Alright, get ready for a rundown of the best of Halloween 2012!
Tonight, there's a free early show at the writer/musician/teacher Michael Patrick Welch's home in the Bywater at 609 Lesseps Street, near Bacchanal, featuring the innovative cellist Helen Gillet and the pianist Ratty Scurvics. This is perfect for the working folks wanting to see an entire show and make it home at a decent hour as it begins at 6 p.m. And for those who can stay out later, you have a few choices, but all of which are in the area. At Saturn Bar, there's a free show with Lonely Lonely Knights and Bipolaroid. Pucker up for the Zombie Kissing Booth. If you prefer clowns to the undead, join the Scary Clown Pub Crawl beginning at Allways Lounge at 7 p.m. It's free to join in and there will be drink specials for all clowns along the route. You can dress as whatever you want for the Haunted House Dance Party at Siberia at 10 p.m. There is no cover, and there will be a costume contest with prizes.
On the big day, I recommend sight-seeing first. Voodoo Authentica is holding their annual free Voodoofest in the 600 block of Dumaine in the French Quarter where you can learn about the real religion from real practitioners while munching on delicious home-cooked food beginning at 1 p.m. Euclid Records on 3401 Chartres Street in the Bywater is also having an early party at 2 p.m. with live music by Fight Amp and more, barbeque, and a 20% on your purchases if you're in costume. For the nighttime, I'm going down to the Hi Ho Lounge on St. Claude to see my favorite Russians Debauche play with This Stunted Sixtette and more at 10 p.m.
If you can still function after this holiday and you didn't get costuming out of your system by Friday, there's a remnant of Halloween at Hi Ho Lounge Zombie Prom in honor of Dia de los Muertos. The prom begins at 10 p.m.
Saturday is the first day of the Louisiana Renaissance Faire in Hammond, LA. I recommend this fest for history buffs, nerds, children, and anyone who enjoys sword fights, horses, ales, and corsets. You can visit their website here for more information.
You can chill out finally with a nice acoustic show at Siberia on Tuesday night at 10 p.m. Michael James of My Graveyard Jaw presents his solo songs under the band name Michael James and his Lonesome. Kiyoko McCrea will open the show with her solo set.