As one unitiated, I wondered if "filker" was a typo or some kind of euphemism. One of the highlights of WindyCon was seeing Tom Smith sing a set. If you ever get the opportunity to see him in action - DO IT! This song in particular about had me falling out of my seat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LecGuQE6t44
The term filker is not a typo--and Tom Smith is AMAZING. So funny, so talented, and a really nice guy. My friend Lee Darrow dragged him into fandom in the first place, and I'm so glad he did. Filk is folk music performed at science fiction and fantasy conventions, most often on science fiction or fantasy themes but sometimes on other topics. Sometimes the songs are parodies of other songs and sometimes they are original compositions.
I think part of what made that so much fun was the ASL translator. What a great time they were having and how marvelously she was able to bring the song to life.
he's a regular at our local (very small) sci-fi convention. We love him...enough that he wrote a song about us...I'll have to dig it up
I'm so glad to see he's got a following. If anyone deserves it - he does. I'm going to be getting copies of the two sets he performed at WindyCon for when I need a lifting of spirit.