Spring vampire entertainment

Ahhh, spring, the season of chocolate bunnies, blooming tulips, and insatiable bloodsuckers. If you believe October is the prime time for vampires, think seriously again. Vampire entertainment runs year long these days, and the sweet months of April and May are no exceptions.

For starters, Dracula Con II will take place May 8, 2010, in Windber, PA - and it will feature Butch "Eddie Munster" Patrick of The Munsters! On May 15, you can head to Philadelphia for Dracula's Ball, and if you visit the ball's website starting April 2, you can participate in their Dark Dreams Collection contest, which includes chances to own Johnny Depp's electric guitar, a CD signed by Neil Gaiman and Tori Amos, or the chance to have Skinny Puppy record your outgoing voicemail message.

Previous reports indicated that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead would finally receive a theatrical release this month, but that's been pushed to June, according to Shock Till You Drop. However, the indie film is being featured in this month's issue of Fangoria.

Changeless, the second vampire steampunk novel by Gail Carriger, whom I interviewed last fall, is now available for your springtime reading. Congratulations to Gail.

As for spring right here at Suburban Vampire, I'm currently running my contest for Peter Pauper Press's Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies: Compendium Monstrum and their beautifully illustrated Vampire Journal. I'll also be chatting with novelist Jacqueline Lepore about Descent into Dust, and I'll feature Michele Hauf of VampChix and her new novel, Her Vampire Husband.

Take your spring allergy meds, wrap your garlic wreath around your neck, and enjoy the season.