Retro Invasion Weekend: Throwback to the golden age of horror
Retro Invasion Weekend is a fun throwback con to the golden age of horror located in Cleveland, Ohio. At 1428 Elm, we were lucky enough to catch up with Joe Ostrica, the promoter for the event for a quick interview.
Retro Invasion Weekend takes place in Cleveland on May 31 through June 2. For those of you who love 70’s and 80’s horror, this is where it is at. The guest list alone reads like a who’s who of the genre. Take a look at some of the names that will be appearing this year:
- Joe Bob Briggs
- Felissa Rose
- Diane Franklin
- Jonathan Tiersten
- Katherine Kamhi
- Clayton Rohner
- Toni Hudson
- Arye Gross
- Lisa Gottlieb
- Danny Hicks
- Robert Kurtzman
- Mark Metcalf
In addition to that stellar lineup there will be a first time ever reunion appearance for the cast of Sleepaway Camp. You don’t want to miss that so reserve your tickets ASAP for the con and for photo-ops!
Retro Invasion Weekend – Reunions – Courtesy of Joe Ostrica
At 1428 Elm, we were fortunate enough to speak with Joe Ostrica, who is the promoter for Retro Invasion Weekend. For those of you that are interested in getting into the con game, Joe has some advice.
Retro Invasion Weekend – Joe Ostrica with Diane Franklin – Courtesy of Joe Ostrica
The Quick Interview
1428 Elm: Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us, Joe. First of all, there might be some readers out there that are interested in getting into the business. Tell us what attracted you to the con scene?
Joe Ostrica: I’ve been a movie geek since a very young age and have been going to conventions the past 20 years. I’ve been to them as a fan (and still am), a vendor and a filmmaker. I’ve put on more than 40 events whether zombie walk food drives, zombie proms, movie screenings with bands and burlesque, etc.
Putting on a unique convention like RETRO INVASION WEEKEND was the next natural progression for me. The entire weekend is a look into my personal tastes as a lover of film and pop culture.
1428 Elm: There are so many iconic performers from the 70’s and 80’s. How do you choose guests?
JO: First and foremost, people I want to meet, and I believe many other people out there want to meet them too. I also was careful to book guests who have never been in the Cleveland area before, many of whom have never been to the Midwest. I’m very proud of the diverse guest list we have.
1428 Elm: Do you have a favorite con memory?
JO: Every day the show gets closer is a favorite memory. I am having a blast putting RETRO INVASION WEEKEND together for fellow genre and pop culture fans like me. And I’m already booking the second event for 2019, which will be Nov. 1-3 with a Halloween VIP party to kick off the festivities!
1428 Elm: Is there anything else you want our readers to know about your upcoming events?
JO: Mainly that the guests, vendors and convention goers have all been amazing and very helpful in the process. They are all excited to be at our big VIP kickoff party with the celebs May 30, the night before the convention opens. I personally can’t wait for it to get here!
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Retro Invasion Weekend is located at:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
1100 Crocker Road
Westlake, Ohio 44145
Tel: +1-440-871-6000
To book your room online, click here. For updates to the event follow Retro on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Who will you be going to see at Retro Invasion Weekend? Let us know in the comments. We want to hear from you.