Owens to Host Free Japanese Anime Convention, July 9-10
PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to experience one of the region’s largest Japanese animation and cultural gatherings around as Owens Community College serves as host to the third annual Glass City Con (GarasuNoShiCon), July 9-10. Presented by Owens’ Anime Convention and Gamers United clubs, the Glass City Con will take place from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center, Student Health and Activities Center, Math/Science Center and Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. The event will feature an array of activities highlighted anime screenings, video gaming, an electronic music dance, a cosplay competition, a fire show and entertainment panel discussions, as well as a number of vendors and featured artists. Owens’ anime convention will commence with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. in the College’s Audio/Visual Classroom Center. Following welcome remarks, convention attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several video, card-based and tabletop gaming activities. In addition, individuals will have the chance to experience life as a video game character by participating in an interactive game in the Cosplay Arena, survive against zombies in Eaten Alive or battle one-on-one in the Battle Arena. A video game room will also be available for those interested in competing in array of unique Japanese and domestic games. Additionally, the convention will provide three screening rooms in the Math/Science Center for attendees to view various anime feature presentations throughout the two-day event. Featured guests at the Owens convention will include voice actor Robert Axelrod, writer, producer and director Matt Greenfield, writer John Oppliger, musical performer Gavin Goszka, the musical tribute group The Salad Time Soldiers, kimono specialist Kerry Porter, voice actress Tiffany Grant, independent video game developer Galloping Ghost Productions, artist and voice actor Doug Smith and video game band Year 200X. Axelrod is best known as the voice of Lord Zedd and Finster from the “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers” series. He has also lent his voice to a number of anime features such as “Digimon”, “Robotech” and “Akira”. Greenfield has served as writer, producer and director for over 1,000 animated and live-action film and television productions. Professional groups in which he has worked with include ADV Films, the Anime Network, FUNimation, Madman Entertainment and Media Blasters. Oppliger, a leading expert on Japanese anime, is known internationally for his AnimeNation “Ask John” column, which is read by thousands of individuals worldwide. Returning to GarasuNoShiCon for its third year is acoustic soloist Goszka. A fan of anime and Japanese music, a recent Goszka project had him working on a CD with Vocaloid Megurine Luka. The musical group The Salad Time Soldiers will also make a return to Owens. While the Ohio-based musical group won’t perform on stage, band members will be showcasing their handmade cosplay outfits and hosting informational panel discussions during the event. Porter, who was exposed to the kimono and Japanese culture as a child, will be offering a large collection of kimonos for viewing and attendees will be able to interact with select kimonos during workshops. Grant is best known as the voice of Asuka from “Evangelion” and has over 1,000 voices to her credit, including Noir, Chrono and Crusade, among many others. Galloping Ghost Studios is located in the Chicago area and will join the Glass City Con guest list as the video gaming guest of honor. Galloping Ghost is an independent video games developer currently in production of “Dark Presence” and “Conquering Light”. Last year, the studio opened its first public arcade and will be showcasing some of its video game production equipment for convention attendees. Smith, an artist and voice actor, has been involved in the anime industry for over 10 years. His most notable role was the lead in “Goldenboy” as Kintaro Oe, which is now distributed by Anime Works. Video game cover band Year 200X was founded in 2006 and recognized nationally for its musical selections specific to video games. The group’s debut album “We Are Error” was released in August 2008 to critical acclaim within the video game community. In addition, over 65 regional and national venders and artists will be on hand for individuals to purchase DVDs, anime figures, jewelry, prints, bookmarks, posters, T-shirts, manga, kimonos and other merchandise and accessories. For more information about the event, call (567) 661-2586 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2586, or access the website at www.glasscitycon.com.
Press Release Contact Name: Brad Meyer
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Owens Community College