Sounds Like Some Haunts Are Getting Into the Spirit

Halloween thrills aren’t just for kids. That might surprise some of you older party-poopers who prefer to torture yourselves and others with reminiscences of your long lost trick-or-treating youth.

But really, what are you missing? Not only are you old enough to buy your own candy, but you also can buy only your favorites. You can dress up in whatever you want (and not what your mom thinks is appropriate). And you’re of age to get into any of the many dance haunts offering a frightfully fun time.

The most talked-about event of them all is Halloween Bash ‘94, to be held at the Red Lion Hotel on Saturday. It’s like New Year’s Eve in masquerade. Some of the county’s top promoters banded together for this fright fest--Scorchman, Tic Toc and Johnny’s Joint. Sugar Ray (formerly the Shrinky Dinx) and Top Jimmy will perform live, while Mark Moreno deejays KROQ-variety tunes. The Red Lion will offer a two-person room rate of $35. The best costume takes $1,000. Advance tickets are being sold through Ticketmaster.

Those who cherish the macabre spirit most--and year-round--are Gothic fans. For them, Apparition, the short-lived Fullerton Gothic nightclub open to all ages, rises from the dead on All Hallow’s Eve at the Ice House, near its old grave site. Groove to local faves the Last Dance, Debautchery and Examination Death Cult, as well as Los Angeles-based 13 Knots and Praise of Folly. Dress to depress, as promoters request, and be a star. A student documentary will be filmed that night. Advance tickets are available at Ipso Facto in Fullerton.

And those who like a country-style fright night should amble over to the Crazy Horse on Sunday for the club’s 14th annual Halloween party. Buck Naked and the Chapped Cheeks will crank out the live country music. Come between 5 and 7 p.m. for the complimentary chicken and rib buffet; spooky drink specials will be served all night.

Couple dancing is big among these folk, so it’s no surprise that the top two slots in the costume contest go to couples. First-prize winners get $200, a custom Crazy Horse jacket and a weekend for two at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

Ghouls who prefer dancing to disco, pop, house, alternative and the like can hit a number of clubs this weekend.

If you like your midnight madness as slick as a vampire’s greasy ‘do, check out the following:

Saturday, the Empire Ballroom presents the biggest total cash cache of the weekend costume contests, with $1,000 going to first place, $500 to second and $200 to third. Celebrity judges are “The Young & the Restless” stars Lauralee Bell (Cricket), Joshua Morrow (Nicholas) and Laura Bryan Birn (Lynn).

Also, terror twosome the Hanour Brothers will mark the occasion three times. Discount invites are available at the clubs. On Saturday, the fifth annual Haunted Dance Opera at the Shark Club will go up against the Haunted House Party at Metropolis. Each offers a $1,000 prize for the winning costume.

The difference lies in the music. The Shark Club will spin a mostly Top 40 mix. Metropolis will feature resident house music deejays Doc Martin and Taylor, as well as the West Coast debut of Pierre--billed as New York City’s godfather of acid house.

Metropolis keeps it going on Sunday with PleasureDome’s Halloween Ball. Costumed revelers will get a chance at another $1,000 prize. Tribal drummer Shaheen will drum up lost souls and the fetish go-go boys will entertain them.

Monday, the Lava Room, DI Productions and Artist Groove Network present the Night of the Demons. Humble Gods and Rhythm Trak will perform live, while deejay Mark Moreno will control the recorded sounds. Denim X Change in Newport Beach has $6 advance tickets.

* Halloween Bash ‘94: Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Red Lion Inn, 3050 Bristol, Costa Mesa. (714) 741-3090. Hours: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 21 and over.

* Haunted Dance Opera: Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Shark Club, 841 Baker St., Costa Mesa. (714) 751-0206. Hours: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover: $12; with invite, $10. 21 and over.

* Haunted House Party: Saturday, Oct. 29, at Metropolis, 4255 Campus Drive, Irvine. (714) 725-0300. Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Cover: $12; with invite, $10. 18 and over.

* Halloween Hell: Saturday, Oct. 29, at Empire Ballroom, 640 W. 17th St., Costa Mesa. (714) 722-6100. Hours: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover: $15.

* PleasureDome’s Halloween Ball: Sunday, Oct. 30, at Metropolis (see above). Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Cover: $12; with invite, $10. 18 and over.

* Halloween Party: Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Crazy Horse Steak House, Santa Ana. (714) 549-1512. Hours: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover: $4. 21 and over.

* Apparition: Monday, Oct. 31, at the Ice House, 112 E. Walnut Way, Fullerton. (714) 525-7865. Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Cover: $8 in advance, $10 at the door. All ages welcome.

* Night of the Demons: Monday, Oct. 31, at the Lava Room, 1945 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa. (714) 740-4033. Hours: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover: $6 in advance, $8 at the door.