Steampunk Society brings music, art showcases to Rachael’s Cafe

The Steampunk Society of IU got off to a modest start in January with 12 members at its first meeting. Since then, it has grown to 48 members.

The society will be sponsoring Steam Night from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at Rachael’s Cafe.

Steam Night features music by The Invariable Dr. N, a performance by Bloomington’s Different Drummer Belly dancers and showcases in fashion and art.

Steampunk is described by sophomore Natalie Bantz, founder of the Steampunk society, as “an aesthetic based on the question, ‘What would it have been like if the technological revolution happened in the Victorian Era?’”

“It had its roots as a literary sub-genre,” Bantz said. “Nowadays, though, it encompasses not only fiction, but fashion, gaming, music and more.”

In the alternate universe of steampunk, robots and computers would exist, but they would be powered by steam or handcrank and made of brass or copper.

Meetings include discussions on books, art and the sharing of craft projects and costumes.

The Steampunk Society is currently planning a film showing at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater for next semester in order to “offer the whole campus a chance at learning more what steampunk is about,” Bantz said.

— Lee Shaw