In June of this year, we had the first Supernatural con at OKC – and yes, it was quite an adventure (for me, anyway!)
Getting to Oklahoma City from Philly (and back) was quite an adventure in itself – a little too much adventure in fact. After multiple delays in Charlotte (which were made more bearable with some good company from Creation’s Jen and Jenn, who I ran into in the airport), I finally arrived with barely enough time to get the vendor table set up – and just as an impressive thunderstorm hit. Our Lyft driver on the way to the convention center kept the three of us entertained on the drive there, though part of that was his repeated implication that a tornado was imminent.
No tornado, but he also couldn’t figure out how to drop me off AT the convention center instead of the hotel, so I ended up trudging up the street in a rainstorm getting wetter by the second and having no idea where I was going. To make things more challenging, the street was blocked off by an impressive number of law enforcement vehicles, which totally confused me because I’m not very good at following basketball so I had no idea there were big time basketball things going on. Finally in sight of the convention center, my way was blocked by a news reporter doing a live report about the big time basketball things. I was by this time in no mood to stand in the rain a second longer, so I cut through the shot apologizing but determined. I must have looked like a woman who should not be trifled with, because they didn’t.
I quickly got set up (trying not to drip all over everything) – at least it was a nicer convention center than NJ, though I will never be happy to be in a convention center. At least the books were dry, thanks to my friend Betty delivering them safe and sound!
I was happy to be there in time to catch some of Chad Lindberg’s panel. I’ve known Chad since way way back in 2008, and I’m thrilled to have him back at some cons this year. He wrote a fascinating chapter for There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done with all kinds of behind the scenes information about filming with Jared and Jensen and creating the character of Ash. And his mullet.
A fan asked what role he’d love to play.
Chad: I’d like to play an alien, ala Starman – like an alien love story.
Chad is known for being a ghosthunter in real life, as well as for playing Ash on Supernatural.
Chad: People ask, did Supernatural get you into ghosts? No, we lived in a haunted house when I was growing up.
How to de-stress from a ghost hunt?
Chad: connect with those you love. And a little weed. Okay, maybe a lot…
He said that filming October Sky was a very emotional experience – they got to know the real life rocket boys.
What monster would Ash love to be?
Chad: He’d love to be a werewolf. He’s already got the hair for it!
Seriously, nobody tells a ghost story like Chad. He put out a bell that senses spirits, and every time he mentioned the haunted Stanley Hotel, it went off!
Clearly he needs to go visit.
Two of my other favorite Supernatural actors were also onstage – Gil McKinney and Matt Cohen, who both wrote very personal chapters in Family Don’t End With Blood about their experience as actors and on Supernatural.
Matt Cohen talked about his new movie, Exes, also starring Briana Buckmaster, Mark Shepherd, Felicia Day and Ricky Whittle. He said his favorite scene to direct with Briana was a terrible tough limo scene of them getting beaten up and then it being finally over!
Mark plays an American, which should be interesting – I’m so used to his Crowley accent (or his actual real life one)
Gil portrays the Mad Hatter on Matt Cohen’s other exciting new project, the animated series Public Domain – along with lots of other SPNFamily.
Gil to a clowning around Matt: You are so weird!
(They are actually entirely amusing together onstage)
It’s a rare event when Radio Company, the band that consists of musician Steve Carlson and actor Jensen Ackles (he would dispute it if I called him a musician, even though….), does a live show. I was fortunate to be at their first two years ago in Nashville, which was amazing. So I felt extra lucky to be at their second live show, this time in Austin at Sagebrush. It was another amazing show, just as joyous as the first, but also completely different.
Sagebrush is an Austin music institution. It’s not fancy – it’s a Texas dance hall with wood floors that you can stomp on and pool tables and colorful lights strung around the place for some ambience. The stage was very low and the dance floor pretty much right at the foot of it, so once the place started to fill up, the people who were able to both stand for hours and endure the heat and stood up front were literally at Steve and Jensen’s feet.
(Sagebrush photos by @waywrdaughter67)
Ten years ago, I would’ve probably been one of those people crowded up front, but that isn’t possible anymore. I had a bit of a saga with the management beforehand about how they would provide accommodations to people who needed them, got conflicting advice, and finally just gave up. The venue did end up having a table off to the far right with chairs so I sat there with others who couldn’t stand for a long time, but unfortunately the rest is standing room only so that meant we couldn’t actually see anything at all other than the occasional glimpse of a singing head onstage.
I’m fortunate to be able to stand up for short periods of time, so even though I was far away I was able to see the bands (well, their heads) at least for a bit when standing. It was approximately 8000 degrees inside so standing was extra hard, however. Those of us in the seats all passed around those little portable fans that look like something else and wrapped paper towels soaked in water around our necks and several friends were lovely enough to bring me cold club sodas with lime, but it was … challenging.
That’s not to say I didn’t have a great time. I most definitely did.
Before I was a passionate Supernatural fan, I was a passionate music fan of a couple of bands who I saw live many times, often happily crushed up against the stage. I love live music, it’s one of my favorite things. There are few things more joyous than singing along with a crowd of people who all love the music and the band playing.
I love Louden Swain, alot.
And I love Radio Company, alot. I’ve been a fan of Steve Carlson’s music since the year I discovered it, back in 2007 – the same time I fell head over heels in love with Supernatural. And now that he’s teamed up with Jensen – I mean, who doesn’t love Jensen singing?? I was blown away the first time I witnessed him turn into a rockstar in front of our astonished eyes at that long ago Vegas con, and he continues to evolve as a performer.
Sidebar: Long ago, even before that night in Vegas, I was part of a group of twenty people who got to hear Jensen and Steve play some songs for us at (I think) the first Nashville convention. He was nervous, although it was the most receptive audience ever and they actually sounded amazing. Later that day I was in the green room and he came over to ask me to tell him honestly how he was, was he any good? I think I convinced him that a) he was great and b) he should do that more often.
I’m really glad he eventually believed it.
So while I considered saying nope and leaving to find some AC, once the music started, I was captivated enough to put my discomfort aside for the most part (and privileged to be physically able to do so at least for a limited time). Swain was amazing as always, and then there was a huge cheer as Jensen and Steve and their awesome back-up band took the stage.
Apologies for being shallow, but WHOA. Everyone knows I love Jensen’s long hair, and along with mostly-bare-arms-black-tee-shirt, hair blowing in his face – let’s just say I was screaming my enthusiasm right along with everyone else.
I thank Chuck every day that Danneel loves his long hair and Kripke kept it for Soldier Boy, because nobody cares what I think, but do I ever agree with them!
It’s kind of a tradition to wish one of my favorite actors a happy birthday here. For many years, this was a good time to thank Jensen Ackles for bringing to life my favorite fictional character, Dean Winchester – and I am still and forever grateful for that and always will be. Over the past year, he’s brought to life not one but two other characters, and voiced Dean again, released his third record, and had his first live Radio Company show. Not to mention a worldwide publicity tour for ‘The Boys’ and tons of conventions. It’s been a busy year for Mr. Ackles!
I will always wish for Supernatural to still be on my TV or streaming screen, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed those other characters he’s made so memorable. So I think a little celebration of Mr. Ackles’ past (very productive) year is in order this year for his birthday post.
First up? Soldier Boy. Soldier Boy was a revelation – I had already been a big fan of ‘The Boys’, so having Jensen join a show I already loved felt almost too good to be true. To have him portray a character as nuanced and unhinged as Soldier Boy? Utopia!
Wakes from a deep slumber indeed – we were all wide awake when that happened!
We got to see a whole other side of Jensen on ‘The Boys’ (no, I’m not talking about that first very naked introduction) – Prime Video allowed Soldier Boy to curse the way Dean Winchester probably would have, and to indulge in all sorts of things we didn’t get to see Dean do either. I will also be forever grateful for that amazing super suit and the fact that Kripke thought that long hair would help differentiate Soldier Boy from Dean. Please, universe, let the long hair stay forever!
I half fell in love with Soldier Boy despite the truly awful things he says and does thanks to Ackles showing us his vulnerability and trauma alongside his being an asshole. (So much so that my next book will be a deep dive into that show).
Soldier Boy is not dead and will be back at some point, so we all have something to look forward to when that happens!
I’ve had the privilege of talking to Jensen in depth over the past year about his experience on The Boys, and I’m thrilled that it was a challenge (which he welcomes) professionally. I’m also thrilled that it gave him exposure (no, not that scene again…) beyond what even a wildly popular show on the CW could provide. He shone on the press tours for The Boys, and I loved watching people discover him and his talent for the first time!
Photos: karlsen manuela scarpa
Then we got another intriguing character in Sheriff Beau Arlen in ‘Big Sky’ – and more of the long hair I’d like to stay around forever! (I happen to know that Danneel loves it too, so come on Jensen, listen to us!)
I’d watched a little of Big Sky in the first season and enjoyed it, but wasn’t as excited about it as The Boys. Sheriff Beau really grew on me, though – along with the fascinating character of Donno – and I found myself missing the show when it wrapped, still not knowing if it will get another season.
Beau was the character who I think was closest to Jensen himself, especially since he got to play a father (Soldier Boy’s biological son didn’t really make him a father) for the first time. It was interesting to watch him portray that, knowing what an important role that is for Jensen in real life. It brought out a softness and at the same time a fierce protectiveness in Beau that made the character so much more interesting than I expected him to be – and I feel like there was still a lot more to find out about him when the season wrapped!
Kudos on making us all fall a little in love with yet another character, Jensen!
We also get to hear Dean Winchester (and see him every now and then) on The Winchesters. It doesn’t feel like having him back in the same way as it would if Sam and Dean were truly back and it was Supernatural, but I’m interested in what that show is setting up and hoping it paves the way for just that, without changing any of the canon I so cherish. Fingers crossed.
(And it’s been a bonus to watch that show’s young stars come into their own – watching Drake Rodger and JoJo Fleites experience Jus In Bello con last weekend was joyous).
I got to chat with the cast and EPs Jensen and Danneel Ackles and showrunner Robbie Thompson at New York Comic Con last summer, which was extra wonderful because I hadn’t had a Danneel or a Robbie hug in way too long. It was wonderful to have a chance to ask some questions about the prequel, and it was lovely to meet Drake and Meg for the first time.
And that velvety suit was lovely too. And soft.
And that’s not even all – there have been other acting projects too, and Chaos Machine has been out there pitching new deals. But it’s not just acting and producing that have made the past year stand out for Jensen.
The past year has been a pivotal one for Ackles in terms of one of his other talents (is there anything he can’t do??) – I don’t think he can really say anymore, in his self deprecating way, “Oh I’m not really a musician.” Pretty sure that ship has sailed, Jensen! I was incredibly fortunate to be at Radio Company’s first live concert in Nashville in December and it was crystal clear that Radio Company can be stacked up against all the other successful bands out there and hold their own. Ackles was a rockstar, truly, and I don’t think I stopped grinning the entire show. Actually I’m pretty sure no one did.
Photo: Paleonut
I was at that long ago convention when Jensen sat onstage with a guitar after the ballroom had mostly emptied out and played a song for us, a little haltingly, as we sat on the floor, rapt. I was at the first little meet and greet/concert with Jensen and Steve at the Nashville convention when they played for twenty or so people – he told me how nervous he was after and asked how it had been. Seeing him blossom into a bona fide rockstar had me so emotional at the Analog show that I’m surprised I didn’t just sob my way through it.
Radio Company’s new album dropped last week and has already been at the top of the country charts. I’m not even a huge country music fan, but its smooth harmonies and catchy tunes get stuck in my head in the best of ways. And Jensen’s voice will never not be addictive. Congrats on crossing over into true musician category, Jensen.
The year has also seen tons of conventions. I wondered, when Supernatural ended (still sobbing…), if the conventions would continue for only a short time – I feel so lucky that they have kept going! Whether I’m fortunate enough to be there or watching from afar like I did with JIB last weekend, it’s wonderful to be able to ‘see’ them and hear their thoughts so frequently throughout the year.
Yes, it’s a job for them, but it’s also something they clearly enjoy and I’ve written many times about how it’s made the relationship between the actors and the fans a little bit more reciprocal in the Supernatural fandom than in others. That has carried over to Walker and The Winchesters (and soon to Gotham Knights I’m guessing), because these actors know their fans so much better than most actors do.
Photos: Alana King
Jensen and Jared and Misha and the gang were in Rome last weekend (in their coordinating jackets) and will be headed to Atlanta shortly – I won’t be able to be there to celebrate with them unfortunately, but I’m sure the fans who are there will make it a special con weekend for the birthday boy. Somebody give him a birthday hug from me!
Photo: eeecatPhoto: SomerInTheWind
Sometimes he still looks about ten years old.
Happy birthday, Mr. Ackles.
May the next year be as exciting for you as this one was – and here’s hoping for more of all three characters you brought to life this past year – and more of whatever other exciting new things you have planned!
Welcome to Part 2 of our Nashcon coverage with lots of pretty pretty pictures courtesy of Prior Studios. I was so happy to have Kim, my partner in crime, back with me at a con. And we all benefit from the photos she was able to take. I had to have a cold drink beside me to post this article, and it’s winter on the East Coast of the US…
So here we go with Part 2, starting with Sunday, J2 day! The boys looked fine fine fine at the morning gold panel in gray (Jared) and ivory over plaid (Jensen) and those long long legs.
They wasted no time in getting to the banter that we all enjoy so much.
Jared said that he had been excited to wear a scarf yesterday.
Jensen: You live in a bad place to have a scarf fetish…
They love to reminisce about their time on Supernatural and I am unspeakably grateful that they want to keep talking about it as much as I want to keep hearing about it.
Jensen: We were full on kleptomaniacs on Supernatural.
Jared: We got little gift packages from Props…
I don’t think we STILL know everything that they ended up with when the show wrapped – and good for them! Look how joyously unrepentant they are.
Jared: I stole…uh, that is, two things went missing from Bobby’s house. I have the Samulet, and an army man from the car.
Jensen: Jared and I snuck in and went full Sam and Dean…
I love it. Can you just imagine the two of them being all sneaking, channeling their inner Sam and Dean? Good for you, boys! I am so glad that Jared has the Samulet, that warms my heart.
They also were remembering the early episode Wendigo, when the actor who was playing Roy was all gung ho to be set on fire and then was suddenly screaming “Put me out!”
Jared and Jensen at the time: What have we gotten ourselves into?
We left off in Part I of our look back at the history of Steve Carlson and Jensen Ackles’ friendship and musical collaboration somewhere around 2009. We saw Steve play a few times in between – once at a con in New Jersey, if I’m remembering correctly, where I actually took a picture for a change!
In 2011, Jensen and Steve did a little jam session that was one of the highlights of the Nashville convention. Jensen was still clearly nervous about playing and singing in front of people (but not as nervous as he was for his first jam with Jason Manns). Here are a few of my recollections about that first ‘public’ performance of Steve and Jensen:
Steve shared more backstory to how the two friends ended up playing together, and even doing some recording. Whenever they were both in town they’d get together at Steve’s house and the guitars would come out. Apparently wherever Steve is living, something gets turned into a makeshift studio – when Jensen and Steve lived together, it was the hall closet, wired up and soundproofed with foam, and probably looking very …. Interesting. In Steve’s place before that, it was the garden shed, similarly outfitted but alas, sans air conditioning. Steve would lure friends out to record there and they’d emerge sweat-soaked and bedraggled, asking plaintively, “was that okay?” (And hoping it was so they could come out of the garden shed!)
Photos Lizz Sisson
I remember they played a really haunting version of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” full of emotion – if I heard that one now it would be even more emotional, post Supernatural finale. They also played the first song that Jensen had learned to play, “If I Had a Million”, which they actually recorded at one time with Steve on mandolin, but there’s some backstory there so they swear no one will ever hear it.
Steve and Jensen also played “Bad Company,” one of my favorite songs. Jensen said that the crew had asked The Impalas (the cast and crew band) to learn that one because it was so perfect for the show – “I was born, six gun in my hand…” He should totally sing that again one day.
Stage It
I also remember that Jensen asked the fans to excuse the mistakes. And then didn’t make any.
Most of my fandom friends and pretty much my entire twitter timeline have been listening to the new Radio Company album on repeat since it dropped last night — shortly after midnight here on the east coast U.S. (Yes, I ended up staying up far too late doing that same thing). I love the new CD so much, and it reminded me of not just how much I love Jensen Ackles’ voice and singing, but how much I also love Steve Carlson and the way the two of them harmonize together – and have for a very long time.
So I thought I’d share some chats I’ve had with Steve over the years about his music and making music with Jensen, as we all enjoy their latest collaboration.
I was introduced to Steve’s music way back in 2007, when my friend and Fangasm co-author Kathy and I fell head over heels in love with Supernatural and Dean Winchester, and impulsively flew to Fort Worth Texas to see Jensen Ackles in a community theater production of A Few Good Men. We met and bonded with other fangirls there, and somehow ended up driving around listening to music in someone’s jeep and singing along – to a song called ‘Wasted Jamie’ by Steve Carlson, with Jensen singing backup vocals. I was hooked on Steve’s music from that memorable day, and also on Jensen’s surprising ability to do yet another thing really well – go figure!
Steve used to come to many of the early Creation Supernatural cons, so we often were treated to a Carlson concert as the precursor of the Saturday Night Special. (Jensen never got onstage to sing with him like he did at Asylum with both Steve and Jason Manns, but oh well). My LA friends often went to hear him play at the Hotel Café, and sometimes we joined them, always a little dismayed we lived on the ‘wrong coast’ so we couldn’t be there more often. One of my favorite Steve concerts was in Vancouver, during one of the very first Creation cons there. Back in the day, we often enjoyed the shows alongside Danneel and Jensen, and pretty much every show was amazing. I am SO hoping Radio Co. starts touring because it’s been too long since I’ve been treated to a live Steve performance!
