Gothic lovers unite, your meeting place is now created; red and
black walls surrounded by beanbag chairs, leopard print curtains
and an inventory straight from an Ann Rice novel. The Blood Moon
Cafe, located at 3235 S.E. 39th Ave., is a decidedly different experience
from the common coffee house.
Julianne Dunn, owner and designer of the Blood Moon, is also a
graphic artist. Scheduled for release in late November, Dunn's own
comic book entitled The Adventures of Super Gothic Girl will take
it's place beside the other Gothic comic books that line the shelves
of the cafe. Looking for that perfect gift? Check out the "Very
Dead Girl" dolls created by local artist Tracey Young. Angel T-shirts
by Christopher Carbone are also very stylish. Carbone has produced
the Four Winds comic books as well.
If you want a cup of coffee or a snack while listening to local
musicians perform, this may be the cool subculture cafe you have
sought. Perhaps you have always longed for a pair of custom-fitted
fangs to round out your accessories, or to scare the pants off someone.
James Ryan from Santa Clara, Calif., has taken his position as resident
fang maker at the Blood Moon. Available to the discriminating fang
consumer, there are several styles to choose from. Basic pairs start
at $30. If money is no object, Ryan also designs custom dungeons
for your home, as well as special effects and various styles of
cloaks.
Hemp products popped up all over the place, but until now this
writer has never experienced the sensational flavor of hemp seed
ice cream. This fat free delight is packed with protein, contains
no dairy products and is available in four flavors. Apparently,
Blood Moon is the only outlet for this tasty treat in Oregon.
Perusing the merchandise can be a stimulating venture; black fishnet
stockings, spider socks, or a Christmas present for the person who
has everything; a Gargoyle ornament with natural fragrance, guaranteed
to win the heart of any Goth girl.
A small, but intimate room off the cafe plays host to local musicians.
While awaiting the fitting of custom fangs, this writer had the
pleasure of hearing a favorite folksinger and PE staffer K.T. Under
the low red light on a lazy warm summer day, K.T. brandished her
style of original blues tunes that is definitely not for the dinner
set. Angry Female Folksinger in Chains is a title attached to this
witty musician. K.T.'s sense of humor comes through her playing
with such acerbic lines as "There ain't nothing to compare with
the way I tear my hair ever since you walked through my door."
Sweet voiced, this blues singer performs standards the way they
were meant to be played, as well as clever originals such as Rednecks
in Birkenstocks. It's a social commentary not to be missed. "These
tunes systematically offend just about everyone," she warns. Of
the tune Diverse Opinions, K.T. remarks, "It's my token new age
tune. If you play it backwards it sounds like Purple Haze. If you
don't know the words, you can just om." She adds that the song Stolen
is about "whatever you want it to be about." Regaling women's contributions
to the building and migration of the west, K.T.'s lyrics in the
tune Women's Blood came across the room with a haunting melody that
made this writer appreciate the true art of original folk music.
Whether playing jazz on her saxophone or singing and playing guitar,
multi-talented K.T. will sway your emotions from laughter to provoking
thought, just the way a good performer should. Check Bandstand for
listings. The Blood Moon Cafe, a great place to bring a date? You
decide. It's a good place to get a cup of coffee and hear some local
talent, most definitely.
