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GUEST OF HONOUR
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ROBERT ENGLUND
Freddy Krueger in the original A Nightmare On Elm Street, Freddy Vs Jason
Robert Englund is best known for playing one of the most prolific and influential horror film killers of all time: Freddy Krueger. Beginning with Wes Craven's seminal horror film A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (1984), and then its many sequels, His scarred face, tattered sweater and glove with razor sharp fingers has become an icon of the genre and left an indelible stamp on the collective fears of two generations of movie watchers. Prior to his career defining role as Freddy Krueger, Englund had already become a cult favorite when he was cast as a sex-crazed maniac in Tobe Hooper's EATEN ALIVE (1977). He went on to the low-budget classics THE FIFTH FLOOR (1978) and GALAXY OF TERROR (1981). He was also cast in the title role in the remake of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1989), and had prominent roles in NIGHT TERRORS (1995), THE MANGLER (1995) and Wes Craven's WISHMASTER (1997). Englund's final performance as Freddy Krueger came in FREDDY VS. JASON (2003). Other notable films are 2001 MANIACS (2005), BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON (2006) and HATCHET (2006). Rue Morgue is proud to announce the first Canadian appearance from horror film icon Robert Englund as the official Guest of Honour of the 2011 Festival of Fear.
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FEATURED GUEST
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JOHN WATERS
Pink Flamingos, Multiple Maniacs, Serial Mom
John Waters is arguably the greatest living creative figure of trash cinema in all of movie history. From his earluiest days, Waters was obsessed by violence and gore, both real and on the screen. He drew from a pool of weird counter-culture for his cast, including the late great Divine, and began making silent 8mm & 16mm films in the mid-'60s. It was his film MULTIPLE MANIACS (1970) that began to turn heads. As his filmmaking grew more polished and his subject matter more shocking, his audiences grew bigger. Drugs, gore, queers, abortion, religion, death, destruction, feces - nothing was sacred to the Waters field of vision. International success struck with the now legendary PINK FLAMINGOS (1972), a deliberate exercise in ultra-bad taste which has ironically become required viewing within many University film courses. Waters continued to make low-budget shockers throughout the decade with classic exercises in bad taste such as FEMALE TROUBLE (1974), DESPERATE LIVING (1977), and POLYESTER (1981), until his Hollywood crossover came with HAIRSPRAY (1988). The '90s continued to elevate his fame with films like CRY BABY (1990), SERIAL MOM (1994), PECKER (1998), and CECIL B. DEMENTED (2000). Waters' last film, A DIRTY SHAME (2004), was a throwback to his old brand of disturbingly hilarious content. Beyond film, Waters is also an accomplished book writer, performer and accomplished photographer. Currently, he is showcasing his critically acclaimed one-man-show called THIS FILTHY WORLD which he will perform in Toronto during the Festival of Fear. Rue Morgue is extremely proud to announce the first ever Canadian convention appearance by film legend John Waters at the 2011 Festival of Fear.
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AND SPECIAL GUESTS
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ELVIRA
Mistress of the Dark
Elvira, also known as Cassandra Peterson, is a legendary quintessential sex symbol of all things spooky and could be considered one of the most recognizable and popular character icons of the genre. From her humble beginnings as a struggling actor in the 1970s she launched a world famous career as a cleavage-rich spokeswoman for everything campy, including a syndicated TV show, and a movie and a merchandising blitz that cranked out everything from perfume to pinball machines. Back by popular demand, we are proud to announce Elvira return to the Rue Morgue Festival of Fear.
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MARTIN LANDAU
Ed Wood, The Twilight Zone, Sleepy Hollow
A prolific supporting player whose amazing career has spanned half a century, Martin Landau started studied acting and soon began landing parts on stage and TV. His chilly turn as a villain in Alfred Hitchcock's NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959) launched his movie career. Landau was also in the running for the role of Mr. Spock on Star Trek, but ended up doing the series MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (1966) instead. Prior to that, Landau appeared on THE TWILIGHT ZONE (1959), and the cult sci-fi series THE OUTER LIMITS (1963). But it was SPACE: 1999 (1975) that solidified Landau as a television icon. In the '90s, he won an Academy Award for his uncanny channeling of Bela Lugosi in arguably Tim Burton's best film ED WOOD (1994). Meanwhile, he continues to keep busy with roles in films like THE ELEVATOR (1996), SLEEPY HOLLOW (1999), and recently provided his voice for Tim Burton's upcoming animated feature FRANKENWEENIE.
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*new* MICHAEL ROOKER *new*
The Walking Dead, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Slither
Michael Rooker is a sought after character actor who specializes in intense often dangerous roles, having perfected all manner of on screen brutes, villains and psychopaths. Rooker rose to prominence as the titular HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER (1986) a film that was not allowed a general release until four years after it was completed due to its stark realism. Rooker followed up with memorable performances in JFK (1991), CLIFFHANGER (1993) and TOMBSTONE (1994). Today, fans worldwide instantly recognize him as Merle Dixon, the uber villain in THE WALKING DEAD (2010) television miniseries. Other standout performances include Stephen King's THE DARK HALF (1993), DECEIVER (1997), SLITHER (2006) and SEA OF LOVE (1989) alongside Al Pacino.
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DOUG BRADLEY
Hellraiser, Hellbound: Hellraiser II
Since his youth, Doug Bradley has been a close friend to horror legend Clive Barker, with whom he founded the progressive theatre group 'Dog Company'. Barker wrote the scripts, Bradley acted in them. Their work would culminate in HELLRAISER (1987) where Bradley pioneered his role as the unforgettable cenobite Pinhead, a role he would reprise in all eight Hellraiser films. Other notable Bradley appearances include NIGHT BREED (1990), BOOK OF BLOOD (2009), and recently THE 4TH REICH (2011). Rue Morgue is proud to welcome Doug Bradley to the Rue Morgue Festival of Fear.
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TOM SAVINI
Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Planet Terror
Italian-American make-up artist Tom Savini is probably the most famous special effects man in horror films. He's worked with George A. Romero, Dario Argento, William Lustig, Tobe Hooper, Brian Yuzna, and Quentin Tarantino to name a few. Savini's feature film debut as a director, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1990), was written by George Romero himself. In the documentary THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE (2000), Savini reveals that his grueling experiences and death in Vietnam inspired him to do special effects work and become the world renowned expert in the medium. As an actor, Savini has appeared in many cult and horror films including KNIGHTRIDER'S (1981), FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (1996), GRINDHOUSE (2007), and most recently a starring role in the 2011 remake of THE SADIST. Rue Morgue is proud to welcome back Tom Savini to the Festival of Fear.
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JOHN ASTIN
The Addams Family, The Frighteners
John Astin is an American actor with a cheeky grin who achieved pop culture status through his portrayal of the kooky patriarch Gomez Addams in the hit TV series THE ADDAMS FAMILY (1964). The part made him a legend and one of the most recognizable faces in genre TV. He played a small role in WEST SIDE STORY (1961), and moved on to other work including the offbeat BUNNY O'HARE (1971), EVIL ROY SLADE (1972), and an appearance in the Disney comedy FREAKY FRIDAY (1976). He has since lent his comedic talents to RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMOATOES (1988), Peter Jackson's THE FRIGHTENERS (1996), and TV series THE NEW ADDAMS FAMILY (1998).
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VICTORIA PRICE
Vincent Price, A Daughter's Biography
Those who think of Vincent Price only as the star of classic horror films are in for an enjoyable treat from daughter-turned-writer Victoria Price, author of the acclaimed book VINCENT PRICE: A DAUGHTER'S BIOGRAPHY. In only the way she can, Price paints a beautifully rich portrait of her father as a man with personal grace, intellectual fire, and a dark but kind heart. Join Rue Morgue and Victoria Price as we celebrate her father's 100th anniversary at the 2011 Festival of Fear.
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LANCE HENRIKSEN
Aliens, Near Dark, Millennium
A Golden Globe nominated actor who has played clean-cut FBI agents, psychotic gang leaders, murderous vampires and burned-out homicide detectives, Lance Henriksen has also starred in three seasons MILLENNIUM (1996), and the critically acclaimed TV series THE X FILES (1993). Director James Cameron cast him in THE TERMINATOR (1984), and as the android Bishop in the sci-fi classic ALIENS (1986). Henriksen's additional credits include the head of a family of murderous redneck vampires in Kathryn Bigelow's vampire cult film classic NEAR DARK (1987). He has also appeared in PUMPKINHEAD (1988), THE HORROR SHOW (1989), THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM (1991), ALIEN3 (1992), Jim Jarmusch's DEAD MAN (1995), DAMIEN: OMEN II (1978), and many more. Henriksen recently penned his autobiography NOT BAD FOR A HUMAN: THE LIFE AND FILMS OF LANCE HENRIKSEN. Rue Morgue is proud to welcome Lance Henrickson back to the Festival of Fear.
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MALCOLM MCDOWELL
A Clockwork Orange, Rob Zombie's Halloween
Malcolm McDowell is a legendary acting powerhouse who first caught the attention of director Lindsay Anderson, who cast him in his film IF (1968). Then came the semi-autobiographical O LUCKY MAN! (1973) before his turn as the infamous Alex DeLarge in Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971). McDowell spent 1976 working on what one of the most infamous films of all time, CALIGULA (1979). His first American film was TIME AFTER TIME (1979), and essay about Jack the Ripper. Also, the demented BRITANNIA HOSPITAL (1982). Unique at playing villains and with more than 100 films under his belt, he is one of the greatest actors in America appearing in many horror film including ASYLUM (1997), Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN (2007), HALLOWEEN II (2009), and SUCK (2009). Rue Morgue is proud to welcome Malcolm McDowell to the 2011 Festival of Fear.
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*new* MICHAEL BIEHN *new*
Aliens, Planet Terror, The Abyss, Terminator
Michael Connell Biehn is an American actor. He is best known for his roles in James Cameron's science fiction action films, THE TERMINATOR, ALIENS and THE ABYSS. Michael was born in Aniston, Alabama to parents Marcia and Don Biehn. He is the second of three children. When he was very young, he and his family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. They moved again to Lake Havasu, Arizona where he graduated high school. The budding actor realized his love for film at a young age, awarded a drama scholarship to The University of Arizona. In his first year, Michael realized college wasn't for him and moved to Los Angeles in 1976. It wouldn't take long for the film industry to recognize talent in the young upstart. He was given his first role in a pilot in 1977 called, JAMES AT 16. The next year, Michael starred opposite Cathy Lee Crosby in his first feature film, COACH. And if you look close enough, you can spot Michael in the blockbuster hit, GREASE starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. Since then, his film and television career has skyrocketed. His first big break came when he played the title role in the film THE FAN opposite Lauren Bacall. His next big film was THE TERMINATOR, in which he collaborated with James Cameron. His relationship with Cameron proved to be a good one. They went on to make two other films together, ALIENS and THE ABYSS. Michael has worked with some of the best directors in the business, including William Friedkin, who he made RAMPAGE and JADE with. He also has worked twice with Franc Roddam in K2 and THE LORDS OF DISCIPLINE, and Michael Bay in THE ROCK. More recently, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino cast him in their film collaboration, GRINDHOUSE. Michael has just wrapped THE DIVIDE for Xavier Gens, co-starring Milo Ventimiglia and Rosanna Arquette. His television credits are numerous and include HILL STREET BLUES, DARK BLUE, LAW AND ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT, and the Emmy award-winning THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. His comedic role in SUSAN'S PLAN, directed by John Landis, was well received by critics. THE VICTIM is his first foray into writing and producing. He hopes that people enjoy the film as much as he had making it.
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*new* DANIELLE HARRIS *new*
Halloween 4, Halloween 5, Devil's Night, Rob Zombie's Halloween
Danielle Harris spent most of her childhood film personification portraying Jamie Lloyd, the confused niece of slasher Michael Myers in the critically acclaimed HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS (1988) and the successful follow-up HALLOWEEN 5: THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS (1989). In adult life, Harris is considered part of the new wave of modern horror film Scream Queens. She has also appeared in mainstream TV and film including FREE WILLY (1993), CITY SLICKERS (1991), and DAYLIGHT (1996). Harris' TV credits embody appearances on GROWING PAINS, ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ROSEANNE. Rue Morgue is proud to present the first ever Canadian public appearance of Danielle Harris at the 2011 Festival of Fear.
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SAM TRAMMELL
True Blood, Dexter
An intelligent, highly-capable heart-throb actor, Sam Trammell is best known for his unforgeable roles in the hit TV series DEXTER (2006), and TRUE BLOOD (2008-2011). Trammell has also appeared in many genre films including ALIEN VS. PREDATOR: REQUIEM (2007), GUNS GIRLS & GAMBLING (2011).
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ELIZA DUSHKU
Faith, Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Eliza Dushku broke out in the role of Faith on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a Slayer much more troubled than the main character Buffy Summers. Though initially planned as a five episode role, the character became so popular that she stayed on for the entirety of the third season and returned for a two-part appearance in season four, after which the remainder of her original story arc was played out as part of the first season of the Buffy spin-off series Angel. Repentant and rededicated, Faith returned as a heroine in a number of further episodes of Angel and in the last five episodes of Buffy. In 2000, Dushku starred in Soul Survivors, reuniting her with Race The Sun co-star Casey Affleck. One year later, Kevin Smith invited Dushku to be a part of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, where she co-starred with Shannon Elizabeth, Ali Larter, and Ben Affleck. In 2003, Dushku appeared in Wrong Turn, a horror film in which she had the starring role/ She also starred in a new Fox TV series, Tru Calling, where she played the main character, medical student Tru Davies. Dushku teamed up with Buffy creator Joss Whedon for Dollhouse in which she played the main character, 'Echo'.
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STEVEN SEVERIN
Siouxsie And the Banshees, Music For Silents
Steven Severin was part of the famous Sex Pistols hangers-on called "The Bromley Contingent" and one of the founding members of SIOUXIE AND THE BANSHEES. After the Banshees called it quits in 1996, Severin backed away from the record industry and started working on his own projects. He formed the record label RE:, and released two albums, 1998's Visions, and 1999's Maldoror. Severin recently created MUSIC FOR SILENTS a touring on man show in which he recreates a live musical score for famous silent films including BLOOD OF A POET (1930) and VAMPYR (1932).
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*new* TIM SULLIVAN *new*
2001 Maniacs, Chillerama
Writer/Director/Producer known for a wide variety of modern horror films, most significantly cult favorite "2001 Maniacs" (2005) and its popular follow-up, "2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams" (2010). Beginning his career as a New Jersey teenager pumping fake blood for 80s splatter classic "The Deadly Spawn" (1983), Sullivan moved to Los Angeles where he worked in development at New Line Cinema, co-producing "Detroit Rock City" (1999). With a directing style ranging from the 'splatstick' nature of the Maniacs franchise to the serious bent of teen thriller "Driftwood" (2007), Sullivan gained additional notoriety as celebrity director of Vh1's hit series "Scream Queens" (2010), as well as creator and host of "Shock N Roll", his weekly talk and video blog on leading web network Fearnet. Recently joining forces with fellow monster kids Adam Green, Joe Lynch and Adam Rifkin for the comedy/horror anthology "Chillerama" (2011), Sullivan contributed the musical segment "I Was a Teenage Werebear", embracing his passion for camp and rock and roll.
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VINCENT MARCONE
My Pet Skeleton, The Lady Paranorma
Birthed in printmaking, weaned on digital media, graphic artist and filmmaker Vincent Marcone has become his own unique creation and the architect behind MY PET SKELETON, a culmination of his dark artistic visions. MY PET SKELETON catapulted to early success over a decade ago when Marcone premiered a digital art slideshow of wispy phantoms, lonely scarecrows and insects trembling in a world of rust and stained paper. Sinister yet soothing, MY PET SKELETON was instantly recognized by some of the leading media entities in the field and Marcone went on to garner a Juno Award for CD/DVD Artwork Design of the Year and an Interactive Emmy. His cross over into film happened when he was summoned by Universal Music to direct a video for the metal band, MUSHROOMHEAD. Marcone's first short film, THE FACTS IN THE CASE OF MISTER HOLLOW, was co-directed with Rodrigo Gudino of Rue Morgue Magazine. The film earned a Genie nomination, finalist recognition in the Cannes Short Film Corner online competition, and amassed awards worldwide on the short film circuit. Marcone makes his solo debut as a director with the upcoming animated short film, THE LADY PARANORMA, a dark fairy tale about a lonely woman haunted by a ghostly admirer. The film is narrated by illustrious gothic rock musician Peter Murphy and will premiere in 2011.
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KATEE SACKHOFF
Halloween: Resurrection, Battlestar Galactica
As one of the stars of the critically acclaimed television series, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, Katee Sackhoff has wowed fans and critics alike with her portrayal of Kara "Starbuck" Thrace; an aggressive, loud-mouthed, hot-shot fighter pilot who undertakes an arduous journey of self-discovery throughout the entire series. For five years Sackhoff brought to life one of the show's most compelling and complex characters, gaining a legion of loyal fans along the way. Sackoff has also made appearances on various TV shows including the hit series ER as well as appearing in the horror movies HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION and WHITE NOISE 2: THE LIGHT alongside actor Nathan Fillion (Firefly/Castle). She has also done voiceover work for the hit video game franchise HALO 3, and appearances on the Cartoon Network series, ROBOT CHICKEN.
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MITCH MARKOWITZ
The Hilarious House of Frightenstein
Mitch Markowitz is a Canadian television executive who began his work on the legendary Saturday morning programme THE HILARIOUS HOUSE OF FRIGHTENSTEIN as an associate producer as well as portraying the unforgettable characters of Super Hippie and Mosquito. Markowitz then worked on many film projects as a writer including GOOD MORNING VIETNAM, VAN DYKE & COMPANY, M*A*S*H, BUFFALO BILL and CRAZY PEOPLE.
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JENNIFER BLANC
The Divide, The Victim
Jennifer Blanc, also known as Jennifer Blanc- Biehn, was born and raised in New York City by her mom Jenise Blanc. At the tender age of 13, Jennifer was on Broadway in Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs working alongside Jonathan Silverman, Fisher Stevens and Robert Sean Leonard. Jennifer's career blossomed bringing her to sunny Los Angeles to be in Kenny Ortegas' series Hull High for Disney and NBC. Since then, she has been grateful to be continually working in the business that she loves. She also starred in the TV series, THE MOMMIES for NBC and Paramount. Her projects include FRIENDS TILL THE END opposite Shannon Doherty, PARTY OF FIVE opposite Scott Wolf and Matthew Fox, THE COOL AND THE CRAZY with Jared Leto, and James Cameron's DARK ANGEL with Jessica Alba. Jennifer has also guest starred on television shows such as CSI, GRACE UNDER FIRE and ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA with Danny DeVito. In addition, she has been involved in many projects with her life partner and fellow actor, Michael Biehn. The two joined forces on a movie Michael directed in China called, THE BLOOD BOND. Their other projects include PUNCTURE alongside Chris Evans and THE RIDE. Jennifer's anticipated performance in THE VICTIM comes on the heels of other movies she has just recently completed, including JACK OF SPADES with Jennifer Coolage and PRANK with friend and colleague Danielle Harris (co-star in THE VICTIM), Stanley DeBrock, with Pruitt Taylor Vince. Most recently, Jennifer made an appearance in THE DIVIDE with Biehn. Which premieres at the SXSW film festival March 13th 2011.
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LLOYD KAUFMAN
The Toxic Avenger, Poultrygeist
Lloyd Kaufman is the co-founder of famed independent film production TROMA and is the king of low-budget, lowbrow horror comedies stretching back to the '80s and has been cited as influence by Peter Jackson, the Farrelly Brothers, Quentin Tarantino, Takashi Miike and Guillermo Del Toro, just to name a few. Lloyd's main claim to fame was his 1984 low budget film the THE TOXIC AVENGER which garnered a large cult following. Affectionately known as Uncle Lloyd to today's indie filmmakers, still has the longest running independent production going today. His other notable films include TROMEO AND JULIET, TERROR FIRMER and POULTRYGEIST: NIGHT OF THE CHICKEN DEAD, among others.
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REMY COUTURE
FX artist, The Punisher, Death Race, Inner Depravity
Remy Couture grew up with a love of special effects which he began to develop in earnest in 2004, when he decided to try out his work with a few friends. The work brought him instant recognition and landed him a coveted position at Maestro Studio where he worked on films such as THE PUNISHER (2004), THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR (2008) and DEATH RACE (2008) along with numerous independent projects in Montreal. His enthusiasm for the art of gore found its full expression with the website www.morgue666.com, which later became www.innerdepravity.com in which Couture created a persona around a fictional psychopathic serial killer in order to integrate his talents in effects and story-telling. As a result of the graphic and very convincing nature on the site, he was arrested in 2009 and will stand trial later this year.
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BLOOD CEREMONY
Toronto's Witch Rock Pioneers
Blood Ceremony are a local quartet who have channelled their love of '70s horror films and bluesy proto-metal into a flute-fronted, occult-themed brand of rock. After playing in a drone-metal band that never made it out of the practice pad, guitarist Sean Kennedy, bassist Chris Landon and drummer Jeremy Finkelstein added a female singer and headed down the path towards occult metal. But it wasn't until occasional flautist Alia O'Brien took over on vocals that their sound solidified into the mystical riff-o-rama that has been drawing an expansive congregation of supporters both at home and across Europe.
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GHOULTOWN
Texas' Premier Hellbilly Band
Hailing from Texas and specializing in a mixture of classic garage punk and psychobilly music and dark, horrifying lyrics, Ghoultown are entirely their own beast. Part Charles Manson, part Bonanza, Ghoultown's unique heavy western sound has brought them fans across two continents. Since their debut in 1999, Ghoultown's dark western dirges and unmistakable presence have found their way into four CD releases, numerous compilations, movies, short films, a comic book and a video game.
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LEXA DOIG
Jason X, Andromeda
Lexa Doig is best known for her role as Rommie on the long running science fiction series ANDROMEDA opposite Kevin Sorbo. More recently, she has appeared on SMALLVILLE, V, SUPERNATURAL, EUREKA and STARGATE SG-1. Coincidentally, her roles on all of these shows have been doctors! She has also appeared in movies such as JASON X and many other television series, including The 4400, EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT, F/X: THE SERIES and William Shatner's TEKWAR movies and series.
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GEOFF ISAAC
Author, It Came From The Kitchen
Geoff Isaac's IT CAME FROM THE KITCHEN is a collection of recipes from your favourite horror, science fiction and fantasy actors and film-makers. From Bela Lugosi's Cabbage Rolls to Ray Bradbury's Peach Kuchen, this book contains a treasure trove of recipes from actors, writers, directors, special effects and makeup people past and present that will appeal to both new converts and old connoisseurs of the genres.
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The RUE MORGUE FESTIVAL OF FEAR is the country's largest horror expo, attracting an average of 40,000+ fans to the heart of downtown Toronto over three days in August. This powerhouse event is an extravaganza of celebrity guests, autograph signings, parties, Q&A sessions, seminars and workshops, and a colossal selection of movies and movie memorabilia, including books, comic books, toys, video games, trading cards, posters, anime, manga, and tons more.
VISIT FANEXPOCANADA.COM FOR MORE DETAILS
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