Chicon 2000 Infobot News - 20-Jul-2000
Chicon 2000, P. O. Box 642057, Chicago IL 60664
Fax: 312-946-3779. Message: 312-409-4440
The Chicon 2000 Infobot News is a service of the Chicon 2000 Web Site,
http://www.chicon.org/ . If you know someone who'd like to subscribe,
tell 'em to go to our web site at http://www.chicon.org/ and enter their
e-mail address. If your e-mail address changes, or if you wish to be
removed from the Chicon 2000 Infobot News mailing list, or if you don't
have web access and want to be added to the list, please write to
listmaster@chicon.org.
In this edition:
Other Worldly Awards
Art Show News: Space Available, Auction Schedule
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Dramatic and Musical Presentations
Saturday Afternoon Regency Dance
Filk Music
Post Office
Fan Tables
Tours and Trips
Remaining Deadlines
Service Marks
Other Worldly Awards * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lynn Koehler, awards@chicon.org
If you plan on awarding any special awards at Chicon 2000 and would
like to participate in the Other Worldly Awards Ceremony please
contact Lynn Koehler at awards@chicon.org ASAP. The final
arrangements for that ceremony are due 01-Aug-2000. I especially want
to hear from the Seiun people. Please contact us.
Art Show News * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Todd Cameron Hamilton, artshow@chicon.org
Art Auction Schedule
Art Auctions will be held in the Live Stage area in Riverside Center,
adjacent to the Art Show. The current schedule for the auctions is:
Saturday 2-4 PM
Sunday 12-2 PM
Sunday 4 PM - until everything has been auctioned.
Art Show Space Still Available
Panels and Tables can be paid for by sending a letter listing your
space requirements along with a check, payable to Chicon 2000, drawn
in U.S. dollars on a U.S. bank to:
Todd Cameron Hamilton
Chicon Art Show
1220 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo MI 49008
artshow@chicon.org
Your request will be logged and a confirmation will be sent. The check
will then be forwarded to the corporate account in Chicago. Your space
is not officially confirmed until the check clears the bank.
Space cannot be purchased at the convention and we will stop accepting
reservations on 15-Aug-2000.
Some Frequently Asked Questions * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Q. "Which hotel has rooms available?"
A. There are rooms left in the Fairmont. The Swissotel is full except for
some suites at $325.00. The Hyatt is full, except for a small number
of expensive suites, first come, first served.
Q. "Can I still get a suite for a party at the Hyatt?"
About half a dozen Regency West suites on party floors are still
available. To reserve just the parlor (510 sq. ft.) costs $160/night
(plus tax, of course). The parlor and one bedroom costs $255/night.
Additional bedrooms are available at $102/night each. Larger suites
may be available for particular nights. All inquiries concerning Hyatt
suites must be directed to suites@chicon.org. You cannot reserve these
suites through the hotel directly or through One-Stop Chicago.
Q. "Can I get a suite at a hotel other than the Hyatt?"
Both the Fairmont Hotel and the Swissotel have large, luxurious suites
that can be reserved through One-Stop Chicago. Rates at the Fairmont
are $375/night for a one-bedroom suite and $550/night for a
two-bedroom suite. At the Swissotel, a one-bedroom suite costs
$325/night. As with all other hotel rooms, taxes add 14.9 percent to
the base rate.
Q. "When will the programming schedule be available?"
A. The Chicon programming schedule will be posted on-line during the
second week of August.
Q. "When will a list of attending authors be available?"
A. A listing of all programming participants will be posted on-line
during the first week of August.
Q. "Are dealers' tables available?"
A. No. They are sold out. In the unlikely event that changes, we'll
let you know.
Q. "I'm a dealer. Will I have to charge sales tax?"
A. Yes. You should receive the necessary forms in the next mailing
(assuming that the State of Illinois sends them to *us*). The sales
tax rate in downtown Chicago is 8.75%.
Q. "Is there space in the Art Show?"
A. Yes. See the Art Show Rules for more info and send your money soon.
Make checks payable to "Chicon 2000."
Q. "Can I buy half a table in the Art Show?"
A. Not directly, but we'll set things up to split one between you and
another artist. You'll need to find another friendly artist...
Q. "Should I send letters to Chicon via certified or registered mail?"
A. Please don't. It makes it harder for us to get them, because we
have to go to the Post Office during business hours to pry them loose.
Q. "Do volunteers or program participants have to buy memberships?"
A. Yes. Everybody except the Guests of Honor who wants to attend
Chicon 2000 must purchase a membership, including the chairman.
Assuming that the con has money left over after paying mundane
vendors, program participants' and volunteers' membership fees will
be reimbursed in accordance with the policies that have been in effect
at all recent Worldcons.
Dramatic and Musical Presentations * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Alice Medenwald, drama@chicon.org
Hold on to your seats: Dramatic and Musical Presentations
Are you ready for some fantastic Dramatic and Musical Presentations at
Chicon 2000? I hope so because we have some great stuff, so be
prepared to make some difficult decisions about what to do between
programming, parties, dances, eating, sleeping (well maybe) and the
traditional events that all Worldcons have.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Faith
"Faith" is an Opera in One Act written by Michael Ching and based on
the same-titled story by James Patrick Kelly. Mr. Kelly is a frequent
contributor to "Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine" and received the
1996 Hugo Award for his novelette "Think Like a Dinosaur." The opera
is being presented by New York City's Vital Theatre Company, whose
production last year was called "outstanding" and "ambitious" (the New
York Theatre Experience). The story centers on a 35 year old
recently-divorced woman, who meets a man through a personals ad and
starts to fall for him, only to discover that he can communicate with
plant life. It's fun and light and never before have you seen an
operatic tribute to the dreadful fun of Ed Wood's "Plan 9 From Outer
Space."
The WorldCon is Not Enough (over a decade of decadence)
For over a decade, The Trans-Iowa Canal Company - West has been
terrorizing attendees of Midwestern conventions.
And now, Chicago is about to be inundated by this theatrical troupe
from the other side. Combining some of their best sketches from the
past decade (and beyond) with new material written especially for
Chicon, TICC smashes its way into your consciousness. Those surviving
this onslaught, may find much of this material humorous.
So buckle up. Please stay in your seat while the car is in motion.
Should you need them, sickness bags may be found in the pocket of the
seat in front of you. The ride is ready to begin. And you're about to
learn why, The WorldCon is Not Enough!
Nothing But Garbage
An original musical titled "Nothing But Garbage" by Suzanne E. Hannon,
music by Laurie Sucher. Performed by the Kreative Kids Summer Stars
Performing Arts Camp. The musical discusses environmental issues and
the role that each of us must play in the effort to provide a safe
home for all the generations to come. The action of the play revolves
around a group of children from the future who live in a world of
polluted air and water. Sickness is everywhere and there is very
little hope until they hit upon the idea of traveling back in time and
preventing the degradation of the earth. When they are unable to
persuade the children of the sixties and the new millennium to take
responsibility, they use more drastic measures to demonstrate the
importance of "saving the world."
Moebius Theatre
We are proud to offer you a full length stage production by Moebius
Theatre. For those who may not have heard of Moebius (those who have
been on another planet or in another dimension), Moebius Theatre has
been creating science fiction for live performance for 23 years.
Moebius Theatre has appeared at previous Chicons and numerous
Windycons. While at Chicon 2000 look around for more from Moebius;
there is no telling where you might find them.
Don't Quit Your Day Job Players
We are also excited to announce that the Don't Quit Your Day Job
Players will be with us. This 6 member band
is quickly becoming the hottest new cult-favorite
rock-folk-blues-country fusion band in America. They have performed
all over the country and their second CD, Blues Spoken Here, was
released last summer to critical acclaim. I personally look forward to
hearing them.
Journey to the Center of Your Mind-Hypnosis 2000.
If you are looking for something a little different, we have Lee
Darrow, a hypnotist who will present a Journey to the Center of Your
Mind-Hypnosis 2000. This one-hour show features audience participation
in a brand new presentation of hypnosis for entertainment. Lee puts
his volunteers into a wonderfully relaxed state and helps them explore
and play with their imaginations. Lee has appeared for Sandals
Resorts, Discover Card, Amoco Oil, United Insurance of America,
Ameritech and numerous colleges and universities across the country.
Come see his unique brand of hypnosis - based not on embarassment, but
on improvisational theater. Remember to bring your imagination and be
ready to sleep for Lee.
Camelot 5
For those who really like audience participation we are pleased to
have an original Murder Mystery Theatre production written by the team
of Lilienkamp & Smith. It's called Camelot 5 and it's a mix between
Camelot and Babylon 5. It's pure schtick and great fun. So bring your
imagination and get ready to immerse yourself in one of many exciting
characters just waiting to be brought to life.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
So whether you like to sit, watch, and listen or be used as a guinea pig
(maybe a poor choice of words) or are a closet actor waiting for that big
break, we have something for you!
Saturday Afternoon Regency Dance * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
On Saturday afternoon, Chicon will host the traditional Regency
dance. Come and enjoy the more refined dances of the early
nineteenth century. Formal and genteel, the Regency Dance is a
Worldcon tradition you must experience.
2:00 PM, Saturday, 02-Sep-2000, Gold Room, Fairmont Hotel
Filk Music * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jan DiMasi, filk@chicon.org
This information is subject to change and mistakes. Please be patient.
Filk Hotel
The Filk Suite is secured on the 4th floor of the Hyatt, in the West
Tower. A special feature of the suite is an elevator that will bring
you and your instruments directly to the Concourse level Filk Hallway,
and to the Ballroom level for the concerts. This feature provides a
convenience unheard of at Worldcons.
To have your room close to the Filk Suite, you need to revise your
reservation with One-Stop-Chicago. Let them know you want to be near
GERRY TYRA. I can do this for you. Email your request and include your
reservation number.
We are pleased to have Lady Colleen as our Filk Suite Hostess. Lady
Colleen has a fine reputation on the west coast and we are honored to
have her overseeing our Filk Suite.
Filk Programming
West Tower Ballroom level Acapulco Room will have Concerts between 1:00
pm and 7:00 pm. West Tower Concourse level Gold Coast Room, Columbian
Room, Picasso, Haymarket, and Buckingham Room will have Themed Filk Jams
starting at 9:30 pm and followed with Themed Open Filk starting at
11:00pm and going until 5 or 6 am. These rooms will have scattered
filk panels through the day.
The other panels of general interest are "song and stories" where
books are discussed and songs presented that have been written about
the books.
Concerts
"Concerts" are Filk performances. This can be as an individual, or as
a group. Programming set the length, time and location, and the
performers decide what they want to perform. Concerts will be in the
Acapulco room, Ballroom level of the west tower of the Hyatt. The bulk
of concerts will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 7:00pm.
One-Shots
"One-shots" are the performance of just one song. We use them to fill
in spaces during concerts, etc. More importantly, they allow someone a
chance to sing in front of an audience, quite often for the first
time. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Filk Lounge.
Open Filks
"Open Filks" usually take place late in the evening, and are the last
filk programming of the day. As the title suggests, they can be
completely open, i.e. whatever happens, happens, or if time and space
permit, we can say that tonight, in this room, there will be an "open
filk" in a particular style - this lets the attendees know ahead of
time what to expect - both as performers and listeners. A "Host" is
necessary to get things started, and to oversee the evening.
Theme Filks
"Theme Filks" are a chance to have an hour or so of filk with the same
topic. Anyone attending can perform, if they desire. But you need a
host to ensure that the filk stays on theme.
Round-Robin or Performer's Circle
"Round-Robins" or "Performer's Circles" are "Theme Filks", but with
the performers asked ahead of time to perform, and then as a group
decide what "set" they are having. A host is appointed.
Workshops
"Workshops" are an in-depth, hands-on, group participatory session,
presented by one or two people, on a specific filk topic. They may be
musical or non-musical, or a combination of both. The presenters, if
they want to can limit the number of attendees. There will be a
sign-up sheet in the Filk Lounge.
Children's Filk Programming
Filk programming for children usually involves doing known children's
filk songs and some of the presenters' children's favourites, that are
not filk, in a "performer's circle" style. The main thing is for the
kids to have fun, and participate - this usually includes the kids
singing, using drums, kazoos, rhythm eggs, etc. Kid filk will take
place at Children's Programming, as well as in the filk rooms. Parents
must accompany the child when in the filk room. We are also planning
for the "Official group of children who are being babysat" more of the
non-filk favourite children's songs, but again with participation by
all.
Panels
"Panels" are usually non-musical discussions, about a specific topic
relevant to filk with panellists and a moderator. Audience
participation is welcomed.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Songbook
The song book is an overwhelming success. Thank you to the 40
contributors who sent in songs. There are 50 songs, about 75 pages.
Each person who gave a song will get a book, and the rest will be
available at Chicon for a $5.00 donation to Interfilk. Interfilk
is a nonprofit charity that provides
worthy transport of filkers to places far and unknown. Song books will
be available in the Filk Suite and other places around the convention.
Post Office * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The U.S. Postal Service will unveil a new
commemorative issue stamp at our Opening Ceremonies. We don't know
what it is yet - it could be part of the Space Series, it could be a
tribute to 19th-century turtle ranchers.
USPS is also producing a special cancellation for Chicon 2000,
using our "rocket" logo.
The Hyatt Business Center will provide onsite postal services (i.e.
selling packing boxes, selling postage, selling the stamp unveiled at
opening ceremonies, and selling postcards for use with the
Commemorative Cancellation). The hours they will be open are:
7:00 am - 7:00 pm Tuesday-Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday, Sunday, Monday.
They are not allowed to charge a surcharge on US Postage so things can
be mailed at the regular postal rates. They will also have other
shipping services available such as UPS and Fedex.
Fan Tables * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Danny Lieberman, fan.tables@chicon.org
This is a list of fan tables reserved at Chicon. If you wanted one for
your organization, you'd better write in quickly before they're all
reserved.
* Millennium Philcon (the 2001 Worldcon
in Philadelphia PA)
* Con Jose (the 2002 Worldcon in San Jose CA)
* Toronto in 2003 (TorCon III)
* Cancun in 2003 (ConCancun)
* Boston in 2004
* Charlotte in 2004
* UK in 2005
* ASFA - the Association of Science Fiction Artists
* Burroughs Biblophiles
* Canadian Fandom
* Capricon 21
* Czech-Slovak Fandom
* Japanese Fandom
* National Space Society
* SeaTac Westercon 56 Bid
Tours and Trips * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Trip to Cubs Park
For members who are also baseball fans, Chicon 2000 is organizing a
trip to Wrigley Field, on Thursday, 31-Aug-2000. The game starts at
1:30PM. Tickets for this trip can be purchased at the Chicon Online
Store .
Trip to Sox Park?
With the recent success of the Chicago White Sox, Chicon 2000 is left
wondering if there would be enough interest to warrant a trip to
Comiskey Park. If you are interested in visiting the Southside
ballpark, please contact condiments@chicon.org and let us know.
Fermilab Tour
Chicon 2000 is scheduling an early Friday afternoon trip to Fermilab,
with a 25 person limit. Those interested should email reservations to
condiments@chicon.org.
Other Tours
Chicon is in the process of planning several tours, including a tour
of the Loop, and other tours by noted local fans. Watch this space for
more info.
Remaining Deadlines * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
31-Jul-2000
Deadline for electronic Hugo ballots is Midnight, Pacific
Daylight Time, 31-Jul-2000. Mailed ballots should be postmarked
by 31-Jul-2000.
01-Aug-2000
Masquerade entry deadline. If you miss this cut-off, you might
not be in the show.
03-Aug-2000
Closing date for booking rooms through One-Stop Chicago.
Blackout period until 14-Aug-2000.
Deadline for requesting a suite in the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
14-Aug-2000
Hotels should all have the information from One-Stop Chicago by
this date. You can try booking rooms directly with the hotels
at this time, although your chances are pretty slim.
15-Aug-2000
Deadline for Online Pre-registration via a credit card.
We will stop accepting Art Show reservations on 15-Aug-2000.
18-Aug-2000
Deadline for receipt of Mail-in Site Selection Ballots is
18-Aug-2000.
02-Sep-2000
Deadline for Site Selection at the convention is 6:00 pm on
Saturday.
Service Mark Notice * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Service Mark Notice: "World Science Fiction Society", "WSFS", "World
Science Fiction Convention", "Worldcon", "NASFiC" and "Hugo Award" are
registered service marks of the World Science Fiction Society,
an unincorporated literary society.
20000720.txt sent to 1712 subscribers of CHICON-NEWS.