Whenever the subject of cities that hold history pertaining to the hard rock band KISS is brought up, one first tends to think of Detroit. Then there are cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Evansville.....huh? Say that again; Evansville?

That's right. It may be hard to believe, but our fair city has it's place in KISStory. There are many stories. Their New Year's Eve show at the coliseum was one of the first. Ace Frehley and Peter Criss traveling in a limo that hit a deer was another. There are local women who have "dated" members. The very last KISS concert in the state of Indiana was at Roberts Stadium.

On June 8th, another KISStoric event, the first ever Evansville KISS Fan Expo will take place. These conventions have been held for several years in other cities. The closest of which have been Indianapolis, Nashville, and Louisville. Like Trekkies at Star Trek conventions, KISS freaks will gather to swap stories, forge friendships, buy sometimes ridiculously overpriced memorabilia, and meet with people directly connected to their idols.

Special guests for this inaugural event will be Bruce Kulick, Andre Augustine, and Bill Starkey. Bruce Kulick was lead guitarist for KISS from their Animalize tour through their Revenge tour. His last album with the band titled Carnival Of Souls included the hit "I Walk Alone". It was the only song in which Kulick sang lead vocals during his entire stint with the band. His current band Union is now on hiatus while he sporadically tours with Grand Funk Railroad. His latest project is his self released solo CD titled Audiodog. Andre Augustine was bodyguard to KISS and many other rock stars for several years. Augustine is also author of the book Guardian Of The Gods. In it, he tells of his encounters while protecting the band (and no doubt of keeping groupies at bay). Bill Starkey was founding president of the original official KISS fan club known as the KISS Army. Starkey began the army while residing in Terre Haute, Indiana. He and hundreds of other KISS fans took a local radio station under siege because of their refusal to play KISS songs. His passion for promoting the band stemmed from there. As the expo is proving, things never stopped growing! Bill is rumored to have some great Evansville specific stories that he will be sharing.

All special guests will be conducting question and answer sessions. Kulick will additionally have an autograph and photo opportunity session.

There will also be live music. Tribute band KISS Alive will be venturing down from Chicagoland to perform. For those not accustomed, a "tribute" band is a group of impersonators who replicate live performances of other bands. With the theatrical presentation KISS has always given, their show should be one of, if not the most, exciting points of the day. Also performing will be SSG (Steve Sizemore Group). From the Lexington, Kentucky area, although not a traditional tribute band, they specialize in KISS cover tunes along with their own original songs. Appearing but not performing will be Black Diamond. This all-female tribute band will be present to introduce themselves and bring awareness of their unique act directly to the fans. Basically, they'll be there just to strut their stuff!

Speaking of women who could best be described by the lyrics of the KISS song "Strutter", there will be models whom are featured on the official Gene Simmons website (genesimmons.com). The Goddess Of Thunder, Misha, and possibly others of the Ladies In Waiting will be gracing the expo with their exceptional beauty. So you better bring your camera Joe Average; for this might be the only time in your life to be pictured with any babes as hotter than hell as those who flock to the demon himself! Selling everything from compact discs to the newly marketed KISS Kondoms will be vendors from all over the country; from as far away as Los Angeles. Among them will be Peter Arquette (KISS Museum), Phil Elliot (Kreatures Of The South), Frank Carlaglio (Frankiss.com), and Keith Leroux (KISShop.com). There's no guarantee, but you might actually find a Paul Stanley PEZ dispenser without logging on to ebay!

One of the highlights at past KISS expos have been the best KISS costume contests. There are no set plans for one at press time. However, this shouldn't stop attendees from breaking out the greasepaint and seven inch heels. Having Halloween four months early is part of the fun and camaraderie. The expo will be held from 11 am-8 pm at the Holiday Inn Airport on U.S. 41 North. Ironically, this is about a mile away from the former Holiday Inn where Gene Simmons penned the songs "Calling Dr. Love" and "Ladies Room" for the Rock And Roll Over album. A special expo room rate of $49.00 is available. Call 424-6400 for reservations. Tickets are $16.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door. Advance purchases include your choice of either a pre-show or post-show souvenir guest pass leftover from the Revenge tour. For $18.00, both passes will be included. Children under 12 will be admitted free with each adult admission. However, in order to receive the souvenir pass/passes, tickets must be purchased online at http://flamingyouth.tripod.com/expo. Tickets may also be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 42-722, or at www.ticketmaster.com (these tickets will NOT include souvenir passes. I tell you Evansville, we're just gonna have ourselves a rock and roll party! At least from 11 am-8 pm we will