Anime Matsuri 2015

Anime Matsuri, the convention anime fans of all ages love, is now in its ninth year and there are several new features for 2015.

Deneice Leigh, who co-founded Anime Matsuri along with her husband, John, says, “For one, we’ve lined up one of the biggest Japanese names in rock music, Anna Tsuchiya, who will be our headliner for the live concert on Saturday.”

Also new is the Ricebowl Street Spirit Modified Car Show, a joint effort between Anime Matsuri and Mayday Garage. The Nerdlesque burlesque show is expected to be well-attended. Cosplayer and burlesque performer Stella Chuu will perform. Joining her are Houston-based dancers Minxie Molotov, Vivienne Vermuth and Molly Macabre. The sexy homage to nerd culture is hosted by MT Molotov. Other special cosplay guests appearing at Anime Matsuri include nationally known cosplayer Linda Le (you might know her as Vampy Bit Me) and Reika and Olivia of Chubear Cosplay.

There are cosplay contests (including a Marvel-versus-DC one for the comics cosplay community), an artist alley, a maid cafe, a fashion show and much more. If it’s your first time attending, Leigh has some advice. “Be physically prepared. Pack light. You’ll do a lot of walking. You won’t be able to see everything at the show, so go into the customizable schedule online and pick what you’re most interested in.”

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas. For information, visit animematsuri.com. $35 to $65.

April 3-4, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., April 5, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 2015