Tolkien Fans and Scholars Convene In Spokane For Music and Entertainment

Online, August 9, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Spokane, WA -- Heather Downing, who performs as Elvish singer Rehtaeh, is the musical guest for the 2010 Tolkien Moot, the 6th annual gathering of Tolkien scholars and role-playing game enthusiasts in Spokane the weekend of August 13-15.

This year's Tolkien Moot is being held at East West Fitness World (1506 N. Monroe). The annual gathering is noted for bringing Tolkien scholars to present to convention attendees. Past guests include Dr. Thomas Morwinsky, Professor Chris Seeman, John D. Rateliff (The History of The Hobbit), and Michael Martinez (Visualizing Middle-earth, Understanding Middle-earth: Essays on J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth). Martinez will be a guest again at this year's Tolkien Moot.

In addition to gaming Tolkien Moot's activities include 3 performances by Rehtaeh, who lives in the Kansas City area. Rehtaeh is the stage name for Heather Downing, who has previously performed with the goth/metal band Hallucination. She has also performed on the soundtracks for several student films that have been distributed on the Internet, including "Stuck on Love" and "The Confession". Heather has release three CDs featuring her Elvish music, which is a blend of Celtic, folk, and classical styles. The latest CD, "ElementAria", is available through iTunes, Amazon, Napster, and other online music retailers.

Heather Downing was a recent guest on Middle-earth Talk Radio (www.middle-earthtalkradio.com), a popular Internet podcast co-hosted by Tolkien Moot organizer Hawke Robinson and Michael Martinez. Broadcasting since late 2008, Middle-earth Talk Radio is the Web's leading Tolkien-related podcast. Robinson and Martinez will do a livecast of the show from Tolkien Moot. Martinez also hosts the popular "Raw Hobbit" event at Tolkien Moot, where he interviews people in a style modeled on William Shatner's "Raw Nerve".

Tolkien Moot offers fans a unique experience by broadcasting its panels and performances live on the Internet and allowing fans around the world to interact through a chat room. Admission is free to the public but people must RSVP through the Tolkien Moot site if they wish to play in the games.

J.R.R. Tolkien is best known as the author of books such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion. His son Christopher posthumously published the 12-volume History of Middle-earth series. Michael Martinez rose to prominence as the Suite101.com contributing editor for Tolkien and Middle-earth from 1999 to 2002. He has written three books about Tolkien's Middle-earth. In addition to organizing Tolkien Moot and Middle-earth Talk Radio, Hawke Robinson has previously worked in Internet technology and radio broadcasting.

Tolkien Moot was previously organized as MERPCon. Inquiries about the convention should be directed to the Tolkien Moot Website (www.tolkienmoot.org). Heather Downing may be contacted through her Website (www.rehtaehmusic.com).

Tolkien Moot and Middle-earth Talk Radio are not in any way associated with the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien or Tolkien Enterprises.