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.
Art, Events

Ghoulish Art Inspired by “Goosebumps” and “Tales from the Crypt”

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on Ghoulish Art Inspired by “Goosebumps” and “Tales from the Crypt”

Tales from the Cryptand Goosebumps BackdropR.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” book series is probably many children’s introduction to horror. I know they were for me. And late night, spine-chilling television on HBO was once dominated by the show “Tales from the Crypt,” based on the 1950s EC Comics. Who could forget the grim mansion and maniacal laugh of the Crypt Keeper? Both initially flourished during the 1990s giving audiences an entertaining dose of scary.

As an ode to “Goosebumps” and “Tales from the Crypt,” The Mystic Museum in Burbank, California, has created an exhibit showcasing a wide range of artwork inspired by both series. I attended opening night and had a ghastly good time!  Continue reading “Ghoulish Art Inspired by “Goosebumps” and “Tales from the Crypt”” →

Events, Performing Arts

The Undying Love of The Phantom of the Opera

by Jennifer VasquezLeave a Comment on The Undying Love of The Phantom of the Opera

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies

Fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” have a chance to relive the magic with the sequel “Love Never Dies.” More than 30 years ago, Webber’s musical adaptation of the French novel by Gaston Leroux hit the stage and its popularity has not waned since. It is still performed live across the globe. There was also a 2004 film version starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum in the lead roles. For those who wondered whatever happened to the characters, here’s your chance to find out. Continue reading “The Undying Love of The Phantom of the Opera” →

Events

Meet-Up with Avelina De Moray & Mahafsoun

by Jennifer VasquezLeave a Comment on Meet-Up with Avelina De Moray & Mahafsoun

Recently, I met up with two individuals who have made quite a name for themselves in the goth and alternative scene — Avelina De Moray and Mahafsoun. Each has an impressive social media following due to creative projects they have launched. They hosted an intimate meet and greet in Hollywood, California, where I got to chat with this talented pair. Continue reading “Meet-Up with Avelina De Moray & Mahafsoun” →

Art, Events

“The Shining” Exhibit at The Mystic Museum

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on “The Shining” Exhibit at The Mystic Museum
"The Shining" welcome banner at The Mystic Museum
“The Shining” welcome banner at The Mystic Museum

When you need to satiate your curiosity for the bizarre, The Mystic Museum and its sister store Bearded Lady Vintage & Oddities in Burbank, California, are the places to go. Both shops sell unique items, such as esoteric literature, tarot cards, spirit boards and jewelry. They also host events from movie nights to seances. Currently, “The Shining” Art Show is on display and for all of you Stephen King and horror fans out there, here’s a look inside. Continue reading ““The Shining” Exhibit at The Mystic Museum” →

Dining & Drink, Nightlife

A Bewitching Dining Experience: The Cauldron Bar

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on A Bewitching Dining Experience: The Cauldron Bar
Imbibing in the Grey Witch potion
Imbibing in the Grey Witch potion

Located in Buena Park, California, is a cozy little sanctuary called The Cauldron Spirits & Brews. The witch-themed restaurant and bar welcomes guests to cross its threshold for  an enchanting evening of good food and divine drinks. If you’ve yet to visit, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at this delightful spot. Continue reading “A Bewitching Dining Experience: The Cauldron Bar” →

Events, Nightlife

A Night with Dita Von Teese

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on A Night with Dita Von Teese

 

Dita Von Teese and The Copper Coupe

Not since Gypsy Rose Lee has the art of burlesque looked so chic and tasteful until Dita Von Teese arrived on the scene more than 20 years ago. The performer’s notoriety, as well as fan base, has increased immensely over the years and the world is a more glittering place because of it.

The year 2018 will see Dita Von Teese, the queen of burlesque, and her “vontourage” setting out on a new tour, The Copper Coupe presented by Absolut Elyx. Continue reading “A Night with Dita Von Teese” →

Lifestyle

Best Ways to Keep the Halloween Spirit Alive Year-Round

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on Best Ways to Keep the Halloween Spirit Alive Year-Round
potion-skull-poe-book630

If you’re like me, you start the countdown to next Halloween once November 1st hits. I absolutely love when fall rolls around, especially when October begins. Both my birthday and favorite holiday happen during this time. Some celebrate All Hallows’ Eve just for the day, some make it a month-long fete. For me, Ministry got it right when they sang “Every Day is Halloween.” For those of you out there that feel the same, here are some of the best ways to keep the Halloween spirit alive throughout the year.

Continue reading “Best Ways to Keep the Halloween Spirit Alive Year-Round” →
Film

Must-See Contemporary Films & TV Series for the Victorian Goth

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on Must-See Contemporary Films & TV Series for the Victorian Goth

Photo courtesy of moviestillsdb.com
Photo courtesy of moviestillsdb.com

Pining to watch something that oozes sensual morbidity, gothic horror, tightly laced corsets, melancholy characters, and the backdrop of a gray and gritty England? The films and TV series featured here have at least one or a combination of these components. Although by no means an exhaustive compilation of cinema with a 19th-century dark edge, these are a few of the best contemporary works the Victorian Goth will fancy.

Continue reading “Must-See Contemporary Films & TV Series for the Victorian Goth” →

Art, Events

Welcome to the Lair of Leafar Seyer

by Jennifer Vasquez1 Comment on Welcome to the Lair of Leafar Seyer

"The Pain Isn't Over" art exhibit by Leafar Seyer of Prayers
“The Pain Isn’t Over” art exhibit by Leafar Seyer of Prayers

Images of Aleister Crowley, Baphomet, serpents, a skull-faced Virgin Mary, inverted crosses and the number 666 fill the gallery space at These Days in Los Angeles. This is the realm created by Leafar Seyer for his debut solo art exhibition “The Pain Isn’t Over.” The artist is one half of the duo Prayers — self-described cholo goth musicians who formed the electronic rock group back in 2013. Continue reading “Welcome to the Lair of Leafar Seyer” →

music

Julien-K’s Time Capsule – A Future Retrospective

by Jennifer Vasquez1 Comment on Julien-K’s Time Capsule – A Future Retrospective

Julien-K Time Capsule - A Future Retrospective
Julien-K Time Capsule – A Future Retrospective

Julien-K is the electro-rock group spearheaded by former Orgy band members Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck. They formed in the early 2000s and since then, have made quiet a name for themselves in the underground music scene. With four full-length albums under the band’s belt, they decided to run one of their most ambitious Indiegogo campaigns in 2017 – a four disk cd set featuring a total of more than 60 unheard tracks. As a fan, I was not going to pass up the opportunity to support the project and add this rarity to my audio collection. Continue reading “Julien-K’s Time Capsule – A Future Retrospective” →