The event took place at a remote Knights of Columbus Hall, and we arrived about an hour after it began. We parked and noted that most of the folks leaving were about our age, in their mid-50s or older. Once inside, we were greeted by a pleasant woman who handled admission. The cost was only $5 per person, which included a raffle ticket for a chance to win a framed collage of original KISS photos. So far as a KI$$ related event is concerned, you can’t beat the price.

We entered the hall and saw vendors selling goods around the perimeter with a DJ and a group of chairs in the middle. The DJ was playing the KISS ALIVE album (specifically “Rock Bottom” which was kind of apropos), and we also spotted a guy dressed as Gene Simmons walking around. I wanted to get a picture with him, but he disappeared into the adjoining lounge/bar soon after.

The first booth featured the Expo’s creator, Jim Frangella, who was selling KISS posters. Jason talked with him a bit, and Jim said he wanted to create an affordable opportunity for local fans to get together and share their admiration for the band. My understanding is that he’d run other KISS Expos some years back, and kudos to him for doing so. You could tell his intentions were pure and, unlike most organized gatherings these days, not motivated by greed.

Most of the vendors were selling standard “Spencer’s Gift” KISS items (which, it shames me to say, are now considered vintage) as well as a few cool items from the ‘70s, like the KISS guitar and KISS Record Player. Jason actually received that guitar as a Christmas gift when he was a kid, so it was particularly nice for him to see it, and it was in excellent condition.

I probably was the only person who felt similar vibes seeing an old concert book from their “Hot in the Shade” tour. I’ve discussed my fandom of KISS in this blog many times and how I was a bit of a late bloomer. Back in ’89, Jason and I were teens working at a local grocery store when we started hanging out. He was and IS a true KISS expert who not only introduced the band to me but has taught me so much about them. I’ve shared quite a few KISS adventures (and misadventures) with him these past thirty-seven years, and although their Hot in the Shade album is one of the band’s least popular, it’s the one that came out in ’89 when my KISS eyes were first opened. Therefore, that image of the Sphinx wearing sunglasses will always have a special place in my heart.

I noticed that the YouTube podcasters, Xander and Daphne, from KISS Army Things were there running a dealer table.  I talked to Daphne a bit about her experience with my favorite KISS-related podcast, Podcast Rock City, at the Indy KISS Expo.

One funny moment was when the DJ did some KISS trivia. I don’t recall the question, but Jason knew the answer, and it drove him crazy that nobody else did. I wondered why he didn’t blurt out the answer himself, but I’m thinking he didn’t want to stay long enough to win anything. Truth be told, after ten minutes, we were ready to leave, but in that short time saw some pretty cool stuff.

I give Frangella credit for putting this together, and perhaps someday it will grow into something more. Ironically, Joliet, Illinois, has witnessed this phenomenon with its popular STAR WARS Day celebration. What started as a small gathering put together by their public library in 2010 now boasts 10,000 attendees (their next event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6^th). You have to start somewhere!

Dave~