The Holiday Season in Thrillville: Slay Bells Ring-a-ding-ding!

I love this time of year. "Kitschmas" in all its glittery, gaudy glory is upon us, and I'm celebrating in typical Thrillville style with two totally different but equally festive events. First, we're hosting a rare revival of Bob Clark's original "seasonal slasher" cult masterpiece BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974), starring Olivia Hussey, John Saxon, Keir Dullea and Margot Kidder. The 35mm print comes courtesy of Brian Quinn, who programs the Grindhouse Film Festival down at the New Beverly Cinema in LA. There will be two programs: first, on Thursday December 3, 8PM at the 4 Star Theater in San Francisco, with live music by theremin lounge band Project Pimento, and then again a week later on Thursday, December 10, 8PM, at the Camera 3 Cinema in San Jose, with live lounge music by Rocket to Rio. Both shows $10. Before the latter gig, Monica and I will be hanging out at San Jose's popular Christmas in the Park attraction, then dinner at Original Joe's, one of our favorite spots.

But December isn't just about Christmas - my own personal savior, Frank Sinatra, was born this month, too, and we're marking the occasion with a special swingin' salute this year: Thrillville presents SINATRA'S BIRTHDAY PARTY Saturday December 12, at Kingman's Ivy Room in Albany.

This joint holds special sentimental significance for us, since Monica and I officially hooked up there (when it still a rock 'n' roll honky tonk, before Kingman renovated it into a swanky lounge, which better suits our personal style), back on January 8, 1998, while I was hosting an Elvis bday party. We had previously met when Monica came to see me host Jailhouse Rock at the Parkway on May 31, 1997, but I didn't actually ask her out then, she just showed me her Elvis/Navajo tattoo and spun my wheel. She definitely left an impression, but I never thought I'd see her again. It was at the Ivy Room where I made my historic, fateful move, and you know the rest. The Chairman would've turned 94 on this day, this year, and we're throwing a celebratory shindig with Sinatra/Rat Pack movies on the bar TV, live lounge music once again by Rocket To Rio, and of course prizes from yours truly. Frank's pally Dean Martin left us for that Big Showroom in the Sky on Christmas Day, 1995, and Eartha "Santa Baby" Kitt joined him last Christmas Day. Weird and oddly appropriate: two holiday music icons both passing way On The Day Itself. Here's to a safe, happy, restful holiday season for all us. Cheers.

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Photos: BLACK DYNAMITE explodes in Oakland!

Monica - wearing her mother's 70s coat - and me with Black Dynamite himself, Michael Jai White, at the Grand Tavern pre-show party

With Michael and director Scott Sanders (left), Grand Tavern

Michael and Scott with Monica's brother Quetzal, Grand Lake Theater

On stage with Black Dynamite, Grand Lake Theater

The Magic Tiki makes its Grand Lake debut

Kudos to Kalhil Karn, Colette Washington and all the cool kids of the OAKLAND UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL for their spectacular success in bringing the hilarious 70s blaxploitation send-up BLACK DYNAMITE to the Bay Area! With special guests, star Michael Jai White (who also co-wrote the brilliant script) and director Scott Sanders appearing in person, OUFF packed the Castro Theater in San Francisco with over 500 people last Friday, November 20, and then SOLD OUT the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland (over 600!) Saturday November 21. Monica Tiki Goddess and I were given the honor of MCing the latter gig, which marked the return of Thrillville to the East Bay. OUFF and I are already in talks to bring more sensational indie/outre cinema to you Thrill Seekers, stay tuned for but for now, check out the pix (many more here). Michael and Scott could not have been more humble, gracious, cool and pleasant, and BLACK DYNAMITE immediately shot to the top of my Best of 2009 film list - it is drop dead hilarious and pitch perfect in every aspect. All in all , it was quite a memorable event. Here's to Oaktown and OUFF! Cheers, Will

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VIDEO: Will the Thrill & Monica Tiki Goddess on CREEPY KOFY MOVIETIME

Thanks to my pal and Thrill Seeker LARRY KAKOS for posting this video of Thrillville's recent guest appearance on local station TV20's CREEPY KOFY MOVIETIME, dig:







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