Melinda LaFevers
Melinda LaFevers is a Renaissance woman of many interests. She writes poetry, stories, songs, and plays music on a variety of instruments. She strongly believes in arts integration in education, and helps train teachers both as an Arkansas A+ Fellow and as an Arkansas Arts in Education residency artist. She incorporates music and storytelling in her historical interpretation programs, Life in a Castle and Life in a Log Cabin. She is passionate about the importance of the arts in today's society. She believes in learning about anything she is interested in, well enough to teach the basics to someone else.
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2:00 PM | Location: University B
Pirate Sing-Along with Bad Bards & Beyond
Hoist the colors and raise your voice! Join the irreverent musical crew of Bad Bards & Beyond for a rollicking pirate sing-along featuring sea shanties, original tunes, and other salty songs of the high seas. Whether you fancy yourself a scallywag or a siren, you’re welcome to belt it out, clap along, or just enjoy the spectacle. Costumes encouraged, bad accents welcome, and fun guaranteed. Arrr you ready?
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: Melinda LaFevers, Mel. White, Libby A. Smith
4:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Author Readings
Hear the written word come to life! Join us for a special session where featured authors read selections from their works—ranging from sneak peeks of upcoming releases to fan-favorite passages. Whether it’s science fiction, fantasy, horror, or heartfelt memoir, these readings offer a unique chance to experience stories in the voices of the people who created them.
Moderator: Lin Christie
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala, Lin Christie, Melinda LaFevers
2:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Melinda LaFevers Suite
Steampunk Tea with Melinda LaFevers
Join Melinda LaFevers for an elegant Steampunk-inspired tea session in her suite, where cogs meet cups and corsets meet conversation. Don your finest retro-futuristic attire—or just bring your curiosity—and enjoy delightful brews, themed ambiance, and the warm camaraderie of fellow Steampunk enthusiasts. Whether you're a long-time fan of the genre or newly curious, this is your chance to sip, socialize, and step into an alternate age of steam-powered sophistication.
Moderator: Melinda LaFevers
Panelists: Melinda LaFevers
8:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Join the Circle: A Beginner's Guide to Filk Music
Curious about how music and fandom connect? In this panel, we'll discuss filk music, its history, and its role in fan gatherings. You'll learn how a filk circle works, hear some examples, and -- time permitting -- get the chance to create your own filk!
Moderator: Melinda LaFevers
Panelists: Tim Frayser, Libby A. Smith, Melinda LaFevers
9:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Strum, Sing, & Share: An Open Filk Circle
Join us for a welcoming, all-inclusive filk circle, where music lovers of all skill levels come together to share songs, harmonize, and celebrate the unique tradition of fannish music! Whether you have a song to perform, want to join in on a chorus, or simply enjoy listening, this is a space to sing, strum, and create together. Bring an instrument, your voice, or just your love of music—all are welcome in the circle!
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: A.C. Smart, Melinda LaFevers, Mel. White, The Singing Costumer