Vintage Halloween Parties - October 2011

Well, it doesn't look like there's much going on on Halloween itself this year, it being a Monday and all, but fear not, there's lots to choose from over the weekend preceding it. Here's my round-up of this year's choicest, Halloween-themed, vintage club nights. Dressing up is generally not obligatory, but in most cases it is highly appreciated, and at some of the events may even get you a discount on admission.

FRIDAY 28th OCTOBER

Jukebox Jam Halloween Special
http://www.jukeboxjam.org/2011/10/halloween2011/

A night of rock 'n' roll, rhythm 'n' blues and sleazy exotica from live bands and resident DJs. Guest jockey this month is the great Ben Olins from The Stag O Lee club.

A Danse Macabre - The Halloween Ball
http://www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org/halloweenball_28.html

An erotic, late-night ball featuring cabaret, burlesque, live bands and DJs including Dickon Edwards.

The Sizzle Suite
http://www.ginglik.co.uk/?page_id=224

Old school funk, soul, ska, r'n'b, swing, calypso and more from DJs Duke Skeleton and host Count Sizzle plus The Congo Faith Healers live and flamenco from Paula y Manu.

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SATURDAY 29th OCTOBER

White Mischief presents A Ghost In the Machine
http://www.whitemischief.info/featured/oct-29-ghost-in-the-machine

Spectacular indoor festival in a multi-floored, converted Victorian cinema. Line-up features live bands, cabaret, installations, fabulous costumes and vintage DJs, including yours truly, spinning swing, blues, rock 'n' roll and more.

The Hideous Big Ten Inch Halloween Horror Show
http://www.bigteninch.co.uk/big-ten-inch-london/the-hideous-big-ten-inch-halloween-horror-show/

Mr "Ghost Train" himself, Jerry Dammers, joins Count Skylarkin on the decks to spin "devilish blues, ghoulish ska, coffin-rockin' rocksteady and buried treasure from Tutankhamun's grave".

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Finally, should you fancy getting away from all the ghouls and goblins, there are plenty of other nights to choose from, on the Friday at least. Check out the Calendar for suggestions:

http://www.londondossier.info/clubs.php

Win an all-expenses-paid night out in London!

COMPETITION:

Win an all-expenses-paid night out in London with man about town, Jean-Paul Séculaire!

One lucky reader will win the opportunity to accompany Jean-Paul to some of London's top night spots on Saturday 30th October, as he takes you out for a night to remember.

Dinner, drinks, burlesque show, dancing and coffee are all included in this unique and exclusive prize. You will meet at 8pm for an apéritif and be escorted all night until early the following morning by one of London's last old-fashioned gentlemen.

All you have to do is write in to info@londondossier.com with a little about yourself and the reason you would like to win this prize. The most enticing entry received by midnight on the night of Sunday 24th October shall win. The winner will be notified by email on Tuesday 26th October.

Good luck!


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RULES:

1) There is no alternative to this prize, cash or otherwise, so the winner must be available to meet in Central London on Saturday 30th October at 8pm.
2) If the winner is unable to take up the prize for any reason, or if Jean-Paul has not been able, after making reasonable efforts, to make contact with the winner, Jean-Paul reserves the right to award the prize to an alternative winner, in which case the first winner chosen shall not be eligible for any share of the prize whatsoever. Jean-Paul shall not have any liability in such eventuality.
3) Only the winner will be contacted. Applicants who have not heard back by the end of Tuesday 26th October have unfortunately not been successful.
4) Travel expenses to and from Central London are not included in the prize.
5) Dinner will consist of a two course meal with wine or soft drink.
6) Alcoholic and/or soft drinks and tea/coffee will be provided in moderation at Jean-Paul's sole discretion.
7) Some venues operate a smart dress code, so the winner must be dressed appropriately. Sportswear is not permissible.
8) You agree that Jean-Paul may cancel the competition and/or prize at any time (e.g. due to illness). Jean-Paul shall not have any liability in such eventuality.
9) Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
10) The winner must carry proof of identity and proof of age with them on Saturday 30th October.
11) The competition is not open to members of Jean-Paul's family. Friends/acquaintances of Jean-Paul may enter, but their entries will not be given any preferential treatment.
12) Jean-Paul's decision on all matters relating to the competition is final.
13) Jean-Paul shall have no liability for any loss, damage or injury that may occur to the winner during the night out.

After Hours Club at Coco De Mer - October 2010

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Wheelie Bag Wednesdays come to an end

One of London's best-loved sessions has come to an end. After 8 years at The Pillars Of Hercules, the legendary DJ Wheelie Bag has been told by the venue that his services are no longer required. This comes as quite a surprise as Wheelie Bag's weekly Wednesday evenings have always been popular and well-attended. He has gained a lot of press over the last few years too and in my opinion has helped popularise this otherwise uninteresting Soho boozer.

Well, all good things come to an end as they say, but let's hope that this is a new beginning and that Deejay Wheelie Bag finds a new home where his talents are better appreciated.

You can find out more about the great man from his website: www.djwheeliebag.co.uk

Dr. Sketchy's relaunch @ Proud - Mon 27 Oct

London's only burlesque drawing event, Dr. Sketchy's, relaunches this month at Camden's famous photographic gallery and bar, Proud Galleries.

A unique take on the idea of live drawing, the principle of Dr. Sketchy's is to: "comb London to find the most beautiful burlesque dancers, the most bizarre circus freaks, and the most rippling hunks of man". You then get to draw them for three hours. Interspersed with this are crazy contests to win art supplies and other prizes.

Dr.Sketchy's was started in New York in 2005 by illustrator and performer Molly Crabapple, and has since spread to 57 cities around the world, including London, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, and Melbourne. There are UK branches in Brighton, Birmingham, London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Dr. Sketchy's London was started in December 2006 by lingerie designer Ruka Johnson and has been running in various London venues ever since.

Hosted by cabaret performer Dusty Limits, the relaunch night features a Halloween themed burlesque performance from UK Burlesque artiste, Leyla Rose.

Dr. Sketchy's @ Proud, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH
Monday 27th October. 8pm - 11pm
Advance tickets: £8.50
On the door: £10 / £8.50 (with student ID)
Suggested dress code: All Hallow's Eve

For more information visit: www.drsketchylondon.co.uk

Burlesque Social Club launch party - Sat 26 July

Chaz Royale (aka Chaz Royal) - the man behind the excellent annual London Burlesque Festival - is launching a new night called The London Burlesque Social Club which will take place at two locations each month. Taking place on the last Saturday of each month at The Apothecary in King's Cross and the first Thursday of each month at Madame Jojo's in Soho, this new night will showcase the best in Bawdy Burlesque, Cabaret & Vaudeville - locally & from abroad.

Every month the Social Club promises a rotating cast of Burlesque Strip Teasers, Variety & Novelty Acts, Slap Stick Comedians, Hilarious Hosts & Hot DJs playing vintage sounds to rock the dancefloor until the early hours. I have been invited to do a guest DJ spot at the launch party on 26th July at The Apothecary and am really looking forward to it. Especially as visiting American burlesque artiste Sienna Sinclaire will be putting on an exclusive performance. Details as follows:

Date: Saturday July 26th
Venue: The Apothecary
Location: 3 Vale Royal, N7 9AP (next to the Egg Club)
Nearest tube: King's Cross
Doors: 9pm - 3am (show 10pm - 1am)
Price: £15.00

Good news is that I have been offered a '2-4-1' concession for all my readers. This means that two people can go along for just £15 (instead of £15 each).

To take advantage of this great offer, just email your full name to chazroyal@hotmail.com mentioning my name: Jean-Paul Séculaire.

NOTE: Offer expires on 25th July at 12 Noon.

For more info about the Burlesque Social Club (including full line-ups) vist: www.myspace.com/londonburlesque

London Burlesque Festival - 2nd-6th April

Tonight sees the start of Chaz Royale's second annual London Burlesque Festival. This is a 5 day extravaganza spread across 8 separate venues and featuring dozens of British and international performers as well as live bands and DJs.

Burlesque has been growing in popularity in London for a few years now, and features regularly at club nights like Lady Luck as well as dedicated nights like The Whoopee Club and The Flash Monkey. There are even popular burlesque lessons and courses springing up. But this has to be the biggest showcase to hit London yet.

I've been invited along to the launch party tonight and will be reporting back... so watch this space!

For tickets and full details visit www.londonburlesquefest.com

White Mischief @ The Scala - Sat 10 Nov

I'm very excited to be DJing at The Scala on Saturday 10th November for a night called White Mischief: From The Earth To The Moon. This promises to be a unique indoor festival over 3 floors featuring live music, DJs, burlesque and cabaret.

I'll be DJing in the main room (capacity 500+) supporting ace soul band Lord Large and British Sea Power with a set of 60s soul and other related dancefloor sounds. I'll be on from around midnight til 3am.

Lord Large have been making a great name for themselves with their authentic 60s soul and ska releases on Acid Jazz. If you haven't seen them live yet, you're in for a treat.

For full details see the flyer below or visit: http://www.whitemischief.info/

To buy advance tickets online visit: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=235130