THE GHASTLY LIVE VERSION
The show must go on….. The legend of the Monsters Ball continues with the blessings of a full blue moon. While staying true to a Monstrous 2020, we must consider social distancing and limit crowd size this Halloween. We’ve done the best we can to plan a safe, fun memorable night out with Monsters Menagerie Art in gallery, sideshow performances by the ever-eerie Pain Proof Punks, plus three gory whorey comedians provide blue color horror laced comedy: Leslie Barton, Kristofer Royer and Derek McFarland, and audience participation with costumes & prizes. The back gate creeks open at 7pm. Guests are encouraged to arrive well before 8pm show start, so everyone can be seated to meet social distancing etiquette.
Contact free tickets available online, are sold in groups of 4. That’s four people per table, with complimentary munchies. Tables for four people (or monsters), are $200. Each table becomes its own ‘household’ – The Addams Family, The Munsters, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, The Trumps, The Honeymooners. You name it, be creative; prizes for the best household.
Like with many iconic arts venues across the country, the safety of all people is our chief concern with any activity at Alwun House. Due to pandemic safety protocols, we are limiting attendance to the Monsters Ball while also opening this event to a safe accessible, engaging online format — although it’s not what our faithful patrons have grown to love about the Monsters Ball — it is the responsible approach, and we are thrilled to still be able to showcase these visual and performing artists and patrons that call Alwun House home.
Note: tables are spaced out for social distancing and keeping the Montagues and the Capulets safe and separate. Guests are expected to wear masks at time of entry, and at all times while walking around and inside the gallery. Guests may select their table at arrival, on a first come, first serve basis. Guests are asked to remain seated at their tables except for gallery or privy visits, and trips to the designated smoking area in the western Chill Lounge.
Art Gallery access will be maintained by a maître d’, limiting viewing to 10 people at a time. Guests will be called in order, to view exhibit.
Alwun House volunteers provide wait staff circulating to serve guests spirits, preventing congregating at concessions. We’re here to provide you and yours, a safe and memorable escape.
THE VICARIOUSLY VIRTUAL VERSION
From the comfort and safety of your own home you can peek in and see the Monsters Ball activities, not only the ever-eerie Pain Proof Punks and the rancid hilarious comedians. But, you also see and bare witness to the bizarre slightly sane costumed characters to had the balls to attend Alwun’s Monsters Ball. Also you’ll get a tour of the Monsters Menagerie art exhibit and perhaps we can get some of the artists to talk about themselves or their art. Like with many iconic arts venues across the country, the safety of all people is our chief concern with any activity at Alwun House. Due to pandemic safety protocols, we are limiting attendance to the Monsters Ball while also opening this event to a safe accessible, engaging online format — although it’s not what our faithful patrons have grown to love about the Monsters Ball — it is the responsible approach, and we are thrilled to still be able to showcase these visual and performing artists and patrons that call Alwun House home.
These days all venues across the country are hurting, struggling to continue. #SaveOurStages With social distancing measures it limits how many people can see an act and thereby limiting the revenue for venues to operate, pay staff and artists. We need your support. Consider buying a ticket now, even if you can’t attend, it’s your chance to participate in and support our Monster Ball fundraiser.
October 2 – 31
Tickets $10 advance, $15 door
For the 2020 edition, features forty local artists, with twenty performances on both the Main Stage and the West Garden Stage. The West Garden Stage, will be hosted by Rosemarie Dombrowski, the inaugural Poet Laureate of Phoenix, and features local poets like Kat Hofland, Sophia McGovern, Kellen Shover, Anna Flores, Imogen Arate, Christy White, Joe Dick, Hunter Hazelton, Sam Hui, Abby Baker, Nancy Wolter, Melissa Leto, Danae Barnes, The Klute, Tristan Marshall, Bill Campana, Garrett Smith, Nadine Lockhart, Amy Oozonian, and Eduardo Perez with Calvin Cook.
The Main Stage is co-hosted by the grandiloquent duo, poet/theater director Ernesto Moncada, and comedian/actor Matt Micheletti, backed up by Patrick Hershey on upright bass. Program includes: poetry by Aaron Johnson, Emily Cimino, Ben Jammin’, Lexi Lou and Jessica Fleming; music by outrageous ditty songster Tom Tuerff, The NoGoodNiks, Wood Rat Metal Pig, Boketto and Indigo Rider; stand-up comedy by Leslie Barton, Eric Sobczak, Savannah Hernandez and James Hoenscheidt. Storytelling; Mrs. Sexy and Russ Kazmierczak; Burlesque by Femina Flower, and surprises.
The most talked about outrageous art opening event of the year, one night of uninhibited immersive multi-sensory Valentine experience: eye-poppin’, heart-thumpin’ performances on two stages, two floors of erotic-exotic art, exquisite body painting, bondage, fire, burlesque, jazz, roving performers.
Bossa nova and bondage fill the west garden with Moonlight Magic on stage and suspended shibari rope/bondage demonstrations by Zaphod with fire and roving performers. Fetish and cosplay attire welcome. Dress for success. 
Complimentary decadent delectable edibles, Champagne & Hpnotiq Nipple Lickers drink specials. Cash Bar. 21+ More Info TBA.
Exotic Art Show exhibit showcasing over 50 local and regional visual artists provocative, playful, sensual or audacious, uninhibited passions that push the envelope. At 36 it is the longest-running exhibit of erotic and exotic art in the country.
January 11, 2020
December 7 – January 3,2020
Tucson artist, Joe Dal Pra art reflects on change: to show change, in particular how change builds a history, often of deterioration. Most of Joe’s works have a broken and put back together feel. Surfaces are worn and often show layers of underneath coatings and materials. Figures have a fragmented form or surface. Structures are bent, twisted, repaired and reused. Things that could not hold up to the stress of being, failing over time and circumstances. These include people, structures, and hybrid creatures. His characters, forms and materials worked together through a process of building and reflection and changes. Working with ceramic, steel, cast plastic and metal and existing objects. The imagery of Joe Dal Pra‘s sculptural work comes from the human body, engineered structures, aircraft parts, toys and comics.
A blow-out thriller stage show, with live jazz music, crowds costumed for cathartic revelry in spirited costumes contest. When doors creak open at 7pm, performances have already begun with Spooky Kool* whose entrancing jazz performs as guest & ghouls arrive. Followed up with Ignite Collaborative conjuring up a witches’ coven full of blood, creepy gore and ritualistic sacrifices. Then the evening takes a kinky twist as WTQ “What The Queer” takes the stage and goes dragalicious with all-out monstrous queeriest creations ever to hit Alwun’s stage. The bizarre antics of WTQ “What the Queer” has earned them best Alternative Drag Troupe by New Times. WTQ will drag you into the scariest yet sexiest fantasies. You will dare to witness the most outrageously dark bizarre performances. Guaranteed to make your spine (and other organs) shiver. WTQ is hosted by Vera Saucy; performers: Rosetta Stoned, Quinetta Rose, NiiMare, Yoyo BlackFire, Jeena Doucure, Chianti Thirst, Dr. Queer Medicine Woman, and more!
*Spooky Kool is one of the valley’s preeminent jazz bands in the valley. Fresh after the release of their new album “I AM” Featuring Gabriel Bey who continues to perpetuate the movement of performing spontaneous Original Music (OM) based on the atmosphere created by the audience. The experience is both reflective and engaging. Musicians: Phil Janzen ~ Drums, Sandra Bassett ~ Keyboard & Vocals, Jack Schaar ~ Sax, Ross Covington ~ Bass, Pete Mello ~ Guitar, Gabriel Bey ~ Trumpet, Flugelhorn, & Vocals.
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Monsters Menagerie
Secret Dimensions
“Alwun House Foundation stands as an exemplary model of engaging the power of art to transform lives and transform community. For more than 40 years, the Alwun House foundation has created opportunities for artists, and served as a pivotal beacon in the Garfield community and as a foundation for the downtown Phoenix arts scene. Their work extends across artistic and cultural boundaries, and brings diverse audiences, community members and artists together. Without the pioneering work of Alwun House, much of what is taken for granted in the vibrancy and success of downtown’s flourishing arts community would not have been possible.” Governor’s Arts Award, 2013
Beyond a “temporary” Infill Park, our multipurpose project has already received unanimous zoning approvals and neighborhood support. Envision green Sonoran landscape, community gardens, shaded open space for downtown community gatherings, art installations, performances, workshops, festivals, food trucks, artists and vendors, and parking most of the time.
This transformative development will finally be realized with individual grass-roots support, sponsors, and community-minded contributors. With any pledge, small or large, your cultural legacy is acknowledged.
This project would provide essential economic boost to the community and Alwun House for the next 40+ years. We are only lacking $60,000 to match a $100,000 grant before we celebrate breaking ground. If interested in placing your name on a legacy $100 brick, or $1,000 specimen tree.
