Author: Jennifer Vasquez

I'm a writer and an avid reader. I was classically trained in voice years ago and once aspired to become an opera singer. I enjoy immersing myself in music, from classical to goth rock tunes. I'm fascinated with vampires, all things spooky, vintage style and old Hollywood films. My website covers events, people, places and topics that embody all that is odd and macabre.
Lifestyle

Vamp Jenn’s Crypts: Welcome to Vamp Manor

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on Vamp Jenn’s Crypts: Welcome to Vamp Manor
Photo credit: Lady Vamp Manor
Photo credit: Lady Vamp Manor

On this edition of Vamp Jenn’s Crypts, we’ll be visiting Vamp Manor based in Townsville, a city in Queensland, Australia. It’s the place Lady Vamp and The Wolf call home, as well as the namesake of their brand. The power couple, Kyra and Richard, established their online shop out of their love for handcrafting dark decor. The pieces they sell are custom made and exquisitely detailed, inspired by the macabre and occult. Since they are so gifted at creating their own ornamentations and have an eye for style, it comes as no surprise that their residence is magnificently furnished.

Continue reading “Vamp Jenn’s Crypts: Welcome to Vamp Manor” →
Art, Events, occult

H.R. Giger Tribute Art Exhibit + Joe Vaux’s “Escape Pod”

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on H.R. Giger Tribute Art Exhibit + Joe Vaux’s “Escape Pod”
"H.R. Giger" The Tourist X Peter Lorre
“H.R. Giger” The Tourist X Peter Lorre

Copro Gallery in Santa Monica has unveiled its latest exhibitions: “Brain Salad Surgery,” a H.R. Giger tribute group art exhibit, and Joe Vaux’s solo show, “Escape Pod.” I attended opening night, and it was incredible to see so many stunning pieces in person.

Continue reading “H.R. Giger Tribute Art Exhibit + Joe Vaux’s “Escape Pod”” →
Lifestyle

Welcome to Vamp Jenn’s Crypts

by Jennifer Vasquez18 Comments on Welcome to Vamp Jenn’s Crypts
Welcome to Vamp Jenn's Crypt
Welcome to Vamp Jenn’s Crypt

I’m introducing an all-new blog series titled Vamp Jenn’s Crypts! I’m so excited to finally launch this project. I came up with the idea more than two years ago while watching an episode of Architectural Digest featuring burlesque star Dita Von Teese. It got my wheels turning about how awesome it would be to see inside the homes of individuals who are darkly inclined. It also brought to mind the early 2000s show MTV Cribs, which, if anyone recalls, took viewers inside the dwellings of celebrities.

Continue reading “Welcome to Vamp Jenn’s Crypts” →
entertainment, Events, Performing Arts

Dita Von Teese Presents Glamonatrix

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Dita Von Teese Presents Glamonatrix
Vamp Jenn attending Glamonatrix
Vamp Jenn attending Glamonatrix

Burlesque queen Dita Von Teese kicked off her Glamonatrix tour on New Year’s Eve 2022 in Los Angeles, ushering in 2023 in style. After two months of touring across the U.S. and parts of Canada, she concluded the run toward the end of February at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, CA. I witnessed the finale in all of its glory, and it was magnificent.

Continue reading “Dita Von Teese Presents Glamonatrix” →
Dining & Drink, music

Adrienne LaVey Debuts Absinthe-Inspired Single “Goddess in a Glass”

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Adrienne LaVey Debuts Absinthe-Inspired Single “Goddess in a Glass”
Singer and absinthe connoisseur Adrienne LaVey
Singer and absinthe connoisseur Adrienne LaVey (Photo credit: Rowan & Elle Studio)

Opera vocalist and absinthe enthusiast Adrienne LaVey is unveiling her first solo track titled “Goddess in a Glass” on National Absinthe Day, which is celebrated annually on March 5th. The song pays homage to the legendary and oft-misunderstood spirit, honoring the creative inspiration it incited in artists during the 19th century and beyond. It’s a beautiful ode that exquisitely captures the drink’s essence and true nature.

Continue reading “Adrienne LaVey Debuts Absinthe-Inspired Single “Goddess in a Glass”” →
Art, Events, History, Literature

“Bite Me” Vampire Exhibit Featuring a Special Lecture by Dacre Stoker

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on “Bite Me” Vampire Exhibit Featuring a Special Lecture by Dacre Stoker
Vamp Jenn and Dacre Stoker
Vamp Jenn and Dacre Stoker

Did you know there are descendants of Bram Stoker alive today? One of these family members is Dacre Stoker who is the great grandnephew of the notorious Dracula author. He’s taken up the mantle as overseer of the Stoker legacy and, together with his wife Jenne, manages the Bram Stoker Estate. For years, he’s been traveling worldwide, giving presentations on his ancestor and the creation of Dracula and his other literary works. The Menagerie Oddities Market sponsored his most recent tour across California, and he delivered a fascinating lecture at the SugarMynt Gallery in Pasadena. This was done in conjunction with the gallery’s latest art show, the “Bite Me” Vampire Exhibit. It was an evening fit for the undead, and I’m here to share it with you.

Continue reading ““Bite Me” Vampire Exhibit Featuring a Special Lecture by Dacre Stoker” →
entertainment, Film, holidays

9 Horror Films to Watch on Valentine’s Day

by Jennifer Vasquez17 Comments on 9 Horror Films to Watch on Valentine’s Day
Samantha Robinson as Elaine Parks in The Love Witch (© Anna Biller Productions)
Samantha Robinson as Elaine Parks in The Love Witch (© Anna Biller Productions)

Blood, death and love are in the air this Valentine’s Day. For those who prefer to keep things spooky when February 14th rolls around, I’ve curated just the list for your viewing pleasure. If your plans are to stay in and watch a movie, why not make it a horror movie? As the holiday of romance draws nearer, I got to thinking about creepy and tragic love stories. Of course my incessant need to give every holiday a macabre makeover is part of it too. So, following is a selection of films I’ve personally handpicked and seen that I find appropriate for Valoween. They’re a delightful mix of dark comedy, gothic and scary, and I present them here in chronological order. Enjoy!

Continue reading “9 Horror Films to Watch on Valentine’s Day” →
Literature

Spotlight On Rose Sinister: Vampire Scholar & Author

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on Spotlight On Rose Sinister: Vampire Scholar & Author
Rose Sinister (Photo credit: Rachel Clinesmith, editor-in-chief Vampyre Magazine and owner of Vampyre Cosmetics)
Rose Sinister (Photo credit: Rachel Clinesmith, editor-in-chief of Vampyre Magazine and owner of Vampyre Cosmetics)

Author and content creator Rose Sinister has been on a mission to explore the question, “Why do we tell vampire stories?” This query laid the foundation for her podcast Rose Sinister: Vampires, which she launched in 2018. Since then, she’s branched off to work on multiple projects dedicated to enriching people’s knowledge of these creatures of the night, plus she’s just released her first novel within the vampire genre titled This Crimson Debt. I had the opportunity to interview the writer and read the story, and it’s fangtastic. Don’t worry; there won’t be any spoilers in the following review.

Continue reading “Spotlight On Rose Sinister: Vampire Scholar & Author” →
entertainment, Events, music, Nightlife

Welcome to Phantasmagoria: A Night with Death Rock Icon Eva O & The Sixth Chamber

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Welcome to Phantasmagoria: A Night with Death Rock Icon Eva O & The Sixth Chamber
Vamp Jenn at Phantasmagoria at the Knucklehead Hollywood
Vamp Jenn at Phantasmagoria at the Knucklehead Hollywood

I spent Friday the 13th attending Phantasmagoria, an event showcasing live dark music, bewitching entertainment and macabre vendors. It’s the creation of Rahne Pistor, founder of The Sixth Chamber, and it debuted in 2021 in Las Vegas. It’s continued to take place ever since in both Sin City and Los Angeles. The January 2023 edition was held at Knucklehead Hollywood in LA and featured performances by The Sixth Chamber and the legendary Eva O, as well as other beguiling amusements.

Continue reading “Welcome to Phantasmagoria: A Night with Death Rock Icon Eva O & The Sixth Chamber” →
entertainment, Events, holidays, Lifestyle, Nightlife, Travel

Odd & Macabre Events 2023

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on Odd & Macabre Events 2023
Vamp Jenn at Midsummer Scream
Vamp Jenn at Midsummer Scream

It’s 2023, and one can’t help but marvel at all the upcoming spooky and dark-filled delights the new year has awaiting in the shadows, ready to come forth and lure people in. Vamp Jenn’s Corner has established a tradition around here releasing its annual Odd & Macabre Events Calendar in January. I’ve scoured the beyond to find the most magical experiences slated to happen in the coming months, so you can all set dates and plan outings. Of course, I hope to attend as many of these events as I can as well.

The offerings featured here are taking place in Los Angeles and across the U.S., but I am trying to add events happening internationally too. What follows is what’s been announced thus far, but new activities continue to come up as the year goes on. I also include spooky holidays and special occasions. I will be updating this calendar throughout 2023, so make sure to check back often. Cheers to a New Year of the most sinister escapades yet!   

Continue reading “Odd & Macabre Events 2023” →