20 Penny Circus will perform at the Local 662 in downtown St. Petersburg on Halloween night.
No bones about it: Zombie bands, demented clowns and live tunes help locals celebrate this spooky time of year.
Sword swallowing clowns, four live bands and “horror limbo” are all a part of the Halloween Monster Mash, a Halloween party at the Local 662 in downtown St. Petersburg that encourages patrons to get creepy.
The event will be held on Oct. 31, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., and has a wide variety of spooky tricks and treats to offer guests.
The Monster Mash’s biggest show, 20 Penny Circus, is recommended for mature audience. The two-part act performs demented magic tricks and stunts intended to scare and awe.
Tyler Sutter and Carl Skenes have performed their tricks together for six years, rocking black and white clown makeup while wearing pressed suits.
Together, they make 20 Penny Circus, and have a growing fanbase. Two months ago, they performed a sold out show at the Tampa Improv.
Nick Marcisin, 29, owner of Night of the Living Sound productions, and manager at the Local 662, said 20 Penny Circus was not an easy group to book.
“They are very, very popular. Back in the day, they were local, and performed for chump change. Not anymore,” he said.
In addition to the spooky circus, the Local 662 will host four local bands. Bar patrons can jam to music by Buck-O-Weens, Nerds Raging, the Funeral Dazies, and Twisty Chris and the Puddin’ Packs.
The Funeral Dazies are a “zombie band” with the motto: “Rock ’n’ roll for zombies by zombies since 2007.” These bands are notorious for dressing up, even when it isn’t a holiday, and Marcisin ensures they will be decked out for Halloween.
Aside from live performances, the venue will feature a costume contest. Attendees are encouraged to dress up. Best getup wins $100 cash and a shiny trophy.
The competition will continue with “horror limbo,” the classic bend-your-back-game, but with a spooky feel. Participants can test how low they can go, and winners score gift cards to local eateries, like Fortunato’s Pizzeria and Boulevard Burgers.
Marcisin has done many shows at the Local 662, working with owner Charles Marco, but this show marks a new path for Marcisin.
“This show is the first to be produced under the name Night of the Living Sounds Productions,” said Marcisin. “I’ve done events before, like the Green Jello show, but I want people to see the show and say ‘Oh yeah, that’s Nick.’”
Marcisin foresees an exciting show and great turnout for his kickoff Halloween extravaganza on Oct. 31.
“I know we have the best event music-wise,” he said. “And with the (20 Penny) circus, I’m sure some people will be stumbling in saying, ‘Why the hell weren’t we here all night?’”
Information:
Halloween Monster Mash
The Local 662
662 Central Ave.
Oct. 31 from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
$10 at the door which covers drinks
