centuries old!  Students can also print T-Shirt designs with school logos, mascots, or anything else!

Audience Limit: 24
Program Length: 1 hour

Location: Randall Room
(1st floor)
Date : June 9th, 2011
Time: 2-3PM


Space is limited so please register in advance by contacting Gavin Sheaffer, Young Adult Librarian at 409-763-8854 or via email at
gsheaffer@rosenberg-library.org for more information.

Casting your image with Danny Jones 6/8 @ 2pm

Join Danny Jones in this dynamic and innovative approach to mask making! Students learn the importance of mask making through its many different meanings and uses through history while casting the image of a chosen class member. Through direct, hands-on, active participation, students explore the general concepts of preparation, teamwork, cooperation, communication, relaxation, and, most
importantly, safety. The final mask becomes a product of fine cooperative efforts.

Audience Limit: 24
Program length: 2 hours


Location: Randall Room
(1st floor)
Date : June 8th, 2011
Time: 2-4pm

Space is limited so please register in advance by contacting Gavin Sheaffer, Young Adult Librarian at 409-763-8854 or via email at gsheaffer@rosenberg-library.org for more information.