Local groups ready to scare you out of your wits

By Steve Talbert

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Joe Gaudin plans to scare up some fun with his first Halloween Bash at the Strand Theatre, 215 S. Harrison St., on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory. Gaudin and the rest of the volunteers will be in costumes.

"I hope a lot of people dress up," Gaudin said.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 each at Smashed Productions, Mickey’s T-Mart, Mac’s Music, The Strand Theatre and the Shelbyville Karma. Tickets are $7 at the door. Children ages 6 and under are admitted free. Concessions will be sold, and alcohol will be available.

When the doors open at 7 p.m., an informal mini-parade of costumed children and adults will form in front of the Strand. Even people who aren’t going in for the party are invited to participate.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the best adult and child costumes. Gift certificates and merchandise from local businesses will be given away throughout the night.

Gaudin, owner of Smashed Productions, is looking forward to the Strand’s first Halloween Bash. Although he has hosted several rock concerts at the Strand, this is his first theatrical party at the venue.

"It’s going to be fun," he said. "This is a good opportunity to bring more people into the Strand for the first time."

Gaudin and several volunteers – including John and Carol Pope, owners of Sheepish Grin – will be adding Halloween decorations for a spooky atmosphere, which includes a graveyard-like stage.

"We would like to get more downtown businesses involved with our shows," Gaudin said. "They don’t have to donate a lot of money. If they donate their time or materials, we can promote them in exchange."

Gaudin hopes to see a lot of families at the event.

"There isn’t going to be anything that will be too scary," Gaudin said.

Ede and Travis of the Cosmos will be providing the musical entertainment for the evening. The music will feature many Halloween favorites, such as "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt-kickers, "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon and "Feed My Frankenstein" by Alice Cooper.

"Travis of the Cosmos will be very theatrical," Gaudin said. "It will be reminiscent of an Alice Cooper show."

On October 24, Johnny McCrory – news and sports director for WSVX (AM 1520 and FM 96.5) – will host "The Morning Show" at the Strand from 6 to 10 a.m. The public is invited to stop by during the broadcast to catch a free glimpse of the Strand in full Halloween regalia.