War's Panathenaea 2000 Report- Part Two

 

Where was I? Oh yeah-Saturday, September 2, 2000. The day started with a talk from Dean at 10:00AM. He’s a wonderful little guy. He talked about some of his other acting jobs and his favorite episode of ‘Young Herc.’ He likes the one with the deer. I made a snafu during autographs by mentioning to Dean that Kevin was the reason why I was at the convention. I apologized for possibly slighting him, but he said he’d go to a con to see Kevin, too. I complimented him on his promotional photo, and he later bestowed upon me a doodled version of it in which he turned himself into a devil! I think it started out as an autograph for someone, but for some strange reason he got bored and drew on it. I’m honored to hold a DeanO original.

During his talk, Mr. Smith once again proved himself to be quite the orator. As anyone who has ever seen or heard him knows, he can elicit laughs by a single word, a glance, a lift of his eyebrow. He told a very funny story about having to wax his chest for ‘Young Herc.’ I’m laughing just thinking about it. Someone asked how he would write an episode of ‘Xena,’ to which he replied that he’d not get his ass kicked. Another similar question got the response that he would like to see an episode where Ares is irredeemably “pitch black.” (He’s no doubt tired of Ares in luuuuuv, too!) He said he’d like to see Ares have nothing left to feel sympathy for. ‘Twould be interesting. Give The Man a pen and paper!!

Saturday’s auction was really fun. I, sadly, was in my room when Kev auctioned Ares’s sword. I think it went for around 750 pounds. I would have spent 1000 if I were there. I’m sure that he was quite entertaining while he played auctioneer. Anyhow, I got there as Dean was doing his portion. A prop from “Stranger in a Strange World” was up and I wanted it. The bidding came down to me and a fellow across the room. (Dean was like a yo-yo with the two of us!) At around 100 pounds or so, I yelled that I would bid more if Kevin would touch it. He hadn’t been listening (he was eating a sandwich), so he looked up and said, “Touch what?!!” Always a good sport, he went up there and touched it. In fact, he went a step further and rubbed his butt all over it! (Dean did his part by offering to touch it, too.) As the bidding went higher, I remarked, “Boy, Kev, your ass is expensive!!” He said it was worth it. Of course, I bid all the way up to like 190 pounds, wondering all the while how I was going to get this huge thing home. I finally gave up. I hope that the winner is happy with his item; it was sanctified by The Man! Chalk up another one for Kev and his amazing sense of humor.

After the auction there was a talk from Willa. Talk about a ball of energy! Like me, she sometimes refuses to wear shoes. When she first came out, she saw my camera and posed for the cutest picture... She’s piled up a good amount of acting experience, and she shared some of it with us.

As for photos and autographs:

Photo Sessions: For a price, one could have pictures taken with the guests. I did the group thing.

Autographs: If you bought one photo from the con for each guest, you could have two other things personalized per guest. Kevin signed like 600 items without complaint (including a freebie for me!). He simply shook his hand off after he was done. What a guy. And he did it all for charity.

The cabaret on Saturday night was different. I was expecting a concert-style layout, but was surprised to see covered tables with balloons and party favors. Yet another nice touch. ‘A Band Called Horse’ came on and played like 5 songs, which indeed tried my patience because I was only there for one reason. To further my antici... pation, a belly dancer performed... twice. She was all covered up at first and I thought it was Dean! Don’t get me wrong, though, she was very good, but when you’re psyched for The Man, nothing else will do. Willa came out and sang for a while, too. I could tell she was having a great time. What made the waiting worse, though, was that Kev was sitting out in the crowd listening!! AAARGGHH! I think it was a conspiracy. ;) I had to keep getting up to get fresh air, but by the time I returned Kev was onstage wearing his black leather jacket (my new friend). He sang “Rainy Night in Georgia,” “Always on the Run,” “Sweet Transvestite” (he played guitar!), “Boy Named Sue,” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” Dean and Willa joined him for the finale of “Hound Dog,” for which Dean was entrusted with a tambourine. Of course Kev became Elvis for a split second... I know that singing was hard for Kevin because he had a sore throat, but he was very good anyway. I was pretty well satisfied by the end.

After thanking us all, Kev went over to the bar to unwind. I asked a band member for the lyric sheets that Kev and Willa had used. I found Willa and she sat down to grace one. I’m sure she felt like a true rock star! Dean signed one, too, even though he didn’t sing. I finally caught up with Kevin (talking) and asked him to bless one, as well. He remarked that he liked my marker; it reminded him of something used for Japanese character-writing, which he wants to learn. I thanked him for a nice evening and wished him a safe trip home in case I didn’t meet up with him again. He asked, “Aren’t you coming tomorrow?” I told him “maybe.” (yeah, right!) At this point, since I knew that he was completely spent, I urged him to go get some sleep. He said he was going to, but he only got a few feet before stopping to talk some more! I really admire his desire to soak up every bit of life and the people that he meets.The cabaret turned into another Disco and I stuck around until it ended. Willa loves to dance; she has such a free spirit.

Sunday’s talks were just as amusing. I’m sure that Kev was dead on his feet by then, but he managed to get through it with his customary charm. He’s an amazingly insightful man with a tremendous amount to say to every question asked him. OK, I’m gushing again... Right after his talk, he was presented with gifts: an autographed book from a rugby player and the Chrissys.com award for Best Supporting Actor in a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Series. He was quite appreciative. He then said his goodbyes and was taken to the airport for his long trip home. I didn’t join his goodbye entourage- I figured he was probably tired of seeing me!

Sunday ended with the Dead Dog Party. It was a perfect way to unwind and talk with friends after a marvelous weekend. Dean was there, quietly sitting on the floor. Don’t know where Willa was... I started out with a large pile of giveaway pictures of Kev, but I’m glad to say that they all went to new homes. Anyone who has ever dealt with me knows that I am not averse to sharing pictures of him!

Well, that’s all, folks. I hope that you have enjoyed this rather verbose report. It by no means covers everything, though! I want to stress once more that this was truly an amazing event where my dreams came true. I hope that we see more of Willa and Dean, and that The Man continues to give us the pleasure of his presence. I also hope that he knows that I remain ever respectful of his talent, his kindness, his leather jacket, and his overall being. Thanks for reading.

 

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