Special Guests
At Bourbon City Steam

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Peruse the biographies of our distinguished special guests!

Eric Larson

Eric Larson (or Lord Bobbins) is known for his immersion Steampunk Convention TeslaCon. Started in 2010 TC has become the longest running and largest Steampunk conventions in the United States.

Eric’s background is a mix of advertising and, design and branding. Working for major adverting agencies for over 30 years, and teaching at the college level for over 15 he used his talents to create the ultimate in immersion experiences. He started in Steampunk in 2008 with friends in Deforest, WI. A roleplaying game that soon became more than just a small group get together. Eric saw potential for a new type of convention and created TeslaCon out of that. In 2009, he hosted a party with a Photo Booth and videos at WindyCon in Chicago- basically setting up the next 16 years. His work resume includes working on Toy Story for Pixar, Bat Man for Warner Bros., Disney films and for four years heading up the Star Wars films release ad campaign along with Episode 1. Taking what he learned on Hollywood, he applies it to the TeslaCon Brand. The largest event was at TC 4, with close to 1800 people, from up to 42 countries for the theme “Congress of Steam” where people were invited to attend and represent their own countries. authors, actors, and even an Oscar winner have been guests at the event along with well known fans.

Eric is trained in Adobe products and well as painting and some construction for 3D applications. He spends much of his time prepping the convention in Photoshop where he creates the signage and designs that grace the entire hotel for the weekend. From bathroom signs to posters that are themed for the years event, elevator enhancements too, everything is included in the branding for the con. Eric will be showing some of his work at the convention and explaining how much of it was created. From menu designs for the hotel cafe to actual muppets used for year 3 of the convention. He will also be discussing the story and where it goes from here.

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

William C Harrison

In his own words:
Born on a warship headed for Venus….No wait…this is a REAL bio…. QUICK recap, born in Connecticut, Navy Brat, Sailor (Elect. Technician) Theatre Major, Journalism Minor at my beloved Morehead State University in Morehead KY. Pyro, Stage Crew Chief, Technical Director, Production Pyro, Stage Crew Chief, Technical Director, Production Manager Center for Puppetry Arts Atlanta, Bench Tech, Manager Center for Puppetry Arts Atlanta, , Bench Tech, Musimatic Inc…
Head of Techops for the following cons.
Dragoncon, Jordoncon, Atlanta Steampunk Expo, Anachrocon . Worked on Multiverse, Momocon, Frolicon, ANIME Weekend Atlanta, Stellarcon, Chattacon and Conjuration…Phew..
Owner and operaor of the Venusian Airship Trading Company, Made approximately 1500 Steampunk Weapons. Winner of the Peach Award, Rebel Award and Guest of Honor at Contober Fest..and Last years Conjuration.. Still Loving the steampunk community and all the massively Creative people…Friends for Life.. Father, Husband to the insanely creative Cat Harrison, and Grandpa to my beloved Opal…Dog and Cat Owner.. did I mention Grandpa????

You can call me Captain Bill.

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.

Philippa Ballantine 

Philippa Ballantine was born in Wellington, New Zealand, where her lifelong love of books began. She credits her father for this, as he considered The Lord of the Rings perfect bedtime reading for an eight-year-old. As an adult, Philippa found her calling in the world of libraries, where she spent over a decade working in a space that fueled her passion for storytelling.
Her first professional sale came in 1997, and since then, she has built a career writing mostly novel-length fiction. In 2006, Philippa made history as New Zealand's first podcast novelist, voicing and producing Weaver’s Web, Chasing the Bard, Weather Child, and Digital Magic as podiobooks. Her work in this medium has earned her a Parsec Award and a Sir Julius Vogel Award.
Philippa is the author of the Books of the Order series and has recently contributed to the Alien franchise with Inferno’s Fall and Seventh Circle. She is also the co-author (with Tee Morris) of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series, as well as the Verity Fitzroy and Ministry Seven series.
When she’s not writing or podcasting, Philippa enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling whenever possible.You can find Philippa online at pjballantine.com or MinistryofPeculiarOccurrences.com

Tee Morris

Tee Morris has been weaving tales of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and non-fiction for over a decade, always with a keen eye on how technology and storytelling intersect. His groundbreaking first novel, MOREVI: The Chronicles of Rafe & Askana, made history as the first book to be podcast in its entirety, helping to launch the era of podcast fiction. Tee’s expertise didn’t stop there; he wrote all five editions of the best-selling Podcasting for Dummies.
Tee returned to his fiction roots with the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series, co-written with his wife, Pip Ballantine. This steampunk adventure, along with its award-winning short fiction podcast Tales from the Archives, has earned multiple accolades, including the 2014 Parsec Award for Best Science Fiction Anthology Podcast and the 2011 Airship Award for Best Steampunk Literature. In 2017, Tee and Philippa expanded the Ministry universe with the release of Operation: Endgame, the spin-off series Verity Fitzroy and the Ministry Seven.
When he’s not writing or podcasting, Tee enjoys life in Virginia with Philippa and a truly mighty clowder of cats. You can explore Tee’s ever-growing body of work (and occasionally enjoy some of his geek rants) at TeeMorris.com or MinistryofPeculiarOccurrences.com

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 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.