Kicking off a celebration
Jackson Bell
Nearly 60 pieces of memorabilia, the world premiere of a documentary
and a slew of celebrities will highlight this weekend’s first
official Bruce Lee Convention.
Focusing on the life and career of the late martial artist and
movie star, the event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his U.S.
film debut, “Enter the Dragon,” and memorialize his controversial
death that same year.
“Bruce Lee is synonymous with what we know of martial arts, and it
really is important to honor his life and legend with his fans,” said
Erin Ferries, one of the producers of the convention. “This is a
great way to immerse yourself in everything Bruce Lee.”
Celebrity scheduled to appear include TV actor Lorenzo Lamas,
Tae-Bo guru Billy Banks and Jhoon Rhee, the grandmaster of Tae Kwon
Do in the United States, among others. The documentary “The Making of
Enter the Dragon” will make its premiere, along with
never-before-seen outtakes from “Enter the Dragon.”
The memorabilia on display will include Lee’s handwritten letters
and original movie costumes. Several martial arts demonstrations also
are planned.
“It will celebrate the life and career of my father, who -- from
my experience traveling the world -- touched a lot of people,” said
Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee. “Not only will it be informative, but it
will entertain guests.”
At the convention, Lee’s widow, Linda Lee Caldwell, and his
daughter will promote The Bruce Lee Foundation, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to preserving his life and work. The
foundation also will award two college students $1,000 scholarships
during a banquet Saturday.
Creation Entertainment, Ferries’ employer, is a Glendale business
that produces touring fan-based conventions with an emphasis on
science-fiction TV shows like “Star Trek” and “Xena: Warrior
Princess.” The company is eager to break into the martial-arts genre,
Ferries said.
“What better name to work with in martial arts than Bruce Lee?” he
added.
Creation Entertainment estimates a few thousand people will attend
the convention. If successful, Ferries said it will tour the United
States.