For the first time ever, Milwaukee will host a tattoo convention, thanks to ex-pat and MIAD grad Troy Timpel.

Timpel moved to Philadelphia a few years ago, opened Philadelphia Eddie's Tattoo and started organizing a circuit of tattoo conventions around the country.

His Milwaukee show, called the "Beer City Tattoo Convention," takes place from Friday, Oct. 14 to Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Four Points Sheraton Airport Hotel, 4747 S. Howell Ave. The cost is $15 per day or $35 for the weekend.

More than 120 artists from around the world will tattoo live during the event, which will also rock seminars, contests and entertainment like live midget wrestling, the punk rock band Murphy's Legend, an interactive art display gallery, sideshow attractions and a Kiss tribute band.

"The best full make-up Kiss cover band ever," promises Timpel.

Convention hours are Friday from 2 p.m. until midnight; Saturday from noon until midnight; and Sunday from noon until 8 p.m. with a special opening party on Friday night.

"I thought Milwaukee would be a fantastic place to hold a tattoo convention," says Timpel.

Stay tuned to OMC for more information about this first-of-its-kind event. The Beer City Tattoo Convention Web site is tattooedkingpin.com.