Filk at Necronomicon Science Fiction Convention

[P.F. Bruns]

Some of you know that my first and longest-running staff job at
Necronomicon Convention in Tampa, FL (or occasionally St. Petersburg) is
as Filk Guy.

Now, I still plan to keep doing that along with all the other stuff
until someone better comes along, but I have to admit and apologize that
I've let all the other stuff (content/performance development, trivia
track, panels, etc.) distract me, and as such, I have never really done
more than show up to host, bring filk, and occasionally compile songbooks.

After yesterday's meeting, though, I realized that this may not be
enough. This year, of course, we are at a smaller venue (the Embassy
Suites USF, an excellent hotel, but one with less function space than we
are used to), but Stone Hill has been nice enough to keep a panel room
open for us Friday and Saturday nights at 10 pm.

There was some confusion and a brief dispute (my fault) yesterday,
because of some good-natured grumbling about filkers at Necro, which
erupted during a discussion of LARP and filk spaces. The bottom line is
that both LARP and filk will get space, and as I understand it, neither
will get drowned out by the dance Saturday night--so that's good.

However, there is the somewhat justified historical perception that
filkers Just Don't Come To Necro No Matter What We Do. Debra Hicks
rightly pointed out that Stone Hill even bought the filkers pizza at one
point.

So I'm soliciting ideas for 2014. For one thing, we'll be in a larger
venue (the Hyatt on 301, a large, modern, and by accounts, really nice
hotel!).

Unfortunately, we don't really have the budget for a filk guest at this
point. But I do plan to lobby for daytime panels, particularly Friday
afternoon, Saturday morning, and/or Saturday late afternoon (probably
right after the Necronomicon Trivia Inquisition, which usually runs from
2-4 pm). These would probably be two-hour open filks with a little bit
of discussion about form, ideas, theory, and stuff like that.

The bottom line is that I have, after expressing some frustration*, been
reassured that Stone Hill DEFINITELY has room for filk. But I need to do
more. I WANT to get us to the point where not only do we eventually have
a filk guest, but that we have so many members expecting one that actual
Big Name Filkers know they can perform concerts and sell discs, since a
concert would be yet another reason for fans to come to the convention.
(Note: Necronomicon often does host live fan music by local and regional
performers, though not all are filkers. Also, these events are
traditionally included with membership to the convention, and that's
pretty unlikely to change. Plus, we often host acts in the outer areas,
such as "For Love or Money," that provided added musical entertainment.

Networking has always been a bit of a weakness of mine; one reason why I
never really used my public relations degree is that I've always been a
better performer and technician than networker. But here's me starting
to lay the groundwork. I will work to ensure that filk has a home at
Necronomicon. Stone Hill will continue to provide space as long as there
is demand. But any ideas are absolutely welcome.

*Even if you've been medically cleared, avoid involving yourself in
group discussions after giving blood less than two days after losing 10
pounds due to illness. Your body chemistry will be wonky.

Perry

[Lee Gold XP]

On 5/13/2013 6:29 AM, P.F. Bruns wrote:
> filkers Just Don't Come To Necro No Matter What We Do

So have you tried billing Filk as Necro Song?
Tieing Filksong into the LARPing by asking for the LARP to include a
filk circle as part of the plot, or have bards among the characters?
Getting a Big Name Filker Guest who's into Necronomicon-friendly
subject? (Is this Lovecraft or Roleplaying or what?)
Going to nearby filking and asking filkers what would persuade them to
go to Necro?

--Lee