Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "costume"

Roaring into 2012 at the Crescent Club

2011-12-29T02:10:40Z

Earlier this year, Woody Allen allowed all those who desired to take a step back into Paris in the 20’s with his hypnotizing film, “Midnight in Paris.” This New Year’s Eve at midnight, an underground speakeasy in Sacramento will play host to another world as well. The Crescent Club Speakeasy in Old Sacramento will host a Roaring 20’s party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Upon entering the concealed back door through the Firehouse alley, visitors will enter an enchanting underground world complete with prohibition era cocktails and appetizers.

Music for the evening will be the Crescent Katz. The six-piece group has performed in the past at events such as the New Orleans Jazz Festival and the French Quarter festival. Throughout the night a Burlesque dancer will perform as well, bringing vogue old and new to the evening, considering the recent popularity of Burlesque groups of all kinds.

The speakeasy will also serve as a speakeasy casino for the night. Visitors ringing in the New Year will receive $500 of gambling “cash” upon arrival and are encouraged to dress for the occasion by donning flapper or gangster attire. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed flapper, the couple with the finest attire and the person who wins the most money at the casino. Champagne and appetizers will be served at midnight in celebration of the new year.

The Crescent Club is located at 1150 Firehouse Alley in Old Sacramento. The speakeasy shares its ownership and management with the Café Americain just up the stairs and hosts live music; namely gypsy swing, jazz and blues; every Friday and Saturday night.

Buy tickets for the New Year’s Eve event by visiting the Crescent Club website. Currently there are less than 20 tickets left at $50. If tickets remain on December 31, tickets will be sold at the door for $65. In addition, a New Year’s Eve dinner will be hosted by the Crescent Club Speakeasy and Café Americain starting at 6 p.m.

For those who dare to be involved in the illicit activities at the Crescent Club this Saturday night, be sure to read the fine print on your registration. Without the password, you may find entrance to this secret and exclusive night in the 20’s unattainable.

One Scary Nite 3

2011-10-29T04:40:07Z

After a slightly flawed but excellent nonetheless One Scary Nite 2, expectations were high for the third annual installment of the "Deon Taylor Enterprises presents: One Scary Nite" Halloween party, which went down at the California Auto Museum Thursday night.

Familiar attractions returning this year included "Mad Scientist" Jack Sparx with his Tesla coil, huge propane fireballs and deranged laugh, stilt walkers, fire dancers, go-go dancers and many bloody, gory "staff monsters" and zombies who shuffled around the venue with a vacant look in their eyes, grunting at passing partygoers.

Absent this year were the red carpet and arrivals, the national musical act (last year it was Bell Biv Devoe), the haunted house, the massive 7,100-pound fire-breathing metal dragon and the long, snaking lines of people waiting to get in.

Notable attendees this year included filmmaker and emcee Deon Taylor wearing an inflatable ostrich costume, former Sacramento Kings player/current regional scout/player development coach Bobby Jackson dressed as Blade, NFL free agent Ephraim Salaam dressed as Master Chief from Halo, and comedian and co-host Tony Roberts in costume as Fred Sanford.

Entertainment included sets by DJ Charlie Ramos and former NBA All-Star Cedric Ceballos and live performances by Sacramento acts I2W, Kumandae and Bueno.

Maybe last year's party was a lot to live up to, or maybe it's the economy, but this year it just didn't come together to be "bigger, scarier and better than before" as promoted. At one point Taylor had to light a fire and get the party on track, grabbing a microphone and ordering the lights turned down more, the go-go dancers back on their boxes, and people onto the dance floor.

Whether it was the light attendance or lack of starpower, Thursday's party just felt scaled down and a little "dead."

Will there be a One Scary Nite 4? Let's hope so, and let's hope it's reborn in a big way. One Scary Nite 2 was a blast, and it would be great to have Sacramento's biggest Halloween dance party back in full force.

All photos copyright Steven Chea

Costume shop continues to see strong sales

2011-10-11T01:15:09Z

As about 40 customers browsed Halloween costumes on the second floor of Old Sacramento’s Evangeline’s Costume Mansion Monday, Manager Jen Kossmann remarked that business was slow, as the rain kept people at home.

Costumes for adults have grown in popularity over the past five years, and Kossmann said this year was no exception, with the store expanding its costume mansion opening hours from as early as February. Traditionally, the costume mansion opens around August.

“We’ve just been really busy, and we normally only open (the costume shop) to escort people up in the off season,” Kossmann said. “This year, we had so many people going up there, it just made sense to open it all the time.”

The staff does not track exactly how many costumes are sold – a daunting prospect given that some people piece costumes together, some buy complete sets and others might just buy an accessory – but Kossmann said a rough guess is that the number is “in the tens of thousands.”

The ground floor of the store contains gifts, games and toys, while the second and third floors house the costume mansion and are accessed by an elevator or stairs.

October is the shop’s busiest month, and approximately 75 temporary employees were hired to augment the regular staff of 30 to 40. Extended hours mean the store is now open from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Selling well this year are costumes related to TV shows and movies, as well as a few older ones that have surged for other reasons.

“Stewardess uniforms are really popular this year,” Kossmann said, noting that the TV show “Pan Am,” which features flight attendants, is doing well.

Other favorite costumes this year include zombies, medieval-themed costumes and even a mask modeled after the mobile game “Angry Birds.”

“Gypsy costumes are also really popular this year,” Kossmann said. “I don’t know any real reason for it other than that we have a lot of really cute gypsy costumes this year.”

Despite what might be popular, Kossmann advised those seeking costumes to come in without a set idea of what they want to be and let something in the store inspire them.

“You can get a lab coat for $15 or $20 and maybe add a stethoscope to it for a good costume that’s really cheap, or you can go all out and really customize something,” she said.

She added that people can make zombie costumes as easily as tearing up clothes they already have and then applying makeup.

“Makeup really is what makes a zombie costume,” she said. “There are lots of great videos on YouTube that show you how to do the makeup.”

Lauren Gregory, a 20-year-old Sacramentan, browsed the store Monday trying to decide what she will be for Halloween.

“I have no idea yet,” she said. “I wanted to come here because I read online that it’s haunted and used to be a brothel, and I like that kind of creepy history.”

Kossmann said the upper floors of the Gold Rush-era building were used as a boarding house for a long time and did serve as a brothel-type business at one point.

As far as hauntings, she said she has not personally seen any evidence, but some employees have.

“It’s things like stuff falling or lights going on or off that shouldn’t, or hearing something upstairs when you know you’re the only one there,” she said.

Gregory’s friend, 20-year-old Lisa Jones of Sacramento, said she plans to dress up as a biker.

“I don’t like to do the really girly things for a costume,” she said. “They have a really great selection here.”

Brothers Robert and Max Hernandez, 27 and 30, came up from Stockton to visit the shop because of the selection and the setting – Old Sacramento.

“They’ve got a lot more stuff for the ladies, but it’s a really good shop,” Robert Hernandez said as he perused a wall of pirate costumes.

Max Hernandez added that he comes to Evangeline’s every year.

“The selection is a lot better here than in Stockton,” he said, adding that he will be dressing up as Joker from “Batman.”

Kossmann said shipments are still coming in, and if shoppers don’t see what they want, they should ask.

“We have two floors of inventory, and there’s a lot packed into it,” she said.

Evangeline’s Costume Mansion is located at 113 K St.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Halloween Costume Crawl

2010-10-19T22:20:06Z

Costume Crawl III
The Costume Crawl is Back!!! Get your All-Hallows-Eve Pre-Party on Tuesday, October 26th, 2010.

Come enjoy a FREE menu of Monster Munchies and Ghoulish Grubs, as well as discounted Spooky Spirits. Wear or bring your costume to work/school or change in our private dressing room at our first GrubCrawl venue...this is the (not so dry run) chance for you to see how good you look as a sexy (or scary) firefighter/pirate/character from GLEE (or Dispicable Me!?)

You'll have a spook-tacular time with the freakiest fun crowd on the planet, as we haunt for the hottest place to party…all for great price per person!
We'll start our Monster March at VIVE Cocina Mexicana & Ultra Lounge, Downtown Sac near 7th & "K" Street, as close to 6:00 p.m. as you dare! Then, after an hour of revelry*, we'll scream our way to Table 260 for more bites & brews! Next, the Ghouls and boys will slink and stumble to 4th Street Grille, where wicked wait-staff will help us quench your thirst for bloody good food and drinks.

Finally, get ready for the ultimate Thriller....FREE ADMISSION to the new Shenanigans Restaurant and Club (the old Image VIP Nightclub) to dance till the full moon rises.

Shenangins will host a massive Costume Contest with prizes for the SCARIEST, SILLIEST, AND SEXIEST Costumes as well as one Grand prize for Overall Best Costume, .....so anyone can win. REGISTER NOW! GrubCrawlUSA.com

*rev·el·ry/ˈrevəlrē/

Noun: Lively and noisy festivities, esp. when these involve drinking a large amount of alcohol.

Disclosure: Cline Moore is the founder of Grub Crawl USA

The Big Lebowski Comes to Marilyn's on K

2010-10-04T01:40:48Z

The Dude abides. Twelve years after cult classic "The Big Lebowski" starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman hit theaters, fans are still celebrating the film’s unpredictable and sometimes confusing plot, startling brute violence and hysterical, expletive-riddled dialogue, prime for quoting. Marilyn’s on K Street hosted The Big Lebowski Fiesta Friday night for these fans, and the White Russians and robes were suitably flowing.

Marilyn’s deserves some party-throwing props. The costume contest brought all the favorite Big L characters to life: the White Russian won for best female costume, and The Jesus won the male competition. The cute female in the short furry white dress and high-heeled boots won the best-of title, but not without a dispute. Jesus supporters chanted his name as the skin-tight purple sweat-suited character raised his bowling ball in triumph and pumped his pelvis in time.

One of the major factors in the longevity of the film’s popularity is its distinctly eclectic, “Dude-like” soundtrack. After the 8 o’clock showing, local bands The Nuance and Walking Spanish (almost unrecognizably disguised as the movie band The Autobahns) entertained the audience with covers from the soundtrack, including Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Dylan and The Eagles. Walking Spanish didn’t disappoint with their rendition of Kenny Rogers' psychedelic gem, “Just Dropped In (to See What Condition My Condition Was In)." Just a short sound test immediately following the movie was all that was needed, and the Autobahns had the joint jumping.

I wasn’t able to stay for all of The Nuance’s set, but it was nice to see our friend Larry from Old Ironsides’ open mic in a new light, playing bass and singing backup. Musically, both groups were tight. Nuance had a wider variety of songs, but Walking Spanish had the verve and energy of a younger band, despite performing a style of music not normally on their set list. Front man Alex Nelson bookended his smooth, reedy vocals with quotes from the movie as if he had auditioned for every part. However, the drummer looked a little bored with his duties, while keyboardist Chris Haislet was having so much fun his head was whipping around like a sprung jack-in-the-box. Overall they’re fresh, imposing young performers that I definitely want to see again, sans the shirt-and-tie outfits and slicked back hair.

Real White Russians were a steal at $5.50 for a generous single, and $10 for a double. Wii bowling was set up for free play, and anyone who wasn’t sashaying around in a dirty robe and flip-flops was dancing or nailing virtual strikes. Tickets were $10 at the door.

Marilyn’s threw a party worthy of The Big Lebowski. But that’s, just, like, my opinion, man.

Fairytale Town Launches Adults Only Costume Ball

2010-07-10T09:10:16Z

Fairytale Town opened its gates on Thursday for a special After Hours event, the Once Upon a Night: Moonlight Costume Ball, just for adults. The event was open to adults 18 years of age and older and featured live music, a DJ, dancing, two themed bars, food and beverage, a henna artist, and more.

Fairytale Town continues to promote the imagination, creativity and education of children as their core mission. However, its After Hours programming will help develop an avenue to reach new audiences, and raise funds to support the park's programs for children and families. "So many Sacramentans remember coming to Fairytale Town as children, and hold fond memories of the park. We want to give those who don't have children the opportunity to return to Fairytale Town and continue having magical experiences, even without the kids," said Kathy Fleming the Executive Director. -Fairytale Town Media Release

Welcome to Fairytale Town.

The event kicked off with a performance by Fairytale Town's favorite belly dancers, UNMATA.

Live music was provided by The Enlows.

A fire performer with UNMATA.

President Obama gets down on the dancefloor.

A taco tries to drum up support in the Fairest of the All costume contest.

A partygoer enjoys one of the slides.

A Good Fairy gets some help with her wings.

One of the many excellent costumes at the Ball.

Tweedledee gets some henna work.

Owl's House, one of many attractions in Fairytale Town.

DJ Matt Brys (not pictured) from Extreme Productions Entertainment kept things moving on the dancefloor.

Evil Fairy, the winner of the female Most Wicked costume contest. All costume contest winners received a gift bag filled with goodies.

The runner-up of the female Most Wicked costume contest.

Poison Ivy?

Victory for The Steampunks in the Best Group costume contest.

What's happening at the Capitol: October 24, 25

2009-10-24T04:03:13Z

Saturday, Oct. 24

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Boy Scouts of America will hold the California Capitol March to help celebrate 100 years of scouting. The walk will begin at the west steps of the Capitol and end at Raley Field, where there will be midway games, a BMX and skateboard show, pinewood derby races and other entertainment. The event costs $20. About 10,000 people are expected.

Sunday, Oct. 25

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. UC Davis Children's Hospital will be holding a free Halloween-themed Capitol Family Fun Day on the west steps of the Capitol. Preschool through preteen children are encouraged to wear costumes while learning about health, fitness and safety. Free pumpkins and pumpkin carving kits will be distributed and the event will feature musical and martial arts performances. About 3,000 people are expected.

Costumed characters promote California Museum's 'Out of this World' exhibit

2009-10-01T03:49:15Z

Halloween came to Sacramento early Wednesday morning as a group of six local science fiction lovers marched downtown dressed in Klingon, Death Star Trooper and Sith Lord costumes. Dozens of children and sci-fi fans flocked to take photographs and speak with the costumed characters.

Others gawked, laughed and one child even cried as they meandered from the California Museum down K Street and past the Capitol to Cesar Chavez Plaza.

The march was organized to promote The California Museum's new sci-fi exhibit "Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television," which will run from Oct. 3 to Jan. 10. It will feature more than 50 props and costumes from some of Hollywood's most memorable sci-fi films.

Among some of the exhibit's main attractions are the Darth Vader robe and cape from Star Wars, the leather jacket worn by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the hat worn by the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.

Besides viewing these items, visitors will also learn how clothing designers and artists came up with ideas for the costumes and props, according to Ashley Robinson, the California Museum's communications manager.

Mark Lin, normally a business analyst in Elk Grove, was dressed as a death star trooper from Star Wars. He and another costumed storm trooper represent part of a group called the 501st Legion, a group of friends who dress up as villains from the Star Wars movies, Lin said.

Besides comic book and sci-fi conventions, the 501st Legion attends the Rose Parade and even visits children at Shriner's Hospital and the Salvation Army. Lin mentioned that he is looking forward to some of the older sci-fi costumes at the upcoming exhibit, especially the jumpsuit, proton pack and utility belt from Ghostbusters.

Three other costumed sci-fi fans were part of a Sacramento Klingon Assault Group (KAG) called "Ikvnomhegh," which means "swift death," said Chris Mumma, a KAG officer. Mumma wore a Klingon warrior costume from Star Trek complete with a plastic "bat'leth" or "sword of honor."

KAG "Ikvnomhegh" member Julio Alcala was also dressed as a Klingon, but in a plainer costume from the original Star Trek series. He mentioned that sometimes locals must travel as far as Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas to attend sci-fi or comic conventions.

After displaying an uncanny vocal impression of a Wookie from Star Wars, Alcala added that he was looking forward viewing the black leather jacket that Arnold Schwarzenneger wore in The Terminator at the exhibit.

Another KAG members, Von Bean, dressed as a female Sith Lord from Star Wars. Unlike others, she sewed the costume herself, she said.

David Mello, not affiliated with any costume group, dressed up as Fourth Who, which he explained was the fourth incarnation of Dr. Who from the BBC series "Dr. Who." Recently back from San Diego's Comic-Con, Mello blogs about movies under the pen name Impaler General.

Mello said he is excited about the variety at the Out of this World exhibit. "Even if one person is a drawn to a [specific] genre, they will look at others," he said.

"[By] putting sci-fi costumes in the same gallery space as the Lincoln exhibit, the museum will be able to reach people with different interests," Robinson added. Besides being for sci-fi fans, it's also for people who love movies or costume design in general, she said.

California Museum members will get a sneak preview of the exhibit this Thursday at 6 p.m. during a members-only preview reception. In addition to being able to party in the Star Wars cantina and eat from a table based on the monkey brains scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the gatherers will also participate in a costume competition.

Prizes include a round-trip ticket from United Airlines, a resort package from Le Rivage and Scott's Seafood Grill and Bar and four tickets to see "Star Wars: In Concert" which takes place Oct. 9 and 10 at Arco Arena. Non-members can attend the preview by signing up at the door, calling (916)-653-1752 or visiting Californiamuseum.org/membership.

The California Museum is located at 1020 O St.