World Goth Day 2023

 

Once again May 22 draws near and that means that World Goth Day is just about upon us. This is the day--well, one day upon which the goth subculture gets to celebrate itself. I suppose the argument can be made that Halloween is probably the goth national holiday, but that's not actually official, and World Goth Day is definitely one of the big days for us. 

In the Arkansas area there are two groups that I know of that hold bi-weekly or monthly goth events. These include Club Nevermore in the Little Rock area, and Gloom Collect in Fayetteville. Still, with World Goth Day being on a Monday this year, it doesn't seem that there will be an event occurring on that night. So, what's a celebratory goth to do? Well, how about listening to some dark music programming? 

In my search for events taking place on May 22, I stumbled upon this. KEXP FM from Seattle is holding a World Goth Day event from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Pacific time. Here's what they have to say about their event: 

"Join KEXP all day on Monday May 22nd for World Goth Day. Celebrate the sound of darkness, as KEXP DJ’s Evil Eva, Noctis Ravenway, Wednesday Addams, Scary Larry, and Kevin Cole-d Hearted play goth favorites, old and new, from around the world, all day from 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific. Summon your inner goth and listen live on May 22nd, or on-demand after broadcast.

So, there you have it! It goes without saying that KEXP streams their programming, so if you feel like celebrating, you might just want to give them a listen. 

A great World Goth Day to all! 

KEXP World Goth Day Event

Vintage Halloween Photos: 2022

It's the last weekend of October and the spooky season has arrived in all it's glory. This can mean only one thing: All Hallows Eve is drawing nigh. As has become the tradition here at The Gothic Embrace, it's time once again to celebrate by extracting vintage photos and illustrations from Halloweens past. 

As always, it is assumed that these materials, being so old, are now in the public commons and no copyright infringement is intended. So, let's move on to the first photo. 

 Now, this pic has got to be old. They just don't make them like this anymore. Not only is the style of artwork unlike most anything we see these days, but I have always appreciated how so many such pieces featured black cats at least in the background. Another feature of these earlier Halloweens was the presence of poetry; or, at least, rhyming lines above or below the illustration. 

What's not to love about this? I have seen this work of art, or very similar ones, for years now. As a matter of fact I purchased a spooky license plate for the front of my vehicle several years ago, and this is basically what I drove around with. The rain, and just plain wear and tear has pretty much ruined that plate, though. I guess I need to get another. 

What I like about this graphic is its rustic nature. Notice the scarecrows in the background, the rural type fencing, and the Jack O' Lantern, perhaps also a scarecrow, on the left. 

This is incredibly touching. I mean, how can any wicked old witch resist?

The above illustration is not only special because of its age and relationship to Halloweens of old, but because a Facebook friend posted it on one of the interesting groups he moderates. You see, he just lost his beloved Jaspee, a cat very much like this one. RIP, Jaspee, knowing that Thomas loved you. 

Well that pretty much does it for this year. I hope you've all enjoyed the photos. A Happy Halloween to all!

 During one week in 2009, BBC Radio 6 was featuring the music of various subcultures. On May 22, the network focused on the goth subculture and its music. Some of the better known folks in the goth scene at the time, such as DJ Martin Old Goth and DJ Cruel Brittania, suggested creating a special goth day. May 22 became "a day where the goth scene gets to celebrate its own being, and an opportunity to make its presence known to the rest of the world." Tomorrow we celebrate the thirteenth annual World Goth Day. 

Celebrations are taking place in many parts of the world. If you would like to see if something is taking place near you, just follow this link to the World Goth Day website. 

Have a great day!

Horror Addict's Guide to Life

 

 

Some years ago I mentioned my association with a group called Horror Addicts Dot Net . During my time interacting with them, my story, Night of the Harvestmen, was featured on one of their monthly podcasts. It is that story, I Believe, that won me their First in Blood Award for one season. I don't remember what year this was, and due to time factors, I don't have time to de the research. Still, I believe that I posted about it somewhere on this blog. 

Several year ago Horror Addicts published a book entitled A Horror Addict's Guide to Life. Now, the group is celebrating the public of a second book called Horror Addicts Guide to Life 2. This book is the love child of editor Emerian Rich, who did a tremendous amount of work in making it all happen. The publication also contains some of the work I did for the group. No, it doesn't contain any of my fiction, but rather, several non-fiction articles I wrote for them. 

Today, the group is launching its celebration of the book's publication, so this is my little part in helping with that good cause.  I strive to keep this blog non commercial, but will compromise with that rule a bit by including some further info, including purchasing info below. 

Congratulations, Horror Addicts on a job well done!

Do you love the horror genre? Do you look at horror as a lifestyle? Do the "norms" not

understand your love of the macabre? Despair no longer, my friend, for within your grasp is a

book written by those who look at horror as a way of life, just like you. This is your guide to

living a horror addict’s life.

Our month-by-month almanac with important dates, movie lists, puzzles, crafts, articles, and

recipes will guarantee your whole year is occupied with delightful horror activities. Don’t miss

our monster guide with articles about vampires, zombies, ghosts, and some creatures that just

can’t be categorized. Enjoy interviews with creators of horror content and hear perspectives from

different cultures and backgrounds. Read stories of real hauntings, nightmares, and vile

vacations.

Allow us to curate your horror lifestyle.

With articles by: A. Craig Newman, A.D. Vick, Alyson Faye, Angela Yuriko Smith, Brian

McKinley, CM Lucas, Camellia Rains, Carrie Sessarego, Chantal Boudreau, Courtney Mroch,

Crystal Connor, D.J. Pitsiladis, Dan Shaurette, Daphne Strasert, Dee Blake, Emerian Rich,

Geneve Flynn, H.E. Roulo, H.R. Boldwood, J. Malcolm Stewart, James Goodridge, Jaq D

Hawkins, Jeff Carroll, Jonathan Fortin, Kate Nox, Kay Tracy, Kerry Alan Denney, Kieran Judge,

Kristin Battestella, Ksenia Murray, Lee Murray, Lionel Ray Green, Loren Rhoads, M.D. Neu,

Mark Orr, Martha J. Allard, Michael Fassbender, Mimielle, Naching T. Kassa, Pamela K.

Kinney, Priscilla Bettis, R.J. Joseph, R.L. Merrill, Rena Mason, Renata Pavrey, Rhonda R.

Carpenter, Russell Holbrook, Selah Janel, Steven P. Unger, Sumiko Saulson, Tabitha Thompson,

Theresa Braun, Trinity Adler, Valjeanne Jeffers.

Available now at: Amazon.com

((direct link if needed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YNF5QM3))