Photos: Itchy-O's Hallowmass, a Denver Tradition, Immerses Mercury Cafe

Itchy'O's Hallowmass series continues into November. Jacqueline Collins

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Itchy-O kicked off its five-night Hallowmass concert series at the Mercury Cafe on Friday, October 27. The event is an annual ritual for the sixty-plus-member drum troupe, which formed as a solo project in 2004. Its first Hallowmass was presented in 2015 through the Denver Center for the Performing Arts' Off-Center program, and it's been a Denver tradition ever since.

Upon arrival, audience members have the opportunity to visit an altar and get smudged before the show. The performers, who all wear masks, move throughout the crowd with drums, smoke guns, dancers and more. It's an immersive experience rather than your ordinary concert, and follows intricate lore written by itchy-O.

This year's run at the Mercury is itchy-O's most intimate yet. As the group told us ahead of the show, "It will be a concentrated immersion to an unprecedented degree as we steep the audience in our strong mythic and bombastic elements."

There are some tickets still available for the Halloween show on Tuesday, October 31, and there is also availability for the November 3 and 4 shows. The photos below are sure to persuade you to go:

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What are you waiting for? Find your tickets at itchyo.com.

Jacqueline Collins

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The itchy-O drumline enters the Merc.

Jacqueline Collins

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A dragon emerges from the stage and into the audience.

Jacqueline Collins

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Of course, audience members showed up in costume

Jacqueline Collins

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Smoke guns are just one of the immersive elements.

Jacqueline Collins

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The bandmembers playing among audience members is another signature touch.

Jacqueline Collins

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Costumes are almost like installations in this troupe, which adds to the lore.

Jacqueline Collins

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And it's not just drums that the troupe is playing.

Jacqueline Collins

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The members have always worn masks to keep their identity anonymous.

Jacqueline Collins

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Jacqueline Collins

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Another installation moving through the crowd.

Jacqueline Collins

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It wouldn't be complete without confetti!

Jacqueline Collins

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Jacqueline Collins

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Jacqueline Collins

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Jacqueline Collins

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Dancers also perform throughout.

Jacqueline Collins

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This year's Hallowmass lore is titled Echoes of the Aoth.

Jacqueline Collins

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It's unlike any other concert you'll see.

Jacqueline Collins

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Jacqueline Collins

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What are you waiting for? Find your tickets at itchyo.com.

Jacqueline Collins