Halloween is right around the corner, and if your idea of celebrating this creepy time of year is to stay home and watch scary movies, then boo on you!
Rethink those plans, because some of our finest music venues are gearing up for a fun, spooky weekend by hosting shows that will include costumes, prizes, scary songs and lots and lots of fantastic music.
So, dust off that old costume, grab your dancing shoes and head to one of these shows.
Friday night, Llama Lasagne will present its Halloween show called, “Night of the Living Dead,” at Shea Theater on Avenue A in Turners Falls at 8:30 p.m. In case you aren’t familiar with Llama Lasagne, its a revolving group of local (and beyond) musicians that come together to form what we could call a
“Pioneer Valley supergroup.”
Llama members hail from bands like The Mary Jane Jones, Rhythm Incorporated, The Alchemystics and too many more to list. There are so many musicians that participate in this project that they won’t have any problem filling up that big stage at the Shea. The Llamas only occasionally get together, and when they do, it’s for a special theme-related show. These shows are wild, crazy, costumed affairs that are part music and part theatrical production. The shows also raise money for a good cause, and this one will benefit the Shea.
I checked in with Llama Lasagne keyboard player Jason Metcalf — he was rather mum (or should I say mummy?) about the show, but he did assure me that it “will be something to die for.”
Costumes for band and audience are always a part of the Llama Lasagne experience, but even more so this time of year. It’s an all-ages show. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at:
www.sheatheater.org
Halloween Music Showcase at the Root Cellar
The Root Cellar on Fiske Avenue in Greenfield kicks off its weekend of Halloween celebrations with a Halloween Music showcase Friday night at 7. The Root Cellar has pulled together a host of local singers-songwriters for a diverse night of music, so we can expect to hear a bit of everything from this talented lineup.
And, don’t be surprised if a couple of Halloween songs slip into one of the sets. Performing will be The Screaming Hearts, Jean Rohe, Seth Newton, Brook Batteau, Austin James and Chris Goudreau.
Admission is $7 at the door, $5 if you are in costume.
Visit: www.rootcellarbar.com
The Fawns, Gentle Hen, Beach Honey Halloween show at the Root Cellar
The Root Cellar continues its Halloween festivities with the pop-rock band The Fawns on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. The Northampton band will be joined by Gentle Hen, led by Henning Ohlenbusch, as well as Beach Honey.
Gentle Hen will feature pop gems from its new album, “Sneaking Up on the Moon,” and Beach Honey, which was on hiatus recently, will have the crowd out on the dance floor moving to its ‘60s pop sounds.
These three bands love Halloween shows and feel that the Root Cellar has just the right vibe for the perfect spooky party.
Jimmy Just Quit CD
Release/Halloween Party
at Hawks & Reed
If you are going to release your new CD around Halloween, why not have a CD release show double as a Halloween Party? That works for the local cover band Jimmy Just Quit, which will celebrate the release of its third CD with a combination CD release show and Halloween costume party at Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center, 289 Main St. in Greenfield Friday night at 9.
This isn’t just your run of the mill dress-up, like ghosts and witches Halloween party — JJQ is hosting a “Back to the Future”-themed party. How great is that? All you have to do is throw on a pair of jeans and a down vest and you are Marty McFly.
There will be a costume contest for best character. (Okay, the jeans and vest suggestion probably won’t be a big winner.) As an added bonus, the season premiere of “Stranger Things” will be showing in the Wheelhouse.
Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door — that will get you entrance to the party, as well as a copy of the CD. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Visit: www.hawksandreed.com
Monster Ball
at Hawks & Reed
Hawks and Reed is going full-out spook this weekend with the Jeff Holmes Big Funkenstein Band with Dawning Holmes on vocals as it hosts The Monster Ball on Saturday night.
The 11-piece band promises to deliver some of your Halloween favorites and will serve up frightening fare, including ” Monster Mash,” “I Put a Spell on You,” “Werewolves of London,” “Bad Moon Rising” and much more.
The band will be performing swing, soul and pop-dance music, and there will be a prize for best costume.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 7:30. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Mini Monster Mash
for kids
at Hawks & Reed
The folks at Hawks and Reed have not forgotten that Halloween is really about the kids, so it will host a special costume and dance party for young ones and their families on Halloween, Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. This is a fun event that will feature free candy and danceable music for all ages. Local mother and son duo DJVQ and DJDJ will be on hand to spin the tunes. There’s no cover charge.
Matt Byrde’s Magical
Monster Mash
at The Rendezvous
You didn’t think that The Rendezvous on Third Street in Turners Falls would ignore Halloween, did you? Of course not!
It is bringing in the Americana band Matt Byrde to host the Magical Monster Mash at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday night. Also on hand will be the indie folk duo The Moon Chasers.
Costumes are strongly encouraged, and there won’t be a cover charge.
Halloween Costume Party at Deja Brew
Deja Brew on Lockes Village Road in Wendell is also hosting a Halloween Costume Party on Saturday night. Its shindig begins at 8:30 p.m., and music will be provided by the local cover band The Shadow Twisters, which plays classic rock from the ‘60s and ‘70s. There will be snacks, prizes and a bonfire, and the pub will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. There’s no cover charge.
Sheryl Hunter is a music writer who lives in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national magazines. You can contact her at soundslocal@yahoo.com