OH, THE SPINE-TINGLING screams, the frightening costumes of zombies, vampires, werewolves, aliens, Wall Street brokers or classic cowboys, Native Americans, cartoon characters coming to life such as Minnie Mouse, Capt. Buzz Lightyear and others.
I can see them all now dancing in various clubs and having such a good time.
Beginning Friday, there’s four days of such revelry, and you’d better take part or the goblins will get you if you don’t watch out.
Port Angeles
■ It all begins Friday at the Junction Roadhouse, junction of U.S. Highway 101 and state Highway 112 five miles west of Port Angeles, with Ain’t Dead Yet playing rocking country blues from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $5 cover.
■ Actually, that’s the finale of an evening that begins at the Front Street Alibi, 1605 E. Front St., at 6 p.m. with a costume contest with cash prizes at 8 p.m.
■ The party continues west to Salt Creek Restaurant and Lounge, state Highway 112 and Camp Hayden Road, where they are having a costume contest at 10 p.m. with cash prizes. It ends up at the Junction Roadhouse for the costume contest at midnight.
“How do I get from one to the other?” you ask. Just phone Willie or John Nelson at All Points Charters & Tours at 360-460-7131 or 360-775-9128, and they’ll take you from one to the other and back home safe and sound starting at 6:30 p.m.
■ Also at the Junction Roadhouse, 242701 W. U.S. Highway 101, Johnnie Mustang hosts the Sunday Junction Blues Jam from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. There have been some great jams and blues improvisations lately. Come and join in.
On Wednesday, Jason Mogi and Paul Stehr-Green are now joined every week by Kim Trenerry for an eclectic mix of music gleaned from Deadwood Revival, SuperTrees, Tongue and Groove, Grateful Dead tunes and more. This new trio is sure to liven up your Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
■ On Saturday at the Vern Burton Community Center, Fourth and Peabody streets, Kim Trenerry “with a little help from my friends” has a big show lined up from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This premiere event, emceed by Auntmama of KBCS 91.3 FM, includes performances by Great American Taxi, Danny Barnes, Deadwood Revival, Abbey Mae & the Homeschool Boys, Eclectic Cloggers with Last Chance String Band, Shula Azhar and a special surprise duo.
There will also be a performance by Three Legged Dog.
As you might guess, there will be food venders and an art show.
Tickets are $20 with children 6 and younger getting in free.
■ Tonight at Castaways Restaurant and Night Club, 1213 Marine Drive, come on down for Jerry’s Country Jam from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. If country’s your style, come and dance or play plugged or unplugged.
On Saturday, dance to MLR (moderately loud rock) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
■ On Saturday, Wine on the Waterfront at The Landing mall at 115 Railroad Ave. has a “scarily” good party lined up with music by Lorrie Kuss and All About Me at 8 p.m.
There will also be other Halloween festivities, including a costume contest. $3 cover.
■ On Friday, Les Wamboldt and Olde Tyme Country perform at the Fairmount Restaurant, 1127 W. U.S. Highway 101, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Christina Gross invites you to come and jam with other musicians from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Amateurs welcome.
On Tuesday, Dave and Rosalie Secord and the Luck of the Draw Band play old-time music with guests Denny Secord Jr. and his son, Dalton. Rumor has it that Denny Secord Sr. and Gail Secord are going to drop in and make it a three-generation appearance.
I hope to get them all to sign a new Resistol hat and auction it off to benefit the Salvation Army food program. Donations will also be accepted.
The party goes from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
■ Every Tuesday evening at the Port Angeles Senior Center, Seventh and Peabody streets, the Port Angeles Senior Swingers present Wally and the Boys playing ballroom dance favorites for the dancing pleasure of all adults 45 years and older from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $5 cover, first-timers free.
■ On Wednesday at Dupuis Restaurant, 256861 U.S. Highway 101, Bob and Dave play blues with a brew and barbecue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sequim and Blyn
■ On Friday at the Oasis Bar and Grill, 301 E. Washington St., the Old Sidekicks will get you to kick up your heels out on the dance floor, costumes and all, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, the Blue Hole Quintet plays a wide range of danceable, jazz-flavored styles from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
■ At The Buzz, 128 N. Sequim Ave., Kelly Thomas and Victor Reventlow host the very popular and rousing open mic Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
■ On Friday at Stymie’s Bar & Grill at Cedars at Dungeness, 1965 Woodcock Road, it’s All About Me with Lorrie Kuss rocking the vocals from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
■ On Saturday, Three Crabs Restaurant, 11 3 Crabs Road, welcomes back Denny Secord Jr. and his songs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
■ On Friday at Club Seven Lounge at 7 Cedars Casino, Blyn, Steve Grandinetti and Jeff Wittekind play a variety of danceable music on guitars, piano and autoharp with vocals from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday’s big Halloween party features the Nasty Habits and its glam rock from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The costume party features $500 in prizes.
On Sunday, mellow out to the smooth dance tunes of the Stardust Big Band from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On Monday, join Barry Burnett and world-class drummer Tom Svornich for We Be Jammin’, so bring your ax or tickled tonsils and join the fun from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Come in costume — no contest, but you’ll be in costume on Halloween itself.
Port Townsend
■ Tonight at The Upstage, 923 Washington St., Emmy award winners Caroline Aiken and Jeff Tassen with Jon Perry and Les Shelton perform from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. $10 cover, $5 for those younger than 30.
On Friday, Jim Nyby and the F Street Band play Big Easy blues and jazz from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. $6 cover.
On Saturday, Bulgarika performs the haunting melodies and dynamic rhythms of Bulgarian folk music at 7 p.m. $12 cover.
Lil’ Brian and the Zydeco Travelers entertain Wednesday at 7 p.m. $15 cover.
Phone 360-385-2216 for reservations.
■ On Friday at Sirens Pub, 623 Water St., the Paul Benoit Trio plays covers and its own original music at 9 p.m. $5 cover.
On Saturday, it’s the “Nightmare on Water Street” Halloween Party rocked by MongoSmash with special guest Lowire from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. There will be $200 in prizes in the costume contest and zombie dance contest as well as other specials. $5 cover.
■ On Saturday at Castle Key, Seventh and Sheridan streets, it’s a Halloween Masquerade Blues ball featuring the James Howard Blues Band from 8 p.m. to midnight. $10 cover.
■ Steve Grandinetti plays guitar at the Owl Sprit Cafe, 218 Polk St., today and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
■ On Friday at the Undertown, 211 Taylor St., Divas with Annie Reed perform at 9 p.m. $10 cover.
On Saturday, the Better Half Band plays at 9 p.m. $7 cover.
■ Blacky Sheridan will rock ’n’ roll at the fifth annual Halloween Costume Ball at the Highway 20 Road House, 2152 W. Sims Way, starting at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Organizers will give out $200 in cash and prizes for those in costume.
■ Every Monday, Trevor Hanson plays guitar at Alchemy, 842 Washington St., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
■ Steve Grandinetti plays and sings at the Northwest Maritime Center Cafe, 431 Water St., on Thursdays and Friday from noon till 2 p.m.
High notes
■ Dave and Rosalie Secord will perform at the Sekiu Community Club luncheon Friday from 11 a.m. or so to 1:30 p.m. Bring a dish and have a potluck.
■ Feeling alien-ated? Don’t be — just dress like one and head to the Tri-Area Community Center for the Outer Space Ball. All ETs, space cadets, travelers, Trekkies, Vaders, Solos and Skywalkers can vie in the dance and costume contests.
The live music is by Raven and Greased Lightning complete with special lighting and effects. There is also free food, a costume photo area and auction items from local artists, door prizes and wild surprises. The $15 suggested donation and auction proceeds benefit the center.
The fun starts at 6 p.m.
BOO!
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John Nelson is a self-styled music lover and compulsive night owl who believes in “KLMA — Keep Live Music Alive” on the North Olympic Peninsula. His column, Live Music, appears every Thursday.
Are you performing in or promoting a live music gig? Contact John by phoning 360-565-1139 or emailing news@peninsuladailynews.com (subject line: John Nelson).
Also, check out “Nightlife,” a listing of entertainment at nightspots across the Peninsula, in Friday’s Peninsula Spotlight magazine.