Musician enthralls with spooky fun

Baron Misuraca, a musician and frontman of the band Carnivore A.D., brings his unique taste in classic horror movies to Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center in Freeport on a monthly basis.

Misuraca’s journey into the world of horror began at a young age. “It all began with the count from Sesame Street,” he said. Now a resident of Bellmore, Misuraca moved out to Long Island after having been raised in Brooklyn. Later his interest in horror would be amplified when he discovered classic horror movies featuring monsters such as Dracula and Frankenstein.

The idea for Cemetery Cinema took root in 2022 when Misuraca decided to bring his longstanding passion for horror films to life by becoming a horror film host. He collaborated with friends at Coney Island USA a well-known venue in the famous peninsular neighborhood in Brooklyn, to launch the monthly event series. The concept expanded to include monthly screenings at Sparkle on Stage after Baron was introduced to Robyn Workman, 59, Freeport resident and owner of the cultural center.

Cemetery Cinema focuses on classic horror films from the 1920s to the 1940s, featuring iconic titles such as Night of the Living Dead, The House on Haunted Hill, and The Phantom of the Opera. The events provide a unique blend of entertainment, combining film screenings with humor, horror history segments, live music performances by Baron, and audience discussions.

“The most entertaining part from my perspective is the audience discussion,” said Misuraca, “which is a big part of why I do Cemetery Cinema.”

Asked about the Freeport crowd he said “Freeport is a really diverse area and people are into lots of different kinds of things. It’s almost like a big family in a way. We have a connection this genre, to these films”

Misuraca encourages discussions and feedback, turning the microphone over to attendees, resulting in back-and-forth conversations. The events also feature costume contests, where attendees can dress up as vampires, zombies, or other themes related to the films being screened.

When asked what it was about classic horror movies that appealed to him Misuraca said “I always found those films very soothing, believe it or not. They’re not really horrifying in the way modern films are, there’s something more enchanting and magical about them.”

Robyn Workman, who succeeding in developing the Sparkle on Stage Cultural Center after ten years of planning, agreed, saying about the movies “I think they’re funny. Personally, I call them hysterical.” She described Misuraca as embodying the archetype as vampire with his sensibilities and show persona.

The audience in Freeport has embraced the horror film series, turning it into a growing community. Additionally, Baron has extended his passion for film to other genres, launching a film noir series on Fridays in Long Island libraries, featuring films like The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity.

Misuraca shared details about upcoming events, including screenings at Coney Island on February 3 and Sparkle on Stage on February 17. This past Saturday Misuraca shared the 1967 cult classic Spider Baby: or, the Maddest Story Ever Told at Sparkle on Stage.

To stay updated on Cemetery Cinema events, interested individuals can follow Misuraca on social media. Check out his Facebook and Instagram pages @baromisuraca for the latest information, or visit ConeyIsland.com and SparkleOnStage.org for specific event listings. Sparkle On Stage is also preparing for its Mardi Gras fundraiser on February 10 at 195 Woodcleft Avenue.

Misuraca extended a warm invitation to horror enthusiasts and curious individuals alike to join the Cemetery Cinema community. Whether you’re a diehard horror fan or a newcomer to the genre, Cemetery Cinema offers a unique and entertaining escape into the world of timeless horror classics.