High Street comes alive with zombies Oct. 25

Alaya Johnson, 7, left, and her sister Cayden Johnson, 3, dance onstage during Zombie Night Live held in downtown Jefferson City on Thursday, October 26, 2017.
Alaya Johnson, 7, left, and her sister Cayden Johnson, 3, dance onstage during Zombie Night Live held in downtown Jefferson City on Thursday, October 26, 2017.

Thousands of zombies will converge once again on downtown Jefferson City for the final Thursday Night Live this year from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 25.

This year Zombie Night Live pays a special Halloween tribute to iconic lady singers, according to a news release from event organizer Jill Snodgrass. The night begins with a tribute to Pat Benetar, followed by a set of Heart by Invincible Heart and ending with Cher, the queen of costumes, by Cher-ished.

Band members include Karen Backes-Dothage on lead vocals, Dan Buckley on bass guitar and backup vocals, Courtney J. Dothage on guitar and backup vocals, Jim Keneipp on keyboards, Clint Krcmar on percussion and backup vocals, and Michael Vizcarra on guitar and backup vocals.

Led by Larinda McRaven of McRaven Ballroom, an additional influx of Zombies will "spontaneously combust into jerky movements that resemble a choreographed routine" at about 6:45 p.m., the news release said.

Guests of all ages are encourage to dress as zombies and take part in the massive photo opportunity at 6:50 p.m. Photographers and videographers Danny Crocker-Jensen, Loki Wilson, Julie Smith and Curtis Davis have been invited to be on the Thursday Night Live stage to capture this moment.

According to the news release, "anything can be zombified with a little dirt and makeup." Walmart Supercenter will have makeup stations set up in the festival district to assist guests, and the Jefferson City Police Department request no weaponized accessories be brought to the event.

Zombie Night Live wristbands and cups are available at J. Pfenny's Sports Grill & Pub, Spectators Bar, Bones in the Alley and The Grand Cafe.

Event organizers remind guests to follow the rules of the Temporary Open Consumption (TOC) permit, which are: "You must show ID and purchase an over 21 wrist band and acquire an event cup at participating outdoor bars. Guests may use that plastic cup only to purchase an adult beverage outside only. Guests may not buy a beverage inside and bring it outside (Missouri regulations). No alcohol of any kind may be carried into the District."

For the safety of guests, no pets, no soliciting, no coolers, no skateboards, bicycles or scooters are allowed. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/thursdaynightlivejc.