Events, Nightlife, Spiritual

Aiden Sinclair Brings Illusions of the Passed to The Queen Mary

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Aiden Sinclair Brings Illusions of the Passed to The Queen Mary
Entrance to the Revenant Room aboard The Queen Mary
Entrance to the Revenant Room aboard The Queen Mary

Recognized as one of the most haunted places in the world, The Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, is a ghost ship believed to be filled with phantom passengers. Master magician and apparitionist, Aiden Sinclair, invites the living to join him for an evening of spirit conjuring and paranormal activity aboard the vessel with his show Illusions of the Passed—if you’re willing to suspend your predisposed notions of reality. Continue reading “Aiden Sinclair Brings Illusions of the Passed to The Queen Mary” →

Events, music, Performing Arts

LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra
Inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel

The notorious shower scene—a pivotal moment in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” where Marion Crane is stabbed to death by a shadowed figure. The only thing more terrifying than the blood-splattered bathtub and close-up of the victim’s lifeless stare is the screeching of the strings as the knife repeatedly pierces her flesh. It’s “The Murder” by composer Bernard Herrmann and one of the most unforgettable instrumental scores to grace a horror film.

For 2019, as part of its annual Halloween tradition, LA Opera’s Off Grand presents “Psycho” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel. Off Grand is an extension of the opera company that showcases more experimental performances across the city. Making this event extra special is the live orchestra, conducted by Louis Lohraseb, that provides the soundtrack as the film plays on the silver screen. Continue reading “LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra” →

Art, Events

Shadow Selves: “In Rooms” by Brittany Markert

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Shadow Selves: “In Rooms” by Brittany Markert
In Rooms by Brittany Markert
In Rooms by Brittany Markert

“To confront a person with his shadow is to show him his own light.” – Carl Jung

These words grace the opening pages of Brittany Markert’s photobook “In Rooms Volume 2 (2016-2017).” They play an essential part in not only grasping the photographer’s intention behind the “In Rooms” series, but also in how the spectator connects to it. Psychoanalysis, repression, female objectification, mental illness and eroticism are just a few of the themes explored.

Recently, Lethal Amounts gallery hosted a lecture and pop-up exhibit by the artist. On display was “In Rooms”—a three-installment collection dating from 2014 to the present. Formatted like a personal diary, it is set in chronological order and exposes Markert’s psychological and emotional states in progressive stages. During the presentation, guests were given an intimate glimpse inside her creative process and personal evolvement, as well as the opportunity to view her portfolio of work up close. Continue reading “Shadow Selves: “In Rooms” by Brittany Markert” →

Art

Lux In Tenebris at Lethal Amounts

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on Lux In Tenebris at Lethal Amounts
From left to right:
From left to right: “Little Ghoulie Fig. 10” and “Little Ghoulie Fig. 11” by Steven Russell Black

“Lux In Tenebris,” which translates to “Light in Darkness,” is the latest exhibit at Lethal Amounts in Los Angeles, California. The group dark art show features more than 30 artists from across the globe and was curated in collaboration with Ahuixa Swimwear and Brooke Kent Art & Design.

Ahuixa is a high-end alternative swim apparel line that takes its name from the Aztec goddess Ahuic who guides running waters. Brooke Kent is an artist and graphic designer whose work highlights death, beauty, the natural and the subconscious. Both curators hold a deep appreciation for creativity that embraces the shadows and morbidity inside us, and the exhibition reveals this aesthetic. Continue reading “Lux In Tenebris at Lethal Amounts” →

Art

The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Angel Dust”

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Angel Dust”
From left to right: "Fields" and "Fed The Lions II " by Iva Troj
From left to right: “Fields” and “Fed The Lions II ” by Iva Troj

This past weekend, The Dark Art Emporium in Long Beach, California, introduced its latest exhibit, “Angel Dust,” featuring Rachael Bridge, Iva Troj and Meagan “Magpie” Rodgers. Each artist created a series of new pieces that collectively evoke a realm of morbid enchantment. Continue reading “The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Angel Dust”” →

Events, Fashion, Lifestyle

MM Fabrications Debuts Unholy Collection: INRI

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on MM Fabrications Debuts Unholy Collection: INRI
MM Fabrications INRI: Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate
MM Fabrications INRI: Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch’intrate

Missy Munster, the occult fashion designer behind MM Fabrications, revealed her latest collection of head and chest pieces—INRI: Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch’intrate. The theme references both the bible, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” and Dante Alighieri’s poem “Inferno” with the Italian phrase translating to “Abandon all hope, ye who enter.” Just as the poem’s protagonist journeys through Hell, attendees were welcomed into a dark realm that majestically evoked death and decay. Continue reading “MM Fabrications Debuts Unholy Collection: INRI” →

Events, Travel

Celebrating Halloween Around the World

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Celebrating Halloween Around the World

Halloween Aound the World

Although these days Halloween has become known for costumes, trick-or-treating and haunts, the history behind the holiday stretches far back in time, nearly 2,000 years ago with the Celts who celebrated Samhain between October 31st and November 1st. Eventually with the spread of Christianity, the Celtic tradition would be absorbed into All Saints’ Day (November 1st) and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd).

Interestingly, the Christian Church celebrated All Souls’ Day in a similar way to Samhain, maintaining customs such as building bonfires and donning costumes. The origin of the term “Halloween” is the Middle English word meaning All Saints’ Day, “Alholowmesse.” In time, the night before November 1st would be referred to as All Hallows’ Eve and then as Halloween.

From America to Asia, celebrations of this holiday have spread worldwide with countries commemorating the day in diverse and fascinating ways. Following is just a small fraction of what Halloween festivities take place. Continue reading “Celebrating Halloween Around the World” →

Dining & Drink, Nightlife

Sinister Pointe’s Spooky Spirit Lounge

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on Sinister Pointe’s Spooky Spirit Lounge
Sinister Pointe Spirit Lounge reserved seating
Sinister Pointe Spirit Lounge reserved seating

Sinister Pointe is renowned for bringing terrifying haunts to Orange County, and for the first time this year, the production company has introduced a horror-themed pop-up bar that is absolutely chilling in all the right ways. Welcome to the Spirit Lounge! Continue reading “Sinister Pointe’s Spooky Spirit Lounge” →

Art, Events

Lethal Amounts Presents Exclusive Charles Manson Exhibit

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Lethal Amounts Presents Exclusive Charles Manson Exhibit
Charles Manson Exhibit at Lethal Amounts
Charles Manson Exhibit at Lethal Amounts

On August 9, 1969, the Manson Family would commit five brutal murders that included actress Sharon Tate and her unborn child. On the 50th anniversary of the massacre, I attended the opening reception of the Charles Manson exhibit at Lethal Amounts.

For four days, from August 8th to August 11th, the gallery showcased never-before-seen artifacts that either belonged to Manson or those connected to him, original art, newspaper clippings, letters and other pieces. Highlighting a controversial and vicious time in American history, the event gave insight into how these killings deeply altered an era. Continue reading “Lethal Amounts Presents Exclusive Charles Manson Exhibit” →

Dining & Drink, Events, Nightlife

You’re Invited to Mad Hatter’s Gin & Tea Party

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on You’re Invited to Mad Hatter’s Gin & Tea Party

 

Photo with the Mad Hatter and Dormouse
Photo with the March Hare

Are you ready to take a trip down the rabbit hole? If the answer is yes, then you’re in for a charming time that promises to become “curiouser and curiouser” as it progresses. Produced by Fever Labs, Inc., the Mad Hatter Gin & Tea Party is an immersive experience taking place in Hollywood, California. The event is 90-minutes of entertainment featuring delicious cocktails, naughty humor and, of course, characters the Mad Hatter, Dormouse and March Hare. Continue reading “You’re Invited to Mad Hatter’s Gin & Tea Party” →