Announcing: MuseCon 0 - The Secret Muse
A new convention in northeastern Illinois celebrating music and the hands-on arts beginning in 2010
Programming: Schedule And Descriptions
LAST MINUTE CHANGE: The hotel has changed the rooms around a bit. The programs in Edwardian and Carlyle have been swapped. This will not be reflected in the printed program books, but is reflected here.
As people send me last minute corrections, I put 'em in.
Note: Many program items are scheduled for 1:15. The grid includes a 15-minute break at the end of each of these programming item.
The details for each programming item are found after the grid.
Friday Programming
Extra Note: Several of the people who have agreed to teach these programs have created kits to make your hands on experience more memorable (and face it, some things you just have to "do"). Some of these kits have considerable expense associated with them, and MuseCon does not have the financial resources to pay for these kits. If you are taking a hands on class, you might be asked to pay for the materials in a kit. These are noted below when that information is available.
Finger KnittingFriday 2:30-3:45 pm Stanford Leah Roman
Knit Without Needles: Using two finger knitting techniques easy enough for
children to learn, make a headband or scarf. A more advanced technique can
be used to make a flower.
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Digital Photo Vocabulary and Equipment Friday 1-2:15 pm Carlyle Ron Winsauer
What are Megapixels? Do I want lots of them? What does ISO mean? Focal
Length? HELP! I'm so confused! Don't panic, in this panel we'll discuss
basic digital photography equipment and the vocabulary you need to make
sense of it all.
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Build a Birdhouse Friday, 4-5:15 pm Edwardian Dwayne Forsyth
We have all the parts needed to create a simple cedar birdhouse. Although
only about 85 of the hundreds of North American bird species nest in
cavities, there is so much competition for natural holes, that man-made
nest boxes are appreciated by many of them and are an important
conservation tool.
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Introduction to Reiki & Attunement, Part 1 Friday, 4-5:15 pm Stanford Teresa Gunderson
Reiki is a hands-on healing energy that anyone can be taught to access.
Exceptional for pain relief and calming, as well as providing healing
energy, it gives you the ability to pass the energy to yourself, anyone,
or anything. This is an introduction with a lecture and discussion. Attend
Part 2 for full benefit.
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Crochet Critters Friday, 4-5:15pm Carlyle Wendy Richardson
Amigurumi is the art of crocheting small animals or toys. This is not a
hands-on session (but Crochet An Alien is). We will
discuss fundamentals: what you need to get started, where to find
materials & patterns, and some design basics. A handout will be
provided so you can continue your exploration after the session.
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Introduction to the Mountain Dulcimer Friday, 6-7 pm Lakeshore Peter Alway
Learn the basics of playing the mountain or "lap" dulcimer in
DAA tuning, including tuning, melody drone playing, chords, and
melodychord playing. Instruments are available for the first six
participants -- but if you've got a dulcimer you've been meaning to play,
bring it along. For ages Ten and up.
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Opening Ceremonies Friday 7-8 pm Main Stage R. Winsauer, Staff, Guests
Welcome to MuseCon! Come watch Ron, our Chair, babble and make a fool of
himself while our staff and Guests of Honor heckle and do other Amusing
Things!
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Open Music Jam Friday, 8 pm-? Lakeshore You, the musicians
Come one, come all, whether you sing, play an instrument, or just want to
listen to the wonderful music. At times we'll be jamming, at times we'll
all be listening to a wonderful musical number. A bit of filk, a bit of
folk, a bit of rock...all are welcome here. Whether it's your first time,
or you're an old hand, come and participate.
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Chain Maille Jewelry Friday, 8-9:15 pm Edwardian Marie Nixon
You'll learn the European- 4-in-1 weave while making a key chain,
bracelet, or both! Marie will have many samples to inspire you. Get tips
for incorporating colors, closing rings seamlessly and sources of free
tutorials. If you own your own smooth flat or chain nose pliers, bring 'em
along. Materials fee of are $3.00 - $10.00 by project.
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Introduction. to Reiki & Attunement, Part 2 Attendance at part 1 is required to attend part 2.
The ability to pass Reiki requires attunement to the energy. Everyone who
attends part 1 and has an attunement during part 2 will receive a
certificate. Part 2 will be a hands-on attunement to Reiki Level I and
practice in using the energy.
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Introduction to Photoshop Friday, 8-9:15 pm Carlyle Mary Lynn Skirvin
How does a body make use of all the power that Photoshop, one of the most
powerful photo-editing packages makes available? In this introduction,
Mary Lynn will walk you through the use of each tool & show you where
all those sub menus are hiding! This tour will help both beginning and
intermediate users.
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Saturday Programming
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Free Blinkie Workshop Saturday, 9-10:15 am Edwardian Our Blinkie Overlords
What's a Blinkie you ask? Why, those cool badges made of circuit boards
and LEDs. Never built one before? Don't fear, the blinkie wizards of
General Technics are ready to help you build a blinkie-for free! Other
blinkie kits are available for upgrade, see the descriptions on the blinkies
page.
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Beginning Papercraft Saturday, 9-10:15 am Stanford Wendy Richardson
Construct 3D art using only paper, scissors, and glue. This class is
designed for the beginner, we will provide the printed sheets to cut and
assemble. Kids welcome, but should be accompanied by an adult if under 10,
and need fairly good "scissor skills". Some scissors will be
available, or bring your own.
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Adding Leather to Costuming Saturday, 9-10:15 am Carlyle Ron & Liana Winsauer
You want to add leather accessories to your costuming wardrobe, but where
to start? What kinds of leather do I use for different things? What are
basic leatherworking skills, and which tools do you really need? We'll do
our best to answer! This is a class with samples and examples, not a
hands-on workshop.
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Basic Jewelry: Bracelet and Earrings Saturday, 10:30-11:45 am Edwardian Brooke Wiewel
Wire. Beads. Crimps. Pliers. Headpins. Earring Backs. We'll show you how
to take these materials and make a basic bracelet and earrings. A shared
pool of basic materials and loaner tools is provided free of charge.
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Beginning Cross-Stitch Saturday, 10:30-11:45 am Stanford Kathy Horning
Have you wanted to learn counted cross stitch, but thought it looked too
difficult? Here is your chance to discover some simple techniques. A
limited number of kits will be available with your choice of charts for a
bookmark; included are the fabric, floss, and needle. Scissors are
available for sharing.
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Fun with Science Saturday, 10:30-11:45 am Carlyle Todd Johnson
Mad Scienist's Union Local #3.14 volunteered to do a panel as part of
their court ordered community service. The judge was not amused by their
"it shouldn't have done that!" defense. We'd tell you more, but
we were afraid to ask. We did hear through the door "captured
lightning, Shockfossils, Lichtenbergs" and very disturbing
laughter.
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Beginning Harmonica Saturday, 11-noon Lakeshore gundo
How to play harmonica in first position. gundo will be handing out
harmonicas (seriously!) and take everyone along on basic scales, chordal
accompaniment, and some simple melodies. We will go over how to hold the
harmonica, how to blow into it, and how to get a vibrato with your hands.
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Playing the Blues Saturday, 1-2 pm Lakeshore Mike Nixon, Eric Coleman, and gundo
Learn the blues scale, and how to provide support in a blues jam.
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Chain Maille Jewelry Saturday, 1-2:15 pm Edwardian Marie Nixon
You'll learn the European- 4-in-1 weave while making a key chain,
bracelet, or both! Marie will have many samples to inspire you. Get tips
for incorporating colors, closing rings seamlessly and sources of free
tutorials. If you own your own smooth flat or chain nose pliers, bring 'em
along. Materials fee of are $3.00 - $10.00 by project.
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Crochet an Alien Saturday, 1-2:15 pm Stanford Leah Roman
Learn the Japanese art of amigurumi. In this hands-on workshop you will
use basic crochet stitches to make a cute little stuffed alien doll.
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Structured Poetry Workshop Saturday, 1-2:15 pm Carlyle Elliot Mason
Everyone's been forced to write sonnets in school, but how many have heart
of ovillejos, sestinas, pantoums, villanelles? Learn how highly-structured
poetic forms can actually help you conquer writer's block! Remember, it
doesn't have to be 'good' or even serious to be fun to do. A handout is
provided.
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Bill Roper Concert Saturday, 2-3 pm Lakeshore Bill Roper
Bill discovered filking in 1976 and has been busy writing songs ever
since. Capable of being either serious or silly as the mood strikes him,
the result is that you're never quite sure what he's going to pull out
next, although he'll usually try to make it fit the mood! And if you
detect a chorus, you're welcome, even encouraged! to sing along.
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Build a Planisphere Saturday, 2:30-3:45 pm Edwardian Peter Alway
A planisphere is a star chart with movable horizon overlay to tell you
which constellations are visible when. Build a planisphere and learn the
principles of celestial motion that make this simple device work. Suitable
for ages ten and up.
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Beginning Polymer Clay Saturday, 2:30-3:45 pm Stanford Teresa Gunderson
This is a very basic class designed to introduce you to the medium of
Polymer Clay. We'll cover clay prep, types of clay and their properties,
finishing clay pieces, as well as discussing various clay techniques and
inclusions. Come ready to make bookmarks and beads. Supplies will be
provided, but if you have anything to bring, feel free.
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Suburban Beekeeping Saturday, 2:30-3:45 pm Carlyle Liana & Ron Winsauer
Honeybees happily buzz about cities and suburbs, pollinating our flowers,
fruits, & vegetables. Learn about beekeeping in your backyard. This
presentation won't teach you everything you need to know to become a
beekeeper, but it's an introduction. We'll cover common types of hives
equipment, and the basics of the beekeeping year.
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Jason Neerenberg & Michael Pereckas Concert Saturday, 3-4 pm Lakeshore Michael Pereckas, Jason Neerenberg
Michael Pereckas bought a guitar in early 2002 and was soon terrifying
filk circles. He also plays flute, and likes the unusual, particularly
songs from far away. Jason Neereenberg: a science fiction and computer
addict with a love of post-apocalyptic world-building who plays guitar,
sings, and plays bass for the band Toyboat.
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Up and Comers Concert Saturday, 4-6 pm Lakeshore This concert features and comers, rare soloists, and people we haven't heard from in a while - Betsey Langan, Teresa Gunderson, Alyse Middleton, Duryea Edwards, and Mike Nixon. gundo provided lovely bios for everybody, |
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Beadwork: Peyote Stitch Saturday, 4-5:15 pm Edwardian Brooke Wiewel
Teaching both the flat and circular peyote stitch, both even and odd
starts. What does all that mean? Come find out. Worries about itty bitty
beads? We'll start with big friendly plastic pony beads. We'll also
provide lace and loaner tools, as well as examples and ideas for working
with smaller beads.
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Advanced Papercraft Saturday, 4-5:15 pm Stanford Wendy Richardson
The beginning papercraft class is NOT a prerequsite for this session. We
will be working on more complicated objects, and most kids will get
frustrated by the degree of precision needed. We will discuss some of the
things to watch out for, and a handout will be provided so you can
continue after the session. You will begin to cut and assemble, but will
probably need to finish on your own.
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Ask the Blinkie Guys Saturday, 4-5:15 pm Carlyle Dale Sulak, Dwayne Forsyth
Dale and Dwayne have been creating blinkie designs for 6 years. They will
give a quick overview of the blinkie design process, then dive into any
topic you choose. Topics but include circuit board design, sourcing of
parts, prototype vs. small batch run cost, PIC programming, selling stuff
on the Web, current projects on the desk, future designs, etc...
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Concert Sound Setup Saturday, 6-7:30 pm Lakeshore gundo, Dave Ifversen, and Bill Roper
Successful conventions don't rely only on hotel services for audio
services especially when it comes to setting up for concerts, masquerades,
and other special events. Dave Ifversen, Bill Roper, and gundo, tech
services gurus for much of Chicago-area fandom, and shows you how to do
it.
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Cake Decorating Saturday, 7-8 pm Hospitality Suite Brooke Wiewel
We'll various tips, and attempt a rose. Take a turn at decorating your own
masterpiece. No kids under 13 unless accompanied by an adult, please.
Please consider allergies. Ask questions if you're worried about what's in
the cupcakes/frosting. All materials provided. If you have an apron or a
smock please bring it.
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Polymer Clay Heads & Faces Saturday, 7:30-9:30 pm Stanford Mary Lynn Skirvin
In this hands-on workshop, Mary Lynn Skirvin will
show you how to create heads and expressive faces in polymer clay. Topics
will include making tools from simple materials, best commercial tools,
making head "bases", facial features, facial expressions, aging
clay and baking clay, and putting hair on the head.
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Formatting Yourself Out of the Slushpile Saturday, 7:30-9:30 pm Carlyle Jackie Powers
This workshop's alternate title is "How To Decode An Editor's Or
Agent's Submission Guidelines And Properly Format and Send Your Manuscript
So They Will Actually Be Willing To Read What You Sent", but that was
way too long. Covers both email and snail-mail submissions
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Toyboat Concert Saturday, 8-9 pm Lakeshore Toyboat was created when Eric Coleman said to gundo "I want to do a punk version of 'Banned from Argo'." That project never materialized, but even worse horrors have come forth. Eric and gundo recruited Jason Neerenberg that very convention, and found Mike Nixon six months later. Together they've terrorized filk and science fiction conventions across the Midwest. |
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I Scream Because of Ice Cream Saturday, 8-9 pm Hospitality Suite Dale. Sulak
Dry ice ice cream, oh my! We'll also discuss the pro and cons of other
cryogenic ingredients, and why some are sub-optimal. Traditional ice cream
(assuming your Mom made it with dry ice), dairy-free, and sorbets will be
produced as edible experiments.
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Open Music Circle Saturday, 9 pm - ? Lakeshore Open to all!! Come one, come all, whether you sing, play an instrument, or just want to listen to the wonderful music. At times we'll be jamming, at times we'll all be listening to a wonderful musical number. A bit of filk, a bit of folk, a bit of rock, all are welcome here, whether it's your first time, or you're an old hand. |
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Tall Tales Friday, 8-9:30 pm Hospitality Suite Travis Clemmons
Gather ‘round the campfire and tell us a Tall Tale! Ok, ok, you’re
right, we won’t really have a campfire, so we’ll have to use our
imaginations. Your tall tale can be in the form of a very short story,
poem, or short song, but you do have to keep it short. And tall...
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Jupiter Observation Saturday, Midnight Parking Lot Peter Always
View Jupiter, its moons, and cloud belts with an 8" telescope. If
conditions allow it, we can look for a few other choice objects in the
summer sky.
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Sunday Programming
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I Void Warranties Sunday, 9-10:15 am Edwardian Dale Sulak
"No user-servicable parts inside" isn't a warning, it's a
challenge!
We provide the electronics and the tools, you get to void the warranties. Disassemble a widget, and see what makes it tick. tock. tick. tock. Oops, 'scuse me, got caught up in the metaphor, there. |
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Intro to Drawing Sunday, 9-10:15 am Stanford Mary Lynn Skirvin
Everyone can draw. You may not believe it, but it's true. Learning how to
draw means learning how to SEE, and how to put what you see on paper. This
workshop is for anyone who wants to learn how to draw or wants to improve
their drawing skills. Subjects that will be covered will be forms,
animals, movement, weight, and light and shadow. Mary Lynn Skirvin will
demonstrate by drawing a fantasy creature, and discuss its creation step
by step, showing everyone the basic techniques she uses to bring her
beasts and characters to life!
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Beginning Writers' Workshop Sunday 9-10:15 am Carlyle Jackie Powers
You have a great idea for a story or book... now what do you do? The
processes that writers use to write their first drafts are as unique as
they are. Come, get a broad sampling of techniques and pick what works for
you. With plenty of time to ask questions.
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Folk Jam Sun., 10-11 am Lakeshore
Everyone is welcome. Break out those tunes from the ‘60’s in this open
jam session. Not comfortable performing? Come, listen, and have a good
time!
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What Do You Want to See Next Year at MuseCon? Sunday noon-1 pm Hospitality Suite Ron Winsauer
What kind of programming would you like to see at MuseCon? Talk to the
convention chair directly! Don't worry if you can't make it, you can alse
e-mail us at: programming@musecon.org
or apollo@musecon.org.
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Closing Ceremonies Sunday, 11-11:30 am Lakeshore Ron Winsauer, Staff
It's been a fun introduction to MuseCon, but now its time to say
goodbye... until next year!
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Mobile Programming
Mobile Programming instructors will be roaming the convention area on Saturday offering lessons on basic skills, when and where you find them. Mobile Programming instructors will be carrying a bicycle flag, so if you see a flag, ask what information they have to share! Additional mobile programming may also be found on Friday and Sunday, depending on the instructors' schedules.
If you have something that you would like to do as mobile programming, contact someone at the convention.
