Also this issue: Join The Parade -David Warner Minimalist Effort -A.D. Amorosi Bright Lights, Big Stage -Paul Burress

October 24-30, 2002

mixpicks

Celebrations of Evil!

BYE-BYE BLACKBIRD: Poe Evermore at the Mount Hope Estate.

by Josh Levandoski

There is nothing like a little Satanic fun. Despite the protestations of nearly every self-righteous do-gooder, there lies a resolute underbelly of average folks with a little hellfire in their hearts. From the minimal evil of sticking a thumbtack on my fifth grade teacher’s seat (a nun no less -- ha, ha) to the deeply disturbing evil of stealing a friend’s girlfriend back in 1995 for the mere sport of it, I have seen the depths of Hell, and look forward to feeling the flames on the back of my neck. Does this make me a bad person? Of course it does. But, what better time to find your inner demon than during the Halloween season?

You see, with all the talk of trick-or-treat, I turn to the simple solution of tricks as treats. This is not a call to all the lonely souls to scour Chestnut Street for a little rented love, but rather an economically sound guide to getting some Halloween kicks without having to resort to egging someone's house:

Having a mock human sacrifice in your parents' living room is a good way to start. For those of you still living with your folks at 28, this is a surefire way to get kicked out. But, at least you'll retrieve your dignity in the process.

For those of you who still wish to maintain familial ties, shriek your way on over to the American Swedish Historical Museum's first-ever, kid-friendly Halloween party, with food, drink and jack-o-lantern painting (Sun., Oct. 27, 2 p.m., $5, 1900 Pattison Ave., 215-389-1776). lternatively, check out an evil Halloween Folk Dance Party (Tue., Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., $3, Lloyd Hall,#1 Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive) Satan loves to folk dance. It's true.

Run down one of the more affluent streets in your neighborhood, shouting out to Satan to make love to you.

Head on up to the Mount Hope Estate in Cornwall, Pa, for a theatrical staging of Edgar Allan Poe's death. Poe Evermore uses the Mount Hope Estate grounds to celebrate the best opium-smoking horror writer that ever was. Along with a re-enactment of Poe's funeral, there will be performances of some of his best-known pieces. Most likely, these pieces will be hidden under some floorboards. (Oct. 25-Nov. 10, call for times, $16.95, Mount Hope Estate, Rt. 72, Cornwall, 717-665-7021 ext. 231)

Vox Populi and Space 1026 galleries bring us the Annual Halloween Party, as a benefit for Vox's coming season of exhibitions and grassroots arts programming. (Sat., Oct. 26, 7 p.m.-midnight, $10, Vox Populi, 1315 Cherry St., 215-568-5513) Be warned: Prizes for most creative costume may be clinched, in a shock result, by an in-house effort.

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Scare all the kids coming to your house by giving them raisins as their treat. That always made me shudder.

All Bat Boys will be glad to hear about "Release the Bats: A Dracula Film and Cultural Festival" at the Prince Music Theater and Rosenbach Museum & Library. Sink your teeth into the festival's two-week exploration of all things Transylvanian and pale, from lectures and films (See this week's Screenpicks on p. 48) to an exhibit featuring Bram Stoker's original research and manuscript notes on Dracula. Also swing by to see just how many necking puns can be made in one sitting. (Runs through Nov. 2; call for times, $3-$8.50, events at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700, and Rosenbach Museum & Library, 2008 Delancey Pl., 215-732-1600.)

Walk into your local convenience store with blood on your hands, and ask for a wet-nap. Be sure to maintain a calm smile. That'll get 'em.

Put on your best goth outfit and head on over to Egypt, where the usual humping and grinding will be postponed for the Twentieth Annual Dracula's Ball. (Thu., Oct. 31, 9 p.m., Egypt, 520 N. Columbus Blvd., $13, www.draculasball.com) The promoter of the event, Dancing Ferret Entertainment Group, claims to be "the country's leading promoter of vampire-themed events," so you can rest assured that this is no imitation vampire party. The ball will be host to several bands whose prep times for their eyeliner will be undoubtedly longer than their sets. There will be a drawing for a trip to go vampire hunting in Romania, as well as a contest to see who is the most self-loathing. As a matter of courtesy, please bring your own blood.