It's
not quite Halloween yet, but that isn't stopping one event from
putting one of the best shows of the month you'll find anywhere on a
couple weeks early.
--- “An October Evening” takes place
this Saturday evening from the Masonic Temple on South Temple. One of
only a handful of yearly events to showcase art in multiple forms
from film and music to fashion and bellydancing, all with the
Halloween twist that every is craving this time of year. And with
guest appearances from Lloyd Kauffman and Patrick Kendall, along with
a live set from Vile Blue Shades, it's probably going to be one of
the harder acts to top all year. I got a chance to chat with
this year's co-runner Christel Edwards about the event, it's history,
her thoughts on the scene and a few other questions here and there I
would have chatted with Stephen too, but he was a tad busy trying not
to loose his head over the whole thing.
Christel Edwards
(with Stephen
Simmons)
http://www.myspace.com/anoctoberevening
Gavin:
Hey Christel! First off, tell us a little bit about
yourself.
Christel: Well, Stephen and I are both horror
movie enthusiasts. We were reconnected on the filming of the short,
"Night Of The First Date", where I was acting in the lead
role and doing special effects makeup, and Stephen was directing.
Stephen and I hit it off, and I became his business partner for the
third annual "An October Evening" event. Stephen is the
co-founder of "An October Evening", an award winning local
filmmaker, and musician. He will be presenting two horror shorts this
year, "The Girl Who Stood On A Grave", and "Losing
It". A little bit about myself... I'm a local SFX and beauty
makeup artist, currently working on films in the Salt Lake Valley. I
just recently wrapped on the "Donnie Darko" sequel, "S.
Darko". Other films that I have worked on include Disney's "High
School Musical 3", "National Lampoon's The Legend of
Awesomest Maximus", "Sweatshop", and Disney's
"Minutemen".
I also work at haunted houses doing special effects makeup. This
Saturday at "An October Evening", you can view some of my
special effects makeup work in the photography exhibit.
Gavin:
For those who are unaware, what is “An October Evening”?
Christel:
"An October Evening" is an event inspired by many things...
Halloween, horror movies, the October season, silent films, and all
things creepy and cool! This year we will be featuring short films,
art, photography, fashion, belly dancing, fire dancing, stilt
walking, special guest Lloyd Kaufman of Troma Entertainment, and a
musical performance by the Vile Blue Shades!
Gavin:
Where did the idea first come from to do this kind of
event?
Christel: Stephen and his previous business
partner Heather wanted to bring an event to Salt Lake City to
showcase local talent, and provide a horror themed festival that
would be fun for all ages. Heather wanted to show her fashion
designs, and Stephen wanted to share his short films. They
collaborated in 2005, and "An October Evening" was
born.
Gavin: Very few events in a year manage to get so
many forms of entertainment in one night. Were you up for the task
immediately, or was there some hesitation in trying to pull it
off?
Christel: This is the first year that Stephen and
I have worked on this together, so this is all new to me. It's
definitely a crash course for both of us trying to line everything
up, but we're hoping we can pull it off in the end! So far so
good!
Gavin: What was it like planning and setting up
for the first one? And what was the public reaction to it when it
finally happened?
Christel: Since I'm answering this
for Stephen, all I know is the first event was a major success, and
that it sold out completely. It was held at the Regency Theaters in
Trolley Square, and the crowd loved the idea of having a
horror/Halloween festival that showcased arts of that nature. It was
a hit all around!
Gavin: Few people include fashion
into these types of events, what gave you the idea to include
it?
Christel: Heather, the original co-founder, is a
fashion designer and brought that side of the arts to the table. It's
a wonderful addition, and adds something so different that other
events don't have. I love the idea that this event covers all aspects
of art. It gives everyone a chance to see how many talented and
amazing artists there are here in Utah.
Gavin: How did
you guys manage to get the Masonic Temple for the event?
Christel:
They're actually very gracious about renting out their building. I've
done quite a few belly dance shows there, and it's never been
problematic to book out an event. The building is incredible, and we
wanted to have "An October Evening" somewhere that would
have the perfect ambiance. The Masonic Temple had exactly what we
were striving for. It's an old building, and has a life of its own.
It's almost as if the walls speak. Hope this doesn't offend anyone,
but it definitely has a creepy feel to it. Which I love!
Gavin:
This will be your third year, what can we expect from this year's
event?
Christel: We're changing this year's format to
more of a horror movie inspired festival, and the new additions will
satisfy all horror enthusiasts. Stephen says, "The audience will
feel as if they are staying inside a haunted house for one night.
Everything on stage is interacted with the audience."
Gavin:
How did you guys manage to get Lloyd Kaufman involved?
Christel:
Lloyd Kaufman and I are great friends. I told him that I would love
to bring him out for my event, and screen his new movie
"Poultrygeist", which will be playing at Brewvies starting
this Saturday. He'll be in town to do a midnight screening the night
of "An October Evening", so don't miss out!
Gavin:
Do you know what exactly Patrick Kendall will be bringing to show
this year?
Christel: Patrick is an extremely talented
airbrush artist, with 25 years under his belt. He will be doing live
airbrushing, selling paintings that feature twisted and bizarre
monsters, trading card sized airbrushed pictures, bottle cap
monsters, and all kinds of goodies. Definitely stop by his table, and
chat with him!
Gavin: Going a little state-wide, what
are your thoughts on the local art scene, both good and bad? And is
there anything you believe could be done to make it bigger or
better?
Christel: I think Salt Lake City has a great
art scene, and I feel like it's growing everyday. I'm amazed at our
local talent. I hope that events like "An October Evening"
will only make it bigger and better. I've been trying to advertise
this event all over. I have people in New York who are building the
hype, as well as LA. I hope everyone can see what a cool community we
have here, and that we do in fact exist!
Gavin: Same
questions, only this time on the local music scene.
Christel:
Wow, where do I begin? Salt Lake City is home to many brilliant
musicians. I think we blow quite a few larger cities out of the water
when it comes to music. We're pretty hip, don't you think?! I'm
honored to have the "Vile Blue Shades" perform in our show.
I knew Ryan when he was in "The Corleones". So many great
bands, and talented musicians in Utah.
Gavin: Again,
same questions, but on the local film community.
Christel:
Well, since I work on films, I know that it exists. But others are
very unaware of it. I would love to see the film community grow, and
give local filmmakers the opportunity to share their passions.
Gavin: Are there any surprises being planned for the
event, or is everything set to a schedule with no room for last
minute details?
Christel: There are definitely some
surprises! You'll just have to come and see for yourself!
Gavin:
Anything else you'd like to say about the show for people to know
about?
Christel: I just want to bring a horror themed
festival to SLC that everyone can appreciate and love. I want this to
be an event that will showcase art on all levels, and get people
excited about Halloween and the October season.
Gavin:
Aside from the obvious, is there anything you'd like to plug or
promote?
Christel: Tickets are on sale right now at
Night Flight Comics, which is located at 210 E. 400 S. For more
information, please visit our
website.