In what is shaping up to be a must-see event for the California haunt community, Midsummer Scream has announced that Oingo Boingo Dance Party will be headlining its Noche De Los Muertos dance and costume party. Gaining significant popularity in the 80s with their singles “Dead Man’s Party” and the titular track of the hit movie “Weird Science”, Oingo Boingo were icons of the New Wave scene. With their funky sound and Dia De Los Muertos-inspired iconography, Oingo Boingo concerts would become a Southern California Halloween tradition for many locals, playing shows almost every Halloween night between 1986 and their farewell Halloween concerts in 1995 at the Universal Amphitheater.
Fronted by an amazing young singer Brendan McCreary (also of Young Beautiful and in a Hurry), and featuring a rotating lineup with original members of the group including: (leader) Johnny Vatos, Steve Bartek, John Avila, Sam “Sluggo” Phipps, Carl Graves and Doug Lacy, the group reformed a few years ago to the delight of the groups long faithful fans, and will come together again to help Midsummer Scream bring some of that Halloween spirit to the middle of summer.
This event is sure to bring a smile to anyone who had a chance to experience he magic of this iconic 80’s band firsthand, and give anyone who might have missed it a taste of what was.
In addition to putting on what promises to be one hell of a dance party, the members of the band will also be judging a “Best & Worst of the ‘80s” costume contest, so come dressed to impress (or horrify) and show your love for the decade that brought us so many horror classics. If for some reason you commit the ultimate Halloween faux pas and leave your costume at home, face painters will be on hand to transform you into the shambling corpse of your choice for a small fee.
The Noche De Los Muertos party will be occurring on Saturday, July 30th and tickets are available for $30 or $20 with the purchase of a ticket to the main event. Hardcore Tender Lumplings, what Oingo Boingo calls its fans, may wish to splurge on the $75 Meet and Greet Package, which includes a commemorative T-shirt, a photo, and of course, a meet and greet with the band. The event is 21+ and tickets will be on sale until July 30th, both online and at the door.
Some samples of this band from a recent shows…they are absolutely on fire.
