As usual I'm behind on checking my e-mail, so I just came across this mention of the DS Fest in Saturday's LA Times:
Happening today: Miracle Mile Art Walk, 'Dark Shadows' Fest. However, who knew this was Frid's "first convention appearance"? Or that this year "will be special, as DS devotees will get to to see ... actor Johnny Depp, a long-time fan of the show, who will portray the undead Barnabas in an upcoming film"? I'm guessing the fans who witnessed the latter simply passed out on the spot and have yet to revive, and that's the reason why no one has mentioned it yet.
Although, maybe the LA Times writer simply saw the Fest flyer that could have easily been construed to imply Depp would be a part of the movie panel, and that's where she got that idea. But who knows where she got the idea this was going to be Frid's first Fest?