HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Arkansas natives Rodger Bumpass and Joey Lauren Adams will be among the headliners in attendance September 20 – 22 for Spa-Con Infinity — Version 8 — at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Bumpass, a Spa-Con favorite, is the famous voice of Squidward on the “Spongebob Squarepants” TV hit, and North Little Rock native Adams is known for her movie acting and directing roles.
Registration for Spa-Con is at www.spa-con.org.
“Spa-Con loves Rodger Bumpass,” Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo said. “He’s been attending this convention for the past few years, and it is always such a joy having him.
“And what a treat that Joey Lauren Adams will be joining us at Spa-Con this year. It’s a really big deal.
“To me, both Joey and Rodger are considered hometown heroes,” Hampo said. “It’s such a pleasure having these great Arkansas talents join us at this year’s convention.”
Emmy-nominated for the voice of Squidward on “Spongebob Squarepants,” Bumpass has been in acting for 45 years. And he’s “going to keep on ‘til he gets it right,” he says.
In addition to Squidward, he was the voice of Professor Membrane in “Invader Zim,” Dr. Light in “Teen Titans,” and Hanover Fyst in the cult favorite “Heavy Metal.”
Bumpass has provided voices in many Disney and Pixar feature animation movies such as “A Bug’s Life,” “Monsters Inc.,” “Cars,” “Finding Nemo,” “Treasure Planet,” “Emperor’s New Groove” and, more recently, “Monsters University.”
He began his career with the National Lampoon Magazine touring the country and falling down on stage a lot, (on purpose).
Adams’ career was jump-started when she appeared opposite Ben Affleck in Kevin Smith’s movie, “Chasing Amy,” which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
She has also appeared in Richard Linklater’s “Dazed and Confused,” “bio-Dome” and Smith’s “Mallrats.”
In 2006 Adams released “Come Early Morning,” her writing and directorial debut film, starring Ashley Judd and Jeffrey Donovan. Shot in North Little Rock, the film was selected for the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and she was awarded the Women in Film Dorothy Arzner Directors Award.
She recently directed the film, “Betrayed by My Bridesmaid,” shot entirely in Hot Springs.
The Spa-Con schedule for Adams and Bumpass:
Saturday, September 21
10 a.m. — Expo Hall Opens
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Joey Lauren Adams in Expo Hall
2 p.m. — VIP Meet and Greet
6 p.m. — Expo Hall Closes
Sunday September 22
10 a.m. — Expo Hall Opens
11 a.m. — Rodger Bumpass Q and A
2 p.m. — VIP Meet and Greet
4 p.m. — Expo Hall Closes
*Note: Bumpass will be in the Expo Hall Saturday and Sunday when not in meet and greets, or his Q and A.
Previously announced events and guests at this year’s Spa-Con comics and pop culture convention include Spa-Con Showdown, the exciting video gaming competition that attracts competitors from across the state, and two of the stars in the iconic movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Tohoru Masamune and Minae Noji. Also on tap are Erin Macdonald, the astrophysicist who is the science adviser for all the “Star Trek” franchises, a kids’ cosplay showcase, a cosplay contest, an evening of dance fun at Cosplay Club and demonstrations for fans. New and returning cosplayers this year include Akakioga, Steven K. Smith, also known as SKS Props, Casey Renee and Eric Woods.
Earlier announced guests include internationally known nerdcore rapper MC Lars, who will open things with a concert Friday night, September 20. Seth Gilliam, best known for his role as Father Gabriel Stokes in the “Walking Dead” TV series, also will be on hand, along with two iconic vehicles with connections to famed movie franchises — “Back to the Future” and “The Fast and the Furious.”
For more information call Alexis Hampo at 501-321-2027.