Category: Performance & Pleasures

Posted on

Lyngvi, Wolven Domain and Larnvidia Muspelheim

“The loup-garou is neither man nor beast, but something accursed, driven by a hunger that cannot be sated, haunting the shadows of our villages.”

Wolven Domain within NYC. I have Adopted Lyngvi, the island where wolves live in Norse Mythology as a gathering place for all Wolves and to be a Wolven Domain in (NYC). Yes, Gotham Halo is the domain of NYC , but that is a vampiric domain. When people hear Lyngvi I want them to know wolves reside here in Gotham Halo (NYC) as well.  Yes, Lyngvi is the island where Fenrir was imprisoned, though also where Wolves live and where he breaks free to consume his imprisoned Odin. It now represents a place of power and freedom. It is described as looking like the crater of an extinct volcano in the sea and being covered in White Heather flowers that helps keep Fenris Wolf imprisoned, though now he has broken free it is the Haven of Lyngvi. Fenrir is said to eat the sun during Ragnarök, the end of the world. Which brings Forth Moon Side for Wolves. His and Larnvidia sons Sköll and Hati are said to chase the sun and moon, when caught will bring on Ragnarok. Fenrir being the most powerful wolf only makes sense for us to stick by his side. So we should live where he breaks free and together be unified.  As I am Larnvidia, it is my responsibility to give wolves their own place to come together. There is no better place than Lyngvi.

Larnvidia Muspelhiem (Luna Diosa) I am Larnvidia Muspelheim, Alfa of Ulveskare Muspelheim, and Founder of Lyngvi. I am an Alpha of Wolves and Wolven within Lyngvi (GH/NYC). I have been known as Luna Diosa since I was eight years of age, it followed me all the way to GH when I was twenty two years of age. As I am a new alpha and coming back to NYC I have changed my name and started from scratch to bring you the Wolven community of Lyngvi. I have been in Gotham Halo for nearly five years actively. I have been an active alpha for nearly three of those years. I moved out of state taking a sabbatical and enjoying my time with my fiance and our two kids. We recently came back and I am now an alpha within gotham halo once again. This time being completely released by the one who brought me into the scene, the one who gave me my title as alpha, along with being recognized within GH as having a bloodline. Since then I have an ancient bloodline, the first and only in any domain. My bloodline name is Muspelheim, a glowing, fiery realm that has existed since the beginning of time. Now that I am back in NYC I am taking a very hands-on, direct approach for the betterment of the wolven community. Creating our own domain within (GH/NYC) but still connected to Gotham Halo. We as wolven will have our own packs in Lyngvi. I am also the founder of White Heather, Wolven Haven. My council of wolves is Amsvartnir which is where the lake Lyngvi resides surrounded by white heather flowers.  I spoke about my pack which in the very beginning was made up of three members, my most loyal and supportive pack members who have seen me start, pause, and re-start up again and have not left my side. A great example of a pack and the unity I am bringing through Lyngvi.

Being as it is for wolves inside Gotham is not the best in regards to respect and honor it felt only right to give us our own place to be. I am not poaching, my pack and council is only open to those I see are a good fit. All are welcome into White Heather and all Wolven are welcome into the community Lyngvi. I am being passed a very old hope of bringing wolves their own domain and safe haven within NYC, which I take very seriously. I am opening my pack and Lyngvi to wolves/wolven who desire more out of life for their wolf side. I have teachings and I will mentor you in ways of connecting with your wolf side and guiding you through your journey as much as I can for you to become more successful within your life.

Posted on

Is Steampunk Dead, And If So, What Are All These Steampunks Doing Here?

“Steampunk is dead. Totally dead. Very very sad. Yes, just leave the body with me. I want to get it inside before this, um…frightening thunderstorm…”
-Dr. Victor “Two Hats” Frankenstein

Steampunk: a curious anachronism that refuses to rust away quietly. This panel dissects whether the genre—born of Victorian daydreams and brass-plated audacity—has sputtered out or merely recalibrated its gears. We’ll probe its persistence in literature, fashion, and the odd corners of maker culture, asking why enthusiasts still don corsets and monocles in a world of algorithms and anxiety. With a raised eyebrow and a touch of restraint, we’ll explore if steampunk is a relic, a rebellion, or simply too stubborn to die. Expect sharp insights, subtle jabs, and a nod to the absurd beauty of it all.

Questions and Subjects for Discussion:

  1. The State of the Genre
    • Has steampunk’s output—novels, films, games—dwindled to a trickle, or are we just looking in the wrong places?
    • Do sales of top hats on Etsy or steampunk subreddit activity suggest a pulse, or are these mere echoes?
    • What separates a vibrant niche from a museum piece?
  2. Aesthetic Endurance
    • Why does steampunk’s obsession with cogs and crinolines still charm in an era of sleek minimalism?
    • Is its appeal a quiet protest against disposable tech, or just a fondness for things that clank?
    • Can the classical world teach the modern world innovation?
  3. The Maker’s Paradox
    • Why do steampunk enthusiasts insist on soldering their own pocket watches when Amazon exists?
    • Does the genre’s DIY ethos—blending 19th-century fantasy with 21st-century tools—keep it relevant, or is it just cosplay with extra steps?
    • Are makers innovating, or endlessly polishing the same brass?
  4. Media and Mutation
    • Where does steampunk linger most convincingly: dog-eared novels, indie games, or that one Netflix series nobody finished?
    • Has it bled into other genres, or is it too busy polishing its goggles to notice?
    • Can steampunk’s retro charm survive in a media landscape chasing the next dystopian fad?
  5. The Persistent Devotees
    • What compels someone to declare themselves a “steampunk” in 2025? Is it style, substance, or sheer contrariness?
    • Do conventions and online forums thrive on community or just mutual indulgence?
    • How do newcomers find steampunk, and are they rewriting its rules or reciting old lines?
  6. The “Dead” Question
    • If steampunk is dead, was it the weight of its own clichés or a simple failure to compete with flashier genres?
    • If it lives, what’s its strongest vital sign—fan fiction, fashion, or something less tangible?
    • Could steampunk’s refusal to die be its most punk trait?
  7. Technology and Tension
    • Does steampunk’s love for mechanical whimsy hold water in a world of quantum chips and neural implants?
    • Can it critique modern tech without sounding like a cranky Luddite in a waistcoat?
    • Are there whispers of a “new steampunk” that embraces today’s machines without losing its soul?
  8. The Human Element
    • What personal stories do fans tell about stumbling into steampunk’s orbit? A book? A costume? A random convention panel?
    • Is steampunk a refuge for misfits, a canvas for creatives, or just a very specific costume party?
    • How does its community balance gatekeeping with growth?

Posted on

Dave Shelton

Dave Shelton, cartoonist and creator!

An award winning film and television writer, cartoonist, author, musician and voice actor, Dave has had his writing compared to the likes of Ray Bradbury and David Lynch and his cartoon work to that of Charles Schulz, one of Dave’s idols. As senior writer and head of cartoons at National Lampoon, he put out two best-selling cartoon collections while handling writing and cartooning for the flagship magazine. He was also involved with Comic Relief. His early work includes art for Tim Allen and Robert Wuhl’s HBO specials and, as cartoonist and writer for Tiger Beat’s Superteen Magazine he created the popular cartoon Toon Groupies©. Dave’s character Snuggy Bear© was licensed for multiple brands including children’s eyewear by Crystal Clear Vision Group, selling out worldwide after a highly successful premiere in NYC at the International Vision Expo. Dave is also the creator of the popular Hackidu characters for Everybody Loves Raymond.

Dave has illustrated several popular children’s books including Bellaboo, the Purple Princess written by General Hospital star Nancy Lee Grahn and The Lemming Shepherds, distributed throughout China and Taiwan and is being adapted into a feature film. He illustrated and helped edit the book Full Frontal Tenudity from famed comedienne Judy Tenuta. Dave’s own book, Brain Explosion (Bear Manor Media Publishing), a collection of his cartoons and writings from his National Lampoon days has become a best-seller and is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Dave’s kids show, Professor Creepy’s Scream Party(c) had huge premieres at the 2013 Phoenix Comic Con and Son of Monsterpalooza convention in Burbank, CA. It has been receiving rave reviews and was written up in iconic Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine (April, 2013). Professor Creepy won the Bronze trophy at the 2014 International Independent Film Awards and was an official selection in the 2014 R.I.P. Horror Film Festival. The pilot was picked up for airing on the Monster Channel, August, 2017 and in 2018 was the top show on Roku’s Around the World in 80 Screams, airing on 28 networks on Halloween. Dave’s documentary, From Cheesecake to Cheesecake: The Joy Harmon Story (WGAw), about the life of 1960’s film/TV icon Joy Harmon, won the 2013 Hollywood & Vine Film Festival and was a top five finalist in the prestigious 2014 Taste Awards and won the Silver trophy at the 2014 International Independent Film Awards.

Dave’s sitcom pilot Against Type, starring Roland Kickinger (Terminator Salvation), Stephen Furst (Animal House) and ICarly’s Jennette McCurdy, aired domestically in over forty US markets and was picked up for international distribution by the Global Broadcasting Company in Spring, 2010, CETV (Chinese Entertainment Television) and The Dish Network’s Simply Kids channel in 2011. It was also a finalist in the 2015 Taste Awards. Dave is a successful infomercial writer/director in China and his voice work can be heard on the SyFy Channel films Path of Destruction and Lake Placid vs. Anaconda and in the animated series Alien House, co-starring Kim Possible’s Christy Carlson Romano and the new series Cozmo’s. Dave was also a celebrity judge on ICN TV China’s top rated talent competition show, American Stars. He is in the classic rock documentary What is Classic Rock (2018) and entered his documentary Ask Me if I C.A.R.E. into festivals. In October, 2016, Dave’s song, I am A Zombie, charted on kids syndicated radio network JenniRadio. In June, 2018, Dave’s script for the short film, Selfie, was selected for the 2018 AT&T Create-A-Thon, beating out over 500 scripts to get into the finals. The film was shot at Warner Bros. In 2019, Dave played guitar on the single, Running, by actor Larry Thomas (Seinfeld’s The Soup Nazi). Dave’s weekly national horror radio show, Cemetery GoGo, began airing on WRSG 91.5 FM December 14th, 2019. In December, 2020, and was picked up in June, 2021 by WAKI FM radio. Dave’s children’s book, Bag Boy and Sweet Slob(c) was released by Headline Books Inc publishers and is now available worldwide on Amazon and wherever books are sold. In February, 2021, Bag Boy and Sweet Slob won the Reader’s Favorite 5 Star Award and honorable mention at the 2021 San Francisco Book Festival in June. Against Type and Professor Creepy’s Scream Party were picked up by Amazon Prime TV in December, 2020. In September, 2021, Bag Boy and Sweet Slob won the Bronze Medal at the 2021 International Book Awards sponsored by Readers’ Favorite.

UPDATE: Dave’s syndicated hit radio show, Cemetery GoGo(c), airs on radio stations around the country including WAKI Radio out of Anapolis, Maryland, Classic WJEG in West Virginia, WBNY 91.3 FM out of Buffalo, NY and WCMO 98.5 FM out of Marietta, Ohio. His hit Spotify podcast, Bitching with Bitchy the Clown(c), is on multiple platforms and is being adapted into a TV talk show. Brain Explosion is being adapted into a TV sketch comedy show. Dave’s original songs, The Visitor and Elementary in the Cemetery (recorded by Bitchy the Clown) are included in the soundtrack of the indie horror movie, Slice, which premiered at the legendary Chinese Theatre in Hollywood November 16, 2022.

Other credits:

Wrote theme song for Special Olympics, which named several of their teams after Snuggy Bear©. His cartoon work is part of the Charles M. Schulz (Snoopy) museum in Santa Rosa, CA and the Haig Museum of Cartoons in New York. Former song writing partner of the late Albert Hague (Fame, How the Grinch Stole Christmas). A direct descendant of Vlad the Impaler (inspiration for Dracula). An avid golfer, Dave has been sponsored by Roger Dunn Golf Shops. On the board of the prestigious Environment of People Foundation. Coached basketball with legendary UCLA coach Jim Harrick and former LA Lakers and Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy.

Posted on

Saving the World with a Pen: Introducing Novelist Amanda Madison

Amanda Madison was raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania where she spent her childhood dreaming of magic and saving the world. Fresh out of her creative writing bachelor’s degree at Western New England University, she plans to do just that: writing stories that inspire people to find the good in themselves. Driven by her family and close friends, Amanda strives to bring a sense of found family everywhere she goes.

Posted on

Paul Hoover, The Critter Creator

Paul is great. You should meet Paul.

Paul Hoover, a.k.a. The Critter Creator, creates critters. Mostly Halloween critters (monster props, masks, decorations) but sometimes other holiday critters and fun beasties. He works with the most inexpensive materials he can find, and has worked many years with paper mache. He also works with various plastics, and mixed media. He will soon be creating a video series that details what he does and how he does it.

“Some people have learned to embrace their inner child”, he says, “I actually just decided to become him, and wow has life been fun ever since!” He invites you to see his work, ask questions, and get solid answers with perhaps a bit of whimsy thrown in.

Posted on

Stephanie Renee Cole

Stephanie Renee Cole

I started attending Faires as a small child, started working at them as a teenager, and have been a staff member since I was a young adult. I have worked with vendors, advertising, decorating, site management, and have been floated to many other aspects of running a festival as needed. My primary interests are Rennaisance, pirates, Tolkien, Harry Potter, Star Wars, sci-fi and cult films. The best thing about Faire is that people from all walks of life come together and we all fit in. I met some of my closest and most cherished friends in a faire setting. I am blessed to be able to love what I do for a living this much! 

Posted on

Bite Me, Hollywood: Dave Lee Madison’s Rebel Yell in Horror Cinema

Dave Madison Lee.

o.

Dave Lee Madison is an American independent filmmaker, actor, producer, and writer whose passion for cinema has deep roots in his childhood. Born with a love for the art form, Madison was captivated by the original Universal horror films by the age of five, setting the stage for a lifelong devotion to the genre. His first taste of filmmaking came at nine years old when he worked as an extra in Hero at Large (1980), a John Ritter comedy directed by Martin Davidson. This early exposure to the industry fueled his ambition, and throughout his teenage years, he continued to build his resume with roles in Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs and James Lemmo’s Heart (1987), starring Brad Davis.

Madison’s career as a filmmaker truly took off with his multifaceted talents as a writer, director, and producer. One of his most recognized works is Mr. Hush (2010), a horror film he wrote, produced, and directed. The movie, which stars Brad Loree (Michael Myers in Halloween: Resurrection), Stephen Geoffreys (Fright Night), and Steve Dash (Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th Part 2), has become a cult classic among horror fans. Mr. Hush enjoyed a limited U.S. theatrical run in cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas, northeastern Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh. It was released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 7, 2012, and spent six weeks on Redbox’s genre top ten list, a testament to its popularity. In a significant honor, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences requested a copy of the Mr. Hush script in 2012 to be preserved in the permanent core collection of the Margaret Herrick Library.

Another standout in Madison’s filmography is Full Moon Fever (2023), a contemporary werewolf film that blends horror, suspense, comedy, and drama. Directed by and starring Madison, the film follows Hunter Dunne, a husband and father whose life unravels after a brutal attack, leading to nightmares, hallucinations, and a horrific confrontation on Halloween night. Critics have noted its atmospheric quality and throwback B-movie style, with a runtime of 75 minutes that makes it a perfect fit for a double feature. The film showcases Madison’s love for practical effects, using no CGI for its werewolf transformations, and features a strong sound design that enhances its eerie Northeastern forest setting. Full Moon Fever has been praised as a personal favorite among Madison’s works by some reviewers, with its availability on Amazon Prime Video likely contributing to his status as an Amazon top ten filmmaker.

Beyond Mr. Hush and Full Moon Fever, Madison has an extensive body of work. In 2015, he released Middle Village, a film that debuted at the historic Cinemart Theater in Queens, New York. Featuring Brian O’Halloran (Clerks), Ray Abruzzo (The Sopranos), Scott Schiaffo (Clerks), and WWE superstar Gene Snisky, the film received overwhelmingly positive reviews and was included on whatchareading.com’s list of the best films of 2015. It also garnered laurels from the Forwardian Film Festival. Another project, Wit’s End, was scheduled for release in 2020, alongside Darkness Waits, a film directed by Libby McDermott in which Madison appeared, notable for featuring Conrad Brooks’ final performance.

Madison’s contributions to the horror genre extend beyond directing. In 2014, he launched a podcast/radio show called The End of the Night, where he interviewed notable figures in the industry, including Corey Feldman, Doug Bradley, David Naughton, Brian O’Halloran, Tiffany Shepis, and Tony Moran, among others, in its first ten episodes. His acting roles have also continued, with appearances in projects like Emerging Past, where he shared a comedic scene with his childhood idol Stephen Geoffreys, and Malevolence 3: Killer (2018), where he played Agent Smith. In 2016, he appeared in Tom Holland’s documentary You’re So Cool Brewster! The Story of Fright Night.

As an independent filmmaker, Madison has carved a niche for himself by blending traditional horror elements with personal, often psychological narratives. His work reflects a deep appreciation for classic horror techniques, as seen in his use of practical effects and his ability to create atmospheric settings on a modest budget. Despite some criticism of his laid-back filmmaking style—such as extended montages that occasionally prioritize mood over narrative momentum—Madison’s dedication to the craft and his ability to connect with genre fans have solidified his reputation. His films’ availability on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, where Full Moon Fever and others have gained traction, has helped him achieve recognition as an Amazon top ten filmmaker, a marker of his success in reaching wide audiences through digital distribution.

Madison’s career is a testament to the perseverance required in independent filmmaking. Balancing creative vision with the constraints of low-budget production, he has built a loyal following and left a lasting impact on the horror and indie film communities. His personal touch—such as casting his daughter Amanda in Full Moon Fever—adds a heartfelt dimension to his work, making him a filmmaker whose passion for the genre resonates both on and off the screen.

Posted on

Come Join Us!

🕰️✨ CALLING ALL CREATORS, CRAFTERS, & CURIO DEALERS! ✨🕰️
Wonderplace Alpha still has space for a few more brave and brilliant vendors!

Do you sell:
🔮 Magical wares?
⚙️ Steampunk gear?
📚 Books of lore and fiction?
🖤 Gothic oddities?
🧝‍♀️ Faerie finery?
🎩 Costumes, props, candles, art, jewelry, or the just-plain-strange?

Then you belong at the most delightfully weird marketplace of the year—May 2–4 in Lake George, NY.

We’ve got 60+ vendors signed on so far, and we’re building a full-blown bazaar of the bizarre—with pirates, airships, live music, witches dancing under the stars, and a zombie invasion for dessert.

🌟 Deadline approaching. Spaces filling fast.
💼 Apply now and bring your magic to the marketplace: Application can be found here!
📍 The Barn at French Mountain, Lake George, NY

Let the curious find you.

Posted on

Aki Food Truck

“O croffle fair, thou child of dough and flame,
Thy golden crust doth call my heart to sing,
A flaky throne where butter reigns supreme,
To taste thee is to scorn all lesser fare,
A morsel bold that wakes the soul’s desire,
Thou art the feast that kings might die to claim.”

-William Shakespeare

Aki Food Truck is your go-to destination for crave-worthy bubble tea and fresh, golden croffles-served with a side of good vibes! Blending the bold flavors of Asian-inspired drinks with the comforting croissant-meets-waffle goodness.

Posted on

Saturday Night with Robert & Skye of ABNEY PARK 

Wonderplace Alpha is proud to present a rare acoustic set by the founding member of Abney Park, Captain Robert and Skye Warden, Abney Park’s genius guitar player. Known worldwide for their sweeping soundscapes and airship-rock anthems, Robert and Skye will take the stage Saturday night for an intimate, unplugged performance unlike anything you’ve heard from Abney Park. This isn’t the full band—this is something rarer. Picture a rambunctious pub,  in a victorian styled future world, story-soaked songs, and a front-row seat to the magic that has helped define a genre.

So what is steampunk, exactly? Imagine a world where fashion stopped in the 1800s—but but victorian technology kept on advancing. Airships float through foggy skies, inventors tinker with impossible machines, and adventurers roam in corsets, brass goggles, and tailored coats. Steampunk isn’t just an aesthetic—it’s a celebration of creativity, rebellion, and hand-built wonder. Abney Park helped bring that world to life through music that tells stories of airship pirates, time travelers, outlaws, and misfits making their own way.

Even if you’ve never heard of steampunk before, we promise this show will speak to something deep in your mythic bones. Whether you’re here for the music, the mystery, or just looking for something different, Robert and Skye’s performance is the perfect entry point—a window into another world. This is your chance to see two iconic performers up close, in the kind of setting that makes fantasy feel real.

Come curious. Leave enchanted. Only at Wonderplace Alpha.