It is a journey into the whimsical realm of L.A.'s fantasy underground not everyone is aware of. A world of superlative sartorial splendor, with regal Nobles, mischievous goblins and various and sundry imaginary creatures flitting about the maze of rooms as if captured in some timeless dream world. The 16th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball took place July 5th and 6th, 2013 at the historic Park Plaza Hotel, a glorious hold-over from the jazz age, now gracing the urban decay of Echo Park adjacent.
The stunning Gothic Revival foyer and ballrooms of the building, originally built as a Lodge for the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, by Art Deco architect Claud Beelman, served as the perfect backdrop for this festival of fancy. Produced by Sypher Studios the Labyrinth of Jareth pays homage to the 1986 Jim Henson movie "Labyrinth" starring cult icon David Bowie as "Jareth the Goblin King" and provides an occasion of revelry for some of the most creative costume minds of tinsel town.
Attending as the associate of Bob "Zoey" Tur of Los Angeles News Service, we nevertheless had to come appropriately attired according to the theme so that patrons are completely submerged in the experience. And it worked. Instantly I felt as though I were in another dimension, lively, chaotic and quixotic, yet still gentle and heartfelt. The multiple pavilions held varying attractions, from a glorious proper high tea setting accompanied
by an art song singer, to a steam punk disco where Fairies, Elves and Otherkin might bust a move on the dance floor, to an extensive outdoor arena complete with vendors hawking their wares. We floated trance like through this cavalcade of delights, marveling in the visual feast.
An especial auditory treat was the Elven Choir conducted by High Priestess Regan Remy, performing her original ethereal chants. Acrobats, stilt walkers and aerialists also graced the event, bursting into spontaneous performances. And of course the Nobles waltzed the centuries away in the Royal Court. It is an event where attendees spare no expense in looking their absolute most sensational, and an onlooker can spend hours in one spot just watching the people stroll by in their finery.
Although the Ball has passed for this year, we can all look forward to the 17th anniversary of the Labyrinth of Jareth in 2014.
http://www.labyrinthmasquerade.com/