Events

Odd & Macabre Los Angeles Events 2019

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on Odd & Macabre Los Angeles Events 2019
Vampire Bar
At the True Blood-inspired bar at Warner Bros. Studios Horror Made Here

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the holiday. Now that 2018 is in the books, it’s time to get ready for what 2019 has in store. I have to say that I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend many amazing events this past year featuring uniquely talented individuals. In seeking out the odd and macabre happening near me, I discovered new places, experiences and people. I’ve already started filling my calendar with upcoming affairs and thought it’d be a good idea to share these with my readers. My mission is to introduce you to exciting new events that you can check out whether you live in the area or are visiting. Here we go! Continue reading “Odd & Macabre Los Angeles Events 2019” →

Dining & Drink, Nightlife

The Apocalypse Has Come to Long Beach in the Guise of The 4th Horseman

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on The Apocalypse Has Come to Long Beach in the Guise of The 4th Horseman
The 4th Horseman
The 4th Horseman

A dark and horror-filled restaurant has set up shop in Long Beach, California. Opening its doors this past November, The 4th Horseman is one of the most unique pizza joints to grace the city. I visited the spot and absolutely loved the vibe. If you haven’t been, here’s a look inside.

Continue reading “The Apocalypse Has Come to Long Beach in the Guise of The 4th Horseman” →

Art, Events

Delving Into The Art of Mourning with Hayden Peters

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Delving Into The Art of Mourning with Hayden Peters
Art of Mourning with Hayden Peters
Art of Mourning with Hayden Peters

Are you familiar with mourning jewelry? I did not know much about the topic until I attended a lecture at The Mystic Museum in Burbank, California, presented by Hayden Peters, the scholar behind the project Art of Mourning.  He gave a fascinating talk about the history of these sentimental pieces throughout the centuries showing photos of these relics, some from his personal collection. I’m going to share with you a few highlights and pictures of the evening. Continue reading “Delving Into The Art of Mourning with Hayden Peters” →

Art, Events

The Dark Art Emporium Presents D.W. Frydendall’s “Haunted Mansion”

by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments on The Dark Art Emporium Presents D.W. Frydendall’s “Haunted Mansion”
"Madame Leota" and "Watching Busts" paintings by D.W. Frydendall
“Madame Leota” and “Watching Busts” paintings by D.W. Frydendall

The Dark Art Emporium, a fine art and oddities shop in Long Beach, California, recently debuted the latest uncanny collection by artist D.W. Frydendall — “Haunted Mansion.” It commemorates the upcoming 50th anniversary of the iconic Disneyland attraction. I stopped in opening night and captured photos of the exhibition and more. Have a look! Continue reading “The Dark Art Emporium Presents D.W. Frydendall’s “Haunted Mansion”” →

Literature

Author of Honor Series: Part IV

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Author of Honor Series: Part IV

Book Stack and Tea Cup

The final week of National Novel Writing Month is here and that means this is the last Author of Honor blog post of the series. I knew from the beginning that I had to include this novelist. Besides Anne Rice, she is the only other writer who I can say I’ve read most of her works. She has also been a great inspiration to me. So, without further ado, allow me to introduce the author to conclude the series. Continue reading “Author of Honor Series: Part IV” →

Literature

Author of Honor Series: Part III

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Author of Honor Series: Part III

 

Noose

We are entering week three of the Author of Honor Series! I had a very difficult time choosing who I would feature and being an indecisive Libra does not help. I had narrowed my selection to two candidates, both with interesting backgrounds, but from different time periods. You might be wondering why I can’t just write about one this week and save the other for last. Well, that’s because I already have the final novelist picked, so I had to play the elimination game with this round. After much contemplation, I’ve decided to highlight a contemporary writer with a gruesome family history. Thus the reason for the preceding image. Read on to discover of whom I speak. Continue reading “Author of Honor Series: Part III” →

Literature

Author of Honor Series: Part II

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Author of Honor Series: Part II

 

Photo by Paul Numrich

The next Author of Honor sadly passed away 14 years ago on the date I am typing this — November 9. I had already planned to sit down and begin writing about this novelist before discovering that today marked this occasion. Strange coincidence? He died at the age of 50, before witnessing the significant imprint he would leave on the literary world. A somber note to start on, I admit, so let’s turn the mood around. This author penned an awesome crime fiction trilogy with a central female character that is fearless and, quite frankly, kicks ass! Have you guessed who it is? Continue reading “Author of Honor Series: Part II” →

Literature

Author of Honor Series: Anne Rice

by Jennifer Vasquez18 Comments on Author of Honor Series: Anne Rice
Aaliyah as Akasha in the film adaptation of “Queen of the Damned” (© Warner Bros.)

November is Novel Writing Month, so to commemorate this event and because writing is one of my passions, here is a blog post highlighting one of my favorite authors-Anne Rice!

Note: This blog post was originally part of a 2018 series I titled “Author of Honor.” I love to read and there are many writers I find influential, so I selected a few to introduce to readers to commemorate National Novel Writing Month. Anne Rice was the first in the series. Continue reading “Author of Honor Series: Anne Rice” →

Events

A Spooky-Filled Birthday Weekend: Inside Horror Made Here & More

by Jennifer Vasquez16 Comments on A Spooky-Filled Birthday Weekend: Inside Horror Made Here & More
Sitting upon my throne at the Fangtasia Bar inside Warner Bros. Studios: Horror Made Here
Sitting upon my throne at the Fangtasia Bar inside Warner Bros. Studios: Horror Made Here

I’m an October baby, so every year for my birthday, I like to celebrate by hitting up a few Halloween haunts. I just had a weekend full of spooky fun and want to share it with you all! Continue reading “A Spooky-Filled Birthday Weekend: Inside Horror Made Here & More” →

Events, music

Electronic Rock Band Julien-K Shakes Up The Glass House

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Electronic Rock Band Julien-K Shakes Up The Glass House
A shot of Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh rocking out on stage
A shot of Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh rocking out on stage

It’s been more than a year since I last saw Julien-K, one of my favorite bands, perform live. After completing a summer tour with The Stone Temple Pilots, Bush and The Cult, the group is on the road again on two sets of fall tours. One is with Jonathan Davis (lead vocalist of Korn) and The Birthday Massacre, and the other is also with The Birthday Massacre, plus Ghostfeeder. I attended a concert they did recently in Pomona, California, at The Glass House where they put on an adrenaline-pumping show. Continue reading “Electronic Rock Band Julien-K Shakes Up The Glass House” →