Hello magical friends and welcome to episode 103 of WZRD Radio! I’m your hostwitch Bess and I’ve been meaning to do this episode for a few years now, but kept forgetting until it was too late. Not this year though!
Let’s see if you can figure out why this theme had to be September’s episode. Your first clue is “excuse me” by The Hermione Crookshanks Experience.
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That was The Hermione Crookshanks Experience singing “excuse me” [lyrics], “Pretty Girl” by Peeved [lyrics], and Roonil Wazlib with “Bookworm” [lyrics].
And here’s Special Correspondent in the Field, Dream Quaffle, with an update on their experience at Confluence.
This is Special Correspondent in the Field DQ with a field report for Confluence 2024.
This small but mighty event took place on the last weekend in July in Pittsburgh, PA. Compared to other events that this correspondent has attended, this one seemed to focus more on the literature aspect of fandoms, in particular science fiction literature. And though this correspondent did not attend any of the Q&As with authors or writing workshops that took place, they were very well attended and people seemed to enjoy them tremendously.
As for the musical side of things, the line up for Confluence was vast and diverse in every imaginable way! There were performers both new and seasoned, young and old, solo artists and bands. There was acapella with no instruments and instrumentalists with no vocals. There were parodies and originals, there was music inspired by various fandoms as well as the life experiences of the musicians. In fact, for an event that seems to focus more on literature than music, the lineup of musical performers was bigger and broader than any other event this correspondent has ever attended.
Though this correspondent may have been the only wizard rocker who actually performed at the event, it was wonderful to run into familiar faces such as Mermanda from Muggle Snuggle at the event and other people who have been fans of wizard rock going all the way back to the very beginning.
One thing this correspondent appreciated in particular was the filk circles that took place every night. The filk circles were a perfect show case of how it doesn’t have to be about skill or talent or proficiency. People can come as they are, they can perform for a group or with the group or simply just sit and enjoy.
All in all, Confluence is a local Pittsburgh tradition that many look forward to for good reason. So if you happen to be in the area next summer this correspondent highly recommends that you check them out and enjoy everything that they have to offer.
Thank you, DQ, for that report. I know we are all looking forward to hearing more of your adventures.
It’s time for some more music, beginning with Let’s Lumos and “Dentist’s Daughter.”
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You were just listening to “Dentist’s Daughter” by Let’s Lumos [lyrics], Gred and Forge with “Insufferable Know-It-All” [lyrics], Marked as His Equal singing “Hermione’s My Hero” [lyrics], and “Hermione” by Hawthorn & Holly [lyrics].
It’s September, always an important month for the fandom! Here’s just some of what’s going on this month, magical friends.
First up is wizard rock’s most highly anticipated event of the year: the release of the Wizard Rock Sampler! We’ve been warned it’s the ‘saddest one ever’ so bring your tissues to the listening party. [link]
And don’t forget DragonCon! Going on from August 29-Sept 2 in Atlanta, GA, it’s your chance to see wrockers like the Blibbering Humdingers and Hawthorn & Holly. [link]
Dream Quaffle is back in Chattanooga, TN on September 7th! The Chattanooga library is hosting a “Back to School at Hogwarts” event with all the classic fun and games. [link]
Also on September 7th is the 2024 Moon Wizarding Festival in Coraopolis, PA, featuring Hawthorn & Holly. [link]
September 6-8 (that’s a busy weekend!) is Rose City ComicCon in Portland, OR, and PDXpelliarmus will have a booth, so stop by and say hi. [link]
Knitted & Known is hosting a Harry Potter Themed Hand-Knit Blanket Class, which they specify is very beginner friendly, in case you wanted to learn a new skill surrounded by friendly Potterheads. [link]
And Striking Down Diggory is teasing a possible acoustic album! [link]
As for what I missed…
Cruciatus Curse slipped under the wire with Wizard Rock Guide to HP, Volume 2!
All these events and more can be found on the Potterhead Calendar page of the WZRD website.
Our final music break is here, and with it “Brightest Witch” by NEWTs.
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You just heard “Brightest Witch” by NEWTs [lyrics], “prized possession” from Ella Martine [lyrics], and “Hey, It’s Can(n)on” by Tom Smith [lyrics].
And that’s the end of our episode! Did you get the theme? I’m so pleased with myself. And Tom Smith, who inspired it.
Until next time, magical friends: Let me know what’s happening as soon as you can.
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