DATE: JUNE 15, 2025
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Get ready for some weirdness hijinks.
Peelander-Z, the Japanese action comic punk band from outer space, descends on Hot Springs once again for a Friday evening opening-night concert September 19 for the Ninth Spa-Con comics and pop culture convention in Hot Springs. The convention runs from September 19 through 21.
“Peelander-Z played the very first Spa-Con and we are pumped to be bringing them back for our ninth convention,” Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo said. “They also have performed at the Valley of the Vapors Music Festival and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. We are so grateful they are making the long trek from planet Peelander all the way to Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, but honestly, Spa-Con is always worth intergalactic travel.”
Peelander-Z, based in New York City, was originally formed in 1998 by Peelander-Yellow, Peelander-Red and Peelander-Blue. They’ll tell you they’re all from the Z area on the planet Peelander, not the Big Apple. Peelander-Green was welcomed after Blue left the band.
The band has performed at major music festivals including Bonnaroo and the Vans Warped Tour and has also been featured on TV programs such as VH1’s “Best Week Ever” and Comedy Central’s “Upright Citizens Brigade.”
At its live shows, Peelander–Z guarantees intense audience participation and a chance to exercise. The members dress in colorful costumes reminiscent of Japanese anime, though they describe their outfits as their skin. The act also features The Red Squid and human bowling.
The Peelander–Z concert is scheduled for Friday, September 19, and is included with a Spa-Con Weekend or VIP pass. Tickets — $35 for weekend passes and $150 for weekend passes — can be purchased at www.spa-con.org.
Spa-Con attractions announced earlier include world-renowned costume creator Thomas DePetrillo, famous for his Extreme Costumes developed for Hasbro, Power Rangers, Intel and others.
In addition to the Extreme Costumes team, Spa-Con will welcome back acclaimed cosplay duo Cowbutt Crunchies, who specialize in complex couture cosplay and incredible pop culture based designs.
Also appearing as a special guest celebrity at this year’s Spa-Con will be
Zeno Robinson, the award-winning actor who voices Hawks in the “My Hero Academia” anime series.
“Spa-Con is going on its ninth year in Hot Springs, so of course it’s going to be a good one,” Hampo said.
For more information contact Alexis Hampo at 501-321-2027.