Citywide Bytes: NecronomiCon—the home of weird fiction literature

Ken Vaughn

Who here likes weird fiction? Wow, that’s a lot of hands. Ok then, listen up, because NecronomiCon Providence is the place for you!

In this episode of Citywide Bytes, Ken Vaughn, director of core programming for this bi-annual showcase, talks about the panels, guest speakers, special events and much more that await those eager to check out this weird and fun convention. We spotlight the guests of honor and Ken talks about the work to bring them all together.

We also look at how this event has grown over the years from its inception in the 90s to what it has become today. NeconomiCon takes place from August 15-18 in Providence, Rhode Island at the Omni Hotel.

Jon Merz talks production studios and acting in “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”

My next guest is someone I’ve known for a long time, so it surprised me to realize he’d never been on the show before. Well, that just gives us a lot to cover, doesn’t it?

Actor/writer/model Jon Merz and I talk about opening the doors to Ten 21 Studios in Providence, Rhode Island. It’s a full-service company that does demo reel scenes, book trailers, script work and a lot more. We talk about the decision to launch his own company and some of the folks they’ve been working with. We touch briefly on his latest project, an adaptation to his successful vampire book series, and will do a deeper dive in a future episode.

Jon’s acted for many years and perhaps his biggest milestone to date was his role in the Whitney Houston biopic, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” We talk about being around some of the biggest names working today and how he prepared for his role. This May, he’ll be taking the stage in “Hunting Whitey” on May 16 at The Wilbur and shares the challenges of stage vs. screen and his techniques for this kind of performance.

All Legends Incorporated talk about their new album and upcoming book

The husband and wife rap duo All Legends Incorporated Gang just released their new album, “Undefeated,” and the stories contained in these tracks speak to a lot of personal experiences, such as “Haterz,” where the two show that to all those that doubted to talked down to them, they have never given up. They also share their times behind the mics and how they came to make music together and the many talented people they've had the chance to work with.

Following this, enjoy three of their songs, “Haterz,” followed by “Gang Shit,” and “Holy Sin.”