Browncoat ball
The Browncoat Ball began as a fan-based event centered on Joss Whedon's Firefly. However over the years the event has become a sort of roving intellectual society. While an overarching Firefly theme is still present, activities do not center on rehashing or recreating the show and instead pursue intellectual activities, debate and conversation. Open to all, there is no membership needed, participants can expect to spend their time in science centers, museums, research centers, or custom-made workshops and classes covering cultural issues usually (dance, fashion, local culture, technology or architecture to name a few). However, as its name and roots imply, there is always a Ball which harkens back the more lofty and intellectual Balls of former decades.
History Behind The Browncoat Ball
Among Joss Whedon's numerous achievements is the short-lived television show, Firefly. Among the episodes of Firefly came "Shindig" which featured a fancy Ball.
Whedon's legacy has inspired multiple tributes and fan-based activities. Firefly, to date, has spawned two: Can't Stop the Serenity and the annual Browncoat Ball. Given the overlap between the two communities, charity work and donations are very common Ball features.
History of The Browncoat Ball
Over the years the Browncoat Ball has formed into a sort of intellectual society. While knowledge of its roots (the show) might be appreciated, the Ball itself travels the country where participants general study local history, culture, or topics vaguely show related like contrasting fashions, languages or various sciences. This is unlike typical conventions which primarily revolve around meeting celebrities, attending themed panels, getting early glimpses at industry projects, or browsing a dealer floor full of geek-related products. At conventions, meeting and getting to know fellow fans is a side note that occurs in small doses between events or while waiting in long lines. Leaving the "con" to tour the local landscape is rare and attending panels or intellectual activities that have no bearing on the convention is unheard of. Knowledge or interest in the show is not a necessary ingredient for participation and enjoyment but an intellectual curiosity is.
The inaugural Ball was held in 2004 and continues, yearly, to this day. As it moves from city to city each year, interested cities can place a bid at the Ball website to be the next host. The Browncoat Ball is strictly 100% non-profit and volunteer run. As much as is possible 100% of attendee fees must be used on the current Ball.
History Behind The Browncoat Ball
Among Joss Whedon's numerous achievements is the short-lived television show, Firefly. Among the episodes of Firefly came "Shindig" which featured a fancy Ball.
Whedon's legacy has inspired multiple tributes and fan-based activities. Firefly, to date, has spawned two: Can't Stop the Serenity and the annual Browncoat Ball. Given the overlap between the two communities, charity work and donations are very common Ball features.
History of The Browncoat Ball
Over the years the Browncoat Ball has formed into a sort of intellectual society. While knowledge of its roots (the show) might be appreciated, the Ball itself travels the country where participants general study local history, culture, or topics vaguely show related like contrasting fashions, languages or various sciences. This is unlike typical conventions which primarily revolve around meeting celebrities, attending themed panels, getting early glimpses at industry projects, or browsing a dealer floor full of geek-related products. At conventions, meeting and getting to know fellow fans is a side note that occurs in small doses between events or while waiting in long lines. Leaving the "con" to tour the local landscape is rare and attending panels or intellectual activities that have no bearing on the convention is unheard of. Knowledge or interest in the show is not a necessary ingredient for participation and enjoyment but an intellectual curiosity is.
The inaugural Ball was held in 2004 and continues, yearly, to this day. As it moves from city to city each year, interested cities can place a bid at the Ball website to be the next host. The Browncoat Ball is strictly 100% non-profit and volunteer run. As much as is possible 100% of attendee fees must be used on the current Ball.
Comments