Ready to give Trekkers a run for their money, fans of the Material One will gather in Tinseltown for a convention to "honor all things Madonna."
Billed as "a celebration of the entire career (so far) of everyone's favorite 'Material Girl,' " the First-Ever Los Angeles Madonna Convention will open its doors Sunday at the Palace in Hollywood.
While this isn't the first Madonna convention, it purports to be the biggest and best organized. Running Sunday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., the event promises nonstop dancing to a career-spanning soundtrack--from "Like a Virgin" to "Papa Don't Preach" to "Vogue" to "Beautiful Stranger" right up to "Music."
The $25 entrance fee also allows Madonnaphiles to participate in contests for dancing, look-alikes, lip-synching and memorabilia displays from the singer's 18-year career. The winners, decided by the audience, will win prizes that include CDs, records, posters, autographed items and photos. Madonna's label, Warner Bros., is supplying some giveaways, but the record company is quick to point out that it isn't sponsoring the event.
Organizers are also planning an auction where fans can bid for authentic Madonna collectibles, including autographed photos and costumes from some of her music videos. And although it is not part of the convention, the nearby Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Boulevard is offering an Evita sing-along Saturday, in which fans can croon along to the movie that earned Madonna a Golden Globe for best actress.
As for the convention, don't expect the Material Girl to appear in person--but rather as a persona. In lieu of the actual artist appearing, Viva, a drag queen who calls himself Madonna's favorite impersonator, will make a special appearance.
(For more information: www.members.aol.com/madonnaconv.)