Grave Matters - Village Invasion IV Updates & Other Rantings from the Captain

Greetings to all you zomBeriffic kittens!

• Seems just like yesterday that I was preparing the Z horde for the third installment of zombie hijinks in the Village of Saugerties in glorious old Upstate New York, and now here we are. So much has happened in just four years! The deathly crew is planning on some gorrificly good times, and we hope that you--yes you, kitten--will do your part in helping spreading the infecti... I mean word, about this year's Village Invasion IV! Along with all the planning and zomBification process the Village of SauGHOULties will be undertaking, I'd also like to discuss some extra brainy goodness and some not-so-goodness too. So pull your zombie selves together and enjoy the ride.

• So I'm sure, unless you're still freshly buried and have literally been living under a rock, you have seen the trailers for World War Z. Now if you know who I am and know my stance in the "Fast zombie vs. Slow zombie" never-ending debate, you'd know I'm a devout "fast zombie" champion. HOWEVER, in no way ever was I a fan of zombies can outrun a vehicle and literally form an undead bridge of zombies to climb walls and chase down helicopters and airplanes. While I really enjoyed the book, forgive me for saying this, but I'm not going to see this in a theater. However, I do expect a full report, kittens. I'm counting on it to be just as bad as I think it is.

• One movie I did drag my carcass to was the remake of Evil Dead, which in my humble zombie Captain opinion was probably one of the goriest movies I've ever seen--and I've seen a lot of 'em. Now I know some thought it was lacking as the storyline didn't have an Ash character, and some thought the plot wasn't solid enough. I say hogwash--go see it if you adore scene after scene of gratuitous gore paired with great scares and an interesting twist to a seriously epic classic.

• Bedlam at the Bijou at the historic Bijou Theatre in the up-and-coming artist mecca of downtown Bridgeport has been bringing screams, thrills and even some interesting talks about all things horror, thanks to Brian Solomon of the blog The Vault of Horror and his creeptastic double features. It's typically held on the third Thursday of every month starting at 7pm for a mere $10. And did I mention that there's a full bar AND you can order pizza directly from famed Two Boots Pizza right next door and have it delivered right to your table? I'm still working on the fried brains topping--give it time. So if you haven't come out, you must. That's an order! The next event happens on June 20!

• So some of you might have read my status over the past few months and seen that I was contacted by a television network to be a possible host for a new television series based on ghost hunting and criminal investigating. Well--it's true! I was and while I wait for the news on whether or not I've got the job, it's still pretty zomBtastic to have even been thought of for the gig.  I'll keep my rotten fingers crossed and keep all you kittens in the know. Zombie Captain of the undead today, Zombie Captain of the undead and television host tomorrow. 

• Village Invasion IV- YES...it's happening. Save the date-OCTOBER 19TH! Last year was such a gigantic success that we've rolled up our sleeves and are planning an even better event than last year! Be prepared for more music, more vendors, more activities, prizes, collectible event T-shirts, as well as amazing offers concocted by the restaurants and merchants in the Village of sauGHOULties, New York! I'll be rolling out new information as time goes on, so keep your peepers peeled for more gorrific details and head on over to the Village Invasion site, my very own Facebook page, The Village Invasion FB page and also on Twitter! You don't want to miss the most ghoulriffic event on the East Coast this October! 

• Myself and the venerable horror blogger Brian Solomon from the Vault of Horror have recently caught BBC America's zombie mini series In the Flesh. Some have compared it to the zom-rom-com Warm Bodies, but I personally think it has a much more serious tone. I find that it's  interesting to use the lead character's undead status as a metaphor for mental illness. The character ends his own life then finds himself resurrected back into a town that rejected him and his former gay lifestyle, more of an outcast than he ever was before, then is forced to come back to a family that's in denial about his "Partially Deceased Syndrome". I'm excited to see the rest of this series in the next few days ( thank you DVR!), and am interested to hear what the rest of the ghouligang has to say about this as well.

I'll be blogging more often as the time marches forward to the Village Invasion this October 19 with the details of the possible indie film festival, the overall theme for the day, the specials, the vendors and more! If you're interested in being a part of the zombie madness contact me, Captain Cruella at captaincruella@gmail.com. See you there, kittens and until then--stay scary!

GRAVE MATTERS-What every zombie needs to know, KILLER EVENTS this 2012

Hello all you zomBeriffic ghouls and boils! It's great to be back talking to all you zomBabes and zomBoys in this latest installment of Grave Matters. I know it's been a little dry spell here for the Capt. however, I do hope you'll forgive this rotten wretch when I tell you why, dear kittens, it's been so quiet up in the crypt. I've been one busy zomBabe working my cadaverous fingers to the very bone ensuring that all you zomBie freaks and fanatics have one hell of a  good time. I've even dragged my human counter part, Brian Solomon of The Vault of Horror in to the oozing mix beyond the Village Invasion. Here's all the latest gory details:

1. Mr. Solomon, of The Vault of Horror, will be kicking off in style with his special 5th anniversary celebration with a killer series he's calling, Bedlam at the Bijou. The three part series launching on September 27th at the historic and lovingly restored Bijou Theatre in Downtown Bridgeport, CT is surely not something all you horror movie buffs will want to miss! So far it's September 27 with double feature Godzilla and Them, October 25th with Zombi and Last Man on Earth and on November 15th it's Nosferatu and Dracula 1931. I've been told that these are themed, with Q&A, special guests and even a costume contest on the October 25th night. Go check it out, celebrate in style with the Frank Sinatra of the horror world! For more information crawl on over to The Vault of Horror and the Bijou Theatre calendar of events page!



2. What's this? Another zomBie event on October 11th? That's right kittens, if you live in Connecticut and live close to Fairfield County be sure to drag your freshly dug carcasses on over to Downtown Bridgeport. We're celebrating the arts with food, music, specials and ZOMBIES! The whole thing happens out at McLevy Green and weaves its way through all of downtown where all the restaurants and spaces have been charged with the gruesome task of keeping the hoards entertained. Costume contests, drink specials, zomBie hula hoopers, give-aways, ambient and eerie projections by local artists on buildings and MORE. October 11th, Downtown Bridgeport from 7-9 pm so don't miss it!

3. The Village Invasion III is working hard to build a most zomBeriffic event this 3rd year. We've closed down the Village this year to ensure all you zomBies have full reign to terrorize the humans, (or the humans to hunt down the zomBies) as this year it's Humans Vs. Zombies and we're so excited to be finally growing up and out! Did you know that this year the Village Invasion is a charity event? We'll be asking you ghouls to donate a canned item upon entry to restock the Saughoulties food pantry and if you CAN't ( see what I did just there?) It's a measly $2 to help out our fellow food groups known as humans because after all who wants to eat a starving skinny human? There's music, outrageous specials, a costume contest, vendors and so much gory goodness one simply must come to experience what's becoming the premier tri-state zombie event ever created! We're still fleshing out our website but if you're a ghoul or boil who wants to vend their zomBie and horror wares please print this out and submit! Space IS limited so sign up now! See you there kittens, October 20, 2012 from 6-10 pm! Village Invasion and on twitter-#villageinvasion. SPREAD THE INFECTION.

4. What better way to wrap this entire post up than with the very first zombie cruise--ever? That's right, The OOZE CRUISE sets sail on January 6th through the 13th. This is going to be one HELL of a slaycation, kittens. Do go to this website and sign up now. It's insanely cheap, you'll get to hang with other zomBie nuts like us and you'll get to enjoy warmer weather in the dead of winter. Now who doesn't like that? Did we also mention we'll be featured in October's issue of Rue Morgue Magazine?

As always kittens, can't wait to see you at any and all of these events we put together for your entertainment. Spread the infection, tell a fiend and viva la zomBie!

XOX
Captain Cruella

Grave Matters- Fasten your seatbelts, it's ZomBie Showtime!

Hello, my dearest ghouls and boils! Your esteemed Captain has reanimated back into action for what seems like it's shipping up to be the most zomBeriffic year, ever! We've got multiple zomBie walks, lots of conventions, and what you've all been waiting for, the BIG REVEAL, a zomBie cruise. Yes, Kittens. A cruise, on a real bona fide cruise ship, overrun with a bunch of hungry zomBies on deck. The sheer excitement of enjoying our rotten selves with all of you is a Terror Team dream come true! More on this later--so without further adieu, hold on, sit down and buckle up cause' the Captain's taking you on one hell of a ride!

1. Stamford, CT is holding it's very first zomBie walk in Downtown Stamford this summer supporting a really awesome,  (and very clever on the organizers part) charity. Come on down this June 30th from 6-9 pm, spend $5 to support brain cancer research, and have one hell of a time shuffling the streets with a horde of the undead.


2. The Captain normally wears many hats and the newest one I'm wearing is the Events Planner hat for a really killer organization called the Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council. I'll be stirring up the gory goodness, along with a healthy dose of community bonding paired with long term cultural and artistic creativity, into a much needed area. Keepin' it zomBie real as always, I've proposed a zomBie crawl, complete with contests, events, music and a historic haunted city wide tour. Keep your eyes peeled as the date to remember is October 11th, which is part of the ongoing Downtown Second Thursday's events being held yearly in Downtown Bridgeport, CT.

3. Village Invasion III- The Hudson Valley Zombie Apocalypse, is in full on battle planning mode. Expect a lot of changes this year with the streets being closed, more music, vendors, bigger, better, bloodier. I'm in NY this weekend working out the details with the owner of The Village Apothecary, Neil Smoller, who spearheaded last year's CDC attack. ( Boo...hisss) Who also happens to be a major sponsor in this year's Invasion, ( YAY! Hooray!) Neil and I will be working diligently along side of many other key players who will be instrumental in making this year a huge success. I'll also be teaming up this weekend with the Hudson Valley Horrors as they will be skating back this year, joining in on the blood bath once again! Expect a website, billboards, radio ads, fliers to the point where if you missed October 20th from 6-10 pm, you'd have to hang your head in shame, or be living under a rock, to not show your gruesome faces to what is quickly becoming one of Saugerties, NY's most horrifying events!

4. Captain Cruella AND Brian Solomon from The Vault of Horror on cable TV? Yeah, I know, it is pretty outrageous but that's exactly what could happen. Let's hope our good friend, Kevin Maher, and Double Wide Media get this one out of the simmering pot and into the mouths of hungry viewers! Random Fandom--what else would you expect? Check it out!

5. The Vault of Horror, the dapper human half of the Terror Team,  has been on a slight hiatus. Most recently it was discovered that The Vault of Horror FaceBook page had been compromised. With that being said-- I know Brian Solomon WILL be back as we'll be promoting the hell out of our combined events. He'll be skillfully crafting reviews of upcoming movies adding his own personal horrifying musings, along with his ever present horror master mind in all things Cruella's Crypt, which brings me to No. 6.  




6. A zomBie cruise you say? YES, I SAID IT! The Terror Team is delighted to bring to all of you gruesome lovelies, a zomBie themed cruise. The planned cruise dates are January 6th-13th. The ship is Royal Caribbean and sets sail from Bayonne, NJ making stops at Port Canaveral, Nassau, Coco Cay. We have a LOT of activities planned, both aboard the ship and at the ports. We're working out the final details with the cruise director along with pricing for this group. We intend on this being VERY popular as the prices we've been given are ridiculously good. There will be more info by the end of May here at my blog, my FaceBook page, The Vault of Horror's blog, and our travel agent's FaceBook page and website along with a link and contact info on how you can purchase your tickets. There will also be the full itinerary being put out as soon as possible so you know exactly what you're in store for.  BELIEVE ME. YOU'RE NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS THIS! SO KEEP CHECKING IN!

Phew! Well now that we've given birth to that giant zomBaby, I'm excited for our future, can't wait to see you all soon! As always, keep it scary and Viva la Zombie, Kittens!

Village Invasion III and all the gory crap one can handle

Yes indeedy kittens, the little zombie social media project I embarked on in 2010 has grown up and is barreling down hell's highway at an amazing rate. With 2012 comes a new alliance, complete with a sponsor who holds close to his little black heart the same sense of community as I do. Much zomBie love goes out to Neil Smoller of the Village Apothecary, who owns two very successful, local, family-run pharmacies and believes keeping things local and supporting each other makes for a super glue-like bond.

With the support of local businesses, the tireless support of Brian Solomon's Vault of Horror, and Neil's collaborative brainstorming and backing, the world will certainly be quivering at our feet this October. With talks of billboards, radio spots, closing down the entire village of Saugerties, epic mailing lists, a food and clothing drive, specific horror related vendors, killer local music--it's like watching my zomBaby grow up, heading off to huge festival college. We promise to give you one hell of a time and uphold the highest zombie standards for years to come. I invite you to come out and celebrate all that's gruesome this 10.20.12 for what will inevitably become the most zomBerrific event  in the Hudson Valley!

Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the soon-to-be-launched Village Invasion website, as well as my blog, FB page and The Vault of Horror! The countdown begins with the humans locked in an epic battle against the zomBies. What side will you be on when the two collide?

Grave Matters

Unlife with the an award winning horror blogger isn't all what it's cracked up to be. Actually, it's down right motivational and inspiring. For about a year now I've been watching Brian Solomon of The Vault of Horror, write, review, and interview his little horrific heart away. As we start 2012 I've decided to make use of his undying love and passion for writing and put some of the spark he has back into my own carcass to do much of the same. So here's a taste of what the Captain's got cookin'...

1. Once again Brian Solomon's blog, The Vault of Horror, has been nominated for a Splatcademy Award through the ghouls over at DeadLantern.com. Be sure to go vote for a man who is as dedicated to his craft as Frank Sinatra is synonymous to New York.

2. After a very successful Village Invasion II this past October in Saugerties, NY seems like the Captain will be adding another cadaverous Commander. I'm excited to be working with Neil Smoller of The Village Apothecary, in making the town wide zombie invasion a continual success. Here's to a ghoulriffic partnership, Kitten! Myself and the rest of the undead Army await the 3rd Annual Zombie Invasion this October 2012!

3. I will be looking forward to the next season of American Horror Story even though the season finale left me sort of disappointed. I'm happy that the writers of AHS decided to end it and not keep the same aging storyline going. I'm a little misty eyed knowing that Jessica Lange and the super hot maid had to go, but am anticipating the next season with an entirely new set of whack jobs to watch on Wednesday nights with Mr. Solomon's laughable quips thrown in the mix.



4. I'll be adding much more to this blog as previously stated, complete with my own zomBeriffic illustrations, make-up tutorials, Creullasconcoctions updates and Captain Cruella swag you'll only be able to get here. I'm hoping 2012 will be a year of moving forward making strategic plans to launch Captain Cruella of the Carnivorous Cadavers further into the online horror realm and maybe just maybe...the world.

Here's to a horrifying 2012 and may all your nightmares come true. 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!