Curio Nocturno
By Rachel Galvin
The Sample McDougald house was the perfect backdrop for Curio Nocturno Feb. 21. The gothic décor transported guests back in time to enjoy a dark Victorian romance complete with a masquerade ball.
Indoors, classical music was played while a professional photographer, Tim Breaseale, captured moments and guests strolled through the historic home. They even discovered a cache of chocolate covered strawberries near the kitchen!
Outdoors, guests could have their fortunes read, sample jambalaya, beignets and other decadent selections while dancing to the gothic electronic sounds of The Black Bats, a band that also was selected to play at the Vampire Ball for author Anne Rice. Entertainment was also provided by burlesque dancers who danced on the verandas. As the moon rose, the music of the band changed to a DJ’s rhythms as he spun the likes of Madonna, Prince, the Eurhythmics and other 80s hits and 70s disco. They even played the Monster Mash.
While dancing or sipping cocktails, guests could take photo ops among the prop gravestones. Overall, the evening, put together by Charlotte Sundquist and Artistic Productions in conjunction with Sample McDougald, was a unique experience unlike any found in the area.