The Ghoul Time Dispatch Vol. II
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The dead approach, and they don’t look well-fed. Photo courtesy of Nathan Wright and Unsplash [/caption]
Arts news by Nigel “the Night Rake” O’Shea
In the season where spiders reign, we find ourselves caught in the web of harvest time engagement. Halloween hosts prepare for their guests and we assemble our disguises. Whether bug or buffoon, we costume to pass through all hallows 'eve undetected by the spirits. The veil is very thin between this world and the next and so shedding our own clothing along with our inhibitions prepares us to open up to phenomena beyond our comprehension.
Who really knows who is behind that mask next to us. Did we meet a guardian angel, or were we chatting over the party din with the devil? Hard to say in this time of rascals and wraiths. The masquerade gives us the courage to embody other souls, if only to only try them on for an evening. Oiche Samna is a night of tricks, but it is also a gateway to another world and another persona. . . Egads, friend, I have done it again, spiraling down into the annals of my ailing mind. While I grasp at lucidity, let us continue down our lurid trail towards Halloween night. My letterbox is simply bursting with sinister suggestions of amoral avocations to tide your inner demons until December!
Sin flourishes at sea level . . .
There was a time when Port Townsend was a city of dreams. The dreams were of tall ships, commerce and Klondike gold, but on the ground, those dreams shone the darker hue of sailing men pursuing their vices. Houses of ill repute were a dominant business in the town that whisky built, and surely some of that lusty activity produced ghostly heiresses, who remained to taunt, tease and torture. Maybe they seek revenge on the writhing hordes of grog-soaked sinners, maybe they wait at night for their ship to finally come in. If you dare, you can walk with them, if only for a night…
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Photo courtesy of the Haunted Bordello [/caption]
What: Port Townsend’s Haunted Bordello
Woah, is that a . . . : Yes, it’s another word for brothel, you horny toad.
What’s going on there?: It is an “immersive, multi-venue tour where murderous ladies of the night lurk in the darkest corners of our sweet Victorian seaport.”
Where: Beginning at the Maritime Center, 431 Water St, Port Townsend, and strolling to multiple locations in town. Expect to walk about three blocks. Unfortunately most of the historic venues are not ADA accessible.
When: Friday October 24th and Saturday October 25th, from 7 to 10 pm.
How much?: $25 cash or charge.
Do I just show up?: Eager peepers can reserve a spot for their group here, otherwise groups of four to six will queue up for an hour-long tour.
Is this a family event?: Hmm, a real weapon, this one, NO. This is a 17 and older event. “If you are disturbed by skin, sin, or scariness then this probably isn't for you.”
Will there be anywhere to have a drink?: Yes, “The Billy Club, where you'll find themed cocktails, mysterious solutions, and chance to unwind from your ordeal.” 21+
So is this a real bordello, then?: No, you dozy sod, they’re actors trying to scare you and give you a show, no touching, in either direction.
Paging Dr. Frank-N-Furter . . .
A staple for the season, salacious sex cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show will make a Halloween appearance at the lovely Rose on Halloween night with a shadow cast performing along with Brad, Janet and the good doctor. . . . But I hate to bury the lascivious lede, because on the 17th, the same cast will be performing a fundraiser at the Chimacum Grange. Don’t let your meat loaf, grab your fishnets and head to the show!
What: Revenge of the Quimper Queens present: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
So like a movie?: Yes but there are actors in the audience who play along with the movie.
People are shouting at the screen?: Well, yes, and throwing things sometimes.
But how can I focus on the movie?: How indeed, perhaps you should dance. They’ll show you how. Those who have never seen Rocky Horror get special treatment, I promise!
Where: Chimacum Grange #681, 9572 Rhody Dr. Chimacum, WA 98325.
When: Friday, October 17th. Doors are at 7 pm.
Cost: $10-15 suggested donation. The event is a “Punk shadow cast fundraiser for Puck’s top surgery” so dig deep, time-warpers.
Is there a dress code?: As a matter of fact, there is! The instructions are, succinctly, “Dress Slutty”.
Time peels all wounds . . .
If these deleterious detours don’t scratch your itch for devilish diversion, perhaps you are in the mood for a terrifying trip through time! The Port Townsend Kiwanis and Haunt Town take you to the basement of the Elks lodge for a psychological sojourn of startling suspense that will leave you shook! Blood-curdling screams will follow you like Echoes Through Time.
What: Port Townsend Kiwanis and Haunt Town Present: Echoes Through Time.
What gives?: It is a haunted house in the basement of the Elks’.
Where: Elks Lodge No. 317, 555 Otto St. Port Townsend, WA 98368-9710
When: 7-10 pm Fridays & Saturdays, October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 and 6-9 pm Friday, October 31
How Much?: $15. This is a benefit for Kiwanis youth programs.
How Scary?: The frights are appropriate for ages 13 and up. (If you don’t like jump-scares, you really shouldn’t go to haunted houses)
The object of my affliction . . .
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That’s one old pickle. [/caption]
For our final act this week, dear dedicated reader, for those less interested in scares or skin and more in the mood for oddities and objects of problematic provenance, the Jefferson County Historical Society is presenting a talk by author Harriet Baskas. Most museum displays are just a small sample of the overall collection contained therein. In other words, museums have lots of weird stuff in their back rooms because not everything fits, and not everything is safe or appropriate for public display. Hear the author discuss creepy and kooky collections like the catalog of Bing Crosby’s toupees, or precious pieces like the hundred and fifty-year-old pickle. The JCHS will also be bringing out some of their own questionable curiosities!
What: Weird, Wonderful, and Worrisome Objects in Washington State's Museums. A talk presented by Harriet Baskas.
Where: Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water Street, Port Townsend, Washington 98368
When: Saturday, October 18th from 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: Pay as you wish. Donations cover the overhead costs of the event. Pre-registering here is highly suggested.
Once again, fellow fiends, that bilious ball of light is rising in the east and I must adjourn and retire to my comfy cottage underground. A blanket of earth shall hold me snug in my bunk until I rise again to bring you more news of nefarious nocturnal novelties.
Scare thee well,
Nigel the Night Rake
