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Darien Brahms headlines Space’s Halloween show, where she’ll perform Velvet Underground tunes along with Phantom Buffalo performing as Devo and the Blood Capsules as the Misfits.

QUICKIES

WHAT WERE YOUR top three Halloween costumes growing up? "Theodore Roosevelt, the Morton's Salt fisherman, Groucho Marx, Rosie the Riveter. That's four ..."

SONG YOU WISHED you'd written? "Anything by John Lennon or Cat Stevens."

MOST PROUD accomplishment thus far? "Resurrecting myself and not giving up even though I am broke."

YOUR LIMIT for the length of a tour: "One month so far, but longer with more funds."

FAVORITE THING to do after a show? "Drink Irish whiskey with my band on my Tennessee Williams porch and talk about the gig."

BEST HALLOWEEN CANDY? "Anything with dark chocolate and almonds."

HARDEST VELVET UNDERGROUND song to pull off? "Rock and Roll."

It's Halloween, which means area haunts are throwing killer parties, many featuring local rock 'n' rollers scaring up a scene with out-of-body performances. Take the indefatigable Darien Brahms, master of innumerable styles and fearless veteran of Portland stages, taking on the Velvet Underground for Space's annual Halloween throwdown.

While she won't be alone (Phantom Buffalo as Devo and the Blood Capsules as the Misfits will also appear), she's got a well-seasoned perspective on how to move a room in this town. On her latest, "Number 4," she growls, croons and purrs as much a Joan Jett or an Emmylou Harris. Hear for yourself at myspace.com/darienbrahms or www.darienbrahms.com.

Brahms' versatility has served her well for some time; she has led a Latin-jazz quartet (the Munjoy Hill Society), conquered honky-tonk (Darien Brahms and Her Calico Chaps) and is now, with some confidence, going to howl her way through a nihilistic pre-punk set for a rabid, costumed crowd, Andy Warhol-style. GO went to check on how Brahms' costume was coming along.

How do you channel Lou Reed?

I've actually met him and tried to forget about the whole thing. Never meet your idols. But to answer your question: I've been driving around and listening to the V.U. on my crappy car stereo and making an Andy Warhol, Factory-style film to be projected on us while we play – God bless iMovie!

What are you working on right now?

A series of songs that are cynically happy and trying to play as many instruments as possible.

Your voice has been compared to a lot of people and sounds. When you were just starting out, how did you want to sound?

Like everyone I have ever listened to and been moved by.

What was the best Halloween show you were ever a part of so far?

I've always hated Halloween until I tried to imitate David Bowie both visually and musically. Halloween has always creeped me out.

How did your relationship with Cornmeal Records come about?

I don't remember. All I know is that Charlie Gaylord has been a mensch to me from the get-go.

How was recording "Number 4" different than 2003's "Green Valentine"?

I did "Number 4" nearly all by myself from the get-go – I was a Luddite. I didn't know squat about computers, and had to learn by flying by the seat of my pants. On "Green Valentine," I got to be bossy without any knowledge of what it was like for my engineers, Nate Schrock and Steve Drown. Now I kneel down and pray at their altars.

Who do you pay close attention to that's young and coming up on the local radio?

I don't really listen to radio. I just dig down deep in iTunes, my record collection and take my friends' recommendations. I do appreciate WCLZ and WBLM for playing local music, though. Live shows are it.

What album could you and (your band) the Anchors cover beginning to end the best and why?

The Velvet Underground's "Loaded," because we are in the groove right now. Next year, I want to do the Doors' first album.

Talk about the Portland music scene. Where is it really thriving? Where is it crying for help?

The Portland music scene is better than I have ever seen or heard it right now. There is a crop of world-class people playing here right now. The average person needs to pay attention. I mean it. Get off your sorry TV-watching (behind) and get out to hear some live music. Stay up late! Pretend you are on vacation!

Describe in gory detail how you visualize this year's Halloween party going down.

Lots of costumes, lots of blood, lots of women in wanton outfits, lots of men in drag, because that's what happens every year.

Mike Olcott is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.