Multi-talented actor Orlando Jones set to appear at Spa-con
Writer-actor-comedian-storyteller Orlando Jones, former 7UP spokesman and an original cast member of “MADTV,” will be a featured guest at Spa-con Season 7 Sept. 22-24 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
“Spa-con is known for doing a little bit of everything, and so is Orlando Jones,” Visit Hot Springs Special Projects Manager Alexis Hampo said in a news release. “Comedian, writer, actor, producer — he’s done it all, and we are so thrilled he will be joining us at Spacon Season 7.”
Hampo said Jones, who has been called “the King of Fandom” by MTV, is the only original cast member on “MADTV” to write and perform on the series.
She said Jones has proven himself as a masterful storyteller with advertising awards, writing, producing and acting credits that stretch from his iconic 7UP character to the groundbreaking sitcoms, “A Different World” and “Martin.”
Jones was tapped by Ethan Hawke to star in the Showtime series “The Good Lord Bird,” based on James Mcbride’s bestselling novel about a young man who joined abolitionist legend John Brown to fight against slavery, the release said.
Jones starred opposite Laurence Fishburne as the anti-apartheid revolutionary Oliver Tambo in “Madiba.” He played Mr. Nancy, the titular character in the “American Gods” sequel, and helped create his character Frank Irving and launch their re-imagined “Sleepy Hollow” franchise to global success.
Jones also appeared in 2000’s “The Replacements” starring Gene Hackman and Keanu Reeves, as football player Clifford Franklin.
“Orlando Jones legally married fans at the San Diego Comic-con,” Hampo said “There’s no telling what kind of energy he will bring to Spa-con in September.”
She said Jones will be introduced at Spa-con opening ceremonies on Friday, Sept. 22. He will be at Spa-con Season 7 activities all three days of the convention and will conduct a panel discussion with a question-and-answer session. Jones will have a free photo session for fans and will have a booth in the Expo Hall.
Previously announced as a special guest for Spa-con was Janeshia Adams-ginyard, who appeared in the MCU blockbuster films “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” as Nomble, one of the Dora Milaje.
VIP passes for Spa-con Season 7 are on sale now. Those tickets are $125 through April 22, and only 150 of them will be sold. Visit http://www.spa-con. org for more information.
Hampo said VIP passholders will receive a VIP T-shirt, a Spa-con tote bag, a Spa-con laminate, a Spa-con notebook and a Spa-con metal cup. VIP passholders also get access to the VIP lounge, celebrity meetand-greets and advanced access to all panels, workshops and photo ops.
In addition, there will be a VIP party each night of the convention, sponsored by Superior Bathhouse Brewery, The Porterhouse Club and The Hotel Hot Springs & Spa.
Weekend passes are available now for $25. Weekend pass holders will receive a T-shirt, tote bag and laminate. Only 1,000 weekend pass packages are available. Weekend passes are available now for $25.