Vampire Ball

† A Brief Introduction
This space is used to promote the Vampire's Masquerade Ball , an annual event, and post up to date information. Please see the side headings of this page for information on the event, shopping in Portland and contacting the hostess directly.
The Vampire's Masquerade Ball, hosted once a year in the City of Roses was established in 2002 as a event to revive the romantic gothic aesthetic. It resurrects and maintains the beauty within the gothic culture, bringing to the audience a setting of romanticism, decadence, and pageantry. It has brought together in one night members from different scenes both national and international, forming friendships and a stronger sense of community.
Using "vampire" in the name is meant to touch on dark romanticism and elegance, having an apprecation for all that we find beautiful in the night. While this event is not put on by the vampire community itself, to date they have been very supportive and are very welcome to attend. This is a gothic/industrial event where the majority of attendees are of that subculture. However, the diversity this night encourages can be easily seen in the costumery of those who attend. You will encounter individuals from such genres as romantic goth, death rock, fetish, industrial, victorian, edwardian, post punk, etc.
As being a Masquerade guests are encouraged to wear masks, but are not required to hide their identities. Those in attendance are required to be no younger then 21 years of age.
† History of the Event
The Vampire's Masquerade Ball debuted on June 7, 2002, at Portland's gothic nightclub the Back Room. From the first incarnation, club organizers Teri and Chris Hartgrove envisioned an annual event that would be a special occasion for regulars and newcomers alike. That night, resident DJ Faux Pas played to nearly 100 guests, and the success of the Ball ensured plans for the following year. On October 24, 2003, the Back Room again hosted the VMB with DJs Faux Pas, Inveigle, and Curatrix, and entertained a crowd of 200.
In November of 2004, the Back Room closed its doors, but the Vampire's Masquerade Ball was not forgotten. Teri and Chris turned the event over to Lady Raven, who imagined it on a much grander and more elegant scale. On March 12, 2005, Lady Raven presented the third VMB at the Scarlet Ballroom, with DJs Horrid and Curatrix, live performances, vendors, and an atmosphere of romantic decadence that drew over 300 visitors from Portland, Seattle, and beyond.
The fourth VMB took place on June 10, 2006 at the Wonder Ballroom in Portland. DJ Eternal Darkness provided the soundtrack for a gorgeous and dazzling night that surpassed all expectations, attracting 413 guests from the Pacific Northwest and around the nation.
The Fifth VMB was held March 24th, 2007 at the historic Melody Ballroom. Over 500 guests attended and the success of the evening and the granduere of the venue has secured the Melody to once again host the event for 2008. Look for a full write up of the evening in Gothic Beauty issue #23.
The sixth VMB again was hosted in the Melody Ballroom in March, 2008. It catered to over 750 guests from around the nation. Performances included Kazum, Paul Mercer, Jill Tracy, and Serpentine. Videos of that night are available for viewing in the blog. An article of the 2008 event will appear in the February 2009 issue of Portland Monthly as a prequil to the 7th VMB.
† Called to Attend
Elegant Children of Darkness, Gothique Aristocracy, Kindred Spirits...
YOU.
† Sponsors for 2008

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