As I sit here at my computer, taking a lunch break from the many things that stand between me and my college graduate status, I wondered what the best way to approach my wrap-up of S.T.E.A.M.Fest would be. Logic would dictate that chronologically would be the best way, but that would be a bit difficult. You see, I was right in the thick of it, spending the weekend working for The Extraordinary Contraptions. If I went chronologically, there would be a lot of lamenting over being the only one sitting outside the Odditorium on Saturday. As a writer, I know that doesn't make a good story. Instead, I think I'm going to categorically talk about everything I was able to take part in this weekend. Starting with...

Music
If you couldn't tell by my previous writings, music is both my specialty and my favorite thing in the universe. I'm continuously impressed by the talent Doctor Q brings in for Artifice Club events, and the bands at S.T.E.A.M.Fest were no exception.

Our two local Steampunk bands to perform were The Extraordinary Contraptions and The Gin Rebellion. Maybe I'm a bit (okay, very) biased towards the Contraptions, but I really am continuously impressed by the leaps in improvement that they are making in each performance with unexpected drummer Teodore Birchard in their ranks. It's only going to get better from here! I think the same can be said for The Gin Rebellion. With each time I see them, they only get better. Ophelia Baptiste's vocals have added a great dynamic to their performance, but I still get a certain joy out of hearing H.M. sing 'Return to Oz' by the Scissor Sisters

Along with the locals, there were many touring acts that were there to entertain the Terminus crowds. I sadly missed most of the Peculiar Pretzelmen, but their dynamic discord made a lovely soundtrack for breaking down the merch table at the end of the night and was only made more impressive by the massive presence they had on stage. Following them was the incomparable Unwoman, who performed twice that weekend. The only thing that could outmatch her luscious voice and cello was her absolute kindness. Seriously, I'm not sure what was more infectious: her music or her smile.

Closing out a Saturday night of insanity was UK's Mister Joe Black and Philadelphia's This Way to the Egress. I have seen Egress many a time before and have been continuously impressed by their rousing performances. The fact they were joined by a lovely burlesque dancer named Rio this time around only sweetened the deal. However, I had never see Joe Black before he rolled in with Egress. I have to say, I'm a fan now. His darkly funny performance balanced perfectly with Egress and brought plenty of laughs throughout the night. It was nothing short of brilliant.

The true hidden gem of this weekend though was Megan Jean and the KFB. Seriously, if you were at S.T.E.A.M.Fest and missed them, you really missed something spectacular. The duo performed twice this weekend and it's surprising they didn't burn the Odditorium down in their wake. Even with a minimal set up and switching between instruments, Megan and Byrne had two rousing performances that made it hard not to want them to keep playing when they were done. It was hard to believe that Megan was performing through pneumonia with the way she was singing and making her washboard sound like nothing I've ever heard before. Q told me they were a blind referral and after S.T.E.A.M.Fest, I think we can expect to see Megan Jean and the KFB at a future Artifice Club event.

Events
As I mentioned before, I wasn't able to make it out to many panels and events due to prior obligations, but the things I was able to make it to were plenty of fun and made me love the people at the event a little more.

After the quick Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, I made my way down to the Laboratory for the Steampunk Roundtable, which was headed by Arthur Hinds of Emerald Rose, Chloe Seachord of the Apparition Abolishers, Mark Curtis and Paige Gardner Smith. It was quite an entertaining panel with everyone talking about the basics of Steampunk, developing a character, how to properly Steampunk out a non-Steampunk character and how to deal with people who are quick to criticize your costume. I think Chloe won for best quote of the panel with her explanation of why she's an aerial werewolf hunter. "Dogs can't look up, so death from above!"

Sadly, I wasn't able to make it to anything else after that on Saturday besides browsing through the vendors wares and the musical performances, but Sunday was the opposite. The day opened with the high noon Maverick shootout in the Odditorium. There were only five of us, but you can't say that shooting at each other with modified Nerf guns isn't fun. I was shot in my shooting arm, eliminating me from the second round, but the contest was won by a married couple who had originally come to watch the shootout. I'm sorry I couldn't remember your names, but congratulations to the two of you! Also, thank you to the lovely Captain BillBill of the Venusian Airship Trading Company for providing the extra Mavericks.

Following the shootout, I made my way to the tea room for the Steampunk Chronicle Readers Choice Awards ceremony. Many of you already know the winners and have probably listened to the acceptance speeches, but it was quite entertaining to listen to them while being surrounded by my fellow writers and editors. There was a debate over whether Professor Elemental's thank you should go on there due to the use of the phrase "donkey fluffer," Doctor Q did not appreciate O.M. Grey's request of giving him a big bear hug on her behalf, and there was a slow clap from all the female writers when Lady Clankington's Little Death Ray won for Best Mod.

Some time after that was the Costume Parade, which Q dragged most of us into. Even with my declaration of "I hate you, but not really" as I was pulled onto the catwalk and a lack of elaboration on my part, I have to say the event was quite fun. Everyone in the room was super responsive and supportive of everyone's costumes and it was really cool to hear the people at the event talk about their costumes. Even if it was rather impromptu, it was a great way to get to see how other steampunks tick.

As the event closed out in the Odditorium with mostly staff and performers, it brought the weekend to a close on a high note. The enthusiasm may have been mixed with tiredness, but it was easy to see that the event had been a rousing success.

Thank you again to The Academy Theater and the Artifice Club for hosting such an amazing event and treating your performers and staff so well! Even with the limited time I had to do things outside of my work for the weekend, I had an amazing time! If it was this much fun this year with what little time I had, I can't wait to see what next year will be like!

Liesel Hindmann is the Steampunk Chronicle’s Backing Steam columnist and correspondent. She is the Apprentice of Internal Machinations and Operations for The Extraordinary Contraptions and considers herself a lover of media from multiple dimensions. You can follow her on Twitter as well as her blog: The Diary of a Dimension Hopper.