Halloween Happenings

by  Mikaela Antonelli
This month is full of fun and frightening activities that will get you in the Halloween Spirit. With all these activities, there are a few shows around town that you wont want to miss.
Holler!ween is back celebrating it’s 12th year on October 18. Musicians like Uptown Toodeloo String Band, Qbala and the Holla, Josh Vogeler and Patti Fiasco will be joining Michael Kirkpatrick and The Holler! this year to provide entertainment. Kirkpatrick has been “the leader of this party since its inception twelve years ago,” he said. The event venue is currently TBA, however, Michael Kirkpatrick says “It is not a party that we feel we have to shout about and give up the location. Everyone is welcome, but we let them find it on their own.”
Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door, the price of admission also includes one beer ticket. The event is co-hosted by the Sustainable Living Association, so it is encouraged to bring your own cup to the event and respect the land and each other. All proceeds go to the Sustainable Living Association and KRFC, and they ask that you bring a minimum of 2 nonperishable food items to donate.  If this is your first year going to the festival Kirkpatrick suggests that you go with someone who has as your guide “Don’t expect it to be like your run of the mill festival,” he said. Although the festival is similar each year you can expect it to be a little more “visually stimulating” according to Kirkpatrick.
Local Band Genetics has a residency at the Aggie Theater this month. They will be playing every Wednesday and one Friday for the Local Alliance shows. They are planning to bring in some big names for their performances each week, like Joey Porter form the motet and Technicolor Tone Factory and Malai Llama.
Like the previous Local Alliance shows, these shows are free and 21 and up. “It’s a free party,” Searls said. Each show will have a different feel and a different sound. From electronic to bluegrass to straight rock , there will be a different sound each night. Being from Fort Collins they are excited to collaborate with many different local bands.
“We take pride in being from Fort Collins…we are trying to give Fort Collins something good and free,” Searls said. For their last show they plan to make it a Pre Halloween show. “You can try on your costume to make sure it fits,” Searls joked.
With the fact that there will be a different sound every night Searls explained that you could expect a lot of improvised music and a lot of structured music. Keeping with the tradition of the Local Alliance shows, there will be local and live artists at the venue as well as musicians. “
All the arts of Fort Collins trying to bring all of the people together as one,” Searls said.