Dragon Con Parade 2015

The Dragon Con Parade is one of my favorite annual events and it's one of Atlanta's largest parades! 

Dragon Con Parade 2015 | Nichelle Nichols

I first had the great honor of meeting Nichelle Nichols—the Grand Marshall of this year's parade—in 2012, also at Dragon Con, but that meeting was one that changed my outlook on life. When I asked her if she still enjoyed the Star Trek and fandom conventions she told me "I only do that which brings me joy". 

She's been a hero of mine for many years and after sharing those words—that jewel of wisdom—I'll be a fan of Nichelle's for as long as I live...her outlook on life has helped me prosper. (She's a huge fan of the Vulcan Salute, "Live Long and Prosper".)  

Dragon Con Parade 2015

The Dragon Con Parade is presented in themes. There will be a Star Trek group, a superheros group (including a number of Batman characters—classic and contemporary!), a Battlestar Galactica group and—one of my favorites—a Periodic Table of Elements group where each cosplayer represents a different element via their costume! They're brilliant! Or should I say, "radiant!" The parade goes on and on... 

As I said, this is one of Atlanta's biggest parades, so plan to arrive early for a prime viewing spot...and allow for those who do not observe the street curb as a demarcation of where to stand—meaning, what you thought was an optimum spot might change as the crowd grows. Patience is a virtue...as they say. 

Dragon Con Parade 2015

Minions!

Despicable Me introduced the world to Minions, a global sensation, and yes, I am a fan! When I saw this GIANT Minion, I whipped out my camera as quickly as I could...this cosplayer is brilliant! And he/she put smiles on everyone around. 

I haven't seen the new Minions movie yet, but it's at the top of my list! 

Dragon Con Parade 2015

If you've followed the Captain America movies, you'll get how cool this is. THIS the the caliber of parade participants we get at Dragon Con. Awesome, right? 

Dragon Con Parade 2015

If you've been interested in attending the convention, but you're not yet quite sure...at least check out the parade. It's a glimpse (only a glimpse, mind you) of just how much fun Dragon Con really is.

Dragon Con Parade 2015

Mind you, while the parade is a family-friendly event, you probably don't want your young children at the late-night events of Dragon Con. But the parade thrills spectators of all ages. 

Dragon Con Parade 2015

There was a new parade route this year, so I departed my usual spot at Peachtree & Baker, but as usual, opted for the side of the street where the sun would illuminate those who were in the parade...makes for much better photos!

Dragon Con Parade 2015

All that glitters...just might be gold!

Again, I must compliment the cosplayers' talent, time invested, money spent and determination to parade down Peachtree Street. This truly is a fun and festive event. If you've never been, please come see it next year! 

Dragon Con Parade 2015

Parade viewing guidelines from the Dragon Con website:

We want to provide the safest and most fun experience for everyone involved. To help us accomplish this, please do not stand or sit in the streets along the route. Parade participants are often in large, bulky costumes with limited viewing range. Many of our vehicles are huge and require lots of maneuvering and turning room. We don't want anyone accidentally squished!

Dragon Con Parade 2015

So, come down to the Annual Dragon Con Parade next year, Dragon Con's 30th anniversary...it promises to be out of this world!

Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium

For the first time since the event was first offered, Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium sold out at 4,800 Dragon Con guests! AND they were open to the public. Those members of the public got a Georgia Aquarium experience they'll be talking about for years!

YaYa Han | Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium

I first saw Yaya Han, one of the country's most prolific and talented cosplayers, on Syfy's Heroes of Cosplay and have been a fan ever since. So, you can imagine how excited I was to find out that she would be Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening's costume contest! 

Princess Amidala | Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium

The first time I saw Princess Amidala, in Star Wars: Episode I, which was at 5:00 a.m. opening day just up the street from where I now live, I was in awe at all the wardrobe changes. But probably not in as much awe as I was in at the cosplayer who perfectly replicated the above costume...100% hand-made! Totally deserving, she placed in the Top 3 of the competition!

Captain Nemo | Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium

I've said approximately a bazillion times now just how talented Dragon Con cosplayers are. Captain Nemo, above, spent 750 hours on this costume and it shows! During his presentation, one of the MCs opened the back panel of his costume to reveal...moving parts! Totally brilliant! He also placed in the Top 3. Whoo-hoo!

Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium

All the major galleries at Georgia Aquarium were open to Dragon Con conventioneers, which makes this tourism blogger beyond happy. I visited only two on this particular visit, but everyone else got to experience one of Atlanta's more magnificent attractions, while still enjoying everything Dragon Con.

Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium

I love, love, love Yaya's jellyfish costume! She told us that she'd always wanted to make a costume themed around jelly fish and she totally succeeded! You'll notice in the first photo of this post the coral color in her gown and the tentacles dangling from her "tutu". I was already a fan of her talent and now am even more so!

Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium

As is the case throughout the four-day convention, there are photo-ops galore! And Georgia Aquarium doesn't disappoint in that regard. I loved that there were so many ocean and sea themed costumes there that night. 

I didn't recognize the costume of the young lady pictured above, but this fish-eye portal makes for fantastic photos, no matter the costume! I've made a few of myself in the same window, but never looked as awesome as she does.

Whale Shark | Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium

One of the more incredible experiences I've had the pleasure of enjoying in life was swimming with the Whale Sharks at Georgia Aquarium. Seriously, it was on par with my experiences of skydiving at 120 MPH and soaring over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter. If you possibly can, I highly recommend the experience. I did the swim May of 2014 and you can see my post and video here: Travis's Journey With Gentle Giants (video at the end of the post).

Avatar | Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium

Sea blue, these Na'vi costumes, from the James Cameron blockbuster Avatar, were perfect in this setting. I'd seen them earlier in the Con, but got to say "Hello" (and "Thank you for the photo") at the Aquarium. Sweet couple. 

Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium was good to us, as they have been to me as a tourist since I moved back to Atlanta. I highly recommend you add them to your itinerary when visiting our fine city.

I'll post more about this year's fantastic Dragon Con soon!

A Glorious Victory for the Klingon Empire

Konra, the glorious victor of Dragon Con's 2015 Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant, is a Klingon opera singer. You heard me right...a Klingon opera singer! 

Minus forehead ridges and horns, the magnificent Hannah Hoyt is a North Carolina-based composer who just so happens to also posses a phenomenal operatic voice. She's performed opera professionally, but I think this might be a Dragon Con-only kind of performance...but if she takes it on the road, I'm first in the ticket line!

Miss Star Trek Universe - Konora | Hannah Hoyt | Dragon Con 2015

Hannah Hoyt's rendition of an aria from Mozart's "The Magic Flute" (you'll know it when you hear it) was splendid...and in Klingon! You don't hear that every day.

As usual, all of the contestants (11 this year) were fantastic! But sitting there, hearing Konra perform, I knew immediately that she must win! The audience's reaction was thunderous AND we were treated to an encore immediately after she was crowned! 

Miss Star Trek Universe - Konora | Hannah Hoyt | Dragon Con 2015

This was the 6th Annual Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant, part of Dragon Con's Trek Track. We've had the great fortune of having Garrett Wang (Harry Kim in Star Trek: Voyager, my favorite series in the franchise) as the Trek Track Director. I think they should promote him to Trek Track Admiral...the man is amazing! 

This is a 2.5 hour event that includes an audience participation "Kahless Says" game (It's like the Simon Says game you played as a kid, but in this version there are no survivors); three segments of the pageant (introductions/costume, talent, and Q&A); and while the judges are deliberating, Garrett divides the audience into eight segments assigning each a sound, phrase or song. After a couple of practice runs he conducts one of the more unique performances I've ever heard...doors swooshing, "Kaaaaahn!", "Shut up, Wesley!" and the TOS fight song were a few of the elements this year. It's great audience-participation fun!

This year's panel of judges was again awesome. It included Emily Cook, Miss Georgia 2009; Terry Farrell (Dax on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine); Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers in the 25th Century); Jamie Higgins (2014 Miss Star Trek Universe, as Mother Horta); and other prestigious personalities. We're grateful for their time and the fun they bring to the pageant.

Read more about the pageant in Debbie Yutko's awesome article on Hannah Hoyt's crowning as Miss Star Trek Universe! I'll post more photos from the Con soon...

Dragon Con 2015 | Cosplay!

One of the more fun aspects of Dragon Con is the cosplayers. And among this year's 70,000 conventioneers, there were some AWESOME costumes! Here are a few of my favorites from 2015...

Dragon Con Cosplay | Wonder Woman & Superman

The BEST Superman at Dragon Con 2015 was my friend David. His wife Katie has been a great friend of mine for years through the Atlanta museum scene (I recently quoted her in a Museum of Design Atlanta article). They're both awesome! While Katie is a wonderful woman, this isn't her scene. The above Wonder Woman is also a brilliant cosplayer. 

As you can clearly see, these costumes are custom tailored for their respective superheroes. It's especially awesome to see David's final result after many months of preparation AND having seen childhood photos of him wearing a Superman t-shirt...this has been a long time in the making. Wonderful and Super, yes? 

Dragon Con Cosplay | Zombie Star Trek Redshirt

When I saw this guy, I was so jealous! I did cosplay for Dragon Con a number of years back and went as a Starfleet Vulcan (I've been a fan of Leonard Nimoy and Spock for as long as I can remember). 

I'd since thought that if I did cosplay again, especially with the popularity of The Walking Dead, that I'd do a zombie Starfleet officer. The thing holding me back was that I didn't want to tear up my science officer blue tunic...and I haven't planned far enough in advance.

Well, this guy totally nailed it! He was part of Dragon Con's "Zombie Walk" (another awesome event) and he brilliantly decided to be a Redshirt, characters who (almost) always die on away missions in Star Trek: The Original Series, AND he mimicked Dr. McCoy's standard, "He's dead, Jim"...absolutely brilliant!  

Dragon Con Cosplay | Jean & Wolverine

Of X-Men fame, Jean Grey and Wolverine are cosplay favorites, but I'm not sure I've seen this pair ever done quite so well. You agree, of course.

Dragon Con Cosplay | Star Trek, Triskelion

A lifelong fan of Star Trek, these two are favorites as well and Dragon Con staples. They shared with me that they now have so many costumes that for this four-day convention they now have to leave some of them at home. That's saying a LOT for these two, because ALL of their costumes are brilliant!

This set of costumes is from the Star Trek: The Original Series episode The Gamesters of Triskelion. If you've ever seen it, you know this is perfection. They're also staples in the Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant...just wait until you see what they did this year! (in a future post)

Dragon Con Cosplay | The Joker

A number of costumes are done to PERFECTION, like this The Joker! There's nothing else I need say about this one...the brilliancy of this speaks for itself. 

Dragon Con Cosplay | Went With the Wind & Commander Riker

This couple was awesome! If you know me, you know what a Star Trek fan I am, so seeing Commander William T. Riker (of Star Trek: The Next Generation) was cool, but ALSO seeing Miss Starlett of Went With the Wind (entrance at appx 13:00) was a highlight! 

I loved watching the Carol Burnett Show when I was a kid (and the reruns!) and have seen that particular episode approximately a bazillion times! The Gone With the Wind Museum in Marietta has a Went With the Wind doll and a Went With the Wind sock monkey! If you're a fan, you should totally check out that museum.

Dragon Con Cosplay | Duckie from Pretty in Pink

Duckie! One of my favorite 1980s movies was Pretty in Pink. 

This guy (above) pulls off Duckie with brilliant accuracy. It could have been John Cryer himself! I don't think this was, but one of the super cool aspects of Dragon Con is just how frequently the celebrities hang with their fans. I ran into more celebrities in the halls and restaurants this year than ever before..for a celebrity-spotter like me, that's a great year!

By the way, back in the 80s, people said I favored Andrew McCarthy, also of Pretty in Pink fame. Of course that was many years and many pounds ago. Then during my punk rock phase (bleach blonde hair, black clothes, spikes, etc.), they said I looked like David Bowie. I was cosplaying and didn't even know it!

Dragon Con Cosplay

I'm just blown away at the fantastic costumes that Dragon Con cosplayers make 100% from scratch and by hand. There is so much incredible talent at this convention...more than most who never attend would ever think! If you want to be around creative, intelligent, talented, fun-loving people, come to Dragon Con and you too can hang with Buzz Lightyear!

Dragon Con Cosplay | Samuel

Some of the more fun costumes in Dragon Con cosplay are the clever mashups—the combination of two or more characters in a single costume. In honor of Samuel L. Jackson, this costume was a brilliant combination of Jedi Master Mace Windu in Star Wars and John Shaft in Shaft. Absolutely brilliant!

Dragon Con Cosplay

One of the things as a veteran Dragon Con conventioneer accepts is that waiting in lines is part of the experience. The key to that not being a horrible experience is being upbeat, social, respectful and spotting opportunities for great photos! The two above were amazing!

Hop over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook page for more Dragon Con 2015 cosplay photos and if you want to be part of one of the country's largest conventions of its kind in 2016, you can get tickets here right now!

I'll be sharing more photos, in the coming days, of the 2015 Dragon Con Parade, Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium and the Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant...and more!

"Thank you!" wanderlust ATLANTA is 5!

I'd like to offer my sincerest gratitude to friends, museums, attractions, fellow bloggers and so many others for your wonderful support of wanderlust ATLANTA over the last FIVE years. 

It was five years ago today that I published my very first blog post. What started as an endeavor to reacquaint myself with Atlanta, after being away for nine years, has turned into a passion, and many dear friendships.

Travis S. Taylor, Founder & Author of wanderlust ATLANTA

In a spirit of gratefulness, may I share something that is quite personal to me, and a bit fun. As I thank my supporters from over the years, I'd also like to "salute" you. The most personal salute I can give is one that is near and dear to my heart, that being the Vulcan Salute. 

For those who do not know, the Vulcan Salute is one offered in greeting and farewells, but don't worry...I'm not quite ready to depart my writing. The customary Spock salute is coupled with, "Live Long and Prosper", which is what I wish for all who I care about, all who have wished me the same in my creating and continuing wanderlust ATLANTA.  

The above photo is one of my favorites in the five years I've been writing wanderlust ATLANTA. It was at an event at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where I started volunteering when I first moved back to Atlanta—one of the best decisions I made when I moved back.

May I offer a piece of advice: If you've just moved to Atlanta, or just moved to any city for that matter, become a volunteer. It's one of the best ways to acquaint yourself with the city you're now living in and you feel good about contributing! I did exactly that when I first moved to Washington, DC, after living in Atlanta for 15 years, and again when I moved back to Atlanta. 

I highly recommend volunteering, especially if you can get a position working an information desk or serving as a tour guide. You're putting yourself in a position where you must learn about your new home, and it's usually quite fun. From personal experience, it's the best way I know to learn a new town. Or, you could start a blog.

Again, THANK YOU to my friends, fans and all the followers of wanderlust ATLANTA. I've had more fun in the last five years than I ever thought I would have...thanks to YOU.

Cheers!

Cheers! wanderlust ATLANTA is 5!

There are ROBOTS at Fernbank!

"Walking is controlled falling."

That’s one of the epiphanies you'll glean when watching National Geographic's ROBOTS, released summer 2015 and now playing at Fernbank Museum of NaturalHistory.

At first, I wondered why a natural history museum would be showing a movie about robots, but quickly reconciled that in my mind. Natural history is the study (particularly observational) of origins, evolution, and interrelationships. In this particular instance, it's an exploration of the progress and potential of robots...created by and for humans. I for one and ecstatic that this is being shared at Fernbank!

National Geographic's "ROBOTS" | Poster courtesy of National Geographic

Have I ever told you that I cried myself to sleep after witnessing the fate of Huey, Dewey and Louie, the robot stars of the sci-fi classic Silent Running? It was a film that my family watched one evening when I was only seven years old. It's true I was a sensitive child, but also I was already an established sci-fi enthusiast!

You can only imagine my excitement for the new IMAX film, ROBOTS, now playing at Fernbank Museum of Natural History!

Building my excitement leading up to seeing the movie, it's narrated by Robo Thespian whose voice is that of none other than Simon Pegg himself—star of Shawn of the Dead (LOVED that one), and even more so as the star, Scotty, in the last two Star Trek films!

You're going to meet robots from all over the world and the film highlights the featured aptitudes of each of those robot. You'll also be introduced to many humanoid robots, including: 

• "ASIMO": Honda's famed humanoid can jump and run up to 5 mph.
• "HERB THE BUTLER": Thanks to this helper, we may never have to clear the table or do dishes again.
• "ROBONAUT": NASA’s space handyman helps astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
• ANDROIDS: The human face has over 40 muscles to express emotions like fear, anger, surprise, happiness — and these androids are programmed to simulate these human-like behaviors. One day, they may be built to think, act and react like us.

That's only a few of them! And watch the credits for a mention of Georgia Tech as a film advisor!

By the way, the freighter ships in Silent Running were later used in an episode of the original Battlestar Galacica, which was a childhood favorite series and featured the human-created robotic race of Cylons!

A quick reminder...as a young child, I wanted nothing more than to be an archaeologist, long before I wanted to be an astronaut. I find it pretty awesome that as an adult I get to write about both fields from time to time. 

If you're visiting over a weekend, I invite you to consider adding Martinis & IMAX to your Friday night itinerary. You have the opportunity to enjoy food, drinks, dancing with the dinos AND an IMAX film!

If you're a local, check out Martinis & IMAX and keep an eye on Fernbank Museum of Natural History's website for announcements of new films, events and exhibitions...there's a LOT of fun coming up! 

ROBOTS is running now through Thursday, October 29.

Diana, Michael, Marvin...MOTOWN!

Seeing MOTOWN the Musical was so incredibly exciting! Not because I knew the story, but because I grew up with so many of the stars. That I learned so much about the history and connections within the Motown family was a total bonus...but seeing the music performed live and onstage, at the Fox Theatre, was the BEST!

MOTOWN the Musical | The Supremes | Photo: Joan Marcus

This show starts with the 1983 Motown 25: Today, Yesterday, Forever tribute, then flashes back to the founding of Motown and finishes in a grand finale back in 1983. Wonderful, wonderful story!

Of all the stars signed by Berry Gordy (performed by Josh Tower), the founder of the Motown record label, I'm a fan of The Supremes and Diana Ross (brilliantly portrayed by Allison Semmes) the most. I didn't know about the relationship she and Berry had, nor the background of Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany, both of which are fantastic! 

By the way, if you're visiting Atlanta and see MOTOWN the Musical, make it a double-feature and also see Bruce Monro: Light in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. One of the six installations in the exhibition, Three Degrees, was inspired by The Supremes! Check out my post about Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi performance at the Garden this summer, which includes a photo of Three Degrees (and a description about how it got its name). 

MOTOWN the Musical | The Jackson 5 | Photo: Joan Marcus

I had no idea that Berry Gordy signed The Jackson 5, although I remember their early music quite well! And of course, like billions of others in the world, I followed Michael Jackson's career throughout his life. 

What I didn't know, and was awesome to experience in MOTOWN the Musical, was that Diana Ross made the very first introduction of The Jackson 5 after they were signed by Motown! 

It wasn't discussed in this performance, but I sat there wondering if Berry's cinema deals for Diana had anything to do with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson starring together in The Wiz.

One of the other major players in MOTOWN the Musical was Smokey Robinson, (played by Jesse Nager), which I didn't know much about, but definitely know his music! The show totally nails his speaking voice, as well as many other nuances of other Motown stars...brilliantly played!  

MOTOWN the Musical | Marvin Gaye | Photo: Joan Marcus

One of history's more profound singers, Marvin Gaye's music has long been a favorite of mine...so soulful. What I didn't know was how strong an activist he was. Perhaps that's one of the reasons I liked his music so much. 

We had the wonderful pleasure of hearing Jarran Muse (Marvin Gaye) perform Mercy, Mercy Me...I never thought I'd hear that live! That one song has so many levels to it...listen to the words, again. 

MOTOWN the Musical | The Temptations | Photo: Joan Marcus

Get Ready! I'm not sure how The Temptations got their name because their music is irresistible! Yet another group whose music I loved as a kid. They had some cool moves, too. 

One of the things that is so incredible about this show is that there are not only nine scenes in Act I and nine scenes in Act II, but there are multiple songs in many of those! And the set design is AMAZING! Allow me to say it again...the set design is AMAZING!  

MOTOWN the Musical | Berry Gordy & Cast | Photo: Joan Marcus

There is an incredible amount of talent represented in this show, including The Marvelettes, Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson and Rick James! The entertainment value of this show surpasses every expectation I had...and I had high expectations! The acting, dancing and singing talent on stage is brilliant...this cast represents Broadway in the finest form. 

Once again, I find myself writing the tip of the iceberg...there's so much going on in this show, so many wonderful things, you have no idea you're about to be hit with such a wonderful performance! 

A huge "Thank you" to BRAVE Public Relations for the tickets (Kellie, you're awesome!) and a reminder to my readers that the opinions expressed in my writings are my own. If I don't enjoy something, I won't write about it. THIS I enjoyed...toe tapping, clapping and singing the whole night! 

MOTOWN the Musical, part of the Broadway in Atlanta series, is at the Fox Theatre now through Sunday, August 23. Go, go, go!