Special Guests
At Bourbon City Steam

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Peruse the biographies of our distinguished special guests!

Leanna Renee Hieber

Leanna Renee Hieber is an actress, playwright, ghost tour guide and the award-winning, bestselling author of Gothic, Gaslamp Fantasy novels such as the Strangely Beautiful, Magic Most Foul, Eterna Files and The Spectral City series. A Haunted History of Invisible Women: True Stories of America’s Ghosts, co-authored with Andrea Janes, focuses on the intersection of women’s history and ghost stories and was a Bram Stoker Award Finalist for Superior Achievement in Non-Fiction. Leanna is the audiobook narrator for speculative fiction series via Scribd.com including the Time Immemorial and Spirit Suitor trilogies. A 4-time Prism award winner and Daphne du Maurier award finalist, Leanna’s books have been selected for national book club editions as well as translated into many languages. Her short stories have been featured in numerous notable anthologies and her non-fiction essays have been featured in Apex Magazine, The Deadlands and more. She has been featured in film and television on shows like Mysteries at the Museum and Beyond the Unknown, discussing Victorian Spiritualism. She lectures around the country on themes of Gothic fiction, 19th Century history and the Paranormal for prominent institutions such as New York University, Miami University, Bard College and Morbid Anatomy.

Learn more at: http://leannareneehieber.com

James Neathery will reprise his amazing Leather Watch Making class

This make and take event was a huge success last year.
The class is $80 per person and is limited to 15 participants. It is a two hour class that will be happening on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 5pm.
Participants need to pre-pay James through his PayPal (starboardskyleather@gmail.com), Cash App or Venmo (starboardsky).
Reserve your space today by contacting James at either his email (starboardskyleather@gmail.com) or his Facebook page (James Neathery).
James Neathery is an artist, maker, and stand-up comedian from Nashville, TN. He began working on small leather projects as a hobby in early 2011, focusing on steampunk and dieselpunk. Since then, James has moved from small leather projects into other areas such as armor, electronics, metalwork, and fabrication, but he is probably best known for his hand crafted leather watches. His work landed him a spot on the TV series “Steampunked.” He has been featured in many steampunk publications and forums, and several of his items have been on display at the Nashville Tandy Leather store, The Dragon Con Alternate History Track, and even a steampunk display at the Smithsonian.
You can see James’ work at starboardsky.com, and follow him at Starboard Sky Industries and on Instagram @starboardskyleather.

A.S.G.A.R.D. and Lady Wheelsworth

A.S.G.A.R.D. and Lady Wheelsworth are a dynamic duo, and fully immersive character experience. A quirky automaton invented in 1864, A.S.G.A.R.D. is rediscovered in a junk yard by Lady Wheelsworth, the sassy, headstrong owner of Wheelsworth Mechanics.

As she repairs the broken robot, her history is slowly revealed along with hilarious quirks and an insatiable sense of curiosity.

Join their adventures as they wonder the world to help A.S.G.A.R.D. learn all about life in the human world.

Jennifer Noran

Whether you know her as Jennifer Noran, Captain Medea Asherah (She Who Walks Above The Sea), Admiral, or Queen Bee, one thing you can know for certain...she loves Steampunk! Noran started her foray into Steampunk by attending The International Steampunk Symposium in 2015. Since that time, she created The Airship Caduceus out of Lexington, Kentucky in 2016, ran such events as The Victorian Valentine Affair in 2019 and the Steampunkin’ Halloween Hullabaloo in 2021. Noran took over running The International Steampunk Symposium in 2023 and has moved forth from that adventure as the Queen Bee of Queen City Steam! Noran fell in love with the aesthetic and camaraderie of Steampunk. Along with attending and running events, she’s been creating logos and designs for such projects as the Kentucky Steampunk Society, The Chicago Steampunk Exposition, The Atlanta Steampunk Expo, The Traveling Revelers, and her own Airship. Queen City Steam’s goal is to create events throughout Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, collaborating with different groups and people to host joint events all over the tri‐state area. Not only will that make planning events easier, but it will give more opportunities for people to attend events all year round and in different locations. Through The International Steampunk Symposium, The Airship Caduceus and crew, Queen City Steam, and the wonderful genre that is Steampunk, Noran hopes that good deeds can be achieved, kindness and friendships can be kindled and creativity can be cultivated, all while having fun.

For more information, visit : https://queencitysteam.com

Steampunk Xena

This girl is on FIRE! The flames she performs with only shines half as brightly as this woman! Bourbon City Steam is proud to announce that Steampunk Xena will be performing at Victorian Villains&Monsters...and heroes this year!
Mark your calendar for March 14-16, 2025 and buy your tickets before they sell out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMV3pevXU9U
Photo Courtesy Of LIAM (William Cardwell)

 

 

Dr. Mike

Dr. Mike (aka J. Michael Cobb) is the founder, owner, and fearless leader of Dr. Mike's Shaving Emporium. Dr. Mike started Dr. Mike's Shaving Emporium with the idea of bringing the best quality shaving and grooming products made by local and US-based artisans.

Dr. Mike is an international panelist teaching shaving classes as well as barbershop history.

Dr. Mike frequently says: "Shaving is not just for the dapper gentlemen it is for everyone. If a blade touches skin - we can help".

Paul Koontz

 

Paul Koontz is a distinguished martial arts instructor and Professor of Arms, hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Central Kentucky. Born with a passion for martial arts, Paul embarked on his journey in 1980, immersing himself in the rich traditions of Asian martial disciplines. In 1997, a pivotal moment occurred in Paul's life when an injury requiring the use of a cane prompted him to meld the use of a cane with his martial arts knowledge.

What sets Paul’s cane methodologies apart is his commitment to preserving historical martial traditions. As a historical reenactor and scholar, he delves into the Victorian and Edwardian eras, drawing inspiration from historical cane fighting treatises. At the core of these teachings is a holistic approach to self-defense tailored to provide practical skills for real-world situations.

With a career spanning over four decades, Paul’s exploration of historical martial treatises and techniques, coupled with his dedication to empowering individuals through self-defense, make him a captivating speaker. Join Paul as he imparts the wisdom of masters from yesteryear, where the fusion of history, tradition, and innovation promises an enlightening and engaging experience for all attendees.

Prof. Horatio Hops

I have spent the past 40+ years as a naturalist, biologist & environmental education specialist for DNR. I have been a brewer for over 20 years with master brewing certification from Cornell university. Along with wife Janette we have spent our lives in pursuit of folktales, legends, stories and everything creepy, spooky and macabre. My wife and I currently run a book store and brewery supply and classroom shop in Southeastern Ohio known as, “Backroads Boo & Brew”

The Tea Tzar

A connoisseur of Tea and Tisanes, the gentleman known as the Tea Tzar seeks to bring only the best the food and beverage world has to offer to close friends and strangers alike. His unique take on tea blends has resulted in flavors that are experiential and fantastical, working alongside his good friends over at the Ohio Tea company to bring these creations to life. And many a weary con-goer have had their hunger satiated by fresh foods that this "Convention Mom" has served up during many event weekends. Whether you're looking to fuel up on some caffeine or chill out with some herbal infusions you can trust that the Tea Tzar will not only deliver on what you want, but exceed it.

Bourbon City Steam is proud to host the incredible

JEFF CHURCH

In addition to his all-round awesomeness, he is offering three extraordinary Maker Workshops.

The hook up.

Have you got electric devices like sounds, lights, batteries, switches, and motors that you want to integrate into your prop or costume?

Not everything has to feel like Mjölnir!

Learn advanced techniques to enhance the strength of your props while keeping them light.

Elevate Your Props with Mechanical Fasteners

Ready to take your props to the next level? Join this hands-on workshop where we’ll dive into the world of mechanical fasteners.

Bourbon City Steam is honored to welcome Maker Kristen Neathery

She will be teaching a two part dice making class this year!
The price of the class is $60 with the option of buying your dice mold for an additional $60.
Class is limited to 15 seats.
This is a two-part dice class where you will be able to use hand-made molds to cast your own 7-piece dice set. The first class will be offered on Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 5pm and lasts for 1 hour. The second class will be held on Sunday, March 16 from 12pm to 2pm.
An array of alcohol inks, mica powders, pigment pastes will be available. Kristen recommends wearing something that you don’t mind getting ruined, particularly for the pouring class on Friday. It is also encouraged to come to class with an idea of colors or a design for your dice as the options can get overwhelming. The first class will be picking your design and pouring resin while the second class consists of sanding and inking your dice.
To register for the class, please contact Kristen through her email, (kristenoutz@yahoo.com) or by her Facebook account (Kristen Neathery).
She accepts Venmo (@Kristen-Outz) and Paypal (starboardskyleather@gmail.com), but Venmo is preferred.

Bourbon City Steam is proud to welcome Dimitri Walker as our Artist Guest of Honor


Born and raised in Atlanta, Dimitri is a father of 5 and a painter. Brush, paint, and canvas are his tools. He's been a portrait artist since 1983, primarily using graphite (pencil).
In 1994 he started to paint with oils and acrylics.
In 2005 at age 40, Re-enrolled at the same college he left in 1986 and in 2009 earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Art. Over the next few years he had paintings hung in restaurants, libraries, and a few small galleries but things didn't really take off until the spring of 2012. While teaching a drawing class at a local art gallery and after a few weeks a student/friend who took his class to learn to draw the T.A.R.D.I.S. better asked "Dimitri I know you watch and love all the same shows and movies I do. Supernatural, Firefly, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Trek, and all the comic book movies. I have been to your website. Why haven't you done any Fan Art?
Since then, he's attended more of conventions than he can keep track of.
After a few years he started to add pieces that were solely his own creation and found that people who come to conventions to buy art love all kinds of art.

Bourbon City Steam is thrilled to welcome our latest guest, the one, the only, genuine Calamity Dawn!

, Master Elixir Mixir, is your "Spirit"ual Advisor. Calamity has over a decade of experience as a professional bartender/mixologist and has been a cocktail enthusiast for even longer. For almost her entire Steampunk life Calamity has been doing various presentations about how to enjoy better drinks for a better time, including non alcoholic options. She presents her panels with a mix of expert knowledge, witty banter, and odd bits of trivia and anecdotes. Calamity is a wonderful hostess and enjoys socializing and doing her part to ensure her guests enjoy themselves to their best ability.

 

Bourbon City Steam is slightly terrified to welcome

The Sirens from Your Darkest Fears

Enter if you dare to the domain of the alluring Blood Sirens. Their cove may tempt you with desirable treasures and lush surroundings, but be wary of their magical form. The Blood Siren's enchantment may prevent you from truly seeing what is right before you. So heed this warning do not fall for their captivating charms or you may find yourself as one of their eternal Dark Dweller servants. Or worse yet, become part of their prized bone collection.