Highlights form Feb's SWS

Thank you all for coming out and supporting the (dark) arts!

We had a great turn-out for GHOULA's first foray into the art world, and promoting a local artist that uses ghost lore as her subject matter.

Based on the success of this event, we hope to do more summarily themed art shows in the future.

As a weird footnote to the evening after the exhibit showing, a group of us went Cross's the street to Hop Louie's for a night cap. While conversing, it suddenly dawned on everyone that the interior was filled with boxes coincidentally marked "SWS" (as in SPIRITS with SPIRITS).

How did they know we were coming?

February's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual 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.

THE DATE: Februay 13th, 2011 (Sunday)
THE PLACE: The Studio for Southern California History
977 North Hill Street, (Chinatown) Los Angeles (map)
THE TIME: 6:00pm-8:00pm (then across the street to Hop Louie)

"Playful ghosts have interrupted our tour"
-Haunted Mansion, Disneyland

GHOULA is going to do something a little different this month (we just couldn't resist this unique opportunity). Instead, of the normal "SPIRITS with SPIRITS," we will be celebrating local ghost lore (with libations) with the good people at the Studio for Southern California History for a special art show (and reception), featuring the "Haunted Art" of Cathrine Brogger.

This collection of "plein air" style paintings of local haunted sites has never before been displayed in public. Yes, these 13 works of art will be shown for the first time on the 13th, and the reclusive artist, herself, will be present.

This one-night-only event will be in conjunction with SFSCH's current exhibit "Love is Living Large in Los Angeles," their virtual love letter to the "City of Angels."

So, come out and celebrate the eve before St. Valentine's Day, in the historic West Plaza of Chinatown (aka "New Chinatown") as we explore the dark side of our feelings for the city we all call home.

"SPIRIT with SPIRITS" will resume as usual next month.

(to see last month's location...)

Jan's SWS Highlights

This "Spirits with Spirits" elicited one of the oddest responses from our host restaurant. The staff was extremely put-off by the size of our group (about 30), and almost refused to serve us. They apparently were hoping they wouldn't have to work on this quiet Wednesday evening, and enjoy the solitude of an empty restaurant. I guess they don't want/need customers in these slow economic times.

That said, they finally reluctantly took our orders, and brought out lackluster entrees. Maybe the cooking staff was also bothered by our presence in their otherwise quiet establishment.

Unfortunately, our group's members were the only presences present that night. The only ghost stories of note to report, were the ones told at the table.

On the plus side, GHOULA co-founder, Richard Carradine, was shocked when everyone erupted into a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday," as a blase waiter brought out a platter of "Blood Red Velvet" cupcakes (with lit candles) and a large decorative skull in the center to his seat. He was so not-expecting-it, that he was even singing along, trying to figure out whose birthday it was that night. (Mr. Carradine's birthday was actually the following week) It was a nice, and appreciated, surprise. It just goes to show you, you never know what to expect at "Spirits with Sprits."

(to read about the ghosts of this restaurant...)

January's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual 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.

THE DATE: January 13th, 2011 (Thursday)
THE PLACE: Antonio's7470 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles (map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to 11:00pm

THE GHOST(S):
The arrival of a new year is usually a time to wish others good luck and prosperity in the coming year. So, it seems fitting that GHOULA kicks off 2011 with a lucky charm of a location. Antonio's on Melrose has, over the last fifty years, gotten a reputation as being the place that celebrities hang-out at just before they become famous (Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, etc.) as if this magical Mexican restaurant had something to do with their good fortune.

This urban legend further states that these windfalls occur when the spirits that haunt this eatery favor an individual. Although, the idea these ghosts actually influence the destiny of the patrons seems far-fetched, there does seem to be something super-natural about this establishment. The lights have been known to turn on and off by themselves, a bell in the kitchen rings when there is no food for pick-up, and staff have even felt phantom tugs on their clothes as if some unseen "person" wants their attention. A male ghost has also been seen throughout the building (at the end of the bar, the office, back room, etc.)

When asking the owner, Antonio Gutierrez, who he thinks the ghost might be, he doesn't even venture a guess since it really could be anyone from the restaurant's history (from beloved staff to celebrity customers). Some have even speculated that ghost is ol' blues eyes, himself, Frank Sinatra, since he loved this place, and spent many nights there. Then again, it could also be the spirit of eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, who ate at Antonio's so much (and spent so much time there) he had a phone installed (which is still there) next to his usual table. Gutierrez also was told when he moved in that when the building was under construction, the builders discovered several caskets in the ground at that site that dated back to when this area was under Mexican rule. Do these long gone Mexicans haunt this Mexican restaurant? Come to Antonio's and find out, and if you're lucky, the spirits might look favorably on you.

http://www.antoniosonmelrose.com/Antonios_on_Melrose.html

(to see last month's location...)