The Ghosts of Laurel Canyon Tour

GHOULA presents...
The
Ghosts of Laurel Canyon Tour

NOTE: This specialty tour is part of a series of tours GHOULA is conducting this year (and only this year), where we take a theme and run with it, telling only ghost lore that fits the theme. This gives us an opportunity to visit locations or tell stories that are not typically heard. These are one-off tours that will not be repeated. We are only doing these "bus tours" this year. Past tours have included... The Haunted Houdini Tour, The Ghost-buster Ghost-Bus-Tour, The Many Ghosts of Valentino, and The 13 Richest Ghosts of Los Angeles, and now this tour...

DATE: Sunday, August 24, 2014 (SOLD OUT)
TIMES: 12:30pm and 3:30pm
(tours run 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION:  Cat and Fiddle Pub
6530 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles (map)
NOTE: The Meet-up will be in the court yard at the entrance.



“When I got home I mixed a stiff one and stood by the open window in the living room and sipped it and listened to the groundswell of traffic on Laurel Canyon Boulevard and looked at the glare of the big angry city hanging over the shoulder of the hills through which the boulevard had been cut."
-- Raymond Chandler, The Long Goodbye (1953)

For little over 100 years local outsiders, eccentrics, and artists have sought solace in this seemingly isolated canyon (5 minutes from Hollywood). Unfortunately, this idyllic refuge has also been the site of many murders and violence over those same years. Whatever it is that attracts these alternative personalities to this enclave also seems to provide the perfect recipe for paranormal activity, because it seems that Laurel Canyon's ghost lore also goes back almost as many decades, giving it a reputation in Los Angeles as the place where the spooks dwell.

If you have taken one of our specialty tours this year, you have most likely already heard a story about a haunted place in Laurel Canyon. Richard Carradine, our tour guide, grew up there, and loves this local lore, and thus tries to work in at least one Laurel Canyon ghost in each tour. Think of that individual story as an appetizer, for this main phantom feast presented in this tour. If you haven't been on one of our tours, here's is you chance to hear more stories and lore from a man who lived in the canyon for 40 years collecting such stories. This tour will provide Mr. Carradine a chance to tell stories that have never been told publicly (and do not appear in print or online) including his own person encounters with the unknown.

Seating for this bus tour is VERY limited. Only 24 seats!
(12 guests per tour. 2 tours. 1 Day)

or for more ticket info click on this link...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ghosts-of-laurel-canyon-tour-tickets-12661345425

Tales of the Lonesome Ghost!

GHOULA presents...
The "Park" After Dark:
Tales of the Lonesome Ghost!

This is a live show created by
Captured Aural Phantasy Theater

THE DATE: August 13th, 2014 (Wednesday)
THE PLACE: Cahuenga General Store (aka Hallenbeck's)
5510 Cahuenga Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm - 10:30pm
(no-host food service from 8pm to 9pm, Show starts at 9pm)
ADMISSION: $20.00 (SOLD OUT!)


This August represents the 45th anniversary of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. We just couldn't let this milestone slip by without a proper celebration to honor our favorite dark ride. So, for ONE NIGHT ONLY we will pay our last respects to one of the Mansion's most under-appreciated ghosts and its ties to L.A. with a tribute to "The Lonesome Ghost."

Captured Aural Phantasy Theater will resurrect the original (unused) script for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion for a site-specific performance in a haunted venue.

Come join us for a spooktacular show in a haunted historic cafe as we try to recreate the imagined "Lonesome Ghost" that never was (from the never built 1950's version of the Haunted Manson) while conjuring up the real "Lonesome Ghost" that possibly is (from the former home of the possible inspiration for that Haunted Mansion character). Also, as a nod to Disneyland's proposed, but never built, "haunted" restaurant (like the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction), there will be themed food/drink service before the show (available for purchase). This is your chance to glimpse a Mansion that never materialized.

GHOSTLY BACKGROUND:

The idea of a classic "Haunted House" attraction at Disneyland seems to have always been a part of Disney's land, even if it wasn't fully realized until 14 years after the park's opening (and 3 years after Disney's death).

The original concept for this attraction was that guests would be led through the house by a tour guide like the Winchester Mystery House in Northern California. Along the way, the guests would encounter a disembodied voice that would speak directly to them called "The Lonesome Ghost." As this walk-thru evolved into a dark ride, the human guide was eliminated and the idea of the ghostly voice was expanded (or possibly the two parts were merged), and eventually given the new name the "Ghost Host."

While Disney's designers were working on the early version of this now famous ride, were they influenced by something happening in a small North Hollywood studio a couple of miles away? Was the "Lonesome Ghost" a reference to the local radio personality, who went by the on-air alias of "The Lonesome Gal?"

One has to remember that in the 1950's, "The Lonesome Gal" was a wildly popular late-night radio show that was heard on over 400 radio stations across the country. The secret to the show's success was a simple gimmick. Between musical interludes, the nameless "Lonesome Gal" (portrayed by actress Jean King) would whisper sexy/suggestive non-sequiturs, speaking into the microphone as if she were talking to her lover. Lonely males would listen to her program and daydream that she was talking directly to them. During the Korean War, soldiers listened (and re-listened) to boot-leg episodes that they brought with them. To avoid lonely men stalking her (and to create a little mystery), Jean King wore a black mask when appearing in public to promote the show or the show's sponsor (a local downtown brewery that made "Brew 102").

Given that the early "Lonesome Ghost" version of the Haunted Mansion was developed during the height of her "Lonesome Gal" fame, the "lonesome" moniker for the mostly voice-only character (who addressed the tour directly) seems more than coincidental. Although there have been many reasons given for the elimination of the "Lonesome Ghost," one little discussed possibility is the very litigious nature of Jean King, who would threaten lawsuits to anyone trying to capitalize off the character she created.

The building where those historic radio programs were recorded  (as well as the upstairs apartment used by Jean King) still exists today, and its said to be haunted. Just about any paranormal phenomena one can think of, from disembodied voices to phantom footsteps to moving objects, have been seen/experienced by the current (and past) tenants.

In a strange case of the after-life imitating art imitating life, could the "Lonesome Gal" now be a "Lonesome Ghost" like the one she inspired?

For ticket info:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/park-after-dark-tales-of-the-lonesome-ghost-tickets-12298556313

CURSED Tour of Haunted Griffith Park!

GHOULA presents...
The CURSED Tour of
HAUNTED GRIFFITH PARK

Not only is Griffith Park one of the largest urban parks in North America, it is also the most haunted public space in the United States, and the site of some of the oldest ghost stories our city has to offer, including the infamous 150 year old curse! Even today, it is said that there are so many sightings still, that the ranger's office has a "special occurrence" form just for citizens that want to report their ghostly encounters.

Those of you that regularly attend GHOULA events may already know that we have been talking about doing (and attempting to do) this tour for the past few years, but due to circumstances beyond our control... it never happened. Its almost as if the "Los Feliz curse" itself was preventing us. Well this summer, GHOULA is defying the curse, and finally making good on our promise.

So, come join us if you dare... for this unique bus tour as we explore 4,310 acres of haunted history.

NOTE: This tour will be coming to an end in September. These are the last two tours of the year. It is uncertain whether this tour will return next summer, because GHOULA has another project planned for next summer. This may be your last chance to see it.

DATES: August 24, 2014 and September 28, 2014
TIME: 7:00pm (SOLD OUT)
(tour runs 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(follow signs up the fire road to Lot #1 next to the Merry-Go-Round) (map)



For more ticket info...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-cursed-tour-of-haunted-griffith-park-tickets-12436547047

MIRROR, MIRROR Ghost Tour!

GHOULA presents...
The
MIRROR, MIRROR...
Ghost Tour

NOTE: This specialty tour is part of a series of tours GHOULA is conducting this year (and only this year). Rather than tours built around a general geographical location (i.e. The Ghosts of Hollywood), we take a theme and run with it, telling only ghost lore that fits the theme. This gives us an opportunity to visit locations or tell stories that are not typically heard. These are one-off tours that will not be repeated. We are only doing these "bus tours" this year. Past tours have included... The Haunted Houdini Tour, The Ghost-buster Ghost-Bus-Tour, The Many Ghosts of Valentino, and The 13 Richest Ghosts of Los Angeles, and now this tour...

DATE: Sunday, July 27, 2014 (SOLD OUT) (CANCELLED)
TIME: 12:30pm and 3:30pm
(tours run 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: Millennium Biltmore Hotel
506 S Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA 90071 (map)



"And when you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche

Come join us... if you dare... for this unique ONE TIME ONLY event as we travel across our city and discuss the ghost lore of L.A.'s most haunted mirrors, and gaze into them to see if anything stares back.

Within the world of the paranormal, there is a sub-genre of ghost stories that revolve around haunted objects... such as possessed dolls, cursed jewelry, and (of course) enchanted mirrors. Tales of these magic windows (that let us glimpse another dimension) go back hundreds of years and have permeated pop culture from fairy tales (Snow White) to classic literature (Through the Looking Glass) to contemporary horror films (Oculus).

Strangely, Los Angeles has lots of this "ghostly glass" scattered around town. Is there a connection between our dark history and these supposed portals for lost souls? Or, is there a more uncomplicated reason why there are so many haunted mirrors in Los Angeles, a town so (wrongly or rightly) associated with vanity and narcissism? Is it simply because we just are always trying to see ourselves (that we sometimes see "others"). Then again, maybe there something more sinister happening in the city of angels?

NOTE: No one under 21 years of age should take this tour.

Seating for this bus tour is VERY limited. Only 24 seats!
(12 guests per tour. 2 tours. 1 Day)

or for more ticket info click on this link...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mirror-mirror-ghost-tour-tickets-12250195665

The "Park" After Dark!

GHOULA presents...

The "Park" After Dark:
Tales of the Lonesome Ghost!

This is a live show created by
Captured Aural Phantasy Theater

THE DATE: August 13th, 2014 (Wednesday)
THE PLACE: Cahuenga General Store (aka Hallenbeck's)
5510 Cahuenga Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm - 10:30pm
(no-host food service from 8pm to 9pm, Show starts at 9pm)
ADMISSION: $20.00 (SOLD OUT!)


This August represents the 45th anniversary of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. We just couldn't let this milestone slip by without a proper celebration to honor our favorite dark ride. So, for ONE NIGHT ONLY we will pay our last respects to one of the Mansion's most under-appreciated ghosts and its ties to L.A. with a tribute to "The Lonesome Ghost."

Captured Aural Phantasy Theater will resurrect the original (unused) script for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion for a  site-specific performance in a haunted venue. 

Come join us for a spooktacular show in a haunted historic cafe as we try to recreate the imagined "Lonesome Ghost" that never was (from the never built 1950's version of the Haunted Manson) while conjuring up the real "Lonesome Ghost" that possibly is (from the former home of the possible inspiration for that Haunted Mansion character). Also, as a nod to Disneyland's proposed, but never built, "haunted" restaurant (like the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction), there will be themed food/drink service before the show (available for purchase). This is your chance to glimpse a Mansion that never materialized.

GHOSTLY BACKGROUND:

The idea of a classic "Haunted House" attraction at Disneyland seems to have always been a part of Disney's land, even if it wasn't fully realized until 14 years after the park's opening (and 3 years after Disney's death).

The original concept for this attraction was that guests would be led through the house by a tour guide like the Winchester Mystery House in Northern California. Along the way, the guests would encounter a disembodied voice that would speak directly to them called "The Lonesome Ghost." As this walk-thru evolved into a dark ride, the human guide was eliminated and the idea of the ghostly voice was expanded (or possibly the two parts were merged), and eventually given the new name the "Ghost Host."

While Disney's designers were working on the early version of this now famous ride, were they influenced by something happening in a small North Hollywood studio a couple of miles away? Was the "Lonesome Ghost" a reference to the local radio personality, who went by the on-air alias of "The Lonesome Gal?"

One has to remember that in the 1950's, "The Lonesome Gal" was a wildly popular late-night radio show that was heard on over 400 radio stations across the country. The secret to the show's success was a simple gimmick. Between musical interludes, the nameless "Lonesome Gal" (portrayed by actress Jean King) would whisper sexy/suggestive non-sequiturs, speaking into the microphone as if she were talking to her lover. Lonely males would listen to her program and daydream that she was talking directly to them. During the Korean War, soldiers listened (and re-listened) to boot-leg episodes that they brought with them. To avoid lonely men stalking her (and to create a little mystery), Jean King wore a black mask when appearing in public to promote the show or the show's sponsor (a local downtown brewery that made "Brew 102").

Given that the early "Lonesome Ghost" version of the Haunted Mansion was developed during the height of her "Lonesome Gal" fame, the "lonesome" moniker for the mostly voice-only character (who addressed the tour directly) seems more than coincidental. Although there have been many reasons given for the elimination of the "Lonesome Ghost," one little discussed possibility is the very litigious nature of Jean King, who would threaten lawsuits to anyone trying to capitalize off the character she created.

The building where those historic radio programs were recorded  (as well as the upstairs apartment used by Jean King) still exists today, and its said to be haunted. Just about any paranormal phenomena one can think of, from disembodied voices to phantom footsteps to moving objects, have been seen/experienced by the current (and past) tenants.

In a strange case of the after-life imitating art imitating life, could the "Lonesome Gal" now be a "Lonesome Ghost" like the one she inspired?

For ticket info:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/park-after-dark-tales-of-the-lonesome-ghost-tickets-12298556313

CURSED Tour of Haunted Griffith Park

GHOULA presents...
The CURSED Tour of
HAUNTED GRIFFITH PARK

Not only is Griffith Park one of the largest urban parks in North America, it is also the most haunted public space in the United States, and the site of some of the oldest ghost stories our city has to offer, including the infamous 150 year old curse! Even today, it is said that there are so many sightings still, that the ranger's office has a "special occurrence" form just for citizens that want to report their ghostly encounters.

Those of you that regularly attend GHOULA events may already know that we have been talking about doing (and attempting to do) this tour for the past few years, but due to circumstances beyond our control... it never happened. Its almost as if the "Los Feliz curse" itself was preventing us. Well this summer, GHOULA is defying the curse, and finally making good on our promise.

So, come join us if you dare... for this unique bus tour as we explore 4,310 acres of haunted history.

Seating for this bus tour is VERY limited. Only 12 seats!

DATE: Sunday, July 27, 2014
TIME: 7:00pm
(tour runs 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(follow signs up the fire road to Lot #1 next to the Merry-Go-Round) (map)



For more ticket info...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cursed-tour-of-haunted-griffith-park-tickets-12283970687

LA's Top 13 Richest Ghosts BUS TOUR!

GHOULA presents...
Los Angeles' Top 13 Richest Ghosts
BUS TOUR

Ghosts, Gold, and GHOULA...

Come join us for this unique ONE DAY ONLY event as we travel across our city and explore some of the places where LOST TREASURE is thought to be buried and discuss the GHOST STORIES surrounding these locations.

Within the realm of spirits, there is a particular kind of apparition that attaches itself to lost gold generally to protect the hidden treasure from discovery. European folklore is filled with such stories (including a reference in Bram Stoker's "Dracula"). It is even said that the carved pumpkin ("Jack O' Lantern") of Halloween has its roots in this strange phenomena.

Is it any wonder that California ("The Golden State") would have a long history of such "golden ghost" tales? More specifically, Los Angeles, where gold was first "discovered" (before the "Gold Rush"), has more than its fair share of these spooky tales of lost fortunes. Even though they say "You can't take it with you," these local "Au" apparitions refuse to be separated from their wealth.

WARNING: We will visit the secret locations of buried gold (according to the spirits), if you try to use the knowledge learned on this tour for personal gain... you may encounter an angry ghost!

Seating for this bus tour is VERY limited. Only 24 seats!
(12 guests per tour. 2 tours. 1 Day)

DATE: Sunday, June 29, 2014
TIME: 12:30pm and 3:30pm (SOLD OUT)
(tours run 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Redwood Tavern
316 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 9001 (map)
We will meet outside this establishment under the awning with the "X"
("X" marks the spot!)



or for more ticket info click on this link...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/los-angeles-top-13-richest-ghosts-bus-tour-tickets-11984113807

Los Angeles' Top 13 Richest Ghosts BUS TOUR

GHOULA presents...
Los Angeles' Top 13 Richest Ghosts
BUS TOUR

Ghosts, Gold, and GHOULA...

Come join us for this unique ONE DAY ONLY event as we travel across our city and explore some of the places where LOST TREASURE is thought to be buried and discuss the GHOST STORIES surrounding these locations.

Within the realm of spirits, there is a particular kind of apparition that attaches itself to lost gold generally to protect the hidden treasure from discovery. European folklore is filled with such stories (including a reference in Bram Stoker's "Dracula"). It is even said that the carved pumpkin ("Jack O' Lantern") of Halloween has its roots in this strange phenomena.

Is it any wonder that California ("The Golden State") would have a long history of such "golden ghost" tales? More specifically, Los Angeles, where gold was first "discovered" (before the "Gold Rush"), has more than its fair share of these spooky tales of lost fortunes. Even though they say "You can't take it with you," these local "Au" apparitions refuse to be separated from their wealth.

WARNING: We will visit the secret locations of buried gold (according to the spirits), if you try to use the knowledge learned on this tour for personal gain... you may encounter an angry ghost!

Seating for this bus tour is VERY limited. Only 24 seats!
(12 guests per tour. 2 tours. 1 Day

DATE: Sunday, June 29, 2014
TIME: 12:30pm and 3:30pm
(tours run 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Redwood Tavern
316 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 9001 (map)
We will meet outside this establishment under the awning with the "X"
("X" marks the spot!)



or for more ticket info click on this link...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/los-angeles-top-13-richest-ghosts-bus-tour-tickets-11984113807

CURSED Tour of Haunted Griffith Park!

GHOULA presents...
The CURSED Tour of
HAUNTED GRIFFITH PARK

Not only is Griffith Park one of the largest urban parks in North America, it is also the most haunted public space in the United States, and the site of some of the oldest ghost stories our city has to offer, including the infamous 150 year old curse! Even today, it is said that there are so many sightings still, that the ranger's office has a "special occurrence" form just for citizens that want to report their ghostly encounters.

Those of you that regularly attend GHOULA events may already know that we have been talking about doing (and attempting to do) this tour for the past few years, but due to circumstances beyond our control... it never happened. Its almost as if the "Los Feliz curse" itself was preventing us. Well this summer, GHOULA is defying the curse, and finally making good on our promise.

So, come join us if you dare... for this unique bus tour as we explore 4,310 acres of haunted history.

Seating for this bus tour is VERY limited. Only 12 seats!

DATE: Sunday, June 29, 2014
TIME: 7:00pm
(tour runs 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)



For more ticket info...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-cursed-bus-tour-of-haunted-griffith-park-tickets-11980553157

The Valentino Haunted Bus Tour!

GHOULA presents...
The Many Ghosts of
Rudolph Valentino
BUS TOUR

Does the flame that burns twice as bright, burn half as long? Rudolph Valentino was only 31 years old when he died, and yet he had achieved a super-stardom that has never been duplicated. His death as cinema's first sex symbol caused mass hysteria among his legions of female fans. His larger than life persona not only left behind an indelible mark on Hollywood metaphorically, it seems to have done so super-naturally as well. Since his death in 1926, his restless ghost has been routinely seen (and sought after) all over California, with most sightings occurring in different locations within our city limits. It seems that even after his life was extinguished, his flame continues to burn brightly.

Come join us for this unique ONE DAY ONLY event as we travel across our city and explore some of the local haunts connected to Hollywood's most ubiquitous ghost...

Seating for this bus tour is VERY limited. Only 24 seats!
(12 guests per tour. 2 tours. 1 Day)

DATE: Sunday, May 25, 2014
TIME: 12:30pm and 3:30pm
(tours run 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Hollywood Heritage Museum (The Lasky-DeMille Barn)
2100 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (map)



(NOTE: Your ticket also includes free entry into the museum, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. So please plan to spend an extra hour with their historical exhibits, and Valentino memorabilia, either before or after the tour.)

or for more ticket info click on this link...
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-many-ghosts-of-rudolph-valentino-bus-tour-tickets-11548414619

The CURSED Bus Tour of Haunted Griffith Park!

GHOULA presents...
The CURSED Tour of
HAUNTED GRIFFITH PARK

Not only is Griffith Park one of the largest urban parks in North America, it is also the most haunted public space in the United States, and the site of some of the oldest ghost stories our city has to offer, including the infamous 150 year old curse! Even today, it is said that there are so many sightings still, that the ranger's office has a "special occurrence" form just for citizens that want to report their ghostly encounters.

Those of you that regularly attend GHOULA events may already know that we have been talking about doing (and attempting to do) this tour for the past few years, but due to circumstances beyond our control... it never happened. Its almost as if the "Los Feliz curse" itself was preventing us. Well this month, GHOULA is defying the curse, and finally making good on our promise.

So, come join us if you dare... for this unique bus tour as we explore 4,310 acres of haunted history.

Seating for this bus tour is VERY limited. Only 12 seats!

DATE: Sunday, May 25, 2014
TIME: 7:00pm
(tour runs 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)



For more ticket info...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-cursed-bus-tour-of-haunted-griffith-park-tickets-11614676811

Bus Tour of Valentino's Many Ghosts!

Los Angeles Mirror photo(?) of Valentino's ghost (dated May 1st, 1952)

GHOULA presents...
The Many Ghosts of
Rudolph Valentino
BUS TOUR

Does the flame that burns twice as bright, burn half as long? Rudolph Valentino was only 31 years old when he died, and yet he had achieved a super-stardom that has never been duplicated. His death as cinema's first sex symbol caused mass hysteria among his legions of female fans. His larger than life persona not only left behind an indelible mark on Hollywood metaphorically, it seems to have done so super-naturally as well. Since his death in 1926, his restless ghost has been routinely seen (and sought after) all over California, with most sightings occurring in different locations within our city limits. It seems that even after his life was extinguished, his flame continues to burn brightly.

Come join us for this unique ONE DAY ONLY event as we travel across our city and explore some of the local haunts connected to Hollywood's most ubiquitous ghost...

Seating for this bus tour is VERY limited. Only 24 seats!
(12 guests per tour. 2 tours. 1 Day)

DATE: Sunday, May 25, 2014
TIME: 12:30pm and 3:30pm
(tours run 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Hollywood Heritage Museum (The Lasky-DeMille Barn)
2100 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (map)



(NOTE: Your ticket also includes free entry into the museum, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. So please plan to spend an extra hour with their historical exhibits, and Valentino memorabilia, either before or after the tour.)

or for more ticket info click on this link...
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-many-ghosts-of-rudolph-valentino-bus-tour-tickets-11548414619

GHOST-BUSTER GHOST-BUS-TOUR!

GHOULA presents...
The
GHOST-BUSTER 
GHOST-BUS-TOUR

To celebrate Ghostbusters' 30th anniversary, as well as this classic film's association with Los Angeles, GHOULA will be conducting a (ONE DAY ONLY) bus tour of some of the local locations connected to this blockbuster, and discussing the real-life ghost stories connected to these sites and the movie.

In many ways the 1984 comedy "Ghostbusters" set the template for today's ghost-hunting culture. Long before the glut of paranormal reality shows that follow the antics of ghost enthusiasts in matching shirts, armed with pseudo-scientific devices to measure possible paranormal activity, there was Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston (played by Bill Murry, Dan Ackroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson respectively).

Part of what made this movie about the paranormal unique was its urban setting. These uniformed ghost-hunters (busters) were not at some creepy haunted house on a hill, or some far away castle, they were in the middle of, and all around, a major metropolitan city. Because of a few recognizable "Big Apple" locations, many see Ghostbusters as a quintessentially New York film. However, proud New Yorkers may be surprised to learn that most of this comedy was shot and conceived here in the "City of the Angeles."

Whether you're a fan of the film or a fan of phantoms, don't miss this chance to come out and follow in the Ghostbuster's footsteps (slime not included).

Seating for this bus tour is limited. (12 guests per tour. 3 tours. 1 Day)

DATE: Saturday, April 26, 2014
TIME: 10:30am (SOLD OUT), 1:30pm (SOLD OUT), and 4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
(tours run 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Millennium Biltmore Hotel
506 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90071 (map)



...or visit...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ghost-buster-ghost-bus-tour-tickets-11189948437

NOTE: This tour is in no way affiliated, or authorized, or endorsed by Sony Pictures.

SPIRITS with SPIRITS is BACK!

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual social gathering of regional ghost hunters and those that just like ghost stories. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, and toast a ghost! Let's put the “Boo!” back into “booze.”

All those who attend will receive a free (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff about our group. (i.e. LOOK FOR SOMEONE WITH A GHOULA BUTTON)

NOTE: This event at the Magic Castle is now closed. Only those who are already on the guest list will be admitted. Please DO NOT try to "crash" this event or we will be not be allowed to repeat it in the future.

THE DATE: May 13th, 2014 (Tuesday)
THE PLACE: The Hat and Hare Pub @ The Magic Castle
7001 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to 10:00pm
(GHOULA's festivities begin in the Hat and Hare Pub at 8:00 p.m., but it's advisable to arrive a little early to explore. A GHOULA representative will be in the lobby to greet you from 7 p.m.)

NOTE: Due to the nature of this unique venue, we have to limit our group to the first 13 people to sign-up. To be one of the lucky 13, simply click the RSVP button below.  Also, The Magic Castle is a private club. Guests must be 21 or older and carry ID. There is a strict dress code, including coat and tie for men and dresses, skirts or pants outfits for ladies. For full dress code details, see  www.magiccastle.com/visiting/dresscode.cfm

SORRY THE EVENT IS ALREADY FULL.



THE GHOST(S):

The building we know today as the "Magic Castle" was built in 1909 by banker, real-estate developer and philanthropist, Rollin B. Lane. According to urban legend, the Lane House was the only home built from a failed housing development that proposed to cover those hills with similar Chateau-themed mansions. It is said that the historic Chateau-style Janes House (the oldest house in Hollywood) was the "model home" and sales office for this doomed real estate venture. Fortunately, this French-inspired "castle" wasn't alone very long, because two years later the equally bizarre Japanese-inspired "Yamashiro" was built up the hill, above it.

Over the last century, the Magic Castle has been a family residence, a multi-family residence, a home for the elderly, an apartment building, and finally an exclusive private clubhouse for magicians. With a life like that, is it any wonder that this old Victorian is said have a ghost or two, or many more, lingering around? (We're not counting the ghostly illusions of the Houdini Seance Room,  or "Irma," the piano-playing ghost.)

Also, we are purposefully avoiding the specific details about the building's many haunted areas, because we have something very special planned for our visit...

To help us explore this secret haunted side of this historic hide-away (the side that the magicians would rather not talk about), Tom Ogden, author of "Haunted Hollywood," will share with those present these little known ghost tales for a casual ghost tour of the labyrinth-like premises... and perhaps during the evening a few spooky magic tricks will be thrown in for good measure.

So come out, and join us for this very unique glimpse inside "the most unusual private club in the world," and all of its other-worldly members... If you dare!

(to read about the last haunted location... )
(to see a map of previous SPIRITS with SPIRITS locations... )

Ghost-buster Ghost-Bus-Tour!

GHOULA presents...
The
GHOST-BUSTER 
GHOST-BUS-TOUR

To celebrate Ghostbusters' 30th anniversary, as well as this classic film's association with Los Angeles, GHOULA will be conducting a (ONE DAY ONLY) bus tour of some of the local locations connected to this blockbuster, and discussing the real-life ghost stories connected to these sites and the movie.

In many ways the 1984 comedy "Ghostbusters" set the template for today's ghost-hunting culture. Long before the glut of paranormal reality shows that follow the antics of ghost enthusiasts in matching shirts, armed with pseudo-scientific devices to measure possible paranormal activity, there was Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston (played by Bill Murry, Dan Ackroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson respectively).

Part of what made this movie about the paranormal unique was its urban setting. These uniformed ghost-hunters (busters) were not at some creepy haunted house on a hill, or some far away castle, they were in the middle of, and all around, a major metropolitan city. Because of a few recognizable "Big Apple" locations, many see Ghostbusters as a quintessentially New York film. However, proud New Yorkers may be surprised to learn that most of this comedy was shot and conceived here in the "City of the Angeles."

Whether you're a fan of the film or a fan of phantoms, don't miss this chance to come out and follow in the Ghostbuster's footsteps (slime not included).

Seating for this bus tour is limited. (12 guests per tour. 3 tours. 1 Day)

DATE: Saturday, April 26, 2014
TIME: 10:30am, 1:30pm, or (4:30pm SOLD OUT)
(tours run 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Millennium Biltmore Hotel
506 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90071 (map)



...or visit...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ghost-buster-ghost-bus-tour-tickets-11189948437

NOTE: This tour is in no way affiliated, or authorized, or endorsed by Sony Pictures.

HAUNTED HOUDINI BUS TOUR!

(Artwork by Jose Cabrera)

GHOULA and LA Hauntings Ghost Tours
Present...
The HAUNTED HOUDINI TOUR!

Come join us on the eve of his 140th birthday as we travel across our city and explore the super-natural sites connected to the famous magician's life (and after-life)...

Harry Houdini is generally thought of as the greatest showman that ever practiced the craft. Additionally, because of his knowledge of the art of illusion and his work exposing the tricks of fraudulent mediums during the age of Spiritualism, he has become the poster boy for generations of skeptics and debunkers of paranormal phenomena. However, despite dozens of books and biographies, the man's personal views on the occult are still an enigma, with experts debating to what degree did he actually BELIEVE. Ironically, to this day, Houdini is the only historical figure whose ghost people across the country routinely try to contact, usually on Halloween (the date of his death).

Although Houdini did not spend much of his life in Los Angeles, the time he did spend under our palm trees were moments that defined his life, career, and possibly his views on the spirit realm. Indeed, not only did he leave his mark on this town, it may have also left its mark on him... Even all these decades after his death, the great escape artist just can't seem to get away from LA.

Seating for this bus tour is limited. (12 guests per tour. 3 tours. 1 Day)

DATE: March 23, 2014
TIME: 10:30am (SOLD OUT), 1:30pm (SOLD OUT), or 4:30pm (SOLD OUT)
(tours run 1 1/2 to 2 hours each)
PRICE: $35.00 (plus a handling fee)
MEET-UP LOCATION: The Hollywood Heritage Museum (The Lasky-DeMille Barn)
2100 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (map)

TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
For the 10:30am bus tour... (click here)
For the 1:30pm bus tour... (click here)
For the 4:30pm bus tour... (click here)

NOTE: Your ticket also includes free entry into the museum, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. So please plan to spend an extra hour with their historical exhibits either before or after the tour.

GHOULA's Annual Report 2013

(Alhambran F.E. Ormsby, creator of the 13 month calendar, 1929)

HAPPY BOOOOOOOOO YEAR!

GHOULA has many great things planned for the upcoming year.

But first, let's take a last look back at 2013.

This year we said "good-bye," to "SPIRITS with SPIRITS" after five+ years of meeting every month at a different haunted location. GHOULA will be taking a temporary hiatus from this event, so that we can focus on other events in 2014. The is not the end however, "SPIRITS with SPIRITS" will return, since there are still so many haunted restaurants/bars we haven't been to yet. (To revisit the 2013 "SPIRITS with SPIRITS" locations see below)

Speaking of SPIRITS with SPIRITS, it should be mentioned that last year, in May, we reached a milestone, the 60th monthly gathering (the five year mark). To honor this anniversary, we celebrated in the (private) Oviat Penthose, Los Angeles's first Art Deco Residence. This historic landmark graciously opened their doors to us for the night, allowing us access to all the haunted areas. There were also live performances from the Captured Aural Phantasy Theater and The Noble Gasses.

Last Year, in addition to letting Angelenos know about ghost-themed events that are happening in their own back yard, GHOULA continued events like...

Our "Haunted Films in Haunted Places" film series in October. In a partnership with the Echo Park Film Center's Filmmobile. For a fourth year, we screened a spirit-themed movie in actual haunted location that corresponded thematically with that film. We showed the cult classic "Plan 9 from Outer Space," which is about an aliens plot to take over the Earth by bringing the dead back to life, on a screen inside the haunted Pioneer Cemetery in the San Fernando Valley (where the movie was filmed).

That same evening GHOULA also hosted a "GHOULA Challenge," where we let people explore the cemetery with a a mini-map, and asked them to mark down locations that they "felt" or "experienced" ghosts (or the willies). Maps were collected before the screening, and the results were revealed (with the actual ghost story) after the movie. Interestingly, the majority of those present not only indicated the location of the ghost, but they also found the two mass (and unmarked) grave sites (as confirmed by a historian present). The experiment was such a success, we plan to do this again at another location.

GHOULA also continued its tradition of honoring one of Hollywood's most famous ghosts with the "Peg Entwhistle Memorial Hike" to the Hollywood Sign, on the anniversary of her suicide (jumping off of the "H"), along the very same trails that hikers claim to have seen her ghost.

Last October, GHOULA also brought back the ghost-themed "walking" tour, we initiated last year, the "Haunted Red Line Tour," where we take groups along the Metro's Red Line. stopping at various stations to talk about the ghosts and haunted sites at that location.

This was also the year of "STRINGS that Go Bump in the Night!" a celebration of one of Los Angeles' greatest (haunted) treasures, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. It was an evening of spooky puppet shows, a discussion with the legendary Bob Baker, ghost stories about the theater from the staff, a back stage look, and a dark and twisted puppet film (BLUEBEARD) with Bob's puppets, which were on display. We had so much fun that evening that a couple of months later, we did the "Return of STRINGS that Go Bump in the Night." This time we featured a different dark and twisted puppet film (SHANKS), had a discussion with the daughter of the film's director, the legendary William Castle, more ghost stories from the staff, a backstage look, different spooky puppet shows, and the film's puppets on display.

Because of our group's LA-centric interest in the ghost folklore of this city, GHOULA participated in Los Angeles' first ever Halloween Convention, ScareLA, where other groups and companies that create spooky content and events in October, got together under one roof to share (and promote) what would be happening in October with each other and the public. It was so much fun, GHOULA plans on returning next year.

2013 was a great year for GHOULA, and judging from the surprises that are in the works, 2014 will be even better.

The SPIRITS with SPIRITS locations of 2013.

January - Taix
February - The Edison
March - Akbar
April - Chimney Sweep Lounge
May - Oviatt Penthouse
June - Ray and Stark Bar (LACMA)
July - Bona Vista Lounge (Bonadventure Hotel)
August - Hollywood Bowl
September - Beachwood Cafe
October - Saddle Ranch
November - El Cid
December - El Carmen

December's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual social gathering of regional ghost hunters and those that just like ghost stories. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, and toast a ghost! Let's put the “Boo!” back into “booze.”

All those who attend will receive a free (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff about our group. (i.e. LOOK FOR SOMEONE WITH A GHOULA BUTTON)

THE DATE: December 13th, 2013 (Friday the 13th)
THE PLACE: El Carmen
8138 W 3rd St, Los Angeles (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the Witching Hour

NOTE: This will not only be the last SPIRITS with SPIRITS of 2013, it will also be the last one for a while. GHOULA will be taking a break from this monthly ritual, so that we can focus on other events in the coming year. Rest assured though, we do plan on bringing SPIRITS with SPIRITS back in the future since there are still so many haunted bars/restaurants we haven't done yet.

THE GHOST(S):

After the husband of Encarnacion Gomez lost an election for President of Mexico, and was executed because of political upheaval, she fled her native country to Los Angeles. Using family recipes, she opened El Carmen Restaurant in 1929. Shortly thereafter, word spread about this unique local eatery, and its easy to see why people were talking...

El Carmen has a few notable distinctions aside from the grammatical error in its name (which should be "La Carmen"), and its reputation as Diego Riviera's favorite local eatery...

El Carmen most likely invented the Mexican restaurant staple, the "Combination Plate," when they offered what was called at the time, the "Mexican Blue Plate Special," where patrons could mix-and-match any three dishes at a bargain price. They created a "build your own Taco" concept, where lettuce, tomato, and cheese were served one a separate plate, so the patron could put on as much, or as little, as they liked. All entrees came with a choice of soup or salad, so if you ordered the salad with your taco then you got two plates of lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Also, they were the first to mysteriously top their tostadas with French dressing. As strange as that may seem, a simple google search for "tostada" and "French dressing" will reveal many recipes and proof that this idea has found its way into the cuisine.

At one time, the menus of this local hang-out boasted it was the "oldest Mexican restaurant in Hollywood." Although we can quibble about whether its location is actually in "Hollywood" (which has no official boundaries), there is no debating that it is quietly one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles (84 years old). When lines began forming (around the block) at their first location at the intersection of 3rd and La Brea in the 1950's, they moved to their current location on Beverly Blvd. Today, that building has been divided with a wall, and El Carmen occupies part of the original dinning room (with a new entrance).

Around the turn of the century, this simple taqueria became a world-class "tequilaria" (with hundreds of tequilas to choose from), and more notably it adopted a Mexican masked-wrestling theme. For those unfamiliar with the pop-culture surrounding this national sport, tons of (now cult) movies were built around the superhero-like identities of these masked wrestlers, pitting them against supernatural forces (aliens, monsters, vampires, etc.). But no matter what chaos threatened the world in these quirky films, there was always time for a musical number and a cocktail in a swanky night club.

Is it any wonder, that a bar that pays homage to these larger than life figures would also have a supernatural connection? El Carmen is said to be haunted by a ghost, who moves objects, either making things seemingly appear or disappear, or turning electrical objects on or off. There is even an eternal candy bowl that it is said to magically refill itself. Although this sneaky spirit has never been (visibly) caught in the act, it is believed that this invisible force is El Carmen's founder, Encarnacion Gomez, popping in on occasion to check on (and fiddle with) things.

So, come out to Hollywood's oldest Mexican restaurant, and have a cocktail while the ghosts roam (or the vampires, or the werewolves, or robots, etc.)... if you dare!

(for more info about this ghost, check out "Gourmet Ghosts" by James Bartlett...)

(to read about last month's haunted location... )
(to see a map of previous SPIRITS with SPIRITS locations... )

November's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual social gathering of regional ghost hunters and those that just like ghost stories. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, and toast a ghost! Let's put the “Boo!” back into “booze.”

All those who attend will receive a free (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff about our group. (i.e. LOOK FOR SOMEONE WITH A GHOULA BUTTON)

THE DATE: November 13th, 2013 (Wednesday)
THE PLACE: El Cid
4212 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm - 10:00pm

NOTE: This may be the penultimate "SPIRITS with SPIRITS."

THE GHOSTS:

"...No logic. No reason. No explanation. Just a prolonged nightmare, in which fear, loneliness, and the unexplainable walk hand in hand through the shadows..." ---excerpt from Rod Serling's intro to "Five Characters in Search of an Exits" (Twilight Zone episode)

In the 1920's, there was a popular prison-themed restaurant in Hollywood, where the waiters dressed like guards. When it closed, the space was converted into a theater. It was on this spot Ed Wood worked as an actor (and was paid in beer) before he directed "Plan 9" (the worst movie of all time). By 1963, some young people took over the then run-down theater in the canyon below Sunset Boulevard, and forever changed the cultural landscape of Hollywood.

Fiery flamenco-enthusiast Maragrita Cordova and her singer/guitarist husband, Clark Allen, with help from fellow dancers Marta Amaya and Armando Media, and very little money created a home for Flamenco dancing and Spanish (not Mexican) cuisine and culture when they opened "El Cid." It was named after a popular movie of the day, but more specifically it was chosen because of its limited number of letters (less letters meant a cheaper sign out front). Money was so tight in the early years, on rainy nights, patrons were given umbrellas because of the building's many leaks. But what their approach to Dinner Theater lacked in frills, they made up for with their spunk and some potent wine concoctions named after Spanish dances.

60 years later, El Cid still stands below Sunset Blvd, and Flamenco is still performed there (on weekends), and perhaps one of the troupes original members still lingers on that historic stage...

Staff claims that when the theater is empty, and during the day, they will hear the phantom strumming sounds of guitar music, as if an invisible guitarist were practicing on the vacant stage. The ghostly musical notes are generally attributed to the spirit of Clark Allen, one of the founders of El Cid, who passed away in 2008.

Interestingly, in addition to his possible ghost haunting this building, Clark Allen has achieved immortality in a different way with legions of Sci-Fi fans for his role as the eerie bagpiper in a Twilight Zone episode entitled "Five Characters in Search of an Exit." He played a musician stuck between ethereal planes in a netherworld. Could life (or rather the after-life) be imitating art?

Then again, maybe the ghostly guitarist is one of the many other musicians that have come through this space.

So, come out and enjoy one of this city's most unique restaurants, have a drink, and listen for the macabre melodies of a former guitarist... if you dare!

(to read about last month's haunted location... )
(to see a map of previous SPIRITS with SPIRITS locations... )

Ghoulish Graveyard Gala

NOTE: This is not a GHOULA event. This is a ghost-themed event that GHOULA feels its members will enjoy.

San Fernando Valley Historical Society and
LA Mission College Drama Club present:

Voices of the Pioneer Memorial Cemetery
ALMAS
A Day of the Dead Celebration

Historical Re-enactments and Phantasmagorical Installations.
A fund-raiser to restore tombstones and preserve history.

DATE: OCT 25,26, NOV 1,2
TIME: 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 11pm, Midnight
WHERE: San Fernando Valley pioneer Memorial Cemetery (map)
ADMISSION : $15 (in advance) $20 (at the gate)

http://tinyurl.com/pioneervoices (tickets)
http://tinyurl.com/voicesyalmas (donations)
www.voicesofpioneercemetery.com (info)