In The Event That...

You Need A Graveyard Smash

by Monica Weymouth

Zombie PromSun., Sept. 30, 8 p.m., $7, The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-LIVE, www.phillyzombiecrawl.com

Depending upon what year you graduated from high school, you may already have the perfect outfit for Zombie Prom. The creators of Philly Zombie Crawl — the Easter bar crawl in honor of history's most famous zombie — are hosting this new brainy bash in response to Philly zombie enthusiasm. "Everyone was really adamant that we do something in the fall," says DJ Robert Drake, who founded the successful crawl along with Tattooed Mom bartender Melissa Torre and DJ Dave Ghoul in 2006.

"This is a true, authentic prom," says Drake. "Well, except everyone is dead." Mountains of crêpe paper will cover the downstairs of the Troc, and Minx the zombie librarian (Torre) will assure that none of the undead dance too close. In addition to tunes spun by Drake (the zombie gym teacher) and Ghoul (your zombie principal), local bands Live Not on Evil and The Young Werewolves will perform. For those who prefer not to take SEPTA in full costume, Eastern State Penitentiary makeup artists will provide cuts, bruises and sunken eyes. Thanks to a zombie photo booth, your mom will have a prom picture for the mantel.

Like any proper prom, the night will culminate with the crowning of Philly's zombie king and queen. The gruesome couple will lead the next crawl, which promises to be even bigger in '08. "We're hoping for a car float," says Drake. "Who knew the zombie demand was so strong in Philly?"