HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Described as a “Renaissance man,” the multitalented writer-actor-comedian-storyteller Orlando Jones will be a featured guest at the Spa-Con Season 7 pop culture and comics convention in Hot Springs September 22 – 24.
“”Spa-Con is known for doing a little bit of everything, and so is Orlando Jones,” Visit Hot Springs Special Projects Manager Alexis Hampo said. “Comedian, writer, actor, producer — he’s done it all, and we are so thrilled he will be joining us at Spa-Con Season 7.”
Hampo said Jones, who has been called “the King of Fandom” by MTV, is the only original cast member on “Mad TV” to write and perform on the series. She said Jones has proven himself as a masterful storyteller with advertising awards, writing, producing and acting credits that stretch from his iconic 7UP character to the groundbreaking sitcoms, “A Different World” and “Martin.”
Jones was tapped by Ethan Hawke to star in the Showtime series “The Good Lord Bird,” based on James McBride’s bestselling novel about a young man who joined abolitionist legend John Brown to fight against slavery. Jones starred opposite Laurence Fishburne as the anti-apartheid revolutionary Oliver Tambo in “Madiba.” He played Mr. Nancy, the titular character in the “American Gods” sequel, and helped create his character Frank Irving and launch their reimagined “Sleepy Hollow” franchise to global success.
“Orlando Jones legally married fans at the San Diego Comic Con,” Hampo said “There’s no telling what kind of energy he will bring to Spa-Con in September.”
She said Jones will be introduced at Spa-Con opening ceremonies on Friday, September 22, at the Hot Springs Convention Center. He will be at Spa-Con Season 7 activities all three days of the convention and will conduct a panel discussion with a question-and-answer session. Jones will have a free photo session for fans and will have a booth in the Expo Hall.
Previously announced as a special guest for Spa-Con was Janeshia Adams-Ginyard, who starred in the blockbuster movies “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” She is known for her role as Nomble, one of the Dora Milaje, in the two hit movies.
VIP passes for Spa-Con Season 7 are on sale now. Those tickets are $125 through April 22, and only 150 of them will be sold. Visit the Spa-Con website — www.spa-con.org — for more information.
Hampo said VIP passholders will receive a VIP T-shirt, a Spa-Con tote bag, a Spa-Con laminate, a Spa-Con notebook and a Spa-Con metal cup. VIP passholders also get access to the VIP lounge, celebrity meet-and-greets and advanced access to all panels, workshops and photo ops.
In addition, there will be a VIP party each night of the convention, sponsored by Superior Bathhouse Brewery, The Porterhouse Club and Hotel Hot Springs.
Weekend passes are available now for $25. Weekend pass holders will receive a tee shirt, tote bag and laminate. Only 1,000 weekend pass packages are available. Weekend passes are available now for $25.
For more information call Alexis Hampo at 501-321-2027.