Authors, artists and local filmmakers of the nerdly persuasion will converge this weekend for the 45th annual Bubonicon at the Albuquerque Marriott Uptown (2101 Louisiana NE). This long-running science fiction and fantasy convention is something of an anomaly in a genre crammed full, nowadays, with booth babes and Hollywood blockbusters. For Bubonicon and its attendees, the appeal boils down to two things: books and brains. With panel discussions like “Should I Be Paranoid: Who’s Looking At Me?” and “Race, Migration & Refugees: The District 9 Question,” Bubonicon offers a con experience that’s uniquely cerebral and profoundly interesting. In addition to co-guests of honor Tim Powers (The Anubis Gates) and Brent Weeks (The Night Angel Trilogy), Bubonicon 45 features artist Alan F. Beck, toastmistress Diana Rowland (White Trash Zombie Apocalypse) and panels with legends George R.R. Martin (hello, Game of Thrones!) and Diana Gabaldon (Outlander). If you’re in the market for corsets, jewelry, books, buttons, t-shirts or about a bazillion other cool things, the art show and dealers room is open to the public at no charge. Happening Friday through Sunday, Aug. 23 to 25, Bubonicon will cost you $15 to $25, depending on the day, or $45 for the whole weekend. Visit bubonicon.com for more information and important registration times.
Culture Shock: Burlesque Is Best Burlesque Is Best
Sexytimes are so much hotter when humor, attitude and savvy are part of the mix. Take a gander, if you agree, at the lovelies of the Southwest Burlesque Invitational as they tassel-twirl and booty-bump their way across the South Broadway Cultural Center stage this Saturday, Aug. 24 (1025 Broadway SE). In addition to local rising stars and established burlesque dynamos like Las Cruces’ Desert Dolls and Santa Fe’s Zircus Erotique, Duke City audiences will be treated to headliners Lola Van Ella and Sammich the Tramp out of St. Louis, Mo., as well as the incomparable Jigglewatts from Austin, Texas. Says Coco Lectric, Jigglewatts’ sultry cofounder, “We’ve had the honor of performing at the Kimo a few times and what we’ve learned about Albuquerque audiences is they like a lot of action, a lot of high energy, even if it’s a sultry energy.” I think she’s got us pegged, folks. Whet your whistle at the cocktail bar, then prepare to be teased, tormented and titillated at this 18+ show starting at 8pm. Just $15; deets and tickets are at swbi.swburlesqueshowcase.com.
