Grave Matters--The Good. The Bad. The down right Zombified. 2013 revisted & beyond

One distressing crew!

Hello Kittens, It's been some time since I've had a free moment to sit these old bones down and stretch my rotten fingers out to recap last years Invasion, talk about some updates and bring you some general zombified and horrifying news. It's officially three months until what should be Village Invasion V--just seems like yesterday when the Village Invasion was just a zombie baby of an idea. Who knew that it would become a giant event that for one night in October would take over the quaint and quiet Village of Saugerties, NY. ( or as I like to call it--sauGHOULties)  I've been interviewed by all sorts of folks, horror and non-horror alike, been in a TV pilot, been asked to be a TV host ( even though that still hasn't gone anywhere--still, it's pretty zomberiffic and quite an honor to have even been thought of in that way!) I've even been an extra in Blondie's newest video, Mother and got to use my most zombitastic make-up skills for the band and their extras. There's so much other amazing crap that's happened that it's totally mind blowing and I'm glad I can share it all with you here in the Crypt. So without further adieu I bring you my latest installment in Grave Matters--The Good. The Bad. The down right Zombified; 2013 revisited and what the future holds for the Village Invasion.

So many of the undead!

My dreadful self and a tiny minion.

1. Village Invasion IV this past October 19th was an absolute scream. There were SO MANY OF YOU with a giant tally of over 4,000 zombies dragging their oozing corpses up and down the streets of sauGHOULties, NY. Whoa--you all seriously outdid yourselves! The Carnival of the Dead theme was a total blast and it was a horrific sight seeing so many of you embracing your dark inner zombie-carnie-clown-freak-selves. It was especially heartwarming, ( Yes--it did warm this cold zombroad's heart) to see so many kids just having the time of their little zombie hearts! In fact, so much so it's becoming even more popular with the families than I could ever have wished! With all the technical issues and the rain (which dampened only a few spirits) all in all--a success! Sadly however, with anything that grows in size, it also grows in liability and organizing as managing and dealing with funding for something this large can get out of hand rather quickly. I've had the pleasure of working with several folks in the town who have taken the event to the next level for sure, and for that I thank them--it's been amazing! Unfortunately no one wants the responsibility and liability of dealing with something of this magnitude. It looks like the prior idea of just having a group of zombie lovin' humans shambling through to help support local businesses has outgrown its shuffling grounds. I'm still working on secondary plans and ideas and maybe soon we'll have some less than sub-par news. Stay tuned, Kittens!

The streets overflowing with shamblers!

Some of our Brain-tastic Volunteers!

2. Did you get your uber collectible and one of a kind t-shirt from the Village Invasion III and IV? No? Well you're in luck! If you'd like one from 2013 AND 2012--We have 'em. They're $10 and all the proceeds go to our Small World Playground Fund which is to help rebuild our playground that the Boys and Girls Club uses in the Village of Saugerties, NY. For more info or to order these stellar limited event shirts please email: captaincruella@gmail.com and I'll be sure to get you one of these epically stellar T's!

3. Did you know that Goblin came to New Haven, CT this December? Yes, they did and myself along with Brian Solomon from the Vault of Horror got to catch these guys perform some of their gloriously eerie music. Many of you horror fanatics have seen Italian terror maestro Dario Argento's Suspiria, which weaves a menacing tale of witchcraft as a fairy tale gone horribly awry, and if you haven't--stop what you're doing and go rent this right now! So for those of you who have seen it also know that the soundtrack laid down by Italian musicians, Goblin combined with Argento's brilliant use of lighting and cinematography, is well accompanied by their creeptacular sound. Somehow chimes paired with whispered lullabies means ridiculously creepy!

4. Killer TV: There's been so many great series running, especially on FX recently that it's been so hard to pull my favorites from my rotten memory. Here's a few that I've recently gotten myself hooked on and hope you're watching too:

Do you smell bacon?

The Walking Dead. Not much to say here except, "they messed with the wrong people." Thrilled beyond belief for next season. Lets hope they don't kill off anyone we've invested in too soon this season, shall we?

The Strain. Anyone watching this? Thoughts? So far--I'm pretty hooked. After a string of sickeningly sweet and romantic love vampire stories I'm all in for a gruesome tale that's based on what I'd like to think a vampire truly is, a disease.

American Horror Story, Coven. Great season with witches however I am getting tired of the same actors just changing up roles. I know I'm gonna get a bullet to the head here for saying it but, Jessica Lange--must you play the same character in EVERY season? Geesh. The last episode will always stick with me when actress, Lily Rabe, (who plays character Misty) gets stuck in "hell" with her having to be in biology class and repeatedly being forced to dissect a frog. I can completely relate, only for me it's being stuck in I-95 rush hour traffic, over and over and over and over. If you haven't caught any of these--you should, Captain's orders!

Rosendale Zombie Fest zombies doin' the two step shuffle.

5. Appears the Rosendale Zombie Festival will be happening once again in Rosendale, NY this September 27th. You can swing by the good Captain's zombification station again this season. Get there early! I'll be arriving a few hours prior to the zombie parade's initial launch in order to bloody up those who lack their inner zombie. After you do the zombie-shuffle, head back to the park for a costume contest to see if your zombification makes the cut all while doing the death-dance to local bands and DJs.Typically there's a killer screening of  horror flicks which rounds out your night of all things horrifying at the Rosendale Theatre later in the evening. Make sure to bring some canned goods as like with the Village Invasion--this event helps to restock the local food pantry! See you there, Kittens!




Looking forward to writing more in the future and for those who expressed interest in helping to keep the Village Invasion alive, please contact me, Captain Cruella at:
captaincruella@gmail.com

Here's to another horrifying zombified season! Viva la Zombie!

Zombie takeover starts here. Village Invasion, Part II

What better way to round up 2011 than with the long overdue recap to the most zomBeriffic event on the East coast which invaded the quaint Village of Saugerties, NY for a second time this October. I figured I'd best be getting this out to the masses before the end of the year actually, you know, ended. So in my most evil fashion I bring to you--Village Invasion, part II!

A mob of dancing zomBies.

I'd like to thank all of YOU, the most zomBilicious bunch a ghoul could ever want, for coming out 1000 plus strong for scaring the life out of anyone you could and especially those who came out to photograph the entire death march through the Village of Saugerties. It was big, I mean THE BIGGEST I think Saugerties has ever seen when it comes to total zomBified take over and for this, I thank you from the bottom of my blackest heart. 



The mastermind behind it all.
Your zombie--Captain Cruella,
courtesy of JD Fielding Photography.



This year saw many new additions in particpating shops along side those who never batted a decaying eye to my first year zomBie insanity. We had Sugartown Vintage Boutique whose owner, Ms. Ashley Drewes, created special window decor complete with it's own zomBie fashion line and The Vault of Horror T-shirts. Sugartown also held a special screening of the Evil Dead, where Brian Solomon of The Vault of Horror hosted the whole horrific event. Main Street Restaurant, The Dutch Ale House and Brianna's Full Belly Deli concocted a plethora of dark and delicious delights that titlated the senses for humans and zomBies alike. Lucky Chocolates decked themselves out in full on gore with a butcher shop and a finger food section complete with chocolate fountain. If you didn't stop there, you really missed out!

General  Smoller and the CDC,
courtesy of JD Fielding Photography.

Dave's Wine and Coffee Bar hosted the groovilicious Voodelic once again, this time rounding out their act with a black lite extravaganza and ghoulie Go-Go dancers. Inquiring Minds Bookstore hosted Hudson Valley writer and zomBie expert, Linda Zimmerman. The Hudson Valley Dessert Co. baked up brainy cupcakes and sported a most cadaveresque appearance which literally had the masses lined up and out the door. Another first timer, The Village Apothecary, got so into the spirit of things they handed out the antidote with nurses and zomBie hunter swat teams roaming the streets. They even had a most amazing store window display. I'm looking forward to next year Mr. Smoller...I say bring it on! We also had Vincent Price's,The Last Man on Earth, projected onto the Reis parking lot building thanks to the highly skilled and equally excited horror fanatic Perri Naccarato, owner of The Computer Guys, who really took charge of the entire thing. He even added his own town wide zomBified decor. Many thanks to Brian Solomon of The Vault of Horror and to Perry for their amazingly good taste in horror movies-- Bravo boils! If you were roaming the streets you also just might have wandered into the lens of  JD Fielding of JD Fielding Photography,who came out last year with snap happy fiend, Del Higgins. Many thanks for shooting some of the nights horrific happenings-- the images are outstanding!



The Vault of Horror's Brian Solomon capturing all the gore on video.
Courtesy of JD Fielding Photography.

Another addition was Tyrannasaurus Rocks! who set up and played at the Donlon Auditorium rocking out the night with a laser light show and one kick ass female drummer who guided us into a performance from the one, the deadly, the zomBie GaGa. There' only one word to describe her and that word would be--zomBilicious.The Donlon also hosted The Healing Tree Massage Therapy group who read Tarot for any who were brave enough to know what fate was in teir future. Many thanks to Alicia Viola and all who gave a donation and helped support my crazy world zomBification plans!

Saugerties has become a true destination for those who have a passion for the undead. The second annual Village Invasion has shown me that. The talent, dedication, and skill of amazingly grotesque appearance from an entire Village of people, ( even those who came from out of town!) that zomBies are here to stay. Keep bringing your dedication to the craft of being horrific, Kittens. I'll keep rallying the masses. Viva la ZomBie and here's to next year!

Thanks to Diane Sirios for this beauty. The Village Invasion II
best overall costume winners! This totally kicked ass. Keep up the stellar work!

The talk-nerdy-to-me zomBie group. You guys can talk brains to me
all day long. Thanks Jess Miron, you ghouls deserved best couple!

The Official Village Invasion II Press Release & Map!

The Village of Saugerties is once again bracing for the ultimate zombie pub crawl, as the 2nd Annual Village Invasion is poised to take the Hudson Valley by storm on Saturday night, October 22. Last year, nearly 1,000 zombie enthusiasts from far and wide donned their ghoulish best to roam the streets and patronize local businesses. And this year, they’re coming back—hungrier, and in greater numbers. Not only that, but this year, the event will collect donations to help the victims of Hurricane Irene, which recently hit the Valley extremely hard.

“Some towns were completely washed away by the deluge here in the Hudson Valley, and it has left many homeless and even townless,” says event organizer Cruella Moxham, a.k.a. Captain Cruella. “I'll be setting up a donation drop box at select locations, with all the details of how you can help and what items are needed most.”

Nearby hotels are booking up, as Cruella gets the word out across a multitude of social media platforms including Facebook (http://facebook.com/CaptainCruella), Twitter (http://twitter.com/captaincruella) and Blogger (http://cruellascrypt.blogspot.com). The event kicks off promptly at 7p.m. along Main and Partition Streets, with many businesses staying open late to take part in the festivities.

Much like last year, this year’s event will offer many reasons for folks to show up and have a good time. For the second year running, Kingston-based funk-rock band Voodelic will be playing at Dave’s Wine & Coffee House. Additionally, just down the street at the Donlon Auditorium, Tyrannosaurus Rocks will be bringing down the house with what they call Zomstock, a parody of that other famous event that occurred in the area back in 1969. Also at the Donlon will be the night’s highly anticipated costume contest at 10p.m., with awards to be given out in categories like Most Gruesome Zombie and Best Celebrity Zombie (contest to be preceded by a performance from “Zombie Gaga”, winner of last year’s costume contest.)

As costumed cavorters make their way around town, they will encounter events happening at many other nearby establishments. Sugartown Vintage Boutique will be presenting a special screening of cult classic The Evil Dead, hosted by award-winning blogger Brian Solomon of TheVaultofHorror.net. Meanwhile outdoors, the Vincent Price favorite The Last Man on Earth will be projected for all to enjoy. Acclaimed artist Peter Smith will have his works on display, including his popular zombie T-shirts. Local bars like the Partition Street Wine Shop, Main Street Restaurant and Dutch Ale House will be doling out zombie-themed cocktails. The Village Apothecary will even be joining in the fun, handing out doses of the “zombie cure” to the public.

“I'd like our gathering to be the very first zombie event where we literally take over an entire village,” ambitiously proclaims Captain Cruella, who has become a bona fide internet celebrity over the past year thanks to the Village Invasion and other activities, including the series of horror films she hosts at the Avon Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut. “Through dedication to the cause and all things horrifying, I know that my followers and I can do it. And it’s all for a good cause. So spread the word and Viva la Zombie!”

Over the course of the past decade, zombies have infiltrated pop culture as never before, with movies such as Resident Evil, 28 Days Later and Shaun of the Dead gaining cult followings; just one week before the Village Invasion, AMC will present the season premiere of its Walking Dead TV series—further proof that the zombie has hit the mainstream. Part of the phenomenon has been the rise of a colorful and devoted subculture of zombie-lovers that has helped popularize public zombie walks worldwide.

Those interested in participating in this year’s Village Invasion are encouraged to visit http://www.crawlofthedead.com/crawls/info/village_invasion_ii/ for more information, as well as the official Facebook event page (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133979686675020).

Click the map for a larger, printable version!

Tha Voo wants you! And the Zombies do too!

What does phosphorescent fishnets, black light reactive body paint, a north-meets-south funkified attitude and zombies have to do with each other? If you were to ask Little Earl Lundy from Hudson Valley band, Voodelic, he could probably tell you it's a lot more than you'd think.Voodelic's music has been described as spicy funky soul stew and believe me, if you've never heard of them or been to a live show, it is that and much, much more. Recently I had the pleasure to sit down and chat with little Earl, who is the formidable lead singer for Voodelic, about their future plans, their newest album Conjure, and of course about zombies.

One of the best shots of the night taken by uber talented, JD Fielding Photography!

 
Last year you performed in all your glory at Dave's Coffeehouse and Wine Bar. How was that experience for Voodelic? It's not everyday a band gets to perform in front of a packed house full of zombies.
Well, we've played for some packed houses and we've played in front of some real zombies. Last years Village Invasion was definitely a first for us! Here's hoping October 22nd will bring in another house full of zombies!

Where do you get your inspiration from, as you're currently the most unique band in the Hudson Valley.
Musically speaking, Voodelic's inspirations are a big ol' mix. There's funk and R&B, gospel, 70's hard rock, and a kind of psychedelic swamp. 

Whose idea was it to don crazy voodoo get-ups that react to black light? And do you guys think it's enhanced your popularity?
I'm afraid that would be my little obsession. I started messin' with the black lights 'round about 2006, and every year I've just added more and more. Last year I think we did four black light Halloween shows. I've learned a lot through trial and error. The costumes have gotten pretty--colorful . As far as popularity goes, folks really do seem to get off on the whole black light thing. Voodelic is an experience band anyway, and adding another layer to that experience lets the audience get a little deeper into--Tha Voo. 


How do ya'll describe your music? And when are we to expect a world black light dominated tour?
That question gets asked a lot. I don't know maybe, Southern-Gothic Funk? A black light dominated tour, huh? Well, I'm ready baby!  But I'm not sure the other boys would welcome that path, maybe if the money was right--HAHA!

What was it like playing at Mountain Jam? Were there any brushes with greatness that really stuck with you? Playing Mountain Jam was magical. It was certainly the biggest stage and the biggest crowd we've played to, plus it was an incredibly beautiful day. The problem was waking up the next morning and realizing it wasn't gonna happen again that day.

It's been almost a year since the last Village Invasion, what have ya'll been up to?
Well, we went back into Millbrook Sound Studio and started recording stuff for a second album. Paul Orofino, the owner and engineer there, is just an amazing cat to work with. He's very intuitive with a great set of ears.

Considering we have a certain thing in common as the band Voodelic has it's fingers deeply embedded in New Orleans style voodoo folklore and early zombie culture also derives from that same ilk. Would you consider Voodelic and the Village Invasion a perfect match? And is your preference the George Romero flesh eating zombies or the Haitian voodoo revenge type zombies?
Why yes Cap'n, I certainly would! I don't know if it's a match made in heaven or hell, but it's a good'n for sure. I do not wanna ruffle any zombie-type feathers (as I'm pretty sure this audience is all about Saint Romero's sacrament), but the Haitian voodoo/Mississippi hoodoo zombies is my thang!

You're calling your gig on the night of the Village Invasion II-Crawl of the Dead, Night of the Living Voo is NOTLD your favorite zombie movie and if not, what is?
Of the modern bio-hazard zombie flicks, I'm a big fan of Danny Boyle's vision in 28 Days Later. Of the Voodoo variety, well, The Serpent and the Rainbow ... was a great ... book.

What can we expect from Voodelic in the future?
I don't do no scrying baby! The future can be a dangerous and unlucky subject but as for Voodelic's immediate future? I see black lights, LOTS of black lights!

Killer photo courtesy of Del Higgins Fine Art Photography!

Voodelic is playing this year at the Village Invasion II-Crawl of the Dead at Dave's Coffeehouse and Wine bar on October 22nd. Be sure to stop in, shake your booty, and tell'em the Captain sent ya! If you can't make this most zomberiffic event, ( I can't imagine what better things a corpse would have to do besides dance your pants off to the glorious sounds of Voodelic) You can boogie down these other nights!

10/10-FREE show at Club Helsinki in Hudson, NY
10/22-Night of the Living Voo, BLACK LITE SHOW
10/28-Oasis in New Paltz, NY - BLACK LITE SHOW
10/29-The Fernwood, Palenville, NY - BLACK LITE SHOW
11/28-FREE show The Bearsville Theater, recorded for Vassar Radio!