Wicked Faire 2016 UPDATED

Lifestyle By Amans Brindled

WICKED FAIRE ‘16

The website for Wickedfaire describes it’s Creator Jeff Mach like this:

Jeff’s heart was captured at thirteen by The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He was fascinated by how much you could change the seemingly ordinary world of a movie theatre, and create a strange, wonderful new home for people whose interests were outside the norm. He’s dedicated his life to creating those places.

As a singer-songwriter, Jeff’s work ranges from wry takes on Steampunk, tales of Faeries and their kin, and what happens when you get locked inside a dream factory. As a playwright, Jeff’s plays and musicals tend to take familiar subjects and look at them from odd angles.

Jeff was born January 27th, 1975. He’s a practicing Pagan whose chief patron is P’tah, who is either the God who created all things, or the inventor of miniatures – depending on which mythology you read. He’s also dedicated to Coyote, Eris, and Dionysus.

I met Jeff a few years ago at another event he Created, The Steampunk World’s Fair. More on that in the near future!

The Wicked Faire billed as The Final Wicked Faire took place in Princeton, NJ at the Hyatt Regency. As of November 15, 2015 more than 3 months in advance the hotel had completely sold out! That alone should tell you a bit about a Jeff Mach Event and the loyalty he has of attendees, vendors and supporters.

It’s pretty well known that I keep my eyes and ears open to new experiences and my first trip to Wicked Faire was no different. On this excursion I was joined by Journalist Mary Linda Perry and Photographers Jodi Walker of the Bat Factory and International Photo Journalist Kevin Duddy.

Mary Linda had this to say about her experience.

Feb 19, 2016 Winter Faire

The moment we drove into the parking lot I knew we were not in

Kansas anymore. The Hyatt Regency in Princeton had been

transformed to another time…and another place. The first creature I

ran into was, Puck from Midsummer Night’s Dream, followed by

Professor Severus Snape, Darth Vader, and Joan of Arc. You get the

picture. We had stepped into the 11th annual Wicked Faire.

Each persona was more elaborate than the next. As I sat at the bar

drinking ale with these creatures I couldn't help but think that these

beings were probably managing my portfolio in their normal everyday

life.

Next we had the vendors. High craftsmen leather goods including

long coats, capes, vests and more. The best as I have ever seen!

There was creative jewelry, include exotic earring wraps, cuffs

bracelets. In addition, there are elaborate copper masks, light S&M

toys, teas and absinthe shops and more.

There was minstrel singing, and Cirque du Soleil types of

entertainment. The evening ended with a burlesque show.

It was late. I was tired, and under the influence of some strange

alcoholic beverages. We walked back to the parking lot, got into the

car, and we were back in Kansas. The next morning when I woke up, I

thought… Did that just happen?

I often attend events and see people I know and this was no different. Friends Kate Holster Ivchenko, Toni Kerschner McGovern and spouses Alex and William noticed me from the balcony. We then connected for laughs, adult beverages and I learned the perspective from Veterans of Jeff Mach Events.

We strolled around the multiple floors chatting with people, capturing images and audio, viewing the items available for purchase from the numerous vendors and attended some live performances including a wonderfully done Burlesque Show, opening night was done for our crew.

Day 2

As Jodi and I walked into the Hyatt we were greeted by dozens of costumed people. I was asked if I wanted to write or color on a lightly dressed bikini top woman, of course she was tagged with “Trenton 365.”

Jodi a veteran of “Cosplay” helped to educate me on the scene, characters etc. We connected with Kate, Alex, Toni, William and Photojournalist my “Buddy Kevin Duddy” to get started.

Saturday was considerably more crowded and vibrant with more performances including Egyptian Belly Dancing from Audie and her troupe as well as Marylee Morinelli and the team she is a member of; Coveilance Dance Project led by Kimberly Dickenson.

In my opinion no event is complete without a live performance, “Frenchy And The Punk” are a new favorite! They came highly recommended by Artist/Educator Kate Holster Ivchenko.

Made up of Samantha Stephenson (Frenchy) and Scott Helland (The Punk) this 2 piece is as lively as it gets, showcasing their varied musical interests to the delight of the crowd. The performance included Vocals, Percussion, Drums, Piano, Guitars, Live Looping and more.

The music evokes movement and energy not only from progressions but the rhythms and vocals. Frenchy encouraged the audience to dance and move as the rhythmic drums and electrified guitar guided us.

The song “Dark Carnival” reminded me of Siouxsie And The Banshees specifically “Peekaboo” from the inaugural 1991 lineup of Lollapalooza.

Add Frenchy And The Punk to the list of bands to see before you can’t afford to.

I neglected to mention Jessica Star. We chatted briefly after her set and have since connected via social media and I look forward to hearing more from her and the 3 piece band which goes by her name.

I believe "Mystical" is a good word to describe Jessica. Hailing from California and now residing in NYC. To me her voice has undertones of Blues and Folk with a rock edge. Listening to either her electric or acoustic songs it is apparent she is feeling and sharing a passion!

In closing Jeff Mach and his team have done it again, his effort continues to impress me and I look forward to his future events!

A list of vendors we connected with:

Utopia Armoury by Bill McCall (Audio)

www.utopiaarmoury.etsy.com

Tea & Absinthe by Daniel Myers & Pacita Prasarn (Audio)

www.teaandabsinthe.com

Industrial Dis-Ease Toys LLC (Audio)

“Keeping the kinky in sensation with one inclusive toy”

http://www.idetoys.com

Agreeable Agony (Audio)

“Toys for pleasure toys for pain”

http://agreeableagony.com