Itäó»s not quite Halloween, but local artists are already gifting us with delirious takes on the spooky, unnerving, weird and downright terrifying. Here are a few of the choicest monstrous oddities on offeräóñand a few less-freaky outings for the timid.
Dark Carnival Rocky Horror Picture Show–Sunset Point Cinema Bar and Grill–Friday, Oct 21, 10 p.m.
For more than 40 years(!), cult audiences have thronged to enjoy a little subversive song and dance about mad science and vampiresäóñbut also to be a raucous, food-throwing part of the show. This screening includes a äóìshadow cast performanceäó by the veteran troupe Interchangeable Parts. Weäó»re not entirely sure what that is, but it sounds fun.
For those who havenäó»t been to a Rocky Horror show before, consider coming prepared. According to the official fan site, the starter set of props includes rice, toast, toilet paper, and a deck of cards äóñ but prop bags will also be on sale at the performance. Admission isæ$12.æLearn more here.
Daddy Kool Zine Fest–Daddy Kool Records–Saturday, October 22, Noon to 6 p.m.
Despite prognostications, digital technology hasnäó»t killed printäóñin fact, a whole new generation of self-starting publishers have kept the craft of handcrafted bookmaking vibrant. There are multiple äóÖzine fests across Tampa Bay, but this is the first hosted by Daddy Kool Records. It promises food vendors and a chance to connect with dedicated up-and-coming writers and artists. This is a free event.æLearn more here.
Ghostbusters and Walking Dead Day–Emerald City Comics–Sunday October 23, noonætoæ6 p.m.
The zombie hordes are returning, as AMCäó»s The Walking Dead premiers a new season this Sunday äóñ and at the same time, the recent Ghostbusters remake is hitting Blu-Ray. To get you amped up, Clearwateräó»s unimpeachable Emerald City Comics is putting together a day packed with nerd-bait. That includes several actors from The Walking Dead (among them local Owen Harn), cosplayers, and artists. There are also several raffles, discounts at the store, free comics and äóñ weäó»re not even kidding äóñ an appearance by a medieval live-action roleplaying group, who will whet their swords on zombie blood for your entertainment. Learn more here.
Keep St. Pete Lit Literary Salon with Sabrina Dalla Valle–Morean Arts Center–Wednesay, October 26, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
St. Petersburg-based poet and author Sabrina Dalla Valle kicks off a season of literary salons sponsored by Keep St. Pete Lit. Dalla Valle has a new collection of poetry out, entitled äóìBee as Timbral Space: A post geometric eclogueäó äóñ a title which should be enough to clue you into the experimental bent of her writing. The event promises a live reading of the work by Dalla Valle äóìand company,äó which weäó»re hoping means things will get strange.æ$5 suggested donation.æLearn more here.
Machine Gun Kelly–Jannus Live–Thursday, October 27, 7 p.m. toæ11 p.m.
Named one of XXLäó»s Freshman class in 2012 and one of Complex magazines 25 best rappers under 25 in 2013, Machine Gun Kellyäó»s music walks the line between confessional introspection and raucous hip-hop hedonism.æ A recovered heroin addict from a rough-and-tumble background, MGKäó»s first two records were chart-toppers for his label, P. Diddyäó»s Bad Boy, and heäó»s collaborated with big names like Waka Flocka Flame and Chief Keef. Heäó»s got a reputation as a relentless performeräóñhis speed on the mic is where he got his stage nameäóñand this promises to be an electric set.æTickets are $25.æLearn more here.
Honorable Mentions:
Jeremy Denk Plays Mozartæat Ruth Eckerd Hall, Oct 23
Guest Bartender Mayor Rick Kriseman at The Ale and The Witch, October 24
Machine Gun Kelly at Jannus Live, October 27
