Dining & Drink, entertainment, Events, Nightlife

Welcome to House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Welcome to House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée
In front of the giant Ouija Board at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree
At House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree

You are cordially invited to take a peek behind the doors of the House of Spirits. It was my first time experiencing this mysteriously macabre event, and I loved every minute of it! As the name states, it is a Haunted Cocktail Soirée, offering a variety of adult libations on the grounds of a beautiful estate—but that’s not all that was offered. The property held secrets only to be revealed to attendees. There were hidden rooms, eerie characters lurking down hallways and magical performances.

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entertainment, Events, Nightlife

My Frightful Time at Universal Studios Hollywood: Halloween Horror Nights

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on My Frightful Time at Universal Studios Hollywood: Halloween Horror Nights
At Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
At Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

I kicked off the first weekend of October checking out one of the biggest Halloween events in Los Angeles—Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. I’ve been going to this event for several years as part of my birthday festivities. However, I didn’t attend the last two years, so it felt good to return! I thought it’d be fun to share some details and photos from that spooky evening.

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Art

Chet Zar’s “Chaos” & Dos Diablos’ “Cementerio Club” at Copro Gallery

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Chet Zar’s “Chaos” & Dos Diablos’ “Cementerio Club” at Copro Gallery
"Disintegration" by Chet Zar
“Disintegration” by Chet Zar

The fall season just got spookier with the debut of Chet Zar’s “Chaos” and Dos Diablos’ “Cementerio Club.” This past weekend, the two creators unveiled a series of dark art pieces at Copro Gallery in Santa Monica, California, that touched upon themes of death, destruction, pandemonium and the supernatural.

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entertainment, Performing Arts

Spotlight On Samantha Parks: The Artist Behind Bullsdaughter

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Spotlight On Samantha Parks: The Artist Behind Bullsdaughter
Samantha Parks, aka Nebula Noir of The Black Veils
Samantha Parks, aka Nebula Noir of The Black Veils

The performing arts is built into the DNA of Samantha Parks who at the age of two started dance, a time when most toddlers are still learning to walk. As she grew, so did her artistic pursuits, eventually branching out into singing and yoga. After several years maturing as an artist and creator, her vision has culminated into the creative brand Bullsdaughter—a name inspired by her late father Jamell “Bull” Parks and her own life journey.     

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Dining & Drink

A Vampire Wine Tasting—No Blood Required

by Jennifer Vasquez20 Comments on A Vampire Wine Tasting—No Blood Required
Vampire wine tasting
Vampire wine tasting

Vampires are notorious for their bloodthirst. While I love vampires and desperately wish I were one, I can’t imbibe in the sanguine fluid. However, I do enjoy a glass of red vino and, fortunately for me, there is a Vampire brand that offers a selection of wines inspired by the immortal creatures. I decided to do a tasting of their Summer Solstice Celebration Set and share my experience for any fellow vampire and wine enthusiasts who are looking to add more bottles to their cellars.

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entertainment, Events, Nightlife, Performing Arts

The Burlesque Series: Introducing Coco Noir, Founder of The Black Veils

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on The Burlesque Series: Introducing Coco Noir, Founder of The Black Veils
Aerial performance by Candace Small, aka Coco Noir (Photo credit: @omgsogood)

“Someone has to entertain them.”

The Black Veils

This is the maxim professed by The Black Veils, and the cabaret troupe definitely practices what they preach. The group recently put on their first performance in more than a year at Harvelle’s in Long Beach, California. I had the opportunity to see them live for a night of enticing revelry!

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entertainment, Events

Inside Midsummer Scream: Awaken the Spirits!

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on Inside Midsummer Scream: Awaken the Spirits!
Midsummer Scream: Awaken the Spirits!

This past weekend, Halloween cheer was alive and well during Midsummer Scream’s Awaken the Spirits gathering at the Pasadena Convention Center in California. For the last two years, the horror convention has had to cancel its original event in Long Beach due to the pandemic. However, the crew managed to put together a smaller version that was absolutely spooktacular.

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Art, Events

Spotlight on Necrosurrealist Artist David Van Gough

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on Spotlight on Necrosurrealist Artist David Van Gough
"Poor Worm, Though Art Infected" dark art by David Van Gough
“Poor Worm, Though Art Infected”
48″ x 36″ – Oil on canvas (2014)

Never has death appeared more alive than when gazing at the works of David Van Gough. He is a necrosurrealist artist whose pieces explore themes of decay, esotericism, religion, the shadow self and mortality. His paintings lay bare the morbid terrain he treads as he creates, beckoning the onlooker to join him.

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entertainment, Events, Lifestyle, Travel

100 Days ‘til Halloween Guide

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on 100 Days ‘til Halloween Guide
Halloween decorating

The 100-day mark to Halloween is a magical occasion, and that milestone is happening on July 23rd. If you haven’t started planning for spooky season, now is the time. I decided to create a special blog post to help you prepare. View it as an All Hallows Eve guide if you will.

Here’s a snapshot of what I’ll be sharing:

  • Where to shop for Halloween goods
  • My costume predictions
  • Halloween events & more

Let the Halloween countdown festivities begin!

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entertainment, music, Performing Arts

Spotlight On BARA HARI: The Artistic Creation of Sam Franco

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on Spotlight On BARA HARI: The Artistic Creation of Sam Franco
Photo credit: Sam Franco

One can’t help but pick up on the enigmatic energy that pulsates from the creative works of Sam Franco who’s also known professionally as BARA HARI, her music persona. The artist crafts dark pop sounds tinged with ethereal vibes fit to dance to in the goth clubs. The songstress writes and produces her music, plus heads the creation of the accompanying videos—and that’s not all.

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