Music News

Photos: KCRW’s Halloween Ball Masquerade

Written by Rachel Reynolds Nov. 01, 2010

Masquerade by Gary Leonard (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

KCRW DJs family portrait by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

For a second year, KCRW’s sold out Halloween ball Masquerade drew some of the most creatively costumed music-loving revelers to the legendary Park Plaza in Downtown LA. Over and over again, I overheard attendees talking about what an amazing venue it was for a party – with five themed rooms, a patio, and a back lot with food trucks, you could keep moving all night and find interesting things to see and do at every turn.

While people-watching was definitely a highlight — I went as Daphne with my boyfriend Fred (from Scooby Doo) and we even found a Shaggy and Velma in the crowd! – the music was exceptional.

Henry Rollins by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

KCRW DJ Henry Rollins was in true form. No one seemed to me having more fun than him him as he mixed his usual wild assortment of tunes, wearing the superman costume from the Rollins Band video for “Liar.” It was a trip to watch the same angry frontman dancing to songs of his own choosing behind the decks. (apparently he ran his set list by Ian Mackaye for some suggestions). Cut Chemist’s set in the room next door had the bass thumping so hard it made your hair stand on end – in the best way. Watching a gorilla and his zoo keeper get crazy to Cut’s sensational turntabalism – along with hundreds of others packed in the room — was a blast.

Cut Chemist by Gary Leonard (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Dancing throngs packed the 2^nd flr Grand Ballroom for DJ sets from Jason Bentley (dressed as a Roman warrior), Raul Campos (dressed as a Mexican wrestler), and Valida (dressed as a fox). They definitely got the crowd moving while Duke Spirit and Gram Rabbit brought the rock in the room next door. Gram Rabbit’s trippy psychedelic madness was a perfect fit on Halloween and it was fantastic to see Duke Spirit’s new songs live for the first time. Leila Moss is one of indie rock’s best frontwomen – she is so powerful and had the whole crowd wrapped around her finger. Late adds Leftover Cuties transported a packed room to the underground jazz clubs of 1930’s New York while Lucent Dossier’s stilt walkers made jaws drop as they made their ways through the crowd.

Reliving the evening in photos is even better so take a look at some highlights below.

More photos of revelers to come!

Jason Bentley & Lucent Dossier dancer by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Liza Richardson Gary Calamar and Anne Litt by Jeremiah-Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Gram Rabbit at Masquerade by Gary Leonard (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Leila Moss of Duke Spirit by Gary Leonard (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Leftover Cuties by Gary Leonard (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Chris Douridas and Dan Wilcox by Gary Leonard (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Spooky crowd shot by Gary Leonard (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Eric j Lawrence as Wolfman Jack by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Mathieu Schreyer and Tom Schnabel by Gary Leonard (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Lucent Dossier stiltwalkers by food truck by Gary Leonard (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)