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.
Events, Film, halloween, music, Performing Arts

LA Opera Brings the Spanish Version of ‘Dracula’ to the Big Screen

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on LA Opera Brings the Spanish Version of ‘Dracula’ to the Big Screen
Vamp Jenn attending LA Opera's screening of the Spanish Dracula
Vamp Jenn attending LA Opera’s screening of the Spanish Dracula

Did you know there is a 1931 Spanish-language film version of Dracula? It was released the same year as the notorious adaptation starring Bela Lugosi. When LA Opera announced this would be their movie selection for Halloween, I was ecstatic. Every year during the last weekend of October, they choose a horror film to play that’s accompanied by live orchestra. I knew this was a rare opportunity I couldn’t miss, and I’m here to share it with you.

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Events, halloween

Getting Spooky at Knott’s Scary Farm

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Getting Spooky at Knott’s Scary Farm
Vamp Jenn at Knott's Scary Farm
Vamp Jenn at Knott’s Scary Farm

I have to start off by saying that I hadn’t been to Knott’s Scray Farm in more than 20 years. The last time I went to the event was around 2000/2001 when I was a teen. I don’t remember much of my experience, and for quite some time, I kept hearing people rave about how good Halloween time at the theme park had gotten. So, 2024 was the year I planned my grand return, and I’m here to divulge all the details.

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Events, halloween

Inside Dark Harbor: The Spirits Rise on The Queen Mary

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Inside Dark Harbor: The Spirits Rise on The Queen Mary
Vamp Jenn at The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor
Vamp Jenn at The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor

The last time I attended The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor was in 2019 before it went dark for the proceeding four years. Experiencing its return this spooky season was exciting and overwhelming to the senses. Where do I begin? Since I’m an October baby, I celebrate my birthday by hitting up whatever Halloween events I can. Of course, Dark Harbor was at the top of that list. It was a night filled with frights and delights, and I’m eager to tell you all about it and share a ton of photos.

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Culture, Film, Lifestyle

How Lydia Deetz of ‘Beetlejuice’ Influenced the Goth Subculture

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on How Lydia Deetz of ‘Beetlejuice’ Influenced the Goth Subculture
Winona Ryder as Lydia in Tim Burton's 'Beetlejuice' (© Warner Bros.)
Winona Ryder as Lydia in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (© Warner Bros.)

When Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice hit cinemas in 1988, the goth subculture was still in its youth, having only been around since the late 70s/early 80s. The scene was evolving and growing both in music and fashion, so for a figure like Lydia Deetz to pop up on the big screen, many black hearts in the audience must have stopped. How many teenage goths can you recall appearing in 80s films? While there may have been a few, none have left as lasting an impression as Winona Ryder’s macabre character. With the release of the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, I thought it’d be fun to take a look at a few of the influences Lydia Deetz has had on the goth community.

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Film

Short Body Horror Film ‘Unravelling’ Explores the Complexity of Chronic Illness

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Short Body Horror Film ‘Unravelling’ Explores the Complexity of Chronic Illness
Shona McHugh as Fiona in Unravelling 
Shona McHugh as Fiona in Unravelling 

Receiving a diagnosis of relapse remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) would feel like a real-life horror story to many, and this disease is at the center of the short body horror film Unravelling. Writer, director and award-winning Scottish filmmaker Aimie Willemse is the mastermind behind the project and was inspired to make the film after being diagnosed with RRMS in 2020 at the age of 30. The short film is not widely released but has started making its rounds at various film festivals, premiering recently at London’s FrightFest. I had the wonderful opportunity to see it in advance and am here to share some enticing tidbits.  

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music

Macabre Shoutout: Black Rose Moves Releases New Song “Ghost Town”

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Macabre Shoutout: Black Rose Moves Releases New Song “Ghost Town”
Grant Leon and Mark Neat of Black Rose Moves
Grant Leon and Mark Neat of Black Rose Moves

Hot on the heels of their debut single “Summer of Sorrow,” Black Rose Moves has released another track for your summer listening pleasure, “Ghost Town.”  If this is your first time learning about the band, allow me to introduce you. The group hails from Birmingham, UK, and consists of Grant Leon and Mark Neat. Their music embraces darkwave and post-punk sounds, exuding rhythms that are easy to dance to. Here’s a closer look at their new song.

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Events, halloween

Midsummer Scream Slays Another Summerween

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on Midsummer Scream Slays Another Summerween
Vamp Jenn at Midsummer Scream
Vamp Jenn at Midsummer Scream

Halloween was in full swing at Midsummer Scream! While I’ve made a tradition of attending this event annually, this year was the first time I purchased VIP Gold Bat Passes for the entire weekend. I was prowling the Halloween and horror convention Friday, Saturday AND Sunday. Plus, I attended the Saturday night afterparty, which was another first for me. Get ready for lots of details and pictures.

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entertainment, Events, halloween

Dark Harbor Returns to Haunt The Queen Mary

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Dark Harbor Returns to Haunt The Queen Mary
Photo credit: The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor/Thirteenth Floor
Photo credit: The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor/Thirteenth Floor

Spooky season 2024 witnesses the return of Dark Harbor aboard the Queen Mary. After a three-year hiatus, the Halloween festival is rising from the grave and is aptly themed, “The Spirits Rise.” Many were excited when the news was announced on April 30th, which is Walpurgis Night and the halfway to Halloween mark. It’s no doubt one of the most highly anticipated events happening this fall.

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halloween, holidays, Lifestyle

Countdown to Halloween 2024 Guide

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Countdown to Halloween 2024 Guide
Photo credit: Marko Blažević via Unsplash

So here in the U.S., many have deemed the day after the Fourth of July the official start to spooky season. And, why not? There are no other major holidays that happen in the states until October. I noticed tons of people take to social media on July 5th announcing the official countdown to Halloween. It made me giddy! It also signaled that it’s time to release my annual Countdown to Halloween Guide, which I tend to publish around the 100-day mark on July 23rd (because that’s also a big deal in the Halloween community). While not an exhaustive list, I’ve compiled information regarding shopping, costumes, music, events and more. Happy Haunting!

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Events, occult, spirituality

Exploring the Left Hand Path With Shea Bilé

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on Exploring the Left Hand Path With Shea Bilé
Shea Bilé's The Religion of Satan lecture
Shea Bilé’s The Religion of Satan lecture

I began to stray from my Catholic upbringing and explore other spiritual beliefs as a teen. There was something lacking in my religious education and so I found enlightenment elsewhere. It began with an interest in ancient religions and witchcraft. Then, my teenage self was in absolute awe when I learned there was a Church of Satan and that was how I was introduced to the occult. As I’ve evolved spiritually over the years, I’ve sustained a connection with the Left Hand Path. When I discovered The Crooked Path was featuring a series on the subject with Shea Bilé, who’s an authority on esotericism, I had to attend.

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