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gay & lesbian mardi gras 2004
graffiti wall 2

2 down, 2 to go. Weeks that is. We've done launch, we've done films, we've done theatre, we've done some dancing.

This coming Sunday we get to do it outdoors. Fair Day in Victoria Park is the second biggest event of the season. People to meet, things to buy, dogs to pet, shows to watch, food to eat, drinks to drink, fun to have. So get your fabulous arse down to fabulous Fair Day this coming Sunday. And don't forget the sunnies and the sun block.

After that it's more dancing, theatre, singing, exhibitions, shopping, walks, drinking, tourists, eating ... will it ever stop?

Then on Saturday the sixth we don our fabulous frocks and frock coats and take over the streets of Sydney for the night, before retiring to the Party. And if you are planning on going to the Party, the rumour is that tickets will sell out.

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

Me Me Me me .... yes its all about me as always :P
got it...me me me !!! - Sat 21 Feb 2004 01:13:19

"Relight My Fire" - Take That (1993)
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Pinkboard Jukebox - Sat 21 Feb 2004 05:36:34

You gotta be quick off the mark to get top billing board rights here queeen !!
Its STLL about me , always has , always will be about me me me me me me YAY !!! - Sat 21 Feb 2004 07:34:26

Smooch Mardis Gras Recovery

What better way to continue partying over the Mardis Gras weekend than to be a
part of Sydney's ONLY outdoor recovery party in the fresh air. Not only will
the East Village Rooftop be rocking to some of the best DJs in Sydney, you get
to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air & THAT fantastic view of the city.

The people at Smooch have also had the sense to set up a fully air-conditioned
chillout space where you can lounge in the comfort of the cool air, catch up
with friends, & check out some hip & happening visual feasts on the BIG screen.

DJs in order of appearance:

12 - 2pm: Renae Stanton (Mardis Gras, Civic Hotel)
2 - 4pm: Peter Fam (Midnight Shift, Arq)
4 - 6pm: Junior B (Better Homes & Beer Gardens/Mardis Gras)
6 - 8pm: Scott Pullen (Queer Nation, Colombian Hotel)
8 - 10pm: Mike Kelly (The Midnight Shift, Civic Hotel)

10 hours of musical bliss for 10 bucks!

$5 Vodkas $5 Coronas

"Come up for a breath of fresh air"

Sunday 7th March 12 midday to 10pm
EAST VILLAGE ROOFTOP
234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst

-----------------------------------All Welcome---------------------------------
- Sat 21 Feb 2004 14:53:23

"Love Commandments" - Gisele Jackson (1997)
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Pinkboard Jukebox - Sun 22 Feb 2004 00:11:32

The $15 Mardi Gras special preview was packed. The season starts in earnest next week and goes until April, so you will have plenty of time to see it.
Arti - Sun 22 Feb 2004 11:51:39

Loved the lube slide and the Drag Queens narration was a hoot !
Loved watching people on the rides, kids zone was great. Dykes on Mikes - loved
the blonde with big boobs , white t-shirt was on about 1pm - excellent !

One question , I was talking to some the people their representing org's that
help our community ( I wont mention a name )
Why are charitable organisations charged by NMG to be at Fair Day ? - Sun 22 Feb 2004 18:23:37

Remember what killed the old organisation? Community expectations that each event became bigger and better with no regard where the money comes from, whilst expecting things like launch, fair day and parade to be free of charge.
- Sun 22 Feb 2004 20:11:08

Because MG can't afford to provide the Fair Day infrastructure - hireage, insurance, power etc, etc - gratis. In return for a small charge, charitable organisations get an unbeatable opportunity to raise their profile and fundraise themselves.
- Sun 22 Feb 2004 22:07:02

More photos coming
Panther - Sun 22 Feb 2004 22:18:06

"Long Train Running" - Bananarama (1991)
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Pinkboard Jukebox - Mon 23 Feb 2004 01:22:15

Only one downer, someone above mentioned dykes on mikes, a fun concept but very exclusionist. My friends and I were not even allowed to look at the song list because according to the rude individual who took the book away from us, it was "for women only". I have no problem with having the event as women only but the manner in which we were told to go away is what I have an issue with.
- Mon 23 Feb 2004 02:41:56

We drunkenly thought it’d be a great idea to finish off the day with a ride on the Big Spinner – I followed this with two hours of vomiting. The upside is I only have 2 kilograms to go until I hit my target weight!

I am loving the lead up to the Parade & Party, it makes such a difference to be here through the entire event. Can’t wait to catch Pam Ann next!
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Dan Murphy - Mon 23 Feb 2004 11:42:06

Can I add podiums to your wish list?
On show - Mon 23 Feb 2004 12:40:11

well hello ? you actually expected them to have any manners ?

there's nothing as fierce as a 'lesbian volunteer'
deep - Mon 23 Feb 2004 13:05:39
This message contains a generalisation.

Don't they know how much time it takes to make a costume?? Consuming it is! Obsessive, manic and dramatic!

I won't be in theme as I can't possible back track on my over the top camp and out of control creation. However had I had notice I would have made a huge headdress of Doll's heads as a reference to my favourite Barbarella scene.

So Dan Murphy there is a suggestion for your cossie.

But that may be too much for a boy accustomed to jeans and T-shirt stuffed down the back. Baby steps first. I wish you well on your outfit and will spy you during your set.... One piece of advice I can pass onto you is not to underestimate glitter (or sequins for that matter). Oh I know that they are supposed to be out date and so very very old gay and board shorts reign supreme at parties these days..

But let me assure your once the party kicks in and you're standing in the middle of a hall with lasers passing through you...a bit glitter isn't so tacky after all.
Cinderella - Mon 23 Feb 2004 13:08:35

No, no it's more the ubiquitous three-quarter length pant: the cruellest comment about middle-aged bloke butt and ankles ever devised by fashionazis.
- Mon 23 Feb 2004 13:35:07

Mon 23 Feb 2004 02:41:56
well hello ? you actually expected them to have any manners ?

there's nothing as fierce as a 'lesbian volunteer'
deep - Mon 23 Feb 2004 13:05:39

I think that's a bit unfair, especially as there were heaps of stages set up at Fair Day and most of them included participation.
The Karaoke stage at the top of the park was amusing, as was the Sisters special theatre at the Broadway end of the park.
Let's just say that girl volunteers tend to be more assertive than boy ones.
Many a time I've been asked to go fix a situation a boy can't/won't/ couldn't be bothered to.
Fair day is getting very large indeed - Mon 23 Feb 2004 13:35:35

Due to the massive amount of confusion on here - here is the rundown of everything you need to know about the party.

There is indeed a 'Gay Cinema' look and feel to the party, which is to tie in with the 'Metamorphosis' theme of the season and how cinema has influenced and changed the gay community. New Mardi Gras is encouraging people to dress up as characters from your favourite film.

Party is being held at Fox studios from 10pm to 10am on Saturday the 6th of March. Tickets at present at $120.00 or $110.00 for members, with no concessions as they are sold out.

Theme's of the halls and DJ times are:

RHI - Vocal House and Trance - General Cinemorphosis theme
10pm - 1am : Alex Taylor
1am - 4am : Ryan Murphy
4am - 7am : Luke Leal
7am - 10am : Shigeki

Hordern (Hard/Tribal) - Spartacus Theme
10pm - 12:30am : Kylie Rose (Brisbane)
12:30am - 4am : Lisa German (UK)
4am - 7am : Sveta
7am - 10am : Mike Kelly

Stage 11 (Retro 80's/90's) - Austin Powers Theme
10pm - 1am : Justin Scott
1am - 4am : Stephen Blomfield
4am - close (approx. 7am) : Jake Kilby

Dome (chill/cabaret/cinema space) - Barbarella theme
10 - 12am - Richard Weiss
12 - 1.30am: Costume Pagent
1.30 - 3am - Richard Weiss
3 - 6am - Seymour Butz
6 - 8am - Screening of the film Barbarella

Up and Coming Space - (Outside dance space - back of the dome)
10pm - Dan Murphy (House Anthems)
12am - Guy Hornsey (Trance)
2am - William Silva (Trance)
4am - Daniel Hannan (Funky)
6am to Close - Nicole Phillips and Paul Lillie (UK) Back 2 Back (Funky House)

The week before the party there will be a map printed in the Sydney Star Observer with all the spaces mapped out, what DJ's are playing, the theme's of each hall and also the times the DJ's are playing.

If you would like to get the message of the party theming to your friends, please cut and paste this message into an email and send to as many friends of yours as possible.

Many thanks.
New Mardi Gras volunteer - Mon 23 Feb 2004 13:41:27

Absolutely. Picture this: City Road, mid-afternoon, Fair Day. Two groups of hot, muscle-bound, tattooed studs, each with a ferocious looking Mandog on a suitably macho lead. The two dogs spring at each other snapping and snarling amid much unmanly screeching and muscled wrist flapping. As masterly dog controllers they'd make good florists. Enter a diminutive passing dyke who separates the naughty dogs with a firm hand on each collar and then proceeds, smilingly, on her way. "What, " I observed to my boyf, "would we do without lesbians?"
- Mon 23 Feb 2004 15:29:44

I passed the dykes on mikes stage too, and also saw a man seeing. Well, i hope i was a man....very unattractive woman otherwise.

After the dud of a launch, i was pleasantly surprised by the fair day; most enjoyable day.

Am I the only person NOT excited by the Retro hall though? I definitely will be staying in the other halls at the party!
- Mon 23 Feb 2004 15:30:39

Ever heard of change Dr Bellows?????? At least 'new' mardi gras is inventing new and different things and not keeping the same old tired formats......
- Mon 23 Feb 2004 16:05:50

But to answer your question I suspect it is 'new' Mardi Gras's attempt to appeal to a wider market and make up for all those years of excluding so many people at our party!
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog - Mon 23 Feb 2004 16:23:38

Come along to the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Great Debate this Thursday to find out! NSW Upper House President Meredith Burgman will MC the night and try to control a panel of celebrity debaters on the juicy topic of "Monogamy is Monotony". Speakers include David Marr, Jean Kittson, Sue-Ann Post, Bruce Meagher, Garry Scale and Craig Hassall.

The Great Debate (a fundraiser for ACON and NMG)
8pm, Thursday 26 February
York Theatre, Seymour Centre.
Tix $38 plus booking fee from Seymour Centre Box Office on 9351 7940 or ACON Reception. Concession tix $30 plus booking fee from ACON
- Mon 23 Feb 2004 16:50:30

Or dress down presumably. I s'pose going as Rik Jammer from "LA Sex Party Pig Fest" is out of the question at Fox these days?
- Mon 23 Feb 2004 16:50:46

Loved Fair Day - caught up with lots of mates and managed to find everyone I came with twice over thanks to the magic of those sometimes annoying ear pieces called mobiles...thought the Miss Fair Day high standard of dress was tre chic..GO GIRLS!! Favourite outfit on a fair goer: the chick in multi-coloured outfit including floro yellow hot pants, pink hair on roller blades with four dogs - also colour coded in mauve and pink - yakking on her mobie at the foot bridge around 2pm. VERY SPECIAL LOOK!!
- Mon 23 Feb 2004 18:27:07

Ever heard of change Dr Bellows?????? At least 'new' mardi gras is inventing new and different things and not keeping
the same old tired formats......
- Mon 23 Feb 2004 16:05:50"

There is a change of the community? Is the community going through menopause???-
lovin' it - Mon 23 Feb 2004 21:20:08

I have bought my ticket and it says 10pm - 10am

Yet I now find out that Stage 11 is closing at 7am

I dont think this is fair that I should be herded like cattle out of a space that "I" want to party in 3 hours before the advertised closing of the event.

I'm not in the slightest bit interested in ANY of the other spaces.

Why cant Stage 11 be extended a few more hours ??

I understand the last hour (9am - 10am) should be a bringing together of everyone into the bigger halls but cutting Stage 11 off at 7am is JUST NOT RIGHT.

Please Mardi Gras , Allow Stage 11 to go to at least 8am or 9am !!!
Brian J - Mon 23 Feb 2004 21:39:47

"Lets All Chant" - Gusto (1996)
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Pinkboard Jukebox - Tue 24 Feb 2004 00:00:44

Jay.
Jayson - Tue 24 Feb 2004 09:21:34

Sending out a room full of Retro queens into the big halls at 7am is not going to be a popular decision.
Christina Dior - Tue 24 Feb 2004 09:45:38

I have to agree with you Brian. Anybody who is drawn to Mardi Gras this year because of the Retro space in Stage 11 can feel extremely short changed by the fact that it will close at 7am. You pay for a party ticket that advertises itself as a 10am close and the only space you wanna party in knocks off at 7am. It does seem VERY short sighted and unfair. What happens to those 2,000 or so punters in Stage 11 at 7am ? I bet alot of them will roam around aimlessly unable to find anything musically to their taste. A lot will also probably go home early. That in itself is a fact that NMG should find disappointing. Its not too late to extend Stage 11 to maybe 9am – Even 8am would make a BIG difference. Come on MG people , we know you read this board. Give the punters what they want. You’ve already proven that that is what you strive to do !!
7am finish in retro space is ripping me off - Tue 24 Feb 2004 10:07:17

Not True. I know one of the DJ's playing Stage 11 and he told me that the party production manager has said that it will finish at 7am regardless of how packed it may or may not be.
Really In the know - Tue 24 Feb 2004 10:45:36

The movie theme though is embarrassingly very much like a High School Social!
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 11:07:15

'all we can do is........... step back in time.... '
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 12:12:54

Right on bEATKID!
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 13:40:59

That's what I understood as well, but one thing is clear: the site will progressively shutdown from the dawn's early light onwards as the crowd progressively dissipates. It's always been the practice to encourage the remaining partygoers to congregate in one major area as the party draws to a close and there are good safety, security, clean-up and other contractual reasons for doing so. Remember also the the Retro site is located in the Fox day-to-day operating area (the Horden and RHI aren't) and Fox will no doubt be keen to ensure that there's minimal disruption to normal operations etc.
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 13:59:46

sorry but are you guys gonna be any more demanding? you demanded a soace - and you got it. now you want to extend a space which never goes past 8am so that some unity can be brought into the MAIN halls of the party on the premise that you won't like any of the music??? sorry but have you ever been into the rhi at 7-10am? it is as camp as you could ever want music to be and there is plenty of flashback music to keep you happy.

please stop carrying on as you are being pretty ridiculous. sorry but this space has been chosen at the expense of those who like deep underground music and they will have nowhere to go at all. there is also no space where i can go and hear funky house. please snap out of it and just enjoy the party and feel damn lucky you got what you wanted please
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 14:57:48

Even when a large part of the community have been asking for a space like this for years!! its ridiculous for us to want to make it last the full party.(*gasp*) How dare we.... you can find a retro space every year at mardi gras cant you!!!!
and as for the poor people that are after funky house and deep underground!! jeez... good luck finding anything like that!!!! or you could try oxford street... like any weekend!!!
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 15:35:15

they seem like a bunch of bloody whingers
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 16:01:10

that's actually incorrect. the hordern is the space for deep undeground music. this first two djs both play that style (and more) and the last two are both renowed for the diversity of sounds including funky house. i'm sure you'll find something in this space for your tastes, and i think nmg have programmed the night really well. it's a shame that they've pegged the space as hard and tribal because it's not quite and accurate description.
if you're happy and you now it clap your hands - Tue 24 Feb 2004 16:29:30

This has never been a problem until now.
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 17:09:10

Exactly.
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 17:30:59

Thanks to the 20 who have sweated it out, especially since most if not all of you are volunteers who already have full time jobs and lives. We appreciate your hard work and think you are doing a good job

Happy Mardi Gras!
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 17:49:42

Re Fair Day...

Just a note of thanks for your support for the Sydney Convicts Rugby Club Raffle and the "Pass the Football" competition. It was exactly the kickstart we needed in our campaign to win the Bingham Cup (the World Cup of gay rugby union) in London in May.

We're still on a recruitment and fundraising drive, so you'll hear more from us between now and May, but for those who are interested in more info you can find us on the web at www.sydneyconvicts.org

Thanks again for your support
The Sydney Convicts - Australia's First gay/gay-friendly Rugby Club - Tue 24 Feb 2004 18:19:50

A lot of people who couldn't get tickets under the members only regime now find tickets easier than ever to get hold of.

It is destined to be totally sold out.
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 22:13:29

IT will sell out. Your quote of 23,000 is the old days . 17,000 is the new sell out figure.

I suggest you get a loan off a mate ASAP and get your ticket within the next few days. We wouldnt want you to miss out !!
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 22:46:04

Sounds like - - & - Mardi Gras sold out a long time ago.
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 23:27:11

I'm picking that you might have a very different perspective on it all come 7am on 7th March, love.................
- Tue 24 Feb 2004 23:29:11

"Give Me Love" - Diddy (1994)
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Pinkboard Jukebox - Wed 25 Feb 2004 01:45:29

You said that the retro space is at the expense of deep underground and funky house. Well to be honest if you recall those people had the City Live (Stage 11) venue for their styles of music for the last few parties and BOTH of those camps complained BITTERLY about how inappropriate City Live (Stage 11) was as a venue. They moaned and groaned and reminissed about the good old Dome days and said they never wanna party in City Live (Stage 11) again because it was (a) Too Small , (b) Too Bright , (c) Too much security , (d) Too many steps all over the place ,. etc etc etc etc .....

Well Mardi Gras has heard those complaints and is giving another style of music a try and I just KNOW that the retro music fans are going to embrace City Live (Stage 11) with open arms and they are going to make this space their own for this party and future ones !

So Mr Underground / Funky House - Youve had your turn and you complained that you didnt like it and now your out in the cold. Although you have been catered to in the Hordern. So enjoy what you got and let the new excited retro people express their joy and share their opinions on this board. They're not second class citizens just because they like retro you know !
Excited about City Live !! - Wed 25 Feb 2004 08:46:13

I've no real problem with non queer people coming to events, as long as those people *realise* they are attending a queer event and they should act accordingly (ie, not like tossers pointing at all the "funny gay men"). Call a spade a spade, and NMG should insist the full name be put on all tickets and advertising so everyone knows what kind of event they are attending.
Evil Twin - Wed 25 Feb 2004 10:53:46

You make an interesting point when you consider how insistent NMG is about the media using the full Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras title whenever it is mentioned in the mainstream press. Have a look at the media section on the NMG website...
- Wed 25 Feb 2004 11:19:47

I agree... The last couple of hours in the RHI are always heaps of fun. My tip for this year is Shigeki will shine!
Guy - Wed 25 Feb 2004 12:11:53

Sorry to burst your bubble but if you look at the Ticketek website it is now known as the ‘Mardi Gras Party’.

I love big mixed events and it will be a great party, but it won’t be just ‘thousands of gay people (boys and girls) in a .. safe environment’.

It is the only big party in town after the parade and everyone can buy tickets. It is bound to sell out on the door.

The metamorphosis has happened.
- Wed 25 Feb 2004 12:16:29

Celebrate the end of the Mardi Gras Festival with the queer party of the year. Big, spectacular, raunchy and always memorable, Party is a night to come together to dance hard and celebrate our diversity. With the best in lighting, music, design and sound, the Mardi Gras Party – one of the world’s largest gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer dance parties – is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you like to boogie, chill out and chat or wait for the spectacular surprise shows, Party has something to please everyone. See you on the dance floor!
CeeJay - Wed 25 Feb 2004 12:18:49

The blurb on Ticketek's website reads as follows:

New Mardi Gras presents

Over 18s only

Celebrate the end of the Mardi Gras Festival with the queer party of the year. Big, spectacular, raunchy and always memorable, Party is a night to come together to dance hard and celebrate our diversity. With the best in lighting, music, design and sound, the Mardi Gras Party ? one of the world?s largest gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer dance parties ? is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you like to boogie, chill out and chat or wait for the spectacular surprise shows, Party has something to please everyone. See you on the dance floor!"

Course, that doesn't necessarily translate into straight punters getting the message and the SMH basically put the "all welcome" message out in their Mardi Gras supplement a couple of weeks back - we'll have to wait and see how it all unfolds on the night, I guess.

I think "New Mardi Gras" is the legal corporate entity, to distinguish it from any potential liabilities resulting from the previous incarnation, but general usage will inevitably veer towards "Mardi Gras" coz that's what people are familiar with. No-one ever says "Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras" but I think that recent experience demonstrates that a lot of us invest some importance in seeing it spelled out in full - when it counts.
- Wed 25 Feb 2004 12:23:33

I hope that you 'MG Visitor - Tue 24 Feb 2004 17:43:02' have a brilliant time at the party and enjoy the crowd etc!
Clapping Hands (yes, happy and I know it) - Wed 25 Feb 2004 13:33:19

On the Ticketek site the party is referred to as ‘Mardi Gras Party 2004’ put on by ‘New Mardi Gras’ at the end of the ‘Mardi Gras Festival’.

Nowhere does it say ‘Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’.

It will be a great party but not just full of “thousands of happy gay people (girls and boys) in a fantastic and safe environment”.

The party has a new name and tickets are easily available, it could not be less ambiguous.

The metamorphosis is complete.
- Wed 25 Feb 2004 14:58:50

yes they are Lol:) (please note i am joking)

ok - so we can agree to disagree and stop dragging the space through the mud, as it will do nothing but lead to the kind of separationist groupings that an earlier poster so rightly suggested are damn lame. hope you have a good time in your experience of mardi gras, good luck with city live and happy mardi gras:)
- Wed 25 Feb 2004 15:10:16

I'm one of those exclusionists you speak of. But of course I also have many great straight friends and family etc so I also fit your " 90pc of community attitudes" point as well.

The thing about the old exclusion policy was that it created a one off event that was extremely special in that it truly belonged to us - magical to say the least. No ifs no buts or postmodern academic posturing about it.

It was also incrediably empowering to have an event in which we decided who should attend. That in itself was more political than the parade. It confirmed that in a pluralist democracy we had both the right to exist and more importantly to determine our culture.

I accept those days are gone and I will be going to the party this year but it is the last - especially after the "You don't have to be a member of the club SMH article at the launch of the season. We will see who does come. I will have a good time (as you do) but the party is no longer what it was and worse what it could be. I no longer belong there.

And please spare me the gay is completely accepted into the mainstream blah blah blah argument. I had near violent experience in cab the other night travelling from Newtown to Surry Hills and Guy Sebastian's Pepsi posters have been vandalised with "Gay Sebastion" since they have been put up. Unless you think that the vandals are being positive and it just my nasty exclusionist attitudes clouding their point.

P.S Funny that in this "metamorphosis" year "new" Mardi Gras has employed a parade director that is determined to make it fabulous and costume based "like the old days" and the most excitement in years has been the announcement of the "retro space".
See you on the dance floor just one more time - Wed 25 Feb 2004 16:22:56

If the ticketing doesn't specifically use the words "gay and lesbian", I'm sure the muscle mary's, butch dikes, twinks and bears etc will give them an inkling of what the party's about!
MG Visitor - Wed 25 Feb 2004 16:44:31

A: 1989
Mr Panties (feelin old) - Wed 25 Feb 2004 17:20:09

New Mardi Gras Presents
Sydney Gay & Lesbian
Mardi Gras Party 2004
Sat 6 Mar 2004 10pm-10am
OVER 18's ONLY
This is a Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Bisexual & Queer event

The words Mardi Gras Party 2004 are in large print.

Isn't Two Tribes on at the Showgrounds on the same night? That's where all the straight people will go who like to party. Of course our straight friends who like to party with us will be at the MG party (See I called it MG like we all do but I'm sure you knew I met the Sydney Gay & Lesbian one)
GT - Wed 25 Feb 2004 18:09:02

Majority of party goers dance to current popular styles ie hardhouse/trance/
commercial/tribal.........Retro is not as popular as these current trends even though there is a big following but City Live in the past whether it was
the old Dome crowd or was it a Latino sound one year ? anyway City Live was
packed with those styles as well. I have never bothered with City Live due
to the long queues that always seem to be there no matter the music style.

Others complaining about the closing time wont get any sympathy from a lot of
people as the times have always been before you bought your tickets and as pointed out the small halls/tents closed early as a lot of people have left by
the 7am mark and MG moved them into the 2 main big halls.

If City Live is a big success as posters are making out it will be, then fine, campaign for Sleaze well before DJ's/Halls are announced that you want a later
closer but lets prove it first. Just maybe the "older" crowd claiming they want a hall playing music they remember wont be as "juiced" up as the others ? :)
Wanna dance - Wed 25 Feb 2004 18:20:40

I became a member of Mardi Gras within a few weeks of attending my first sleaze, - knowing it was something I had to be a part of, and would feel proud being a part of. Besides that I wantedto guarantee I got a ticket to the next party! But so many people arent members, and yet they still feel they have right to complain..... the right to criticise .........

Previous posters say they appreciate the open door policy as its easier to get a ticket.... why didn't you just become a member????

I'd love for Mardi gras to go completely member only, your membership fee is the only way to get in to the party...... oh it would be great to be so exclusive....... maybe it would encourage the inactive to join in..... or more likely MG would cease to be.

Either way, Im proud of what the NMG board have given us so far..... and cant wait to parade my gayness up oxford st neaxt saturday! Oh and then there's the party!!!!!! Yay!
loving it
Xtoffa - Wed 25 Feb 2004 18:50:47

Why waste such brilliant insights on all the poofs and dykes here darl? Whip straight out to the next dance party a few k's west of Whitlam Square, with your same sex loved one, and offer a celebratory practical demonstration of just how accepting we all are these days!

I know that many straight girls and boys join in our partying because they love it - and us. Many others are there however because "gay" is a hip, cool inner urban backlit party backdrop and it's, like, the place to be. they couldn't give a flying phalanger about your broad tent - unless it comes with a VIP pass.
- Wed 25 Feb 2004 18:56:25

We want let you alll know how very pleased we are, both for you all as individuals and our great nation.

A retro hetero dance party, how inspiring.

We are glad you have all come to your senses, see you on the dance floor!

Janet and John Howard
- Wed 25 Feb 2004 20:40:18

Is that worth giving that up in a frenzied chase for greater ticket sales? Where does the money go? Who does it help? Is it more important to keep it going no-matter-what or is it more important to keep it going as a gay and lesbian dance party? If the party isn't fun and safe then what exactly is the point?
- Wed 25 Feb 2004 23:54:31

"Come On Boy" - DJH Featuring Stefy (1992)
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Pinkboard Jukebox - Thu 26 Feb 2004 00:24:50

Comment in regards to 2005 MG moving the Retro space into one of the bigger halls. Understandably there are those that love the retro music, though being a circuit party boy and based on past international parties, a retro space is a novelty. Don't get me wrong I am not bagging the retro space, though I think you will find a 'mainstream' of party goers are there for a more harder upbeat sound. Mardi Gras Goes To The Movies in 2004.. but I don't think Mardi Gras Goes Retro is going to be a working title for 2005.

All I do hope though is if they do close the Retro Space early that the last DJ in the RHI can carry on a great close to the party. I think they need to keep that in mind.

Rod
Rod McDowel - Thu 26 Feb 2004 07:55:08

I have read about people being concerned about the party "straightening up" .... A couple of points if i may;

Isn’t Mardi Gras about acceptance and tolerance and why should this be a one-way mirror. We over the ages have fought for the rights of our sisters and brothers, and acceptance into the wider community.

Why should we keep all the good stuff to our own community and only put out there the stuff we want the wider community to recognise and accept …. We should not be as shallow as that, as we too need to be as equally as understanding and tollerant.

Who cares if a quarter of the party is str8, as long as every had a good time, all behaving well, and the theme of tolerance and acceptance is woven through the party goers… the Mardi Gras has achieved all that it set out do to…

Cynics would say its about rasing revenue, but its by far more than that, its about rasing acceptance, love, tolerance and visibility to the world that Gays and Lesbians are not any different to any other community group… oh and we know how to throw a party and a half…

Come on guys – stop complaining about Mardi Gras "straightening up" and live what we have worked so hard for for so many years….

Happy Mardi Gras
DiryDude XXX - Thu 26 Feb 2004 08:29:43

So glad to see you here, for everyone is welcome these days. And to prove my inclusionist mantra I will vote for you John at the next election....but hang on that will mean I will be excluding other candidates won't it? What is one to do when one can't discriminate or be discerning anymore?

Oh I guess I just won't vote.

P.S Are you two RHI or Hordern people and do you stick together or wander off alone?
See you on the dance floor just one more time - Thu 26 Feb 2004 08:30:01

Copyright (C) Pinkboard 2004
Panther - Thu 26 Feb 2004 09:21:31

Sorry darl but gay stopped being hip a few years ago. Haven't you heard the kids? Now if something is naff or silly they call it "gay".
- Thu 26 Feb 2004 09:26:29

Is that what it was all about? I must have missed a memo!
- Thu 26 Feb 2004 09:28:14

And please stop the wines about "one-way mirrors" for acceptance and all that. Tolerance and respect to have a space of our own (for one night a year) should be the call in addition to the acceptance that we are different from the mainstream. And anyway, real acceptance has not been achieved in society - within Sydney and beyond.

People should just stop being scared to accept the truth that they ARE different from the wider society in that gay men F**K other men and gay women F**K other women. We should celebrate our difference - and an exclusive party is one way to do that. (And I am not going on about f**king at parties either before the moralists pass out)
reality bite - Thu 26 Feb 2004 09:30:25

BJ
The Bear - Thu 26 Feb 2004 10:07:11

I think we need to close the party to the sounds of Alex Taylor! He knows how to drive it home. Shigeki's sounds are a mixed bag (in a good way) and I would prefer he maybe kick off events. A great pre-emp to what the night may have installed.

Later.x
Yoshi - Thu 26 Feb 2004 10:13:04

Yep. I hear it a lot from 12-16 year olds. But then.....they don't attend Mardi Gras parties, luv.
- Thu 26 Feb 2004 10:28:20

There is a calling for this kind of space and I truly believe it will be a huge success (maybe I am biased), but it should never be at the expense of one of the bigger halls. The RHI and Hordern have their traditional sounds and target market.

As for the closing time, I agree that smaller halls should close earlier, bringing everybody together at the end. Strategically it also makes sense as not everyone stays until the end, so as the crowd numbers decrease, you concentrate the remainder into one (or two) spaces. However, In my brief I was told that Stage 11 had an estimated 7am closure with the option of going until 8am if the place is still packed. I don't see why a venue full of people should be ejected at 7am. I think 8am is a reasonable time to close and send the crowd off to the other halls. Of course, if the place is emptying out by 7, then there is no reason to stay open until 8.

In the arguement of the traditional "Dome" sound being cut to accommodate the retro/classics, I disagree that this is the case. Stage 11 has proved unsuitable for this style and I believe that NMG have done their best to try and accommodate by tweaking the Hordern to suit both Dome and Hordern lovers alike.

We are a large and diverse community. How on earth is one little community based not-for-profit organisation supposed to please everyone? Simple fact is that it can't. They do their best and that's the bottom line. It comes back to the simple fact that if you feel strongly about something, then do something about it. Volunteer and become involved. It's much more productive than endless moaning.
JK - Thu 26 Feb 2004 10:33:21

It's hard for a visitor to suss out the recovery situation before they actually get into Sydney...somewhere laid back and cruisey?
MG Visitor - Thu 26 Feb 2004 10:55:14

sorry to you both, but when was that ever not the case? I am 10yrs out of school and experienced it since birth

i like to reply "how straight of you" in a very condescending tone:)
- Thu 26 Feb 2004 11:42:18

I, like so many other queer folk, am really looking forward to the MG, as I do each year. It's great there's a few different spaces, and great that so many people will find something that suits them. I've noticed too that this year's Pinkboard postings seem (overall) so positive it's been fantastic - and I hope that feeling carries over to the night itself. The only thing that's made me sad is the 'listen to the kids - if something's naff or silly they call it 'gay'' stuff. Teach the bloody kids to grow up with the right attitude towards us - and everyone else.. That's what the visibility of the MG parade and festival is for. The party's for us. Enjoy.
canardlywait - Thu 26 Feb 2004 11:45:09

All the movies are straight as can be with maybe a bit of campness in production values. Austin Powers, I mean pleeeeease !!!! Sparatus had a gay scene in it but was deleted (is there a surrepticious meaning here?)and lets not forget that the basis of Sparatus is that it is moral crusade by a slave against the debauch Roman Empire!!! umm just what kind of themes are New Mardi Gras trying to promote?

So New Mardi Gras ...you have 10 days or so to correct this nonsense. Here are my suggestions:

Dome - Go Fish - All in black and white with tea cannisters hanging from the ceiling. You could even have a little cafe set up for the girls.

Stage 11 - Parting Glances & Prick up Your Ears - Nice retro feel I think. The upper levels as a New York Appartment and the main dance floor as a London public lavatory.

RHI - Predictable I know...But what else could it be but Priscilla Queen of the Desert? However to tone it down a bit I think we combine it with Derek Jarman's Sebastian. So some desert colours and heat would capture them nicely. Camp yet sexy!

Hordern - Porn. Lots and lots of porn projected onto various screens. Yum!!
Five Stars - Thu 26 Feb 2004 15:21:18

I can't wait!
Sunset Boy - Thu 26 Feb 2004 16:47:40

Xtoffa - Wed 25 Feb 2004 18:50:47

That might be ok in theory if you also want to lose the national and international participation as well. How would you propose that people from interstate and overseas get through the nomination process of becoming members before being allowed in? Trust me, in the old days of members only being able to buy 3 or so tickets it was tricky enough for interstate non-members to get a ticket.

Just a thought on the "straights allowed / not allowed" argument ... what about the guys/girls who aren't "out" and would like to go to the party without fear of being "outed" by bumping into straight acquantances at the party? Having the party mixed must be a factor for these people in deciding whether to go to "our" party perhaps?
- Thu 26 Feb 2004 16:59:48

:)
petrea - Thu 26 Feb 2004 18:37:25

Some of you people are WAY off topic here.
- Thu 26 Feb 2004 20:50:09

1. DO Understand who the party is for and what it's about.
2. NO silly comments [note Deep Cover's experiences at the Party wall]
3. NO staring, gawking
4. NO overt displays of heterosexuality
5. NO sneaking off early because you're a bit tired
- and my favorites -
6. DO bring some love
7. DO try to share what you can
8. Make some more [roman] friends

(did i miss anything?)
enjoy! - Thu 26 Feb 2004 21:26:40

"Misirlou" - Spagetti Surfers (1998)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Fri 27 Feb 2004 00:11:45

i am not made to feel insecure for being gay

isn't that a simpler rule?
love em all - who cares - Fri 27 Feb 2004 02:57:24

How about
- be polite is saying no thankyou to unwanted advances
- if someone says no say OK and don't persist in your advances
Arti - Fri 27 Feb 2004 08:04:09

International visitors used to automatically get a temporary membership as part of the ticket purchase via a registered Mardi Gras travel agent.
- Fri 27 Feb 2004 09:03:02

YEAH BABEEEEE !!!!
AP - Fri 27 Feb 2004 09:12:34

Oh My Gawd! well they can hold me down and torture me all they like with Voulez-Vous and Gimme Gimme Gimme but I will NEVER wear lycra!
Sally Tomato - Fri 27 Feb 2004 10:00:39

Yes you did - The Famous Five and lashings of lemonade.
Woof - Fri 27 Feb 2004 10:04:06

Yes but her dad was gay so were two of her husbands and one of her second husband's boyfriends married her daughter. I think she'd be OK at Mardi Gras :)
- Fri 27 Feb 2004 10:42:37

All the movies are straight as can be with maybe a bit of campness in production values. Austin Powers, I mean pleeeeease !!!! Sparatus had a gay scene in it but was deleted (is there a surrepticious meaning here?)and lets not forget that the basis of Sparatus is that it is moral crusade by a slave against the debauch Roman Empire!!! umm just what kind of themes are New Mardi Gras trying to promote?

Five Stars - Thu 26 Feb 2004 15:21:18

Enid Blyton was straight too - it's all about how you read between the lines, sweetie.
nugget - Fri 27 Feb 2004 11:09:57

It was either that song, or the fact that my father smoked alpine menthol, that turned me gay!

Any progress on the wardrobe front yet...i picked up a rather fetching pair of retro puma boxing boots last week. And seriously, the right shoes are...well, the right shoes.

ta ta for now
Ms Golightly - Fri 27 Feb 2004 11:26:11

And no doubt find one - on the evidence ;)
- Fri 27 Feb 2004 11:29:49

I am having wardrobe dilemma already. Not something I usually stress about until the actual day.

We are already planning to relax in the dome to watch Barbarella. What a great idea! Hang out with new friends at MG instead of going back to someone's house and taking up room in their loungeroom while starting to unwind.
Evil Twin - Fri 27 Feb 2004 12:02:48

There were only 250 tickets of the door when people queued as they normally do. All the other 4500 went online - for an extra $20.00 a ticket. I.e. an extra $90,000 profit from people who didn't want to queue.

So than why (as rumour from people putting together the actual party have been saying) is there going to be NO dancefloor (just rubber mats) or no cover over the dancefloor again either?
- Fri 27 Feb 2004 12:14:19

Dome as a chillout will be great - particularly if the weather is as silly as it has been lately
Ms Golightly - Fri 27 Feb 2004 12:54:03

Darling of course you're quite right about Gimme Gimme Gimme - I was simply in a dreadful daze after seeing those repeated clips of You Can't Stop the Music on TV this morning before I'd even had a coffee. And Steve Liebman trying to be groovy will ALWAYS be torture.

The boxing boots sound sensaaaayytional and v v sexy! I haven't had a wardrobe breakthrough yet, although I'm most certainly not taking my older sister's advice which was: "Is it a movie theme? You should go as Gollum, you wouldn't need to do much apart from shave your head". Impudent huzzie!

Gladiators are out of the question - a) because there will be dozens of them and b) because I would look more like the Tin Man from Oz.

So I feel it might just be a case of ripping down some drapes at the last minute, whipping them up into lederhosen and going as one of the Von Trapp kiddies.
Sally Tomato xxx - Fri 27 Feb 2004 14:26:31

Mine was a Sobrani Cocktail....now THAT made me gay !
Josh - Fri 27 Feb 2004 14:43:16

should be great
- Fri 27 Feb 2004 19:22:27

New requests now uploaded
My apologies for the delay - Been busy with the boys trying to get our playlist together.

Gisele Jackson - Love Commandments
Diddy - Give Me Love 97

Also, previews of:
Kylie - Red Blooded Woman (Dance Remix)
George Michaels latest "Amazing"
Dance remix of last years Diva awards theme song "I'm Gonna Show You a Diva"
and Jimmy Dee's latest project "Whitney's Milkshake"

Coming soon... DJ Shigeki interview
plus lots more!

In the meantime, hope you all have a happy and safe Mardi Gras, and hope to see you all soon in the Retro Hall (Stage 11)
Justin Scott - Fri 27 Feb 2004 20:02:38

Smoking menthols these days, I started on Lucky Strike. Figures...I reckon menthols don't actually make you gay but it does give you gay sensibilities.

Still haven't secured a ticket yet. panicking at bit. At least I'm getting no end of rest and food
deep cover - Fri 27 Feb 2004 21:20:56

only one song?
destination unknown - Fri 27 Feb 2004 21:55:58

if anybody can pull off Frederic in a green velveteen paisley it is you!

Josh, Deep Cover & Evil Twin...i will bring the menthols...synchronise watches for a party de-brief in Dome...say 8am
Ms Golightly - Fri 27 Feb 2004 22:16:14

But the party is no longer sold as a gay and lesbian party and the tickets are now openly on sale to everyone, not just our friends.

That means increased harassment for gays and lesbians.

Any suggestions how the Mardi Gras organsation can make it possible to bring our straight friends at the same time doing more to ensure it will return to a safer and freer environment, before it becomes the Rocks at New Year’s Eve?
- Fri 27 Feb 2004 23:37:47

"Rhythm Is A Dancer” - Snap (1992)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Sat 28 Feb 2004 00:07:31

I am hoping but not predicting, that the straights attending will be more gay-savvy. They just might be as long as they don't do the classic "closed-shop" cling-onto-each-other-in-case-they-turn-gay routine.

It's been a big year for gay influence in the media - that ought to make some difference, no?
- Sat 28 Feb 2004 00:23:57

It's been a big year for gay influence in the media - that ought to make some difference, no? - Sat 28 Feb 2004 00:23:57"

I'm hoping too and I agree that we should wait till after the event before we start critiquing the effect of open ticket sales. In my experience, straights who attend with gay friends aren't a problem nor of course are those who regularly party with us - and many do. It's the voyeurs - "OMG that guy's got a bare arse!" or, "did you see that girl leading the other one around, that's so gay" that are a problem. And if groups of obviously straight guys turn up together then Security I'm sure will be keeping an eye out.

"Queer Eye" may well have led more straights to conclude that we zhoosh a lot but it doesn't do much to condition them into dealing with the raw queer sexual energy that permeates our parties and MG is really the wrong night to run familiarisation classes.
- Sat 28 Feb 2004 08:41:21

*UPDATE*

Hi guys and gals,

Well its only 7 days away and myself as well as Jake & Justin have been frantically working away to get our sets ready for Mardi Gras next Saturday. I'm very excited about it and cant wait to get going.

Just thought i'd weigh in on some topics discussed recently and give you some info on what to expect on the night.

1. There will be one show during the night in Stage 11. I cant say what time it will be so please dont ask.

2. Re Finishing later than 7am. I was initially told that this could be an option. I was then told it definitely wont happen by a different person at Mardi Gras. The one who told me it could happen is still keen to see it happen provided the venue is still packed at 7am and it wouldnt muck up the flow of the party. If there is any sort of extension beyond 7am then that decision will be made on the night and not before. My own opinion of course is totally biased but I also agree with Jake that an extension to 8am would be of huge benefit to everyone concerned. As for the argument of extending it to 10am well I dont think that at all realistic. Its not going to happen.

3. There was talk about having speakers outside to accomodate the anticipated queues to get into Stage 11. I heard a whisper that this just might happen but please dont take this as the gospel.

4. As for music on the night , all 3 of us have been re-editing tracks with the aim to bring you as many classics as possible during the night. I'm sure theres going to be something for everybody during the night. Speaking for myself only now I have been cutting down/re-editing alot of the 90's anthems that I'll be playing from their existing times of over 7 and 8 mins to more compacted versions of between 5.5 and 6 minutes. This of course means more time to play more songs in my set. A normal 3 hour set would normally be 30 songs at best, Ive managed to prepare a group of songs that will probably allow me to play about 35 songs during my 1am-4am set.

Theres lots of 90's anthems , just a couple of 80's tracks and also a handful of current tunes that are 2004 remixes or cover versions of anthems from the 80's. As I said , theres a bit there for everyone so hold on for the ride so to speak.

For those not into high energy / cheesey / pop dance / handbag (call it what you will). This is what all 3 DJ's are going to be playing. If you dont like this sort of music then feel free to come in and have a look but dont please dont complain later that it wasnt to your taste cause you have been told in advance what to expect.

I'm sure Justin & Jake will fill you in on how they're going with their preparations in due course.

Make sure you all say hello on the night and have a dance with me on the floor in Stage 11 after I finish at 4am.

Hope you all have a great party !!
Stephen Blomfield - Sat 28 Feb 2004 10:43:29

Busting for the Hordern but a bit worried about this change over to tribal ?
Wish Domers had their Dome and Hordern was left as hardhouse/trance all night.
If Sveta is too manic ( and no dance beat -my opinion ) will the RHI seem
too cheesy ? Do you think Luke will be like what he plays at QN etc ? as I've enjoyed the main floor at Home many times.

I'm just worried Dome people will have to hang around/wonder for the first half of the night till their style comes on, and the hardhousers will be then
have to hang around/wonder for the 2nd half of the night.
Will this change of style in the Hordern work ? - Sat 28 Feb 2004 14:41:57

Apparently, many agree with you. He played it during his last set at Queer Nation as well as Arq... It went off like a frog in a sock!

I'm trying to talk him into allowing one of the MG Party DJ's to give it a spin. I'll keep you posted.
Justin - Sat 28 Feb 2004 15:00:48

Well said bEATKID... I guess Mardi Gras and the party will continue to evolve and I expect, for the most part this is a good thing. It worries me a little though. Over the past two years the party has seen more straights and more backpacker rubber necks than ever before and with the open ticketing now in place we'll probably see a lot this year. Last year was the first time I have ever been verbaled by a straight guy since I started going to the party in the mid 80s. I hope we don't go down that track and see intoxicated yobbos looking to harrass a few poofs. I hope the many straights that attend are not so superficially inclusive just to get into our great party. It's a bit sad to see the words 'gay and lesbian' get relegated to the small print. I don't want to lose our great GAY and LESBIAN Mardi Gras.

I'm starting to think that wearing my skimpy leather shorts and leather harness may be inappropriate this year... we'll see I guess.

Xane
- Sat 28 Feb 2004 17:04:42

Don't worry, there will be a good spread of music in the Hordern, and I am sure you will enjoy it, given the concerns you mentioned.
MK - Sat 28 Feb 2004 17:04:47

Confused. We (queers) DO care, if straight people come to enjoy the party but also come to leer (as you say)and laugh, or do worse. I heard a guy say at the 2002 sleaze say "they should be arrested" (ref troughman reported in the SSO), there's a fine line here with harassment and violance not too far away. Hey... the straight crowd to date have been really good with a vast majority of them loving us and loving our party but there are still people out there that want to harm us, ignor *that* at your peril. It's funny how a straight guy's attitude changes when he sees a bit of homo action and suddenly feels that he's threatened.

Lets hope the good e's are in town.

Unconfused.
- Sat 28 Feb 2004 17:22:21

On reading all this stuff it seems we want so bad for straights to come to the party and we want so bad for straights to accept us and be nice to us and blow us kisses and we all be one happy 60s type love in, but just about every one has said "as long as they don't... [insert bad behaviour here] Idealism is truely a wonderful if not misguided attribute. It's going to be suck it and see, isn't it? pun INTENDED. Man I love perving on the straight dudes in the hope that one might turn queer for just a moment or two. But hey, I'm a sicko bear.
bearacks - Sat 28 Feb 2004 17:50:56

But when I realise that I've been dancing for hours (and loving it) with the boys and there is not a female in sight, my work is done.

Please welcome the straights that seek inclusion

I can't be the only one that feels this
Gay Straight Alliance - Sat 28 Feb 2004 20:17:24

"Let Me Be Your Underwear" - Club 69 (1992)
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Pinkboard Jukebox - Sun 29 Feb 2004 00:08:53

Move on from this debate. No one has the answer. Some hate the straights there , others couldn't care less. I have been attending dance parties for close on 20 years and N E V E R been made to feel uncomfortable. Admittedly the goodies knock the sex drive on the head so no mooching/screwing around but if I am come across guys screwing on the dance floor etc I scowl at them as
well. My choice , I dont like it. Call me a prude, who cares. I go to saunas for that kind of action.

I hope your right MK re the Hordern change of styles. 4am is the critical time
ie if you dont like the DJ and have to sit it out , its a downer. I'm not knocking Sveta as I have had some great dances to her but have also had as
many times sitting down waiting out the set as it becomes too manic and the beat is all over the place - but this is my personal dislike. Not a whinge against Sveta.
Bring it on.................. - Sun 29 Feb 2004 09:03:20

I personaly cannot wait when at 4am Hordern transforms from hardhouse to tribal. The music gets sooooo sexy and the beat is almost animamlistic. The beat will turn Hordern into the Bump & Grind room, especially with all those people in their Spartacus numbers. Take us away Sveta!
Maximus Oralius - Sun 29 Feb 2004 11:53:48

The change of music styles makes sense to me. I'm predicting MK will do us proud. I hope to find out...
still ticketless - Sun 29 Feb 2004 14:23:50

It makes sense to start the hordern off with harder music and then as the night get older and the drugs kick in more and more its a great move to progess onto dirty "bump n grind" stuff. Well done to MG for doing this. Ive never seen the point in having "bump n grind" too early in the night - Its a very late night / early morning sound in my opinion.

For those in the Hordern who only like it hard when it finishes at 4am they can always move onto the RHI as Luke Leal will be starting at that time playing trance which is reasonable close in genre to the hard house stuff.

For me , well it goes without saying where I'll be....
Retro Retro Go Go Go !!! - Sun 29 Feb 2004 15:28:20

Will probably be catching up with mates at RHI, I'm willing to wait for my style of music whilst others are enjoying theirs. I also think while wearing the Spartacus outfit, running up and flashing me undies to friends could be a good time filler til 4am.
Maximus Oralius - Sun 29 Feb 2004 16:29:54

Thanks so much for keeping us all posted on your party plans! Something I've wondered about for a long time; around what speed (BPM) was the 90's music usually played at and how does this compare with the music played now?
Your set sounds like it will be amazing, can't wait!!!!!!!!
Sooooooooo Excited! - Sun 29 Feb 2004 17:16:08

Email me at smblomfield@hotmail.com and I shall answer all your questions. Its a bit difficult to describe here ... arrrr what the heck i'll give it a go...

Theres some sort of an expectation in mainstream dance music that the tempo should be between about 128 - 140BPM for a "pumped up" crowd.

This doesnt necessarily ring true for the bump n gring style that was mentioned a few posts up - that music can sometimes be slower , but as I said thats a very VERY different style of music (and crowd)

Be guaranteed though the tempo of my set and most of Jakes & Justins set will definitely fall in that 128 - 140 BPM range which is the sort of tempo that I believe is appropriate for this space.

Your question about dance music in the 90's having different tempos is quite true. Alot of music in the period 1987 - 1993 was in the slower 120 - 126 BPM range. Whilst the songs felt rather energetic the actual tempo wasnt. After 1993 dance music took a more up tempo approach and most NRG music since that day is now normally in that higher 128 - 140 BPM bracket.

The way we are going to get those slower tempo early 90's hits into our sets is by putting these tracks into our computers and "Time Stretching" them. This is a technology that can speed up the tempo of a song without actually changing the pitch (or harmonic key) of the vocalist.

Most DJ's (myself included) have been guilty of playing songs in clubs "pitched up". This is where you speed a song up by anywhere from 1 to 10% to make the tempo faster than in its original recording. Whilst this can be good to get the NRG level up the downside is that this changes the vocalist's harmonic key and can give the people in the room the impression that the vocalist sounds like a chimpmunk ! I'm trying to avoid the "chimpmunk" sound in my set hence the reason I have pre time stretched some of the mid 120 BPM tracks from the early 90's that i want to play on the night.

I hope this make sense - Gee another DJ lesson !! I'll have to start charging soon :P

As I said feel free to email me at the above address if you like. Im happy to answer any questions.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Although I suspect next weekend is going to be a whole lot better :)
Stephen Blomfield - Sun 29 Feb 2004 18:55:01

I am playing the opening set in the Hordern, and the styles I'll be mixing together will be electro-funk, tribal house with deep basslines and twisted progressive house. I hate to shatter anyones illusions about the style for the opening set, but I'd as equally hate to be connected with playing 'hard house'. Not that there's anything wrong with it - it's just not me!

The demos I submitted to NMG were both quite different in format and style. Yes, one was quite hard, but it's not what you call 'hard house' in the vein of some of the harder german trance styles that get played a lot. I'd rather describe the style as 'tough' tribal/progressive sound - and it's definitely more of an underground sound (especially in Brisbane). It's also 'smooth' music - lots of pulsating rhythms and atmospheric effects. And you can expect the harder beats to creep in towards the end. But it won't be German trance!

I hope this helps to clear things up. I'm not sure it's that necessary but then again, I haven't seen or heard anything written so far that would describe the music styles a little closer than 'hard'tribal'.
Kylie Rose - Sun 29 Feb 2004 20:17:10

Stephen, except Luke Leal, he likes to slow it down ~ makes it sound deeper. he does that to funk, anyway.

Thanks for DJ lesson
- Sun 29 Feb 2004 22:00:58

"I Love Saturday" - Erasure (1994)
.
Pinkboard Jukebox - Mon 1 Mar 2004 02:18:27