Lifestyle

The Dark Pariahs of Society: A Baby Bat’s Ruminations on Goth

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on The Dark Pariahs of Society: A Baby Bat’s Ruminations on Goth
Left image: me at the age of 16 circa 2002; Right image: me at Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Halloween 2019 event

To commemorate World Goth Day this year on May 22nd, I’ve decided to take a nostalgic look back at a high school paper I wrote on the subculture in 2002. I was 16 years old and in 11th grade. The assignment was for an English class and I was to write an expository essay. I was a young goth who was still learning about the scene and eager to share the knowledge I had gained. This project was my opportunity to not only reveal to readers the dark beauty of this alternative community, but also proudly proclaim my connection with it.

Continue reading “The Dark Pariahs of Society: A Baby Bat’s Ruminations on Goth” →
entertainment, Performing Arts

The Burlesque Series: Introducing Miso Pretty

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on The Burlesque Series: Introducing Miso Pretty
Photo credit: Beth Cocuzzi

She’s well-versed in revving up an audience, teasing onlookers with seductive moves and strutting her long legs across the stage. Jennifer Tseng Werber, known as Miso Pretty in the burlesque world, got her start in the industry more than 20 years ago. The entertainer has also worked her talent behind the scenes producing her own Asian burlesque variety revue in 2019 called The Jade Follies, which was met with much success.

Continue reading “The Burlesque Series: Introducing Miso Pretty” →
entertainment, Performing Arts

The Burlesque Series: Introducing Ruby Champagne

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on The Burlesque Series: Introducing Ruby Champagne
Photo credit: Girlie Show Photography

She’s lauded as “The Mexican Spitfire of Burlesque” and it’s a title aptly deserved when you witness the fiery spectacle Ruby Champagne delivers! The performer has been dazzling audiences worldwide for several years, hitting stages in London, Paris, Toronto, Los Angeles and many others. If you’re not familiar with this entertainer, it’s time you two get acquainted.

Continue reading “The Burlesque Series: Introducing Ruby Champagne” →
entertainment, music

Vampires Descend in The Sixth Chamber’s “Walpurgis Night”

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Vampires Descend in The Sixth Chamber’s “Walpurgis Night”
Lead singer & guitarist Rahne Pistor of The Sixth Chamber

“Walpurgis Night, when, according to the belief of millions of people, the devil was abroad—when the graves were opened and the dead came forth and walked. When all evil things of earth and air and water held revel.”

-Bram Stoker’s Dracula’s Guest

Like bats taking flight from their shadowy cave, gothic metal band The Sixth Chamber has emerged, releasing the lyric music video to their latest single “Walpurgis Night.” The newest track will be part of the group’s third full-length album, which is currently in the works, and nocturnal souls are sure to revel in it.

Continue reading “Vampires Descend in The Sixth Chamber’s “Walpurgis Night”” →
entertainment, Events

“Stranger Things” Drive-Into Experience

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on “Stranger Things” Drive-Into Experience
Promotional art for Stranger Things, Season Three (© Netflix)

This past 2020 Halloween season was quite different, to say the least. Many haunts throughout Southern California were cancelled due to COVID restrictions and I know I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be walking through haunted mazes with monsters hiding in every corner waiting to jump out at me. But there was an alternate type of haunt that would arise due to the circumstances and these were drive-thru attractions.  

Continue reading ““Stranger Things” Drive-Into Experience” →
entertainment, Lifestyle

11 Dark Podcasts To Listen To Now

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on 11 Dark Podcasts To Listen To Now
Photo by Cottonbro

It’s only been over the past year that I’ve started listening to podcasts. The onslaught of the pandemic is partly how I got into exploring the shows and episodes that are out on various platforms. And, of course, because my tastes are on the uncanny side, the ones I’ve gravitated towards deliver engaging, macabre content. So, I decided to share my finds with you in case you’re looking for other ways to consume entertainment. Here’s a list I’ve curated of 11 dark podcasts to listen to now!

Continue reading “11 Dark Podcasts To Listen To Now” →
Art

Spotlight On Chet Zar & the Dark Art Society

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Spotlight On Chet Zar & the Dark Art Society
Dark artist Chet Zar

They’re the creatures that plague your nightmares; the monsters hiding under the bed; the shadows looming in dim corners; other-worldly entities that transcend time and space; demons that beg to come out and play. For more than two decades, artist Chet Zar has been rendering these beings that are bred in the imagination and subconscious. His creations populate the realm of Dark Art, a movement that exudes no fear when it comes to embracing the macabre, grotesque and uncanny.

Continue reading “Spotlight On Chet Zar & the Dark Art Society” →
Art, occult, Spiritual

Spotlight On Content Creator Miss Magic Girl

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Spotlight On Content Creator Miss Magic Girl
Photo credit: Magic Frigren

Welcome to the enchanting universe of Magic Frigren! Get ready because you’re about to step into a world filled with mystical beings and imaginative inventions. The content creator, who hails from Sweden, developed her YouTube channel Miss Magic Girl TV several years ago and covers a menagerie of fascinating topics, including esotericism, literature, horror, crafting and more. She’s also quite gifted artistically and writes poetry, has published books, has a comic series, makes dolls and mixed media art, and is into filmmaking and stop motion animation.

Continue reading “Spotlight On Content Creator Miss Magic Girl” →
Fashion, Lifestyle

My Vampire Transformation: Getting Custom Fangs by Father Sebastiaan

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on My Vampire Transformation: Getting Custom Fangs by Father Sebastiaan
Photo credit: Pandora

My love for vampires has been rooted in me since adolescence. The history, mythology, literature, culture and lifestyle surrounding these nocturnal creatures have long held my fascination. I’ll admit that as a teen, after reading Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, I hoped that there was a vampire lurking in the darkness, keeping watch over me and waiting for the opportune moment to turn me. Well, that hasn’t happened yet, but I recently experienced a transformation of sorts that has strengthened my connection to the vampire realm—I grew a pair of fangs. No, not literally. I had the opportunity to do a virtual consultation to get custom fangs made by master fangsmith Father Sebastiaan. Read on to find out about my experience.

Continue reading “My Vampire Transformation: Getting Custom Fangs by Father Sebastiaan” →
Events, Lifestyle

9 Macabre Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on 9 Macabre Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Who’s looking for a macabre Valentine? If candy hearts, teddy bears and pink roses aren’t your thing, then have a look at this collection of alternative ways to celebrate the holiday. First, I want to say that this list is not just for romantic couples. The fun can be sucked out of Valentine’s Day because the emphasis is primarily on romantic love. While there is nothing wrong with that, I want to imbue the occasion with an entirely different aesthetic—one that’s darker, spookier, mystical and even a bit creepy in the most amusing ways possible.

To me, February 14th is a celebration of love in its multitude of forms and so the suggestions I make can be enjoyed with best friends, family, pets, significant others or by yourself. Here are 9 Macabre Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Continue reading “9 Macabre Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day” →