Literature

12 Unusual Facts About Mary Shelley

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on 12 Unusual Facts About Mary Shelley
Portrait of Mary Shelley by Richard Rothwell
Portrait of Mary Shelley by Richard Rothwell

In 1818, Mary Shelley published her first major work, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. More than 200 years later, the novel is still popular among gothic horror fans. Not only has it sparked numerous movie adaptations, but the monster of the narrative has been the inspiration behind Halloween costumes, haunts and a Frankenstein-themed bar in the UK. The author also continues to be a prominent literary figure today, inspiring countless contemporary horror writers. There’s even an annual holiday commemorating her birthday and notorious book, Frankenstein Day on August 30th. To pay homage to the author, here are 12 interesting facts about Mary Shelley that may surprise you.

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Events

Midsummer Scream Thrills & Chills

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Midsummer Scream Thrills & Chills
Cross Roads Escape Games at Midsummer Scream
Cross Roads Escape Games at Midsummer Scream

For the first time in three years, Midsummer Scream made its long-awaited return to Long Beach, CA! After having to cancel the event in 2020 and move to a smaller venue in 2021, the Halloween and horror convention had its homecoming in 2022. If you don’t know, the event spans across a three-day weekend, featuring discussion panels, celebrity interviews, haunts, vendors and other activities geared toward the spooky community. I’ve been looking forward to it for months and am here to share details of my experience.

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Dining & Drink, entertainment, Events, Nightlife, Performing Arts

REVIVE Circus & Dining Experience at Vibiana

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on REVIVE Circus & Dining Experience at Vibiana
REVIVE at Vibiana in Los Angeles
REVIVE at Vibiana

I recently stepped back into the Roaring Twenties during my time at REVIVE—an immersive experience that delivered astounding circus performances while guests wined and dined. The show had its final run this past weekend and, although I’m sorry to say it has ended for now, I wanted to share details and photos I took throughout the evening. It was a night filled with delightful libations, delectable food and dazzling entertainment. 

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music, Performing Arts

Spotlight on Wikka: Classical Music Artist with Gothic Flair

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Spotlight on Wikka: Classical Music Artist with Gothic Flair
Wikka (Photo by Jacob Maximillian Baron)
Photo by Jacob Maximillian Baron

The worlds of classical music and dark alternative magically collide when listening to the melodies of Wikka. The artist behind the persona is Alexia DelGiudice Bigari who’s an adept vocalist and violist from New York City. She studied at The Juilliard School, then went on to receive her Master of Music degree at Northwestern University. Her classically trained background and appreciation for the macabre influence her art, and the result is enticing.

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music

Spotlight on Edward Transylvania: Dark Singer, Songwriter & Poet

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Spotlight on Edward Transylvania: Dark Singer, Songwriter & Poet
Singer, songwriter and poet Edward Transylvania
Photo courtesy of Edward Transylvania

Into the depths of the psyche we go, with artist Edward Transylvania as our guide. The Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and poet has been crafting macabre magic through his lyrics for more than a decade and is continuing to carve out his own place within, not only the goth genre, but also the world of dark music. Listeners can expect passionate vocals and sinister beats.

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Dining & Drink

Kissed by Marilyn Monroe Wines

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Kissed by Marilyn Monroe Wines
Vamp Jenn enjoying Marilyn Wines
Vamp Jenn enjoying Marilyn Wines

I was 18 years old when I first saw a Marilyn Monroe film. I was familiar with her image and had seen her face on all sorts of souvenirs, from t-shirts to purses to coffee mugs. But that was all I knew of the starlet until that day when I turned on the television and saw her on the screen. I was mesmerized by the way she moved, her powder white hair, her doe eyes and coy voice. The movie was Some Like It Hot and I watched it in awe, laughing like crazy as she and her two cross-dressing co-stars, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, got into outrageous shenanigans!

Ever since, I’ve been hooked on the blonde bombshell. I’ve read many biographies, seen most of her films and have become a collector of Monroe memorabilia. So, it’s only fitting that I start my journey of becoming a Marilyn Wines connoisseur. In celebration of what would have been her 96th birthday on June 1st, I’m reviewing three wines I tried from the glamorous brand. Cheers!

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Lifestyle, music

Experiencing the Goth Subculture Through the Music

by Jennifer Vasquez22 Comments on Experiencing the Goth Subculture Through the Music
Gothik: Special Anniversary Edition CD compilation
Gothik: Special Anniversary Edition CD compilation

When I started getting into the goth scene, I went on a mission to navigate my way through the numerous bands that existed. Since it is a music-based subculture, I wanted to have at least a general knowledge of what had been and was continuing to be produced. One of the beautiful facets of goth is its rich musical heritage. There’s an abundance of beats and sounds that have been created within the genre, and others that have sprouted from it, such as darkwave, ethereal, deathrock and coldwave. For World Goth Day, I’m going to share what I listened to and some of the core groups that were my gateway to the music.

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Lifestyle

A Macabre Mother’s Day Gift Guide

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on A Macabre Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Spooky Mother's Day celebration (Photo credit: Monstera from Pexels)
Spooky Mother’s Day celebration (Photo credit: Monstera from Pexels)

When Mother’s Day rolls around, I see a ton of gift ideas, but sadly, none that resonate with moms who have darker tastes. Well, I decided to set things right and create a gift guide filled with recommendations suited for the macabre parent. Here, you’ll find ghastly items meant to pamper and electrify the Morticia Addams in your life. To all the mommies that are into Halloween, horror, witchcraft, goth and gothic, this is for you.

Note: This list is not exhaustive but will at least give you a good start and serve as a source of sinister inspiration. The article features no affiliate links. I’m simply supplying the URLs to support these small businesses.

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entertainment, Events, Film

The Mystic Museum Presents 90s Slashers Immersive Experience

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on The Mystic Museum Presents 90s Slashers Immersive Experience
Scream photo op at The Mystic Museum's 90s Slashers Immersive Experience
Scream photo op

The Mystic Museum in Burbank, Calif., has unleashed an all-new immersive experience that pays bloody tribute to 90s slashers! My interest was piqued when the oddities shop announced the event, and I had the chance to attend the recent grand opening. Horror fans are in for quite a treat, and I’m giving a peek inside for those dying to find out more.

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music

The Sixth Chamber New Release: “Red Death Masquerade”

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on The Sixth Chamber New Release: “Red Death Masquerade”
Dani Divine in The Sixth Chamber's "Red Death Masquerade" (Photo credit: Mark Newton)
Dani Divine in The Sixth Chamber’s “Red Death Masquerade” (Photo credit: Mark Newton)

A strange plague is coming and it’s thirsty for blood…

The Sixth Chamber has released a new music video for their single “Red Death Masquerade” and it’s to die for! The band’s blend of retro gothic metal, gothic rock and epic doom exquisitely sets the dark, foreboding mood for the tale that unfolds throughout the recording.

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