Haunted Emporium Magazine: 2017

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Your Guide to Haunted Houses in the Chicago Area

Picture - Chicago Tribune / Disturbia Screams in the Park

Well, are you ready for this season of Horror? Buckle up kiddies. Here's all you need to know about local haunted houses in this area. For more information click on the attraction's name - will take

Hellsgate

Big year for this Zombie Army's newest adventure. Expanding on structure and location they've added quite the bit of surprises for us visitors this season - that is...if you can survive the zombie infested woods and haunted cemetery and find your way to the house

Tickets $28-60 with fast pass and instant entry options available

Park at the Metra lot - 1300 S State Street Lockport IL

http://hellsgate.com

Statesville Haunted Prison

Travel through this intense haunt. New Manic Ward, and 7 newly opened rooms in Ward 7. City of the Dead features LIVE snakes, rats, cockroaches as you travel through the depths of underground caverns. Zombie Paintball is another option at this location - featuring over 100 targets, animatronics and live zombies

$30-$50 Fast pass option available

http://www.statesvillehauntedprison.com

Fables Warehouse X

Not recommended for children under 13!

In a top-secret government facility, an ancient evil has been awakened. Terrifying monsters from across time and space have flooded into our reality. It’s up to you to send them back in Chicago’s only haunted attraction that combines the terrifying thrills of a haunted house with the adrenaline-pumping action of laser combat

$25-$35 for VIP option. Opens October 6th

601 Dundee Avenue East Dundee IL

http://www.fablesfrightnights.com

MASSACRE HAUNTED HOUSE

Adult Themes. NOT recommended for Children under 15

Waiting area now features a 2nd Floor DJ Booth and Photo Ops that include used sets from the movie Saw. All new abandoned hospital

tickets $25-$40 including fast pass options

299 Montgomery Road Montgomery Road

www.fearthemassacre.com

Basement of the Dead

Basement is located at an old Laundry Company build in the late 1920s. Scenes newly remodeled for this season - Shattered 3D is the world's first and only 3D Flashlight Haunt. Known for intense characters and great props.

$25-$45 fast pass option

42 W New York Aurora IL

www.basementofthedead.com

DOA Room Escape

heart-pumping, adrenaline-laced, interactive experience you'll get hooked on from the minute you hear that door close behind you. You are locked in a room with friends, family and possibly even strangers. Don't be alarmed. You are all there for one reason...to escape the room. Once the door is locked, you have 60 minutes on the clock to put your brains together to find clues, solve puzzles, crack lock combinations and decipher riddles in order to find the "key" to your escape before your time is up!

$30 special matinee $22 - see site for details

717 N Iowa Street Villa Park IL

www.doaroomescape.com

EXTREME HAUNT - LaCasa De Satanas

New Extreme Haunt in Pilsen. Open October 26th - 31st

Must Sign a waiver to enter. 18 and over. Interactive Performance Art Based Haunted House. Violence, nudity, Sexual Context and Gore.

$25

2058 W 21st Chicago

http://lacasadesatanas.wixsite.com/satanas/tour

D.E.A.D. RISING

Dead Rising Haunted House is an old school in your face haunt.

We build all of our own props and sets for a uniquely terrifying experience.

Tickets $15 - $20 VIP Opens Saturday Sept. 30th

13624 S Cicero Crestwood IL

http://www.deadrisinghauntedhouse.com/

FRIGHTMARE HAUNTED HOUSE

Family Friendly. Frightmare is Back! October dates only

$12 admission

Haunted Trails - 7759 S Harlem Burbank IL

http://hauntedtrailsburbank.com/frightmare

Of course there are many more in and around the City. Check out my calendar at www.halloweenjeans.com for more haunts, events and adventures!

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Review of Jeepers Creepers 3

Yesterday was the long awaited return of the Creeper in Jeepers Creepers 3. If you're a fan of the franchise, you know already both the controversy and the 15 year span waiting for this movie But was it worth the wait? I went last night to the premier to see

This movie takes place between Part 1 and 2. Going back in time for an "inbetween" movie wasn't what fans wanted to hear - Ideally, we wanted to see the exploration of where the creature came from and his beginnings. This was promised in Cathedral - which is said to have been filmed and completed at the same time as Part 3. That was a little disappointing.

Being a devoted fan of both Part 1 and 2 - I've never fully enjoyed the story. It never made sense to me why Darry would want to keep checking out the tunnel in Part 1 - even after both he and his sister were being chased by the creature. It's like a bad slasher film where there is no reason except to keep the movie going - but the kills were good, so were the effects - and it made an enjoyable movie.

The 2nd installment was fantastic. The Creeper was stealthy, scary and blended into the cornfield. He picked those kids off the bus without any problems.

In this installment, we see a much larger Creeper - with bad makeup and clothing. He looks old and tattered rather then scary.

The story centers around a farm - Meg Foster plays Addison's Grandmother, Gaylen Brandon who lost her son - Kenny - 23 years earlier to the Creature. He reappears to her in visions showing her the creatures hand - that fell out of the sky prior to his death. He was in a truck when his buddy got snatched up, this happens in the beginning - his friend had a machete - which falls and cuts through the hood of the tow truck and then the hand after. Kenny hides - and then later buries the Creature's hand at their farm. To hold hands - with this hand - will show the person where the Creature is from. And again we are just told that he is an ancient being.

The deaths in this movie are all over the town rather then contained to the Farm. We also see the creatures truck in action - complete with boobie traps to help capture and then later contain his prey. I enjoyed when the Creature fell victim to one of his traps later in the movie - would not be a Jeepers Creepers without him getting banged up while he's hunting.

The beginning of the movie is dark - but so was Part 1. In this age of better prosthetics and makeup - I would have expected this movie to shine in this area. If you wait until the end of the movie to watch the interview with Jonathan Breck - who plays the Creature - he looks better in the chair then on screen. One of the shinning parts for this franchise was in Part 2 - when we finally got to see the Creature in all his ugly and profound glory. We do get an eye-ball and a gill - which he smells fear through - but later in the film, his mask looks loose and sloppy.

Part 3 does retain some of the same humor. Aside from the Creeper getting beat up - we have a misfit team of Officers who add humor to the story, along with a dragged out "WTH" scene where the Creature is getting shot while he is slowly jumping through the air. First impression - terrible scene - but the premise is to be cheesy.

This, for me was not a serious horror movie - which is what many expected, and I expect very disappointed because of this reason.

If we get Cathedral - I would hope they save these scares for later.

Controversy - I don't understand why it was waited until the 3rd installment for this to really become an issue with Director Victor Salva. If you're not familiar, he was convicted - and served time - for Child molestation. Which is terrible. I do not blame the victim - who was only 12 years old at the time - Salva was in his 20s. This was in 1988.

I do however, think protest would have had a bigger punch done at the time of the 1st and esp 2nd installment - when Salva made most of his money. No matter what 3 brings in at the box office - it will be small in comparison to these movies - both on their own or combining.

Part 3 is really to be enjoyed at home with a few friends and drinks

If you do want to see it in Theaters, Jeepers Creepers 3 will play again October 4th in select areas. Otherwise DVD/Steaming is slotted for December 26th of this year.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Midwest Haunters

Midwest Haunters runs June 7th - 11th in Columbus Ohio.

Scaled to stretch home haunters imagination and budget - here are some of my picks for the weekend.

Of course The Body Art Fashion Show

Picture from Midwest Haunters Website

Touring Haunts: Including Dent Schoolhouse and two "touch" style haunted houses - excellent ways to remove you of your comfort zone

Wednesday, June 7

The Dent Schoolhouse (Cincinnati, OH), a rare lights on tour of this historic detailed top haunt.sville, KY

Waverly Hills Sanatorium (Louisville,KY), experience a one hour lights on tour at one of the most (actually, for real) haunted places on earth.

Grim Trails Haunted Attractions (Louisville, KY), nearly a ¾ mile of frights through the woods and this unique haunt is awesome.

The Haunted Hotel (Louisville, KY), 26 years of horror, makes this classic haunt a consistently rated top attraction in the country.Please note This Haunt is an Extreme Touch Haunt!

The 7th Street Haunt (Louisville, KY), one of the biggest attractions in Kentucky with an old school approach to scaring.

The Devil’s Attic (Louisville, KY), great detail and creative scares at a must see attraction in Louisville.

Thursday, June 8

Wicked World Scaregrounds (Lexington, KY), a Lexington favorite offering 10 years of fear with two fantastic attractions; Nightmare Haunted House and Quarantine.

The Mayhem Mansion (Morning View, KY), this morbid-looking manor is one of the most hair-raising haunts in Kentucky! Please note this is a Touch Haunt

Face Your Fears Hotel of Terror (Springfield, OH), tour this dilapidated hotel and experience bone-chilling scares!

Haunted Hoochie - Just stop. This place is ridiculous

Artists, Vendors

And a great line up of classes - here are a few from the many opportunities to learn useful skills during the weekend

Turning Actors Into Top Notch Queue Line Performers

Kevin Alvey on Prop Building

Sinister Secrets & Techniques That Will Give Your "Home Haunt" That Professional, Theme Park Look!

Silicone and It's Uses: Use Silicone to Build up Realistic Wounds and SPFX

Midwest Haunters is part of Transworld and you MUST be in the Haunt Industry to register. Home Haunters are welcome in attendance. Classes are additional and it is less expensive to pre-register. If you're looking to scale out your existing haunt or build something creative to draw people - MHC is the place to go.

http://www.midwesthauntersconvention.com/

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Haunters Guide to Transworld

Transworld is a complete sensory overload. If you’re not familiar with the show, it is the Industry’s guide to what is new and upcoming - props, makeup - facades, marketing - there is an enormous amount of information and education that is available at the show - including classes and plenty of eye candy.

As an attendee it’s very easy to wander through getting lost if you don’t have a game plan - which may not be exactly what you want. The show can be expensive, so let’s use your time and money wisely. Here’s some tips to maximize both.

Please note - you must own or belong to a Haunted Attraction or related business in order to register for the show

Classes.

With 3 days of classes, there’s an enormous amount to choose from.

My picks for owners/managers both land on Saturday. Each class is $50 if pre-registered

“It’s Show Time” With John LaFlamboy
11:30-12:30 - Room 101

Zombie Army’s fierce brand of acting is what drives customers. This has been proven through their growth and loyal followers over the years. John is a hands on creative, knowing how to pull the best from his crew to get results.

Formula for Fear - Margie Kerr

10:15-11:15am - Room 102

Behavioral science is not just for textbooks and classrooms - it works very well when targeting customers. Margie’s class promises to show how to manipulate the mind along with the senses - giving your audience something to really write home about.

Artists Friday

Glen Hetrick

11:15-12:15am - Room 105 - $40

Artists will not want to miss Glen’s appearance - his amazing props are not just attractive, it’s his journey on up. Starting as a janitor to creating some of the best visuals in the entertainment business - his story is very inspiring and he knows great talent and focus.

Using Prosthetic Makeup

10:15-11:15am - Room 104 - $50 pre-registered

Face-off contestants - Evan Hedges, Kevon Ward and Michael Faust take you on a journey in prosthetics. Much of their work is now featured seasonally at 13th floor - known for their visually stimulating productions

Bloody Mary Class - Bobby Weiner

9am -10am - Room 231

FREE
class Saturday morning to create Frozen Zombie Makeup. Attendees will get their own makeup kit - get there early for guaranteed entry.

Business Owners/Managers

Website and Logos

Sunday Morning - 9am -10 am
- FREE Seminar

Chris and Chad are known for their stunning visuals. This rare round table event is not to miss out on.

There are also several listings here for Marketing. If you’re new to the business - I recommend Digital Marketing, Making additional money and Sponsorship.

The last two possibly more important then the first if you own a brick and mortar haunt. I enjoy creative ways to keep visitors happy - timed ticketing, additional attractions, games. This not only encourages additional participation and revenue generating but. will likely add to your visitor’s experience telling their friends about their visit - word of mouth is essential to staying in and maintaining consistent growth in business.
In a very dense industry it is only wise to take care of your roots for long term success.

Sponsors
- working on the other end with my business I know when and if we would enjoy continuing that partnership. Keep your sponsors happy by continuing patronage. Our best sponsors currently are the Street Outlaws - who have put us in a much larger bracket - with both sales and reputation - and in the business world, this is king. Well thought out, these relationships are win/win for everyone involved.

Those looking to get their feet wet in the Industry - there is a FREE Seminar Friday Morning - Laying the Foundation for an Awesome Professional Haunt

Universal Studios
will also present I’m sure what will be an amazing seminar Thursday morning.

Midnight Syndicate
- is hosting two events at this year’s event. The first - a FREE seminar Saturday at 10am which will go over making music for the industry. Topics include tips of effective use of music in haunts, legal and creative process, and a Q & A by Rich Hanf.

Saturday at Noon - Gavin and Ed will meet with their fans - in full concert appeal ~ signing autographs, taking pictures. It is their first meet and greet at a convention together in over 10 years. Booth #1222

https://www.facebook.com/events/171...

Don’t be a Bully
- kicks off their silent auction in booth 1907 Thursday morning - runs until Saturday at 5pm. Be sure to stop by and bid on some of these fantastic donations.

Click here for more information:

Don't be a Monster Charity

Home Haunters will also have a chance to meet up and share ideas. Main meet date is Wednesday the 22nd - however, there are more opportunities to be announced. Link for more information:

https://www.facebook.com/events/577369129118754/

There are of course parties and networking opportunities after the doors of the show close for the evening.

Aside from The Darkness, Phobius Haunted House will be open Saturday evening. About an hour’s drive from the Convention Center in St Louis. Admission is $25

https://phobiushaunt.ticketleap.com/2017-march/

I also recommend taking a small detour and visit Soulard - a small neighborhood founded by Breweries. Ghost tours are $20 - www.seeaghost.com

I hope you walk away from Transworld with enough information for a very successful season. It truly is one of the greatest experiences for being creative and planning - and the start of our Halloween

Best of luck ~

Registration, dates and information can be found at:

www.haashow.com

Check out highlights from our visit to last year's show:

Year round calender of horror, conventions, art shows and Industry related events check out my site at HalloweenJeans.com

Friday, March 3, 2017

World of Wheels

Art by Coghill Cartooning ~

I get pretty excited around this time of year ~ World of Wheels, St Patrick’s and we finally start breaking our way out of winter. This year wasn’t so bad - kept busy with a lot of horror. Biggest show this weekend is World of Wheels at Donald E Convention Center. I enjoy this show because the chop toppers and rods, but, there is something for everyone. There’s quite a few beautiful cars here. We get two floors - 2nd hosts Tuners. I enjoy their bands - and watching Voodoo Larry and Winfield get some metal work done. It’s been wonderful to see that end grow - custom bikes is another area they’ve expanded on. If you’re interested in a show, I’ve included links below the pictures.

Shows to keep an eye out for next week is Phantogram at the Riv, Mac Sabbath (Reggies) - how fun - Anthrax at the end of the month ~

For those who consider traveling, there are some fun conventions that are worth mentioning - and a circus (yes!) Amazing puppetry, death defying acts, for those missing big top acts

Happy Halloween ~

World of Wheels

Rat Rides, Hearse, Chop Top - Rockabilly. Bands Saturday evening. One of my favorite shows of the year

https://autorama.com/attend/chicago/

Circus 1903 Oriental Theater

Amazing puppetry brings Elephants back into the ring - surrounded by daring acts. Runs March 21st - 26th

http://www.circus1903.com/#

Double feature of Metallica & Maiden.

Midlothian Friday / Barrington Saturday evening

www.sullivans147.com

CONival Pop Con - Orland Park Artists, Family Entertainment -

FREE! Admission

https://www.facebook.com/CONivalCon/

Jefferson Starship - Cubby Bear

Small Venue - great opportunity to see them

www.cubbybear.com

Traveling?

Underground Monster Con - Oklahoma City OK

Art - Exhibits - Carnival Theme - Costume Contest

www.undergroundmonstercarnival.com

Gettysburg Paracon - June 2017

Ghost Tours, Special Guests - including cast of the Walking Dead, Demon Experts - at one very special location

www.gettysburgparacon.com

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Big City Haunting

Picture credit - Midnight Terror Haunted House - Chicago Tribune

Love this picture - one of the best scenes in Midnight Terror. Real water - was an area where you slid around in oatmeal ~ Would need to explain the scene better. But it was cool. Had some good visuals going on here.

If you don’t work all year, March is generally the time for haunters to break out of hibernation and get creative. This year, Halloween has come early. Windy City Haunters is giving owners, actors and interested creatures a chance to get creative. If you’re into makeup or considering becoming a haunt owner, you’ll want to check this out .

$30 gets you in for the entire weekend - classes, costume contest and breakfast included. Media class the same as what Transworld is featuring for $50 ~ If you're a haunter you'll want to register

www.windycityhaunters.com

The Mummies come to House of Blues

Show 17 and over. Saturday (18th) - $25

http://www.houseofblues.com/chicago/EventDetail?tmeventid=04005145FEF644F5&offerid=42229

Lateraus / Facelift / Deftones Cover band White Pony

Have heard great things about Lateraus Joes on Weed Street - Saturday $8 if you print and bring the flyer in 21+

www.joesbar.com

In The Flesh - 21+ - Wire

Wire has some great acousic sound - good selection of brews - but In The Flesh is a great reason to get out. Had a chance to catch them last year and they were terrific. Been jamming Animals - it’s a good time to hear it.

Saturday Evening - $10 advanced / $12 door. 21+

http://www.wireismusic.com/

Dead Horse Trauma

Penny Road Pub - 21+

www.pennyroadpub.com

Nocturna Valentine’s Day Ball

http://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7409334/nocturna-valentines-day-ball-chicago-metrochicagoil

Dining with the Divas

http://www.oakparkbeer.com/events/event/dining-with-the-divas/

Mitch O’Connell - In store signing at Reel Art

https://www.facebook.com/events/648419685337538/

Keep your dates open for next weekend’s Pancakes & Booze show at Reggies.

Spanning both Friday and Saturday - has become an enormous weekend with artists and music.

www.reggieslive.com

Happy Halloween ~

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Not Just another Boring Holiday Season

Tired of traditional Valentine's Day Ideas?

Haunted Houses and Burgers? Cool. Go shred your Ex - party if you’re really hating.Huzzah!

Concerts - there’s nothing that says I love you more then moshing it up ~

There’s some really good events out there this weekend - and early into next week. Get out there and enjoy them. Don't spend another year snoozing

Happy Halloween ~

Haunted Houses

Had to do this first ~ and 4 of this area’s haunts are open. Massacre is Saturday only. Make sure to check dates/times for all haunts - and for discounts before you head out to your destination.

Valentine’s Day in Wonderland

Nothing says I love you more then being surrounded by the Dead ~ First year for a Valentine’s Day opener. Their seasonal is pretty terrific ~ Looking forward to seeing this one.

www.basementofthedead.com

13th Floor’s Valentine’s Day X

13th Floor to me has always been known for their visuals ~ Wouldn’t expect anything less then what they constantly deliver. Scares are fun. Great costumes. May wish to grab a vip coming here - always a good wait coming here.

www.13thfloorchicago.com

Valentine’s Day Massacre - at Massacre Haunted House

Oh Massacre, how I love thee ~ Bloody for Halloween, Gore for the New Year. Massacre is gritty and fun. Always cool prop and costume additions, continually adding on - there’s always a good surprise each season.

Midnight Terror

Another new Valentine’s Day haunt, and Halloween’s was fun. Loved their chainsaw area - nothing fancy - enjoyed the acting - fun dialog - and you should’ve seen everyone’s faces as they were running away from - actors did an excellent job.

www.midnightterrorhauntedhouse.com

Music

Few good shows here - my main being Spare Change playing with Lodi. If you’re South Side, you know Bryan - if not, you should see them. Their new album is out - If you dig Punk, it’s a good listen. This has been moved from the Double Door to Reggies (great food) - link will take you there instead.

www.reggieslive.com