What is Saber Idol you ask? Saber Idol is a concept that my good friend Rob Metcalfe, better known as Qui Kel Jinn in Star Wars Jedi costuming circles, brought life into a little over a year ago. It really wasn't until competing with me at the Master Replicas Combat Trials in Hollywood, CA (Yeah... I really competed in Hollywood!!) in May and winning his division as Lightsaber Freestyle Champion that he realized that that kind of event was really missing something...an entertainment quotient! Rob began the quest to put together the concept of what Saber Idol has become. Along with myself and a few other close confidants, we have really put together what will be known as the next great convention competition on the planet!
So once again, what is Saber Idol you ask?
Saber Idol is a "saber" contest designed around the format of popular American TV shows. Saber Idol will be an entertaining event for the entire family that is designed for the master saberman/saberwoman to show off his or her skills and talents. The competition is to be entered by individuals that have a set of pre-choreographed “saber” demonstrations that highlight one’s finesse without fighting. Demonstrations are set to musical themes chosen by the contestants themselves. This controlled and civilized demonstration will not only show the skill of the contestant, but their discipline, grace and flare for the dynamic and dramatic! The competition will be broken down into three rounds with convention attendees choosing the Saber Idol after live voting. Three Saber Idol judges will determine the initial eight contestants culled from videos submitted on YouTube and via mail.
Who are the Judges?
Tanthos Jorlac (Me!!) - Founder of The Jedi Assembly, international costuming group; Force Battle Extreme contestant - Master Replicas Combat Trials - Hollywood, CA 2007.
Jade Starlighter - Fan judge, member of The Jedi Assembly costuming group.
Simon Drego – Sabermaster extraordinaire, swordsmaster to Master Replicas 2007 freestyle champion Qui-Kel Jinn.
Well, with this style of competition- you have to have a host.
Rob Metcalfe - Qui Kel Jinn- Force FX Freestyle champion at Master Replicas Combat Trials in Hollywood, CA May 2007.
Where is this awesome event going to take place and when? The Saber Idol Contest will be held February 22nd, 23rd, 2008 Chattanooga, TN at Connooga Convention. (
www.Connooga.com)
We even have our own MySpace page:
www.MySpace.com/SaberIdolWhat this all boils down into is a Family fun event with Lightsaber enthusiasts showing the public what they can do with a Lightsaber in a competiton setting.
We've got some great Sponsors and a few more coming on board in the next few months. I want to give a special shout out to my wife Pamela for putting up with me when I have had to make a couple of long drives to Chattanooga for planning meetings and to the Board and Staff of Connooga convention for being so open about this whole competition and show.
Saber Idol 2008! Don't miss it!!
