It was a busy weekend of conventioneering for several Star Trek actors and behind-the-scenes personnel. A science-fiction convention and an astronomy convention taking place in Southern California each boasted appearances by Star Trek dignitaries promoting science and science-fiction, and helping out charity.

The fifth annual FantastiCon science-fiction convention took place in Los Angeles to celebrate the world of Star Trek and science-fiction in general, with celebrity appearances, autograph signings, a dealer's room, and numerous Star Trek-themed presentations and workshops. The event kicked off Friday night with a Gala Awards Dinner, where the Shooting Star Award was presented to individuals whose work has been instrumental in the evolution of science-fiction entertainment, including Ronald B. Moore, Robert Blackman, and Original Series Art Director Matt Jefferies, the man who designed the original Starship Enterprise. The highest honor of the evening, the Gene
Roddenberry Award, was presented to Michael Piller, who has had a major impact on the Star Trek franchise in his role as Executive Producer on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and co-creator and executive producer of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager, as well as producer/writer of "Star Trek: Insurrection." Piller was presented the award by actress Anne Lockhart (pictured).

Across town in Pasadena, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) held the Universe 2000 Expo, giving astronomy buffs a chance to mingle and exchange ideas with experts in the field of space sciences. The science-fiction angle was represented on Saturday in a panel entitled "Behind the Scenes of Star Trek," attended by Robert Picardo (The Doctor); Science Consultant Andre Bormanis; and some of the people chiefly responsible for the look of Star Trek, Michael Okuda, Denise Okuda and Rick Sternbach.

Bormanis was back in Pasadena on Sunday, this time joined by Executive Producer Brannon Braga for a panel discussion on "Visioning the Future," regarding the influence of science-fiction on the public's perception of actual science. Also participating in that panel was Syd Mead, production illustrator on "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" and visual consultant/designer on many other science-fiction films including "Blade Runner" and "2010."

Next weekend, Bormanis is scheduled to appear at another astronomy convention, Astrocon 2000 in Ventura County, California, along with James Doohan (Montgomery Scott). For more information about that upcoming event, click here.

After Saturday's panel at the astronomy convention, Picardo travelled across town to make an appearance at FantastiCon the same afternoon. He helped auction off several items of interest to the fans -- including a visit to the set of Star Trek: Voyager at Paramount, which sold for $5,700 -- and signed autographs. Proceeds from the auction went to benefit the convention's charity, the Country House and Hospital run by the Motion Picture and Television Fund.

Singer-guitarist Tim Russ (also known for his acting skills in portraying Tuvok) had Picardo beat. Not only did he appear at both the ASP Convention and FantastiCon, Russ also performed Friday night at the Godzilla Convention in Hollywood, an event celebrating the famous giant lizard. Saturday evening, Russ--backed by Neil Norman and his Cosmic Orchestra--performed before the astronomers in Pasadena for their awards dinner, then himself made the long trek to the Westin Hotel to play before the sci-fi fans that same night...making for three gigs in 24 hours.

Prior to the Tim Russ concert, FantastiCon attendees were treated to a presentation of "The Ferengi Family Hour," a play written by Max Grodenchik (Rom) and Lolita Fatjo, pre-production coordinator for Star Trek: Voyager. In this very clever comedy sketch, Grodenchik, Aron Eisenberg (Nog), Chase Masterson (Leeta) and Cecily Adams (Ishka, or "Moogie") reprised their roles from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (sans makeup or costumes) to depict the Ferengi family's adventures after Rom learns he's just become the Grand Nagus.

Complete coverage of the weekend's events is forthcoming. Be sure to check back with STARTREK.COM in the days ahead.

Story & Photos by Sandy Stone