The festival guide launched today. The theme for this season is "Our Freedom, Your Freedom". The party, as usual, will be held after the parade on 5 March. Tickets are on sale at $99 until 11 February (less for members); after that they will cost $125. A good reason to get your ticket early.
I have copied the blurb about the party from the Guide:
There’s something a little bit magical about Party. For one night you are transported to another world. A world where time stops and pleasure reigns supreme. This is our playground of thousands of bodies unified to the beat. Here, flesh is the garment of choice. The incredible lights take you on the trip of a lifetime and knowing smiles with best friends you’ve never met tell you it’s a night like no other.
Hit the dancefloor, take in the spectacular surprise shows or chill out and chat with friends old and new. Party is where Mardi Gras season peaks, and it’s not to be missed!
This is one night when you can check your profile at the door. Here, age, sex, race, size and status have no value.
Something a bit different from previous years, this wall is dedicated to the party only, because that's usually all that people talk about anyway. The Festival Wall welcomes your talk about the Mardi Gras Festival, and any others you happen to attend.
- Fri 17 Dec 2004 16:55:17
There is now only 78 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 78 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 78 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 78 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 78 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 78 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 78 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 78 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 78 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
countdownboy - Didn't I start this trend of multi colours :P - Fri 17 Dec 2004 17:52:13
The vibe that was created in City Live with the Retro Space was in my opinion "THE" success story of 2004.
With City Live being back in play for this party after being unavailable for Sleaze I just know that Retro at Mardi Gras will again be wildly popular. As much as I enjoyed Steven Blomfields set at Sleaze in the Retro Tent I can honestly say that outdoor space is not for me. Having Retro going back indoors at Mardi Gras '05 will (for me) be total bliss.
Its a damn shame City Live only holds about 1,700 people and after the huge queues to get into City Live at Mardi Gras 2004 for retro people will be very aware that once they get into City Live for this party then they should not leave.
I really hope Stephen, Justin and Jake are all applying for a DJ position in the retro space. They all deserve another go.
I really sense that Mardi Gras 2005 will be huge. Given the success of Mardi Gras 2004 that's a big call.
Retro Retro Retro - Fri 17 Dec 2004 18:38:35
For all those who has to fly to Sydney interstate, cheap flights tickets on sale now for parade and party day.
Afetr party tickets are out BEFORE the party tickets...THIS IS GOING TO BE A FANTASTIC YEAR!!!!
u.w. - bring back the flower power days! - Fri 17 Dec 2004 19:08:15
My second Mardi Gras too. Hopefully it won't rain this time. My white sailor pants still has grass and tar stains.
u.w. - Fri 17 Dec 2004 19:17:53
Hordern - back to its harder style
RHI - back to its commercial/uplifting handbag
Dome - back to its sleazy tribal former self
City Live - Retro
Am I dreaming ? - Fri 17 Dec 2004 19:26:51
Yes you are. Particularly with the new restrictions on Dome. Its NEVER going to be a sleazy venue again
- Fri 17 Dec 2004 19:48:06
Now its time to short list.
Then ask those shortlisted to put in a CD demo.
With all this work still to do I sense that the DJ announcement is going to be very much later than normal.
It could well be late January or even early February before it all comes together. That is a worry.
Stay tuned.
Aiden - Fri 17 Dec 2004 21:18:22
Yes Adam, I have submitted for Mardi Gras. Lets hope I get shortlisted.
- Sun 19 Dec 2004 08:19:24
I'm pretty sure that you won't get an official response from Mardi Gras by posting your question on here. You're best to email them directly and ask your question. Otherwise you'll probably just get someone's guesstimate.
Once you do have a response, however, be kind enough to post their reply on here :o)
- I've submitted for MG, too - Mon 20 Dec 2004 12:28:58
I find this hard to believe, however if it's true, it's absurd. Has anyone else heard of this?
- Mon 20 Dec 2004 16:15:00
Lovey, you must be new to this wall ?
There will be nothing but rumours, innuendo's , lies,
and all other postings about NMG.
Just wait till they actually announce something before you either congratulate them or abuse them.
T. - Mon 20 Dec 2004 19:50:52
God you're a trooper
- Tue 21 Dec 2004 09:42:04
i'm getting very excited, my second mardi gras coming up and i can't wait!!!!
cher concert and mardi gras in the one trip to sydney! how much fun can one boy stand.
also, i love the visuals for ths MG season and i love "our freedom, your freedom" slogan.
can't wait can't wait can't wait.
also, a birdie told me bette midler will be in town doing shows around MG time. anyone else know anything about this??
- i'm exciiiiited! - Tue 21 Dec 2004 15:15:30
Wow! I'm honoured to be mentioned in the same bracket as the big 3 retro boys (but surely Jimmy Dee should have been there too, his sets at retro sexual have been sensational this year!). Maybe you've heard about my newly acquired remix of S-S-Single Bed
My expression of interest is in and IF I make the shortlist, I'll have to decide which style of music to play. Following in the footsteps of the aformentioned 4 DJ's is a daunting task.
Shanobear - Tue 21 Dec 2004 17:19:03
If I was going to be here, I'd be entering the netball comp. I could see Ms Golightly playing goal attack, while my partner played center and I played defense. The biggest problem would be finding the ladies to fill the other positions.
Shanobear - Great legs in a netball skirt or so I've been told! - Tue 21 Dec 2004 17:24:15
Any other DJs want to shed light on whether they have submitted or not?
- Tue 21 Dec 2004 18:26:26
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.
Hordern - hard trance/hard energy
City Live- Retro
Dome - tribal/sleazy
No separate hall or spaces for one sex.
Tried and true - Tue 21 Dec 2004 19:44:15
Four spaces is unaffordable I suspect and risks low numbers in each spot. Three spaces should do it. Let's drop City Live. It's hateful. Bring back the Dome. It's back in use - we know that. It has such a special hot vibe. Dear NMG - please please bring back the Dome!!!
Paul Diamondo - Tue 21 Dec 2004 23:01:30
You havent been keeping up have you ?
Dome is *CONFIRMED* for Mardi Gras playing funky house music with a capacity of 700.
City Live is definitely happening. Retro after last years success is a definite must.
The Hordern and the RHI are unchanged.
Last years Mardi Gras was a huge success but the three venues were not enough. Adding in the Dome with a smallish capacity of 700 would be just about right
Bigger Better Brighter !!! - Tue 21 Dec 2004 23:16:15
There is now only 73 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There is now only 73 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There is now only 73 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There is now only 73 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There is now only 73 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There is now only 73 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There is now only 73 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There is now only 73 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Wed 22 Dec 2004 09:16:26
So good old gay friendly Cher is hitting our shores around Mardi Gras time, what are the current odds on here turning up at the party?
Well a friend of a f*** buddy who slept with the boyfriend of this hottie who deilvers the mail to this guy who works at New Mardi Gras said she doing it... so it must be true!!
Oh Yeah Mikey - what is a postscript? - Wed 22 Dec 2004 22:08:15
Anyone heard anything yet?
- Thu 23 Dec 2004 12:21:35
It was such a fun party to play at and such a shame I'm not going to be back from my holiday in time to attend next years.
Shanobear - Thu 23 Dec 2004 12:25:39
It's probably too early to know.
- Thu 23 Dec 2004 13:38:43
[insert drum roll]
- Thu 23 Dec 2004 14:10:12
For Sleaze 2004 one poster wrote that written submissions for DJs closed 23rd July. A few DJs were posting about their shortlisting two days later. Being so close to Xmas this time around, the process may take a bit longer. I'm sure the more regular voices on Pinkboard won't take long to let us all know.
- Thu 23 Dec 2004 16:23:38
the Wednesday b4 parade/party
- Thu 23 Dec 2004 16:26:35
Thanks. So we should expect to hear from people shortly after the NYE come down has finished ;o)
- Thu 23 Dec 2004 16:57:25
Only 70 days (thats 10 weeks) to Mardi Gras Party !!
Only 70 days (thats 10 weeks) to Mardi Gras Party !!
Only 70 days (thats 10 weeks) to Mardi Gras Party !!
Only 70 days (thats 10 weeks) to Mardi Gras Party !!
Only 70 days (thats 10 weeks) to Mardi Gras Party !!
Only 70 days (thats 10 weeks) to Mardi Gras Party !!
Only 70 days (thats 10 weeks) to Mardi Gras Party !!
Only 70 days (thats 10 weeks) to Mardi Gras Party !!
Only 70 days (thats 10 weeks) to Mardi Gras Party !!
countdownboy - Merry Christmas Everyone. - Sat 25 Dec 2004 08:21:13
You just had to beat coundownboy, didn't you? 
- Sun 26 Dec 2004 09:14:16
Dome: Women only... Get Real...!
- Mon 27 Dec 2004 12:40:05
Hordern back to its harder edge styles
City Live - keep its Retro
Dome back to its tribal/sexy/dirty style
Just a thought NMG - Tue 28 Dec 2004 15:37:12
If you can remember anything I have left out please email me.
Panther - Wed 29 Dec 2004 10:18:33
Make sure you send this feedback to New Mardi Gras. I'm sure they would definitely appreciate it.
www.mardigras.org.au
Murray H - Thu 30 Dec 2004 17:14:38
Here Here... At last a refreshing comment on this issue.
- Thu 30 Dec 2004 22:35:09
The clock is ticking and we are now less than 10 weeks away from the big night.
Expressions of interest deadline was on December 17 which was 2 weeks ago. I've heard that Mardi Gras got a communication out to some better known DJ's that the ISP server for Mardi Gras had not been delivering emails to the email address that DJ's were expected to send their applications to.
This to my mind suggests that the number of better known DJ's whose applications had been received must have been significantly down and they have sent an SOS out to other name DJ's asking them to resubmit.
The fact that the shortlisting has not yet finished means that we are probably still a month away from the DJ selections being confirmed. They haven't even got to the stage where they have asked for DJ's to send in CD Demos. And lets not forget if DJ's want to put in a "legal" demo they have to get clearance from APRA which could take a lot more time than is actually left.
Normally DJ's for Mardi Gras are picked by mid January. I think it's going to be February before it happens this year and that in my mind is an extremely worrying thing.
The clock is ticking ticking ticking. Time is running out.
Tick Tock my Clock - Thu 30 Dec 2004 22:57:44
I can confirm at least part of what was said here with my expression of interest going south due to the server. I resubmitted again,forwarding on the original so there was proof I had submitted before the deadline, a week after the deadline just to make sure.
As for the demo cd, I have been working on it based on the style of music I usually play. If this doesn't fit into the theme of any of the halls, then I'll miss out. At least I have a cd ready to be submitted (and the license application ready to send to AMCOS not APRA) which represents the style of music I usually play, not one that is based on the memo from Mardi Gras saying what they want to hear. I'm submitting what I usually play, if it's what MG want that's great. If not, then I'll be on the dancefloor having fun to whoever does get selected.
I agree that the DJ selection may not be until late january or even early Feb and that is a worry for me as a DJ. That doesn't leave a lot of time to put together a killer set for the night. Of course it can be done but more lead time would have been better.
As for a ticket sales point of view, I don't think the DJ line up is really that important. There will be probably 5 different dance areas (RHI, Horden, City Live, Dome & the up&comers area) with at least 3 dj's in each. If you can't find some style of music, or dj, that suits you out of that range, then perhaps staying home with some cd's would be the best option. For everyone else, I would suggest getting your early bird tickets before the price goes up.
get your tickets early - Fri 31 Dec 2004 06:09:22
I resubmitted, also quoting the original email header. Still havent heard back from them, even confirmed that the email had been recieved.
Should it be sent again?
- Fri 31 Dec 2004 08:40:26
Should it be sent again?
- Fri 31 Dec 2004 08:40:26
As a precaution, I have resent my original email, asking them to please confirm that they have received my submission. I would hate to think some of missed out simply because of an email problem.
- Fri 31 Dec 2004 10:13:48
Case in point guys - how can we believe who has submitted or not unless someone puts a name to their claim?
Eugena Concertina - Fri 31 Dec 2004 11:57:00
Apparently NMG are so confident that the numbers of overseas tourists to visit Sydney this MG season are on the up and up that the party is going to be expanded beyond what we saw last year and closer to the halycon days of 1994-1999
The word is that there will be a total of EIGHT dance spaces and the party sell out figure will be about 20,000 compared to last years 17,000.
The 8 Dance spaces are likely to be
RHI
Hordern
Dome
City Live
Outside City Live (same music as inside City Live)
Tent area between RHI & Hordern (where it was at Sleaze)
Fox & Lion
Lawn area outside Dome
I like this idea and I particularly like it because it will again give everyone a space to find what sort of music they want to hear. I hope one of these spaces will also again show off up and coming DJ's.
White Dove - Sat 1 Jan 2005 15:54:55
Looking at Panther's Mardi Gras history, they've used Fox and Lion at previous parties. Would definitely make things very interesting.
I've only been to two Mardi Gras parties (the last two), and I thought they were big and easy to get lost in (which I frequently do!). I can now look forward to getting lost at a whole new magnitude.
So has anyone heard any word on what's happening with the DJ selection process? Can any of the DJs who have submitted shed some light on whether they have been contacted at all?
- Sat 1 Jan 2005 20:46:26
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
THERE ARE EXACTLY 60 DAYS TO MARDI GRAS PARTY 2005 !!
countdownboy - Tue 4 Jan 2005 08:18:02
I have decided not to submit. My fingers are still a little burned after the Sleaze submission process blew up in my face.
I also have reservations about the sound quality and the event management company they use.
The whole thing is a little more trouble than it is worth, for me anyway. I will not be submitting for NMG parties until these problems have been ironed out.
I wish them all the success in the world and I am sure they will choose some first rate local DJ's. Lord knows, there are plenty to choose from!!!
www.jakekilby.com - Tue 4 Jan 2005 19:13:25
Thanks for not submitting Jake. Now I've got a better chance of getting a gurnsey. Hooray !!
Give me a go - Wed 5 Jan 2005 00:03:30
very close to my picks:
rhi: girly: rado, shikeki, peter fam
horden: dirty: rollins, mike kelly, chip, sveta
city live: diverse retro: jake kilby, justin scott, calvin wong
dome: funky: monroe, sista p, renae
- Wed 5 Jan 2005 00:06:20
Despite what Give me a go - Wed 5 Jan 2005 00:03:30 says, there's going to be a lot of people who will miss you this year Jake.
Just ask anyone who was in City Live for last years party!
come back soon!!! - Wed 5 Jan 2005 04:52:09
No such contact yet... Only that they have confirmed my submissions had been received.
This year, I have put in 2 submissions:
1. Commercial / Handbag / House style
2. Retro
I was great working together with Stephen & Jake doing Retro in Stage 11 (City Live) last year, and I would have to say that it was probably my most enjoyable gig to date. To have a repeat of this, would be just great to say the least.
However, having said this, I wouldn't mind giving the RHI a go, to be able to spin a good selection of HI NRG vocal-filled commercial dance tunes.
But then again, I may not get asked to play at all. Oh well, I guess we'll just have to wait & see who & what the party committee decide on... tick tock tick tock tick tock.....
Hope you all had a great NYE (judging by the party wall, most of you have) and look forward to another great year in 2005!
www.djjustinscott.com - Wed 5 Jan 2005 08:42:54
are you talking written submissions or have you been shortlisted and submitted cd's?
I know of a DJ from the US who put in his written expression of interest, but has not been advised if he has been shortlisted or not.
Surely someone from Mardi Gras could provide some sort of update?
- Wed 5 Jan 2005 09:20:23
I spoke with one of the Party working group co-chairs via email 2 days ago and was advised that the DJ shortlisting process has *NOT* yet been completed and no DJ's have yet been advised if they have been added to the shortlist. This means that no DJ's have yet been asked to submit a demo CD.
I hope that answers your question
Stephen Blomfield - Wed 5 Jan 2005 09:31:49
Sorry... My mistake. It should read "Expression Of Interest" and not "Submissions"
www.djjustinscott.com - Wed 5 Jan 2005 12:26:14
Number 1: It does matter who's playing. Try telling that to anyone complaining that the DJ selection process is taking too long.
Number 2: Mardi Gras is a publicly accountable organisation. I am sure that if anyone can be bothered making contact with them about these issues, they will get a decent response.
Number 3: There are many other organisations that choose to openly exploit queer culture. Mardi Gras is not one of them.
Try targetting multi-national corporations if you want to put your energy to good use. Or get involved with the party working group. Your influence could be used to great effect there.
- Wed 5 Jan 2005 17:50:01
*the time from when tenders were due to when we were informed seemed to be quite short considering that mardi gras recieved a "number of submissions"
*Mardi Gras asked for a full CAD file of our designs. This is normally only given to a client after signing a contract, not when tendering for a gig.
*Mardi Gras again asked the designers what we expected to get paid for the design, week long bump in, programming and operation of the event. This is kinda ridiculous as most of us know what they are prepared to pay and know that they dont negotiate.
However I still tendered, I estmiated that I spent about 10hours on drawing up my design, and answering all the questions in the evaluation criteria.
I was very dissapoited that I didnt get a room and even more so didnt even get an interview. I think the worst thing though was recieving the regection via email. No phone call not even a proper letter on letter head... a plain email.
Brad W - www.lightwright.com.au - Wed 5 Jan 2005 20:35:19
CD Demo's are due by January 22.
- Wed 5 Jan 2005 22:15:39
And they wonder why there is a trend away from dance parties.
Me - I'll be under the mirror ball praying for a classic Wnitney track. How will I fair????????
bring back the fun - Wed 5 Jan 2005 23:22:55
I TOTALLY agree with you. The fun music that was so catchy was a 1990's thing. All the BEST commercial dance music came from the era 1992 - 1998 in my opinion. After that it went south for the winter and never returned.
Might I suggest you give the RHI the flick and spend the night in the retro space at Mardi Gras. It'll be right up your alley.
Let's hope they put the retro back indoors into City Live. It was such a hoot there in 2004.
Retro Retro Retro - Wed 5 Jan 2005 23:29:57
Mmm. Great to see they have given DJ's plenty of time to get APRA approval. What is that? 2 weeks?
- Wed 5 Jan 2005 23:58:46
You know.....the "Oh I love this song" sort of thing.
I heard that at sleaze and it was like, what the hell is this? Industrial trash-can lid clanging and bongo drums. Yeah, love it.
bring back the fun - Thu 6 Jan 2005 00:41:52
Any news on what this licence is called?
- Thu 6 Jan 2005 11:08:58
How lame. How sad. Still comming down love? Fred Nile is waiting for you - go on, see how the other half live.
I'll be at Mardi Gras - despite the crappy Fox location - as it is our community event. We will stand united without you, strong and proud. Despite your genuine concerns of what will the RHI sounds like, for many others there are 365 other days we are celebrating about.
i believe (and dont even like cher) - wait a minute, are you a family first mole????? - Thu 6 Jan 2005 11:37:26
Does this mean that straight lighting designers have got the gig? What the hell is going on? If we have gay, lesbian etc. designers who, for over 20 years, have done the lighting designs on OUR parties , brilliantly, why the change? Not for the sake of a few dollars I hope? Or was your rejection because you've had the balls to stand up and make comments about what has really been going on at OUR Mardi Gras?
This whole process (and I use that word very lightly) really sucks. No competitive quotes for supply of equipment, as per the previous Treasurer's requests, non Gay lighting designers.... Will not be long before there will be no gay performers at all.
Isn't it time we got back to the basics, used our community better, embraced our community better, did it better?
The NMG President was up in Lismore and saw a truly community gig. Maybe we can learn something about that feeling again . It's not that it's not here, alive and well in Sydney Town - it's just we keep ignoring it.
Noisy Gypsy - Thu 6 Jan 2005 13:40:28
Could you please give us more of a description (possibly with examples) of funky house.
- Thu 6 Jan 2005 15:41:09
"Isn't it time we got back to the basics, used our community better, embraced our community better, did it better?"
I wholeheartedly agree we can generally do everything better. Do you have specific suggestions about how to do it better?
6 Sigma Black Belt - Thu 6 Jan 2005 16:56:30
Event critics, why not volunteer. You can develop skills and take the helm yourself one day with any luck. I doubt NMG is rejecting volunteers
- Thu 6 Jan 2005 18:26:15
a) I'm not a NMG member so have never seen any financials on any parties;
b) I attend many of the large scale parties and hence can identify relative value;
c) I've no idea of what the various elements of a party cost, but presume the 'local' DJ's and performers get paid a pittance of what 'big name' overseas DJ's get paid to perform at events.
Okay, now let's assume that of the 17,000 that attended last year's party that maybe as few as 10,000 actually paid for their tickets, and for arguments sake that NMG got $100, giving nett revenue from ticket sales at $1 million. On top of that there is probably a quite reasonable amount received in sponsorship. By my rather simplistic reasoning, that's a shitload of money to have to spend on putting on a party. But to be totally honest, I really don't see it being returned into the production of the party.
I have to agree with what Noise Gypsy has posted in that the key production area for a party will always be, for most people, the audio. No matter how good the DJ or lighting is, if the sound sux then the party sux.
Is there anyone that can shed some light (preferrably laser .. hehe) on roughly what it costs to provide decent sound and lighting at a major event? For the ticket price, it just seems to me that NMG doesn't provide equavilent value to the big parties/events put on by private enterprise, and I would expect that a not for profit community organisation with a significant volunteer force should provide better value for money.
Some of life's mysteries - Thu 6 Jan 2005 19:41:51
Actually, there would have been far more than 10,000 who actually paid for their tickets. Comp tickets were pretty much non-existent, and this has been the case since Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras went into administration. I would estimate that approximately 13,000 paid for either early bird or full price tickets, with 4,000 who paid for concession or volunteer priced tickets. That's far closer to $1.7m than it is to $1m.
Yes, they would get lots of sponsorship dosh on top of this. I think NMG set the minimum sponsorship package at $10,000. I don't think it would be inaccurate to estimate that an easy couple hundred thousand could have been raised through sponsorship. This sponsorship could also include in-kind support, discounted services, etc.
There's a lot of money that seems to be unaccounted for. Surely it can't cost nearly $2m to produce a party like this. Perhaps it's seen as the fundraiser for the Parade, Fair Day, Launch, etc but I thought that's what Sleaze was for.
- Thu 6 Jan 2005 20:02:15
I'm not going to support MG just for the sake of supporting them. They've delivered inadequate party after inadequate party, I'm not going to be gay-guilted into confirming that it's ok to treat our community like that. I’ll support the whole festival & parade but NOT the party. If you think that makes me a family first mole - lol - well I think you're the one coming down with a touch of paranoia!
if the sound sux then the party sux.
Some of life's mysteries - Thu 6 Jan 2005 19:41:51
Thank.You.
feel the music - Thu 6 Jan 2005 20:58:36
I heard that at sleaze and it was like, what the hell is this? Industrial trash-can lid clanging and bongo drums
bring back the fun - Thu 6 Jan 2005 00:41:52
I don't get it. Retro fans are allowed to slag off anything they feel like and make broad sweeping generalisations, yet my constructive counter point doesn't even get posted?
*silenced* - George Orwell was on to something - Thu 6 Jan 2005 21:17:06
Perhaps people will remember these issues when the AGM happens in a few months and raise them there, but until then, the financials from last year are available in the 2004 annual report:
http://www.mardigras.org.au/About/AGM.aspx
CeeJay - Thu 6 Jan 2005 22:10:46
- Fri 7 Jan 2005 09:19:45
But one of the other big problems NMG has is that money from ticket sales to the party is not become available to NMG till after the party, it is something to do with Ticketek being in control of ticket sales at Fox, and so NMG has to battle with limited funds and the credit history of SGLMG so its a hard for contractors to provide services and not get paid till weeks after the event.
And as for looking for voluenteers, its hard for us who have done in years past, and who the skills needed ( 12yrs in a row for me ) to lend a hand, when NMG make such bad choices with sound and lighting contracts being handed out to non community organizations, esp when we have some of the best people available offering their services at the same , if not cheaper cost.
I guess we if all want to "know" what really goes on, join the NMG board, put in the hundreds of un-paid hours and try to make a change, some have tried, and failed, and thats why we are loosing the so called community sprit you see at other partys like Tropical Fruits and alike.
NMG has got to look at its own history of the last 3 big partys its has produced, and listen to the community voice, look back at the parties that we had in the 80's, and 90's that made it famous, and look to that being the standard from here on, other wise we will loose the energy, and end up with a token tourist event. Not what we want, or need.
Here's Hoping - Fri 7 Jan 2005 09:28:13
All of the monies that are paid to Ticketek by people purchasing tickets are retained by Ticketek (not given to NMG) and are then transferred to Playbill Venue Management (the company that manages the THI, the Hordern & the Dome) Playbill would then most likely not release this money to NMG untill after the event had happened and after Playbills fees for venue staffing, security, cleaning, power, repairs to any damage and venue hire itself (for nearly a whole week, not a small sum!)had been deducted from the ammount.
So money made on last years Mardi Gras Party and Sleaze is what is being used to fund this year's festival, parade and party, and as they are, as previous posters have pointed out, a newish organisation recovering from a very bad situation, they certainly wouldn't want to be cutting things too fine on the financial side. After all the first point of the NMG mission statement is "Secure the assets of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Ltd."
I'm all set to have a fantastic time whatever happens, after all Mardi Gras is a celebration
Can't Wait! - It's all about mindset - Fri 7 Jan 2005 10:37:05
A great collaboration between Steven Allkins and Paul Goodyear has just been released. 'BURNIN UP' is a good example of funky house and it's made by two of Sydney's finest. Samples can be found at: http://www.mezabel.com/cart/customer/product.php?productid=65259&cat=&page=
Funk Mistress - Fri 7 Jan 2005 10:58:19
Thanks for your input!!! I spend most of my night upstairs at QN because of Kate and the funky house music she offers, and on most work visits to London I squeeze in a visit to DTPM for the same reason. I am very aware that this style of music is not "new", my suggestion was to perhaps have a hall at the bigger dance parties dedicated to funky house.
Boogie Boy - Thu 6 Jan 2005 14:04:54
Could you please give us more of a description (possibly with examples) of funky house.
- Thu 6 Jan 2005 15:41:09
A few of tracks that I enjoy which I consider to be funky house.
1. SOS, Skylark Mix featuring Polinam, produced by A Studio.
2. Where we can boogie, Disco darlings, produced by Funky People.
3. Just a little more love, David Guetta featuring Chris Willis, Wally Lopez remix.
Have fun day people.
Boogie Boy - Fri 7 Jan 2005 11:02:47
You are so incredibly wrong. I suggest you actually read the financials of Annual Reports going back 6 odd years. In the good old days, before the collapse, Mardi Gras was 'losing' some $400-$600k on the Festival. It was this aspect, and an Admin cost close to $1M that caused the final 'camel's back'.
Now, Mardi Gras does not openly produce large festival events and umbrellas the whole Festival by way of promotion and publicity, at a total cost of around $100k (I think). It was a philosophy taken out of necessity and looking at last year's Festival, worked really well.
The Parade, for the unenlightened, is why Mardi Gras exists. The power of that statement once a year is so prominent and Mradi Gras would be nothing more than a dance party promoter without it. It is the meaning, the soul, the reason. And, for the record, costs peanuts to produce given the complexity and participation of the event - my memory thinks less than $250,000.
Given the two parties are there to fundraise for OUR Parade and Festival promotion costs, and they profit over a $1,000,000 (without checking), there's plenty left over for Admin and Special projects.
The task that the Treasurer and the Board have balancing the 'big picture' is awesome and the priorities as evaluated after the collapse of SGLMG are clear, and they have followed those community wishes.
Hell, get your facts right based on history before attacking the Board.
Noisy Gypsy - Fri 7 Jan 2005 14:05:19
Some of the recent ones that come to mind are:
Dusk till dawn - Danny Howells
Straight from the heart - Loose Change
Rocking music - Martin Solveig
You never know - Marly
Stand by me - Mr Timothy feat. Inaya Day
Lola's theme - Shapeshifters (I know, bordering on disco, and becoming very commercial)
- Fri 7 Jan 2005 19:34:53
Answer - 8 hours in Hordern Pavilion on Saturday 5.3.05
SHAME ON YOU MARDI GRAS - In Support of our local (and far more talented) DJ's - Fri 7 Jan 2005 22:54:31
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.
Firstly, there are many costs involved. For example, public liability, venue hire (for 3-4 days to include bump in/out), APRA fees (each track played attracts a fee i.e. royalty) and the list goes on and on. The overheads are mammoth for a dance party especially when there is no infrastructure, which a promoter/event producer must provide i.e. sound, lighting, staging, seating, tents, (medical etc), cleaners, security etc etc etc. Many complain about the cost of tickets but have no idea of the costs involved in producing an event.
Secondly, in accordance with the Code of Practice, a ticket reseller will retain all proceeds from ticket sales in a secure and segregated bank account until after the Event has been presented, unless specifically stated otherwise as a special clause in this agreement. Subject to no cancellation of the Event or any other conditions requiring refunds, the total due to the Promoter will be paid. Unsold tickets will be available for collection after the event." This means that any revenue received is not available until after the event. This was introduced to protect consumers and issued by the Australian Entertainment Industry Association (www.aeia.org.au).
Lastly, majority of suppliers require 60%-80% payment prior to an event. Many want 100% due to the decline in dance parties i.e. some promoters don't like to pay when breakeven has not been achieved! Given MG's history, a supplier would probably want 100% prior. Funds need to be available and not only for the party but for the festival and parade.
Mardi Gras will only last as long as support is shown.
- Sat 8 Jan 2005 10:04:52
Support is only given when earned, not due to some misguided feeling of responsibility forced upon you by the community.
- Sat 8 Jan 2005 11:05:29
Mardi Gras will only last as long as support is shown.
- Sat 8 Jan 2005 10:04:52
Thanks for broadly outlining some of the financial headaches involved in staging a large event. I prefaced my inital post by stating my ignorance of such issues.
However, I still don't see any greater outlays or risks borne by NMG that aren't also borne by private companies producing similar, and even larger events. It's the relative value that I am questioning. If NMG does infact have higher operating costs in putting on these events, then it would be easier to accept the perceived lower standards of production relative to the privately produced events.
Finally, it's somewhat frustrating to have some people base their argument/point of view on premises such as if you haven't been involved then you've no right to question, or the guilt laden, if you don't support it you'll lose it. Democracy and free enterprise are based on people having the right to question and make informed choices.
Some more of life's mysteries - Sat 8 Jan 2005 14:16:22
It would be nice to but MG's Volunteer online is currently unavailable
http://www.mardigras.org.au/Support/VolunteerOnline.aspx
- and going by the 40+ hours required last year to earn 1 x concession price ticket I don't know how many people can afford that, $100 does not equal 40 x volunteer hours - that means that Mardi Gras values their volunteers at $2.50 per hour. My time is worth more than that.
- Sat 8 Jan 2005 15:02:41
Some of our previous Mardi Gras projects include:
- mg2004: Jenny & Craig's 2 hour ULTIMATE EXTREME, Mardi Gras nip/tuck, fat club, queer eye makeover survivor reality renovation backroom blitz program experience.
- mg2003: Shane Warne.
- mg2001: The Bougainville Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
- mg2000: The Happy Little SODOMITES.
- mg1999: Cussons Imperial Leather Pride
- mg1998: Dick van Dykes on Bikes.
- mg1996: The Little Misses.
So if you are interested in participating in some of this craziness, drop me a line at kabi@yarwood.com.au.
Regards to all
Kabi - Happy New Year and, I know it's early but, Happy Mardi Gras - Sat 8 Jan 2005 15:21:14
Umm... your dictionary obviously has a different definition of 'volunteer' to mine...
Here are a couple:
v. intr.
1. To perform or offer to perform a service of one's own free will.
2. To do charitable or helpful work without pay.
I would have thought that most people volunteer because they think it's a good thing to do, they enjoy doing it, and they get some satisfaction out of being part of the success of an event/organisation or whatever it is they are volunteering for.
CeeJay - Sat 8 Jan 2005 19:43:44
come of peoples, let's get some positive vibes happening here for a change!!!!
lead the way countdown boy!!! PLEASE!
- Sat 8 Jan 2005 20:34:48
lead the way countdown boy!!! PLEASE!
- Sat 8 Jan 2005 20:34:48
January is for everyone to get their niggles out of their systems - February is for the buildup of excitement .. LOL
- Sat 8 Jan 2005 20:56:50
If i here anything of value i will post it here
In the meantime i encourage all to email NMG and express their concern in the hope trhat the squeaky wheel gets the oil!
(posted on party wall aswell)
squeaky wheel - Sat 8 Jan 2005 21:18:44
try something new. a behaviour/thought, outfit/hairstyle whether a superficial or deep change, make this one fresh
camp is supposed to be about a term that exists to taunt its definition by continually evolving and resisting definition itself.
are you being lazy - surprise someone - Sun 9 Jan 2005 05:40:03
IF there is only 1 overseas DJ and the rest are all local , what is the problem ? I know that some have been dismal failures, while I have had the best dance to others. My only problem would be an 8 hr set ie he/she is crap then the Hordern would be empty, if great well .........
Its nice to see what is actually happening overseas with Intl DJ's coming to town. I also fully support our own local DJ's but........we can hear them any weekend in our clubs.
So long as NMG bring the Halls back to what they used to be like instead of mixing up the styles like what happened at Sleaze ( my opinion ).
Ask almost anyone who has attended quite a few parties and they can tell what the Halls styles are
RHI for commercial/handbag/house
Hordern for trance/hardhouse/hard trance/hrd nrg
Dome for its sleazy/sexy tribal
City Live now for its Retro.
Someone mentioned MG wont be able to afford to have 4 Halls but if Dome limited to only 700 , I'm sure this extra capacity will be quickly filled if the Domers get back their space, the Retro's get City Live etc.
But please no 8 hr set by 1 DJ - Sun 9 Jan 2005 09:59:49
yes, CeeJay your dictionary is correct but to request anyone to work for 40 x hours to Earn the right to Purchase a Concession Price ticket is quite unreasonable.
Not everyone has 40 x hours free to donate - even over a month - a sliding scale of rewards would be a better exchange, ie, 10 hours = this, 20 hours = that, etc.
Traditionally volunteering for a community event gets some kind of Thank You - a comp entry to the event, a post-event party, a gift of a t-shirt, something of small value to acknowledge the time Donated.
a volunteer - Sun 9 Jan 2005 13:42:08
i think that NMGs problem is with its outsourced event management for the party. i know that MG were doing this for years (mainly to avoid keeping production people on all year round as staff which wasn't necessary), but in recent times it seems the production people chosen (i'm not talking designers or technical suppliers here) aren't up on par with those who did the older parties (mid/late 90s - i didn't go to the parties before that).
given some of the problems seem to be new people reinventing the wheel, why not just get the people who know the venue, understand the issues back on board so a party isn't 'wasted' trying new baffling or a cheaper (and obviously unsuccessful) new sound design?
it seems to me that, while there may be all the best intentions in the world, no one is bothering to look at how things used to be done and the reasons why they were done that way. now i'm not saying everything was perfect, but in recent years, taking dance floors out of major venues, trying new sound designs, cutting corners on seating and sound baffling, slashing dj soundcheck times to virtually nothing - given that years of trial and error and effort were spent getting this right (or at least better) on this before, why go through it all again? i'm sure some of the reasons for particular things were recorded on paper and if not there's always the option of asking people - i'm sure some if not all would be happy to help.
hell... some may even put their hand up to do the job and we could quit this wheel reinvention period and put the time, money and effort into making the event as top class as possible and being the critical fundraiser it needs to be for NMG.
a punter unsatisfied with NMGs technical efforts - Sun 9 Jan 2005 14:38:42
I think you will find that there is a sliding scale. Email the office directly if you are interested in this.
I volunteer for many reasons, the ticket is only one of them. It is a good way to meet people you wouldn't normally meet. Getting out from behind the desk where I work and doing something totally different. Plus the satisfaction of knowing I am helping the community.
Another Volunteer - Sun 9 Jan 2005 16:51:23
In the interests of transparency (not just waiting to get an email), I'd really like to see the volunteer policy for NMG spelt out on their website before I put my hand up again. I now prefer to volunteer for smaller community groups where my efforts are appreciated and make a real difference.
- Sun 9 Jan 2005 18:33:48
My personal preference is to go see the international DJ's at a seperate event where they headline the bill. In my opinion, our 'glbt' dance parties allow the local DJ's to show their talent at taking a huge crowd on a collective journey - something they can't do in a club environment to the same extent. The legendary locals come to the fore when it comes to playing a dance party, whilst those that think that playing to a party crowd is the same as playing to a large club tend to have people desert the dancefloor to do necessary things like toilet/bar queue in preparation for the big girls/boys to hit the decks; where no matter how much you need to pee or grab a drink you keep thinking "I'll go next track"
Keep NMG parties within the community - Sun 9 Jan 2005 19:26:08
Dahlink, where we can boogie by the Disco Darlings is one of the best songs ever!!!!!!
I just hope the next few years fly by so i can hear it in the retro space REAL soon!
Ms Golightly - Sun 9 Jan 2005 20:39:33
I guess this really belongs on the NMG wall, but anyway...
There was a thank-you party held for vollies after last MG @ Home in April, plus most vollies also got a t-shirt (not the most exciting or stylish of t-shirts, granted, but still...). Some got tickets to festival events (believe it or not, not every NMG vollie even *wants* to go to the party, freebie or not...)
BTW, it's certainly not difficult for anyone involved in a working group to rack up 40+ hours over the course of the year. Some have high-paying day jobs or run their own businesses, others are students or unemployed and everything in between. I would think all of them would like to believe that their efforts are valued both by the organisation, its members and the community.
Having said all that, yes, I agree that the way NMG deals with its vollies is a critical issue for the organisation, but I think there are more important things than a cheap or free party ticket.
... and to a punter unsatisfied with NMGs technical efforts - Sun 9 Jan 2005 14:38:42
I think you'll find that decisions weren't made to do things like, for example, not have a dance floor, because people thought it was a brilliant idea: it's trying to cope with limited budgets and even tighter cashflows, as other posters have mentioned. No business in their right mind would have given NMG much credit for the first year or 2.
And yes, a lot of knowledge was lost between SGLMG and NMG. I would have thought there have been enough calls for volunteers for those invovled in previous parties etc to know that their skills and experience would be more than valued. Many choose (as is their right) to not get involved. Most of the businesses involved in the good old days' were the ones who were most burned (finanically and otherwise) by the collapse of SGLMG, so it's hard to blame them for being cautious.
You may also notice that in the back of the 2005 season guide there is a credit for 'Knowledge Management", which I would assume covers NMG's strategies to capture this sort of information so it isn't constantly re-inventing the wheel when vollies and/or staff decide they've had enough for a while.
And lots of things have changed over the past decade: the change from the RAS to Fox Studios, increased government/licencing/police intervention, public liability insurance increases, decrease in corprorate sponsorship... many of which are much broader than just NMG.
Obviously though, as NMG gets more money in the bank and becomes more stable (and experienced), the punters will demand more and - hopefully - NMG can deliver. Given that Pride NYE made a loss yet again, I wouldn't take too much for granted with community organisations over the next 12 months or so though...
CeeJay - Sun 9 Jan 2005 23:59:37
if you really beleve this, you're much too gullible. The mardi gras committie have thier head screwed on right and are trying to do thier best to appease the majority.
For gods sake give them some credibility.
as for the sound in the RHI , it is being addressed but how long do you lo think it will take??? It's actually out of the control of NMG and they are trying their best in difficult cirumstances.
- Mon 10 Jan 2005 00:37:36
I am looking forward to seeing what Mardi Gras does this year, I guess after last years success they will probably stick to the same formula, if something works dont change it. We have so many good Dj's in sydney and if Mardi Gras empolyed them all would be a good thing,
My first one was last year and this year going to be in parade as well. Pity not going to hear Jake Kilby play, but my guesses are this
My guesses for djs are follows
Jimmy Dee
Justin Scott
Dan Murphy
Ryan Murhpy
sheki
Kate munore
Luke Leal
Neal Crawford
Alex taylor
sveta
Dr Jane
Chip
sorry guys about the spelling I am sorry, so they are my bids any one else want to have a guess and see how close we are when annouced, Jake would of been there but he has indicated that he hasnt submitted
and also a tent for up and coming space
sammy d - Mon 10 Jan 2005 02:12:25
Neal Crawford has already told me that he isn't submitting, either. I think one of the reasons behind this is the fact that NMG aren't looking for any local trance DJs this year.
- Mon 10 Jan 2005 07:29:24
Hence the reason NMG are employing an overseas trance DJ who will be employed to play this ***Disgusting*** 8 hour set.
- Mon 10 Jan 2005 08:03:35
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.
Apparently it's a Finland trance DJ. The only well known finnish trance DJs that I know of are Darude and JS16. Both are incredibly "straight" in their style, in my honest opinion. They don't contain that very nice, smooth, melodic style that most of Sydney's trance DJs do. Let's hope I'm wrong.
- Mon 10 Jan 2005 08:15:54
Because things aren't always fluffy and peachy. Not in the real world. In the real world, we want answers and explanations when things aren't done to an expectation set by the community.
I'm a paying party-goer, and as previously mentioned, the over-priced ticket is somewhat "acceptable" because it's going towards a community organisation and it's other events and operations. If, for example, this organisation chooses to employ an international DJ for an 8 hour set instead of hiring our local talent, then I consider that a slap in the face to the entire community - but especially the local trance DJs who commit themselves to giving us world class performances.
There may be "bigger enemies" than Mardi Gras, but sweety, this is a Mardi Gras 2005 graffiti wall. We're not going to discuss mainstream politics or Iraq war conspiracies here.
- Mon 10 Jan 2005 12:05:44
if someone who commands a prohibitive performance fee wishes to perform, THEY need to be the one to drop their fee, as hiring a big name international dj does cost around $10-100K. Hiring a Sydney DJ, maximum $1K. Comparative value difference, up to the performer really
- Mon 10 Jan 2005 12:57:41
OMG, NMG, please say it ain't so! Finnish? Finished is more like it! Please, please, PLEASE spend more money on getting the sound right and less money on a totally unsuitable international DJ. If you have to go international, at least choose somebody recognisable and with a certifiable gay following (e.g. Peter Rauhofer, Junior Vasquez, Victor Calderone, Tony Moran, etc.).
I can't feel the beat - Mon 10 Jan 2005 14:05:59
Let me know if you're interested, as I'll have to square the trip away with me Parole Officer first.
- Mon 10 Jan 2005 15:49:24
If it is a trance DJ who knows what they are doing, it could turn out to be a VERY good night and you'll all be raving on about how good it was afterwards, so don't any hard and fast conclusions just yet! Most trance DJs I know of excel at playing the uplifting, melodic style - even those who usually play at straight dance parties (surprise, surprise)! My only concern is about the duration of the set. 8 hours is quite a long time for any DJ to be playing at a dance party. Even the top DJs rarely play more than 4 or 5 hours at a time. In any case, I'll certainly be there to check it out and I congratulate NMG for making an effort to book an international....
Trance Boy - Mon 10 Jan 2005 16:45:16
I think you would find, if you were a Brazillian native, that there is probably just as much behind the scenes discussion and debate about their carnivale. I'm sure that our international visitors are oblivious to most of the debate that goes on here, as you are oblivious to the debate that goes on in Brazil.
- Mon 10 Jan 2005 18:27:59
ahhhh fond memories of Rachel Auburn set in the Hordern a few years back. No slow goody beginning , they announced her name and BANG she started and the bleacher emptied....awesome set. Lisa German not really my style but agree seems to be more success with the girls than the boys. But each to his/her own...
8 hours is awfully long though.
T. - Mon 10 Jan 2005 19:32:24
i think it is a bit weird if he/she does spin for 8hrs. NMG doesn't really need to get their money's worth in this sense, they should just flog the dj off to someone else in sydney that night (or the day after), and then again in melbourne the next weekend. would hate to think some of our most talented trancesters missed out altogether.... gutsy gamble NMG - best of luck
- Mon 10 Jan 2005 21:09:39
I heard on the grapevine that Mr Tenaglia has been in talks with NMG. my grapevine is usually pretty reliable for these things. lets wait & see shall we ?
*of course, Pinkboard is not expected to verify this statement*
Peter Daou's keyboard repairman - Tue 11 Jan 2005 00:03:29
I think NMG would be facing a big backlash from the local talent if this was the case.
- Tue 11 Jan 2005 08:21:45
I was just wondering if maybe story got mixed up somewhere and the DJ/producer is actually swedish??
This would call to mind a certain Eric "Call On Me" Prydz
That would be fantastic.
Just wondering - hope my wondering is right, I for one would love that!!! - Tue 11 Jan 2005 12:13:30
Eric Prydz, to my knowledge, isn't a trance DJ. Regardless of the quality of the international that they've decided to get, I don't think it's in the spirit of our community to be getting them to play an 8hr and totally neglecting our local trance DJs.
- Tue 11 Jan 2005 12:25:37
Where on earth is att the Cher talk??
Will she? Won't she? My bet is that you can bet your arse she'll be performing at the party.
Still Just Wondering - Anticipation - Tue 11 Jan 2005 12:43:09
Once again, why support something you don't believe in just because people say you should?
Will she? Won't she? My bet is that you can bet your arse she'll be performing at the party.
Still Just Wondering - Anticipation - Tue 11 Jan 2005 12:43:09
Cher's management have already announced that she definitely WILL NOT be performing at MG. I think with the current climate of big dance parties, NMG would be announcing it if she were to ensure a sell out party and a financial success. They are not in the financial position to be able to withold this info when releasing it would ensure such financial gain.
- Tue 11 Jan 2005 13:06:21
NMG have already released a press release informing that Cher will definitely not be performing at Mardi Gras this year. I wonder why NMG decided to actually submit a press release saying this. To my knowledge (I'm only 20) it's been a tradition for the community to run wild with all sorts of fantastic rumours. Why spoil the fun so early?
http://www.mardigras.org.au/Media/MediaReleases/media_release_13_oct_2004.aspx
Media > Media Release > 13 Oct 2004
Mardi Gras to be a Cher-free night
New Mardi Gras today announced that pop diva, Cher, will not be playing at its 2005 Party.
Since the Australian leg of her "Never Can Say Goodbye" farewell tour was announced in August speculation has mounted that the gay icon would perform a swan song for her queer fans down under at the world renowned Mardi Gras Party.
New Mardi Gras Co-Chair, Mark Orr, is keen to quash the gossip before it takes hold.
"Rumours surrounding Party acts are a Mardi Gras tradition," said Mark. "But this one really seems to have spread like wildfire, a full five months before the big night. As much as we love her, I can confirm that Cher will not be performing at next year's Party."
But in a coup for the organisation, New Mardi Gras has secured access for its members to an early release of tickets for a third concert to be announced Thursday as well as the opportunity for one lucky member and friend to meet Cher in person.
In addition to her shows on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th March, Cher will now be playing a third Sydney concert at the Entertainment Centre on Monday, 7th March.
To purchase tickets and to find out how you could meet Cher, log on to www.mardigras.org.au from midday on Friday.
Event promoter, Michael Coppel, has issued a statement saying that no concert will be scheduled for Saturday, 5th March - the night of the Mardi Gras Parade and Party - in order to allow everyone to make the most of the Mardi Gras festivities.
- Tue 11 Jan 2005 13:24:35
Cher and/or Michael Coppel have made a financial contribution toward MG and in return MG have confirmed that she will not be playing and will not publicise the fact at all. This have been done to ensure that the 19,000 people at MG Party still book and pay for tickets to see her in concert if they want to see her rather than relying on seeing her at the party.
Just wondering - Tue 11 Jan 2005 13:24:58
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.
Give NMG a chance - it is only a couple of years old after all...
NMG - Friendly - Tue 11 Jan 2005 13:27:07
Please sweet god, do not allow this to happen. That track is soooo last year, a crap filtered house version of Steve Winwood. And the video is sexist, derogatory to women. Mardi Gras say it isnt so say it isnt so...
This chick wont be happy at all...................................................
Ive heard a rumour there will be a breaks n hip hop room - plus a live music room. Thats the sort of left field energy that Mardi Gras needs. Nice MG guide by the way - Kronos Quartet! Super yay Still dont know how that "crappy donkey" party made it in... Talk about filler!
danny yes - eric no - Tue 11 Jan 2005 14:44:09
People.....do we go to the MG party purely to see a top headlining act or to support our community ??
Support the local DJ's and talent !!
Support NMG !!
Support Stockings.....
Josh - Tue 11 Jan 2005 15:14:57
- Wed 12 Jan 2005 00:47:34
They have spoken to him about playing MG before. Ruby wont play unless he gets control of the sound system - ie that its up to his high standards. MG has never even been close to good enough in that context.
- Wed 12 Jan 2005 00:58:06
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.
Did you say Victor Calderone?! Wasnt that that DJ who managed to completely pack out stage 11 at BQN last year???
Adam - Wed 12 Jan 2005 01:12:21
The Frankie Knuckles 8hr set was one of the best MG experiences ever for those into his style of music. I love him in slightly smaller doses but those who like their hous with abit of soul and funk were in heaven that night and could hardly get off the dance floor.
At this stage, frankly I could probably use an 8hr set from Luke Leal. Danny Tenaglia would probably be good too (though not v cute (ooh!)) but he's a tad more in Mr Knuckles' vein than, say PVD or Armin, isn't he?
Now Peter Rauhofer would be excellent! Love playing his Amrerican Life and Relax remixes back to back at the moment. Very chunky!
Though perhaps Mr G is more likely to be available and affordable and could spin a little Heaven trance... haha - always go the cheaper option these days when sorting through NMG rumours(!)
Trance Trance Trance - Wed 12 Jan 2005 01:14:25
Hmmmmmmm. Not sure about that statement. Tropical Fruits supplied a badly EQ'd sound system in the trance room. If Ruby was in control of that then should he be considered as a benchmark of sound quality?
- Wed 12 Jan 2005 10:26:24
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.
Haha - If only VC had been relegated to Stage 11, as you suggest, and Luke and Neal had been given some reasonable time on the decks in the Hordern it might have been a great party!
Trance Trance Trance - Please don't get me started on BQN again! - Wed 12 Jan 2005 10:53:25
Excellent. Just what we need. Why don't we get the international to play the full set in the Horden, then run over to Toy Box and play a full 8hr set there, too. Who needs variety?!?
Sattire - Wed 12 Jan 2005 11:46:31
Didn't seem that way to me, where's noisy gypsy?
Dan Murphy's Chief Groupie - Wed 12 Jan 2005 12:37:05
cheers,
rava
- Wed 12 Jan 2005 13:33:58
cheers,
rava
- Wed 12 Jan 2005 13:55:39
This saves us having to sit through all the crap we dont like if some international dj has an 8 hour set or to all try to fit into stage 11 at BQN for a few hours
Same thing happened with Wayne G on NYE at the shift, he can play some great stuff, some of it sydney boys like, some of it sydney boys hate, its a shame he didnt know at the time which was which, A local could have told him
My Point :
The best DJ you will have is a local one who sources foreign tracks, so you get the best of the world's music but filtered to local tastes.
Though I must be honest - If the Finnish trance DJ bullshit rumour was true, and it was the Finnish DJ I thaught it was whos name and website a moderator wouldnt let me post then id have to say screw it I'd love that guy here for 8 hours
The Great Unknown - Wed 12 Jan 2005 17:07:19
"MARDI GRAS IS PLANNING SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR ITS NIGHT OF NIGHTS."
Best known for the 2002 dance hit Take Me Away and 2001’s Into The Night, Rotterdam DJ 4 Strings will perform for 10 hours at this year’s Mardi Gras party.
DJ 4 Strings (28-year-old Jan de Vos) will play a 10-hour set in the Hordern Pavilion from midnight until 10am.
His set will follow a two-hour warm-up by Adelaide-based Mardi Gras party favourite DJ Josh. Other DJs will be announced on Thursday 27 January.
Planning for this year’s party is well under way, with organisers catering to house, trance, big anthem and retro fans. The Dome will feature funky house, the RHI will have the anthems and the Fox and Lion will be a two-storey retro venue.
In addition, the music from the Fox and Lion will be pumped out into the decking area surrounding the venue, which planners hope will get rid of the queues that formed outside last year’s retro space.
In Stage 11 (City Live), DJs will play dark, dirty, Phoenix-style tribal beats. The third floor will be a women’s space with a separate entrance.
Hip-hop and breaks fans are also getting looked after in a marquee on the Fox grounds. Finalists from the Mardi Gras DJ spin-off will perform on the Peter Finch Lawn.
My comment
SHAME ON YOU MARDI GRAS. What a disgrace allowing ONE DJ to play such a long set. It's a slap in the face to every single local trance DJ in this country. I would have been happy for this Dutch guy to play a 4 or 5 hour set but 10 hours is sheer MADNESS.
I also demand Mardi Gras release information on how much this person is charging us. The poor locals who get their $200 - $300 (so i hear) per hour and I just bet this guy will be getting a whole lot more !! So much for treating our local and hard working DJ's with respect.
ITS SICKENS ME !!!!
My 5 cents worth - Wed 12 Jan 2005 23:38:33
I can hear the screams of horror welling up already. Surely they've got The Dome and City Live the wrong way around ... and as for the women's only space, does this mean guys will pay less for their tickets? Under which section of the NMG constitution does it allow for gender specific areas at the party? It's all rather pathetic actually.
- Thu 13 Jan 2005 02:12:58
I wonder if the list of locals who are submitting just got a lot shorter?
- Thu 13 Jan 2005 07:23:22
the last time the upper level of City Live was used in this manner was a total flop and a farce. Don't the people at Petersham EVER learn from their mistakes ?????????????????????
This **IS** the opinion of this poster - Thu 13 Jan 2005 08:32:52
Well, why have it? Shouldn't the entire party be about a space where everyone feels comfortable?
- Thu 13 Jan 2005 09:43:14
Mardi Gras Party is a community event, and it is there to cater to wide variety of tastes within that community...why force everyone to party together in the same way....why would people come to the party if they were not given a choice of things to do and places to hang out...
Moral of the story:
if you don't want to hang out in the womens space...then don't
if you don't want to hang out in the breaks space...then don't
If you don't want to hang out in a mainly male space...the don't (come hang out in the womens space!)
If you want to have a good time, drop your backage at the door (on this chat board) and let everyone party in their own way
Good on you Mardi Gras for trying to make everyone welcome!!
Opinionated!!! - Thu 13 Jan 2005 10:56:10
On the plus side, Dutch guys do tend to have very large dicks - it can't be all bad..............
- Thu 13 Jan 2005 10:56:29
Wow what an achievement. That must make the Guiness Book of Records as the biggest (unintentional) bitch slap in the world in one go! and I assume you mean "every single local trance DJ" excepet for DJ JoSH! What a preposterous statement!
I think it's an extremely brave thing to do and anyone who loves trance will tell you that 4 Strings will put on a great journey. (Think Diving, Let it Rain, Believe, Waterfall, Turn it around, Summer Sun !! I could go on and on !) They have a great reputation and I am sure are well aware of the responsibility put on them! Prepare yourselves for some kick-ass special Mardi Gras remixes!
"On the plus side, Dutch guys do tend to have very large dicks - it can't be all bad.............. "
- Thu 13 Jan 2005 10:56:29
Yes I do !!
lol
Double it over Dutch - Thu 13 Jan 2005 11:19:50
thanks but no thanks
dirty house music in City Live ?
what an insult
I've been to every MG party since 1988. I think it's time for me to hang up my heels coz this one isnt off to a good start
deep - Thu 13 Jan 2005 11:25:17
http://www.mardigras.org.au/Error.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/Support/VolunteerOnline.aspx
>System Error
Oops! What happened there?
A system error has occurred, and we haven't the foggiest what it was...
(We'd lose our head if it wasn't already in a gimp mask!)
If you'd like to report this problem, please email website@mardigras.org.au and tell us what happened.
- Thu 13 Jan 2005 11:38:46
frisky?! i've got alzheimers, what's that? is that how i feel in the mornings?? i'm going for a better ride at the park.
on my way to the box!! - Thu 13 Jan 2005 11:40:35
How quickly we forget!! Toybox is a mere copy of the old frisky style parties, just a different name!
Fantastic Party but seriously nothing new! Not bagging Toybox, but Frisky was the Original platform...
Frisky set the level for others to follow! - Thu 13 Jan 2005 12:32:47
I think you'll find it says Dirty Tribal not Dirty House ...it's not about cleaning !!..
Bring it on !
Dirty Tribal Chief - Thu 13 Jan 2005 12:39:30
From the New Mardi Gras website:
Vision Statement
new mardi gras: creating the future
Purpose:
Our purpose is to celebrate and enable visible and proud gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer people in their communities
Mission:
Secure the assets of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Ltd.
Deliver a 2004 Mardi Gras season, focussing on the core events of a launch, fair day, an 'umbrella' festival, parade, and party
Determine the future of Mardi Gras following widespread consultation
Build the foundations of a sustainable organisation
Values:
We are committed to achieving equality for gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer people through:
Community
Inclusion
Accessibility
Consultation
Volunteer involvement
Innovation
Transparency
Partnerships
Responsibility
Fun
Celebration
Dear Opinionated!!!,
How does your ideas of making everyone welcome fit with this vision statement and the values of achieving equality for gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer people through inclusion?
I would hazard a guess that the "transgender, bisexual and queer people" would like their '80% space' too.
Hell, why not have a straight people and their friends space as well?
Does anyone else see the irony in all this?
our freedom, your freedom - Thu 13 Jan 2005 13:56:34
December 2004 - try searching the internet also as Matt Darey and others prove, what you release as your own music and what you play as DJ's are not always similar.
I think this will be awesome. Besides which Toybox is about to sell out, so there will be pleanty of trance fans to fill the Hordern regardless of how many noisy bitter people try to trash this idea on here - any trance fan is im sure very happy with mardigras right now and theres enough of a trance following to fill the hordern.
Having an international act like this headlining in one of the rooms is also a great way to ensure many more european tourists come to the party. Im all for anything that brings more northern european cock down here, its just a shame that stupid fox security wont let us use the girls dunnies anymore 
Im loving this decision as Im sure are the silent thousands of trance fans out there in sydney and europe...
- Thu 13 Jan 2005 13:56:57
I’m hopeful for the Hordern actually. This is an interesting play by NMG, and I hope it comes off. I would have preferred a longer, and perhaps later, time slot for Josh - but I’m happy she’s at least in the line-up. This will be the first time ever that I’ve felt motivated to be there at opening time!
And if DJ 4 Strings’ music really does recreate the legendary Frisky style, I reckon you’ll find the Hordern packed to the rafters all night. I really hope he does play that style - rather than the harder, driving, non-vocal trance that seems to be popular in Europe at the moment. That style is a tad harsh for my taste.
And yes, I know - the self appointed avant-garde set will bemoan that uplifting, happy, hi-nrg vocal trance is SOOOOO yesterday. But you watch it fill the dance floor, baby!
Well done NMG. I hope every dance space caters to its target market as well as the Hordern seems to have been designed to.
And now . . . what to wear, what to wear!?!
jeffgg - are we allowed to start getting excited now? : ) - Thu 13 Jan 2005 14:27:16
Chapter 2:
THE SEVEN COMMANDMENTS
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.
Chapter 10
Benjamin felt a nose nuzzling at his shoulder. He looked round. It was Clover. Her old eyes looked dimmer than ever. Without saying anything, she tugged gently at his mane and led him round to the end of the big barn, where the Seven Commandments were written. For a minute or two they stood gazing at the tatted wall with its white lettering.
"My sight is failing," she said finally. "Even when I was young I could not have read what was written there. But it appears to me that that wall looks different. Are the Seven Commandments the same as they used to be, Benjamin?"
For once Benjamin consented to break his rule, and he read out to her what was written on the wall. There was nothing there now except a single Commandment. It ran:
ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL
BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS
- Thu 13 Jan 2005 14:30:54
Sruggling with musical styles, would that include Saltwater by Chicane??
wannabe ET's gf - Thu 13 Jan 2005 16:16:36
oh my god
jack yo body - Thu 13 Jan 2005 16:26:55
I believe I was discussing the womens space, but if you would like my opinion on the bi, transgendered and queer spaces too (and why not straights and their mates)I'd be happy to oblige!!!...if there was a market for it I'm sure having a space would be considered..!! they have to start somewhere!!!
Plus I note the Mission is a tad out of date...hasn't NMG achieved some of these??
Opinionated - Thu 13 Jan 2005 17:28:19
Didn't know that trance had a mortgage on lift-me-up ness, happiness and hi-nrg. I always have these feelings when I hear a good tribal set.
evolve - Thu 13 Jan 2005 18:00:58
Nothing against DJ Josh, but she isn't really warm up material, is she? I can't imagine walking into the Hordern at 10am and hearing DJ Sammy's 'Heaven'.
And this raises another question. If trance DJ's were not invited to submit, how did Josh get the gig? Why wasn't Luke Leal, Neal Crawford or Ryan Murphy invited to submit for the opening trance set? This reeks of what NMG claim to avoid with their 'clear, fair and transparent DJ selection process'. Doesn't seem so fair to me.
I hope it all works out, but frankly from a personal view, I see too many things wrong with this party already. NMG ain't so new anymore, so that excuse is wearing thin...
- Thu 13 Jan 2005 19:02:10
So can anyone let us know what style this guy plays ?
I'm also glad NMG have separated out the Dome/Hordern thing they tried at Sleaze as I didnt think it worked.
As for the women only space - do negative posters realise how small that area is ? better than the way it was in RHI for Sleaze and can understand when your on the dance floors its like 99% men , so the girls need some time to themselves. With all the space we will have I reckon that floor would be lucky to take up 1% of the total space.
Curious ? T. - Thu 13 Jan 2005 20:23:36
A 10 hour set from 4 Strings, has to be a first, and one that i dont think i want to miss a second of, good on NMG for getting the info out so early, letting people have there say and then putting on a great party ...
Now what to wear...
Surprised and Happy - Thu 13 Jan 2005 20:50:20
Given I trooly rooly love the RHI over every other space, though, maybe I might just have to turn back into an Anthem Queen this year. Can't miss the shows, after all!
And hung Dutch guys? I think you'll find that's the "German Guy Rule".
The "Dutch Guy Rule" is that they are cute as a button, sexy and oh-so-youthful looking until they hit about 30, but after that they very quickly get jowly and strange looking. At least in porno videos!
I'll keep the "Redhead Rule" to myself(!)
Trance Trance Trance - Thu 13 Jan 2005 21:53:06
Like 99% of other opinions on this topic, this opinion contains 80% over-generalisations, and should be taken with a 99% grain of salt, but may infact be 80% the true opinion of the poster.
As for the women space, who cares whether it's 99% the size of a football stadium or 80% the size of the women's toilet - it's the principle. One ticket should give 100% of the people acccess to 100% of the areas.
As for the dancefloors being 99% men - blah !!! I was 99% sick of having to move to areas containing less than 80% straight chicks and their boypets in The Horden last year. 80% of straight chicks have this very annoying attitude where they are 99% likely to totally invade 80% of the personal space of others.
If guys have to put up with intimidating women then values such as Community, Inclusion, Accessibility, Innovation, Transparency, Partnerships, Responsibility, Fun and Celebration would embrace girls putting up with intimidating men.
Of this I am 80 to 99% sure
GLBT events should remain GBLT - Thu 13 Jan 2005 22:40:43
This message contains generalisations.
Well, here's a challenge: All you have to do between now and March 5 is make friends with one woman and I'm sure they'll let you in to the grrrls' space with her, if what you really want is access. Not sure you'd find much to do there, though. It's too high up to see what's happening on the dance floor and the lighting's crap. I actually think that area is a bit creepy.
So many knickers so twisted already... and that's just the bois!
Lighten up people!
Just a thought - (!) - Thu 13 Jan 2005 23:19:58
Now what to wear...
Surprised and Happy - Thu 13 Jan 2005 20:50:20
Absolutely agree with you. Otherwise, NMG parties, just like a lot of other things, will get stale. Congrats NMG for simply trying. Will be there and can't wait!
- Thu 13 Jan 2005 23:45:44
Was not sure what a frisky party was - but checked it out on the web - just confirmed for me tht i have to go!
http://www.oraclelaser.com.au/2004/dance/2000_frisky_frame.vagi
New2Oz - Fri 14 Jan 2005 06:39:31
It looks like you are off to a great start, and the Party season is almost about to begin!
Looking forward to 4 Strings, it will be awesome.. ohh those Frisky moments come flooding back...
I'm feeling a little frisky! - Fri 14 Jan 2005 07:37:37
There is only 50 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is only 50 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is only 50 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is only 50 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is only 50 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is only 50 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
countdownboy - NOW THE REAL COUNT BEGINS!!! - Fri 14 Jan 2005 07:56:56
My point exactly...
Well, much as we love Our Luke and Our Neal and Our Ryan they have all had a turn recently.
Trance Trance Trance - Thu 13 Jan 2005 21:53:06
You missed my point. My poitn was, trance DJ's were not invited to submit. How the hell did DJ Josh get the gig. I'm not talking about 4 Strings (He's an international and probably doesn't have to submit the way the Aussies do) but DJ Josh seems to have been given an advantage over other local trance DJ's.
And all this talk about the size of Dutch men's penises. The first thing to consider, is he even gay? I'm not saying he isn't, but who cares how big his bit is if none of us have a chance in hell of playing with it? And what on earth does it have to do with his set?
- Fri 14 Jan 2005 09:08:00
20 years of quite exhaustive research indicates otherwise
"And all this talk about the size of Dutch men's penises. The first thing to consider, is he even gay? I'm not saying he isn't, but who cares how big his bit is if none of us have a chance in hell of playing with it? And what on earth does it have to do with his set?
- Fri 14 Jan 2005 09:08:00"
Have you always been devoid of irony, love, or is it a recent development?
- Fri 14 Jan 2005 10:43:04
I agree. A lot of people seem to be ignoring the fact that submissions haven't even closed yet and MG have announced these two as part of the line-up. Fine that wanting to book an international means organising it a long time in advance but why has a local been given an advantage over the rest? Why has Josh been allowed to skip the submission process? Have palms been greased? The SSO calls her a 'Mardi Gras party favourite' but I think a genuine 'party favourite' would have quite a few more under their belt don't you think? Double figures perhaps. Surely throwing together some hits from five years ago and starting every set with "Take Me To The Clouds Above" (that Whitney vs U2 abomination -*ugh*) means all you are doing is appealing to the lowest common denominator. I feel like I'm having my intelligence-insulted every time I hear that.
This all points to the absurdity of the current selection process. MG can’t even adhere to their own guidelines, how do they expect others to care about them and not feel submitting is a waste of time?
- Fri 14 Jan 2005 10:44:40
Being a fan of the tribal/funky/electro sound in this room, I'm a bit disappointed to see a change of format. But I have to concede that it is a brilliant shuffle around!
4 Strings has recently released a track (Dec 04) called 'Come Closer'. While I'm not a fan of trance, it's not too bad at all. My prediction is that trance fans will have a feast all night and be more than happy to trot over to a recovery featuring all their local favourite trance DJs (ie Toybox).
What a bold move NMG - well done.
- Fri 14 Jan 2005 12:19:41
Here here! Why should anyone submit to NMG at the moment or think about it when all we here on this board are stories from DJ's and lighting deisgners saying how hard the process has becomne. To have NMG announce DJ's whilst others either dont know or are still submitting seems very poor. Perhpas its time for somebody from NMG to pipe up and explain whats going on?
- Fri 14 Jan 2005 14:29:44
4 Strings may not be hyped as much as Tiesto, but it should be a very interesting experiment at Mardi Gras this year. Here's hoping the sound design (yes, 4 corner systems are necessary), lighting design (yes, full colour lasers are necessary), shows (ho hum, not my cup of tea) and visuals (yes, interesting VJ work is icing on the cake) compliment, instead of detract from the whole experience.
Production is the only package I'm interested in - Fri 14 Jan 2005 14:54:29
As far as I can remember there was no style requirments from NMG's expression of interest in the SSO.
If the trance DJ's had been reading Pinkboard they would have thought that a Finnish DJ was doing an 8 hour trance set in the Hordern....Maybe they put a prefered style other than trance...Most of them do have more than one style.
The 5th String - Fri 14 Jan 2005 16:42:13
Party Musical Footprint
Here’s the information you have been waiting for on what sounds to expect at this years party. The RHI this year will make a return to anthemic sounds, while the Dome will feature funky house.Following on from the success of last year’s retro space, Party 2005 will feature retro tunes in a double level dance space incorporating the rethemed Fox and Lion, as well as its surrounding areas.
Stage 11 will feature dirty, tribal beats, Phoenix-style. A women’s space, with a separate entrance, will take over the third level. Up and coming DJs will again have their chance to make their mark as finalists from the Mardi Gras DJ Spin-Off take over the Peter Finch Lawn. And for the first time, Party will boast a breaks and hip-hop area with a dedicated space in its own marquee.
Local DJ line-up will be announced on Thursday, 27
Join Our Party DJ Listening Panels
Have your say on other DJs on the night by joining our party listening panels.
This year we are opening our Party DJ selection process to New Mardi Gras members.
If you have a passion for dance music and an up-to-date knowledge of the following styles: Tribal, Retro, Traditional RHI Anthem sound, Funky House, Breaks & hip-hop - then we want to hear from you!
Listening panels will take place on Saturday, 22 January at New Mardi Gras HQ (297 Trafalgar Street, Petersham) from 11am till 5ish.
So for all those members I wont be here will be away but hopefully members will go and have there say
To express your interest, email djselection@mardigras.org.au with ‘LISTENING PANEL’ in the subject field with a brief explanation of why you consider yourself suitable to be on the panel. But be quick, spaces are definitely limited
sammy d - Fri 14 Jan 2005 18:55:56
And "
Being a fan of the tribal/funky/electro sound in this room "
you cant be talking about the Hordern ? its never ever been like that. Maybe some tribal but never funky , never electro.
Its famous for its harder edge music like hardhouse/hard nrg/hard trance..............
So can anyone enlighten us to the type of trance this guy plays ? I've searched Soulseek etc but cant find any recent tracks ?
I HOPE its not girly/commercial trance.
The harder the better in the Hordern - Fri 14 Jan 2005 20:29:48
As i won't be here for the party, i won't be nominating to attend, but i think anybody who is passionate about the party and the music they want to hear should definitely be contacting NMG pronto.
ps - had a little chuckle at the inherent contradiction of "up to date knowledge" and "retro" being used in the same sentence.
Ms Golightly - Fri 14 Jan 2005 21:45:38
(or for sleaze)
Antems in the RHI (hope they fix the sound)
Trance in the Horden (4 strings is amazing)
I am a huge 4 Strings Fan, for those of you who have not heard his stuff check out the url below;
http://www.4strings.nl/MUSIC/promo%20mix%20jan%202005.mp3
Well done Mardi Gras... Now all you need to do is deliver on a great night, with lots of pretty lights
More than 4 Strings - Fri 14 Jan 2005 23:02:55
I thought that we where aiming for equality in the wider community, if so then why are we dividing within our own community.
Is this simply bowing to pressure, or does someone (a woman) at Mardi Gras have an agenda?
I dont think the community should support a womens space at the party - unless we have spaces for everyone else...
queer, bi, crossdresser - Fri 14 Jan 2005 23:10:17
There is 7 weeks to Mardi Gras (or 49 days)!!!
There is 7 weeks to Mardi Gras (or 49 days)!!!
There is 7 weeks to Mardi Gras (or 49 days)!!!
There is 7 weeks to Mardi Gras (or 49 days)!!!
There is 7 weeks to Mardi Gras (or 49 days)!!!
countdownboy - Sat 15 Jan 2005 01:00:29
Maybe it can be organised for Fred Nile and his devotees to picket outside the entrance to the womens' space?
- Sat 15 Jan 2005 01:12:16
His set will follow a two-hour warm-up by Adelaide-based Mardi Gras party favourite DJ Josh. Other DJs will be announced on Thursday 27 January.
My 5 cents worth - Wed 12 Jan 2005 23:38:33"
As an artist/producer, 4Strings has (have?) released some quality uplifting vocal trance material in the past few years. Some of these tracks have featured heavily in the sets (and compilation discs) of top trance DJs such as Armin Van Buuren and Paul Van Dyk. I have never heard him spin, but I'm guessing that he'll be playing uplifting and melodic trance with a bit of harder stuff thrown in.
As for DJ Josh getting the opening set in the Horden, I can understand why some local trance DJs might be a bit miffed. I don't think she's a particularly good choice to open, in that her sets are quite upbeat and include quite a lot of older and cheesier tracks (which may be better suited to a closing or recovery set). A good opening set is like a good entre - gets you off to a good start, but doesn't spoil the main meal! Just my opinion, though. I'm sure there'll be plenty of other very happy punters with DJ Josh on the decks....
Trance Boy - Sat 15 Jan 2005 01:19:20
"Take me away" - 4 Strings: mid 2002
Adam - DJ Josh'll upstage him y'know - Sat 15 Jan 2005 04:03:36
- Sat 15 Jan 2005 04:03:36
Latest track is come closer...
also has some promo mix stuff around as well...
- Sat 15 Jan 2005 07:57:54
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
I hope there is some harder stuff installed for us. I would love the Hordern to be back to what it was prior to Sleaze - packed/hard and pumping.
Just my opinion - Sat 15 Jan 2005 09:21:23
This is an appauling decision by NMG, to continue the Women ONLY space is truely offensive to members. I'm aware of their reasons but their rationalisations are no different to that of gay men. As much as we would like to believe otherwise, straight males attending the party with their women are not all that tollerant of a gay man's activity/behaviour at the party, evidenced many times, but we deal with the glares, the insults, name-calling, sometimes violence and so on as gay men have always had to do. We don't see the men lobbying for a mens space. Individual spaces for individual groups would totally destroy the party, we all know this. Having a Women ONLY space buys into this ridiculous concept and perpetuates exclusivity. I'm tired of NMGs lip service about the ideals of inclusion, diversity and tollerance, it's certainly not evidenced by their actions here.
There are many issues here, equality, priveledge, exclusivity, respect. I believe NMG are failing to meet the ideals of the organisation. This really erks me and should be put to a member vote.
Xane - Sat 15 Jan 2005 12:24:59
No no no, c'mon move along....Security??!!!
- Sat 15 Jan 2005 12:35:31
There has been a womens space at most of the MG and Sleaze parties for years. This debate happens on this wall every party. Many mens spaces have been tried in the past and are usually empty. There is no point in MG providing a mens space when it has never worked before. Men want a sex space which is now impossible! Women are getting a very small space to themselves and it's hardly going to impact on the rest of the party. As many women have pointed out on this wall before they are sometimes overwelmed by large groups of tall muscular men and the womens space simply provides them with somewhere to go to get away from all that testosterone.
GT - Sat 15 Jan 2005 12:57:39
Yes I know all the inclusion/equality arguments.
Xane - it is no where near being a prime bit of real estate.
I would never support a mens hall and a female hall either.
This is nothing more than a breathing space for the ladies as my lady friends do get extremely overwhelmed around the 4-5am period and onwards as the dance floor becomes pure testerone.
If we did have a mens room it would turn into a sex space and then the room or the party would be closed.
I am not against sex spaces either but its the law and its no use going over that argument again.
T. - Sat 15 Jan 2005 14:10:17
Since when does being a woman mean you should get extra special treatment. If I have to put up with the hetros, you girls can put up with the boys etc. Its only fair.
If you declared the whole of the hordern a mens only space it would be full, youd probrably sell more tickets to the party too.
But It has absoloutely nothing whatsoever to do with the size of the space or its use. Its about the principle.
Create a mens space 2 metres by 2 metres in a tent behind the portaloos for all I care. Or get get out some gaffer tape and mark 1 square metre of concrete next to the RHI as the mens only space it doesnt matter - its about equal rights not how many people need or want the space.
The comment "Many mens spaces have been tried in the past and are usually empty" is like saying there arent many aboriginals left alive so why should we bother to care about them.
If your going to provide special treatment for one group over another, your either going to cause offence, lose all credibility, or have to do the same for all groups.
I would hope any woman chosing to take advantage of this privelige based on blatant discrimination is duly ashamed of themselves.
Perhaps we can organise a protest and boo them all as they enter and leave, perhaps we can have a mardigras float to protest against this form of discriminatioon naming the board members as the problem!
As a supporter of human rights id have to say Id be disgusted with any individual choosing to take advantage of that space just as Im absoloutely ropable with the board for allowing it. New board next year!
Pissed Off - and I vote, and Im connected - Sat 15 Jan 2005 14:39:12
Yeah, I want a men's only space - in the form of a toilet facility where men who actually need to go to the toilet for a quick pee (without trough boy types) can do it without having to queue for half an hour because the cubicles are being used as "a sex space", and the urinals are being used as a cruising wall.
I'm know I'm not the only gay man that goes to the party without any interest in having/seeing/finding sex there or being picked up, and I find the generalisation of "GT - Sat 15 Jan 2005 12:57:39" demonstrates the lack of capacity of some people to think past stereotypes.
As for the women and their friends space, it all comes down to this concept being a complete afront to the stated values of NMG.
GLBT events should remain GBLT - Sat 15 Jan 2005 15:59:35
Well I've never really thought of DJ Josh as a "Trance" DJ. Might be wrong though. Perhaps she submitted under one of the other categories.
And, really if we're honest about it, the poor thing has hardly been given the prime spot on the bill. Chances are the crowd in there won't be much to write home to Adelaide about until about 11:30. Might have been nicer for NMG to give Josh an extra hour and trumpet a "marathon 9 hour set" for 4strings
And I'd be surprised (and not pleased) if Luke, etc have not submitted an "RHI Anthems" application since up until recently that's pretty much what "trance" has been in gay Sydney. Big thumping/floaty remixes of vocal anthems til about 6am then getting chunkier through to the close.
Personally, I think Sleaze this year was a bit of an exception - a fantastic exception - but it was by far the tranciest I've ever heard the RHI.
Anyway - I ain't playin favourites any more. Even hande, me. I've applied to be on the Listening Panel! Look out!
Trance Trance Trance - If you can't join 'em... Judge 'em! - Sat 15 Jan 2005 16:18:18
Goodness GT! If a guy wrote in begging for a safe party haven from all that hair-flicking and estrogen we'd probably tell him to get a life and to stop being such a mysogynist. Haven't we outgrown all this separatist, 70's stuff? If the Mardi Gras party isn't a safe space for women, then it's high time it was.
- Sat 15 Jan 2005 16:36:25
If we are about equality and acceptance, then we should have a str8 space, a queer space, blah blah blah...
I dont support a womens space....
putme in the carpark with there trucks! - Sat 15 Jan 2005 17:27:19
Many women report being hassled. Do you have any suggestions how to make it safer for women?
Also, why this call for bi, etc spaces? It is about gender not sexuality.
1m square mens space - Sat 15 Jan 2005 19:37:50
I withdrew my expression of interest in protest. I thought Josh leap frogging the submission process was insulting and the fact that the Horden was completely taken off the table before submissions had even closed rendered it a bit pointless. (For me.)
Apparently, according to MG, I'm the only one who feels this way, so go figure.
I was asked to submit for Anthems but, as I've mentioned on here before, I'm not comfortable with the RHI sound issues - I think selling tickets to a party knowing full well they can't deliver the promised experience is irresponsible. To me it's like buying a candy bar and only getting the wrapper. But obviously not everyone feels this way otherwise there would be more of an outcry.
So guess I'll be looking for other work for that night!
www.lukeleal.com - Sun 16 Jan 2005 04:21:25
There is now only 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
There is now only 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!!
countdownboy - Sun 16 Jan 2005 08:02:52
Report it to Security. The notion that lesbians should run away and hide in a separate space as a reaction to being hassled at a party that's about celebrating queer culture is just absurd. If it's going on to the extent that lesbians aren't safe at MG then that's the problem that needs to be tackled upfront - providing a separate space doesn't solve the problem at all.
I'm not sure that "being hassled" equates to the distaste for "tall muscular men" and "testosterone" that another poster mentioned. I would point out that if a guy expressed a desire for a Mardi Gras space free from soft-bosomed, high-voiced women reeking of estrogen we'd laugh him off the board having told him to grow up first. It's a celebration of the totality of queer culture. There's a time and a place for specifically same-sex celebration, this particular party isn't it. It's about women, men and trannies coming "together" to celebrate queer culture.
- Sun 16 Jan 2005 10:18:52
Many men are hassled as well, we're not all big tall and muscley, jeeze some of the dykes are bigger than me. As someone said, a separate space doesn't fix the safety issue. If it's all too overwhelming there is always a chill out space isn't there?
- Sun 16 Jan 2005 11:25:13
There are others who didn't even bother to submit, based on similar views to yours Luke. You aren't alone in your feelings. AND you probably have the experience and success in your career to feel comfortable passing up playing at the party. For many others with a lesser resume, they may feel that they need to sibmit and hope to play in order to further their career highlights.
I'm sure there are others who have submitted who feel the same as you, but are just too scared of the consequences of withdrawing.
Power to you!
- Sun 16 Jan 2005 11:29:31
You seriously must go to different toilets than everyone else. Or (now here's a thought) you are *exaggerating*!
The two large toilets in the RHI and Hordern are *never* too busy these days have a slash. They are huge and people move in and out pretty quickly. Even the smaller toilets upstairs at the rear of the Hordern are ususally pretty fast moving. There is admittedly sometimes a small queue at the Dome and both upstairs and downstairs at City Live simply because those are small toilets.
If you really want to take a pee, though, there's really no need to wait in line for the cubicles. No-one's gonna look. And even if they do, well, take it as a compliment. Chances are in those harsh neon lights, they ain't gonna be too attractive anyway. And if you wait until you actually *need* to go there will be no performance anxiety either! (important tip )
And "trough boy types"??? When was the *actual* last ime you *actually* saw an *actual* live person (boy OR man) lying in a urinal at Mardi Gras??? I've seen *one* in the the ten years and that was TroughMan(TM) years ago.
Let's not go too over the top.
When you gotta go... - Sun 16 Jan 2005 11:33:29
I'm yet to hear a valid arguement to justify this.
Did I hear someone mention the mens toilets? keep the women out of there please, women mingling around a urinal is really off.
Xane - Sun 16 Jan 2005 11:39:42
Womens space is no problem,
The men have all sort of places to go such as saunas and cruise clubs, and we have only one thing on our mind mostly. But the girls are different and a womens space is no big deal. But I would like a toilet to go too that is just a toilet, no big ques for people who want to have sex or do drugs.
sammy d - Sun 16 Jan 2005 11:44:41
This is not good news.
One of my most searing non-show memories of an MG Party is of you spinning Lange's "Believe" in the RHI in 2000. Had been having a sit-down watching the lights for a little while and the first strains of that song transported me back onto the dancefloor completely renewed. It still sends shivers down my spine when I play it now.
Cos for me all this stuff about the audio quality and volume and the dj selection dramas all tends to just wash away and what I remember from the night is the weather and the parade and the pre-party party and the music and shows and the friends I saw and the food I ate and the outfit I wore and the recoveries and the skills of the DJs in putting their set together.
I'm very forgiving of a thousand little dramas and try to appreciate the totality of the night - not just individual bits of it. If the friends or the weather or the parade or the music are great it totally makes up for the volume being a bit down or a momentary power cut or a disappointing show or slow cloakroom or something. There's so much that goes into the whole experience of the event and I just wish we could all get back to that sense of wonder about it - especially on Pinkboard.
There is so much good in the events around MG that I think people should be much more forgiving of the individual things they don't like about them - whether dj or music-related, womens space, mens space, toilets, cloak room, whatever.
Will miss you and your music if you aren't there Luke.
Trance Trance Trance - Call me Pollyanna - Sun 16 Jan 2005 12:05:43
Dear Luke, in the spirit of the party, why don't you and Brad lighting guy take the night off and .....go dancing?!? At Mardi Gras! Surely a good dance will do you the world of good. I will even buy you a water/juice/red bull/water, give you a hug and wish you a "happy mardi gras handsome" Its not all about spinning, remember without Mardi Gras you wouldn't be where you are today!
- Sun 16 Jan 2005 12:08:46
I checked out the rumour on Peter Rauhofer and his mixes
are awesome..........pity he wont be coming.
Sigh - Sun 16 Jan 2005 16:46:29
to state that at a G&L event women are being hassled (presumably by men if wanting to retreat to a women's space) seems pretty out of date.
straight men who bother lesbians at such an event are shut down by someone - security or a bystander, if not a friend or a woman strong enough to tell the loser to F&^K OFF.
is it gay men then? well we know it aint a sex thing then, so are they just being rude? get real folks, be a little stronger for a change and stand up for yourself or at least get over yourself.
if you have personally experienced something outside of these examples please tell us yours (first-hand only, no a friend-of-a-friend stories please). my advice, don't lose your friends, they're so much more valuable than a same-sex space if they're good friends
- Sun 16 Jan 2005 17:21:35
I'm not sure this is an entirely correct statement.
I clearly recall Sleaze ball 1992 when Rob Davis and John Hardidge (RIP) were the DJ's. The music that year was so quiet that everyone flocked to the Hordern where Murray Grimley (where did he go to) and Kate Munroe were the DJ's. On that night the Hordern was packed all night and the RHI half full. It wasnt until after 6am that night that people went back to the RHI as the sound level were increased.
The RHI has had some good moments in regards to sound levels particularly in the era 1996-99 but it just goes to show you that it has always had "issues"
My 5 cents worth - Sun 16 Jan 2005 22:41:52
Tossers on Lang Rd complained about the 'noise' (read: gays).
Adam - Mon 17 Jan 2005 00:58:59
The Woman's Lounge bar(TM) at the last Sleaze was empty until we all found it.
I usually dislike separate woman's spaces, having experienced the weird feeling that the old Carousel bar used to have and watchin my butch friends being denied entry until they flashed their tits (a bit funny too).
The upper floor of Stage 11 is a crap girl-only space as is too far away from the party and shit to have to drop our male friends at the bottom of the stairs.
The lovely mix of having a little designated corner just for chicks to hang about, chat and have a sit down in at the last Sleaze was just the thing as it was only a very small corner of the Hordern. The music was the same, it was right near a women's toilets, we could see the main floor, the lights, chat with boys over the low barrier and join them for a dance on the main floor or rest our feet for a little while longer and enjoy being able to see each other. That time it worked.
Bgrrl - Mon 17 Jan 2005 01:18:11
There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Mon 17 Jan 2005 08:32:37
Complaints about noise on the site have been made for many years. They increased substantially when the RAS moved out and Fox moved in - the idea of a 24 hour entertainment site was a bit much for many local residents. Clover Moore championed local resident objections (it's been funny watching Pinkboarders urge each other to write to her to get her backing for increased noise). There's no obvious solution here other than compromise.
- Mon 17 Jan 2005 08:33:01
I remember that - the RHI was practically empty! That was my second Sleaze, ahhh, memories.
And you are right, during the Carley/Leeson era, sound was never a problem (in fact the RHI has rarely sounded that good since.) However the first party after that era - Sleaze 'Homosutra' with Goodyear middle & Leal closing (I can't remember who opened) - was severly limited sound wise (I do believe there was some awful atmosphere-sucking compression. yuuk.) yet other parties after it weren't. till recently that is.
- Mon 17 Jan 2005 09:55:47
Any woman who has done a big party would have these "first person" stories to tell. If me or the gfriend leave each other for five minutes (to get drinks, to go to the toilet) at least one man has a go, and is always persistant. This has happened at every sleaze and mardi gras party from the past five years.
It's this complaining and crying about "equal rights" for gay men that makes us as a community look like a bunch of spoiled children. Does it really matter? How is it really important? Why don't you have other things to think about?
- Mon 17 Jan 2005 10:05:29
Exactly! Bzzt! Next topic.
I still reckon Cher is gonna do a surprise gig at MG. 3am show in the RHI. It will start out as a cavalcade of Drag and Muscle filling the stage to something like Strong Enough. Then out of the middle of the stage Cher will rise up, towering over all she surveys, and sing Believe as she makes her way down the stairs. Ahhhh lovely!
And if she doesn't? Well I'm seeing her a couple of nights before so I won't care. I just have a sneaking suspicion the denials are all a bit tooooooo emphatic!
Trance Trance trance - Mon 17 Jan 2005 11:17:56
Surely the whole reason for mardi gras is that a minority group can get together and, for one night at least, be the majority. Is it too much to ask that we let a minority within that minority have the same experience, however small?
CeeJay - Mon 17 Jan 2005 11:39:03
Although I comprehend (to a certain extent) your point of view - it sounds like you are in fear of, and threatened by the girls more than anything. As a gay man myself, I welcome and support a chill out area for the gals - my sisters.
For decades, women have been placed in the background - always an afterthought.
What about their equal rights in being a valued component of the gay community?
I mean really, you've probably spent some time in the 'backroom' or 'SEX' room (which is men's only) over the years and probably too busy wanting a bit cock rather than stop and think how offensive is this to the women. I mean - do the women really care if the men spend the whole night of a party in a dark seedy room?
Even now, there are areas of Horden where you don't see a girl for 10 metres! I believe that would be a men's only kind of area.
Not only do you have a problem with your sisters - but you also seem to have a problem with straight people at a party. I mean - these 'hetros' are members of a larger community who are comfortable with us, enjoy our parties because of the vibe/the more light-hearted atmosphere to standard venues, and isn't our community wanting be
accepted and respected as part of the larger community anyway? If we ALL gave hetros the cold shoulder or made it clear we were just putting up with them at 'our' parties, I'm sure that'd go down REAL well.
If the girls want a space for themselves, well go for it!
My advice to you Pissed Off: either get over yourself or don't come to the party.
Regards,
Artemis - Mon 17 Jan 2005 12:16:54
I'm so glad sydney's and the worlds most buffed and beautiful people will be attending azure at least we know their all corralled in one place, what body fascist, elitist bull for a group who clam to represent our community......well they don't if this is the only type of person they like at their party. Azure out, Harbour Party come back.
johno (just another ugly fag)
- Mon 17 Jan 2005 13:42:37
I don't know any lesbian who finds the idea of gay men having sex "offensive" I know lots - including me - who might find your suggestion that we do, a bit offensive.
- Mon 17 Jan 2005 13:48:35
And why is it up to us, the women who are already feeling unsafe, to fix the problem? You will never get rid of straight men who prey on women at these parties so the best way to ensure we all have a safe and enjoyable party is to give women a safe space. This space welcomes women and their gay friends. As long as boys in the womens space are accompanied by women you'll find the women in the womens space will be happy. But single guys roaming around by themselves in the womens space is not on. And so too hetero couples searching the womens space for a third wheel.
Fed up - Mon 17 Jan 2005 14:47:41
http://users.tpg.com.au/adslko0l/sleaze_ball.htm
u rock!
www.lukeleal.com - Mon 17 Jan 2005 14:58:02
NMG = Equality
Party = Equality, surley this means we all party together with no seperation.
Are we not all equal? why does anyone need a seperate area?
Maybe its a generation thing, im under 30 and so are most of my friends these being gay, lesbian and straight. We all go to the party together, dance together and have fun together. None of us see the need for seperate spaces, the party is about being together.
How as a community can we expect the wider community to accept us when we segregate our own at our parties?
Perpahs the older generation in our community feel the need for seperate areas. Perhaps people who havent really embraced changing social boundaries and who have been thru more harrasement in life than people my age want the seperate areas?
Any thoughts?
- Mon 17 Jan 2005 15:19:45
Well that seems to be a very valid argument for excluding straights from the party - not for having a gender specific area.
As for the rest of the pro women's space posters, which part of principle don't you understand? It's that simple.
GLBT events should remain GBLT - Mon 17 Jan 2005 15:23:57
What you're saying is that Mardi Gras is unsafe for lesbians and you are directly attributing that to the presence of straight/bi men. That's a pretty major problem and it's clearly one that needs to be solved. I don't think that running off to a womens space addresses it at all. Women aren't powerless in Mardi Gras. They fill the significant part of board, staff, and organisational positions. It's surely time that Mardi Gras addressed the cause rather than the synptoms.
- Mon 17 Jan 2005 15:32:33
What can one say. Are you proposing that a little crappy room is going to make you feel safe from being hit on by straight guys? I don't presume these men will only pester at fix times during the party, so unless you are proposing to stay within the 60 square meters of wimmins only space, you will have to deal with them at one time or another. Stop being the victim!
- i jus wanna talk about the shows - Mon 17 Jan 2005 15:46:16
Me too! I reckon Cher is a sure bet and i'm hoping that the scissor sisters may be able to hang around in the country long enough to put in an appearance!
I also wish all of the negative people in here would stop finding things to moan about and start feeling the love. Some of you appear to have forgotten how special it is that this party is happening at all. I know i'm going to have a great night and in the lead up to my great night i'm going to focus on the nice, positive, happy and fabulous things that surround our wonderful party.
Happy Happy Joy Joy!! - Mon 17 Jan 2005 16:22:58
Ambivalent about the girls space controversy, and tired of the arguing about it every year. Much rather make our own space in the Hordern with mates anyway.
But I'm glad we've made the decision to go. We'll have lots of room, lots of music choices, lots of friends, lots of fun. These are great parties. For me, the parade is my part of supporting my community, and the party is me being selfish and hedonistic. People in NMG organise for these things to happen, which is good and yay thanks to them. But NMG is not *my* community. To me they are the facilitators of events for the wider GLBTQI community, specifically in Sydney. I don't feel obligated to attend to "show my support to NMG". I really hope that the lessons of a few years ago have been well learned. No matter how big and important they feel, NMG survives by serving the GLBTQI community, not the other way round.
So yeah. Now to work out how to convince The Goodies to come to the party with me. Unless of course, they're already the 3am show in Stage 11...
Evil Twin - Mon 17 Jan 2005 16:50:59
That sounds very much like a paraphrase of John Howard's attitue to Gay marriage - ironic hey?
- Mon 17 Jan 2005 17:26:35
I have to say too many "No Cher is not at Party" tells me that Cher is at Party..
I know that MG was also talking with MTV as the music awards are the week before.. so maybe its
justin
Britney
or Christina
Does anyone know anything...
I need to know! - Mon 17 Jan 2005 19:11:02
DJ's for Mardi Gras are being selected THIS SUNDAY.
Who will get the guernseys ?
- Mon 17 Jan 2005 20:52:04
Hello !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you mean to say that its only at this parties that straight men hit on you ? never in your life outside of these parties ?
We have all been hit upon by women who think they can convert us ( or men who think they'll convert a lesbian ) or guys who wont take no for an answer. Its a problem every sexuality deals with at times.
So please dont use this piss weak argument. Where does all that lesbian agro go when confronted with this situation ?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm - Mon 17 Jan 2005 21:14:34
Its actually a space for women and their boy "friends" there is no segregation here. If you want to go up to that space, make friends with a gal and go on up. And then prehaps you can return the favour and take her to the middle of the large dance spaces, through the muscle boys and sweating shirtless men and show them the sites of the all boy area at the mardi gras party.
- Mon 17 Jan 2005 23:41:14
Although the series will only have about one episode left by that stage!!
Adam - Tue 18 Jan 2005 00:38:37
Yes, I know that the old mardi gras may have considered one of those mtv acts (considered!) but NMG wont be spending that kind of money on names like that.
Adam - Tue 18 Jan 2005 00:46:40
at a guess I'd say the normal names will get a run. I doubt there will be too many surprises.
Retro will be Blomfield, Dee and Scott
RHI - Shigeki, Ryan Murphy and maybe Alex Taylor (not sure if he's submitted or not)
dome - Seymour Butts (not sure who else)
stage 11 - Sveta, Mandy Rollins
Hip hop/breaks -Mr Flynn..
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 06:01:08
There are 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Tue 18 Jan 2005 08:03:19
i love it love it love it love it.
one of my gay boy friends got driven out of the sly fox by a group of lesbians on dyke night. he was made feel extrememly uncomfortable and then elbowed and pushed around. i am a female and have never had a problem with guys at mardi gras. never felt un welcome in the middle of the dance floor.....
get a life!!!!!!!!! - Tue 18 Jan 2005 08:58:07
god i hope not
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 08:59:31
Matt Steer
Neil Crawford
Luke Fry
Sveta
Ryan Murphy
DJ Josh (a given)
Alex Taylor
Mandy Rollins
lets have something a little bit different!
cheers
I head that NMG where spending money on talent... not sure what the amount is but hope they get some good talent.
I need to Know! - Tue 18 Jan 2005 11:42:38
oh dear god please don't let it be an Osborne
or maybe that would be kind of funny
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 12:31:56
See! I was right! It IS one of the Goodies!
But what would really make my party is Annie Lennox. But then, what would Sveta play?
Evil Twin - Tue 18 Jan 2005 13:04:47
or maybe that would be kind of funny
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 12:31:56
Ohhh please let it be Sharon Osbourne - now there's someone who would sort out the mindset of the women's space refugees ... LOL
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 13:46:27
You're hilarious.
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 14:00:25
Also, I reckon Cher is cher-tainly going to make an appearance!
Love the shows!! - Tue 18 Jan 2005 15:33:26
While there are certainly more men than women at Mardi Gras, including in the RHI, we have never felt anything but warmly welcomed & included by our gay brothers. Space is made for us, we are smiled at & chatted to, & we are danced with. I have never felt either unsafe or unwelcome in the RHI, the Horden or the Dome, nor have I ever been hit on or seen other women hit on, by straight men. I have often seen the reverse though.
The only aggro I have ever experienced at any of the big parties has been in years past when I have been elbowed & pushed by some straight women, who seem to sometimes have an aggressive attitude towards all others around them.
The only spaces at Mardi Gras I have ever felt unwelcome in have been the women's only spaces, where if you are not one of the "in" crowd, you are not made to feel welcome. The atmosphere in the women's only space never seems to me to be a party atmosphere & I no longer go there for even one song.
Thanks to all the boys for all the smiles over all the years.
Retro Girl - Can't wait for number 16! - Tue 18 Jan 2005 15:34:24
I agree 100% with these sentiments and have also never experienced anything other than friendliness from all the guys at the party. Perhaps if you walked around with a smile on your face rather than a scowl you may receive the same back!
Kerry - Tue 18 Jan 2005 16:28:38
Too Late Baby!
lets have something a little bit different!
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 11:05:56
Two straight guys and a sub QN line up? At least try to be different!
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 16:38:30
There - done and dusted - a balance of male/female talent and look - not an international needed in sight!!
on with the job - Tue 18 Jan 2005 18:30:40
Stage 11 - Feisty, Kelly Lynch, Chip, Peter Farris
Breaks - Mandy Rollins, Mike Kelly, Flynn
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 20:02:08
2 nights of the year when we all come together and for those that cant cope with the mixing of the sexualites, stay at home.
We've had the straight bashing / the separate spaces argument, can we now move on to more rumours on who may be appearing ? what DJ's will be playing ?
And be nice please
Hmmmmmmmmmmm - Tue 18 Jan 2005 20:15:50
lets have something a little bit different!
cheers
R
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 11:05:56
rhi: shigeki, neal crawford, dan murphy
There - done and dusted - a balance of male/female talent and look - not an international needed in sight!!
on with the job - Tue 18 Jan 2005 18:30:40
Neal Crawford did not submit.
- Tue 18 Jan 2005 21:49:18
That's a real shame. But then, does that mean he's free to come to the party as a punter? Perhaps as the 4am show? :-o
- Wed 19 Jan 2005 00:14:53
will of the statements saying Cher is not appearing - make me think that she is appearing - which would be amazing, if not i have my ticket for the Cher show, but to see her on the stage at the RHI would be just be the icing on the cake, for a Mardi Gras that is sounding like it is shaping up to be one of the best ever.
International Trance DJ, new music styles, changing the venues around, and putting trance back where it belongs in the Horden (keep reading its going to be like a frisky party - hope so)!
Well done Mardi Gras, looking forward to the party
Got my ticket, got my Gear, ready to Play!
its all good - Wed 19 Jan 2005 06:53:36
There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Wed 19 Jan 2005 08:43:19
how do u know they were straight ?????
- Wed 19 Jan 2005 08:49:36
The following is froma press release:
"The line-up for 2005 is:
The Prodigy
Armand Van Helden
Grandmaster Flash
Rank 1
MIKE (push)
Signum
Jan Johnston (live)
Richie Hawtin
Dave Seaman
Luke Chable
Junior Sanchez
Dj Hyper
Ed Real
Andy Farley"
That could be fun. Who else is going to be in Sydney on or around the 5th of March???
- Wed 19 Jan 2005 09:45:07
... oh, and Prodigy Shmodigy!
"None of my overweight or butch friends have ever been hit on..."
- Wed 19 Jan 2005 09:38:40
Ooooooooh! I suspect them's fightin' words!
Trance Trance Trance - Wed 19 Jan 2005 10:47:25
I've been cruised quite a bit... but that was by trashy gay boys who thought I was a bloke! Hehehe! Flirting, cruising, pashing and enjoying the sexually charged energy of a Big Gay Dance Party is one of my favourite reasons for going.
- Wed 19 Jan 2005 11:11:57
Isn't it Two Tribes? It was on the same night last year. They have some absolute legends in that line up. But then again, so do we...... or do we? Any goss on who's submitted?
- Wed 19 Jan 2005 11:47:37
Hardly think that Jan Johnson would appeal to the funky crowd. Seeing she has released tracks like Nothing but you with PVD, beach breeze, calling your name, free fall, love will come etc ....quite up there with the Trance Divas. But I have to agree that she isn’t a gay icon.
The show is taken care of anyway. Cher is going to be singing “if I could turn back time” whilst straddling KD Lang. Its a duo act.....!
Ryan Murphy - Wed 19 Jan 2005 12:05:49
Would also be great if we could get DJ Rado to play MG05 (up and coming dj)
- Wed 19 Jan 2005 13:07:17
C'mon guess if you cannot sort out the simpliest thing as a website, how can you run a first class party?
Just want to find out what is happening - Wed 19 Jan 2005 13:58:43
Sorry for the tad bit of confusion - In this instance I meant "funky" more in terms of "hip/happening/with-it/groovy" than as in "funky house". I think the key word in relation to her crowd, though, is "straight" as you'd agree.
Seagulls screetching and making love in the ocean - not really gay imagery. That sand has a nasty habit of getting in everywhere!
Trance Trance Trance - Ouch! - Wed 19 Jan 2005 14:00:12
Your message has a lot of grammatical and punctuation errors. These errors are very simple errors. Come on ... if you can't even get _that_ right, then how can we take your post seriously?
:-P
- Wed 19 Jan 2005 14:23:50
NEWS FLASH
NG,
this is the Pinkboard: Mardi Gras Party 2005 Graffiti Wall 1, so countdownboy's countdown is appropriate to this wall.
If you're looking for the mind-expanding garbage placed by anonymous posters, perhaps you want the Pinkboard Graffiti Wall - Festival Graffiti Wall 1
Yes, I know sarcasm is the lowest form of wit - Wed 19 Jan 2005 14:30:05
Personally, I've never experienced any bad male behaviour (gay or straight) at Mardi Gras. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones... However, I have at Manacle and Arq but security have always been very helpful.
Armand Van Helden rocks!!!
- Wed 19 Jan 2005 14:55:22
Seems like someone needs a hug This is the PARTY wall
- Wed 19 Jan 2005 17:03:37
Hmmn, drop 'Brad Lights' in there too and you have a bunch a guys who "it seems in the opinion of this poster" are only are interested in Mardi Gras if they are getting paid! Think about where you came from fellas! Neal is the exception. I think its great he has stepped aside to let his homo brothers spin at our own gay party.
Thank godness for the rest of us! Now - Lets party on!!!!!
- (no my name isnt on the door!) - Wed 19 Jan 2005 18:38:38
I take great offense to your uneducated post.
NMG have paid their DJ's for all their parties, except for their first (MG 03, I believe). There is no issue of not being paid at this party, and it has never been an issue. My decision (I cannot speak on behalf of the others, but I believe they have similar views) is based purely on the following points:
1. I do not believe their submission process is adequate. There are problems with it all over the place, as shown in the fact that DJ Josh has been announced before the submission process has even closed.
2. The sound in the RHI is terrible. Until there is some guarantee that the issue is fixed, I am not interested in playing when the punters can talk louder than the music.
3. MSF Event Management and the sound engineers used need to be changed. I have had numerous issues with them over the years, such as being told the sound check for all 3 DJ's in the RHI can only go for 5 minutes because the show rehearsal is running overtime, and being told that the DJ box is set up how it should be, and who gives a stuff what all 3 DJ's who are using the DJ box think.
These ar my reasons for not submitting. It has nothing to do with money. AND for your information, when NMG was starting up and had no money for DJ's for their first party, I offered to play for free. In fact, Sveta, Jo Jo and I believe Fiesty all offered and were told we had spots in the line up, only to be dropped without being told. I understand that Sveta may have even turned down paid overseas work in order to play for free, and therefore lost money and the experienec of spinning overseas.
In relation to your 'think where you came from' comment, I thank the guys at the Beresford, Flinders and Taxi Club for giving me my first break. I also thank drag queens like Atlanta Georgia, Penny Tration, Tess Tickle, Chelsea Bun, Trudi Valentine, Portia Turbo and Farren Height(and more) for supporting my career in its early days. I also throw out a big thankyou to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (and in particular, Glenn Horder) for breaking me into the big party scene.
I wish NMG ongoing success and more money in the bank so that they can continue the tradition, but I really don't owe anything to them. I do thank them for having me at two of their parties, but by that time I was established with the help of others.
In short, your post is garbage. The kind of garbage based on fiction that starts nasty and untrue rumours. If you are going to post such comments you really should do some research first.
www.jakekilby.com - Not in it for the money and never have been - Wed 19 Jan 2005 21:47:07
There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - counting to the party on the party wall - Thu 20 Jan 2005 00:03:34
This comment makes no sense. I withdrew my expression of interest in protest because I felt the submission process was severely flawed and blatantly unfair to all submitting DJs (not just me). It had absolutely nothing to do with money. I have been submitting for these parties for ten years now so give me the benefit of the doubt that perhaps I have some experience and know what I'm talking about? I've certainly never felt any need to do this before.
Mardi Gras holds an incredibly special place in my heart and my history - don't presume to question my intentions! As Jake mentioned above, a bunch of us where more than eager to donate our services for the 2003 party and I would gladly do it again if need be.
And you can bet that 4 Strings ain't doin MG because he loves being a part of these parties and this community.
www.lukeleal.com - Thu 20 Jan 2005 03:39:24
If one is a fully paid member of Mardi Gras could one actually demand to sight the finanacial records to query the amount of "OUR" money that is paid to "4 Strings" to perform at the 2005 Party ?
I am afterall a paying member of this company. Surely I'm entitled to ask how much of "MY" money is being spent on this person ?
In any normal company set up the finanacial records are available to show what was paid to bring in any form of hired help. Yet with Mardi Gras this information seems to be hidden away like a top secret X-File buried at the bottom of a dark deep filing cabinet.
It seems odd to me that performers fees have in the past been hidden in the financial statement as a bulk amount covering all performers, DJ's, lighting operators, drag shows etc.
Surely as paid members of Mardi Gras we are entitled to know if we are getting value for money with this so called "Legendary Dutch DJ".
I for one would be VERY cross and angry if our local DJ's are being paid $x per hour and the so called "Legendary Dutch DJ" is getting paid $x per hour by a factor of more than one and a half.
Mardi Gras preach us these ideals of being open and transparent but frankly they just don't perform what they preach.
I have this nightmare vision sometimes in my head of Mark Orr and Steph Sands standing up in front of the crowd at a members meeting and saying "Do what I say and not what I do".
Don't you just love double standards ?
.
My 5 cents worth - Thu 20 Jan 2005 07:18:19
You are entitled to request the financial report, however I think NMG are only obliged to hand them over at the end of the financial year (at the AGM).
This report, however, will only contain very broad budgets, not specifics. The reason they don't need to show you all of these individual expendatures is probably due to the fact that they pay a lump sum to MSF Event Management and then MSF go out and make all of the payments.
I highly doubt anyone from NMG will disclose any infomation regarding how much money was spent on 4 Strings. I also higly doubt they have allocated 1.5 times of what they ordinarily pay local DJs (which would work out to be around $4,500). I think it would be more like $10,000 plus expenses, or more. Perhaps I am wrong - if anyone has more of an idea, please share with us your thoughts.
It'd be nice to know all of these costs, though. I've always wondered how much they pay their performers.
- Thu 20 Jan 2005 07:45:45
To conceal this information from me is deceptive and shows that NMG are trying to hide things from the people whose annual membership keeps them afloat
My 5 cents worth - Thu 20 Jan 2005 07:54:59
I agree with you 100%. This information should be made available to members only on request. If it isn't then how are we to gauge if the money being spent on these overseas acts is getting our community group value for money. Are we to just trust these people who are on the board to be making the right financial investment in a DJ that many of us have never heard of ? It's decisions like these that voting members judge the board on. How are we to make a balanced judgement on the board when we aren't allowed to know the total spent on this DJ ?
And as for the fact that he'll be getting heaps more than our locals, we'll that's just wroong in my opinion.
White Dove - Thu 20 Jan 2005 08:05:22
As a long time supporter of Mardi Gras, both new and old, I can hand on heart say, I don’t for one minute think that either Jake or Luke or any of the other DJs referred to are in DJing at Mardi Gras for the Money, if you have stood under a mirror ball, raised your hands in the air, or lost yourself in the Lasers to the sounds of Luke or Jake, you would know that they are both professionals who deliver the absolute best that they can to the people on the floor.
While it make me sad that they are going to be playing at the party MORE POWER to them for taking a stand for what they both believe in and having the balls to try and make a difference.
It saddens me to think that they stand up for what they believe in they are then savaged.. what ever happened to "Our Freedom, Your Freedom"?
DirtyBoi - Thu 20 Jan 2005 08:52:35
HA...! No it's not...! and why on earth *any* guy would want to go there is beyond me. Oh no... not one of those 80s recycled 'feminists' type guys [shudder].
But you miss the point entirely, which may not be a bad thing (ignorance is bliss). It's not really about spaces is it? Just like Johnny's gay marriage legislation has very little to do with marriage. For those who still do not understand, or pose the question "what is it about then?" ...it might be time to research your gay history.
Xane
- Thu 20 Jan 2005 09:43:15
The debate over whether a DJ plays for money and fame, or whether they do it for the love of music and the chance to share that passion with others is becoming tiresome. I bet there are similar debates in the archives of Pinkboard that have remained unresolved.
I'm not interested in whether Luke and Jake are in it for the money - I'm certain that they're not. Long term careers are not sustained by greedy people with low integrity. I'm sure we would all be able to spot it in them (and others) long before now.
My concern is, however, with NMG booking an international act for a ten hour set. 4 Strings' set will take the lions share of air time in the Hordern - leaving a small percentage for local (read Australian) talent - and perhaps local content. With all the concerns from the music and entertainment industry stakeholders over the threat to local content posed by the FTA, I wonder if this is the right message to be sending to the NMG punters? I also wonder what APRA would have to say about these concerns?
-
Pornstar Girl - Thu 20 Jan 2005 11:00:55
Hey guy tone down the vitriol please. We don't need to hear hysterical uninformed attacks on here of this nature.
Have you contacted NMG to discuss your concerns with them? You don't indicate whether you have, so I suspect not. If you have a query about the party organisation I suggest you contact them and ask. Nicely! While you are at it you might like to offer to donate some of your time, insight and wisdom to help make the party, parade or festival even more fabulous than it already will be.
As for disappointments of various kind with process etc. I can understand this at one level but I think we all need to accept that no community organisation or process is a static thing. It ain't set in stone and there's no handbook that says "this is the right way to do it". With changing personnel and personalities organising this stuff every year there will be new ideas all the time about thow things should be done. As well as various levels of skill and experience in putting those ideas into action. New people are involved every year. Change is inevitable and not all people on the outside will agree with the changes or understand them.
But I think you should all just give NMG a break. They are not maliciously trying to rape and pillage our community's DJ talent. There's no malicious plot to destroy or offend. They are just trying to organise a heap of events in a short space of time with a very lean resource base of cash and personnel and at the same time try to stamp some creativity and inspiration on the face of the 2005 events to make them memorable. At least give them credit for trying some different things, even if you might not think the process has been as informative as it might be. (although how you keep everyone informed while being able to spring some 'marketing surprises' like 4Strings is an interesting question)
And if some people have taken offence at elements of the organisation and withdrawn from the processes I respect that. But that's their decision and I don't think that means others need to take up arms and cane NMG for their arrangements. Nor are we being asked to by the DJs concerned.
To anyone who thinks better strategic and organisation skills are needed, I say get in there and get on the board or the event committees and make a difference, whoever you are. NMG are crying out for help right now.
I co-managed a festival in another State for 2 years and I can tell you it's neither easy nor is it always clear what the best way to do things is. You do your best, try to keep people involved and when needed cut to the chase and get on with it. Some people are going to be upset along the way but that's life. Maybe next year's will be more to their liking.
Time for a chill pill and back to who the shows will be!
Trance Trance Trance - HATE the vitriol - Thu 20 Jan 2005 11:17:56
Regardless of which dj's are chosen most local gay people in Sydney will go to the party anyway and the number of tickets this means is pretty much the same each year (say 15,000 or so).
So, how do you sell 5000 *extra* tickets?
Selling extra tickets can only be done by finding additional customers who dont normally come.
Theres two possible sources : Tourists and local str8's.
How do you attract them? : A Famous international DJ.
Its that simple kids. Regardless of how much 4 Strings is being paid, Im sure he will more than pay for himself in the additional ticket sales to str8's and tourists who otherwise would not have gone to the party.
Im so glad Im going to toybox! - Thu 20 Jan 2005 11:31:34
who cares about womens space, dj's blah blah
as long as the music is pumping and yr there with yr close friends celebrating with all yr community its bound to be great (providing yr party poppers are great he he)
mistakes are made, but im sure they will be learnt from
as for who gets paid what etc etc WHO CARES... no one asks u how much u get pd.
if u dont wanna go...dont.
if u do...then stop whining and put yr time into something more constructive.... like finding that perfecy outfit, or perfecting yr tan!!!!!!!
BRING IT ON MARDI GRAS I KNOW YOU WILL>
pussycat - Thu 20 Jan 2005 11:40:35
I seem to have read this post differently to everyone else. I thought he was implying that the DJ's and lighting guy wouldn't be attending Mardi Gras (as in buying tickets to go to party) because they weren't being paid to work there. Infact, wasn't Brad W spruiking for a comp ticket on here last year (or was that sleaze)?
- Thu 20 Jan 2005 12:15:43
How about a dj reunion at 3am in the dome or the breaks & hip hop tent? Pinkboarders can buy all identifying dj's a drink.You all deserve a drink and a laugh!!!!
Will buy you a drink too Panther... will you be dressed as a PinkPanther?
Ready to dance!..... whos with me? - Thu 20 Jan 2005 13:29:58
Pornstar so we are clear 4 Strings is only one of 20 DJs playin on the night...
the 5th major String - Thu 20 Jan 2005 13:37:08
Totally agree with Trance Trance Trance's comments. It seems some people are happy to moan on and on without offering to do anything constructive themselves ... i.e. get involved and make themselves heard instead of just soapboxing on here ... there's lots of us who are very much looking forward to MG, so thanks to those who are busily pulling it all together so we can have a great night!
... just in case we might think this moaning is only to be found on this board ... I am going to the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival in Byron Bay at Easter and there's some right ol' moaners on their bulletin board ... complaints about artists, prices, selling out to the mainstream ... blah! blah! blah! ... I don't know why these people don't just have their say (which we're all entilted to) and then decide to stay home or do something else instead of banging on and on when they have nothing to contribute except negativity ... ok, feel better now! ... can't wait for MG (and Byron Bay ... Sarah McLachlan! ... too cool!)
GD - Thu 20 Jan 2005 13:47:30
Sorry I take offense what a load of rubbish.
Where I came from, hmmm.. Mardi Gras and Sleaze Ball where quite down the track from me, I was so over the moon when I was offered my first party contract. (from memory 2000..?)
Previous to getting that contract I had been working my ass off in places like the Exchange Hotel, Blackmarket, Sky-garden, EP-1, Byblos, Slip Inn, doing the ICE parties and working for a Lighting and sound company. Its these venues and employers that I credit for where I am now.
For the record I have been a paying member of Mardi Gras and NMG since I was about 18 years old, 10 years now. Sure recently I have publicly stated that I have have felt that NMG/MSF have not been offering the correct money for Lighting Design and "in my opinion" offer us less money than industry standard rates because they know we want to do this party. I have also publicly stated that I don't know why anyone should be offered substandard rates when other contractors on the same event such as security guards, cleaners, riggers etc all get their industry standard rates. Surely thats not hard to understand...?
Sure the argument is out there that as a gay man I should be doing it for the community and giving. My response is that if I donated my time to everyone that asked I would be on the street, everyone wants a discount or expects that I can provide services and/or equipment for free. Its just not possible.
And for speaking my mind - well I got shot down in flames on pinkboard and didn't even get an interview with NMG re 2005 party (or was that because I didn't submit my lighting design in CAD...!?)
At the end of the day I really do think highly of Mardi Gras, im just very frustrated and upset that something that I have had my heart on since my first party is not really working out. I guess however thats life and is something that at one point in our life we all have experience and get on with.
As for Mardi Gras Festival. This really is one of my favourite times of the year, the launch, the film festival, the associated events and of course the party. Unfortunately this year im going to miss most of it as I will be in the USA, im back for the party and my partner and I are just waiting on the final DJ announcements before we get out tickets. Just because im not working the party doesn't mean I wont go.
Brad W - www.lightwright.com.au - Thu 20 Jan 2005 14:04:51
We used these people because they were as good as those evil tyrants from the other community. We used them because they really cared about our village gatherings. We used them because they always put in the extra mile. We probably also used them because they would always do it for less money. Irrespective, they came, year after year, and gave us their all.
What's changed? Nothing... except we don't use too many of them anymore. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Talent for Sydney's Mardi Gras Parties. Whether it be the DJ realm or the lighting area, I just can't understand why we are not, almost, exclusively, using the best we do have here.
If the DJs speak up or have an issue (especially about the equipment and conditions they have been subjected to of late), they get overlooked or feel so alienated that they do not want to be a part of it anymore. Our leading gay lighting designers don't even get a look in.
There are very good reasons why people are pissed off - we are ignoring all those talented people who keep this village running all year, not just one night. And why we continue to do this, the true deep down love and support will not be reborn after the huge disaster of 3 years ago. Just read the prominent people expressing themselves here. They use their names, they tell us why this or that. And they get crucified for it - by being ignored by our gathering and being attacked here.
Thank god I'm not dependant on some of the villagers for my doggie's food each week.
Noisy Gypsy - Thu 20 Jan 2005 14:24:00
I will say that this year the DJ selection process has had a number of marked improvements to ensure that it is fair and transparent. Yes some DJ’s have already been announced. I would imagine the reasons for doing this are of a commercial nature.
As for the poster that stated about Neal “think its great he has stepped aside to let his homo brothers spin at our own gay party” - (no my name isnt on the door!) - Wed 19 Jan 2005 18:38:.... Firstly I would like you to send me a kilo of what your smoking because its bound to be good. Secondly see firstly. Thirdy i will sell on what i dont use to the poster that thinks we get paid $4500 as they are almost out.
Lastly Thank You to the people that have expressed their concern that I didn’t get to submit for Trance. I have submitted in another style; which is more representative of the majority of work that I do in the clubs on a week-to-week basis. I look forward to being able to submit for Trance for sleaze however!
Hi Jake!
Ryan Murphy - Thu 20 Jan 2005 16:18:22
Well said Brad!
Just out of curiosity, is your US trip business or pleasure? I know one of our pinkboard DJ contributors is also going to be in the US at the same time making his international debut, and was wondering if there was some sort of aussie party we're missing out on?
- Thu 20 Jan 2005 19:34:42
Around 20 DJ's at Mardi Gras and only one will be International.
So he gets paid around $10,000 plus expenses - thats about 100 tickets for the fee and maybe another 100 in expenses ?
Local DJ's have most of the sets. I have enjoyed the female overseas DJ's especially Rachel Auburn. I could not afford to travel to Europe to hear her. I can here our local DJ's anytime ( and no offence to them ). Its a nice treat I really appreciate to see/hear overseas talent. Sure they can be hit and miss but ....
If I didnt like what NMG was doing I would simply not go.
You can rant/scream/howl and demand to know what the fees are but it aint gonna change a thing. 4 strings is on his way so like it or lump it.
I still cannot understand the vitriol - Thu 20 Jan 2005 19:51:06
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.
Ryan Murphy - Thu 20 Jan 2005 16:18:22
I think you misread my calculations. I was equating the ordiniary MG hourly rate for local DJs, times by 1.5, times by 10 hours. My figure came out to $4,500, based on the hourly rate of $300 for local DJs.
I' - Thu 20 Jan 2005 21:02:34
And a big "Excuse me, are you going to be turning on the lay-seeer?" to Ryan Murphy!
www.jakekilby.com - Thu 20 Jan 2005 21:48:39
Well said, TTT.
I think you've managed to articulate quite well the quiet thoughts of the silent majority.
And it's nice to see a thoughtful, balanced comment - we could use a few more of those on here, I reckon.
Personally, I'm really looking forward to the MG party this year - particularly the Hordern, which I reckon is going to be huge.
And my enthusiasm and excitement won't be dampened in the least by posters on this board - some of whom seem intent on criticising and picking away at everything and anything from the cheap seats on the side-lines.
I sometimes wonder if they're even planning to go to the party.
Again, well said TTT : )
jeffgg - Thu 20 Jan 2005 23:12:55
Excuse me. How totally presumptuous of you.
I HAVE volunteered on party committee in the past.
I HAVE politely asked Mardi Gras about why they wont disclose how much they pay overseas performers. Even though I am a fully paid member of NMG I was told in no uncertain terms that it wasn't any of my business. It IS my business. I pay my membership fee and i think I'm entitled to know how much money is being spurged on this so called "Legendary Dutch DJ".
Look , I am a huge fan of our local DJ's. Howevere I do support the fact that an international could be useful for marketing purposes but certainly NOT for 10 of the 12 hours in the only hall that has decent sound levels allowed.
I also do NOT support the fact that the guys and gals who bust their guts on the club scene as DJ's in this city week in week out and keep this Sydney club scene thriving should be paid a pittance at Mardi Gras run parties compared to a blow in blow out DJ who is here to take our money and will be gone in an instant.
Equal pay for equal jobs. Equality for all. What a joke !
.
My 5 cents worth - Thu 20 Jan 2005 23:24:11
There are 43 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 43 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 43 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 43 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 43 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Fri 21 Jan 2005 00:04:37
It's your system that cannot cope with the site. Sounds like you may be on dial-up. I don't have a problem accessing it. Check your bandwidth and security settings.
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 08:32:12
An associate at work once said to me "How often does an Aussie get to go and show their technical wares on an US circuit party?". It's a bloody honour to do these gigs overseas.
Travel safely mate - you deserve it. Such a shame at that level of international respect, we seem to have overlooked you (again) for one of our majors. C'est la vie - I've never missed doing them.
Noisy Gypsy - Fri 21 Jan 2005 09:01:10
Went to Reverse Garbage yesterday for craft supplies, but had no costume ideas. I think I want something different this year, but I like to do a party in comfort!
Evil Twin - Fri 21 Jan 2005 09:35:12
One of the most important factors involved in effective web development is the consideration of the user's operating environments. To claim that "it's your fault, you shouldn't be on dialup" is not an adequate argument in New Mardi Gra's favour.
There is clearly a problem with accessibility to their site which has been experienced by a number of users. Personally, I don't have a problem with it either.
Perhaps it is something to do with the web browsing software (or version), the network they use, other software required, or just plain ol' congestion. Remember, it's getting very close to the festival, I'm sure their web servers are getting a flogging.
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 09:52:31
was at arq last sunday night, a few of the 18ish year olds were gently playing around the edges of the club kid / 80's look.... I suspect this years party will be full of inventive outfits and home made fashion statements, not sure about the hoola hoops though - Fri 21 Jan 2005 10:45:00
...
It'd be nice to know all of these costs, though. I've always wondered how much they pay their performers.
- Thu 20 Jan 2005 07:45:45
I have spent hundreds of hours individually hand writing every cheque for every payment for every season expense for NMG and you are quite mistaken over both the commercial arrangements with MSF and Party performers and DJs payments. As usual a lot of misinformed rubbish is being used to attack the volunteers that bring this sell-out Party and festival to our community.
NMG publish full statutory accounts at the appropriate time of the year. These are all available for scrutiny by the membership who the Board are accountable to. They also endeavour to operate as a commercially responsible business - which is very hard in the community ownership structure that they exist in - but for the most part they succeed. This means careful and targeted use of the little resources that they have.
It is NOT a perfect organisation and the business processes and organisational issues are not always what we would all like, but please remember when you are accusing and remonstrating that it is all done with little money, lots of hard graft from volunteers and with the best intentions.
The volunteers that do all this do not sit in closed rooms plotting how to piss off DJs or how to make the RHI sound really bad, or search the world for cheap straight lighting engineers. Many of the problems expressed here are usually quite easily explained and a reasonable person would accept those explanations graciously and move on.
Oh, and I hate Trance but I can see exactly why they would opt for the format that they are - I predict a party sell out, say, 3 days before the event. F*&k the music, the Dutch Boy gets my vote! - coz isn't that what it actually comes down to)
Once more round the block cabbie! - Fri 21 Jan 2005 10:53:41
No one was suggesting it was the volunteers honey..... You need to better understand that in the "process" of previous parties how outsourcing has meant that decisions were made beyond the control of the volunteers, whether they be Board members or Working Group members. Giving away the control is the issue. It is hoped that some of these controls are being reined in for this party.
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 11:20:13
Then please explain!
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 11:22:15
I agree to a certain extent. When you become a paying member of an organisation, and vote for a Board, you do so under the condition that the Board make decisions regarding the direction of the organisation on your behalf. If you want to have a say, then you are free the join a working group, or even attempt to join the Board.
Firstly, the Board of Directors are just that - they are Directors of a company. This means that they are personally and financially liable for the debts that the company may incur. The decisions that they make need to be of a nature that they are protecting their own interests, as well as the organisation's. It is unreasonable for a member to request that such decisions are entirely at the discretion of the membership mass. You, as an ordinary member, have absolutely no financial liability. Remember that.
Secondly, could you imagine how long it would take for simple decicions to be made if the entire organisation's membership database were consulted. It would take extraordinary quantities of time to pass the simplest of decisions.
Thirdly, the commercial nature of such decisions require a high level of confidentiality. For example, the decision to contract 4 Strings to play at the Mardi Gras party is something that should be kept confidential until such time that the communications and publicity plan states that this information is to be released. If you involve the entire membership database of a queer organisation in this process, can you guarantee that this would remain confidential? Absolutely not.
I think the key request that a lot of members have is merely to know what's happening, how money is being spent, and why certain decisions are being made. Understandably, this may not be possible until after the Festival has concluded, so perhaps Mardi Gras should host a consultation forum for members to ask such questions a few weeks after the Festival. I don't think that the ordinary Financial Statement at the AGM in June/July is adequate to answer these questions.
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 13:18:52
hehe our freedom yr freedom.. i reakon let it ALL hang out
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 13:41:24
Then if there are no explanations forthcoming, official or otherwise, then don't get surprised or upset or pay out on the people who are asking the questions! "We know - you don't, and we're not telling" is asking for a lot of trust.
The trouble with reading the annual report from last years NMG is that it *is* last years. The financial section does not break down amounts for lighting, DJ's, performances etc for the party, nor how much MSF got paid. It mentions MSF had a two party contract with NMG for Sleaze 2004 and the 2003 Party. What it doesn't say is that MSF got that contract renewed, or any problems/challenges that they faced with putting the parties on. By having an external contractor, details of the party expenditure or management are sidestepped. The NMG report describes the party, thanks the sponsors and vollies, and discusses ticketing and sales, after it's been on. But where is the "party policy"? Is there one?
So, tracking down MSF to find out more about them I found the ad for the lighting designer. It looks like this:
Lighting Designer required for Mardi Gras Party
We are seeking a lighting designer for the Mardi Gras Party on Saturday 5 March 2005.
You should have large dance party or concert design experience, superior CAD skills, superior programming / operation skills, good interpersonal & consultative skills and an ability to be very creative & innovative.
You will be required to submit a detailed proposal by 17 December 2004 (contact details snipped)
***
From the ad's contact email I got a website for MSF(they're not mentioned on the general NMG site, even using their search facility). Once I got past the wanky flash intro, I looked for a name of someone who works there. Any name. Or an idea of how many people are in this company. Couldn't find one.
Now, these are the people we're told are responsible for putting on the party. If there were also 23 NMG people on the party committee last year, what role did MSF play? And if they have control, I want to know who they are.
So here's my opinion (finally! ) If you don't want people asking questions of the party and the way it is run, then just SAY SO! Have the Pres come out and say "This is it. It'll be good. Have fun," and that will be that and I'll be a happy camper. But making noises of accountability and transparancy without doing anything about it, just pisses me off. Obviously the partial scraps of information coming out are either wrong, kinda wrong or correct, but with no official word to the contrary all it does is create resentment where there need be none.
NMG are doing well, and I honestly wish they continue to do well. And really, if I had an official "Piss off, ET! It'll be fine!" I'd be much happier.
Evil Twin - Fri 21 Jan 2005 13:44:12
- www.lightwright.com.au - Fri 21 Jan 2005 13:45:45
One of the things which both incarnations of MG have sworn to, has been the accountability to it's members. One of the things that they seem to have done is fall into a trap of innuendo and genital-teasing in regards to party 'official' policy. Not telling who the special guest artists were was fair enough, but hiding Lighting Design and technical design companies from even the Annual Report? Seems a little strange to me. Is there something we need to know about how the money is being spent.
A-78er - Fri 21 Jan 2005 15:02:35
Maybe give a rating of how much they mean to your night's enjoyment on a scale of 1 to 10
1 - Adds nothing to your night; and infact detracts from it
5 - indifferent; if they're on you enjoy them, if you miss them then no big loss
10 - Is a key element of the party experience; the rumours, the excitement, the performances, the unexpected
I think I probably fit in around the 4 or 5 mark, but the rumours and speculation is sorta fun.
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 15:21:40
I'm a paying member of New Mardi Gras. I'm also a board director of another queer Sydney organisation. I also have a full time job and a part time job. I also volunteer for a number of other organisations. I simply do not have the time to join a NMG working group, merely to be supplied with information that I'm already entitled to be given.
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 15:33:43
i think i fit in at about 7 or 8. love the anticipation on the night and the rumours beforehand. they definately give the party a lift and for me, they make the night seem just that extra bit special. love them.
go the shows!!! - Fri 21 Jan 2005 15:39:45
I wonder what the end result will be...? I mean there we we'll be, say, in the Hordern this Mardi Gras; listening to a straight foreign DJ who has nothing to do with and doesn't care about our community, watching lights designed and operated by people who have nothing to do with and don't care about our community and the whole package organised by a company that has nothing to do with and doesn't care about our community.
I mean, what exactly is NMG's role in all this? As a pimp?!!
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 15:53:03
Shows are really good for giving the few people not experimenting with pharmaseuticals a highlight for their night. ...ahh bless em..
As for the rest of us, you can have a big glitzy well coreographed show in it with no one famous and no one expensive and it works just as well. Ive always enjoyed the poof show (lots of boys dancing) and the dyke show (lots of girls dancing) ..remember that one they did to nine inch nails? that was awesome.. You dont need some famous idiot.
I think a better way to go would be make the party so legendary that famous people beg to perform at it for free. We could become the simpsons of the circuit party scene and have a cameo each year
Think outside the box.
If we are going to get someone famous can they at least be GAY! we dont need popstars. I want poofstars ..and cheesy...
Cartman. - Fri 21 Jan 2005 16:06:49
I joined one of the first NMG working groups and will never do it again. When is came to budgets we were left out of the loop. Mark from MSF took charge. All we had input on was creative ideas. It really did seem like a good idea, people from the community giving ideas to the production guy. However, how many of our ideas were used..? Alomst none. I believe that NMG is pretending to look transparant however there may be other forces at work. Just my feedback.
Dave - Fri 21 Jan 2005 16:09:34
If I remember correctly last year they didn't have any celebs (please correct me if I'm wrong ) and they did a big dance number which was pretty good. I didn't see much of it as I was too busy holding up a mate so she could see, lucky for me a nice big muscle mary saw me struggling and helped me out, so I managed to catch a little bit of the show!
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 16:34:38
I agree. Was on a working group myself. No sign of budgets shown to us, basically just told we had to come up with ideas and that there was no money to execute them, so they'd better be cheap.
I had a fair amount of experience in the field that my working group looked after, both education and hands on experience, but there seemed to be a little 'clique' who were given all the supervision and decision making roles (some of them with much less experience than me) and the rest of us were there to do leg work.
Didn't get any satisfaction out of it, didn't feel like I contibuted, and lost a lot of faith in how the committees work and their ability to make the right decisions.
Reading all this talk on here about joining a committee if you want to make a difference really irks me. Most committees have the decisions made for them, so you can't influence or improve, and you are just there to be the muscle.
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 18:54:59
Its no use "assuming" the Dutch boy will be no good.
Maybe its a good thing that the names in Dj'ing and lighting dont always get the spots ? no offence to Luke/Jake/Brad W.
If it was the same DJ's/same lighting/same audio it would just become the same old, same old.
So wait and see .......and moving on.. - Fri 21 Jan 2005 21:15:04
Ruby's Classic Anthems - the Unofficial Mardi Gras Recovery
Yes, its that time again. The time to throw off all your cares. The time to let your hair down after the main party, and just have a VERY good time. Sunday 6th March, from 8am, at the Midnight Shift, with your DJ's William Silva, Ruby and Stephen Simpson. Tickets are $15, or $10 (for Midnightshiftclub card holders). Advance tickets will be available soon from both the Midnight Shift Video Bar, and www.rubydance.com.au. No, dont jump to the link yet. We will let you know in a few weeks. But, we thought we would wet your appetite (get those juices flowing honey).
The above comes from the Ruby e-newsletter - except the hottie bit!
- Fri 21 Jan 2005 21:35:17
And yet the night was deemed a fabulous (and sell out) success and a great time was had by all who went. The party was also tightly administered and made a heap of (needed) cash for the organisation.
I think there's a lot of forgiveness in people's overall appreciation of a party that smoothes over the thousand and one individual creative decisions made by all those different people involved to just leave one big overall impression of the night. As a single volunteer your contribution will always be relatively small and you have to take comfort and joy out of having made a contribution and out of the relationships you develop with others. That's really all you can hope for I think. There's honour in just being "muscle" too :=)
- Sat 22 Jan 2005 00:20:41
There are 6 Weeks to Mardi Gras !!
There are 6 Weeks to Mardi Gras !!
There are 6 Weeks to Mardi Gras !!
There are 6 Weeks to Mardi Gras !!
There are 6 Weeks to Mardi Gras !!
There are 6 Weeks to Mardi Gras !!
There are 6 Weeks to Mardi Gras !!
There are 6 Weeks to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Sat 22 Jan 2005 00:24:04
My memory serves me well on that one. I think it is the best show ever done at a Sleaze - and it was the Bear Show (I think at 3.00am in the RHI.
Pure Mardi Gras!
Gostozo - Sat 22 Jan 2005 01:47:16
So what would be acceptable ?? (up to a generic members logon to the NMG financial accounting system?).
Who's doing what? - Sat 22 Jan 2005 01:52:22
and further to my post signed " Wait and see "
good point, how many of the posters here who "felt" their contribution as volunteer was not a good experience yet that Party ended up being a success ?
Maybe your ideas weren't what they were looking for ? so of course if they ignored your ideas you would feel some kind of let down.
Many of us have worked in some kind of think tank in our jobs and as volunteers for organisations. No one on this earth will be 100% correct in their own ideas of how something should be run all the time.
Of course some parties have been considered a failure but its only some and not the majority. Like all organisations whether a community or a commercial company some things will work and some wont.
I say shut up , dont think up conspiracy theories , dont assume but give them the benefit of the doubt.
It may not work but HOW do you know at this stage of the preparations how its going to turn out ?
Wait and see - Sat 22 Jan 2005 09:20:35
D-Day.
Or should it be called DJD-Day !!!
Mardi Gras listening groups are today going through all CD submissions. Selected DJ's will know if they have been sucessful by about lunchtime tomorrow.
Who will leak the information first ??
Who will get picked ??
Time will tell.
____
Aiden - Sat 22 Jan 2005 09:22:35
I don't have a problem accessing the MG Web site, never have. I think it's probably your end where the problem lies.
- Sat 22 Jan 2005 13:32:48
NMG's working groups have already had the decisions made before they start, so why bother joining them?
The claims of a transparent and accountable process are specious at best. Members' questions on those topics are ignored, and given vague and uninformative answers if chased, and that's even months down the track after the event.
So don't tell us to shut up about it.
Flea - Sat 22 Jan 2005 15:58:57
you missed the point - HOW do you know ? the groups have already made their decisions ? get it H-O-W ?
And as another poster pointed out about someones post saying he/she felt the clique at NMG had already decided on what they wanted and that their ideas where not wanted but.......... the party was a success ?
So its you who dont get the point - its all supposition and nothing more. Armchair know-it-alls ( not all posters ). Well I think its more like sour grapes !
As Aiden said " time will tell " - Sat 22 Jan 2005 18:27:52
huh ? can someone explain that line ?
- Sat 22 Jan 2005 18:32:11
As a financial member, your $45.00 (at best) doesn’t give you rights to demand financial statements, doesn’t give you rights to crucify the Board or the volunteers, it does give you a right to vote at an AGM, and from my memory of the last AGM, there where less than 100 people who took up that right.
The Annual report is a statutory document, which is all that Mardi Gras has to disclose to its members, and while some may think this is not enough, as a member of a Gym, assuming that people are members of gyms, do you make the same demands of the owner of your gym? I think not..
I was expecting Pinkboard mardi gras wall to be a place that people posted constructive comments about what they would like to see the organisation do… not to “personally attack” the Organisation, the volunteers, the People who do work for the organisation or the Board.
I am the first to say, I see the struggle that faces Mardi gras being a hybrid between a community based organisation and a corporate entity, and sure processes are less that perfect, but show me any organisation who has it 100% right… that’s a company I would buy share in.
I think it is amazing that Mardi gras achieves what they do, given it operates virtually on volunteer labour, and these people keep coming back despite the “Crap” they are served up on Pinkboard. Instead of attacking Mardi gras, why don’t people offer suggestions on what they should do for the community, how they could improve on the processes they use, and be supportive – or god forbid actually volunteer to help out
I know a couple of chairs of working groups, who give so much time to the organisation to make sure that things run smoothly and that mardi gras survives, they work without being paid to make sure that we all have a good mardi gras.
The directors are volunteers as well, they don’t get paid but yet they take on the role of directors, which means they are fully accountable for the organisation, and risk there own financial position to give to the organisation. Does this not raise the question, if that’s the case then would they not do the right thing by the organisation, and not risk there own worth.
In can not believe that people attack mardi gras and the people who are involved in it, while everyone has the right to question we don’t have the right to burn at the stake… think we lost that right in the 1500s
I want to thank the people at mardi gras for all that they have done and look forward to the festival the parade and the party…
PS - for those of you on pinkboard who want to attack me for this message - feel free, after all is all about "our freedom your freedom"
mardi gras member 2453 - Sat 22 Jan 2005 19:14:27
So its you who dont get the point - its all supposition and nothing more. Armchair know-it-alls ( not all posters ). Well I think its more like sour grapes !
As Aiden said " time will tell " - Sat 22 Jan 2005 18:27:52
Most of these types of posts seem to be about New Mardi Gras the organisation, rather than Mardi Gras the Party. Can this discussion move to the New Mardi Gras Graffiti Wall and keep the Mardi Gras Party Wall clear for all the essential speculation and rumour mongering about who/what/how if/when/why shouldn't/wouldn't/couldn't mustn't/hasn't/doesn't appear/disappear/manifest/deconvolute yadda yadda yadda at the party please???
GLBT events should remain GBLT - Sat 22 Jan 2005 19:26:10
Thank you for that post.
Please also take note of posters who are not bashing NMG.
It would be good for some to take lessons on how to be nice.
Actually Panther if the Party is a success, the following week can we have another Board with a title along the lines of " I am sorry New Mardi Gras " ? and wish to volunteer to NMG.
Hah - Sat 22 Jan 2005 20:31:35
Endorphin
Friendly
Sonic Animation
Paul Mac
La Fiesta Sound System
- Sun 23 Jan 2005 09:11:07
"are we gay enough yet?"
- Sun 23 Jan 2005 09:13:06
For me the shows ar a "10".
The whole speculation and anticipation is great And on the night they provide a welcome (and I think needed) momentary brain and body diversion to get your mind to switch gears occasionally. I love the drama of the music tailing off to silence. I also love the way the crowd builds til there's hardly room to breathe - unless the show is delayed like the B52s Love Shack seemed to be a few years back and we just about died. (Mind you I seem to racall an awful lot of sexual activity happening in my immediate [] vicinity as a result, which was not all bad at the time!)
However, *who* the shows are is less important to me. I do like having names (and Paul Mac again would be fab) but I'm equally loving of our drag divas in huge glam solo or group performances and also the community dance routines so long as I'm close enough to figure out what's meant to be happening. Eyesight not all it used to be
Trance Trance Trance - Sun 23 Jan 2005 11:01:06
add the presets (sexy homo boy electro)
and wolfmother (white hot!)
le tigre (sooo yeah!)
yeah!
- Sun 23 Jan 2005 11:03:27
Leave this as the Party wall.
Moving on.............. - Sun 23 Jan 2005 12:05:29
There has been no real rumors so far about who is doin shows - does this mean tht there are no shows or is it Mardi gras are being very tight lipped about it!
Wondering - Sun 23 Jan 2005 13:42:41
That way the us who want to gossip and talk party can and those who want to slag MG off... then theres a place for them to go...
New Wall New Wall New Wall New Wall !!!
Wondering - Sun 23 Jan 2005 17:37:29
There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Sun 23 Jan 2005 19:50:34
And as another poster pointed out about someones post saying he/she felt the clique at NMG had already decided on what they wanted and that their ideas where not wanted but.......... the party was a success ?
So its you who dont get the point - its all supposition and nothing more. Armchair know-it-alls ( not all posters ). Well I think its more like sour grapes !
As Aiden said " time will tell " - Sat 22 Jan 2005 18:27:52
No, I think YOU missed the point. The party may be a success, but there will still be aspects of it that people in the community would like to see changed. No party has ever been a complete and utter success, 100%.
People get on here and say 'join a working group if you want to make a difference and have your say'.
The point we are making, is that joining a working group does not give you the chance to make changes, or to have your say acknowledged or considered. I know. Like most of the people trying to make this point, I have been on a committee. I'm not one of your 'armchair know-it-alls'.
Understand?
- Sun 23 Jan 2005 21:03:32
though that was the whole idea of getting involved ?
confussed... - Sun 23 Jan 2005 21:49:27
- Sun 23 Jan 2005 22:02:08
There are 40 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 40 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 40 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 40 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 40 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Mon 24 Jan 2005 02:07:12
Just thought I'd let you know that my submission to Mardi Gras obviously failed to impress the "listening panel" at Mardi Gras on Saturday, and as a result, have not been asked to play.
For those interested, you can now listen to my demo which is posted on my website.
Congratulations to those who were successful.
www,djjustinscott.com - Mon 24 Jan 2005 08:03:23
DJ reunion still happenning at 3am? The Panther love-in too?
- what are you wearing to the ball panther? - Mon 24 Jan 2005 11:23:06
I think this is a fair enough call. So for those of you hoping to hear who got picked i suggest you show a tad of patience and pick up one of the gay rags on Thursday.
The selected one - Mon 24 Jan 2005 12:05:16
How about Machine Gun Fellatio? They'd go off live at MG. It would be MGF@MGP. Hehe
On another note - I hope Sveta gets a nod on Thursday.
- Mon 24 Jan 2005 13:28:44
Chin up matey, you've proven to Sydney you're a fine DJ and I'm sure some great opportunities will come up for you in the future.
One final comment. Please not feel that because you missed out that you wont go to the party. You work and work and work on the weekends and I really want to see you give working elsewhere on the night the flick and come out and enjoy yourself for a night.
Teddy - Mon 24 Jan 2005 13:36:16
Just for my own info, can you help me out on the following pretty please... Just wondering how royalties get paid on your tracks you play on your website?
And dont you think it's a good idea to credit the artists you are playing? They do actually make your sound Mr dj!
huggy b! - Mon 24 Jan 2005 16:43:56
I'm sure the above posts' comments are well intentioned, BUT I think perhaps you guys should have emailed Justin privately, rather than airing your opinions on why perhaps he was unsuccessful for the NMG party.
BTW Nice Work JS!
still luv ya work! - Mon 24 Jan 2005 18:21:02
Thanks Teddy, and thanks for being so honest with your constructive feedback - Greatly appreciated, and have taken it on board.
RE: Sorry about your news Justin, but keep trying! Hope to see you on the dancefloor!
The selected one - Mon 24 Jan 2005 12:05:16
Thanks, and once again, congratulations!
RE: One thing I can tell (being one of the selected DJ's for the night) is that we have been warned that if we tell ANYONE of our selection before the official announcenmnent in the gay papers on this Thursday and that leaked information is traced back to any DJ then their contract will be cancelled and they'll find a replacement for you.
The selected one - Mon 24 Jan 2005 12:05:16
Thanks for the compliment. But is it really fair for Mardi Gras to forcibly silence the successful DJ's for 4 straight days, or risk expulsion? In my opinion, Mardi Gras had this one badly timed.
RE: For what it's worth Justin, I have also listened to your submission and I enjoyed it.
A - Mon 24 Jan 2005 16:08:51
Thanks A... I never take any compliment for granted. This one included.
RE: Personally I found it too trancey-prancey, with a load of the magic from the retro songs lost to nu-studio trickery
huggy b! - Mon 24 Jan 2005 16:43:56
Thanks for your input.
RE: I'm sure the above posts' comments are well intentioned, BUT I think perhaps you guys should have emailed Justin privately, rather than airing your opinions on why perhaps he was unsuccessful for the NMG party.
BTW Nice Work JS!
still luv ya work! - Mon 24 Jan 2005 18:21:02
In all fairness to the "critique's", I came in here all matter-of-factly, expecting either to be slaughtered or get pats on the back. I'm lucky that so far the comments, feedbacks and criticisms have been delivered to me sensibly and honestly, and without that Australian Idol nonsence.
www.djjustinscott.com - Mon 24 Jan 2005 19:12:55
Listened to your demo. 'Retro' definately isn't my favourite genre of music, but I really enjoyed your demo - something very different. Thanks for having the balls to put it out there.
Personally I found it too trancey-prancey, with a load of the magic from the retro songs lost to nu-studio trickery. The beauty of "retro" is being able to remember how it used to be, not how it could be.
Teddy - Mon 24 Jan 2005 13:36:16
Well I guess that just as there are different styles of Trance, House etc with their individual devotees, there must be different styles of Retro too. Doesn't make one style better or worse - just different. Go with what you like and leave others to what they like.
GLBT events should remain GBLT - Mon 24 Jan 2005 19:27:40
I'm not a huge fan of retro, but I really enjoyed your demo set.
Murray H - Mon 24 Jan 2005 19:30:09
its you who still does not get it. No one claims a 100% success rate but there have been way more successes than failures.
Also and getting back to that word HOW do you know that joining a volunteer group wont work ? or wont make the party a success ? or or or or..... the answer is you dont know.
And no one has said you cant put forward ideas - no one !
but what posters are saying is dont slag off NMG without proof . Not one poster who has been slagging NMG has had any proof to back their post. In fact one poster complained he felt his working groups ideas were not taken into account as heirachy had already decided on what they wanted but HOW did he know ? and another poster pointed out that the party was a success ( and note they did not say a 100% success ).
Of course you can make requests/give ideas but people are just sick and tired of a few posters slagging off NMG for no good reason.
So its back to the Party Wall please and Party Gossip
So there - Mon 24 Jan 2005 19:52:26
Justin - congrats on having the balls to put your work up for public feedback !!! and commiserations on not being selected this time around I would love to have a listen but to help out with access to your mix is there any chance you can add an mp3 to the site?
sorry if this is a repeat of someone's post above - I find it hard to read through all the bitternes so I haven't read more than the last few posts...
~kr - Bris girl with a penchant for hilltops views and retro tunes - Mon 24 Jan 2005 21:27:44
Thanks for the ace compliment precious - Greatly appreciated.
Re accessing the demo... If you are using Windows, Windows Media Player should be the default player. If however you're a Mac user, I'm not sure. Maybe some I.T. wizz kid in here can shed some light.
www.djjustinscott.com - Mon 24 Jan 2005 22:08:52
Im not sure if its fair dinkum to give away free mp3s of music. Doing dj mixes isn't writing music! Please respect the music makers!
Can wait till Thursday to hear who we will be hearing at the party.
It's a P a r t y peoples! Get the gripes out now - for soon the our festival begins. I dont hear too many Christians biitchin about xmas...
Lets enjoy it!
- Mon 24 Jan 2005 22:59:46
This, of course, is the 'technical' term!
Trance Trance Trance - - Mon 24 Jan 2005 23:09:38
Much respect to the music makers! And more to the DJs as well! Mixing a set of music isn't the same as writing but it does take skill, concentration and time to put together something professional. And like sequencing sound, it is a repetitive process involving many attempts.
We've had this debate about mp3s before. I'm sure that DJs are aware of the consequences of using unlicenced material. Thanks for the reminder though.
- Tue 25 Jan 2005 12:26:09
10pm - 1am (unknown)
1am - 3am - Wayne G
3am - 7am - Shigeki
7am - 10pm - Paul Goodyear
If thats true or close to it what a great party!
Although I didnt think Paul was submitting for parties anymore?
Anyone else hear anything?
Dave - Tue 25 Jan 2005 13:13:24
According to Stewart Who?, who posted on here some time back Wayne G wasn't interested in doing either Harbour Party or MG? Hope you're right though.
Madonna Minogue - Tue 25 Jan 2005 13:47:31
I doubt Wayne G will be playing - I heard he was rejected too. But it's just a rumour.
Banarama - thanks for the memories - Tue 25 Jan 2005 13:48:32
Wow Paul must be going to break his own record - a 15 hour set.......lol
- Tue 25 Jan 2005 15:00:53
I have found that you Australians take great pride in your partying and music. Very commendable. Even more commendable is the amount of interest in the gay community this generates. Regardless of the views, the opinions expressed here just don't happen at home here in the USA.
This will be my third Mardi Gras. Kinda says a lot about what you all can do down there to get the boys from America to visit.
Regardless of any bad publicity, bankruptcies, or "scandals" regarding who is dj'ing or performing, one thing is for certain: you always throw one heck of a party. It's phenomenal, the magnitude and sheer size of an event so large. The planning, the interest, the support - a huge success just to get it to work.
From an outside viewpoint not embroiled or even knowledgeable of a lot of the debate this board brings - your Mardi Gras is a huge success in our eyes. Ask a gay Yank where his circuit party is, and most will say Mardi Gras in Sydney. We have nothing that compares to it in terms of size and length. Not Fireball, NYC/San Fran Pride, Southern Decadence, nor either White Party (Palm Springs or Miami), and definitely not little ole Chrome Party.
The only thing that comes remotely close to Mardi Gras is Gay Days in Orlando. Sure, we'll have over 2 million homos descend upon Orlando for the Gay Days week for various parties and trips to Disneyworld. Sure, there are tons of different dance parties all week long. But we sure don't have anything the size of the Mardi Gras party - the dance parties max out at about 7,000.
It's also great to see the interest in the music being played. That doesn't happen here. Tragically, more interest seems to be put into which letter of the alphabet will get you the highest, fastest. House, err rather the clanging of pots and pans, has taken hold in the USA, with the only real trance found at the Roxy in NYC on a random Saturday night. And everybody complains about there being so much house, but nobody speaks out about it like you all do. Until then, we're doomed!
I implore you all to realize what you've got. This party, this time of year: You have something special. You have the party that is the envy of gay boys and girls across the world. Living with this year after year, I can see how one could become immune to it and not appreciate its full worth - but it's because of all you that makes this possible for the rest of us. We see you as a gay mecca, a bastian of GLBT identity and voices.
This time of year for you all is so much bigger than just you. So much bigger than Sydney, Fox Studios, and all of Australia. This is the time of year when WE look to you all to see how a real unified GLBT voice sounds and looks like, how a real community comes together to celebrate diversity, and how a real party is thrown.
And at the end, for one night, if only for just one night, your party absolutely, truly, without a doubt lets a person be themselves. No presumptions, no explanations, no excuses needed. Leave it at the door. And for that one night, it's worth the entire flight over.
trite - Tue 25 Jan 2005 15:46:19
lets all take a couple of steps back and look at the big picture.
We are so very special - Tue 25 Jan 2005 16:23:17
Call me cynical but that reads like a fake post constructed by a well meaning Sydneysider. Fantastic sentiment but regardless of how good we may have it I don't think we should ever turn a blind eye to incompetence and corruption. We did it once before...
- Tue 25 Jan 2005 16:31:19
Panther: can you the c class ip for trite - Tue 25 Jan 2005 15:46:19?
- Tue 25 Jan 2005 16:58:47
No - surely wasn't that. Just an admiring fan from surburbia Ohio.
trite - Tue 25 Jan 2005 17:10:09
OK. You're cynical. I'm pretty sure that the post is authentic - it sums a lot of the feelings that Americans, and other overseas visitors have expressed to me about Mardi Gras. And I don't think he was saying that you need to turn a blind eye to anything. He was suggesting that we look at the big picture - something that has been woefully lacking in our discussions about Mardi Gras lately.
- Tue 25 Jan 2005 17:12:13
- Tue 25 Jan 2005 18:11:29
There are 39 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 39 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 39 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 39 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Tue 25 Jan 2005 18:50:49
Can I buy you a beer when you arrive? At least give you a welcome hug. Solid, hairy chest and big arms for holding a friendly man from out of town!
Respect to our land custodians on Australia day. Lets be happy for being so fortunate to be Aussies.
bearney - not a cub, not yet a bear - Tue 25 Jan 2005 21:55:04
Think I'm gonna parade again this year 2. Gotta show me new über boots off!
Trance Trance Trance - Wed 26 Jan 2005 01:11:32
There are 38 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 38 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 38 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 38 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 38 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Happy Australia Day !! - Wed 26 Jan 2005 09:48:04
- Wed 26 Jan 2005 13:10:27
bearney - I don't like beer, but a vanilla vodka and coke will be fine
trite - Wed 26 Jan 2005 14:16:59
It says there are so many deceitful and agenda driven posts on this wall that even an honest anonymous post will be viewed with suspicion. This is the result of impulsive posters typing the first thing that comes to their mind and not thinking about the consequences because they didn't have to put a 'name' to it. I know I've been guilty of it in the past and regretted things I've said. I guess it’s a sign of the relevance of authenticated ‘signature tick names‘ perhaps.
- Wed 26 Jan 2005 15:06:15
Hordern - DJ Josh, 4 Strings (10hrs)
Stage 11 - A cd
Retro Space - Stephen Blomfeld
that would be fantastic - Wed 26 Jan 2005 18:18:08
Paul what do u know???
I need to know! - Wed 26 Jan 2005 23:19:57
That working group "clique" thing (- Fri 21 Jan 2005 18:54:59) may be due to a level of dedication of certain people putting their hands up to do certain tasks or being able to use special skills. i know usually people are asked what area they would like to look after, so everyone has a go. Maybe you could elaborate on why you felt like other people with less experience were doing all the decision making.
In terms of decisions being made by production, and leaving the working groups with culled creative ideas, thats true, but is generally down to logistics, budget and OHS.
Case in point: SLEAZE 2000DEGREES...stage down right RHI-complete sound reconfig needed for the old girl, meaning more expense on sound config, setup and OHS issues with entry exit paths(always a major consideration when you're dealing with 1000's of people in various states of intoxication).
Did it work? well...it was different, but at a cost and nightmare for production.
If you've been in production, you'd know that generally there's a producer, a manager and an assistant. Working groups are indeed creative and form the think tank and pool from which ideas are generated. Many ideas are culled, as i mentioned somewhere before, due to logistical nightmare scenarios, OHS standards, cost, unrealistic expectation, sustainability and in terms of DJs, just not the right sound for the particular party or just a bad mix.
From some of the remarks floating round you'd think that the party is and should be produced by a small selction of community people, all gay and all knowing in the areas of event production.
Given the sometimes lousy turnouts to bump-ins when vollies have formed the very meat in the sandwich for getting the event together, I wonder, if left to the community if the event would actually happen.
key party people can sometimes be found dirty, tired and alone at 10.15 on some nights during bump in week, doing last minute touches, finishing off some detail that needs doing, looking around wondering where all the people who bitch and moan about how it looks or what it sounds like are. I think I once rocked up at 8am on saturday(party day) to begin finishing something in the dome.
I realise the quality of the parties has dropped, but Id assume that doesn't mean the level of enthusiasm and dedication given by those involved has equally.
You have to remember that a few years ago during the last golden days of mardi gras, the party had a party director, GH, who with great ideas managed to attain a fluidity to all components of party, and some of those shows, a collaborative process involving the sub committee and scenic teams were to set a benchmark for future shows. Credit should be given to KM( Ms Exec producer herself) and co for embracing the, what could be considered kooky ideas GH and team sometimes had. To this day MSF also embrace similar suggestions, as long as they are logistically possible and budget efficient.
Back then there was also $$$ to be spent and the myth of party was alive and kicking.
It's one hell of a huge event to pull off and given the level of critisism the team recieves every year, can be emotionally and mentally taxing, particularly when you've lived the party dream since doors closed at sleaze, you've planned and attended meeting after meeting come rain or shine.
There's a legendary DJ selection night that went well over 8 hours continuing the next night due to the dedication of those involved. No matter who is involved, they have only one thing on their mind. Giving great party.
Id like to offer ideas and constructive words on how and what the party people could do to foster some positive party image and feeling that seems to be lacking in the community at the moment but, hey..the party's an entity all to it's self.
It's all about how you recieve...I mean you must know how to give..surely.
- Thu 27 Jan 2005 02:08:06
There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Thu 27 Jan 2005 10:11:40
RHI anthems: Ryan Murphy, Les Smith (Bris), Shigeki and Paul Goodyear
Hordern trance: Josh, 4Strings
Dome funky house: Daniel Hannan, Richard Weiss, GI Jode
Stage 11 tribal: Sveta, Neroli (Bris) Buck Naked, Feisty
Fox and Lion Retro: Chris Kenny, Stephen Blomfield, Calvin Wong
Marquee mash/breaks/electro: Seymour Butz, Elroy, Red Light Disco DJ Team (Mel)
No press release on the NMG website, though, and no set times in the SSO article.
- Thu 27 Jan 2005 10:47:17
so uhhhh .... I'm looking forward to FagTag on the sunday night
jack yo body - Thu 27 Jan 2005 11:14:00
and so is your attitude.
where's the fun gone? - Thu 27 Jan 2005 11:28:02
- Thu 27 Jan 2005 12:20:36
dont stress honey it will be a blast the people that are complaining are contantly around big party and production type things so there expectations are higher. go with yr friends and have a ball
- Thu 27 Jan 2005 13:00:11
He's from Sydney and is the production partner with Mike Kelly.
- Thu 27 Jan 2005 13:49:34
1) How many people wait for the DJ announcements and decide wether they buy a ticket to Mardi Gras/Sleaze or not based on the DJ line up?
2) Have you ever not gone to the party because of the DJ line up?
3) Have you ever bought a ticket solely because of the DJ line up?
curious - Thu 27 Jan 2005 13:57:45
no its not that-they would complain no matter what-even if they were paid to go
me i cant wait-MG-TOYBOX-SHIFT. WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
GUNNA GO OFF! - Thu 27 Jan 2005 14:19:19
"It’s five weeks until the Mardi Gras Party and the Star is ready to throw a rumour in the ring.
A reputable Deep Throat around town informs us that none other than our own fabulous Tiny Tina Arena will be one of the RHI’s performers in the early hours of Sunday 6 March.
Of course, Tina released a 10-year Greatest Hits album last year as well as doing a particularly camp turn in Cabaret, both good practice for a spot at our party of parties.
A Mardi Gras source preferred to “neither confirm nor deny” the Tina story, but did admit the Star was not far from the mark.
“Think Aussie divas,” the source said. “And there might be more than one,” adding there would definitely be big names, and they would be announced before the start of this year’s party."
Just wondering if it's unusual for NMG to say that they will be announcing the performers before the party??? Or will the announcement just be a smoke screen for Cher (I really truly have now convinced myself that she will be performing!!
I'm getting excited now - Thu 27 Jan 2005 14:58:39
How can you say that it is different...at last? Ok, so it is in the sense that there is no Jake Kilby, Alex Taylor, Luke Leal etc, but both Ryan Murphy and Shigeki have done the last , like, 3 or 4 parties, and Paul has done many in his career, including one not so long ago.
And not the same old saturday night out? Shigeki plays on saturdays at the Shift and, until recently, Paul played on saturdays at Arq.
It's a great line up, but please don't say it is 'different' because it is far from.
- Thu 27 Jan 2005 15:03:52
I think the point they were trying to make is that by having a mix of these regular DJ's and the newbies adds a certain new dynamic to the Party!
I can't wait and Yes it is going to go off... As for all the negativity it doesn't bother, usually just the people who aren't going!! It's the sour grapes mentality!
Looking Forward to it Well Done Mardi Gras!!!! - Thu 27 Jan 2005 16:07:13
1- no idea but I reckon they're being a little silly by doing this. The party is "made" by a great many factors, not just the music or the DJ.
2- No! Variety is the spice and all that - if you don't like the sound in a space at a certain time, go somewhere else and by the time you get back it'll all be new and different.
3- to a certain extent, this year, Yes, only because the news about the Hordern (DJ Josh and 4 Strings) means my personal party experience will be fairly mind-blowing. This does not mean that everyone is going to be happy and that's exactly why we have the saying about not being able to please everyone all of the time.
kimbaboy - Thu 27 Jan 2005 17:09:44
Calvin is a Sydney boy, who works 9months here, and 3 months in Germany/London. He plays regularly at The Flinders, The Colombian and Stonewall, and has played at events such as Indulgence, Gay Games Opening Party etc.
It is brilliant that he got up for retro space as he has one of the most ecclectic music collections around town and will offer a fresh presentation of the sounds past with plenty of silliness thrown in for good measure (and watch out for his purpose built edits - smooth as silk).
I do have the pleasure of working with him in the studio when time permits, and on beat fm biweekly on Tuesdays which he shares with the delightful Peter Fam. FYI the show is called Grass Roots, and airs Tuesdays 7-9.30pm on Beat FM which is 87.6FM or, for most of us accessible via the web at www.beatfm.com.au
If you want to know anything else, fire away.
PS - Calvin is moving OS shortly after for good this time
Mike Kelly - Thu 27 Jan 2005 17:12:49
Elroy and the Red Light Disco Team did not even submit, yet they are in the lineup.
Makes you wonder what was wrong with the submissions of the people whoe missed out? Why reject Alex taylor and move Ryan Murphy from funky house to anthems? Why reject Mike Kelly and bring in Elroy and RLDT?
I ponder...
- Thu 27 Jan 2005 17:54:21
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.
To the above poster........ You will noticed that panther is unable to verify the above statement.
I challenge YOU to back up your statement.
put up or shut up! - Thu 27 Jan 2005 18:31:43
Could not agree more... it's easy for nameless people to make baseless statements just to try and stir the pot.
At the DJ Q&A session, Ryan indicated he was going to submit for Anthems and that's what he got. Having participated in the process (and missed out), I have no qualms or complaints about the decisions NMG have made.
I think the line up is very interesting but for all the right reasons and I'm hoping I'll be able to get along to the party and have a dance.
Let's ignore the conspiracy theories and just enjoy what looks to be a fun night out.
shanobear - Thu 27 Jan 2005 18:53:16
Some new names in there.
- Thu 27 Jan 2005 18:59:46
Jack yo self dude. FagTag supports Mardi Gras and a good attitude. If there wasnt an MG there would be no recoveries. Perhaps youre still coming down?
- Thu 27 Jan 2005 19:09:34
Generally don't get too caught up in the selection, but certinaly know what we like to hear. It's great to see some new people in there and some of 'our' local Dj's.
Rock 'em hard Les! Just be yourself Buddy n it'll be awesome.
Brissie Lads - Thu 27 Jan 2005 19:31:37
if it isnt it should be
plz NMG keep the dj's for each room but swap the the venues and make the Dome Dark
who supports this idea ??
darkness in the dome - Thu 27 Jan 2005 19:50:16
Our group has never waited or bought a ticket solely because of a DJ ( group of 15 ). With Mardi Gras and Sleaze and BQN and Pride there are 2 or 3 or more Halls so how can you go wrong ? There is something for everyone. Maybe would do that for a single Hall party but these parties upto 15-20 DJ's so you always find something.
I'm glad its not the same old same old, giving us a few of the regular DJ's and some newbies amongst them is a great idea.
NT girl come on down and just enjoy yourself.
My biggest gripe with Pinkboard is the majority of posters are just having some fun with gossip and rumours but you get a dozen posts slagging off and they think its everyone on Pinkboard. Just check out call me cynical's post - have we seen an apology from him/her ?
So please dont paint us with the same brush...... - Thu 27 Jan 2005 19:53:20
Yep thats my name.. we had dinner a while back when you were staying in Newtown.....
Adamx - Fri 28 Jan 2005 00:42:36
who supports this idea ??
darkness in the dome - Thu 27 Jan 2005 19:50:16
That's not gunna happen. If you want the Dome you have to deal with the new rules ...
- Fri 28 Jan 2005 00:43:48
who supports this idea ??
darkness in the dome - Thu 27 Jan 2005 19:50:16
Youre dreaming baby!
- its a dance party... dome will be well lit but still fun! remember fun? - Fri 28 Jan 2005 01:55:47
Looking forward to the party - now all i need to know who are the shows !
yep got my ticket - ready for the ride - Fri 28 Jan 2005 06:03:22
Try Drag Bag or Raban shoes on George st!
Dont be scared of the Drag queens, they dont bite - HARD!
- Fri 28 Jan 2005 06:35:12
See you under a mirror ball, its going to be a FAB night
sumbmitted but not selected - Fri 28 Jan 2005 06:40:59
With the likes of Jimmy & Justin (another 2 of Sydney's finest Retro DJ's) getting the knock back from the listening panel, the mind ponders as to what was actually going on during the listening process on that very fine Saturday afternoon
Otherwise, not a bad DJ selection for the other area's, like the RHI, the Dome, and Stage 11.
Should be a good night!
anxiousandwaiting - Fri 28 Jan 2005 08:55:09
There weren't as "many" retro submissions as you may believe. In fact my source tells me there were only 5. Seems as though a lot of DJ's simply don't want to have "retro" on their resume because it does not do their chances of regular work any good at all.
- Fri 28 Jan 2005 09:42:02
1) How many people wait for the DJ announcements and decide wether they buy a ticket to Mardi Gras/Sleaze or not based on the DJ line up?
2) Have you ever not gone to the party because of the DJ line up?
3) Have you ever bought a ticket solely because of the DJ line up?'
1. Never done this nor has anyone I know
2. No
3. No
- Fri 28 Jan 2005 09:46:49
- Fri 28 Jan 2005 09:48:26
The sound is much better in Stage 11 - and that's what's needed to make tribal music work.
Funky house also works quite well in the Dome.
- Fri 28 Jan 2005 10:10:37
There are 36 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 36 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 36 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 36 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 36 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Fri 28 Jan 2005 10:28:45
Try House of Fetish on Oxford Street.
Or go to http://www.undergroundshoes.co.uk/
They are a bit expensive to buy on the net (mine cost me about $250 with postage) and I'm not too jazzed about the vynyl tongues but the 20 hole jobbies look amazing. They also posted them quick smart and they were here in just over a week.
My BOOTS are *made* for Mardi Gras, baby!
Trance Trance Trance - Go, the buckles! - Fri 28 Jan 2005 10:51:29
Stephen Blomfield is arguably Sydney's finest gay retro DJ. He's been around our party circuit for over two decades. This is a claim that very few DJs can actually make.
I think it's entirely reasonable for Stephen to be asked to play for 6 hours, if in fact he actually has been asked to play for this long - we still haven't heard this rumour "confirmed" yet. If he is, though, I'll surely be there bopping away for the whole 6 hours (and I've said before, I'm a trance-nut, yet I still enjoy Stephen's retro sets).
On another note, as a new DJ on the scene, Stephen has been a great support for me. I have nothing but respect for Stephen.
Murray H - Fri 28 Jan 2005 11:00:28
Congrats to all the selected DJs. I sat on the RHI listening panel and had a fabulous time. Really interesting and educational too, with all the different approaches the various audition CDs had. All blind listening and mysterious but the recommendations were fairly clear in the end. Thomas, Marcus, Tim and the rest managing the process were so professional and knowledgable about the whole music and party organisation thing that it was all a bit inspiring, in fact.
And to top it off, it was really cool finding out who the selected DJs were yesterday and seeing how they matched with who I suspected the entries might be from.
I really recommend people getting involved 'cos it's put me right in the mood for an absolutely wicked Mardi Gras.
Bring it on!!!!!
Trance Trance Trance - Woo hoo! - Fri 28 Jan 2005 11:02:46
I hear that girlfriend! Diversity and versatility is equally appreciated and reviled on the scene. But it's a strength you gotta play to if you're in it for the long haul. Congrats on getting the party Ryan, opening the RHI is the most enjoyable set of the party. Everybody heads there first and the energy is totally palpable as it excitingly rises minute by minute! ….ooh, I think I'm coming down with Mardi Gras spirit - must have been the sight of Ms Minogue on the cover of the SSO yesterday...
www.lukeleal.com - Fri 28 Jan 2005 11:54:31
Does anyone know?
- Fri 28 Jan 2005 12:38:35
Is there nothing that you would like left to discover on the night?
surprise surprise!! - Fri 28 Jan 2005 13:23:20
dizzy me forgot to mention, Calvin has a website. i think it is a geocities one, so google it and you can get a bit more idea of where he was OS.
i remember tom's bar, schwuz, GMF and one of the big parties in '04 for fulsom europe (all berlin), but i think i erased the other cells relating to those memories.
to the person who is a bit upset about the breaks space etc:
sure, it was a shame to miss out, but DJ ELROY is SUPERHOT musically and this is one DJ you're gonna go nuts about. Can't really offer much comment on the others as i've never heard of the live act, nor heard seymour do breaks but i am sure they'll be great too
mike kelly - Fri 28 Jan 2005 16:47:30
Red Light Disco DJ team will be mashing it up to start. DJ Elroy will be playing breaks in the middle with Seymour Butz playing his own distinctive brand of music with an Electro edge to close.
It's nice to see a good energy coming off pinkboard for once. Sounds as though selection has thrown up a decent mix of dj's. Hopefully something for everyone.
4th Trashed Mouse - Fri 28 Jan 2005 18:03:49
- bored in miami cause is raining - Sat 29 Jan 2005 07:48:10
please take note that the majority of posters are very happy with DJ selections.
Dont let the usual few who will be negative on anything overshadow the majorities views.
Thanks NMG - Sat 29 Jan 2005 08:05:13
There are 35 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 35 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 35 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 35 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 35 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Sat 29 Jan 2005 08:41:25
Congrats to all again
Sammy D - Sat 29 Jan 2005 14:16:53
There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Sun 30 Jan 2005 08:13:30
It's only early Sunday afternoon - wait until Monday or Tuesday for people to take out their come downs on the world.
- Sun 30 Jan 2005 12:55:36
- Sun 30 Jan 2005 21:59:28
Thank you, i was not selected but i am still happy i was able to submit a cd.
I will be playing opening set at Manalce on Monday 07/03.
Happy Mardi Gras
Rado - Sun 30 Jan 2005 23:39:29
will look forward to manacle then.
btw - congratulations on your selection for inquisition!
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 02:00:40
There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Mon 31 Jan 2005 08:24:42
Dont let the usual few who will be negative on anything overshadow the majorities views.
Thanks NMG - Sat 29 Jan 2005 08:05:13
Pinkboard posters are a very, very small minority, and not at all representative of the community at large.
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 11:19:19
Dont be scared of the Drag queens, they dont bite - HARD!
- Fri 28 Jan 2005 06:35:12
Drag Bag has been closed for years - try House of Priscilla on Oxford St...
Josh - Mon 31 Jan 2005 11:20:46
what a stupid comment a well known name doesnt make a great dj or an awesome set...
how do u think no names become names
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 12:37:42
Hmmn, we are card carrying homos, interested in our community and party. Any opinion comes from the group. Sorry darlin, but thats the truth.
The line up for Mardi Gras is superb! Congrats to the Mardi Gras group for such a diversity of DJs.
Please lets hope there something more deep and dirty than just Rado at Inquisition. Lets get some man music as well as girls please! Mix it up now. Those Manacle DJs need a big hit of testosterone!
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 12:55:24
Personally I think it's going to be great!
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 13:17:21
me too me too
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 14:16:34
- Sat 29 Jan 2005 07:48:10
Who would've thought PG back at MG? I would have! Shigeki is going to raise the RHI roof, then Paul will blow the whole thing clean off. This is one party not to be missed people!
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 15:45:07
also... i think you'll find manacle crowd demands a little more vocals than what most djs wish to play there.
if you think it is not masculine enough, i suggest finding a positive way to tell the dj that (like could you play this particular song, or something similar) and make sure you vote with your feet. approaching the dj and telling him it is too girly is a sure-fire way to not get what you want.
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 18:30:47
if you read the post correctly it was talking about Pinkboard and never said it spoke for the community at large. My concern was that Pinkboard opinions were being overridden by the minority negative posts which were becoming very negative with absolutely no evidence to back up their abuse.
So next time take a deeeeeep breath, reread the post first before commenting.
Get it right before you comment - Mon 31 Jan 2005 19:19:42
I agree. Well said!
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 20:42:11
Hmmn. Ill think you find most of the men at manacle find the music childish and belittling. The dj roster is one dimensional. It is the bar managers dictating the music policy. Its not the Albury anymore lads! Wish we had the Stronghold or Barracks still.....
Hope the Manacle guys get to Mardi Gras and stay out of the RHI to see tand here hat there is so much else out there than girl-lite-anthem-trance.
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 21:20:40
So next time take a deeeeeep breath, reread the post first before commenting.
Get it right before you comment - Mon 31 Jan 2005 19:19:42
I understand your post, and I agree with you. I was just trying to make the distinction between the pinkboard community and the community at large.
What I said wasn't said in spite, or in anger. I was simply making comment. There was no need to take a breath and re-read. Simply making distinction. Sorry if you thought I was having a go at you.
- Mon 31 Jan 2005 22:08:52
There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras !!
There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Tue 1 Feb 2005 00:07:08
I am very excited about Mardi Gras. Already bought my ticket , already know what I'm wearing and by the end of the week my accessories for the night will also be finalised.
I havent been this organised since.... um, well bugger me , I've NEVER been this organised.
Of course am very much looking forward to the new retro space that will be in the fox and lion and surrounding areas. Dont know much about the upper level of this building, anybody got some info on whats it like up there size wise etc ??
Very pleased to hear that Stephen Blomfield is playing the middle set of the night. Is it true he has the middle six hours of the night ? Havent seen set times published anywhere as yet. Hopefully he'll be up to the top standard that he played during the 2 MG run parties in '04. Haven't heard from Stephen on here just yet. How about it matey, give us an update on what you've got planned. I'm also very much looking forward to hearing the two new retro DJ's Chris and Calvin. Hopefully they read this board too - well done guys on your retro "debut". Lets hear from you guys too.
Les Smith's selection as the 2nd DJ in the RHI also takes my interest. Les is old school handbag DJ from Brisbane who has been playing since the early 1980's and I'm sure his set will be the campest of the night in the RHI. Congratulations to Les who FINALLY after all these years gets his moment of glory at a Mardi Gras party - well done Les. Lets hope the sound levels are satisfactory.
Well thats all from me. Cant wait for my next retro hit in just over a month, it'll be a blast !!
Retro Retro Retro - Tue 1 Feb 2005 10:56:32
Do you? And where, precisely, would I find that please?
Dan Murphy - Tue 1 Feb 2005 10:58:45
i agree manacle is great
- Tue 1 Feb 2005 11:41:05
So any word on the other recoveries? Toybox is sold out - what else is going on? Anyone heard about the Baddog recovery?
- manacle. just tolerate it! - Tue 1 Feb 2005 12:29:47
- Tue 1 Feb 2005 12:54:10
Retro Retro Retro - Tue 1 Feb 2005 10:56:32
I would like to echo this sentiment and also publicly congratulate Les - who is the one of the most commercially successful and enduring gay DJs in Australia.
Les has worked at numerous events across the country and is a versatile DJ who plays to the crowd. Despite his much lauded retirement a couple of years ago - he has continued to work the circuit and has finally landed a slot at Mardi Gras.
I remember dancing to Les' sets over twelve years ago when I first moved to Brisbane. So, I was very honoured when Les and Craig (of Double up Bears) had me come in for an audition and gave me my first gig at a Queens Ball three years ago.
Les is approachable, down to earth, and has a lot of experience at big parties. It is with much respect that I offer my congratulations to him and wish him all the best for the night.
Kylie Rose - Tue 1 Feb 2005 13:23:15
Stage 11 is the current name. It used to be called City Live but I think most of us regular people just havent been able to let go of the name.
- Tue 1 Feb 2005 13:45:25
I wonder if its true or not???
- Tue 1 Feb 2005 19:51:46
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