Steampunk is one of the last bastions of rebellion, a subculture or style best known for incorporating Victorian flourishes in today’s fashion.
It lurks beneath the pop-culture surface emerging primarily in theatrical production and festivals. But now it’s joining the mainstream.
On Saturday, Nov. 16, The Pure Speculation Festival in partnership with the Edmonton Steampunk Group hosts the first annual Steampunk Ball at the Ramada Conference Centre.
The literary festival’s theme this year is the 19th century futurism of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It was the era of mechanicals – locomotives, steam engines, automobiles, airplanes, zeppelins and clock towers.
Today it’s an invitation to re-enter a fantasy world where the mechanics of a machine are visible unlike modern packaged processors and microchips.
As for Steampunk threads, Melissa Wartenberg, Commodore and founder of Edmonton Steampunk Group recommends getting a few basics.
“For ladies it’s Victorian dress, parasols and pocket watches. Later you can pick up corsets and cinchers and anything with gears. For men it’s top hats, tailcoats, vests, pocket watches and goggles.”
The night’s featured entertainment is the swing-rockabilly band Punch Drunk Cabaret, the Robed Rogues of the Airship Vargos and the Sugar Swing Dance Club.
“It’s an opportunity to get all dolled up and spend time with other people that enjoy Steampunk.”
The 18-plus ball runs from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information visit Edmonton Steampunk Group’s facebook page.
Every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Lenny & The Cats crank out an energetic blues jam at Blind Pig Pub.
For the next two Saturdays starting this weekend, they feature a special guest – East Coast rhythm guitarist John Boudreau.
A close friend of Cats’ player John Duncan MacKenzie, Boudreau (no relation to St. Albert Boudreaus) has polished his technique sharing the stage with hot tickets such as Guess Who and Powder Blues Band.
“We grew up in Pictou County, Nova Scotia together and he played in my band Silvester Stretch,” says MacKenzie.
Lenny & the Cats formed eight years ago and have developed a devoted following playing well-known blues covers.
“We’ll be playing some covers and I’ll be playing originals.”
The Blind Pig is at 32 St. Anne Street.
