© 2008-2009 Southeast New England Film, Music and Arts

Providence Rhode Island Film Festival, Music Festival Arts Festival Southeast New England Southern New England

                                SPRAGUE MANSION SITE OF GHOSTLY HOSTS

                                                                      For

                                   SUCCESSFUL FIRST SENE FUNDRAISER

 

By Mary DeBerry

 

Providence, RI (November 12, 2008) - On All Hallows Eve, October 31, 2008, the stately Sprague Mansion was alive with the spirits of both the living and the “dead” at the First Annual SENE All Hallows Eve Masquerade Ball.  The elegant gala was created to raise funds and awareness for SENE (the Southeast New England Film, Music and Art Festival) the newest and most diverse festival of its kind in the New England area.

 

SENE founders Don Farias, Phil Capobres and the night’s grand hostess, Linda Dwyer, were on hand to welcome guests and ensure that all the spooky events went smoothly throughout the night.  Guests at the fundraiser event were treated to live music all evening in the Grande Ballroom.  Musical interludes were provided by Anne’s Cordial, Rick Drost, Ed Able from Red Ed and the Undead, Jan Luby and Mifflin Lowe.    

 

Libations, donated by Magic Hat Brewing Company, and abundant treats, appetizers and sinfully rich deserts provided by Chelo’s, were served in the dining room amidst tombstones, spider webs, haunting howls and darkly dancing shadows.  Classic horror  films were projected upon a ceiling on an upstairs level and graveyard art by Anne Tait was on display throughout the mansion.  In attendance were Dr. Michael Bell, author of “Food for the Dead: On the Trail of New England’s Vampires”, and Miss Rhode Island 2008, Francesca Simone.      

 

Several local professional actors enhanced the atmosphere and night’s activities with their talents.  Brian Ellsworth played the pirate emcee for the evening, introducing each of the musical acts.  Jon Los, costumed as Jack the Ripper from olde London, gave lively interpretations from the writings of Rhode Island’s beloved horror writer, H.P. Lovecraft.  

 

Patrons could have their fortunes told by Courtney A. Walsh, a certified “seer”. Guests waited eagerly in line all evening for a chance to see into their future.  All guests came dressed in vintage, black formal wear with faces hidden behind masks as requested.  A solemn unveiling came at the stroke of midnight during a séance performed by a mysterious madam, actor Debbie Condit. 

 

The séance madam brought into the room the spirits of two long lost lovers so they could be united forever in the afterlife.  Separated by a Romeo and Juliet type of tragedy, the ghostly groom, Jason Walker and the lovely ghostly bride, Erin Megin, appeared suddenly, were united, and just as suddenly disappeared.  Ministerial duties were performed by the pirate host, who as a ship’s captain, had the power to unite them. 

 

Guests also received a pass to attend the Cauldron of Nightmares Horror Fest of films planned for November 1 and 2 as a continuation of events through the weekend for SENE. 

 

Decorations at the SpragueMansion were created specifically for the night’s event by BoneDaddy Productions.  The evening was captured by SENE’s award-winning photographer, John Pitocco.  The planning committee for the Halloween Ball included Linda Dwyer, Tommy Broadbent, Penny Drahos and Glenn Webber. 

 

Founders Farias, Capobres and Dwyer, would like to thank all their generous patrons for attending this first fundraiser.  The main SENE Film, Music and Arts festival will take place in April of 2009.  For more information or to find out how you can become a part of this unique festival please go to: www.senefilm.org.