Spider has been writing science fiction for over 20 years, and is the creator of the popular "Callahan's Bar" series, as well as novels such as Mindkiller and Telempath. He and Jeanne, a former dancer and choreographer, have collaborated on the Stardance series. They both sing wonderfully and Spider plays a mean guitar.
Jan has been involved in Madison fandom since its beginnings in the mid-70's, helped start Wiscon, and co-edited JANUS. More recently, she attended the International Women's Conference in Beijing last year. She was the director of the Science Fiction Research Association (SFRA) annual conference this year.
In addition to the official program, the Fourth Annual Fabulous ReinCONation Cabaret was held Saturday night, and featured wonderful performances by Spider Robinson, Reed Waller, Elise Mattheson, Nate Bucklin, Barb Jensen & David Emerson, Terry Garey, and special surprise guest Bruce Glassco, who brought down the house with his frenetic 5-minute version of Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven".
Your Parties Head-Hosts for ReinCONation 6 were Betsy and Ishmael. If you liked the ConSuite, please be sure to let them know. If you didn't like it, please be sure to let them know what could have been better.
This year, the fannish ghod Roscoe watched over the Con Suite with his beneficent presence. Fresh from his acclaimed appearance at the 1996 Worldcon's Fan Lounge, Roscoe was brought to us by Geri Sullivan, who mounted two special features on the wall of the Con Suite: one, a life-size color illustation of the Blessed Beaver himself, complete with propeller beanie and mimeo stylus, rendered magnificently by the esteemed Stu Shiffman; and second, a handsomely calligraphed reproduction of Art Rapp's "The Book of Roscoe", in verse form, which let all assembled know the nature of this trufan's deity, and encouraged everyone to "inscribe their names upon the Roscoe Honor Roll" (dutifully provided beneath the Shiffman illo nearby).
The Minnesota Munchie Movement made its long-awaited return to the local convention scene at ReinCONation 6. Late nights in the lounge down the hall from the Con Suite, Rick Gellman and his crew assembled taco makings and other real-food items. Interviewed after the con, Gellman expressed the view that this event was only a toe-in-the-water effort compared to what could be done with more helpers and a larger budget. He promised great things for Minicon 32 and for the next ReinCONation.
Kudos are due to Jim Minz for hosting a TOR party on Saturday night. It was generally deemed to be a smashing success. Thanks, Jim!
Another highlight of the party scene was the Sunday afternoon Beatles jam in the smoking side of the Con Suite. Spider Robinson led the festivities, with David Emerson on electric piano ("think of it as an 88-string guitar" -- Tom Lehrer) and many others on acoustic guitars. It would have gone on for hours, if not for Spider & Jeanne's imminent plane flight. As it was, all in attendance seemed to have a rousing good time.
This page last (really) updated 6/18/97, and images of the PR1 added 10/30/2012.