Al Fest sets August date in California

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 11 (UPI) -- Al Fest, a Weird Al Yankovic fan convention and celebration of comedy music, is set for August at the Holiday Inn in Costa Mesa, Calif., organizers said.

Convention highlights are to include a presentation by Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz, Yankovic's drummer since 1981; a slack key guitar performance by Jim "Kimo" West, Yankovic's guitar player since 1982; and a "UHF" 20th anniversary celebrity panel, featuring Victoria Jackson, Gedde Watanabe and the film's director/co-writer Jay Levey, Al Fest organizers said in a news release.

The convention, set for Aug. 1, will conclude with a screening of Yankovic's 1989 debut feature film and cult classic, "UHF," complete with costumed participants acting out the action on screen in the style of the midnight shadow casting made popular by the fans of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

Other events at Al Fest include live performances by comedy musicians, an auction of Weird Al memorabilia, photo opportunities and autograph sessions with stars from "UHF" and some members of Yankovic's band, and a Weird Al fan variety show.

More information on the event is available at http://www.alfest2009.com/.