Pasadena, CA won’t be wrapped in yellow police tape on Thursday, Feb.27 but it will be a major crime scene from then until Sunday, Mar. 2. The only clues you need to solve the case are three words: Left Coast Crime, the killer convention for West Coast mystery authors, publishers, booksellers, collectors and dedicated fans.
Left Coast Crime Convention 2003 will draw mystery fans from around the globe to celebrate “Lights! Camera! Murder!” at Hilton Pasadena Hotel. Robert Crais appears as Guest of Honor with
Jerrilyn Farmer as Toastmaster and Sue Feder as Fan Guest of Honor. The weekend is packed with over 60 panels, plus author signings and discussion groups.
The convention kicks off Thursday night with a live performance of a vintage radio mystery, “Sorry, Wrong Number,” and a special K-9 police dog demonstration.
Friday’s panels feature Robert Crais, Michael Connolly, T. Jefferson Parker, Barbara Seranella, John Morgan Wilson, Richard Barre, Roger Simon, Robert Ferrigno, J.A. Jance, Rochelle Krich, Denise Hamilton, Eddie Muller, Dick Lochte, Kelly Lange, Earlene Fowler, April Smith and Jan Burke. Day passes are $75.
Saturday’s key event is a Q&A with Robert Crais. Also on tap: forensics sessions with Elizabeth Devine (from TV’s CSI) and polygraph expert Jack Trimarco. Panelists are Paul Bishop, Adrian Muller, Matt Witten, Michael Perry, Stephen J. Cannell, Nathan Walpow, Jerrilyn Farmer, Rhys Bowen, Gillian Roberts, Parnell Hall, Robert Levinson and Michael Collins. An evening dessert party includes the presentation of awards and an auction, with proceeds going to the L.A. Chapter of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. Saturday passes are $90 and include the party.
Sunday’s half-day session features a dialogue-writing workshop led by screen-writer Sharon Doyle (Nero Wolfe) and panels with David Sherman, John Shannon, Carolyn Wheat, Paula Woods, Michael Mallory, and Rodney Johnson. Sunday passes are $30.
A complete schedule and registration information is posted at www.leftcoastcrime2003.com. Enrollment for the entire convention ($175) includes continental breakfasts, Friday buffet dinner, new books and a souvenir gift bag.