Michael C. Hsiung and friends travel up from LA to set up a booth at this year's Alternative Press Expo 2009 in San Francisco. Arriving in San Francisco at 2 am at the Motel 6 on Geary, waking up at 6:30 am, and setting up our booth by 8 am is what the Alternative Press Expo 2009(APE) is all about. And it's awesome. This year 's APE Expo was definitely a fun and exciting time once again! We got to meet several awesome artists, friends, and people – some of which we have photographs of and some of which we don't (sorry). Thanks again to our friends (Robert and Taylor), Human Pyramids, Chris Mccaw, and 2006 Xeric Award Winning buddy Greg Corso (Author and Illustrator of And How?) for getting the table at APE.

APE, the Alternative Press Expo, rolls into the city by the bay on October 17 and 18, 2009.

Text by Michael C. Hsiung and Photographs by Taylor Brittenham.

My buddy Greg Corse of Powderfinger books was originally going to go with me. He actually reserved the tables and signed up the name badges. But he's in Berlin - the lucky bastard. As you can tell, he's a big Bob Dylan fan. (see Hattie Carol).

We arrived to our Motel 6 in San Francisco around 2 am and couldn't really fall asleep until 3:30 am. Unfortunately, we all had to get up around 6:30 am to get set up and registered by 8 am.

Halls be empty.

My morning ponytail, Me, and temporary sales permit.

Some prints I had available for sale – Amigos, Fat Guy On a Little Board – $20.

Some limited edition silk screened Track Number Record Box Sets. Artwork by Me and Erica Docimo.

Our table had some free pins for (And How?), my creepy business cards, homemade stickers, and FreshPressed.com stuff.

Photograph collaborative book $25 by Taylor Brittenham and Artist Kime Buzzelli. Now available on her etsy page.

And How by Gregory Corso, not to be confused with the writer / poet guy. We got that question a lot.

Rachel Pitler's first year at APE. She had some cool artwork, zines (Pillowface) and free stickers. I was super proud of her! Her zine was awesome.

Our table was kind of crazy looking and crowded sort of like our apartment.

The awesome art collective The Human Pyramids had a table as well, which was filled with tons of goodies.

Zines, shirts, sweatshirts, and posters by Pacolli.

From here below are some cool things we saw at APE this year. Sorry but we didn't get all the information on these, but just enjoy the pictures!

Sophie Yanow

Artwork by Jon Vermilyea.

Phillipa Rice was one of my favorite exhibitors this time around. I'm sure she was here last year, but I didn't get to see her stuff. Her zines, drawings, and such were so awesome. My girlfriend bought all 4 zines. http://mycardboardlife.com/.

Yes please. Ha-ha. Just kidding. Say Nope to Dope and Ugh to Drugs kids.

Again we were lucky enough to sit by some really cool people this year. Catbuttcity and http://www.artderailed.com/ - Daryll Pierce, Jesse, Dan, and Robie.

Hannah Stouffer had a booth which was cool. We here are big fans.

Emilio Santoyo had a booth all by his lonesome self on Sunday. I was lucky enough to trade something with him – a print and a beer.

Zines by http://www.tripica.org/.

Some works by Tiffany Liu, Human Pyramids. (above)

Crazy human body models were selling for $250 each. They sold quite a few.

This is a rad one! I wish I knew who made it. Sorry!!!

That was a long day. Here's Bobbert working hard. . . shoes off, lights out

Brazilian Artist Pacolli and SF Artist Mildred. I got a sweeettt sweatshirt from Pacolli and a shirt from Mildred.

Here's the team! and me looking really mean, but I'm really not.

Now for a series of Tim Conway pictures.

After the first day of APE, we were all ready for some drinks. Mildred and Pacolli recommended we all meet at Ace's on 14th & Mission. Here's Hovin Wang, Sis, and Alice Tang.

Bobbert drinking some Chimay. He's a fancy guy who likes to separate his underwear and socks.

A whole new meaning to Human Pyramids. Gummis, cigarettes, and beer. Afterwards we headed for some dancing with the other kids Pjota and etc., but the club was a bit too crowded. Defaulted to Chris Mccaw 31 Rausch St place, which is always fun.

We headed over to visit friend and photo-guy Chris Mccaw at his pad on Rausch St. Here's Chris losing his footing from one too many whiskeys.

More creepy Tim Conway style shots.

Hovin and Sister looking on this madness

It's been a while since I visited Chris. Probably since the last slide show, maybe even two slideshows ago. I don't remember this swing in his house. Chris's "swing" . . . this is me getting some help from Mari Araki . . it was tough to get into, but comfy once you're in.

Awkward.

Thanks San Francisco - you got some beautiful skies. {moscomment}