Talking Flashback Weekend With Jon Kitley

Flashback Weekend is just under a month away. Chicago's largest and longest running Horror Convention returns August 5-7 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago at 9300 West Bryn Mawr Avenue in Rosemont. Operated masterfully and passionately by Mike and Mia Kerz, Flashback Weekend debuted in 2002 and has grown into a Chicago and horror institution.

Previously here, I have shared interviews with Flashback Weekend regulars Chad Savage and James Azrael. Today, I feature my interview with Jon Kitley, who has been at Flashback Weekend from the beginning.

Described as a Cinematic Archeologist, Jon has a lengthy resume in the horror field, including writer, author, collector, podcaster, blogger and more. You can see more of his bio on Kitley's Krypt, his website. You will also see reviews, events, pictures and all sorts of horror-related greatness. I have spent countless hours happily lost in his various posts.

Jon talked about his interest in horror, his work, older versus modern movies, horror books, being at Flashback Weekend and more. He also spoke about what he will have at his booth at Flashback Weekend.

This year's celebrity guest list is headlined by Robert Englund. A true legend, Englund alone would be reason enough to attend Flashback Weekend, but there is much more.

Also appearing are Alex Winter (The Lost Boys), Steve Miner (Friday the 13th: Part 2), Robert Carradine and Don Gibb (Revenge of the Nerds), P.J. Soles and John Michael Graham (Halloween), Airon Armstrong (Halloween Kills), Heather Langenkamp, Lisa Wilcox, Brooke Theiss, Toy Newkirk, Ken Sagoes, and Amanda Wyss (A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise), Kelli Maroney and Catherine Mary Stewart (Night of the Comet), Quinn Lord (Trick 'r Treat), Kane Hodder (aka Jason), Jeff Daniel Phillips (The Munsters), Melinda Clarke (Return of the Living Dead) and Tom Devlin (special effects master). That is an amazing lineup.

Of course, beloved horror host Svengoolie will appear on Saturday, August 6. A Chicago and horror icon, Sven (aka Rich Koz) is always one of the most popular guests.

There will also be many vendors and exhibitors like Jon. All have cool creations. Other fun events include panels, Q&A's, costume contests and much more. It is a weekend chock full of horror fun!

I love Flashback Weekend. I will be "On the Beat" as usual and can't wait. Until then, I will continue to provide more looks at special guests of Flashback Weekend, as well as updates on the guest list and events. Stay tuned here and I hope to see you there.