Welcome to Pinkboard's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2006 Graffiti Wall number 2.

Show rumours for the Party are flying thick and fast here. It's alphabet soup here. Brad has promised us some news very soon.

The festival is also hotting up to with lots to do for everyone. Watch for news and reviews.

Pinkboard's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2006 Graffiti Wall 1
New Mardi Gras Home Page
Gaydar - Presenting Partner
Ticketek - Party Tickets available from 20 December

Copyright (C) Pinkboard, 1995-2006. Not to be reproduced without permission.

By accessing this Pinkboard Graffiti Wall web page you acknowledge and agree that the comments, text, statements and other material on this page are the personal opinions of the persons who post entries on the walls. All such comments, statements and other material are not to be taken as statements of opinion, fact, advice or information of Pinkboard, its employees, servants or agents. Furthermore Pinkboard makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness thereof.

Pinkboard reserves the right, at any time, to edit or delete any contributions but does not have any obligation to do so.

Racism, sexism, libel, abuse and other incivilities are not welcome. Please use smileys to make sure your humour is understood. If you have any concerns about the content of this Graffiti Wall please email me (Panther).
am i first?? hope so
- Replies: add
Am I the first?
Schmoo - Replies: add
Re:
Two Guys .. UK ... 1 gay ... 21 years music ... Pet Shop Boys perhaps :) thought i read somewhere they are doing a musical thing here in Oz around that time ?
- Replies: 1, add
Am i the third?

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Am i the third?
I so want to be the third.... or is that the fourth now?
I want to be it.....? - Replies: add
I met Schmoo at the Mg launch, i think he could be a MG head line Dj, has anyone else heard him play?
Losten Space - Replies: add
Our Gay is on
It's so refreshing coming here and reading the positive posts of the last day or two. Fortunately, all the drugs we take has proven we have short memories and the launch is just a bad trip from our past...I'm overseas, so can't attend any festival events, but the reports so far sound absolutely wonderful!!! Keep them coming in. The anticipation for the party is mounting..Brad, you are doing a fantastic job and thank you for listening to the community and providing updates here. Can't wait to see the lists you promised!

Bois and gyrlz...
******Happy Mardi Gras*********

(oh how I miss the ring of those words living here in the cold grey northern hemisphere at this time of year)
happy camper - Replies: 1, add

22 to go , 22 to go , 22 to go there's 22 to go.
There are 22 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 22 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 22 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 22 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 22 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 22 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 22 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 22 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy Confirmed - counting my way back to you babe - Replies: add

Re:
ooops. i forgot there was another happy camper
happy camper2 - Replies: 1, add
ooops. i forgot there was another happy camper
happy camper2 - Fri 10 Feb 2006 09:27:12

Then why not register the name happy camper with Panther and you can have exclusive rights to the name :)

Or , How about Cappy Hamper ;)
Get yourself a tick - Replies: add

Re:
Heh. I was wondering how 'happy camper' was planning on playing at the spin off while interstate :)
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Jimmy Somerville & other stuff
There's a special offer on for the next few days - $10 off tickets. ALso looks like there's been some new A-reserve seats released in the first few rows if you're quick!
http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=JIMMYSOM06

With Jimmy, the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir and Bob Downe on the one stage - it's going to be a real festival highlight (and I love going to anything at the State Theatre!)

The festival bar was a lot of fun this week, with some very enthusiastic crowds - last night was packed for Keeping Young. The next show is "Be My Valentine":

Deep inside the old Commonwealth Bank building, the Love Vault is open for one night only. Andrew Threlfall and Musical Director Nigel Ubrihien take a look at love, lust and Britney Spears (!) on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday February 14th.

http://www.showbiz.com.au/find.aspx?url=SearchResultsAnd.aspx?Category=Mardi%20Gras

Then on Wednesday Aunty Mavis returns, with this week's guests Kitty Minge, Jody Ekert & Andrew Bukenya - plus I'm sure she has a few surprises tucked away. Friday night will be the return of Keeping Young which, as my friend suggested, is very camp and a lot of fun.

(Also note that the Short Story Prizewinners event that was to be held at Slide on Monday night will now be held upstairs at the Colombian).

I hear Legends at @newtown is looking like selling out, so probably best to book soon if you were interested in going to that.

I think I'm actually having a festival-free night tonight (although that may change...), then off to see Courtney Act in Boys Like Me tomorrow night at the Civic :-)
CeeJay Confirmed - Replies: add

Losten! You heard him too? Yeah Schmoo rocks. He's a superstar DJ.
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Funny Farm
I agree with the other posters, Funny Farm was a truly fantastic festival event - all the comedians were great, very different styles but all so entertaining.
Jody Ekert and Kitty Minge, who as CJ pointed out, are guests in Aunty Mavis's show at Slide next Wednesday are also doing their own solo shows in a double bill of stand up comedy next Friday, Saturday and sunday at Paddo RSL as part of the MG festival. Gay boys, as well as lesbians, will love Kitty Minge - but word of warning: don't sit too near the front, guys or you might get a shock!! :)
Check out www.funnyqueers.com for more info.
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Brad's Announcement........
the anticipation is killing me!!!
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Any word yet on the shows?
Just wondering if there was going to be any official announcement of the shows at the Party. I was told that the announcement would be on here today but as yet there hasn't been anything posted here or on mardi gras website.
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NMG shows
How about Leo Sayer in the retro space? He's from the UK, living in Sydney and his song Thunder In My Heart was remixed last year in the UK and was huge in the clubs....
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Re:
I have a few friends who will be coming to the MG Party in the future, when they're old enough. It will be my second Mardi Gras this year and while the line up doesn't have an international trance DJ, I'm sure it'll still be great.

My first MG Party last year was fantastic, though many parts are hard to remember, I'll never forget walking into Fox and being enveloped into a crowd of 19 000, taking half an hour to get our group of friends together, watching Murray DJing for the first time at Mardi Gras and going off, standing in one place for 30 mins watching the lasers, let's face it, it might not always have the best production or entertainment line up, but nothing beats the atmosphere of a Mardi Gras Party.

With Brad at the helm, I'm sure this year will have a higher standard, the Party has always needed an industry man in charge, and this year it has it.

See you all on the dance floor....
Under 20's enjoy MG to :) - Next year Above & Beyond in the Hordern, please Brad! - Replies: add

Think about Stonebridge.....
Clue - Replies: add
The waiting is killing me!!!

Come on Brad, give us the gossip!
GT Confirmed - Replies: add

Just Received Email from NMG....
And....
And....
Nothing on the shows and DJ times....
The suspense is killing us.
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The letter is ...........P
Think PSB - Replies: 1, add
Re:
Guys I don't think we are going to get any word tonight if it hasn't happened yet, but lets all just hope that we get some info soon!

I was always the kid who would sneak out and peek at his presents in the middle of the night so you can imagine what this wait is doing to me!
gayghettoboi - gayghettoboi.blogspot.com - Replies: add

THERESE
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Re:
Yes?
Therese - Replies: add
Re:
Closer to Heaven - the musical written by the Pet Shop Boys - was cancelled a few weeks ago unfortunately. AFAIK they were not going to perform it it. I would love it if they were performing at the party though.
Arti Confirmed - Replies: add
MARDI GRAS SHOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MARDI GRAS SHOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Madonna, cher, britney spears, whitney houston, mariah carey, slinkee minx, jessica simpson, ashley simpson, kelly clarkson, the veronica's, tina cousins, lindsay lohan, christina aguilera, mary kiani,thelma houston, donna summer, kylie minogue, dannii minogue, pink, mandy moore, inaya day, mylo, ciara, bett midler, bananarama, gerri halliwell, debbie harry, mel c, cathy dennis, samantha fox , The sugababes, christina aguilera, amber, deborah cox, dana dawson, the weather girls, niki french, bonnie tyler, lonnie gordon, jaki rawe, dina carroll, rebekah ryan, rozalla, belinda carlile, aretha franklin, diana ross, natalie cole, annie lennox, phyllis nelson, adeva, sarah washington, gina g, kim wilde, samantha mumba, billie piper, kristine w, amber, hannah jones, kim syms, jocelyn enriquez, janet jackson, anastacia, jennifer lopez, taylor dayne, vanessa amorosi, gloria estefan, laua fabian, faith hill, sandy b, shannon, kim english, leann rimes, ultra nate, and paula cole ....


ahhhh, 25 years of mardi gras rumours....
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Re:
And who exactly is missing from your list...?
PSB - Replies: add
I heard this at flinders last night???
Did any one hear about an international male artist that is comming to the parade as a spectator and is preforming at Fair Day next weekend??????????? Its a result of launch being a cock up.........to win back our hearts.
berri - Replies: 1, 2, add
Re:
since when is the flinders the reuters of the gay scene?
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Re:
let me get this straight: some guy from overseas (an 'international') is coming to sydney for fairday and mg? who is this 'male artist'?
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"since when is the flinders the reuters of the gay scene?"

ROTFLMAO. *Well* said.
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ONLY 3 Weeks to go
There are now only 21 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are now only 21 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are now only 21 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are now only 21 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are now only 21 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are now only 21 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are now only 21 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are now only 21 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy Confirmed - 3 weeks .. its not as much time as u all think ... are you ready yet ?? - Replies: add

Upcoming NMG events photos
Hi guys, I know what you think for the Launch, but hey it's the past already and get ready for the Fair Day on 19/2, have fun for the faster heart beating Fair Day.

Don't be shine to have your photos taken! I'll be in the Fair Day taking photos for you, no matter how you look!

all the best, i've uploaded my Launch photos on my web

http://www.ktgraphic.com

Plenty more to come (well today i'm off to see the muscular dragon boat contestants) @ darling harbour for the chinese new year festival)
Koman Tam - Photographer working for New Mardi Gras since 2004 - Replies: add

Re:
My friends and I are all in our 20s and are huge fans of the Pet Shop Boys. According to their (very boring) web site they are free next month. We will certainly go to see them. This is great news.
Ross & Mates - Replies: add
MG First show
Kristine W At Mardi Gras?
Paul k - Replies: 1, add
Re:
I hope not!
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Please NOT Kristine W
I hope not too... She was horrible at BQN... Tina Cousins beats her hands down!!
yawn!!! - Replies: add
The festival is great but the Event is Passe'
The festival activities are great with fair day , and the mg party if u are into drugs , film festival the whole event is a buzz , but the message and whingeing is passe' as gay is very mainstream in sydney and probaly biased against straight if u live inner city.
So congratulate yourself for the work done and enjoy the party.
A - be the cat in the rat race - Replies: 1, add
MG Party
Hi Guys, sorry about the delay in getting info out. We are now hoping to have all info up on the NMG website over the weekend. AS soon as I know its up I will post the link here.
Brad W Confirmed - brad@aztechevents.com.au - Replies: add
Only 20 days .. ONLY 20 Days
There are only 20 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 20 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 20 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 20 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 20 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 20 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 20 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 20 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 20 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy Confirmed - excited about dancing in the RHI , Excited about dancing in Stage 11 , excited about the Hordern and Dome - Replies: add

Re:
I honestly don't know about that. I was down at oxford st last night for the first time in a years and there was alot of hetero agro all up and down the street.

the former californian cafe was filled with people i felt very uncomfortable around.

there's always been a heterosexual prescence in oxford st, but in the past most of the clubs have tended to be at the northen end. this time it felt like our end was being taken over in a not too nice way.
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Sex at the party
I plan to do a it of cruising in the Hordern toilets. If anyone was interested, maybe they could meet there and then together find a dark space upstairs?? If anyone interested in getting off at the party just chose the same location maybe we could get a good thing happening again. I agree that it will never return to the glory days in the RHI toilets but I still think I should be able to get a blow job at a party celebrating my sexuality.
Jake - Replies: 1, add
Re:
Which Hordern toilets Jake ? The downstairs one (just outside) or the one of the ones inside ? details please
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party lineup
jimmy somerville, therese from stonebridge, jan johnson, mary kiani, erika heynatz

Don't ask me how I know, but you can pretty much take this to the bank.
gayghettoboi - gayghettoboi.blogspot.com - Replies: 1, 2, 3, 4, add

Re:
im not too keen on ya interest rate though :)
cdb - Replies: add
Re:
Only heard of two of those names before.
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Re:
If thats true then well done to NMG. Jan Johnston will blow your minds, well if your into trance. She is the queen of trance and has sung many classic trance tracks. Mary Kiani was a hoot at ARQ on Friday night, she still has it. Therese from Stonebridge, im assuimg she did Put Em High..? Cute. :) Who is this Erica Heynatz? Never heard of her. And of course Jimmy somerville will also be great. If this is true then well done.
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party line up....
Any gay aussies performing?
Any bands?
Anyone with a record release within the last 12 months?
Come on.... spill please ......
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Re:
That's all I have been privvy to at the moment. There could be something I'm not aware of but this seemed to be all she wrote as far as performers this year. Rumours were flying thick and fast lately and I had to confirm some of the names I'd heard...

There were murmurs of an international star in talks but I don't know what became of that. I never did find out who they were talking to...
gayghettoboi - gayghettoboi.blogspot.com - Replies: 1, 2, add

Erica Heynatz
I did a google search on her and it appears she was in Farscape. *Shrugs*
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erika heynatz is the host/judge on "Search for Australia's Top Model" on Fox. She's a huuuuge spunk and is apparently family :) - don't quite know what she'd do as a performer, but i'd be happy to just watch her standing there looking gorgeous!!!
marching girl - Replies: add
Re:
the "northern"end?

The Oxford Hotel is on the North side of the street and Stonewall is on the south.
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re: Erika Heynatz
Erika is a former model who has hosted various tv shows. She currently host foxtel's Australia's Next Top Model. I've know Erika for some years and I've never known she could sing. Maybe they want to to make a pun on the next top model thing, but with drag queens? It's the only way I can make sense of that"appearance rumour".
pinkbits - Replies: add
north eastern that probably should be (the hyde park end)
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Re:
hey gayghettoboi - you forgot La Fiesta Sound System and Xenza the Electronic Male

I have also heard rumors about the Eurythmics.
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Re:
oh you also forgot that creature that was on the back of the paper last week, Baby Marcelo. www.babymarcelo.com
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Re:
party lineup:
jimmy somerville, therese from stonebridge, jan johnson, mary kiani, erika heynatz

But please, come anyway!!

If you cant get someone good New Mardi Gras..... dont get anyone!, I'm sure the money spent on these d list acts would be better off spent in other areas of the party, nothing about those names gives me any confidence that this will be a quality event.
Nick - Replies: add
This is the opinion of the poster.

can we get the lights in the dunnies dimmed this year please?
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"can we get the lights in the dunnies dimmed this year please?"

No. There are OH&S issues and enabling "indecent behaviour" on licensed premises in NSW is illegal. It's sad. It's not what it used to be. Get a room. Get over it. Move on.
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I thought the downstairs Hordern toilets were no more.
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Re:
I thought the downstairs Hordern toilets were no more.

Um hello .. the downstairs ones on the RHI side of the Hordern
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how does it work at underbear???
3 new bois to underbear (from tassie)
where should we plan on putting our cash and stuff???
just wondering if we need to organise a wristband with zippered section or something??

thanks in advance for any help

BTW, Yay mardi gras!! not sure what it's like for all the boys who live up there, but for us boys in the southern climes here, we get very excited about MG. (i know from previous years that the feeling of walking into a party full of 20k or so gays and lesbians is not something we can have down here, so it means A LOT to us) We're having a night of trying on outfits and jumpin about the place at the very thought of what's about to happen in less than three weeks time. THANK YOU SYDNEY for such an amazing party, those who aren't blaze about it love it and love sydney for it!
Tazzie Boy - anticipating - Replies: 1, add

Definitely in your socks.
- Replies: add
Re:
I usually have a bum bag but this year a leather wrist wallet will be the go after I finish my set.

Cya there boys!
shanobear Confirmed - Replies: add

An alternative!!
When I go to the Mardi Gras party I expect the best in music, lighing, production (oh.. and a bit of sex as well).
I hold out NO hope in getting any of the above this year.
However!!.. over at the Randwick Racecourse on the same day we have the best of the world DJ's playing!!! And just a couple of km's away...
http://www.twotribes.com.au/2006/djs/tt2006_djs.html
I just saw the posters today so am frantically huntong up the rest of the details. Why arem't NMG staging this!!
oagrunt - Replies: 1, 2, add
Metropolitan Community Church Blessing of Mardi Gras
This is such a wonderful event, with so much love & good wishes going into the blessing of Mardi Gras to be a beacon of hope, inspiration, acceptance, as especially younger people are welcomed into the community rather than feeling isolated & suicide their only option.

The MCC also put out a wonderful brochure titled "Why Homosexuality is NOT a Sin". They do some really wonderful work & also run the cloak room at many parties including Mardi Gras Party.
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Only teenage days to go ...................
There are only 19 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 19 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 19 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 19 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 19 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 19 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 19 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 19 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy Confirmed - sweet 19 days to go , whoa to be 19 again :) - Replies: add

Underbear party - more details for those who may have missed them.
Decadance Underbear Party

Boasting one of the most impressive lineups at any party this year in Sydney so far, Decadance is being held at ARQ on Wednesday March 1 from 9pm till 9am across BOTH levels.

Playing in the Arena will be;
Shanobear
Mark Alsop
Ruby
Bear1

While down in the Vortex we have;
George Roussos
Seymour Butz
Mandy Rollins
Feisty
Ben Drayton

Tickets are on sale for the bargain price of $25 for non-members of Harbour City Bears. Member discount tickets are also available.

See the Bears website at http://www.hcbears.com/woof/ for more details.

The Underbear parties are legendary and this one is shaping up as the best yet.

Everyone is welcome but also reminded that this is an event for bears and supporters, if you don't like the sight of big hairy guys in their underwear this party ain't for you.
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GLRL
PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ONTO ALL YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS. WE WANT THIS TO BE A WIDESPREAD COMMUNITY STATEMENT ABOUT RELATIONSHIP EQUALITY.


Happy Mardi Gras,
     
At this year's Mardi Gras Fair Day, the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) will be leading the community in a mass planting of 10,000 pink hearts to celebrate same-sex relationships and families.
    
The "Sea of Hearts" will be used to send the message our relationships and our families should be recognised under the law.
    
We invite you to join with us in showing your support for relationship equality and planting a heart at Fair Day.

The details of the event are as follows:
    
When: Sunday, February 19
  
Where: Victoria Park, Camperdown, Sydney

We are asking people to arrive as early as possible to plant their hearts, as we are expecting media at the event shortly before Midday.
 

Yours in the fight for equality,
Laurie Berg and Dave Scamell
Co-convenors
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Re:
Best of the worlds DJ's yes. I love Armin Van Burren.

An alternative for MG = NO WAY!
- Replies: 1, 2, add

Re:
"When I go to the Mardi Gras party I expect the best in music, lighing, production (oh.. and a bit of sex as well).
I hold out NO hope in getting any of the above this year.
However!!.. over at the Randwick Racecourse on the same day we have the best of the world DJ's playing!!! And just a couple of km's away..."

And it was only $69 per ticket (for first release tickets)! In any case, I'll be doing both parties - while the Future Music Festival may have better music, nothing beats MG Party for atmosphere....
Trance Boy - Replies: 1, add

Re:
http://www.futureentertainment.com.au/Events/Future_Music_Festival/fmf06_subsite/index.html
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Re:
If it's anything like Two Tribes then no comparison. Great music and 20,000 of your most feral friends.
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Re:
I was bidding against future entertainment to try and get Armin Van Burren for MG party, they won due to the fact that they are touring him and therefore have a lot more money in ticket sales to cover his fee.

I did try :)
Brad W Confirmed - brad@aztechevents.com.au - Replies: 1, 2, add

What a shame to not take advantage of DJ David Guetta being in town...... anyhoo Im sure well here some of his mixes throughout the night... On another subject why is it that 'straight parties' have such low ticket prices (I dont think our's are high compared to concert tickets). These are parties intended to make a profit, just as MG intends, is their something to be learnt from their budgets, expenses etc? how do they do it?
xtoffa - Replies: 1, add
Re:
because the straight parties dont have to pay for a parade that costs $250,000.
- Replies: 1, add
Yay Pet Shop Boys!!!! Penrith gay boys will be there in force. (And some girls I guess 'cept can't speak for them). The Boys are mighty!
- Replies: add
Will Jimmy Sommerville be performing 'Dont Leave Me This Way'?

I guess it'll substitute for Pet Shop Boys

What about Shakaya? Performing Cinderella?
partyboi - Replies: add

Shakaya...
Haven't heard anything about Shakaya. Although one of the more entertaining rumours had Ja'amie from We Can Be Heroes doing cinderella with a host of Sydney's drag queens.

Perhaps we can get Brad to put these rumours to rest.
gayghettoboi - gayghettoboi.blogspot.com - Replies: add

Re:
Check out the up to date line up.....
Wow!
The Misfits "an unofficial alternative" (cheeky buggers!)

Djs:
Steven Allkins. Ben Drayton, dj Sveta, dj Gemma, Seymour Buttz, Mark Murphy, Matt Vaughn, Lanny K, Miss Yetti, Dr Jane

bands:
Faker, Coda, Buggirl, Goons of Doom, Ollo, Die die die

performers:
Imogen Kelly, Ari, Matt Manjams, Dallas Dellasforce + more


Saturday March 4
Cost $40 (with a percentage to Mari Gras too!)
Venue: 46 Oxford Street, Darlingithurts
............ go and get your gay really really really on
Happy Woo Hooo Mardi Gras! - theres so much gay & lezzo talent in this city ... i love it!!!!!! - Replies: add

Re:
Well lets drop the parade then! It's usefullness in todays world is very debatable (besides acting as a freak show for the straights).
Why not expand fair day into a combined community event cum dance party (ala a Big Gay Day Out or Londons Gay Mardi Gras)?
I would pay $84 for that (especially if Armin Van Buuren is playing).
ozgrunt - Replies: add
Rumours no more
Look what I found on the NMG website:

Mardi Gras is excited to announce that the following
entertainers will be performing at this year's party.
Jimmy Somerville
Therese (from Stonebridge)
Jan Johnston
Baby Marcelo
La Fiesta Sound System
Mary Kani
Xenza
Laser Boy - Replies: 1, 2, add

Re:
GOOD LORD !!!

It's Mary K*I*A*N*I

Poor form not getting the spelling of your guest performers on the website NMG !!!
spullchocker - Replies: 1, 2, add

Re:
This is a once in a 2O,OOO year chance to see Mary!
LUS - Replies: add
OK OK - it's official. No Pet Shop Boys. Damn! Who started that rumour anyway? It's really unfair to get people's hopes up. Please don't do it again whoever you are. And who's Mary Kiani when she's at home?
- Replies: add
happy mardi gras
mary kiani,she is great.
from uk (scottish)
bisou - Replies: add
Mary Kiani speaks
My name is Mary Kiani and I have been a professional and successful musician/singer for more than 2 decades.
My music and my voice have taken me all over the world to record and perform and also to work with other great successful musicians. As a successful session singer I toured and performed with Welsh band “Waterfront’ on Donny Osmond’s 3 month tour of U.S.A in 1990 and then performed with other bands such as ‘HUE & CRY , ‘CHINA CRISIS, ‘THE NIGHTCRAWLERS’ , UK RADIO 1 SUMMER ROADSHOW, Over the years I have notched up 8 national Top 40’s. My highest position was No 8 in 1993 with Scottish rave band ‘THE TIME FREQUENCY’ with the classic dance anthem ‘REAL LOVE’ This success lead to my own MAJOR record deal with ‘MERCURY RECORDS’ and I was also signed to the very powerful 1st Avenue Records and management. My debut solo single ‘WHEN I CALL YOUR NAME’ went to No 22 in the national charts and straight in at No 1 in the national dance charts with a remix from ‘HARDFLOOR’ My A&R man at MERCURY was EDDIE GORDON, the driving force behind MANIFESTO RECORDS. All this involvement in the dance field lead to me working with DJ’S writers and Producers such as…PAUL OKENFOLD[dj], FERGIE[dj], EDDIE FINGERS[prod], TREVOR REILLY[dj], ONE WORLD[prod], NIGEL LOWIS[prod], JOHN REID[prod], JOHN MCGLAUGHLIN[writer] and the list goes on… In 1997 I performed all over Australia and met up with producer STEVE PEACH and later signed to his label ‘PEACHY RECORDS’ We are currently putting together my new album and hope for it to be ready for release later this year. I am still actively writing and recording and performing my own music that is released throughout Europe and Australia.
These are her words - Replies: 1, add
Re:
Other than Messieur Somerville I have never heard of any of those people.
- Replies: 1, 2, add
DIRTY DONKEY - Live & Kicking
A mixed, queer, diverse, underground dance party on Friday 24th February (the weekend before Mardi Gras). This is a party for music lovers who want to get down & dirty on the dancefloor in a no-attitude, friendly, inclusive environment.

This is the sixth Dirty Donkey, and for this Mardi Gras Festival Event we bring you LIVE music in both rooms alongside the fantastic Donkey DJs.

Sydney live electro act the Stick Figures, who have cemented a place in the mainstream/straight dance scene will be let loose in the ElectricFilth dungeon. These guys know how to whip the dancefloor into a frenzy with their sexy pumping electro and we expect them to rip it up at Dirty Donkey - you've been warned! :)

Sveta will be playing a very rare TECHNO set, reprising her awesome performance at last February's Dirty Donkey. Mark Murphy and Doctor Jane will be filthing it up, and "New Boys" Matt Vaughan and Ryzer, who both played storming sets at the December Donkey, will be going back to back.

Upstairs in EclecticFunk we have Anthony Storm singing live as well as acoustic sounds from the nemesisproject. DJs include PurrJo Meow, Marquis, stAlka & Simon Mann - expect to hear everything from jazz, funk and soul to house, breaks and classics...and a selection half price cocktails 9.30 til 11.30pm.

DIRTY DONKEY will donate a percentage of profits to PFLAG - Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays - to support anti-homophobia policies in schools.

Adv tix: $20 + bf from Karnal Leather, Reefer Records, Machinemusik, Toolshed, Spank Records and Froot Store.

More info and previous party pix: www.bigcatz.com.au
Jo & Jane - the Dirty Donkey Grrlz wishing everyone a Happy & sexy ;) Valentine's Day - Replies: add

Re:
totally agree. the entertainment lineup was the last chance to change the minds of my friends and I, and get us to buy tickets.

We're now looking for something else to do after the parade now.
- Replies: 1, add

The countdown gets busy
There are only 18 little days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 18 little days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 18 little days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 18 little days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 18 little days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 18 little days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 18 little days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 18 little days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy Confirmed - so many things to do and just so little time , what can i do ? - Replies: 1, add

Re:
I think it is a great entertainment lineup. The only one I haven't heard of before is Xenza. When I hear a new name I look them up on the net. I usually find at least one great song I know. There is something for almost every taste here - from classic to Diva to trance to funk.

My guess is that Jimmy and Theresa will do Enough is Enough as a duet.
Arti Confirmed - Replies: add

Re:
"The entertainment lineup was the last chance to change the minds of my friends and I, and get us to buy tickets.
We're now looking for something else to do after the parade now."

And I suppose you were expecting Madonna, Cher and Jesus Christ to make guest appearances at Mardi Gras to make you think it was worth the price of admission ?

Get Real !

For any person having done the Sydney gay club circuit in the last 20 years this is an great lineup. Jimmy Sommerville representing the 80's with his gay icon songs from Bronski Beat and the Communards, Mary Kiani and her HUGE club anthems "I Imagine" , "100%" and "When I call your name" from the mid to late 90's and the rest who represent the current dance period.

Maybe you might have been satisfied with Madonna and Cher (who wouldnt) , but then you'd be whinging because the ticket price would probably be double to pay for these (lets face it) out of our price range superstars.
Just go and enjoy it - Replies: 1, 2, add

Re:
Yep, sounds like a great lineup to me!

Now, whats everyone wearing?! :-)
Zakalwe - the cowboy look is in this year... ;-) - Replies: add

Re:
Hey Countdownboy you are getting me excited with your daily countdowns.

Only 9,000 crunches till Mardi Gras!
Laser Boy - So many crunches to do, so little time - Replies: add

Re:
I certainly never expected any a-list names to perform, for some reason MG just can't attract them anymore when other events seem to be able to.

However I would have expected someone from even the b-list! The headline act hasn't been relevent on the charts or in the clubs since the 80's, there's one performer with one song out a few years ago and I couldn't tell you anything about the others without reading their own publicity!

Mr Sommerville was ok at the gay games but frankly not worth paying that much to see again.
- Replies: add

Xenza
This Xenza is a show and the chick from it is gay...think she is a Kiwi too.
- Replies: add
Re: dj spin off
anyone go? was it good? didnt get a chance to see the up and commers
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has anyone had a hit this century?
Can anyone help me out here? It is 2006 right?
What happennned Brad?

This Mardi Gras talent line up leaves a lot to be desired (in my opinion) Where is some Aussie gay talent? This years line up makes Danni look good!!! :)

Sorry, Brad, but after banging on repeatedly about missing out on some international Trance dj, in my opinion I believe your energies would have been better spent looking at whats going on in your own backyard. :)

Will be checking out what the alternatives have to offer......
- Replies: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, add

Re:
Get over it.

The shows selection is great because it gives all types of people from all types of eras (80's , 90's and current) the chance to hear an artist from their period.

Lets NOT forget there are 1000's of people who go to this party who dont do Oxford St anymore (I'm one of these people). I am rapped about Sommerville and Kiani because I grew up partying on Oxford St very fondly dancing to these 2 artists tunes. As for the other artists , well i've never heard of them but at least I'm being catered to (just like I'm also being catered to with the retro space in Stage 11 at this party - YAY)

The shows are about catering to everyone , not just the young ones who do Oxford St every weekend.

And lets not forget - The shows take up about 45 minutes in total of a TWELVE HOUR event. Choosing not to go to MG party on the stregth of what is happening for about 6% of the alloted time is nothing less than short sighted in the extreme.

Mardi Gras Party is not all about the shows.

Mardi Gras Party is not all about the music.

Mardi Gras Party is not all about the DJ's

Mardi Gras Party is not all about the social interaction

Mardi Gras Party is not all about the dancing

Mardi Gras Party is not all about the hot boys and girls

Mardi Gras Party is not all about that stranger who snogs you in a dark corner.

Mardi Gras Party IS HOWEVER about the WHOLE EXPERIENCE. Its about ALL of the above items not just one of them.

Stop being a snob , buy a ticket , go to the party and interact with YOUR community.
Can't Wait !!!!!!!! - Replies: 1, add

Re:
If "Xenza" is Xena: Warrior Princess - they should also learn how to spell that!

Don't like the NMG website - too busy and it's all over the page...get it right, please...
- Replies: 1, add

Re:
It was much more fun when people went to the party not knowing, or caring, whether there was an act at all. I don't think making announcements before hand is helping at all.
- Replies: add
Re:
Er No! (not that theres anything wrong with that!!)

Whilst I agree that Mardi Gras is so much more about the shows, this is a pretty uninspired line up. (In my opinion!)

The big day out, homebake, Reading, creamfields festivals all sell out as soon as the tickets are released. The just get bigger and bigger. Mardi Gras and gay parties in general are declining and dissappearing.

Perhaps this has something to do with the limited talent on offer? (No disrespect to the dj line up, but for $170 peopl expect a lil more than a plastic necklace and the best of Arq dj's, no? :)

This is not to point blame or anything. Just trying to stimulate a debate that our parties need to evolve.

Mardi Gras aint just about the party. Im going to Fair Day, I loved Club Arak, Im going to the bear pool party and march in the parade. Im not going to the Fox party, but its not going to take away from a great month. Thers heaps to do after the parade!
Festival Boy! - Replies: add

Walking frames and twinks
I imagine that Mary Kiani and Jimmy Somerville will go off at Mardi Gras. I can’t wait to see them both.

Lets hope that the twinks don’t steal or damage our walking frames when we are pushing our way to the front in our little "spray on" shorts, black boots and white socks.

It's almost time to party.....Happy Mardi Gras!
Nurse I need my medication NOW! - Replies: 1, add

Re:
Oh puleease! what else is there to bitch about??!!! one day there'll be no MG to bitch about. Iwonder if all you knockers will be happy then. It's time we just chilled out a little and contributed in a positive way that actually makes a difference. That means CONSTRUCTIVELY critisising in a way that will ensure an improvement. If you dont like the website, find the right person at the right time (maybe nott 2 weeks before MG) and tell them why and how things couldbe better. you might be suprised at the results.
- Replies: add
Constructive Criticisms
I agree that we need to be more constructive in our criticism of NMG so the organisation can bring a better parade and party to us next year. Its OK to say that the lineup is not your cup of tea. Its OK to say you thought Launch was poor. Its OK to voice your trepidation about attending other NMG events.

But how about offering suggestions too? I'm sure suggestions at this point obviously can't be considered due to the timeframe, but there is no harm in floating your idea for next year.
gayghettoboi - gayghettoboi.blogspot.com - Replies: 1, add

Re:
Actually yes. Stonebridge has had a number of hits. I think the most recent is Put Em High.
- Replies: 1, add
Re:
and that was when? 2003? 2004? let's not get too up to date.
- Replies: add
Re:
therese (stonebridge) aside from put 'em high, which was an anthem during 2003/2004. these guys have been remixing and releasing their own stuff for about 17 years, and i mean BIG tracks. Most recently its been 'take me away' and 'freak on'. the list of stuff they've done is amazing. therese has also done the vocal with them on 'time'.
i cant beleive you dont know! - Replies: add
Re:
You mention Retro being in City Live again this year. I haven't yet seen any details of which DJ's are playing in which halls. Have I missed something? Do you know what any of the other halls will be playing?

I know MG have said trance in Hordern and RHI will be its usuall comercial style but what about Dome?

Are there any other dance spaces this year?

Last year they put the retro space in one of the pubs and had an out door breaks tent. I'm hoping for something different again this year like The Frocks performing outside.

I also wonder where the up and coming tent will be. Does anyone know?
GT Confirmed - Replies: add

Re:
Please. We may be twinks but we are people. Why does this wall have to be so nasty?

Someone lodges a question if there is any new talent at the party, and it becomes a question of agism?

Im not inspired by the talent lineup of the party. Sorry!
Im going to go to the party AND the alternative as this is my xmas and Ive saved up (ok not enough for the First class ticket, but thats another story!! :) )

Please people, as a 23 year old homo from country Victoria, I plead that we just get along for this month.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. So what if I dont like the party line up. Im sure you see me dancing with a smile on my face, at both parties.

We have bigger enemies. Start looking after each other.
i want a group hug! - Replies: add

Re:
fairy Nuff

Other than Somerville who was big 20 years ago, I havent heard of any of them.

The person who pointed out the rise of Big day Outs etc, this would be due to the "WOW" factor.

I'm an old fart too but by gum, I dont wanna hear any cotton picking 2 decade old stuff now. It's 2006, I want something fresh or recent or even "known".

If you wanted old/retro, u coulda got Marcia Hines for the cost of a bus fare.

(now heres the suggestion...)

You could have gotten Paulini in a big dance production, or Courtney Act, or something. Paulini has appeared at Arq, but as not many go there anymore she's not overexposed. And Courtney is similarly hidden on the somewhat ignored Sunday Night Shift shift.
- Replies: add

Re:
Wow! Flame on!

Mardi Gras is not about the Mardi Gras Party

Its just a party people, please relax! Attitudes like "get over it" are simply dismissive and nasty. The original poster asked a reasonable question really.

Try to understand that, perhaps, just maybe, not everyone feels as enthusiastic about the direction Mardi Gras has travelled this season. We really are a diverse community. Im not a twink or on a walking frame, but I do seriously love music. Many types of music. But nothing at Mardi Gras. Sorry! No problemo. I can go anywhere I want. Still I believe in Mardi Gras. I will go to fair day and "get my gay on" as well as trawl the bars when the tourists arive, being a friendly local.

Goodluck to all involved with putting on the party at Fox Studios. Goodluck to the parade organizers and marchers. Goodluck to all the performers putting on small plays and shows all over the city. Goodluck to all the bar staff, sex workers, sauna cleaners in this horny season. Goodluck to the alternative party on oxford street, reclaiming the strip. Goodluck to Panther, having to deal with the great with the bad on here.

And goodluck to you dear readers. This is our season. Have fun. We are so damn lucky. Get it on!
Peace Otter x x x x x - Replies: add

Re:
It appears Jimmy Somerville released a new album a couple of years ago (yes that is this century). I didn't hear anything about it, but I'll now have to see if I can find it at Hum.
Arti Confirmed - Replies: add
Entertainment Line Up
Nice to see some chatter here. I believe that the line up is very strong. I have made serious ground with Entertainment contacts this year. Some Australian record companies had never been approached, I have made ground with Madonna, George Michael, Eurythmics, Pink, Faith Evens, Geri Halliwell, Jocelyn Brown, Scissor sisters... the list goes on. All are keen and im chatting with all of them. We have to keep in mind the on going bigger picture here as well as right now. 2008 = 30th Anniversary Party.

Re artists having hits in the past century. Therese from Stonebridge as correctly pointed out by somebody else had the hits "Put Em High", and im sure one of the many DJ's here will correct me if im wrong, "Put Em High" did very well on the ARIA chart and was a huge club hit. She also did "Take Me Away" and "Time", I still hear these out the on the weekends.

Jan Johnston - come on Trance Trance Trance.. where are you? Jan has had huge hits in the trance world and is called the "Queen of Trance", some of her big hits include, "Flesh", "Skydive", "Communicate" Venus" - she was here last year but did not perform in Sydney.

As many have pointed out, there is something for all. House, trance, retro and even some surprises including Xenza... :)

Re Aussie Talent - Erica H is a new emerging talent who has recently worked with both Luke Leal and Paul Goodyear, and of course don't forget all our Aussie DJ's, Dancers, Drag Queens and other performers that we use.

Any questions feel free to shoot me an email.
Brad W Confirmed - brad@aztechevents.com.au - Replies: 1, 2, 3, add

Re:
Bless you Brad for trying, seriously. While Armin Van Burren would've been more fab than a marathon episode of The Biggest Loser, I'm chuffed that you'd managed to score Ms Jan Johnston. If she performs Skydive, please watch out for a 25 year old gay man enter a state of sheer shock/excitement/delight.

Now we just need the showtimes...
H - I love you Jan!!! - Replies: add

Re:
Um when has Mardi Gras ever been about hit makers? The party usually can come up with some innovative performers from our own community and still bring the house down, or shine on a fun one hit wonder (d:ream!)
Mardi Gras has been toughing it out this season (launch, platnium tix, club arak ect ect) But remember this isn't your politician not doing the best for you, it is just a bunch of people that believe in throwing a party. So, they may have narrow casted on the scope of dj's and talent, keeping it very US circut party, but that is where those great $$ come from, so they had to try!
Bitchin' on pinkboard may make you feel better, but it doesnt change the line-up. Its locked in now. So let them have their party! Next year, get involved, early and put up a line up that you feel may suit your community more appropriately.
The pro Mardi Gras party line-up people just abusing others with a different opinion to them, plaese take it easy. You should be making your costume! Off to work.
happy mardi gras all! - no matter where you go!! - Replies: add
Re:
Keep up the good work Brad W. Trying to please everyone is not an easy thing to do, and you're doing a lot of forward thinking by the sounds of it...you're going great mate. :)
D - Replies: add
Count Count Count
There are only 17 days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 17 days to Mardi Gras !!

Woo Hoo !!!!

There are only 17 days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 17 days to Mardi Gras !!

Can't Wait !!!!

There are only 17 days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 17 days to Mardi Gras !!

Woo Hoo !!!!

There are only 17 days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 17 days to Mardi Gras !!

It's gonna be great !!!!
countdownboy Confirmed - cant you just smell the excitement in the air ? - Replies: add

Re:
Brad,
I know that you're doing a gazillion things at the moment, but maybe it's a good idea to release the full DJ line up, times and locations?
- Replies: add
Re:
Brad you're a fabulous guy for many reasons already, and now you've just provided one more: getting the rumour mill going for MG Party 2008. Love it!!!
- Replies: add
DJ TIMES AND VENUES for 2 HALLS
Well I can confirm two of the halls as follows -

RHI -

10pm to 1am - Shigeki & Jason Forbes (B2B)

1am to 4am - Brett Henrichsen (USA)

4am - 7am - Dan Murphy

7am to 10am - Ryan Murphy

Stage 11 aka City Live (Retro Disco Theme)

10pm to 1am - Greg Boladian

1am to 4am - David Hiscock

4am to 8am - Paul Goodyear


As far as the Hordern is concerned Luke Leal is opening (10-1) , Ric Dreske is closing (7-10), I think DJ Josh is on 2nd (1-4) and not sure of the person played from 4 to 7

The rest of the DJ's on the list would be in Dome or possibly another space which Im not aware of at the moment.

Kate Monroe, Chip, , , GI Jode, Mike Kelly, Lim Jeka, Scott Anderson,
at least that gives you guys an idea - Replies: add
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.

dj selection and places
Well Ive heard a rumour that the DJ line up in the RHI is Shegeki & Jason Forbes back to back at the beginning, Brett Hendrickson second , then third comes Dan Murphy and to close is Ryan Murphy with all 4 slots being 3 hours each. The retro space is back again in stage 11 with Greg Boladian first then David Hiscock and to close is Paul Goodyear. The Hordern is trance with Luke leal opening and I think DJ josh is second. Not sure about third but Im pretty sure Ric Dreske is closing. Cant confirm anything about Dome. Hope this "rumour" helps ;)
- Replies: 1, add
Re:
Dome: Rob gilbert 1.30 - 4? (soemthing like that) Lim Jeka to close , not sure about the rest
- Replies: 1, add
tickets.....
does anyone know how many tickets have been sold yet or how many are available this year?
- Replies: 1, add
Re:
If the numbers of the tickets from ticketek is anything to go by...I purchased last Monday 6/2 and the no. is in the 6,000's.
- Replies: 1, add
Re:
It's Chip & Mike Kelly in the Dome. Chip starting and Mike Kelly 4 - 7
- Replies: add
Erika
Erika has a great voice, I don't know what she will be performing at the party but you can hear her vocal talents on the just released STONEWALL CD (mixed by Luke Leal) on track 4 "WE ALL NEED SOMEBODY" by Peachy Project (remixed by luke as well!)
- Replies: 1, add
Re:
again with these ticket numbers!!! this does NOT mean 6000 tickets have been sold, it means the store where you purchsed your ticket has that batch number of tickets allocated to them. You might be the only person who has purchaced a MG ticket, you might also be the 15,000th. uy your tickets if you want to buy tickets, or you might miss out.
ridiculous logic - Replies: 1, 2, add
Its true 6,000 tickets have been sold.

They are hopeing to sell another 3,000 in two weeks.
That will make 9,000 tickets.
- Replies: 1, add

only 9000???
doesn't that seem like a very small number??
- Replies: add
Re:
I purchased a ticket last week that was just short of 7,000.
- Replies: 1, add
Re:
i purchased a ticket and its has 15,435 on it.
- Replies: add
From The MG Website
You won't miss Xenza as it moves through the crowd. No you are not seeing things, it is not an illusion, it's for real. You never know where Xenza will appear, so be on the lookout!
- Replies: add
DJ Line Up - Mardi Gras
RHI

Shigeki and Jayson Forbes - Back to Back
Brett Henrichsen
Dan Murphy
Ryan Murphy

Hordern

Luke Leal
Josh
Scott Anderson
Ric Dreske

Dome

Chip
Rob Gilbert
Mike Kelly
Lim Jeka

The Forum (ex city live/ex stage 11 - yes another name change)

Greg Boladian
David Hiscock
Paul Goodyear

Other DJ's on site include:

GI Jode
Kate Monroe
2 x winners of up and coming DJ competition
Brad W Confirmed - brad@aztechevents.com.au - Replies: add

Re:
With 17 days to go I hope they sell at least 12,000 tix or it'll be pretty "quiet". 4 halls for 6,000 sounds like last year's Big Queer Nation.
- Replies: 1, add
Re:
Actually no, maybe for other parties where tickets are printed and then allocated to different stores. This is Ticketek we are talking about here, all linked up no matter where you buy your tickets from, tickets are only printed and numbered once someone purchases them. So if it says 6535 it means 6535 sold etc.
- Replies: 1, 2, add
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.
4 days to Fair Day
4 more days to our lovely Fair Day!

Hope the weather will be better this year.

i will put up the photos from the fair day on the next day. And i hope you will enjoy the facelift of Mardi Gras centred website.

http://www.ktgraphic.com

Please send me an email for feedback and word of mouth to your friends. :`)

see you guys and happy shooting on Sunday
Koman Tam - NMG Photographer since 2004 - Replies: add

Sweet Sixteen To Go
There are only 16 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 16 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 16 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 16 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 16 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 16 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 16 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 16 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 16 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy Confirmed - arrr yes , Sweet 16. A distant memory - Replies: add

the Misfits
dj/band line up
the misfits


dj sveta
mark murphy
dr jane
miss yeti & lanny k


steven allkins
ben drayton


dj gemma
seymour butz
matt vaughn

Live:
CODA
Buggirl
OLLO
goons of doom
die! die! die!
wowsers, Im in! - Replies: add

Azure
Will Azure sell out?

If not, will it be the first not to sell out? Any idea where ticket sales are at?
partyboi - Replies: 1, add

great debate great debate great
Great Great Debate last night. It was a sell out, very funny, top night.
- Replies: add
16 days to the mardi gras "Party" you mean don't you? i'm already enjoying the mardi gras season (it's like xmas, except instead of 12 days it runs for 4 weeks)
- Replies: add
Re:
Which poses the obvious question why do they need to make it so big ....again....???

Greed perhaps?
- Replies: add

A few blatant plugs
Just a reminder that Aunty Mavis's guests this Monday @ The Slide Mardi Gras Festival Bar are Ian Stenlake, Scott Irwin and James Millar(aka Il Bravo). There was a great crowd there this week and a lot of fun (although the audience saw quite a bit more of Kitty Minge than they were probably expecting...)

http://www.showbiz.com.au/find.aspx?url=SearchResultsAnd.aspx?Category=Mardi%20Gras

Shaun Rennie's final show is selling very well, as is Outrageously Divine, so if you want a table seat I'd recommend booking soon!

One other show that I think is going to be fantastic is Lift Every Voice & Sing with Andrew Bukenya (An African English man via Tokyo...)
He was a guest on Aunty Mavis's show and not only is he a lovely guy but he has a great voice. He's performing at The Stables with harpist Marshall McGuire covering everything from early music to jazz, from spirituals to contemporary songs:

http://www.mca-tix.com/event.asp?pID=107

I'm off to Thief River tomorrow night and Pink Shorts on the weekend (and Fair Day of course...)
CeeJay Confirmed - Replies: add

MG advertising
Congrats on a this weeks advertising in SSO. 4 pages in a row and the back cover! Now im excited about the party.
- Replies: add
Re:
maybe the slow ticket sales have something to do with the 'circuit party' 'pretty pretty' feel of this years party. when will people learn this does not bring out the local/interstate community - those who save themselves for community parties do so for a reason. if it ends up feeling like another toybox incarnate, well they just wont go. and all the b.s trimmings like platinum tickets etc dont help. its time to get back to basics with a strong, line up that is trully about the music, where the djs and the shows, have a real connection to the community (whether it be local or interstate or o.s) and less about a look.
over it - Replies: 1, add
Re:
I agree with the "circuit party pretty pretty feel" to this party. Give me more of a community party any day. If it goes down the road of circuit parties they have in the USA then Mardi Gras' days are indeed numbered. After having attended many of the circuit parties in the USA over a number of years and seen how they have slowly crumbled to a very poor imitation of what they used to be, I can see the same thing happening here. Its about time Mardi Gras once again focused on its core roots at its major party of the year instead of trying to give the Americans another of their circuit parties instead they should be giving them be an Australian party. There is a huge amount of GLBT Australian talent that could have filled all entertainment at the party. Last years party was fantastic apart from the sound issues in the RHI. Each pavilion rocked they way they did years ago. The music played in the RHI was the most commercial and campest that it had been in years which was a welcome relief from the pots and pans that has been played in there in recent years.
Marcus, you and your fellow board members should look to community groups like Tropical Fruits in Lismore and see how they produce a fantastic community event and have done very profitably for the community for many years.
Myself and many others from Melbourne are going to a lot of events at Mardi Gras but have decided to miss the party this year and instead do the clubs and then Toybox.
If you go to the party I hope you enjoy it, if you don't do the party at least go to some of the events held during the festival as there is some amazing things on.
community boi - Replies: 1, 2, 3, add
Re:
I don't get it. It's not the DJs and entertainment that makes a community event, it's the community. Most of the DJs, bar one, are local talent. But if the community, like yourself, is not supporting the event, how would it ever be a community party? And in that case, can you blame NMG for trying something else?
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I'm not convinced that all the tickets are numbered sequentially. I bought tickets online around xmas/new year and they were numbered in the high 5000s. I find it hard to believe that only 1000 have sold since then - particularly as the NMG website claimed that this party is their fastest selling one. (Obviously not as fast as old MG in the hey-day...but apples and oranges and all that).

I'm excited about the party. It's MG afterall. To be honest, the misfits sounds more like my scene, and many of my favourite DJs are playing there, but again IT'S MG and I want to be a part of the main thang! The fun of wandering from one space to another, bumping into old friends/flames/embarrassing fu**buddies/chilling on the lawn, sweating in the dome, seeing the music and hearing the lasers in the horden etc etc. Music and entertainment are important and this year's lineup may not be as strong or interesting as some others, but IT'S MG damnit, and I'm going to have a bloody good time, as - i'm sure - will everyone else who goes.

See you somewhere during the night.
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absolutely right, its the community that makes the party - no one is saying its doesnt have enough local/interste talent, and there is nothing wrong with internationals at all, what some poeple think is that the overall feel and look of this party is concerned with too much with projecting a 'look' instead of just going back to basics and making it about a good time party for everyone of every shape, size and colour. if the circuit boys dont like it - tough. it just seems to be skewed way too much to the pretty boy scene (hence marketing around bretts body and other body image posters). you can still have fun with drag queen, community imagery. this notion that community = boring is one that has to be put to rest. one party for everyone, no seperations, no bagging out of leather, dyke, trannie, drag scenes etc. NMG need to stop emulating money making enterprises, accept what the party was and can be - the 'something else' needs to be a 'community feel' part for all. the butterfly was a great start, it just never capitalised upon that spirit - which is a damn shame.
over it - Replies: 1, add
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"Seeing the music and hearing the lasers"

Best. Line. Ever.
gayghettoboi - gayghettoboi.blogspot.com - Replies: add

A thought for the doomdayers !
"A Man who does his very best has done quite enough" - Banjo Patterson.

Think of this famous quote when next you slam people with your nasty commentary.
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HAPPY MARDI GRAS
Complain, moan and groan all you like.

This is MARDI GRAS I'm going to the party like thousands upon thousands of others and I will have a fabulous time.

I will be heavily glittered before, during and after the parade (well maybe not so much after the party) and you might call me a pretty boy, but hey, geez it's fun.

I just hope all that glitter doesn't make my arse look big.

HAPPY MARDI GRAS everyone. mwa mwa mwa
Loving you all big time - Replies: add

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So - Toybox is the community party is it? Your sense of community is a bit off the mark there community boi.

Please stop talking out of you backside next time you post. Ta.
stay in melbourne - Replies: 1, 2, add

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the point community boi was making was, there are plenty of commnunity events during mard gras so he's going to attend those - given that the party does not have a community feel for him, he's putting his money towards toybox. he's right, there are heaps of events during MG season, its not all about the party.
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