Hey everyone. Capone in Chicago here.

I don't go to many conventions around the country, and there are some great ones out there. But the one I can't resist is right here in Chicago (actually out near O'Hare Airport in Rosemont) is the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, which focuses almost entirely on great horror films of the past, while still making time for some new works by up-and-coming filmmakers. This year's event, however, has relocated to a little place called Elm Street.

I'll admit, I'm a tiny bit biases because I've been co-hosting this event six it began six years ago, but I do so for free because I just love meeting some of my all-time heroes. Over the years, I've gotten to interview and talk to George Romero, Bruce Campbell, Lloyd Kaufman, Hershell Gordon Lewis, Robert Englund, and so many others whose films and performances has been the stuff of my youth.

This year's Flashback Weekend is July 20-22. Check out www.flashbackweekend.com for the complete schedule and list of guests. But one facet of this year's event I must mention is the biggest cast reunion ever for A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, which will include Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger), Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Ronee Blakey, Amanda Wyss, Charles Fleischer, Lyn Shayne, and Jsu Garcia (aka Nick Corri).

Naturally the original NIGHTMARE wilm will be screened in an outdoor setting, as will NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS (cast members Ken Sagoes, Rodney Eastman, and Ira Heiden will be on hand), and FREDDY VS. JASON (Ken Kirzinger, who plays Jason, will be on hand). To complete this mini Robert Englund film festival, last year's surprisingly strong BEHIND THE MASK will also be screened.

Other assorted guests at Flashback Weekend include HELLRAISER's Ashley Laurence; Adam Green, star of the upcoming horror release HATCHET, along with the films star Joleigh Fioreavanti; the original Grandpa from TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE John Dugan; and my old buddy Lloyd Kaufman returns to Chicago.

Hope to see many of you there. By all means, come on up and say Hi. There are all sorts of cool shit to see, do, and buy. The dealer room gets more massive every year, and the amount of cash I have by the end of Flashback gets smaller. The price I pay for wanted shit signed by my heroes.

Capone