Spa-Con Infinity, the eighth annual comics and pop culture convention at the Spa Convention Center, kicks off September 20 with a concert by nerdy rapper MC Lars.
This concert, included in the price of a weekend or VIP pass, is part of the conference’s opening ceremony in Horner Hall.
“He’s been doing this for a long time and I think he’s really left a big footprint in the nerdy hip-hop genre,” said Alexis Hampo, special events manager for Visit Hot Springs. “So we’re really excited to have him. I think people will be very familiar with a lot of his hits on YouTube.”
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The rapper, who has been performing for more than two decades, uses literature and pop culture as the basis for his music.
“Nerdcore is, I think, a subgenre of hip-hop, so it takes a lot of the hip-hop tradition, including the beat-making style, having DJs and deejays — a lot of the traditional hip-hop stuff that’s a staple of the genre,” Hambo said. , but they focus on concepts and talking points that are considered ‘nerdy’.
“So they talk about things like Star Wars or books or movies. Pop culture references are rampant in a lot of nerdy hip-hop, so I thought this would be a great fit for Spa-Con, a pop culture and comic convention.”
Humbo said the convention has hosted concerts in past years that have been popular.
“We had Bit Brigade about two years ago,” she said. “They play video games live and perform soundtracks at the same time. Last year, through Galactic Empire. The audiences at these events have been really, really great, so I hope it continues like that. I think MC Lars is going to bring in a really good and energetic group I’m excited for the crowds and it’s a great way to start a spa weekend.
This is the second guest announced for this year’s event. Seth Gilliam, who played Father Gabriel Stokes in The Walking Dead, is the first guest to be named.
“He’s been in a lot of other movies and TV shows, so we’re excited to have him,” Hamburg said. “I think he’s really an important figure in a lot of pop culture, and I think he’s going to be at Spa-Con. What a great time. Now we’re announcing MC Lars as our opening act, but we haven’t announced it yet, but we have some really great cosplayers as well as some great artists, so keep it going. Stay tuned for more guest announcements.
She said the convention is unlike many others across the country in that it brings in a variety of pop culture genres.
“It really opens up the guests we can bring in, the cosplayer spotlights we can bring in, the types of artists we can bring in, I think having such a broad scope really opens the door for a lot of people,” she said.
“So, even if you’re not particularly into comic books, maybe you’re watching the Star Wars movies. Maybe you’re a fan of Star Wars. Because it covers so many genres, it really makes it relevant to Everyone is open and easy to understand, which I really think is a great part of Spa-con, making it a really open and welcoming environment.
Hamburg said the annual cosplay contest will return as a way for people to recognize the work that goes into making the costumes.
“This cosplay contest is really about craftsmanship, and that’s changed a little bit over the past few years, so I think across the state, the cosplay contest that’s going to be held on Saturday night is really getting more attention than it has in the past. publicity.
“I think it really shows that this is one of the best cosplay contests in the state. We try to bring in craft-focused cosplayers who sew and sculpt out of foam and do all this intricate and detailed hard work. Because they are supposed to be the judges of cosplay competitions to see all the hard work these people put into their cosplay.
“So I think it’s definitely something to look forward to. It’s really well attended and it’s not just a competition, but even if you’re not into cosplay. It’s also a big dance party on Saturday night, so that’s definitely something to check out .
VIP and weekend passes can be purchased at:
Hambo said prices will rise soon.
“Our fares are going to go up,” she said. “The prices for our VIP and weekend passes will increase on May 4, so make sure you get your tickets now before the price increases.”
