Days of the Dead Returns to Indy

It all started in Indianapolis in 2011 and in a few weeks, I shall be heading back to Indianapolis from Chicago for my 12th Days of the Dead. I have attended six DotD events each in Chicago and Indy and one in Louisville, one of their “expansion” cities.

From Friday, June 22 through Sunday, June 24, Days of the Dead will take over the Wyndham hotel and they are bringing some heavy hitters with them. When Gene Simmons heads the guest list, followed by Jeremy Bulloch, John Leguizamo, Cassandra Peterson and about 30 more stars, you know it is going to be a great event.

Simmons is going to be very busy. He is doing an autograph session, photo-ops, a panel and a VIP meet-and-greet. Expect long lines, but more importantly, expect this to be epic. Simmons always goes above and beyond for the fans. Simmons is well worth the wait.

As usual with me, I am most looking forward to a couple somewhat lesser-known names on the celebrity list. Everyone has their favorites on the list and mine are Madusa/Alundra Blaze, PJ Soles, and Heather Langenkamp.

I first saw Madusa Miceli wrestle in the old American Wrestling Association. In 1988, Pro Wrestling Illustrated named her Rookie of the Year (the first woman to receive that accolade). She eventually was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

I've met hundreds of wrestlers, but I have never met Madusa. She has probably spent longer on my “want list” than any other wrestler. At DotD, I shall finally accomplish that!

Another special guest for me is PJ Soles. I have been a huge fan of hers for a long time. I have met her several times at DotD, but I always look forward to seeing her and catching up with her every time. She's a real sweetheart and a legit fan of the Ramones (stemming from her role in Rock 'n' Roll High School).

While I have previously met Langenkamp (at a DotD event), it has been a long time and I am looking forward to seeing her again. One of the stars of Nightmare on Elm Street, Langenkamp is always great with the fans.

The celebrity guest list continues with wrestling legends Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. As the Outsiders and part of the NWO, Nash and Hall were part of some memorable moments.

There is also a mini-reunion from The Waking Dead. Ross Marquand, Alanna Masterson, Seth Gilliam and Kerry Cahill will be appearing and offering a group photo op, among other things.

Another mini-reunion features castmates from Twin Peaks. Ray Wise, Sheryl Lee, Harry Goaz and Kimmy Robertson will also offe a group photo op for their fans.

One more mini-reunion is from The Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. Ira Heiden, Penelope Sudrow, Rodney Eastman, Ken Sagoes, Bradley Gregg and Jennifer Rubin will all be appearing.
The list also includes John Kassir (Tales From the Crypt), Danny Lloyd (The Shining), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters) and more.

As always, there is so much more to this DotD event than just celebrity autographs and pictures. There are panels, Q&A's, a tattoo contest, a karaoke contest, private screenings and much more. The fun literally runs all weekend. The Saturday night party is legendary, but simply hanging out with people all weekend is ridiculous fun.

At the last DotD in Chicago, I had the pleasure of interviewing promoter Adolfo Dorta. That can be found at HeroTV 2018 Episode 2: Days of the Dead. It was a rare chance to have an in-depth talk with the man who is usually a blur at the events.

Adolfo will always shun the spotlight in favor of his staff, the guests and the event itself, but none of it is possible without him. He assembled a staff, who have all become friends. They work hard, play hard and make sure everyone else does, too. They create the perfect atmosphere and keep it running smoothly.

DotD is constantly trying new things. They constantly come up with fun activities. What other convention has its own title belt (not to mention a Zubaz title belt)?

In addition to the fun, DotD also coordinates a food drive. The folks at DotD and the attendees all believe in giving back.

I really cannot speak more highly of the whole Days of the Dead experience. It's like a big family and friends reunion and I cannot wait!