Pinkboard's
gay & lesbian mardi gras 2004
graffiti wall 1

The Mardi Gras season is when our community shines. It is the celebration of our progress and the protest that we have not yet progressed far enough. It is our demonstration to the world that we are proud and that we have lots of things to be proud of.

A dash of glitter, A touch of glam, A splash of colour, A twist of camp!

We only have a few traditions around Mardi Gras: Launch, Fair Day, Shop Yourself Stupid, The Great Debate, Parade, Party, Laneway Recovery, and these traditions come and go. Its time to start some new Mardi Gras traditions. The rhyme above borrows from an older tradition, but transforms it into one of our own. Let's embrace this tradition for this season and into the future.

The Launch is on 6th February in Hyde Park North from 6pm.
The Festival runs from 6th February to 6th March with over 100 events.
The Fair Day is on 22nd February in Victoria Park from 10am.
The Parade is on 6th March following the usual route. Entries are now open.
The Party is on 6th March from 10pm. Tickets are $99/$89/$60 till 13th February, then $120/$110/$75 and $140 on the door. Available from Ticketek

Well done New Mardi Gras, you definately have my support, let's hope the rest of the community is there as well.

A DJ list would be great!!!

May make more punters buy tickets...
Actually looking forward to Mardi Gras this year!! - Tue 13 Jan 2004 11:18:47

Will the Dome be available?
other side of the fence - Tue 13 Jan 2004 12:44:05

It is so.
- Tue 13 Jan 2004 21:05:16
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.

My personal feelings are its only 1 night of the year ( or 2 if you count Sleaze ) and its great to all party together. We can be in gay only , male only or female only bars anytime of the year.

Your way will stop the boys from entering the girls only area but it wont stop a pack of straight girls going into the girls only area for maybe a laugh and take photos of lesbians ! and vv for the boys area.

But my main reason for disagreeing is if we start with male and female only areas it will open up other "sexualities" to demand their own space.
Celebrate together(ness) - Wed 14 Jan 2004 18:46:08

Aust Post Registered Post cost - $2.80
Ticketek registered post $9.90

how do they get away with it? It costs $7.50 even if you go and collect it from their city office.
kerr-ching! - Wed 14 Jan 2004 21:30:55

Don't necessarily disagree with the rest of your post but - please. Straight boys would go into a gay guys' space at a major queer dance party? That'll be the day! Likewise straight girls with the dyke space. Have you felt the sexual vibe in those places in the past? Our straight comrades have, honey, and they were staying right outside them :)
- Wed 14 Jan 2004 21:55:30

Whats going on at Panther Headquarters I wonder :)
- Thu 15 Jan 2004 09:42:49

Just so long as it is Paulini....I'm all Courtney'd and Guy'd out !
- Thu 15 Jan 2004 16:02:57

This fee covers (actually it doesn't they currently subsidise it) the internal process of doing it all...thats what i heard. $7.50 doesn't cover the admin costs to do this form of ticketing.

It's a lot more involved than one thinks.
- Thu 15 Jan 2004 17:05:05

How can they possibly expect people to want to take advantage of the "early bird special" on ticket sales when they havent let people know the DJ line up yet ?

For me , I am very hopeful that Mardi Gras will have the retro space that everybody seemed so keen on in recent discussion on previous graffitti walls. I think it would add a GREAT variety to the party and also attract alot of people to it that wouldnt normally want to go.

I look forward to some good news real soon.

Ps - I wrote an email to Mardi gras today on this topic , If i hear anything I'll let you all know :)
Brian J - Thu 15 Jan 2004 21:24:09

1Oc...x
10c - Thu 15 Jan 2004 23:46:48

There are 50 Days to mardi gras !
(sorry about the miscount the last fews) !

There are 50 Days to mardi gras !
(sorry about the miscount the last fews) !

There are 50 Days to mardi gras !
(sorry about the miscount the last fews) !
countdownboy - Fri 16 Jan 2004 09:10:27

I'm the first 'I'

So if she doesn't perform, we'll look like idiots.
- Fri 16 Jan 2004 09:10:47

So just asking nicely, can you please choose a new nic?
Evil Twin (the original one) - Fri 16 Jan 2004 10:00:22

Well I do hope you dont look like idiots, Coz yr heart is in the right place!

Good ONYA Buddy!!!!!!!!!!!
LM - Fri 16 Jan 2004 11:57:02

YEAH BABY YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With her hair OUT and FRIZZY!!!!!!!!!!!!
LM - Fri 16 Jan 2004 12:01:54

That would be worth even the 'Late Buyers' ticket price !!!
- Fri 16 Jan 2004 12:48:57

Yes. There's something deeply horrifying about this gay enthusiasm for bland, formulaic marketing-manufactured 'celebs', "entertaining" us.....It's reality TV imitating life, imitating 'art,' imitating Reality TV...and so on. Mardi Gras's role isn't to celebrate this sort of brain-numbing, drooling crap; it's to wucking lacerate it - with glamour, wit and o-r-g-i-n-a-l-i-t-y. .
- Sat 17 Jan 2004 10:47:55

All we ever do is knock local talent. I remember Kylie in 1988 mode - we hated her !

For Gods sake , they might be TV Pop Stars - But they are the best LOCAL talent in the country. They deserve our support.
Support Australian Talent. - Sat 17 Jan 2004 10:53:36

Love, Australian Idol is a deeply unoriginal marketing promotion designed to push product to an overwhelmingly straight, teenaged purchasing demographic. It has about as much to do with Mardi Gras as The Footy Show does. Probably less, in fact......
- Sat 17 Jan 2004 11:44:56

You really should get out a bit more honey.
- Sat 17 Jan 2004 15:05:22

well....talk about it girl! You never know who might be interested.
- Sat 17 Jan 2004 22:11:44

So you go broaden your outlook. We are happy discussing the party. Different
strokes for different folks . What interests you may not interest us and
vice versa.

And laslty, dont think we are not out and proud or that we dont care about our
community. You like a lot of other people have " assumed " without ever
knowing us.

Feel free to post about anything you like - it is allowed ( mostly ) but....
Just leave us to have our fun - Sun 18 Jan 2004 09:06:41

We are going to Pam Am, probably the Greek Dance party, a movie or 2 , Fair Day
and finally the Party.

I discuss the Festival events with my friends as that is who I will be going with.

I come here for the party talk for all the juicy gossip but dont get into
the cat fighting.
Just me - Sun 18 Jan 2004 09:11:00

And you can't be full of gay pride at a dance party specifically held to celebrate that fact? Let's avoid this tedious "the festival is for REAL GLBTIQ
people, the party is for shallow himbos" stuff. You can do it all - many people do - and none of it would happen if people didn't buy the party tix that fund it. I agree with Sun 18 Jan 2004 02:36:45. Being gay is way more fulltime than "displaying a rainbow sticker" in February. If people want to hear more about the Festival, then start talking about it: events you think look great etc. You won't get constructive discussion going by just complaining about the lack of it.
- Sun 18 Jan 2004 09:42:51

Xane
- Sun 18 Jan 2004 17:51:38

Hmmm... you haven't been to too many MG parties have you Luv, I mean everyone looks fabulous no matter what they're wearing has been my experience.
- Sun 18 Jan 2004 17:55:46

Cant tell anymore just yet but the names will be released to the public via a press release later in the week.
- Sun 18 Jan 2004 21:59:02

Ive just heard on my gossip grapevine that Mardi Gras WILL be having a retro classics space this year and its going to be in Stage 11 (old City Live).

This is VERY good news, now who are the DJ's playing this space and how can I get my requests to them :o)
Brian J - Mon 19 Jan 2004 10:33:12
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.

Xane - please understand this post does not represent the view of Evil Twin
- Mon 19 Jan 2004 15:50:03

Rock Lobster , Planet ? ,
Getting goosebumps - feel free to post Jane - Mon 19 Jan 2004 19:25:44

I am DJ'ing at Bent In Space and I can confirm that Tina C will be playing there too.... check out the details on http://www.spraci.net/events/28407/

ticketing information is there too.
Ryan Murphy - Tue 20 Jan 2004 11:37:46

Someone posted that City Live did not work out as substitute for Dome so they
were thinking about making Hordern with 1/2 Hordern music, then 1/2 Dome.

Personally I think that would be a big mistake. Nothing worse than a complete
music change in the middle of the night.
Please be telling the truth - Tue 20 Jan 2004 19:32:57

I think the questions that need to be answered first, are:

Is the Dome (potentially) available to Mardi Gras in 2004?
If yes: is it available as a dance space, or is dancing out of the question?

If people are going to run out and get their tix on the basis of Dome availability they would be well-advised to have these question answered first.
- Wed 21 Jan 2004 13:00:59

Lets hope the dome is availble... It's the original vibe of Mardi Gras I most remembered...
Dome love it.... - Wed 21 Jan 2004 15:46:30

but I ( personally ) think trying to put the 2 styles into Hordern wont work.

Where will the hardhouse/trance people go after the switch or where will Dome
people hang out to warm up ? or v.v.
I hope its not true - Wed 21 Jan 2004 18:56:43

the Dome was once used as a straight nightclub called "the BASE" in the late 80's
reminiscing - Wed 21 Jan 2004 19:07:57

Hope DJ JOSH will be playing (yehar)

xx
Adamx - Thu 22 Jan 2004 00:10:28

LOL! Darlin! That sounds pretty much like your standard Sydney gay party for the last 20 years or so.
- Thu 22 Jan 2004 10:44:15

RHI - Alex Taylor, Luke Leal, Ryan Murphy, Shigeki
Hordon - Lisa German (UK,) Kylie Rose, (Brissy) Mike Kelly, Sveta
Stage 11 - Stephen Blomfield, Jake Kilby, Justin Scott
In the papers - Thu 22 Jan 2004 13:27:56

yeah, next
Chiclet - Thu 22 Jan 2004 18:11:41

remember the drag queens in the hoops but do you remember the one that kept
passing out and just hanging upside down during most of the show and then would wake up , do some miming then pass out again. What a scream that was.
I bet her fellow performers gave her such a big slap after wards !

All the DJ's sound great, bit disappointed that Hordern will change styles.
Have listened to some Lisa German and she is hot for hardhouse but were to go
after the switch ? oh well suppose cant be 100% pleased :)
Yes please to a dance floor in the Hordern NMG - my feet and back ached for days after Sleaze - Thu 22 Jan 2004 19:10:46

Oh well - I will certainly be there on MG night!

This is our test in a way...we lobbied for it on pinkboard...now we have to show the numbers to make it work and perhaps secure a larger pavillion next year.

See you all there (with big hair, undercuts, samurai bands, mesh singlets and far too much mascara for a spring evening)
Ms Golightly - Thu 22 Jan 2004 20:16:34

Retro? Sounds like fun, good idea

Thanks for choosing Mike Kelly [I always said that boy will go far]
Andrew - Thu 22 Jan 2004 20:50:12

Thanks for your support, sweets.

Ms Golightly, did I see a piture of you in the photo gallery of the XTC website? I'll be looking forward to seeing you strutin' around in City Live/Stage 11 at MG.
JK - Thu 22 Jan 2004 21:37:06

Hi there Ms G. I'm glad you like the idea of a retro space at Mardi Gras. I know I speak for Justin & Jake when I say we are all EXTREMELY excited about the concept. Its been something I've been wanting Mardi Gras to do for a few years now.

I'd like to address your comment about City Live (or Stage 11) being "universally criticised as not appropriate & non-user friendly". I'd like to say that I dont agree with your comment.

City Live was used for the Dome crowd at Sleaze and the venue was very dimmly lit and thats what caused all the problems. Now we have a theme that is what I call "bright and breezy" and I am sure given the right sort of lighting the venue will be just fine.

I can't wait to get together with Jake & Justin in the next week or so to discuss music tracks. As I am playing the middle part of the night (1-4am) my stuff will be very camp and Hi NRG. Most of my stuff will be 90's (think the Flinders Hotel heyday) but I will be throwing in just a couple of 80's tracks too.

I'm looking forward to the night soooo much, its my first Mardi Gras DJ gig since 1997 ! To be part of this new concept in supplying old hits and classics in this way is something quite unique. It's going to be great great evening !!
Stephen Blomfield - Thu 22 Jan 2004 21:39:52

What was the year that Jake Kilby played there at a MG party and it was the most talked about set of the night?
GT - Thu 22 Jan 2004 22:13:25

Now Stephen Blomfield, i really hope the venue is fine. Look, it could of been in the Fox and Lion and I would still be there struttin' around in my authentic 80s mesh singlet, cause I'm excited about the concept and clearly, this is my best chance ever of hearing kids in america at a MG party :-)

Sounds like the three of you are really passionate about the concept so i am sure it will be shimmery, glittery, sparkling fun.

till then, yours always!
Ms Golightly - Thu 22 Jan 2004 22:22:12

Then the night before the MG party LAVA will hold a special warm up event..always a good night to TASTE TEST..with DJ Kate Monroe..$5 at door & rooftop will be open for cool tunes & ocktails...

for more info - bumpherbar@bigpond.com
meg2000 - Thu 22 Jan 2004 23:54:16

"Breaking Away" - Kim Wilde (1995)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox joins the Retro Space at Mardi Gras ! - Fri 23 Jan 2004 00:15:32

don't be too worried, i think the hard house and cross crowd thing is not necessarily going to be so evident. i gather the order is kylie rose, lisa german, sveta, mike kelly... knowing the last three whose sounds are more like tough sexy tribal/progressive with a bit of a harder/deeper funky twist (say that five times fast), the styles should be well in sync. hordern will rock! hope there is a dancefloor, guess we all need to buy our tickets early enough for them to make the decision
- Fri 23 Jan 2004 00:15:35

Thanks, but I think you are being too kind in saying it was the most talked about set of the night. It was loads of fun though! It was "Beast", Sleaze 2001 when I played in City Live. I did a mixture of current pop stuff and some handbag classics. Very gay. Not too dissimilar to the concept for this year's MG, but with the focus being more on the classics than the current, obviously.

I have to agree with Stephen B in saying that I don't think Stage 11 (City Live) is a bad venue. I just think it is only suitable for certain concepts. I don't think it has been overly successful in recent times as an alternative for the Dome style, but for this I think it should be fine.
JK - Fri 23 Jan 2004 08:29:05

It's Alex, Ryan, Luke, Shigeki. in that order. ( last time i checked) but you never know!

I also have to agree with Jake. City live is a great venue for an intimate crowd. It works well for the “boutique concept” among the greater party. The Retro concept under the direction of three musical geniuses will be sure to win over many party goers who might find they might be staying the night in Stage 11 without actually having planned to go there at all. It’s great to see diversity in The Party – to match the diversity in The Community.
Ryan Murphy - Fri 23 Jan 2004 10:33:08

I dont think so

congratulations to justin scott. after years of a very vocal campaign to get himself a gig with mardi gras, it finally happens. uhhh go juzzy !
Weiss Bar - Fri 23 Jan 2004 11:32:36

Did you hear about the talc liberally distributed during Paul Goodyear's set at Resolution? That was such a good idea.
wood - Fri 23 Jan 2004 12:30:58

Considering playing retro dance music means that dance music has finally come of age. We have pinkboarders to thank for that
- Fri 23 Jan 2004 12:37:36

Thanks mate... Greatly appreciate it!
I'm looking forward to working together with Stephen & Jake to bring you the ultimate in Retro Dance Classics. I have known both of these guys for a few years now, and feel priveliged to be working on such a project as this.

Stephen was an extremely talented and popular DJ in the late 80's and early 90's, who played a very important role in the direction dance music was heading in gay Sydney. Long before I became a professional DJ, Stephen also played a major role as my mentor.

Like Stephen, Jake also had alot to do with the whole dance scene, and the tunes that dominated gay clubbing. In an almost rebel kind of way, and going against the grain, Jake took what most DJ's would consider as a risk to their profession and credibility, by continuing to play these dance classics during his regular set, long after they were forgotten.

On a different note and without sounding like I'm giving myself a shameless plug, you can check out some of the tunes you can expect to hear at Mardi Gras Retro, on my website at www.djjustinscott.com, and click onto the Pinkboard logo on the homepage.

Thankyou once again to everyone for all your support.
Justin - Fri 23 Jan 2004 15:26:24

Attention NMG - please please please have a dance floor down in the Hordern.

Is the order for DJ's in the Hordern correct ? would be great with Lisa German 2nd on. Hope Sveta continues it on with music with some kind of beat and not the way to manic beatless style she sometimes has - but thats my opinion. I love Sveta when there is a fairly constant beat to the music.
Just hope the Hordern will have a woorden dance floor - Fri 23 Jan 2004 19:10:25

I've never met the guy but the above reference is worththy of mention.

Something tells me we are in for a treat this Mardi Gras party
deep cover - Fri 23 Jan 2004 21:03:42

***MARDI GRAS PARTY*** RHI / Saturday 6th March 4:00am-7:00am

http://users.tpg.com.au/adslko0l/index.htm
nathan - Fri 23 Jan 2004 21:04:42

My My , You have been doing your research. The event from party wall 9 was one of my favourites.

I just hope I can re-created that same sort of energy from that event back in 2000

Thanks for your kind words deep cover. I hope you have a great night at Mardi Gras. Gimme a wave !! (I wont have a clue who you are but hey, its all in good fun) :P
Stephen Blomfield - Fri 23 Jan 2004 21:53:31

"I Say A Little Prayer" - DM Johnson (1993)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Sat 24 Jan 2004 00:26:40

I dont necessarily agree with you. As much as I dont really care for Shigeki as a DJ and as much as I totally admire Luke Leal for what he does I must say in my opinion Shigeki is better suited to last RHI spot rather than Luke. If Luke were to play closing it would be too franetic. We dont want a trance DJ closing.

It would be great the trance heads but theres too many others who dont like trance who would be lost in the RHI at that hour of the morning if Luke was banging away.

Lets also remember at the exact time that Luke hands over to Shigeki (7am) Stahe 11 closes and there will be another 1500 or so people walking out of the retro venue looking for somewhere else to dance. Walking from a 90's retro set into a trance filled RHI makes me shudder.

At least Shigeki is a middle of the road DJ and would have a broader appeal to all music genres than Lukes Trance style.

I do agree Alex is wasted playing first. He should be playing last.
Peter K - Sat 24 Jan 2004 08:17:31

So true. Alex could write the book on professional etiquette and putting him on first is smart
Alex fan club - Sat 24 Jan 2004 19:19:42

"A Brighter Day" - Kelly Llorenna (1995)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Sun 25 Jan 2004 02:18:22

Jeffgg -- I still think Alex is wasted on the no.1 spot as most people don't even get there before midnight. Perhaps the usefulness of him opening the party might be to encourage people to get there early.
Zorro - Sun 25 Jan 2004 08:54:57

I'm looking forward to a fantastic night of camp (Blomfield) and uplifting (Murphy) choons.

Party hard!
marshall - Sun 25 Jan 2004 11:05:39

would it be rude to take my iPod to the party ?
Dr Bellows - Sun 25 Jan 2004 15:17:02

But if you go online and report every 30 minutrs to Pinkboard then it may not be so tragic, after all
Dr Maddox - Sun 25 Jan 2004 16:53:42

Stephen and Jake for 6 hours at the party!!!! YIPPEEEEE!!

I cannot wait for this, this will be the good old days when you could enjoy being out and about and dancing all night!!!

Shame I'll miss RyanM's set but RETRO is the only way to GO!!!!!

MM xxx
miss margeaux - Sun 25 Jan 2004 18:14:43

"Show Me Heaven" - Chimira (1997)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Mon 26 Jan 2004 00:09:01

Not complaining about a Retro Hall but one of the posters/DJ's said they would
be playing music from the 80/90's !!! Retro ?
Am I that old ? Too me Retro would be 70/80's but suppose that would make someone else sad :)

Still would like to meet Evil Twin ( the original ) and Ms Golightly but maybe they wont want to talk to such an old one !

But agree the others posters - NMG - please have a dance floor in the Hordern, my aching old feet and old back will thank you.
Just to buy them a drink - Mon 26 Jan 2004 09:55:33

I think these days the broader definition of "retro" is music from the past that DJ's have stopped playing in the clubs in the present.

Using this definition even stuff as recent as about 1999 / 2000 fall into that category.

The concept for a "Retro" space was designed specifically for people who dont go out clubbing regularly and want to dance to stuff from their regular clubbing days. If this means the DJ's in Stage 11 only play stuff from the mid 90's then thats good in my opinion as it will appeal to some of the older ones but also wont shut out the 18-30 demographic which surely would be the case if it was a 70's and 80's only space using your interpretation of the word "retro"

I believe this space will be "THE" success story of this years Mardi Gras party.
Brian J - Mon 26 Jan 2004 10:09:22

1. D’Ream Things Can Only Get Better
2. Three is Family
3. We are Family –Sister Sledge
14. 18 Strings -Tin Man
15. Forever Young -Interactive
16. I say a Little Prayer –David Michael Johnson version
17. Power of Love –Beverly
18. Sex Drive –Dead or Alive
19. White Lines –Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel
20. More and More –Captain Hollywood Project
21. Dance With Me (“I’ve got this feeling, somebody Dance with me”)
22. I’m Gonna Get You –Bizarre Inc Featuring Angie Brown
23. (Take me Up) To the Top
24. Elephant Paw
25. Let Me Show You –K Klass
26. Total Eclipse of the Heart
27 In the Evening –Sheryl Lee Ralph
28. We are Easy to Love –Secci Featuring Taleesa
29. Waterfall –Felix
30. Insanity –Oceanic
31. Rockin’ for Myself –Motiv8
34. Everybody Dance – Evolution
35. Baby Don’t Cha Leave Me this Way –Royal T
36. You lift Me Up –Rebekah Ryan
37. Bitchin’ in My Kitchen –Fantabulous
38. I Imagine –Mary Kiani
39. Son of a Gun –JX
39. Try Me Out –Lee Morrow
40. I’m here to chill -Absurd
41. Stars on 54: If you could Read my Mind –Ultra Nate etc
42. Don’t Call me Baby –Madison Avenue
43. Broken Bones –Love Inc
44. The Ultimate –Nik Skitz

How many people does Stage 11 hold?
Waiting for the night - Mon 26 Jan 2004 15:14:38

New requests now uploaded.

Chimira - Show Me Heaven
Dina King - I Say A Little prayer

Enjoy!
Justin Scott - Mon 26 Jan 2004 15:34:20

I actually think that *ALOT* of those songs listed above will be played on the night. I can spot at least 6 or 7 that are Stephen Blomfield "signature" tunes from the Flinders Hotel era. Most of the songs listed are all pretty cheesy anthems but thats whats going to make this retro space such a fun place to be in this year. I cant wait.
Brian J - Mon 26 Jan 2004 20:02:41

I believe NMG sensibly cancelled the Dance floor for budgetary considerations during the lead up to the party. The decision wouldn't have been taken lightly as the dance floor is very necessary but at a pinch can be lived without.

I personally would prefer a bit of last minute cost cutting to ensure a party at least breaks even. Would you prefer something like the Gay Games where heads appeared to be stuck in the sand for months before they admitted there may possibly be a loss in the works!

I recon that with the pricing policy they will have a better idea of numbers sooner & will be able to juggle the budgets if necessary before it becomes necessary to cancel dance floors/lights/etc.

solution? get everyone you know to join, & buy tickets asap so they can afford everything we want.

one more thought - I think most of the non-core festival events will be "umbrella" events...not funded directly by Mardi Gras, just given advertising assistance & permission to be official events. This was one of the big ways to trim down "Old" Mardi Gras expenses.

See you at the festival & dancing on the nice springy Hordern floor!

p.s. I thought the (gay) UK Idol winner may be singing at MG, but a source said most likely not :(
iceboy - Tue 27 Jan 2004 00:57:34

You never know who you'll meet in the Retro hall
I thought retro was 70s disco and 80s pop but maybe I'm 'old' too
:)
I vote for a dancefloor plus real seating in the Hordern, sore feet plus a dusty bum is not fun.
The Girlfriend - Tue 27 Jan 2004 01:06:33

As for me, I'm very glad to hear that Ryan Murphy and Luke Leal are playing 1am-7am in the RHI. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be going this year. Am a bit disappointed that DJ Josh didn't get another go. I agree that she is an excellent DJ (she ranked much higher than Alex Taylor and Kate Monroe in last year's National DJ Poll, somewhere in the middle of the top 10 I think) and I hope to be hearing her again at a major party sometime this year. As for Alex Taylor and Shigeki, I don't know what the fuss is all about. Although they are both good club DJ's (one a little better than the other), I've never found either of them to be particularly good big room DJ's. Quite a few people I know agreed that their sets at Sleaze were lame and predictable. That sort of music works well for me in a club like Arq, but not in a big room (where I'd prefer music that is more upbeat and more uplifting). Would be interested to hear what other people think about this....
- Tue 27 Jan 2004 01:22:48

- I'm sure you won't be dissapointed!

that's funny. it would make my night to NOT hear any of those songs at a party
2004 - Mon 26 Jan 2004 19:37:29

- That's cool, don't come to City Live as that is the kind of music that will be played. There are some of Sydney's best DJ's in the other halls and I'm sure they will make your night fantastic should you choose to go. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy!

Surely comments about Party should be on the Party Wall?
Tue 27 Jan 2004 11:23:58

- If they relate to the Mardi Gras party, surely they can be on either the Party or the Mardi Gras wall?

Regarding the definition of the term "retro" - I too would also be inclined to define retro as 70's and 80's and before. However, as others have stated, that is my generation and many of the other poster's generation as well. For some of the younger folk, retro can be 80's and 90's.

My understanding of Stage 11 at MG is that it is a retro/classics hall. I know that I intend to play a big mixture of classic club tunes from the 80's into the 90's era, as well as some of the great commercial pop and disco releases from the 80's. I'm planning to throw the odd 70's track in there too, but focus for me will be more on the 80's and 90's. I might even throw in one or two tracks from very early 2000 that people may not have heard in a few years, but will hopefully be excited to hear.

As someone said earlier, with a good mix of 80's and 90's, we will be able to cater for the more mature crowd as well as the young'uns without excluding anyone.

If anyone has any ideas of tracks they would love to hear, Stephen, Justin and myself are meeting shortly to go through track ideas and we would be happy to consider anything you have to suggest.
JK - Tue 27 Jan 2004 14:33:12

(It's so disconcerting when they play this while shopping at IGA)
Evil Twin - Tue 27 Jan 2004 14:58:36

The 2003 Mardi Gras CD from last year, for my tastes, yielded two standout tracks: "If you could read my mind" and "Drop that funk on me".

NMG:
How is the 2004 CD coming along? Is NMG still going to uphold that tradition? I promise to buy one if you put wooden flooring in.
floored - Tue 27 Jan 2004 16:51:36

But can you locate the playlist from those days? It's time to hit the archives, I would
old fart - Tue 27 Jan 2004 18:07:55

There are at least 10,000 of us that like the icing on THIS cake
- Tue 27 Jan 2004 18:19:20

cheers
edmund - Tue 27 Jan 2004 19:10:31

The more I read the more I get excited about the night as it draws closer
and closer.

Jake touched on where he was going to be musically on the night. As for
myself playing the middle set means that the music is going to be very "up"
probably right through my three hours. Expect to hear mostly hits of the
90's from me. There will also be a few current tunes that are cover versions
of huge anthems from the 80's and 90's. As well as this expect to hear three or four original 80's tracks I would also consider to be huge anthems and there WILL be hands in the air for days guaranteed !!

To the poster that wrote down that lengthy list a few days ago let me say
this.... I am sure you will be very happy indeed. To be honest I cant
believe how many tracks on that list that I used to play on heavy rotation
in the 90's - I like your style :P

I look forward to my set on March 6 just as much as I look forward to joining you all on the Stage 11 dancefloor after I finish at 4am.

Due to the great response about this space I would recommend that people
wanting to party in Stage 11 get there early. We anticipate that there might
be lengthy queues to get in - Remember Stage 11 is a smallish hall only
holding 1,500 or so... its no RHI pavilion !!

My only concern is that the place will still be packed at closing time at
7am. I know Mardi Gras has the option of (possibly) extending to 8am but
this is all up to you guys being in the venue in force right up to 7am.

Keep up the great feedback everyone , its very much appreciated.
Stephen Blomfield - Tue 27 Jan 2004 19:36:13

And, in the absence of any scheduled entertainment in Stage 11...when i was in year 5 at school, i performed leif garrett's "surfin' USA" at our speech night in a funky little denim outfit with a tight body shirt and a dance routine straight out of my mum's jazzercise class...and i will happily recreate that simple, yet visually stunning routine, if any of the DJ's play anything by either Leif Garrett or Shaun Cassidy (my first crush!)

In the alternative - early 90s deconstruction was the best!
Ms Golightly - Tue 27 Jan 2004 19:47:47

I strongly disagree. Why should a potential full house in Stage 11 be shunted out into another hall at 6am just to make the big halls look bigger and fuller ? If City Live is still full at 7am which is the advertised finishing time of Jake Kilby then why shouldnt they be allowed to party on in the venue and music style of their choice ? If its full at 7am let them go on

I say .Your ticket does afterall say 10pm to 10am !!
- Tue 27 Jan 2004 23:32:02

First, Jake gives you an insight as to what to expect on the night, and then Stephen.

Being first cab off the rank (10pm to 1am), I have decided to play tracks that will basically warm the room up a little, before I hand the reigns over to Sir Stephen Blomfield and Lord Jake Kilby.

I am happy to say, that at this point in time, Evil Twin and Ms Golightly along with Brian J, will most certainly NOT be disappointed on the night. If You Could Read My Mind and Free by Ultra Nate, are just some of what I call, Classic Club Retro tracks, which you can expect to hear on the night. Add to these, a handful of Pinkboards Jukebox Requests that have appeared on my site, and voila!...There you have the best in Retro Classics - Similar to Time Life's offer of a 10 Volume CD pack, however, without the steak knives, and bonus sunglasses.

Most of you know me for playing Commercial Hi NRG uplifting vocal tracks, which I have always loved playing. I find these tracks can sometimes bring out the "girl" in us . They also add the "feel good" factor. Most Retro tracks have had a similar effect on us at the peak of Gay 90's clubbing. I have found these tracks to have had an influence on the music we hear today.

For those of you that were around when Stephen was at his peak, and Jake had just mastered the art of beat mixing, and pubs such as The Flinders, The Albury, The Oxford, Patch's and The Exchange were booming businesses, most tracks that were around then, are now being re-released as remixes by either the same artists, or a generic group ie Gerri Halliwell - It's Raining Men and Steps - Chain Reaction, just to name a few.

To me, this is proof that tracks, such as these, still dominate the music industry, and they are also a reflection of the quality of dance music that was around then, and still is now.

Once again, I am excited to be working together with Stephen & Jake, and look forward to bring you the ultimate in Retro Dance in Stage 11 at The Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2004 Dance Party.
Justin Scott - Tue 27 Jan 2004 23:40:04

"Party" - The Weather Girls" (1996)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Wed 28 Jan 2004 00:41:38

It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls (1983)

This always filled the floor at Flo's Palace
Panther - Wed 28 Jan 2004 08:15:11

Please, Please, PLease we need a dance floor and sitting..... The hard floor kill your feet by the end of the night, and then we would like to sit down??? And the gutter or floor is not a good look...

Please consider!!
What a happy, comfortable party!! - Wed 28 Jan 2004 08:59:49

For me it will be Hordern and if Sveta gets too manic and there's no beat, then
off to RHI for Luke Leal.

Of course will check out City Live but I dont like being reminded of my
past :) or how old I am as I could start mouthing the words to the music and my young twink friends would be aghast !

Iceboy - I'd rather cut back on a laser or two and have a dance floor but I know others may disagree.
Dance floor pretty please ( Hordern that is ) - Wed 28 Jan 2004 19:10:25

ummm....... me thinks there's more beat in svetas music than luke leals
beatful - Wed 28 Jan 2004 21:07:28

"You're here with me now but you're saying
you don't want me any more
you're holding me now but you're saying
you can't see me no no more
you whisper good-bye then cling tighter to me
I can't take no more."

- if only i had a dollar for every dance party i had to end with those lines!

Hello just to buy them a drink...i normally don't drink at the parties (though i may have something cheeky & bubbly on arrival) so keep an eye out for me in retro heaven (ie stage 11)

ta ta for now
Ms Golightly - Wed 28 Jan 2004 22:16:53

On second thoughts, maybe they should cancel everything but the retro hall at the party.... :)
- Wed 28 Jan 2004 23:43:21

"Young Hearts Run Free" - Hannah Jones (1995)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Thu 29 Jan 2004 03:19:16

Oh get a grip! There are two other halls and the up an coming area for anybody who isn't interested in the retro hall. Everyone has different tastes and it is just plain stupid for someone to be "unimpressed" that NMG has organised a hall that is obviously of interest to many people. If someone wasn't into high energy, trance and commercial dance music, would it be fair to say that they were unimpressed that NMG had decided to put on the RHI? What rot. If they don't like the concept of Stage 11, no one is forcing them to go there.
JK - Thu 29 Jan 2004 08:41:02

Not at all.... For a large majority of us the festival brings what we are all about to light. It shows the world who we are, and what we do, and thats exciting. People may not comment on the wall about the festival, but it's all fresh in our minds.

The party will always have the main focus of all walls, because after all it's the music that truely unites us together...

Brings on the festival I cannot wait.... it's a fantastic time I think of it like 'Christmas for us gay people'.... Let's get together everyone and support the New Mardi Gras, and give them the backing they require. We should remember and be lucky in the fact that somebody cares and has taken it over, as we could have ended up with nothing.....

Thankyou New Mardi Gras.....
Ready for Mardi Gras..Give them your support - Thu 29 Jan 2004 09:14:27

I'm glad you said what you did cause I was gonna say the same thing (but maybe in not so nice a way) !
SB - Thu 29 Jan 2004 09:59:26

Love your work.... love your life..... love the way it's heading.

Expect me to "shake my groove thing" in your hall after my set for sure...

Only if you boys play :- Lets hear it for the boys.

I will return the favour with Madagascar's "Your Beautiful" - much better than that cheep rip off - "i like love" by Solitaire.
Ryan Murphy - Thu 29 Jan 2004 11:34:49

The best thing of all is that with 3 halls playing 3 different music styles you have a choice as to which music style you'd most enjoy hearing. I for one am totally excited about Stage 11 (as are my friends) but at the same time completely respect the fact that it may not be everybody's idea of a fantastic Mardi Gras. I can't wait to be there and plan on spending time in all halls, but particularly the RHI and Stage 11.
Happy Camper - Thu 29 Jan 2004 12:34:52

This always filled the floor at Flo's Palace
Panther - Wed 28 Jan 2004 08:15:11

Love, you remember Flo's? Are we really that old?
From some of the comments of the twinks, it may be best to stay at home.
- Thu 29 Jan 2004 14:39:10

surely Sista P must be one of the biggest lesbian djs left out of the festival. she works 4/5 sets a weekend at some of the best spots in sydney
- Thu 29 Jan 2004 15:31:56

Yes it's true that popular (No1) House track.... is infact a rip off of an old Trance Anthem. I do like the new house version and i have played both of them; however when i played the original at the salvation recovery last weekend at the shift ..... people lost their minds...."what is this version" "its not on my cd".....and to those people i say " no it's not - it's The Original" Why is this so exciting to me i hear you all ask....? well maybe some of these tracks you all love now...might be played in their orginal form in the Retro Space! It was only last night i played "On a Night like this" only - Kylie was not singing - !!!!

The Retro Hall will rock....

Oh and I am sure that most of the DJ's would welcome requests too. To the person that asked me for El Nino... I am sure we can drag it out of the bag....what version? .... I think Original is best!
Ryan Murphy - Thu 29 Jan 2004 16:24:33

mandy rollins & feisty are soooo over rated. you can hear them at the phoenix every weekend or at queer nation. i rather have someone like sveta play.... besides i would class her as having a bigger name than mandy rollins.
- Thu 29 Jan 2004 17:04:54

And the lesson would be, if you are "unimpressed" by the direction your parties are going, you get VOCAL about it. Those vocal proponents (including me) of a retro space have been doing so for the past year, not only on this board, but e-mailing NMG directly for that space. A number of DJ's picked up on that community under-current and submitted demo's of a retro nature...hence, the retro hall came about.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but it is not at the expense of any of the traditional spaces at a mardi gras party, and I for one would like to thank the party committee for taking the risk with this new concept. They took some risks and delivered an awesome sleaze party. I can't wait to see what they deliver at MG!
Ms Golightly - Thu 29 Jan 2004 20:21:28

moreover, the lead singer and guitarist were brother and sister (i think), which makes all those lyrics a bit iffy!
Ms Golightly - Thu 29 Jan 2004 20:24:55

thanks for the suggestion but I think if I leave city live during the night, it's going to be hard to get back in. I'm taking this chance to let my hair down (a bit of a joke for anyone who knows me) and indulge myself.

I'm an unashamed big fan of two of the 3 dj's playing in city live and look forward to partying to the music these guys are going to play. It also gives me the chance to hear someone I have not heard play before, so I'm looking forward to that too!

MG party is going to be my time to relax and have fun, a chance to switch off DJ mode for the evening and be a punter. Can't wait!
shanobear - Thu 29 Jan 2004 20:25:53

Why are people so unkind!
DJ Kamal - Thu 29 Jan 2004 21:18:35

And miss Mardi Gras? No way!
Panther - Thu 29 Jan 2004 22:21:44

"Atomic '94" - Blondie (1994)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Fri 30 Jan 2004 00:24:08

the djs are good whom they have chosen for this space, and it is with no disrespect to them that i made the comments about city live and people i know being unimpressed, but it is quite true that many people i know will skip the party this year in favour of better music elsewhere. i estimate 10K people at best with this line up.

to the contrary, and in search of positivity, the hordern line up is fantastic. lisa german is sensational and the locals are all excellent.

agreed about sveta being twice the dj mandy rollins is. she is adventurous, takes risks and really has fun when she is playing... however feisty is excellent and she will be missed

can i make a request to the city live djs? um, kylie or something good (that is a joke), best of luck to all the djs in all the halls, don't listen to me as i am just 1 opinion and you will find you make a lot of people VERY happy on the night

best mardi gras wishes
- Fri 30 Jan 2004 01:28:44

How wrong you are.

"i estimate 10K people at best with this line up." - This comment is going to come back at bite you in the bum BIGTIME. Your estimate is going to be so way off the mark its not funny. I have logged this comment in my diary and will be back on this board after March 6 to say "I Told You SO"

Your other statement about there not being a Dome space is also just ridiculous. Havent you even noticed that the Hordern and its DJ's are the perfect replacement for not having the Dome. How can you POSSIBLY complain when the Dome is being reinvented in a space 4 times bigger than Dome ever was. The DJ's chosen for the Hordern would have been the Dome DJ's if the Hordern wasnt available and they are all VERY "Dome sounding"

Don't be so mean spirited re the retro space. Its something fresh & new for Mardi Gras and it shows initiative and also shows that Mardi Gras are willing to try new things in an effort to attract more people to its event. Mardi Gras should be roundly applauded for its efforts in this respect. Dome music and the Dome crowd were proven not to work in Stage 11 and now they have the Hordern - WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT ??

Everyone is being catered to at this event.

* Commercial club and trance music is in the RHI

* Harder and darker Dome Music is in the Hordern

* Hi NRG Girly Camp and Retro is in City Live.

All angels are covered - Stating that "There is a space lost to accomodate another space" is of course in the wise words of Jake Kilby "JUST ROT" !
Aiden - Fri 30 Jan 2004 07:07:25

Hey Ryan (or Luke L), now that I hear you are happy to take requests, here are a couple of tracks I would love to hear on MG night (sorry to be a pest, but I rarely ask DJs for requests and it would make my night to hear one or both of these):

- 'Seven Cities' by Solar Stone (AvB Remix or Solar Stone's Atlantis Mix)
- 'Nothing' by Holden and Thompson (93 Returning Mix)

And a couple of old (albeit cheesy) favourites:

- 'Embrace' by Agnelli and Nelson
- 'Everywhere I Go' by Space Brothers

Thanks and happy MG everyone! :)
M - Fri 30 Jan 2004 07:17:43

Sveta is the only DJ of Dome'esque quality in that whole line up. bad scratching is not suited to Dome so that rules mike kelly out & I've never heard of the other 2 girls. so I guess I disagree with your statement that the hordern is an apt replacement for Dome. it's chalk and cheese (the dome is chalk)
Dr Bellows - Fri 30 Jan 2004 09:15:58

I'm just trying to get my head around 20,000 punters at the party all determinedly avoiding "living the gay stereotype." What would that look like? And why would you be worried about a bit of gay stereotyping at the faggiest night of the year anyway?
- Fri 30 Jan 2004 09:43:51

Yes, you said 'just 1 opinion'now let me add mine.

I find it a disgrace that you could say that one of the djs is only half as good as the other.I wonder what would happen if you said that about some of the trace djs working in this town?

I hardly think that your comment is sending "best wishes" to anyone.Least of all one very hard working Dj that has played at best nine or ten, Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parties in her career, thus far.

I for one will be attending this years party with bells on, and would have loved to hear all three Djs playing at this years party together.

However, lets be thankfull we have one out of the three.

I would like to wish everyone a VERY happy and safe Mardi Gras season and hope that negative comments are left at home.
:) - Fri 30 Jan 2004 11:05:43

I thought the dome was never going to be available anyway. At least that is the impression I got from reading previous posts on this board and the party board. Your entire argument holds no water if indeed the Dome was never going to be available in the first place!

I think everyone wants to have the Dome back up and running but if it's not made available, then no amount of complaining about City Live is going to change that.

Looking at the lineup of talent in all the halls I wish your friends luck trying to find better music in Sydney that night. Also without wanting to sound unkind, perhaps it's better that these people find other things to do that night and let those who want to enjoy the huge variety of music on offer, have a good night out.

No one is forcing anyone to go to City live that night or indeed the party at all. Judging from the comments on the walls here there is an huge support for such a space and I thnk NMG should be congratulated on listening to the people who are taking the time to make suggestions.

"it IS discouraging to many people who don't actually like to live the gay stereotype." I did get a chuckle out of this, I would have thought going to the mardi gras party was one of the major sydney gay stereotypes! If you don't want to live the gay stereotype then I suggest staying home with a good book. :)
- Fri 30 Jan 2004 11:13:48

I think it was mentioned on this wall earlier, but it does seem that it's only a very vocal (on pinkboard) minority whom are happy with the so called 'retro' space. all other (non pinkboard) people I've mentioned it to arent keen on it in the slightest. many are disapointed that it'll be nothing more then a mini RHI (but much queenier - if that's possible).

I hope I'm wrong, but this mardi gras looks to be the whitest & blandest yet
Bride Of Funkenstein - Fri 30 Jan 2004 13:05:58

Mardi Gras, like life, is what you want to make of it.
- Fri 30 Jan 2004 13:43:06

Yep. Pretty much, I think you're wrong. The Retro Space at the party represents about 0.01% of what's on during the season. It's hard to accept how anyone's MG could be totally blighted by 0.01% of what is on offer. If I was you bride I'd consider going totally crazy and just getting out there to try what's on offer.
- Fri 30 Jan 2004 14:06:24

I hope I'm wrong, but this mardi gras looks to be the whitest & blandest yet
Bride Of Funkenstein - Fri 30 Jan 2004 13:05:58

Let's revisit this comment after the party. If there are only a few people in Stage 11 all night, then I guess you were right. I think, though, after the party I will be able to say "you were so wrong it ain't funny". I'm big enough to eat those words if you turn out be right, but I guess we will all be able to see for ourselves at the party. Either way, I'll be having a good time, as I'm sure everyone else who goes will too.
JK - Fri 30 Jan 2004 15:34:40

I was talking about the party, not the festival or parade
Bride Of Funkenstein - Fri 30 Jan 2004 15:36:26

but I hope that all those fantastic singles from Real McCoy's "Another Night" album get played, if I hear them I will have an orgasm on the dance floor! Definitely the best of 90's dance IMO..... "Another Night", "Run Away", "Come & Get Your Love", "Love And Devotion".
MC Sar - Fri 30 Jan 2004 16:23:56

I was talking about the party, not the festival or parade
Bride Of Funkenstein - Fri 30 Jan 2004 15:36:26"

My advice still stands. Go and experience it. You might be pleasantly surprised.
- Fri 30 Jan 2004 16:40:34

to jake and the djs, YOU WILL fill the joint, no two ways about it, and best of luck to you

to the comment that the dome is now the hordern in a much bigger space. i think you missed the point. the hordern was a great space as it was with funky house and a bit of tribal and tougher music. it would have been great left as that. the dome was a great space as a dirty sess pit of grungy darker beats and people. it is not a massive section of the party community and the dome was an appropriate smaller space.

re all the other comments, your points are valid and well taken

to the person who said there is nowhere else to go as good as this, check out the lineup for space that night.... um wow!

hoping the up and coming space will include some funky house from established pros as well as some newbies
- Fri 30 Jan 2004 18:07:17

LOL! Sweetheart! You'd be shocked to discover how 'old" the average age MG member might be, I'd be thinking..... :)
- Fri 30 Jan 2004 18:21:35

Dont bother with the moron who reckons 10k aren't gonna turn up or whatever. I
know we are not supposed to call people names but those posts are just moronic.
There is something for virtually every music taste there unless your into line dancing or jazz or similar :)

Like you say Aiden, I reckon the numbers will prove this "person" so very wrong. All of us are getting in for the early bird special !
Just bring it on - Fri 30 Jan 2004 18:29:39

which established pros?
- Fri 30 Jan 2004 19:31:19

suggest djs kate monroe, renae, sista p, chip, peter fam, babybear, mark alsop, garry t, scott pullen.... just none of the super cheese variety, that is covered

is that enough? but really think sista p should be back after last year's monster set, and renae
- Fri 30 Jan 2004 22:36:08

Fair day was my first introduction to the Mardi Gras festival and is always a highlight for me.I can't wait for this years.
Shanobear (not going to be bullied into silence!) - Sat 31 Jan 2004 08:30:59

NEVER! more, more, more
- Sat 31 Jan 2004 16:10:57

I am! My dog Max loves it and it's a great opportunity to get him out in a crowd with other dogs that are up for a good day. Centennial Park is usually full of eastern suburbs snoots who don't like their dogs socialising with other dogs, especially one as big as mine.

I'll be heading down there for a few hours with Max to let him run amok.
JK - Sat 31 Jan 2004 16:49:24

Be afraid. Be very afraid :o)
SB - Sat 31 Jan 2004 19:16:55

You don’t have to have experience, you just need enthusiasm, commitment to rehearsals (over 2 weeks prior to parade), and the ability to shimmy glamorously for an hour or two (all body types welcome)

Registration Day is on next Saturday (7 Feb) at the Stonewall Hotel cocktail bar from 2-3:30pm (or email parade@mardigras.org.au)
David N - Sat 31 Jan 2004 23:14:23

"Fingers and Thumbs" - Erasure (1995)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Sun 1 Feb 2004 00:08:21

grrrrr
park ranger - Sun 1 Feb 2004 10:56:00

I would like to see a couple of well timed 'DJ floats' - am I crazy?
- Sun 1 Feb 2004 14:54:26

No love. Just caught up in Gay Sydney's Cult of DJ Veneration :)
- Sun 1 Feb 2004 17:22:16

I wrekon a DJ float would be a great entry for the MG Parade in 2005!

How does this sound...
Jake can drive,
Kate can navigate,
Alex can be the token back seat driver,
Neal could call out.. "are we there yet, are we there yet, are we there yet"
Gemma can belly dance,
Luke can sip on his Vodka Cointreau's,
Jimmy can do the lighting,
Ryan can fight off people wanting to make requests,
and I'll ensure the on-board Esky is fully stocked at all times.

Hold on... We need a DJ! Any volunteers?
:)
Justin Scott - Sun 1 Feb 2004 21:51:19

Handbaggers - You Found Out
Blondie - Atomic '94
Erasure - Fingers & Thumbs

PLUS
Preview of Kylie's latest track "Red Blooded Woman" (Dance Mix)

Enjoy!
Justin Scott - Sun 1 Feb 2004 23:15:45

"Hells Party" - Glam (1992)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Mon 2 Feb 2004 00:02:05

Jake Kilby , Justin Scott & myself met this evening and spent quite a few hours going through a long list of about 600 songs from the 90's and 80's trying to shortlist our music selections for Stage 11 on Mardi Gras night.

I think each of us is very happy with what we have and each of us now has a short list of about 50 or so songs each to work from on the night (Although we only need about 33 each for a three hour set).

Its been a pretty ruthless exercise cutting down a list of over 600 songs down to only 50 or so each but we're pretty sure we've got all the anthems covered and that there wont be any filler tracks at all during the night... the way it should be !

We're open to suggestions too , so if there's anything in the mainstream dance genre from the 90's or latter 80's that takes your fancy - let us know !!

Mardi Gras is now only 4 and a bit weeks away - It cant come quick enough for us ... Its all very exciting !
Stephen Blomfield (on behalf of the Stage 11 DJ's at MG2004) - Mon 2 Feb 2004 22:53:23

(outlaw by olive made the shortlist, no?)
Ms Golightly - Mon 2 Feb 2004 23:48:31

"Heaven" - Sarah Washington (1996)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Tue 3 Feb 2004 00:54:29

ummmmm.... possibly it just might have :o)
SB - Tue 3 Feb 2004 07:26:40

*dances*
marshall - Tue 3 Feb 2004 09:48:42

Thank you (and Jake and Justin) so much for keeping us up to date with the planning for Stage 11. I can’t wait! My absolute top requests for the night would be:

David Michael Johnson: ‘I say a Little Prayer’

D’Ream: ‘Things Can Only Get Better’

Dead or Alive: ‘Sex Drive’

Lee Marrow: ‘Try Me Out’

Ultra Nate: ‘If you could Read my Mind’

Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel: ‘White Lines’
Very excited about the Retro space - Tue 3 Feb 2004 11:56:27

Can I call on the RHI dj's to generate the same excitement for this hallowed space? I know you're following discussions on this board... Come'on guys titillate us, get our party juices going.... What do you have planned for the night? Are requests in order? Alex, Luke, Ryan and Shigeki -- each fabulous dj's in your own right -- have you had your little meeting?
Zorro - Tue 3 Feb 2004 17:27:37

I think you might just get all of those requests at some stage during the night. Just maybe :o)
SB - Tue 3 Feb 2004 21:19:17

"California Dreaming" - Midnight Shift (1990)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Wed 4 Feb 2004 00:03:02

has someone got a cyberstalker ?
- Wed 4 Feb 2004 01:59:03

Responding to the post above: stop blaming the straight community for the demise of Mardi Gras. We should take responsibility for the success or failure of Mardi Gras ourselves. I was at last year's Mardi Gras Party and it was FULL of queers. Where were these hordes of straight people? Reality check, scene queens - straight people are NOT dying to invade our parties - they couldn't care less!!!
Morgan Fairchild - Wed 4 Feb 2004 12:12:23

I tried to keep my political leanings out of this evaluation, but strangely it reflects them fairly accurately.
Arti - Wed 4 Feb 2004 17:42:15

Happy Mardi Gras!
GT - Wed 4 Feb 2004 18:48:31

And Morgan you can blame ( in parts ) straights for the demise of old Mardi
Gras because way back in the 80's they were THE only parties to go to , then they got their own and moaners like Evil Twin(3) probably made them feel very
un welcome so old MG could no longer count on over 20,000 people attending and of course the rest of the blame goes to some of the old Boards but thats my
opinion :) ( tongue in cheek ).
Is it 06 March yet ? - Wed 4 Feb 2004 19:15:30

I have been left to arrange a cocktail party in the afternoon of the parade and going through all those magazines and possible menus is a bit much for someone who others suspect thinks a Vegatiran pie is "gourmet" Now seriously is Finger Food OK at a CockTail Party??? Do I have to Julienne all the carrotts [it seems such a waste].... should I provide those common jatz crackers as an alternative for the imported wafers I usually serve with caviar?? Is proper Asparagus still OK for canapes or do trendies expect that awful tinned or bottled stuff??? Is smoked salmon OK or do Lesbians find this offensive nowadays??? Is ready made Pavlova acceptable nowadays or do I have take off the leather underwear and start beating all those eggs?? Are ice sculptures and imported champagne out now in favour of all those tastless mixers [anti-freeze with rasperry reisling disgusts me ....]Am I still OK having a door prize for the best undressed sailor?? and for the worst looking shoes?

Serious help please.....
hairytrucker - Wed 4 Feb 2004 22:26:53

"The Rhythm Of The Night" - Corona (1994)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Thu 5 Feb 2004 02:29:37

hairytrucker - Wed 4 Feb 2004 22:26:53

YES !!!
Ciao - Thu 5 Feb 2004 03:19:28

Oh bugger it. Get what you like, I'll bring a picnic.

Just starting to get people at work asking about "Mardi Gras". There's still a perception that it's only the parade and party. Launch and Fair Day get only vague reactions, let alone the film festival or other events. Where are the street banners up Oxford St? Where are the Avant cards? At least a film crew at the launch? Perhaps we need a gay controversy... Can someone please rip Lou-Anne Lind's top off on stage? All we need now is a Justin Timberlake look alike to do it.
Evil Twin - Thu 5 Feb 2004 09:03:16