Confluence 2011, Literary Sci-Fi Convention in Pittsburgh this Weekend

Don't think this was included in the PG's recent list of weird and geeky events in Pittsburgh. This is the 23rd annual Confluence convention.

"Confluence is:

A small, friendly conference focused on the literature and art of Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Many award-winning authors and editors who enjoy meeting and talking with Confluence members.

Panel discussions and talks that will broaden and deepen your appreciation of Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Poetry readings, filk concerts, a video room and other entertaining fare.

A taste-testing consuite, a terrific art show, and a book-crammed dealers room.

Confluence is about programming that lets fans of science fiction and fantasy hear about the views and visions of some of the leading authors, editors, and critics in the genre.

To complement the panel discussions, Confluence also has a full slate of art demos by several very accomplished artists, and entertainment items that span the spectrum from poetry readings to filk concerts to the annual farce presented by the Parallax Second Players. Never a dull moment, but if you need a break you can't go wrong by spending some time in our well-provisioned consuite chatting with guests and other members."

Check out all the details, speakers, events and pricing.

July 22nd - 24th, 2011
Doubletree Hotel, Pittsburgh Airport.
Directions.

As Promised: Furries ! Shots From Anthrocon 2010

I really was hoping for a set that somehow represented the diversity of Fandom. Fully dressed furries were just a part of it--although, there seemed to be an whole lot of them this year. Many people just had unique T-shirts or were carrying a stuffed animal or in many, cases showed an interest in some other fantasy type character from pirate, to fireman. Actually, the whole vibe was a cross between Halloween and a Dead concert. Still, the furries grabbed the spotlight.

Almost all these shots are by Jean and were taken in or very close to The Weston Hotel.



Even though we didn't attend, we were able to roam the first few floors of the hotel.



The start of a Furry dance party, which turned into a photo-op. (Furries like photo-ops)







Furries support local economy.



Part two later. Thanks Jean for all these amazing photos.