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.
entertainment, Film, holidays

9 Horror Films to Watch on Valentine’s Day

by Jennifer Vasquez25 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!

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Literature

Spotlight On Rose Sinister: Vampire Scholar & Author

by Jennifer Vasquez13 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.

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entertainment, Events, music, Nightlife

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

by Jennifer Vasquez8 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.

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entertainment, Events, holidays, Lifestyle, Nightlife, Travel

Odd & Macabre Events 2023

by Jennifer Vasquez12 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!   

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music

Fuschia Phlox Embraces a Darker Sound in Her New Album ‘Aspro A.S.B.O’

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Fuschia Phlox Embraces a Darker Sound in Her New Album ‘Aspro A.S.B.O’
Musician Emma Russell, aka Fuschia Phlox
Musician Emma Russell, aka Fuschia Phlox

If you rage against the patriarchy and champion women’s independence, then Aspro A.S.B.O. is an album you’d enjoy. It is the latest release from musician Fuschia Phlox and possesses a darker mood compared to her other works. The tracks explore themes of female suppression, objectification and empowerment, beckoning listeners to heed their message in a magical way.

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holidays, Lifestyle

Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2022

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2022
Photo credit: Robin Mikalsen
Photo credit: Robin Mikalsen

What’s on everyone’s wish list to Sandy Claws this year? There are many new things that debut annually, so I’m mainly highlighting goodies that unleashed in 2022. Plus, what I mention might ignite inspiration and more ideas for you. Whether you or the person you’re shopping for have been naughty or nice, I’ve included a little something to appease many tastes and desires. This gift list is full of treats to brighten up dark souls, and I hope it makes the holiday season, or shall I say the holi-ween season, a bit spookier.

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Fashion, Lifestyle

Spotlight on Eclipsed Emporium: A Goth Fashion Boutique in Long Beach

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Spotlight on Eclipsed Emporium: A Goth Fashion Boutique in Long Beach
Inside Eclipsed Emporium (Model: Angelina Sambrotto/ Photo credit: Anabel D'Flux)
Inside Eclipsed Emporium (Model: Angelina Sambrotto/ Photo credit: Anabel D’Flux)

As a goth resident of Long Beach, California, I was thrilled when I heard about the new boutique that opened up for the darkly inclined fashionista, Eclipsed Emporium. It’s nestled in the borough of Bixby Knolls and, when it comes to this part of town, is the only one of its kind and a veritable jewel. Outside of Los Angeles, the only other goth apparel and accessory shop I knew of was Ipso Facto in Orange County. Now there’s a spot in my neck of the woods, and I’m here to share it with you.

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Events, Lifestyle, spirituality

Celebrating El Día de los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

by Jennifer Vasquez17 Comments on Celebrating El Día de los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Vamp Jenn at the Dia de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Vamp Jenn at the Día de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Since 2000, Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles has been home to the largest Día de los Muertos celebration outside of Mexico, and I attended for the first time this year. For 2022, the festivities centered on Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of fertility and the agave plant. There were separate daytime and nighttime events happening, and I went to the latter, Noche de los Muertos. It was an evening filled with beautiful performances, rituals, altars, and so much more.

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Dining & Drink, entertainment, Events, Performing Arts

House of Spirits: The Legend of Vaughan Hall

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on House of Spirits: The Legend of Vaughan Hall
Vamp Jenn at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree hosted at Casa Vertigo in Los Angeles
Vamp Jenn at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree hosted at Casa Vertigo in Los Angeles

For the Halloween season, I returned to the House of Spirits, and this time to explore the legend of Vaughan Hall. I attended on October 15th, its first evening being open to the public. For 2022, the event took place at an entirely different venue in Los Angeles called Casa Vertigo. It offered up new live acts, performances, characters, cocktails and dark secrets.

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Dining & Drink, Nightlife

Beetle House LA’s Third Reincarnation Is the Best Yet

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on Beetle House LA’s Third Reincarnation Is the Best Yet
Vamp Jenn at the new Beetle House LA
Vamp Jenn at the new Beetle House LA

They say the third time’s a charm and I believe it’s true when it comes to Beetle House LA. The Halloween-inspired establishment has moved a total of three times since first opening in Hollywood in 2017. Its newest home is definitely bigger and better, and I have details and photos to share.

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