Events

Summer Matsuri 2011 will offer a full day of varied events, from video games, to cosplay skits, and more. This website is constantly being updated, so be sure to check back often!

Looking for the schedule? Get the latest version here! (PDF)

Beat Leather for Movies (BL4M)

Special Guest

Beat Leather For Movies (BL4M) is a one man act fronted by a musician who got tired of bland pop music and wanted to inject himself into the genre without selling himself out. Having spent the majority of his life crafting music for others, BL4M finally released his debut EP, entitled 'No, Look At You [EP]', in late April of 2011.

In a musical world where pop acts are hardly musicians and often conform to what they're told to make, BL4M is an artist who makes music to express his own beliefs and no one else's; And he does so while still creating that addictive sound that you can dance to.

Panels

Pros and Conventions Squall Leonhart - A comedic panel here to help you better understand the world of cons. With tips, tricks, and some Q&A, you'll at the very least walk away with some good advice (and perhaps a case of the giggles).
Cosplay Workshop Elise - Need make-up tips? Have trouble with poses? This workshop will help you iron out the little details, whether you're attending the picnic later or just want to learn. Please bring character references if you want specific help.
Onigiri 101 Bucket - Make your own rice balls and learn some great rice ball recipes.
Creepers/Post-Con Depression Cedric Underhill - This will be a combined version of the two panels that we run at other conventions. How to avoid creepers and not become one yourself, and how to cope with the inevitable depression after conventions.
Anime Improv Ana and Veronica - Playing Improv games as your Anime Character, loads of group games and activities that are fun and help you get into character with your cosplay.
Ask the KH Crew Live Action Episode Demyx and Luxord - A live action episode of the Youtube Q & A series called Ask the KH (Kingdom Hearts) Crew.
Social Anxiety: Conventions and Beyond Cedric Underhill - This panel will take a look at Social Anxiety, what it is and why it happens at conventions. From there we will give some techniques on how to over come this and other forms of anxiety.
VOCALOID: Virtual Pop Idol Hatsune Miku - What is a VOCALOID? Where did they come from? Does Project DIVA actually have plot? Who are they really? All you need to know (and several things you don't) plus a Q&A.
Pika Pika Light Graffiti Battle Jed Jeng - Come create glowing art suspended in mid-air. Armed with only flashlights teams of 3-4 people will battle it out with their artwork. Who will survive?

Vendors

We welcome back two vendors to this year's Summer Matsuri

Neko-jin Designs (nekojindesigns.com) - Neko-jin Designs is a family business based in New England. We specialize in boys' love and girls' love anime-inspired merchandise. And what's more? We make it all ourselves! So if you want something that you've never seen, let us show you around! We've got a great eye for design, a super strict quality policy, and loads of fun to go around! The only downside? Because we make it all by hand merchandise is incredibly limited--so what are you waiting for?!

Black Knight Comics

bkcomics.com

Artists

We will have a small Artists' Alley at the Summer Matsuri this year. Those who are in the Alley were selected from the Another Anime Con 2011 Artist Alley waitlist. So far, the following artists have confirmed their tables:

Chibi Gem - Welcome to Chibi Gem where all the magic of anime, Sci-fi and everything else geeky comes to life! Together Theresa, Chibi Ichi and Katie, Black Gem make magic happen! At their table you will find 3-D paper art, hand carved wands, and a variety of our art, from chibis to scratch art and everything in between. So stop by and say hello, and maybe buy a thing or two.
Zodi-ACK! Productions (zodi-ackproductions.deviantart.com)
Adorkable Inceptions They are selling hand made scarves and hats; they are also selling hand made dolls. They have been making scarves and hats for two years and have been sewing for about 7 years, with a recent obsession with making dolls. They both enjoy what they do and have a lot of fun making these items.
Rebekah Machemer (miss-amane.deviantart.com) - She will be sharing the table with her sister Theresa, who will be making crochet stuffed animals and characters to sell. This will be their first Artist's Alley table, and they're really excited to be a part of the Matsuri!
Teacup Ninja (www.teacupninja.com) - They will have some fanart, buttons, and amigurumi for sale.

Cosplay Fashion Show

Come see or show off your cosplay in this exciting showcase of talent. A runway style costume competition full of pizazz!

The summer Matsuri Fashion Show will take place in the afternoon and is open to all cosplayers and designers. The Fashion Show will be broken into 2 categories:

Crafted these costumes have been made by the participant or a present designer. If you have a costume you have made for someone else, or just prefer someone else to wear it, you may enter it. The name of model and maker will be announced.
Exhibition These are for purchased cosplay. If it was commissioned and the maker is not present then it falls in this category, along with eBay, store-bought, or assembled from store-bought items.

There will be craftsmanship prizes awarded as well as a crowd favorite. Crowd favorite will be open to all participants.

Sign ups for this event will be at the Matsuri from 10-12:30. All participants will need to report to the stage area 15 minutes before the start of the event.

Cosplay Picnic

Come and enjoy lunch surrounded by your favorite characters. There will be games, goodies, and more!

Will take place on the lawn (weather permitting). Please bring your own lunch and a blanket (if you don't want to sit on the grass). While it is highly encourage to come dressed in costume, it is not enforced. If in the event we can not be outdoors, we shall try to move the event inside.

Other Events

Below is a list of the types of events that will be at Summer Matsuri 2011. In the next week or two this will be updated with more specifics.

Dance
Artists
Karaoke
Dance-Off
Board Games
Anime Screenings
Anime Music Videos
Arts & Crafts
Video Game Room