Vamp Jenn's Corner

entertainment, Events, holidays, Lifestyle, Nightlife, Travel

Odd & Macabre Events 2025

January 5, 2025January 2, 2026by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments

While one year has gone, another has begun. That means it’s time to look ahead to see what spooky surprises 2025 has in store. Every year on Vamp Jenn’s Corner, I like to compile a list of events that are taking place worldwide throughout the course of the next 12 months. My Odd & Macabre Events Calendar highlights all sorts of gatherings that fall under the strange and unusual umbrella. My hope is that it makes it easier to discover spooky events happening near you.

I include horror cons, immersive experiences, macabre holidays, dark art exhibits, Halloween haunts, and so much more. Some events are returning, so you may have seen them on my past calendars. I try to feature as many things as possible that take place across the globe, so a variety of locations are covered. I also do my best to keep this post updated and add more functions as I learn about them. Here’s a taste of what morbid and bizarre happenings you can expect in 2025. Bookmark and share this page and enjoy!

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entertainment, Events

Ringing in the New Year with Dita Von Teese

January 5, 2025January 23, 2025by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments

Vamp Jenn at Dita Von Teese's New Year's Eve Gala — Vamp Jenn at Dita Von Teese’s New Year’s Eve Gala

The ending of a year can be rife with mixed emotions. I find that how I celebrate can set the vibe for the next 12 months, and ushering in a new year with a burlesque show kickstarts it in a playful way. When Dita Von Teese announced she would be hosting a New Year’s Eve gala in Los Angeles, I knew that’s how I wanted to bid adieu to 2024. Curious to know what happens during a Von Teese burlesque extravaganza? Here’s a peek!

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music

Macabre Shoutout: Divine Shade Debuts Neo Industrial Rock Track “Hate And Oblivion”

December 28, 2024January 21, 2025by Jennifer Vasquez1 Comment

"Hate And Oblivion" by Divine Shade — “Hate And Oblivion” by Divine Shade

Divine Shade continues to unleash their neo industrial rock sounds into the ether with their latest single, “Hate And Oblivion.” The band is based in Lyon, France, and has already collaborated with prominent figures in the industrial music scene, from Gary Numan to former Nine Inch Nails drummer, Chris Vrenna. The new single gives a taste of a bigger forthcoming project.

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music

Dark Alternative Band In Isolation Releases Final EP: ‘Light in Darker Times’

December 27, 2024January 5, 2025by Jennifer Vasquez1 Comment

'Light In Darker Times' EP by In Isolation — *Light In Darker Times* EP by In Isolation

After 20 years of creating music together, In Isolation has released their final EP, Light in Darker Times. The UK-based band has built a reputation for blending various alternative music genres, including new wave, darkwave, and post-punk, and has left a mark on underground music scenes. I had the pleasure of reviewing their 2022 project, Albums | Singles | Soundtracks and am here to give some insight into their latest work.

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Culture, occult, spirituality

Connecting with the Beloved Dead Through ‘The Ofrenda Oracle’

December 22, 2024January 28, 2025by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments

Vamp Jenn with The Ofrenda Oracle — Vamp Jenn with *The Ofrenda Oracle*

When we find ourselves needing deeper insights into a particular aspect of our lives, we search for ways to attain that insight. Some go for a long walk to think, others seek advice from a mentor, and certain individuals turn to cartomancy. This form of divination involves using a deck of cards and is believed to have emerged centuries ago in Europe.

Tarot is perhaps the most popular type of cartomancy today, but there are also Oracle cards and Lenormand cards. The Ofrenda Oracle utilizes the Lenormand method while also possessing characteristics associated with Oracle cards. I used the deck for the first time and want to share my experience with it.

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Culture, Literature, occult, spirituality

Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila

December 2, 2024January 4, 2025by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments

Vamp Jenn reading Mexican Magic by Laura Davila — Vamp Jenn reading *Mexican Magic* by Laura Davila

“As a bruja, you grow to realize that occult forces are always preparing us and positioning us for divine appointments.” –Mexican Magic by Laura Davila

In her newest book, Laura Davila makes Mexican folk spirituality accessible to a wider audience. Mexican Magic places the power to initiate personal transformation in the hands of the reader. I had the privilege of being gifted with a copy by the publisher Red Wheel/Weiser. The fact that this book has come into my possession is an act of magic to me. Over the past few years, I’ve been strengthening my spiritual connections and have begun researching the spiritual customs of my Mexican ancestors. Davila’s latest work resonated with me on many levels, and I believe others who are on a mystical journey can benefit from it as well.

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holidays, Lifestyle

Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2024

November 25, 2024December 27, 2024by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments

Even a dark soul like me has an appreciation for the holidays. I compare myself to Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas. While Halloween Town is his domain, he can’t help but be fascinated by Christmas Town with all its jingles and bells. Plus, Xmas is celebrated when nights are the longest. It’s a vampire’s ideal time of year!

At Vamp Jenn’s Corner, it’s an annual tradition to come out with my Macabre Holiday Gift Guide. It comes in handy when you’re on the prowl for the spooky individual on your shopping list. I decided to change the format a bit this year. Instead of general categories with retailers, I’m listing specific items and including links so you can check out more of what they have. It means a lot to me to support independent creators and entrepreneurs, so the majority of items here will be from small businesses. Happy shopping!

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music

Dilemma Delivers Dark Electronic Sounds in New EP ‘Becoming Alive’

November 10, 2024December 22, 2024by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments

Alex Elias of Dilemma (Photo credit: Shervin Lainez)

For more than a decade, Dilemma has been creating darkly alternative music. It’s a New York-based solo project that was established by producer Alex Elias. The latest EP Becoming Alive was my introduction to his music and it interestingly fuses together various genres that create a cyber gothic nightclub atmosphere. Let’s dive deeper, shall we?

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Events, Film, halloween, music, Performing Arts

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

November 8, 2024November 30, 2024by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments

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

October 29, 2024November 23, 2024by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments

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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