Who Says You Can't Go Home

Courtesy of Charleston Daily Mail

Former Charleston resident Sam Trammell, who stars in the HBO series, "True Blood," will bring some spooky star power to a Halloween weekend event sponsored by East End Main Street and the Charleston Area Alliance.

HallowEast has been dubbed "an event you can really sink your teeth into," and is intended to be the first of an annual occurrence.

Officials from the alliance and East End Main Street announced details Tuesday at the headquarters of Kanawha Players in the East End, amid special effects that included a coffin and smoke.

Trammell, who plays a shape-shifter, or character who changes from man to animal in the vampire-themed series, is the headliner for the HallowEast fund-raiser. He will participate in an interview with David Wohl, dean of arts and humanities for West Virginia State University, that will be styled like the Bravo TV show, "Inside The Actors Studio."

HallowEast runs Oct. 28 to Oct. 31 with a variety of events from a cocktail party, VIP reception with Trammell, art show, a Halloween Hootenanny, Trick or Treat at Appalachian Power Park, the Kanawha Players production of "Dial M for Murder," and even a well-timed blood drive for the Red Cross.

Charleston artist Mark Wolfe has designed the logo and a special T-shirt for the event.

Mayor Danny Jones commented during Tuesday's press conference, "I appreciate East End Main Street's emphasis on arts and culture. We're looking forward to a new, family-friendly event around Halloween."

Trammell, in a prepared statement, said his current acting gig makes his visit a good fit for the event.

"If you've read the Charlaine Harris books (on which the show is based), you know she introduces a whole host of fantastical creatures. For sure, it's a Halloween sort of show."

While Trammell was born in Louisiana, he attended elementary, middle and high school in Charleston, graduating from George Washington High. His parents, Willis and Betsy, live here.