Pinkboard: Mardi Gras Party 2005 Graffiti Wall 3

With just a week to go to the party the buzz around town is getting louder and louder. Tina Arena, Nicky French and Darren Hayes have all been confirmed with more surprises promised.

For those who have never been to a Mardi Gras party, this will blow your socks off. It is big! And that's not just what's in the skimpy shorts and sheer bras. There are two large halls: RHI with Anthems and Horden with Trance. Both dance floor will be packed with hot men and women writhing to the fabulous music under amazing lights and lasers. RHI is where the big shows are, and these are big. With world class talent, slick production, gorgeous dancers and fabulous effects.

Then there are the smaller halls: Dome will be the venue for funky house with Sydney's grooviest DJs. Stage 11 will be the darker, dirtier tribal and hard house. Wenches, the space for women (and their boy buddies) will be upstairs in Stage 11 with it's own entrance and entertainment. Retro will overflow the Fox and Lion with fabulous music from the 80s and 90s and a few surprises thrown in. Breaks will make an appearance for the first time at the party in its own marquee. The 6 Up and Coming DJ competition winners will be playing on the Peter Finch Lawn. Watch for shows and other surprises in these spaces.

What would Mardi Gras be without costumes? Check out the best of the costumes, or strut your stuff in the Costume Pageant on the stage. The Frocks will also bring live bands back to the party for the first time in around 20 years.

When you have had enough action take time out to relax and chat, or just watch the lights. There are plenty of fabulous places to chill: The seating in the Horden is the place to watch the lighting. The forecourt between the RHI and the Horden is where you will find everyone at some stage during the night. The garden out the back of the Dome is a great place to retreat from the hectic pace of the party.

If you are having any problems during the night go and chat to ACON in the Horden Foyer or see the Mardi Gras Medical team. ACON Rovers will also be on the lookout for people having problems. Look after your mates.

If you haven't got your ticket yet go to Ticketek and get it now. There is a chance it could sell out.

This wall is for the Party. Please discuss the Mardi Gras Festival (including Parade) on the Festival Wall and the Film Festival on the Film Festival Wall.

and what time the shows normally are
sammy d - Sat 26 Feb 2005 19:22:45

The lock out is for safety reasons - to avoid a crush. For the same reason show times are kept unannounced.
- Sat 26 Feb 2005 20:53:22

As for shows, aren't they usually just before the DJ change over time in the RHI, ie just before 1am, 4am, 7am and before close?
- Sat 26 Feb 2005 22:28:59

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 6 tiny days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - At this exact time next Sunday it will just about be over - Sun 27 Feb 2005 09:44:32

you are a slut. We love for it !!!
- Sun 27 Feb 2005 13:45:54

OK so lemme get this 'straight' - NMG advertise the headline acts to sell more tickets yet they refuse to say WHEN the shows will be. End result = however many party goers who WANT to see Darren and Tina (let's assume 5,000) not only have to squeeze into the 2,000 capacity RHI, but many of those in the RHI when the shows are on probably DON'T want to see them or don't give a rat's willy...
- Sun 27 Feb 2005 16:31:23

LOL - I expect a party full of people in nice tailored trousers. Guess the chaps won't fit into that category. I'm prepared to sacrifice comfort for my art.
- Sun 27 Feb 2005 16:53:32

Aren't you a total silly billy.

The RHI hold many 1000's more than the 2,000 you state. In fact its capacity is up near the 8,000 mark.
get it right - Sun 27 Feb 2005 17:06:53

I don't think there would be 5,000 people buying tickets solely to see either of those performers, either.

Either way, it's for safety reasons. It's logical, and it's been this way for years.
- Sun 27 Feb 2005 17:13:01

I actually read it in ths month's LOTL.
Panther - Sun 27 Feb 2005 17:14:51

Panther read it in LOTL (Lesbians on the loose) ?

OMG !!! Panthers a LESBIAN !!!

Run for hills
- Sun 27 Feb 2005 17:33:16

Another "we have always done it that way so end of story" fuddy-duddy.

If 5,000 people weren't enticed to buy tickets based on the acts then why would NMG change what had "been this way for years"?

Not disclosing show times "for safety reasons" is utter rubbish. A lockout is for safety reasons, sure, but not hiding show times.

Admit it, you have no clue why they don't disclose times.
- Sun 27 Feb 2005 22:29:48

"When did Deborah Cox get confirmed?"
- Sun 27 Feb 2005 16:54:01

My question exactly! Nothing on the NMG website or in the papers and they always do their announcements to tie in with Thursday publication of the SSO. Darren Hayes, for example.]

Absolutely not sure I'd believe LOTL!
Trance Trance Trance - Sun 27 Feb 2005 23:32:36

There are simply 5 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are simply 5 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are simply 5 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are simply 5 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are simply 5 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are simply 5 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are simply 5 Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - the count (thank God) is nearly over - Mon 28 Feb 2005 00:28:00

See you all on the dancefloor!
Linkstar - The big secret is Cher and Bette will bitch slap each other for the crowd's enjoyment at 3am. Shhh. You didn't hear it from me.... - Mon 28 Feb 2005 11:12:24

LOL! Maybe if you are a women it would be!
Woofy, but not with breasts! - Mon 28 Feb 2005 13:42:58

Wow - that's kinda weird that you couldn't find much on 4strings. They have a website - www.4strings.nl - albeit a pretty plain one for a couple of trance heads!
i love the night life - i love to boogie - Mon 28 Feb 2005 19:53:16

1,2,3 FOUR DAYS TO MARDI GRAS !!

1,2,3 FOUR DAYS TO MARDI GRAS !!

1,2,3 FOUR DAYS TO MARDI GRAS !!

1,2,3 FOUR DAYS TO MARDI GRAS !!

1,2,3 FOUR DAYS TO MARDI GRAS !!

1,2,3 FOUR DAYS TO MARDI GRAS !!

1,2,3 FOUR DAYS TO MARDI GRAS !!

1,2,3 FOUR DAYS TO MARDI GRAS !!
countdownboy - soon soon soon !!!! - Tue 1 Mar 2005 00:02:51

OMG.. that means..

SIX DAYS TIL TOYBOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Box Boy le Bunkey - Tue 1 Mar 2005 02:17:28

I had already noticed that as well! Looks like the marketing people share the same ideas ...lol

Frisky rocked! Lets hope Mardi Gras follows that hype... would be good.. Good they were the good ole days..
it was always risky to end up at Frisky! - Tue 1 Mar 2005 07:40:18

A trusty source told me that she will no longer be performing.

Uh oh...

Wait for it...

Cox pulled out!

Sorry, couldn't resist. Seriously though, I do believe this to be true (and Pinkboard should be able to verify this statement with NMG).
i'm so excited... - and i just can't hide it! - Tue 1 Mar 2005 11:27:48

Ryan Murphy - Tue 1 Mar 2005 12:57:06

This question has been answered on the Party Graffiti Wall.
- Tue 1 Mar 2005 13:20:17

I wonder if someone was paid to [be inspired by | steal | pay homage to | plagerise | borrow | steal] the frisky logo?
- Tue 1 Mar 2005 13:40:22

We're not gay to be amusement for d&*^heads who dont respect us.
Gotta Luv the Rain - Very much looking forward to the Party - Tue 1 Mar 2005 13:44:47

Saturday : Dry. NW/SW winds
Sydney: 20 28

Trend for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
Cooler S change Sun with a few showers. Mainly fine Monday, Tuesday.
Trance Trance Trance - Tue 1 Mar 2005 14:43:30

Panther - Tue 1 Mar 2005 16:08:24

I just checked out the Frisky logo. http://www.frisky.com.au/
There is a similarity, but that's all. You could say that the Mazda and Toyota logos are surprisingly similar.
- - Tue 1 Mar 2005 16:47:20

Darling, you are so right in saying this.

I'm not ashamed of whom I am, but am I and the above poster, the only two who feel this way?

Thank God these people are a minority!
Laugh WITH us, not AT us - Tue 1 Mar 2005 18:19:06

I checked out http://www.djmag.com/top100chart.asp
and he isnt even in the top 100 although its mainly European/US DJ's , he is not there ? and this list was for 2004.

Not knocking him but just worried the "Traditional" Hordern style with its harder edge/sounding music is not going to happen.

The Hordern and RHI could end up sounding the same.
The Harder the better................ - Tue 1 Mar 2005 20:17:25

I seriously doubt it - I can't see any of the RHI djs playing much euro-trance.
- Tue 1 Mar 2005 21:44:33

There are just THREE DAYS to Mardi Gras !!

There are just THREE DAYS to Mardi Gras !!

There are just THREE DAYS to Mardi Gras !!

There are just THREE DAYS to Mardi Gras !!

There are just THREE DAYS to Mardi Gras !!

There are just THREE DAYS to Mardi Gras !!

There are just THREE DAYS to Mardi Gras !!

There are just THREE DAYS to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - The counting nears and end, and the party soon begins - Wed 2 Mar 2005 00:10:19

What is this 'traditional' Hordern sound you mention - it's has been home to so many different styles over the years; trance, tribal, hard beats - the common factor being that it's a lot less commercial than, say, the RHI.

Useless but interesting fact: If you check out the party history walls for Sleaze & Mardi Gras, the DJs who have performed the most in the Hordern (going back to 1992) are Brent Nichols, Lexie Bradfield & Mandy Rollins with four appearances each, Luke Leal with five and Sveta with seven.
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 01:24:07

Below is a bio for the legends 4 strings:

"Behind the name 4 Strings hides 2 musicians, Carlo Resoort (March 1, 1973) and Jan de Vos (August 9, 1974). The Two have known each other since 1986. In 1990 they became interested in dance music, and from that moment on, they started making there own music. After a time they both found there real passion. Carlo decided to stay in the studio while Jan found his passion in mixing and started his DJ-ing career.

Jan met up with Piet Bervoets (Carlos, ROOS and Rank 1). Piet Taught him the basics of mixing. After a couple of months, Jan joined a drive-in-show, where he played all kinds of music from R&B till happy hardcore. His skills were improving rapidly, and it was during this time period he noticed that his main interest was in trance music. After winning a first price in a dj contest, he was offered his very own residency. His diverse style of playing was appreciated by many fans. After a few years of turntable madness he hooked up with Carlo again.

Carlo Resoort started with trance music in 1994, and soon after that he had his first release. After a couple of releases he had his first major breakthrough: "Carlos-the silmarilla", produced together with Piet Bervoets. Two years later after a lot off small releases he had another hit with "turn it around".

Around this same time, a new record company was born, "spinnin records", the first meeting between Carlo and Spinnin wa very positive! Shortly there after Carlo signed his first record deal and 4 Strings was born.

"Daytime" was the first track of 4 strings, supported by Paul van Dijk, Judge Jules and Tiesto. The follow up was "in to the night", which got even more support. After a vocal edit called "take me away" became a huge hit around the globe, even now the track can be heard worldwide.

"Diving and Let it rain" were the follow ups, and soon an album was released. Jan is playing world wide as "DJ 4 Strings" while Carlo keeps the good beat coming as "4 strings" as well under his own name.

We can expect to see much more of 4 strings in the up and coming years, so definitely STAY TUNED"!

Any music fan should have a blast with this massive 10 set!!!!
see ya on the floor! - Wed 2 Mar 2005 07:33:33

Retro Retro Retro - Wed 2 Mar 2005 07:50:40

Some of us like our harder trance. Am I going to hear hard trance in the Retro area? Or the RHI?

No.
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 07:54:02

Ha ha ha........NOT!!
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 09:04:33

"the "traditional" hordern sound will obviously be missing from the Hordern this time.
Tue 1 Mar 2005 21:52:43"
What is this 'traditional' Hordern sound you mention - it's has been home to so many different styles over the years; trance, tribal, hard beats - the common factor being that it's a lot less commercial than, say, the RHI.

At last someone recognises this. The Hordeern has never had a traditional sound - and has not always been edgy. I remember Rob Davis playing Barry White in the Hordern.

As for being cutting edge - I think any party with Seymour Butz & The Red Light Disco Boys is doing it.
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 09:14:34

I clearly remember hearing Brent playing that early 90's remake of "I say a little prayer" in the Hordern, I then walked into the RHI and Alex was playing it at exactly the same time.

So much for the Hordern always having a defined cutting edge "traditional" sound - What a load of bollocks !!!

The Hordern pavilion is the LEAST "Traditional" music venue in the whole of the Fox Studios area. Its had more styles of music played in it over the years than Joan crawford has had facelifts.
A boy that knows - Wed 2 Mar 2005 09:24:02

Mike Kelly has also made four appearances - 3 closing Mardi Gras set and 1 Sleaze opening - and is the youngest local DJ to play ever.
mk friend - Wed 2 Mar 2005 09:31:54

Now those were the days...my fav' party days ever!
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 09:41:15

No.
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 07:54:02

have you ever thought I emailing 4 strings direct and asking via his website www.4strings.com.nl. Although it may be too late considering it's this weekend, he may have been able to accomodate more of a harder style.

I have seen him play at Transmission (Harder Trance Party) and his set contained harder trance mixed with progressive trance. Maybe research the DJ a little better than assuming the released singles are his style.

He really mixes it up, go and check it out Then bitch! if needed....

Do't complain until after you have checked it out!
Enjoy don't just bitch! and if so just don't go.. - Wed 2 Mar 2005 10:10:27

How old was MK for his first MG gig?
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 10:18:05

I think the worst party I ever went to for like programming between venues was the closing party of the Gay Games. I can remember Whitney being played in the RHI, Hordern & Dome within about 20 mins - we left the venue every time it came on and I felt like I was being chased by Whitney. Sorry - poor Whitney.
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 10:30:04

Well my friend, you can re-live those memories on Saturday night between 12 and 5am in the Retro Fox and Lion Space. Gimme a wave, Say hi even !!
Stephen Blomfield - Wed 2 Mar 2005 10:56:32

I think there have been younger DJs play at MG/Sleaze than 23.
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 11:18:41

How old were you when you first played Mr Mike Kelly? I would have been 23 if I had played at the first Mardi Gras I was selected for... but I turned it down (lol - talk about coming full circle) so when I performed at the following Sleaze I was over the hill at 24.
www.lukeleal.com - Wed 2 Mar 2005 11:30:27

I posted the above comment at 11.30am based on the fact that I remember Luke knocking back that Mardi Gras gig in 1995 and I worked out he must have been 20 at the time based on his profile which has him listed as 30yo at the moment.

Now we have Luke coming on here saying he was 23 in 1995 , which makes him 33 now.

So Luke , Whats with the profile ????

Have we caught you in a white fib hehehee

SPRUNG !!!!
I never was good at maths - Wed 2 Mar 2005 12:31:00

Now those were the days...........
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 09:41:15

Wow!. Im sooo glad theyre over Brent and Alex both know how to mix and keep the cheese low.
Ovah! not out... embrace the future - Wed 2 Mar 2005 12:57:11

In the Hordern? No offence to the man himself but not according to the history wall - Mardi Gras 2003 with Chip, MG 2004 & Sleaze 2004. that's three.
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 13:03:42

I thought profiles made things bigger not smaller?

Oh .. that was 30 years you were referring to, not centimetres
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 13:42:42

So my hunch is it will probably sell out this year. If you still haven't purchased your ticket, then I'd do it by Friday afternoon.

Happy Mardi Gras!!

....riiiiiiiight. I thought they were releasing 20,000 tix max, which would mean at this rate it will sell out Wed arvo or Thursday morning.
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 14:02:36

I must be just about the only person who's had an incorrect age on their profile that was higher than their real age. For a whole year I mistakenly said I was 42 when I was actually only 41. After 2 years of being 42, though, it was a bit of a shock to suddenly be 43 ;-(

D'oh!

Good thing trance music keeps you young on the inside
Trance Trance Trance - Oops now the secret's out - Wed 2 Mar 2005 14:06:34

The party used to sell-out quite often through the mid to late 90's. The crowd at the 98 party was estimated to be around 28,000 but that was in the days when thousands of comps were dished out. If capacity is 20,000 this year (and it varies against space available/booked etc) then it looks like a "sellout" could be on the cards. 20,000 is about as high as you'd want to go. After that it can start to feel a bit like shopping in the pre-Xmas rush.
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 15:37:04

Arrr yes , The good old days when you could do shopping in the pre-Xmas rush in the downstairs Hordern Toilets or the Dome
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 16:17:52

And some of us want to dance - 1998 was disasterous and downright dangerous, especially the crush to get in & out of the RHI. 20,000 is much more sensible.
- Wed 2 Mar 2005 17:36:00

In response to all above:

-I have played MG 3 times: The Dome at 23 yo in 2002, The Hordern 2003 (b2b with Chip 4decks2mixers) - apparently we were (or more correctly I was) too musically busy, so save the slag off, I know Lesson learnt; and The Hordern 2004 flying solo.

Take Me To The Clouds Above is Rachel Mc Farlane. Despite my "No Whitney, Britney or Shitney" policy I also thought it was a Whitney track and liked it nonetheless. Thanks to DJ Rado I found out the vocal is Rachel McFarlane and it did slip into my set a lot during that period with less self-derision. To the Whitney fans, THAT IS MY TASTE, not a comment on yours.

The Hordern does have a dirty feel and a chunkier edge which i LOVE to death!!! in 2004 the crowd of at least 2000 people left at the close of the party needed some familiar stuff, and when i finished with U2's With Or Without You, which is why the link of Take Me To the Clouds above was played (ie same instumental underbed), there were a lot of happy tears in the room.

No apologies to ANY music purists, it worked, and I do like light and shade in my sets. If you don't think i am underground enough, all good I only submitted for breaks space this year because i wanted to pull things back to an even more underground tip. Too deep and dirty for the selectors I guess.

As for the mega mix bit, totally true. At that time of the morning things need to be kept moving otherwise people fade and leave. And from my rave days and fond dance party days, the last set always featured classics.
If you want some dirty stuff, come check out Indulgence for a filthy fix, with a few crowd pleasers thrown in for accesibility. Don't expect to hear Cha Cha Heels or anything like that in my set though LOL

Did Sleaze Ball 2004... that was progressive, tribal, breaks and dirty house... with some known stuff revamped into breaks etc... I like to make sure the floor is jammed for the next DJ, especially when it is someone as fantastic as Mandy Rollins

MG and NMG have always allowed me to be a dirty vinyl pusher and i thank them for that!

To answer the quiz of the day... does that make me the youngest local to play a main hall? i don't know but I think so, could be wrong, perhaps some of the 20year veteran DJs can contradict me there. i am positive DJ Fergie (UK) was younger than me when he did The Dome with Babybear et al... several years back when it was a slamming trance affair
MK - now with RSI from typing LOL - Wed 2 Mar 2005 17:47:50

just a newbie really
MK - Wed 2 Mar 2005 17:49:58

Having attended every NMG/Sleaze since 1985 the other posters are right saying Hordern has many sounds but as you say for around the last 5 years or more, the Hordern has featured whatever you want to call the style ie
Hardhouse/hard trance/hard tribal/hrd nrg and its been accepted extremely well and the dance floor packed always. You mention Brent Nicholls - a dear friend of mine - his last set he played in the Hordern was this style and went off . Rachel Auburn - unbeleivable.
Mandy Rollins and Sveta certainly play it hard.
And over those last few years the RHI has sounded more trancey later in the night.
No one has slagged DJ 4 Strings but all of a sudden the style that is probably the 2nd favourite as its in the 2nd biggest hall sounds like its not going to be played and people are just curious what DJ 4 Strings will play.

Ask any party goer who has attended many parties and most will tell the styles of each hall ie
RHI - commercial/handbag/cheesy
Hordern - hard whatever
Dome - Dirty Sexy Tribal
and of recent times City Live playing Retro and I think some latin style once .
No harm in asking what style will be played - Wed 2 Mar 2005 19:37:17

Sorry Luke my understanding was you refused to submit ....not turned down...hardly full circle
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 00:05:47

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are TWO Days to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Thu 3 Mar 2005 07:49:03

Your understanding is different to reality. Luke *turned down* the MG Party gig *years ago*. In more recent times (particular this weekend's party) he has *refused* to submit.
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 07:56:47

Or maybe... just.... not ...good....enough MK? Respect the fact that maybe, just maybe, you arent actually amazing as you tell us!
Cant wait for the mashy Red Light, Elroy is the breaks demon, and Mr Butts, well he is Captain deep & dirty! Everyone makes mistakes MK, that is what being young is all about.
just another rejected dj.... - but i'll see you on the dancefloor - Thu 3 Mar 2005 09:22:23

Maybe going to be a sellout!
Get ya ticket soon if ya going - Thu 3 Mar 2005 10:52:08

BeatFM 87.6 Live Parade Broadcast & Webcam

The broadcast will be in stereo for peopole with Winamp or VLC and mono for Windows Media Player users. There will be capacity for 2,000.

http://www.beatfm.com.au
Colin - Thu 3 Mar 2005 11:01:44

Where is the women's space this year?
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 11:03:11

ya both wrong. Luke turned down the opening spot in the RHI at Mardi Gras '95 (because he felt he was too inexperienced at the time) and WITHDREW his Expression Of Interest for this years party (after making the short list) in protest over the unfair selection process. (ie: Josh being handed the Hordern before submissions had closed and after Mardi Gras had told DJs privately there would be no need for Trance DJs to submit - obviously because the decsion had already been made for their selection!)
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 11:29:15

Women's space is Top Floor of Stage 11 - so the music will be tribal, tribal and more tribal.
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 11:39:32

The womans space should be a figment of peoples imaginations. It should NOT exist at all. Its a disgrace and it's discriminates against men. It should be a seperate gender space for BOTH or NONE at all. And guess what? ....
This **IS** the opinion of this poster - Thu 3 Mar 2005 11:43:27

And we *will* be testing the "women and their male buddies" rule when we tromp up the stairs with our gay boyfriends in tow. Be arsed if I'm breaking up our party posse because of misinformed security. With umpteen thousand people attending the party, we'd be flat chat catching up with them again if they got left behind. And if any boys here want a squizz upstairs, the girlfriend and I will be happy to accompany you. Track us down.

I have no doubt the space will work fine, and will be full of gorgeous women cruising happily.
Evil Twin - Thu 3 Mar 2005 11:44:05

Yeah, Caucasian males living in an affluent democratic society, we've got it sooooooo tough. Where’s our fundraising concert?
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 13:16:16

who cares REALLY WHO WHO WHO
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 13:19:37

People with principles care.
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 13:21:21

eh
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 13:43:10

Frankie's only Sydney appearance is tomorrow night- he aint playing MG, he'll be at The Market in Melbourne on Sat.

Let's get on down there for one of our own, and do a double Fag Tag on Tank this weekend!!

Door Policy is fine - Tank don't reject you if you are in a small group of guys only - they have also advertised the night in the gay press!

Hey Ho Let's Go!
Monkey House - Thu 3 Mar 2005 13:49:52

Personally, I really don't care if the girls want a small space to themselves. Particularly since I've been in one with my dyke friends...and walked straight back out 'cause it was really rather dull. For those boys who think they're missing out, I can tell you that what goes on in there is nothin' like what would happen in a boys only space (which is why such a space would be shut down by the licensing police).
Over the pointless debate - Thu 3 Mar 2005 14:06:48

yeah.....what?

Oh boohoo, so you didn't get your mens space...again? Well considering the party is pretty much % male..it aint too much to ask for what.....a floor for grrls and their male friends.

Get over the male space, already. It's gone for good, it aint ever coming back. From what's been said in the posts before men=parties=drugs=sex with anyone, anywhere, anytime...so why do you need a space?
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 14:15:03

Leave 'em the huck alone. They do love music. They hurt noone... Just cause theyre honest......
bEATKID!!! - rock the shift on sunday MK...... - Thu 3 Mar 2005 15:00:43

Maybe they were Mamabears?
Goldilocks - Thu 3 Mar 2005 17:03:11

Maybe they are 'girl bears'?
Kaylo - Thu 3 Mar 2005 17:05:15

Adamx - Thu 3 Mar 2005 17:24:13

Now I'm really worried, wondering if there is a hairy chest involved.
LeatherBear - Thu 3 Mar 2005 17:26:12

happy Mardi Gras!

p.s. Huge cheer for those Net Ballers from the hills!!!
See ya all at the Party!
u.w. - GEEZ! Only half an hour to pack!!! - Thu 3 Mar 2005 19:15:56

thanks for your positive appraisal of a cd you've never heard. i liked lol and i am usually the one who thinks i sucks most (no double meaning intended).

however, it obviously wasn't good enough in light of the competition two of whom i know and i regard very highly -seymour and elroy

who do you think suggested elroy to nmg? ... that boy would blow me away just by putting his headphones on

will see you at the party (fox and lion) for calvin wong
and a quick dash to see the breaks bunch if i can trick calvin into believing i am going to the toilet LOL
big smile MK - Thu 3 Mar 2005 19:31:03

How about next to DJ box in the retro space at Midnight.

Thats the time that Stephen Blomfield starts. Since he was the only MG DJ to post on here in the build up to MG i think all us regular pinkboarders should all give him some support as well as having the opportunity to meet each other. Even if you dont like retro popping in for 15 mins wont do you any harm, then we can all disperse to the areas that we all get into musically after that, except for me , I'll be staying put - But I think you all know that already :P

Anyhow , thats my suggestion.
Retro Retro Retro - Thu 3 Mar 2005 21:28:18

Along with Bob and Helena, an official party of 15 and 20 security guys, complete with helicopter, hovering overhead. I don't think so darl and even if they were, I'd tell them - very respectfully - to piss off. Our party, our time, our space. It's not for slumming-it, A list voyeurs - obscure Scandinavian royals or not. Besides which they're hosting a dinner party for 300 in Darling Point that night...........
- Thu 3 Mar 2005 21:33:51

There are 48 Hours to go !

There are 48 Hours to go !

There are 48 Hours to go !
countdownboy - Thu 3 Mar 2005 21:58:55

I don't think it's likely either, but on the other hand, Denmark was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage (in 1989). Granted, F&M can't claim credit for that, but it would still be a nice slap in the face for Tony Abbot and co after going on about how they've injected life into the monarchist movement in Australia.

And I'm sure the dinner party in Darling Point will be over well before the one at Fox
CeeJay - Thu 3 Mar 2005 22:08:27

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!

There is now only ONE day to Mardi Gras !!
countdownboy - Fri 4 Mar 2005 00:11:13

There are 37 Hours to Go !!

There are 37 Hours to Go !!

There are 37 Hours to Go !!
countdownboy - Fri 4 Mar 2005 08:58:14

HAPPY MARDI GRAS TO ALL!!
HOPE YOUR 2005 IS MEMORABLE AND FABULOUS IN EVERYWAY!
BE SAFE..
xoxo - Fri 4 Mar 2005 09:13:40
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.

Evil Twin - Fri 4 Mar 2005 09:23:34

Try 1am instead of midnight

Try 3.30am instead of 3am

Try 7am instead of 5am

Closing - I'm not sure but it makes sense to me.

Both Niki and Darren are on at the time the DJ's changeover. Only the Tina show is during the middle of a DJ set. And let me save Panther the problem by posting the following as my name for this post...........
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement. - Fri 4 Mar 2005 10:16:12

DJ JOSH WAS AAA FANTASTIC AT UNDERBEAR. She seemed to be having a hoot too. Her set in the Hordern at MG will be great. Sadly I had to bug out at about 1:30 or 2 to work the next day but had a total gas at the party up to then. Floozy in Y-Fronts!

And CHER last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing, fantastic, wonderful, incredible, unbelievable, (did I already say fantastic?) Oh, and my floral pants were a total hit! hehe.

One more sleep!

Her show at Mardi Gras will take your breath away - haha.
Trance Trance Trance - I believe in life after love - Fri 4 Mar 2005 10:32:21

Some Lesbians were there for Dj Josh, In the opinion of this poster innappropriate for bears. Sorry trance trance trance, but you aint really a bear!! If hat was you in the floral pants..... now I know who you are !!!

xxx - Fri 4 Mar 2005 11:05:20

The festival is about celebrating the time at which the protests began. Perhaps if you find a way to change the time of year that these protests began over 25 years ago (sheeh, before I was born!), then we could consider changing the time of year that our festival occurs.

Also, the festival was never, ever meant to be about partying in ideal conditions, it was actually the complete reverse. Comparing now to over 25 years ago, I think we have comparatively better conditions.
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 11:08:31

I agree re March - In my experience over the years being involved with an outdoor summer team sport, we play our semi finals and grand final in March. Normally once every second season these matches are ruined by rain. March is definitely one of the wettest months on the Sydney calandar.

I'm trying to rack my brain at the moment but I'm positive Mardi Gras in March is tied in with some historical event around this time of the year for the Gay community - I'm sure somebody else can answer that one.

Anyway, Things are hotting up in my music room here at home, I've just about settled on the tracks I want to play on Saturday night and I'm looking forward to entertaining all the retro fans at the big party.

I want to thank some of my fellow DJ friends Justin Scott , David Hiscock , Sean Manley , Jake Kilby , Wayne G and David Barwick (UK) who have all helped me get my set together either lending me some tunes or edits I didn't have, or in Jake and David B's case who did an edit of a track for me when I couldn't get it right. Thanks guys your help and support is appreciated.

I would really welcome any pinkboard regulars who want to come and say hi during the night and i also look forward to parting with you all when I finish my set on Saturday night.

Not long to go now. Lets hope the awful Sydney March weather behaves itself on Saturday night.
Stephen Blomfield - Fox n Lion - Retro Space - 12am to 5am - Fri 4 Mar 2005 11:14:39

I take on the point that MG is a celebration of the riots 25 years ago. I suggest we celebrate the occasion with a more political themed ceremony and leave the outdoor "partying" events to a different time of the year. As for not being able to call the event MG if it wasn't held specifically during February/March! I suppose the question is would you rather the name or a time of year where the weather is pleasant and consistent?

Have a fantastic (hopefully dry), safe, exciting, and fun MG everybody. Happy gay Christmas
Boogie Boy - Fri 4 Mar 2005 11:45:34

Also, the festival was never, ever meant to be about partying in ideal conditions, it was actually the complete reverse. Comparing now to over 25 years ago, I think we have comparatively better conditions.
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 11:08:31

Actually the original protest was in June followed by a party at the Paddington Town Hall. Mardi Gras was moved to March I think a few years after that to become Mardi Gras and partially to avoid the sometimes awful weather in June.

Incidentally the term "Mardi Gras" means silly Tuesday. It refers to the start of Lent and is meant to be the last day before you give up all sorts of things for lent. It's the reason that Carnivale is held at the same time in Rio and Mardi Gras is held in New Orleans. I think it's actually a Catholic thing more than it is a French thing - although there are lots of French Catholics, so maybe that's where the term came from.

That's all for today's history lesson!
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 11:47:46

Stephen Blomefield -I'm surprised at you. I'm a bit shocked that noone remembers how this started.
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 11:50:04

Indeed it did. It was moved to the end of summer to avoid cold, wintry weather. I've often thought that Mardi Gras should happen at Sleaze time - spring, more reliable weather, the commencement of the best time of year to be in Sydney. Within a week or two after Mardi Gras, the leaves are falling, the first cool winds are blowing and the place begins to hibernate. Chuck in the inevitable wet and humid conditions that characterise the end of Summer and it all begins to look like we need a timing rethink.
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 12:05:39

Here is some info on the history of the party: http://www.pinkboard.com.au/history/mardigras/mardigras80s.html

In 1978 there was a daytime protest march which was followed by a night time celebration march. This was to commemorate Stonewall and was held in June. The celebration march was attacked by police. I don't think this it called Mardi Gras at that stage.

The next year they another night time celebration march, but it wasn't followed by a party. This was called Mardi Gras and held in June.

1980 was the first party after the parade. It was held in Paddington Town Hall.

In 1981 Mardi Gras was moved to summer, because June was too cold to parade through the streets semi-naked. I don't know why February was chosen. Possibly because the Waratah Festival was held in January (to coincide with Australia Day).

During the 90s the party changed from February to the first weekend in March.
Panther - Fri 4 Mar 2005 12:30:35

Magic Marmalade - Again and Again
The Prodigy - Out Of Space (or Wind It Up)
Primal Scream - Don't Fight It, Feel It
Nik Fish vs South End - The Winner is...
Sister Sledge - Thinking Of you

I know it is late notice, but hey, you haven't played yet
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 13:37:29

Noisy Gypsy - Fri 4 Mar 2005 13:46:30

That's the most positive thing I think I've seen posted on here regarding DJ involvement in this year's party. Great to hear that some of the DJ's that aren't appearing are getting in to help contribute behind the scenes.

Maybe it might show some of the naysayers that it's not all about ego when it comes to these great guy's and gal's involvement in Mardi Gras.
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 13:51:52

There are 32 Hours To Go !!

There are 32 Hours To Go !!

There are 32 Hours To Go !!
countdownboy - Fri 4 Mar 2005 14:02:39

BEAR = HAIR
I got hair, here and there.
Seems only fair
To let me play with the bears
Trance Trance Trance - MASTURBATION IS COUNTER REVOLUTIONARY - Fri 4 Mar 2005 14:04:08

The gay & lesbian DJ family is pretty supportive of each other in this city. Despite outward appearances sometimes it's not always dog eat dog like so many people try to portray (particularly on pinkboard). Most DJ's I know (and Blomfield certainly fits into this category) are amoungst the most giving and thoughtful people within the Sydney gay & lesbian community.

I too wish Stephen and all the DJ's playing at Mardi Gras and associated recoveries this weekend all the best wishes from us whinging moaning punters. Without you all we would be lost
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 14:25:54

Which naysayers and who's ego? You know, DJs who contribute to this board like to feel a sense of community just like everyone else, yet they're constantly made to feel like pariahs for doing so. I guess they should just shut up, be silent, don't share and don't contribute.
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 14:44:03

Try reading/comprehending next time. The "naysayers" was in referrence to those that constantly slagoff the DJ's and accuse them of overindulged egos for either not submitting and questioning the submission/selection process - by the tone of your post perhaps you qualify for a complimentary naysayer t-shirt?
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 15:20:31

lol - not at all - I misunderstood your post as written - I thought you were having a go at certain DJs. And I was defending them -, I don’t think that makes me a naysayer. Unfortunately even an occasional read of Pinkboard makes you assume posters are on the attack my apologies, allow me to remove myself from ur throat after jumping down it so quickly.
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 16:19:25

Yes. Go for it. lol
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 16:19:52

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Arts/Mardi-Gras-make-or-break/2005/03/04/1109700649907.html

And lots of stuff about Princess Mary of course, and what queen doesn’t love her fairytale story...? But the story that truly, and I mean truly, takes the cake today has to be the Spike piece on Fred Niles reaction to the cancellation of Aussie Queer Eye; he said, and I quote:

"The homosexual lobby is so powerful in America, they now have the same influence as the Negroes"

Holy cow! Full story here:

http://www.smh.com.au/spike/index.html

Scroll down to the paragraph titled "Taking Offence" - Spike has kindly included Fred's email & office number in case you wished to inquire as to how hating gays & african americans is considered 'Christian'.
www.lukeleal.com - Fri 4 Mar 2005 16:36:37

that's right!
Happy Mardi Gras everyone
a bear-hag - just don't call me Goldilocks - Fri 4 Mar 2005 17:33:20

And yes. Mardi Gras and Carnivale both refer to the last day of eating meat/fat before lent, aka Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day. So strictly speaking it should be on a tuesday a few weeks earlier, and we're actually having our big indulgence right in the middle of what's supposed to be a period of abstinence. But on the other hand it's also supposed to be a northern hemisphere spring festival, so it doesn't strictly make sense anyway.

Now all of you... get to the "57 Questions.." Mardi Gras History Exhibition in Chippendale for your penance. Free guided tour tomorrow at 2pm! Details in the current SSO:

http://www.ssonet.com.au/display.asp?ArticleID=4121

May this lenten discipline
Which we undertake with love
Turn our minds to things above...

BTW, it's interesting that "only" having 200,000 spectators on a rainy night is a sign of impending doom. That's nearly 300 times the population of my home town
CeeJay - recovering catholic smalltown boy - Fri 4 Mar 2005 19:55:56

There are 26 Hours to Go !!

There are 26 Hours to Go !!

There are 26 Hours to Go !!
countdownboy - Fri 4 Mar 2005 19:58:44

Can't wait for tomorrow!!!!
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 20:20:18

now the whining is over, everybody smile, chill and have a great day
last minute - coming from brisvegas - Fri 4 Mar 2005 21:21:55

There are at least 3 or 4 people in the tickets for sale or wanted section of pinkboard looking for Mardi gras tickets, the posts have all been placed today ?
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 21:40:25

- one just has to hope it doesn't sell out before ticketek shuts tomorrow. The only people with crystal balls are glassblowers and 'tina' addicts...
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 22:00:26

There are just 24 Hours to Go !!

There are just 24 Hours to Go !!

There are just 24 Hours to Go !!

There are just 24 Hours to Go !!
countdownboy - Fri 4 Mar 2005 22:01:40

There will almost definitely be at least a few tickets at the door, as tickets are reserved for the parade vollies, not all of whom will take up their ticket allocation.

Ticketek's Hyde Park box ooffice in Elizabeth St closes at 4pm on Saturdays. I thought I read somewhere that they were going to be open later, but I could have been dreaming that...

According to the ticketek website there are still tix available. A friend bought #17181 at around 11am this morning. That was a concession ticket - dunno if that makes any difference to the numbering.
CeeJay - Fri 4 Mar 2005 22:33:53

Sister Sledge - Thinking Of you

I know it is late notice, but hey, you haven't played yet
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 13:37:29

mike kelly plays the first one regulary - as much as he can and he will be MOOOOORE than happy to play the second one for you as well - just ask him. it'll be very easy to find him over this weekend. happy MG :o)
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 22:44:07

methinks they are hoping for $99 tix to save some money
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 22:51:49

Hope that everyone has an amazing time with their friends both new and old at the parade and the party!!!!!!

Stephen's lovely and positive post earlier was so nice to read -can't wait to head into the Fox and Lion for my Retro fix! Thank you for your enthusiasm Stephen.
- Fri 4 Mar 2005 23:03:45

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

That's it - Today Is Mardi Gras !!

REJOICE REJOICE REJOICE !!!
countdownboy - Sat 5 Mar 2005 00:18:29

There are 13 Hours To Go !!

There are 13 Hours To Go !!

There are 13 Hours To Go !!
countdownboy - Sat 5 Mar 2005 08:54:32

Evil Twin - Sat 5 Mar 2005 09:40:33

Caught a cab into town last night and the big burly cabbie (an Irish man) said "Happy Mardi Gras" when he dropped us off. I think that's just great. Of course he got a $3 tip for putting me in such a good mood, I expect he'll be saying it to all his queer fares, I hope so.

See ya all tonight, I'm in the Dome, but I guess I'll have to check out Retro, never been in the Fox and Lion before. Woo Hoo
Xane - My leather has never looked so good - Sat 5 Mar 2005 10:36:51

BeatFM 87.6 Live Parade Broadcast & Webcam

The broadcast will be in stereo for peopole with Winamp or VLC and mono for Windows Media Player users. There will be capacity for 2,000.

http://www.beatfm.com.au
- Sat 5 Mar 2005 10:38:21

Haha - just had to get that out of my system. Feel much better now.

Have a great Parade and Party, people. Wave at me in the Daffyds as we go by. See you on the dance floor. Ooh it's gonna be great. I can (altogether now) "FEEL IT IN ME WATERS !!!"
Trance Trance Trance - Sat 5 Mar 2005 11:13:35

Ive heard that there was a major drama in the RHI yesterday during the DJ's sound check. Apparently the placement of the DJ box was totally unacceptable due to it being put so close to the main bank of floor speakers. Apparently CD's and vinyl were jumping and the volume level in the DJ box was unbarable.

The Dj's apparently refused to do the sound check and demanded a relocation of the DJ box. They apparently stood in unison saying they would not play at the party unless there request was met

After much argument between MSF management and the DJ's the DJ box has now been relocated (for the first time ever) to the glassed in VIP room located up near the roof on the left hand side as you walk into the RHI from the Hordern.

The DJ's are not happy about using the VIP room however it was the only available option given the layout of the RHI tonight. Lets say its usage as the DJ Box has to be considered an unhappy compromise

People holding passes to the VIP room will not have access to this area tonight and there will be no replacement VIP room anywhere on the site during the night.

I cant believe MSF management - they really have no idea. They need to be replaced for future parties.
Crackling Rosie - Sat 5 Mar 2005 13:52:05
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.

will bring em for sure
mk - Sat 5 Mar 2005 13:52:18

I am just about to head off to join the group I am in for the parade. I have both my parade and party outfits ready: sequins, glitter and glue.

So before I rush off into the evening I'll wish you all a faaaaaabulous Mardi Gras.
Panther - not wearing pink tonight, well maybe a bit - Sat 5 Mar 2005 14:14:47

I'd assume people holding guest bar passes will have access to the new location.
- Sat 5 Mar 2005 14:31:41

Surprise guest rumours (all are in town):
Ms Cher
Ms Olivia
Ms Dannii
Ms Natalie
That Osbourne chick
Neil Diamond
(haw-haw)

Keep in mind, Tina and Livvy are great mates and have duetted before. And Cher and Livvy are Malibu neighbours.
What odds on a Cher-Olivia duet of Xanadu for the 10am closing show, with Tina, Dannii and Darren Hayes on roller skates doing backing vocals?
- Sat 5 Mar 2005 14:34:24

listen love, i dont know about that argument re the dj box, or whether or not the dj's will actually be up in the old MEMBER'S BAR, however, the plan was never to have the bar up there this year. There is a white marquee outside any of the halls. Sorry love, sort out your facts before you rant
the insider - Sat 5 Mar 2005 14:37:25

Jessica Simpson and hubby Nick , Anna-Nicole Smith, Pink and Delta Goodrem
A Star Filled Mardi Gras - Sat 5 Mar 2005 14:39:40

Sack them all
- Sat 5 Mar 2005 15:04:31

wonder what were you on - you should change your supplier mister. i wish there was a radio station that plays mike kelly's music!
- Sat 5 Mar 2005 17:01:26

There are 287 Minutes to Go !!

There are 287 Minutes to Go !!

There are 287 Minutes to Go !!
countdownboy - Sat 5 Mar 2005 17:13:35

There are 4 Hours to go !!

There are 4 Hours to go !!

There are 4 Hours to go !!
countdownboy - Sat 5 Mar 2005 18:01:09

There are 3 Hours to Go !!

There are 3 Hours to Go !!

There are 3 Hours to Go !!

There are 3 Hours to Go !!

There are 3 Hours to Go !!

There are 3 Hours to Go !!

There are 3 Hours to Go !!

There are 3 Hours to Go !!

This is my last countdown. Wishing all pinkboarders a great night tonight. Look after your friends and most of all - smile, thats all anybody could wish for. I cant wait. Bye everyone.
countdownboy - My final countdown is all in pink - dedicated to panther - Sat 5 Mar 2005 19:02:59

Due to the length of wires from the equipment to the speakers, there is a delay in the sound. That is why we use monitor speakers in the DJ box to mix with. Having the main speakers set behind the DJ box so that they were blaring through it would make mixing near impossible!

Not to mention the fact that it is hard enough to get your monitor volume loud enough to hear over the room's volume normally, but imagine trying to do it when the main speakers are facing you. If I had been one of the four, I would have joined them and refused to play unless it was fixed.

I have experienced, first hand, the complete lack of respect DJ's receive from MFS, and Mark Fordham and James Klein in particular. I didn't submit for MG this year, and one of the many reasons is that MFS were involved. I will not consider submitting for any NMG parties until MFS has been replaced.

There are a huge number of major issues with MFS that have surfaced with this party. There are a lot of unhappy lighting operators, sound engineers and DJ's. Many of the issue are too involved for most to comprehend without full explaination, which is why the general public have little idea of the full scope of issues. Also, many posts on Pinkboard relating to these issues get modified, meaning the readers never hear the full story.

I just hope that NMG realise how much control they lose when using MFS, and how the bad decisions made by MFS are impacting on NMG's reputation.

For the sake of our community's parties, lose MFS.
www.jakekilby.com - Sun 6 Mar 2005 12:26:02

Hordern - DJ Josh great as usual . As for DJ 4 strings -
hmmmmmmmm so great moments but only short lived.
My personal dislke with a DJ is those that basically play a different beat for each song which is the way he played. I loved nothing better than a DJ who plays say 2,3,4 songs all with quite a similar beat. You loose yourself in those moments but this guy changed beats way to often and I HATED those long interludes between songs. Makes me wonder if some DJ's enjoy dancing as they would realise these long interludes snap you back into reality !
Loved the outside areas around Fox and Lion etc that seemed to be working a treat. Dome was packed when I was in there as was City Live. Hordern would be reasonably packed them have gaps in the dance floor as people moved on. Our DJ's as they have in the past could easily have done a great job.
Please bring back our Harder style Hordern - Sun 6 Mar 2005 13:50:28

in my dream, my beloved hordern pavillion had this really nasty sounding kiddy-trance played all night.

please, please tell me it was only a bad dream
sleeping ugly - Sun 6 Mar 2005 13:58:33

Luke Fry

Would love your support xx
Luke Fry - Sun 6 Mar 2005 19:44:09

Very friendly party. Lots of happy chatty people. Met up with heaps of friends, which always surprises me when you consider how many people were there.

Dome: Odd music to start with but easy on the ears at the end of the night/morning. There was no dance floor put down. What was that story about "Heritage listed floors" that kept parties out of there? Lots of leather in the room. Old habits die hard.
RHI: What a shocker. Walked in there after Tina Arena and wondered why the music had stopped. It hadn't. It was just that quiet. Poor DJ stuck up in a window. We didn't stay to dance, but a good place for a conversation.
Stage 11: Yay Sveta. Queues to get in most of the night. Excellent vibe, happy crowd. Had some fun in the Red Room.
Retro: Eh. Venue a bit ordinary, but Stephen's set sounded about right. The sound inside was sharp and bitey, and actually sounded better outside.
Hordern: DJ Josh was having fun, but nearly broke the speakers. We didn't settle in there until 4Strings started. The string quartet opening number was rather cool, and I liked the dancers. The Hordern sound was the best. The lights were amazing and we had to tell the lighting guy how much we loved them. Danced down the front near the DJ box with friends.

Missed all the shows, but eh. Got snogs from Neal Crawford who was in party mode. Saw T and had chats. Left about 8am. Slept all day (well, kinda Time for pizza.
Evil Twin - Sun 6 Mar 2005 20:18:01

Does anyone know whether it remained quite light in the Fox and Lion all night? We were soo looking forward to hearing Stephen's set, and we did enjoy the parts of it that we were in there for. Unfortunately we found the Fox and Lion to be a bit too brightly lit, and it didn't seem that really any cololured lights had been provided which was a shame. It was a nice area though in the respect of having both indoor and outdoor spaces.

It was excellent in that the party provided so many different spaces, so that several different musical tastes could be catered for. I hope that a Retro space will be retained in future parties as it such a fun music.
- Sun 6 Mar 2005 20:49:56

DJ 4Strings was great but I agree there was a lot of variability in the atmospherics. I guess he figures that when you have a 10 hour show you need to break it up a bit or people will get bored. It worked better if you stuck with him for a while. I danced in the Hordern from 1 til about 7 and the overall impact was fantastic. Played a few Tiesto tracks but didn't hear much Armin Van Buuren. When he dropped "Just Be" it was one of my highlights of the party. One technical glitch with a stuck CD and one dodgy mix he had to abort after four bars but overall I thought he was great. 18 lasers did their job incredibly well. Always seems a bit of a waste to me, though, when the full colour lasers are used on green and just blend in with the rest. If you've got Caviar, why pretend it's Lumpfish Roe?

RHI sound was softer than the Hordern as expected but I thought the quality was fantastic. Heard good reports of Shigeki from Friends but heard Ryan and Paul Goodyear. Both really good. Ryan you did a fantastic opening set that really picked everyone up for the night ahead. Hope you stayed and enjoyed the fruits of you labour rather than going on to work somewhere else. Paul Goodyear's mixing was flawless. Thought overall his set was a bit low on energy. The volume may have had somethng to do with that after being in the Hordern most of the night but I would have preferred he powered home with more harder-edged and pumping tracks - more Peter Rauhofer remixes and suchlike. The period from 7am-8am, especially, was almost down-tempo tribal, when I was looking to be shaken to my core. Picked up the pace from about 8-9 and I loved the anthems megamix from 9 - very very smooth work Mr DJ!

Missed Tina and Darren Hayes. Nicki French was good but I din't know the second song. Sorry. Didn't really understand the last show. Liked the singer(/s???) in the Hordern. Could have done without Jan using the microphone to introduce the new 4Strings track.

Was ccccccold walking between venues in the dark but what a beautiful morning to walk my sorry feet up Flinders Street.

Congrats to all at NMG for all your hard work in making it all happen and such a great experience for me.

Off to Indulgence!
Trance Trance Trance - Leather Leather Leather ! - Sun 6 Mar 2005 21:11:14

Have to agree...4 strings was way too erratic for me. eg. Was getting into some really good hard trance then he would suddenly introduce some dinky piano like sound that promised to go somewhere but didn't really go anywhere, and then a few minutes (seemed like an eternity) of strings. I find this sort of music that tries to be too clever (by half?) ends up being dull and not very amusing. It was mostly stop start all night.....can be very frustrating to dance to. RHI - no surprises there. Sound was crap...good place to have a chat in the middle of of the dance floor. City live had some good tribal...needs bigger space (maybe the Horden?). Had to line up to get in. Wan't impressed at the Dome but maybe I was there at the wrong time. Bitch bitch bitch. Sorry NMG but I have to say it was not the best MG I've been to by a big margin. However, I did enjoy the very friendly crowd and 4 strings in bits and pieces. Sound and lights in Horden fantastic.
- Sun 6 Mar 2005 21:18:14

i just wanted to say this ....

There are 209 Days to Go To Sleaze 2005!!

There are 209 Days to Go to Sleaze 2005 !!

I really couldnt resist

Ok , Im off into hibernation mode now ..... Bye
countdownboy - signing off - Sun 6 Mar 2005 21:27:15

4 strings was a gamble for mg and 8/10 people I spoke to thaught he was absoloutely amazing, but of course we were all the ones who stayed in the hordern for 10 hours
- Sun 6 Mar 2005 22:26:12

You obviously weren't looking in the same places I was. Especially after around 4am.
not-so-well-behaved - Sun 6 Mar 2005 23:01:15

Great party, friendly atmosphere...ALMOST drama free! Happy about that!
Linkstar - Was that Cher on a big screen at the RHI? - Mon 7 Mar 2005 08:52:21

Yes it was!
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 10:07:42

Didn't really like the first half of the night in the RHI - the sound seemed too low (especially before 1am??) and music all over the place (my opinion). The second half of the night the RHI was better - sound was fine and the music was good, particularly 5-7am and 8-9.30am (left early!).

I loved the Hordern - I thought 4 Strings did a fantastic job and played a variety of music - it wasn't fluffy trance at all... it was pretty hard in there many times I walked through. When I took the time time to dance there I had the best time, good energy levels and loved that he looked like he was having fun too. The lasers in there - WOW! I've never seen something so incredible in my life. More of the same for future parties please!

Only walked into the retro area once and didn't happen to like whatever song was on so I left - but the atmosphere was very low energy at that point, and it was very bright in there.... not a place where I'd go to totally go off!

Live singers outside the dome early on in the night were cool.

I wonder what the final ticket sales were - it seemed REALLY crowded, more so than usual. One sure sign of this was the bathrooms - never seen such chaos in my entire life.
TJ - Mon 7 Mar 2005 10:45:10

the shows were great though. tina arena was unbelievable. to the person who wasn't sure what she sang - NEVER (tiesto remix) - her song from the queer as folk soundtrack. was a #1 US dance single. the second song was DARE YOU TO BE HAPPY - a single off her last album. she sounded brilliant and her staging was great.
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 10:58:25

Which dance areas did you look at?
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 11:20:55

KM
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 11:24:41

Did you attend the same Party? The RHI had heaps of uplifting music ?? The hordern aswell was hardish trance with uplifting peaks... I thought the sound was a big improvement from last year, and I had an awesome Party.

Great for NMG trying to spice it up a bit, and DJ 4 Strings was a huge highlight.

All in all a top party, maybe now we are on the road to recovery!

I know there are always going to be negative people who are always complaining about everything. But seriously for party of that size too have soo many packed dance floors with smile faces, proves a success to me!!!!
Well done Mardi Gras! - Mon 7 Mar 2005 11:36:51

Well what can I say about Saturday night.

Firstly I have to be honest and say I was a tad disappointed with the Fox n Lion as the venue for the Retro music. All of the magic that made Retro so raved about at Mardi Gras in 2004 in Stage 11 (City Live) wasnt there this year. Lets face it Stage 11 is a hall in the layout of a club and was absolutely perfect for the Retro Crowd - The Fox n Lion was this little 2 level pub, not quite the same. One thing I found frustrating was the fact that there was an ATM machine to the side of the area where the dance floor was. There seemed to be a line up of up to as many as 10 people waiting to use the ATM at any given time and the line stretched onto the area were people were trying to dance. Could you imagine it sticking a ATM in the middle of the RHI dance floor - I think not.

Other than that the space seemed to go really well. The sound levels in the outside areas were really good and people seemed to enjoy the outside decking areas. My only disappointment (and its only a minor one) was that it appeared that the F&L and its surrounding outside area were more like a place where people came to chill out so it wasnt a true dance space as one would know it. I keep thinking back to the vibe that Retro had in Stage 11 in 2004 and how that wonderful vibe just didnt seem to be there this year. I found it totally amazing that a significant number of my best friends simply didnt make it to the F&L during the night because the space isnt regularly used and therefore people walked on by dismissing it as a chill area - some people even thought that the area was pre recorded music ! HA !!

Of course what this created was a situation where the turnover of people in the space was enormous and it seemed that a lot of people came into the space for a look, stayed a while and then moved on rather than last year in Stage 11 where heaps of people settled in Stage 11 for the whole night

Next I want to thank all the people who did party in my space on the night, There were lots of smiles and plenty of happy people dancing away to a selection of 80's and 90's pop dance music that certainly brought a few screams of delight during various stages. As far as pinkboarders go It was great to see Evil Twin and the GF in tow, thankas for dropping by darls

For those that are interested here is my playlist on the night. I'm absolutely positive some of you will love what you see but cringe at others, but thats to be expected.

Thanks to NMG for allowing me to play the party. Its always an honour to play at what i regard as one of this planets premier gay and lesbain event.

Rant over.

Mardi Gras 2005 - DJ Playlist
Fox and Lion Retro Space
12.00am to 5am

Three Is Family – Dana Dawson (1995)

Take Me To Your Heart – Rick Astley (1988)

Because The Night – CoRo (1992)

Carry On - Donna Summer (1996)

Rock Ya Baby – O’Chi Brown (1987)

Celebrate – Kylie Minogue (1992)

Love In The First Degree – Bananarama (1987)

This Is It – Ruth Campbell (1991)

High On A Happy Vibe - Urban Cookie Collective (1994)

Try Me Out / Do You Want Me – Lee Marrow (1993)

Hands Off – Joy Salinas (1994)

Hustlers Party – Hustlers Convention (1993)

Mr Vain - Culture Beat (1993)

We Close Our Eyes - Go West (1985)

Church Of The Poison Mind - Culture Club (1983)

I Believe In You - Kutting Crew (1994)

I Say A Little Prayer – David Michael Johnson (1993)

Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Niki French (1995)

Oh L’Amour - Erasure (1986)

Rhythm Of The Night - Corona (1994)

Pride - Johnna (1996)

I Just Cant Get Enough - Depeche Mode (1981)

Don’t Leave Me This Way - Communards (1986)

Poison Arrow - ABC (1982)

Solitaire - Laura Branigan (1983)

Burning Up - Madonna (1984)

Its Raining Men - Westend (1996)

Black Is Black - Bjorn Again (1995)

Sex Drive - Glam ft’g Pete Burns (1994)

Too Blind To See It - Kym Sims (1991)

Holding Out For A Hero - Bonnie Tyler (1985)

Heartbreaker - Jill Dresky (1995)

Deeper and Deeper - Madonna (1992)

Cant Take My Eyes Off You - Boys Town Gang (1996 mix)

So Many Men So Little Time - Miquel Brown (1984)

Every Shade Of Blue - Bananarama (1995)

I Feel Love - Donna Summer (1977)

So In Love With You - Duke (1996)

Fingers and Thumbs – Erasure (1995)

Left To My Own Devices - Pet Shop Boys (1988)

Love Eviction - Quartlock Ft’g Lonnie Gordon (1995)

Break The Chain - Motiv 8 (1995)

Never Can Say Goodbye - Communards (1987)

I Believe In Dreams - Jaki Rawe (1996)

Good Love Real Love - D’Bora (1995)

The Sun Always Shines On TV - A Ha (1985)

I Imagine - Mary Kiani (1995)

Well that's it. Another party over, now i'm heading back to bed
.
Stephen Blomfield - Mon 7 Mar 2005 11:44:06

BAD STUFF:
Lack of anything remotely sexual was disappointing, and the whole thing is now startinf to feel really a bit samey and tired. The thing 4 of us went back for - the Retro space - was the biggest disappointment of the evening. After teh massive success of last year at City Live, to relegate this to a 2-floor pub was nothing short of a disgrace. People voted with their feet and I felt really sorry for the DJ's. RHI music was good - but with no speakers for the first 3rd of the dancefloor - really lacking something. Performers mostly rubbish too.

RESULT: Very good, but could do better. 7/10.
Scottyboy - Mon 7 Mar 2005 11:51:01

You vicious so and so. How dare you make such a sweeping generalisation. The only way what you say could be correct was if you ran around like a mad man all night band heard EVERY single DJ for at least 20 or 30 minutes. For the record there were TWENTY FIVE (repeat , 25) DJ's playing at Mardi Gras. You are simply spinning crap stating that "ALL" DJ's were crap because there's NO WAY you could have heard all 25 of them for any significant period of time.

Wake up to yourself.
Some people really have no idea - Mon 7 Mar 2005 11:52:27

Loved the lighting and lasers in the Horden.

Darren Hayes was the higlight of the night, missed Tina, didn't get the last show at all, seemed to lose the crowd as people around me started chatting. Althought the costumes were sensational.

Party sold out during the night that means 19,000 attended.

Fabulous atmosphere and people appeared to be having a great time. Well done NMG !
Lavinia - Mon 7 Mar 2005 11:56:21

Love your playlist Stephen! So many of my favourite 90's tracks played. Excellent work!!!
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 12:55:47

darren was awful you could hardly hear him and all he did was prance
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 12:56:55

Unfortunately, I didn't put this down as one of the better parties I've seen. There was a noticeable absence of the usual suspects, both in sound and lighting. Despite the truly awful sound that is trance, that took over The beloved Hordern, I found the music styles in the Dome and stage 11 sometimes similar and repetitive, awaiting for a kick or a riff that always adds to the heightning of ones' senses. It was, and I hate to say it...ho hum..oh yeah.
Sure...fun and danceable, but not the kick ass stuff you'd expect for the most important night in queer old sydney town.

Only shows I witnessed were opening which I wasn't the only one attempting to break free of when the performer began what I assume was her new single? ( and why not?)

Tina was as always up for it with no drawn out speech about lifestyle choices and "..you guys are the best.." etc.

No surprises, no revolving stages or whinched out singers over the crowd that have been had in the past.That catwalk thing was a great idea, but if you were at the back. like all of us you couldn't see anything. Great Idea though!
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 12:58:38

Aiden - Mon 7 Mar 2005 13:42:24

I had a great night.

Got to the party and immediately lost my friends (not deliberately).

Saw all the RHI shows, one in Stage 11, the String Quartet in Horden and The Frocks. Everyone around me was singing along to Total Eclipse of the Heart. I've never heard that before. Fabulous costumes for Tina and the last Show. Darren has a fabulous voice. RHI was packed for all the shows. I didn't spend much more time in there as I thought the sound was muddy.

Surprisingly Horden ended up being my favourite hall of the night. I am not usually a trance person, but the music was great, the lasers were amazing, the crowd was great.

Dome was fun, though it seemed to get a bit heavy in the middle of the night. Arrived just at the end of a show in there.

Enjoyed the music in the Breaks tent, but for some reason I didn't stay there.

Wandered into Retro when I heard It's a Sin, but it seemed quite empty then. It must have been after Stephen's set.

Lots of friendly people to chat to, say hello and to cruise. Lots of hats, masks and men with make-up.
Arti - Mon 7 Mar 2005 13:49:19

or they're at work on a monday and coming down hard...
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 14:02:46

Where were you - outside? I walked into the RHI just as his show started so I was at the back of the dance floor and I could hear him just fine.

Time to get your hearing checked, too many nights spent dancing in front of the speakers me thinks

Did anyone else see Anna Nicole Smith?
Lavinia - Mon 7 Mar 2005 14:05:52

you could have a conversation while he was on
i could talk on my mobile
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 14:48:01

4 strings was great, i think that the Lasers in the Horden where amazing as was the trance journey.

The fox and Lion was a little quiet - not sure if it was the venue or if Retro has had its day.

City Live ... was HEAVIN...

loved the lawn and can not believe how pack and great the music was in the Dome

The sound in the Royal Hall was not 100% but was 200% better than previous parties. Shows rocked, Nicky French, great, Tina Amazing, Darrne - sigh what a hottie

All and all one of my best Mardi Gras ever... to much to do and not enough time to do it all... well done Mardi Gras... "The Bitch is Back"
Dirtyboi - Mon 7 Mar 2005 15:34:46

Retro is not dead. Its as hugely as popular as ever. Blomfield set as seen above was a ripper. The venue sucked and compared to MG 2004 retro fans have been ripped off
My 5 cents worth - Mon 7 Mar 2005 15:42:05

The parade was well organised and the crowd loved it, even the Straights loved us that tad bit more which will help us in our acceptance into the world.
We are lucky to be (gay)Australians.

Thanks
boy_idol.
boy_idol - Mon 7 Mar 2005 15:47:05

BUT THANK GOD I DID!!! It was fantastic I even thought the sound in the RHI was ok - I stayed there most of the night. The halls were decorated beautifully and the RHI Staging was the one of the best I have even seen.

I saw all shows which were absolutely fabulous - especially the last show -what a knock out, magical and very sexy, especially the blonde guy (yum!) - AMAZING!!!

Darren Hayes was also a highlight.

Well done Mardi Gras and everyone involved especially the Party Director you have excelled yourself and put our parties back on track. Thank You!

Also special thanks to the guy dressed as a school boy with flashing glow stick things who was dancing on the side of the RHI like a wide up machinical toy - Fantastic he kept me and some strangers I befriended on the side for a good 20 minutes.

Time to become a member I think!
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 16:48:56

ummm , errr ... they did use a new company for the first time! And they engaged with a group of sound consultants to try to get it better and it sounded to me like they made great progress! It is NOT an easy room to tune with the roof, the room shape and the noise restrictions to worry about - great stride forward methinks.

As for the party and the parade - AWESOME!

Fantastic job NMG - your hard work paid off tenfold. Thankyou for one of the best parties I have ever been to anywhere in the world (and I have been to 15 x MG/SBs).

Re Anna Nicole Smith, yep she was there and hanging out for most of the second half of the party with her entourage - had a chat with her at about 5.00am (I think) and she seemed to be having a fab time like the rest of us )
Monday evening ... - .,.. and still smiling at many great memories! - Mon 7 Mar 2005 18:00:43

sure euro trance lovers would have enjoyed DJ 4 Strings but noticed that posters who love the Hordern for its harder music were disappointed like me. Not slagging DJ 4 Strings but truly missed my hardhouse/hard nrg/hard trance - if you love these style you will know DJ 4 strings played about 6 x 30 seconds of it !
Our own DJ's could do way better as they have proven in the past.

Overall party was best in years and shows NMG can do it.
Lasers/lighting in Hordern was awesome as sat in the bleachers most of the night.

Only complaint was my friends scattered to other halls as DJ 4 strings was just not doing it for them.

Well done NMG but please bring back the Hordern to its
harder styles ?
Pretty please NMG ? - Mon 7 Mar 2005 18:49:29

Ryan Murphy - Mon 7 Mar 2005 19:20:59

had a great time, didn't stop dancing all night. Only gripe, and it's a small personal one, is the shows yet again. I'm still a big fan of the old shows, full of surprise, local talent and creativity, showing off the best GLBT Sydney has too offer. Still not a fan of the "BIG" internationl acts.
God I dream of feeling snow on my face again one day(anyone else out there get the reference?)I almost thougt it was gunna happen again for the last show in the RHI when the snow crystals appeared on the screens.
Fluffy - Mon 7 Mar 2005 20:42:37

Hey Ryan... Care to share more about your "experience" with us?
JS - Mon 7 Mar 2005 21:29:36

C'mon Ryan be a man of your convinctions and say what you really think. People in certain circles know how poorly the DJ's in the RHI were treated by NMG and the production company MSF this party. Your cryptic one line comment isn't going to help anybody. C'mon , dish it out. They deserve it, and people *NEED* to know what went on. With the information you supply enough people with a bit of luck who are members of NMG will instruct the NMG Board at its next AGM to put a stop once and for all from using MSF as the production company for our parties.

C'mon Ryan , Tell it like it is. I'm sure pinkboaders would be be shocked at your horror story
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 21:44:06

spiderkitten - Mon 7 Mar 2005 22:03:10

C'mon Ryan , Tell it like it is. I'm sure pinkboaders would be be shocked at your horror story"

Actually no. I'd prefer that Ryan told his "horror" story to NMG. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to separate out DJ axe-grinding from real problems and DJ ego's from "bad treatment." I thought the party was great. I'm kind of over hearing people bang on endlessly about Holocaust-like treatment of DJ's when that's not what it looks and sounds like to the rest of us. It's also clear that a number of people have it in for MSF but it all sounds pretty personal to me. Chill out and take it up with NMG. Sorting fact from fiction here is impossible for the average Pinkboarder and some of us have really heard enough.
- Mon 7 Mar 2005 22:58:59

I couldn't agree with you more! My partner, friends & I decided that this year, we were going to see the parade in comfort, rather than the usual Milk Crate vantage point.

We had bought 10 tickets (at $65 each + booking fee) for seating in BGF's Glamstand. What a msitake that was!

It took us 30 mins to cue to get in (despite having pre-bought the tickets). Then we, along with another couple of hundred other people had to find (and fight for) vacant seats (BGF had obviously sold more tickets than seating capacity).

After about 30 mins, we struck luck and found a few empty spaces scattered in one of the stands near the entrance. However, despite repeatedly asking people in front of us who were standing up, to sit down, we had to watch the parade standing up for the whole 2 hours. We complained to one of the BGF volunteers, only to be told to just "deal with it"

As for the Food and Bar facilities... 45 mins to buy a drink, and a further 30 mins to buy a hot dog.

Now before someone gets in here and tells me to get over it and stop complaining as BGF is after all a charity organistaion, and I shouldn't be dishing out complaints to an organsitaion that helps the community, think again.

We paid over $700 in tickets and only got to see about a tenth of the parade. We have a right to complain.

As for next year's parade... back to the Milk Crates, BYO Esky, and cut sandwiches! (and save ourselves the $700)

As for the party, I missed out this year, (work commitments). Maybe next year.
JS, Partner & Friends - Tue 8 Mar 2005 08:29:49

The party this year was fantastic, a big hand to the board and the party committee. You really took on the criticisms from Sleaze and came up trumps.

The shows were a highlight, I managed to see all of them. The last one particularly was amazing, Ashley Swift and those dancing boys were hot, hot, hot and all so gay, gay, gay!!!

The sound was back on track in the RHI and although the Hordern music wasn't for me this party, there was plenty of other places to wander too and dance.

The main thing about the parade and party was that it made me realise we really do have something quite amazing and unique here in Sydney. I think that point has been lost as NMG has tried to find it feet (which this weekend showed us it has!) Yeah, there will always be some complaints, but can you imagine if we didn't have Mardi Gras and didn't take over the streets for parade and then go and party to celebrate????? We would all be worse off i think.
What to wear for Sleaze??? - Tue 8 Mar 2005 09:08:24

u.w. - Congratulations NMG...well done! - Tue 8 Mar 2005 09:08:27

Well I'm suprised that anyone turned up at all. There's so much homophobia in this village. At least a few gays from other villages turned up. I did meet one or two locals who professed to be gay but I know for a fact they weren't actually gay. They were just acting a little bit poofy! I mean, let's face it, I am the only gay in this village and that is that! Anyway, we've already got one gay man in this village. We don't need another.

Oh God I think I need a coffee...
Daffyd - a Gay coffee with Gay milk and Gay sugar! - Tue 8 Mar 2005 09:51:58

I was firsthand witness to the most disgusting rude foul-mouthed treatment of DJ’s by certain individual’s onsite during rehearsals. I even had the pleasure of having an anti gay comment cast my way by a certain member of the production team. (Always a pleasure at a gay event).

I am not sure if it is right to publicly discuss why the DJ’s had to play in the attic or why the sound was so woeful I think that people can work that out themselves. Any board member at Mardi Gras who would like to know what went on can contact me at ryan@unwired.com.au and I will meet them to discuss it all ( I am sure the other DJ’s would like to as well)

I would like to publicly thank Thomas Cosgrove and Craig Abberfield for their assistance in making a space available for us to play with a moments notice. If it wasn’t for their support on certain matters I would not have played and nor would any other DJ in the RHI.

I play music every week in clubs and multiple dance parties with No issues. Why does it have to be so fucking hard to play at Mardi Gras?
Ryan Murphy - Tue 8 Mar 2005 10:19:04

Are you insane? my friend and I could talk at natural speaking level to eachother during the closing show up near the front, we were asking eachother why on earth we could talk so easily over the show and hear 5 or so people either side of us talking as well, we left during the show it was a pathetic attempt at sound.

The sound in the hordern was ok, although the fact that subwoofers were blown does tend to indicate lack of experience with dance music on the part of the sound company.

There was no problem with sound in 2003, I dont know why its been screwed since then.
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 10:23:16

No, please don't.
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 10:27:48

You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but so is everyone else. If other people want to hear what went on, then we should be able to. No one will force you to read Ryan's post, you can skip over it.

You may be over hearing about how badly DJ's are treated, but for us DJ's it is a real issue and we have every right to discuss it in whatever forum we choose. You also state that thes stories about DJ treatment are 'not what it looks and sounds to the rest of us' - what we are trying to do is get some support from the community, and open their eyes to these issues, but here you are stating that you don't want us to write them in this forum. If it doesn't look like that to you from the outside, maybe you should be letting us say our piece and take note - things may start to look different to you.

You are probably right - a number of people probably do have it in for MFS but it is all based on the fact that they treat people with complete and utter disrespect and from a production point of view do not do the parties any favours. Many people hold MG and Sleaze very close to their hearts and to have some production company come in and treat everyone like shit, well, of course it has become personal.

I don't know anyone from MFS on a personal level, in fact, I think you will find no DJ's or lighting operators really do. Any dealings I have had with them have been on a professional basis in relation to MG parties, and every time I have had a completely horrible experience. My own experiences, and that of others, are the reasons I want MFS to go, not some personal vendetta, as your post implies may be the case for some.

I don't come on here to shit stir, and I don't think many other industry people would either. I come on here to share information. Most of the stories you hear on here in regards to behind the scenes goings on at MG would be true. They are shared so that we can work towards a better experience for everyone, not for some personal agenda or revenge. I'm sorry if you have heard enough of it, but I've heard enough garbage posted about other topics, so I just skip those posts. Please don't insinuate that we have no right to discuss these issues here.

And FYI, I have written two emails to NMG in the last 8 weeks regarding the issues that arose with the DJ selection process, and have not received a reply to either. Frankly, I find this 'take your issues up with New Mardi Gras' idea to be a waste of time. I'm happy to discuss issues with them, but neither Thomas Cosgrove or the other Board member I emailed bothered to reply.

I hope I haven't offended you, I am just passionate about this topic and I want the 'average pinkboarder', such as yourself, to be educated on what goes on and why we get fiery on here. Try not to be so sceptical of us all, and you will realise that 'ego' and 'axe-grinding' has very little to do with this and we really are just trying to make a better party for everyone.

On a final note, it sounds like the party was a great experience for most punters overall. I'm glad that this is the case and I hope that the few technical problems that occured can be fixed for Sleaze. Our parties can go from strength to strength if problems are acknowledged and dealt with as they arrive, instead of swept under the rug.
www.jakekilby.com - Tue 8 Mar 2005 11:23:04

The Peter Finch Lawn was full of guys and girls going mental during my set, hands in the air, and the sound was at a decent level for the space. I did, however, miss out on the sound check earlier that afternoon because it was nearly 2hrs late - and being a Parade Marshal Team Leader, I really couldn't afford to be that late.

I've known Mark Fordham for a few years, and have no real issues with him directly - although this was the first time I'd dealt with him on a more profressional level. I told him about my sound check (or lack there of), and he seemed genuinely concerened with the problem.

Overall, though, I had a really good time playing and partying The only real complaint that I have is where the two really cute boys right in front of the dj box disappeared to just before the end of my set? O'well.
Murray H - Tue 8 Mar 2005 11:35:48

I think its high time all the DJ's made sure they apply for membership of NMG and then attend the AGM and as a group and really stick it to the NMG board about MSF. It's the only way you'll get a response from them. It's not like their gonna bother to respond in this forum is it ? At least at the AGM they are held responsible for their actions and have to address issues raised at this meeting rather than staying silent.

Being close friends with a number of affected DJ's at this years Mardi Gras and hearing what *really* went on behind the scenes has inspired me to take out membership with NMG and I'll have my say at the AGM !!
A concerned punter - Tue 8 Mar 2005 11:36:12

Yep. It was a great experience. And this surely provides some perspective. The decision to contract MSF was violently opposed from the outset by people who didn't think outsourcing should happen. It's my continuing impression that much of the MSF-directed vitriol stems from that initial decision - and from the choice of MSF when obviously far more talented and worthy bids weren't accepted It may well be that MSF has treated DJ's and lighting people with disrespect but the vast majority of us have no way of knowing anything other than the inevitably one-sided story that's - interminably - posted.
here. No-one is insinuating that you don't have any right to do anything. I'm saying - loud and clear - that it's odd that 19,000 people had the time of their lives last Saturday against a supposed backdrop of unprecedented and vicious disregard and contempt for professional competence and technical expertise. Surely if the latter were true the former wouldn't have happened. You yourself now refer to "a few technical problems that can be fixed for Sleaze" which is vastly different to the calamity that was predicted by some. You'll forgive me if I'm slightly skeptical about where the balance of truth lies in all of this and a bit irritated with this implication that 'the community' should necessarily support one point of view - when we never hear the other.

One thing is for sure, Jake, without some direct engagement with NMG, these issues will remain unresolved. Posting about them on Pinkboard can continue from now until October and the punters will still be rocking up for Sleaze - and DJ's will be playing to them.
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 12:15:50

My comment on technical problems: The Dome sound system died at 8.30am, a great shame. I think this was avoidable, but I'm not going to reiterate my stance on the choice of equipment. What if it had happened hours earlier? It would have ruined the Dome and upset a lot of people.

Disclamier : I HAD A GREAT TIME AND THOUGHT THE PARTY WAS AWESOME.
Ban Pi*n**r mixers! - Tue 8 Mar 2005 12:33:02

Have to say I had a giggle when Paul Goodyear had started. I had just seen Anna Nicole in the guest bar and from where I was standing in the RHI it looked as though she was now up in the DJ booth! From that point on I was not sure if I had become really messy or very short focused. What a scream!

Thanks all again!
Sunset Boy - Tue 8 Mar 2005 12:40:33

Someone posted before about how good the venues looked. We thought they looked empty. Where has all the decoration and glitz that there used to be gone, to separate it from just another party. Remember those big statue things in the hordern a few years back, the jelly wrestling setup, the revolving stages and the big red sequin curtain, the dome vines and crazy themes... and well...it goes on.

It didn't seem creatively driven enough for me really. Something that has always separated it from all the other parties that go on in this city.

Sure it was a good party, but like any other one I've been to, and done well, but definately not unique.

Welldone though.
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 12:47:20

Did Cher go to the parade or party at all?
intrigued - Tue 8 Mar 2005 13:22:41

RHI sound was pitiful! Such a shame coz the trance can get a little much and a break with the anthems was much needed - but - too bad so sad.

Checked out the dome - looked like fun - couldn't queue for Stage 11 - too cold - oh well.

All in all though fab night - went too fast! And sexy lesbian dancing in front of the dj in the hordern for a while - nice work girl!!
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 13:34:42

Azure sound this year was much louder and better than last year, (several posters also said this) the RHI was louder 2 years ago. The EPA rules havent changed. So logicly its related to the competence and skill and budget of the sound company. I think this has been clearly proven and witnessed.
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 13:44:52

Well lets hope it was the last. The rhi, dome, breaks space all sounded crrrap! The music was good though. Quite simply, there was no bottom end, anywhere!
Congrats on a grreat party Mardi Gras. Full props for a more adventurous music policy this year - just next year, give the DJs something to play out of. Closing the Breaks space because of sound complaints is pretty lame - breaks = bass!
Roll on Inquisition!
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 13:57:37

Panther - Tue 8 Mar 2005 14:39:33

Gosh, there are so many things wrong with your generalised observations. But you know what? I've just realised that I don't give a shit anymore.

Mardi Gras and Sleaze will always be a success to some degree, so why not just be happy with that? Why waste my time on trying to make it better than just a good party?

I bow out of this fight...
www.jakekilby.com - Tue 8 Mar 2005 15:11:12

No 19,000 people had a good time because we are performers and went on with the show. END OF STORY. Had we (artists performers etc) had been treated better WE ALL would have had a BETTER time.

We had DJ's at the event so emotionally shaken that they were at the point of tears.

I can tell you that it was the least satisfying set i have EVER played in my life as i had NO feed back from the crowd as i could not see them or hear them.

I have had the best experience of my DJ life playing at Mardi Gras last year ... this one was the worst. My personal experince of the party was great - i had a great time on the various dance floors after my gig.

Thank you for your support on this issue Jake. I will outline the problems to the people who want to hear them at NMG and they can take that info and use it to have a better party next time round. What more can you do?
Ryan Murphy - Tue 8 Mar 2005 15:32:15

Apart from that I thought it one of the friendliest MG parties in years.
Great lighting.
Average music.
Fun friends.
And, a big, big thank you to the ACON party rovers.
You guy’s rock!

Very glad it sold out for Mardi Gras
doogle - Tue 8 Mar 2005 15:43:49

Yes I know who she is...she does have a partner though...sorry to break it to ya and she is a very nice person.
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 15:49:57

Don't remember what was in the Horden, got annoyed sidestepping zombies and never looked around. Too dark, too dank, trance, joyless and self-absorbed. Already forgotten.

Loved the Dome at 1 AM, but couldn't stand the heat. Maybe they need huge fans at the door to just blow it right out.

Had a blast in City live at 3AM. Nice, friendly staff. Wish that venue would do more gay events like they used to.

Thought the integration of Gay Lesbian Queer and Straight(ish) was much more successful this year than past times. It used to be the Horden was straight and RHI gay, but I think it's much less defined now.
Jamison - Tue 8 Mar 2005 15:56:50

I'm not interested in who the poor DJ was, but I think there may be an OHS and public safety issue there. Perhaps an abolute limit should be preset on those volume dials beforehand, so we can all continue enjoying great music at MG (and our parents nagging us about frequenting those ho-mo-sexual parties)
Jamison - Tue 8 Mar 2005 16:15:17

Oh I can tell you SOME of Ryan's experience at the party...there was part of it where he had a GREAT time...right Ryan?
P.i.t.a - Tue 8 Mar 2005 16:25:24

1. Why could people take mobile phone calls in the middle of a the RHI..? Why again was the sound in the RHI so bad..?

2. Why were people dancing with their sunglasses on in the middle of the RHI at 8am..? Why was the lighting so bright and innapropriate..?

3. Why could we not hear Darren hayes clearly? (see question 1)

4. What was the last show in the RHI all about..? I heard a woman scream out "N-E-X-T" during the show... Surely the last show should leave you feeling uplifted and feeling satisfied..?

5. Im keen to know if the people who thought that the sound levels were ok been to many other Mardi gras parties?

This was my 9th year and I hate to say it was nothing to write home about. I feel that my money was not well spent - sure its in the Mardi Gras bank account and will keep the organisation alive, but what about giving us a great party at the same time?

Remember the parties in the mid to late 90's?

What has happened?
Dave - Tue 8 Mar 2005 17:00:35

Loved the tierd video in the RHI. (not the cubes at the back... eekk)
Loved the Hordern setup.
Loved catching up with old friends and having morning vodkas on the dance floor
Loved the sound system in the Dome - why can that rock when the RHI cant..?
Dave - Tue 8 Mar 2005 17:05:11

I had a fun night!

I have just updated the party history page,
http://www.pinkboard.com.au/history/mardigras/mardigras00s.html#2005
but I can't quite remember everything. If anyone else can remember some of the things I have forgotten, or saw shows I haven't listed please let me know, or post the info here.
Panther - Tue 8 Mar 2005 17:21:51

Just to clear it up it was not the DJM DJ mixer that dies in the dome it was the main FOH audio console controlling all of the sound in the dome that took a dive.
You would have noticed that the monitors were still working fine (and GI Jode got a great cheer when she turned them to face the crowd) and that they weren't able to get the second DJ setup going.
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 19:13:14

I figured it was something down the line {the fault of the notorious DJM, or a random act of Fred Nile's God? Not worth going into on this board!}. Thanks for the clarification, I was hoping I'd hear what actually happened.

And when she turned the monitors to face the crowd - it was truly a "show must go on" moment! Fantastic.
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 19:30:50

Loved the lighting in Hordern. DJ 4 Strings was just not me. Dont like constant changes to the beat and the long interludes bought me back to reality and caused gaps on the dance floor as people wondered off.

I'm with the others hoping Hordern back at Sleaze with its harder styles.

Great vibe with the party all night. Damn missed Anna Nicole - my heroine - worlds best gold digger !

Have we had any apologies from those slagging NMG prior to the party about the various aspects of putting on a party ?
Thanks NMG .... T. - Tue 8 Mar 2005 20:23:26

Adamx - Tue 8 Mar 2005 20:59:48

Adamx the "silly comments" about the sound are not silly. How many parties have you been to dear? Did you go in the late 90's?

The sound was great then. The sound in the RHI on Saturday night was unforgivable, especially seeing they also got it wrong on the last two parties.

Did you actually go to the same party my friends and I went to..?

If it was a concert at the Entertainment center there would be outrage.
- Tue 8 Mar 2005 22:44:43

2. Why were people dancing with their sunglasses on in the middle of the RHI at 8am..?
> Because they are too cool for us cats
- weird stuff - Tue 8 Mar 2005 23:26:22

CeeJay - Wed 9 Mar 2005 00:09:55

WOW! I wished I was there at Mardi Gras 2000. That must have been absolutely fantastic!

Tuesday is over. My poor dear Canadian friend is still in tears, on a long distance flight, all alone. Love and hugs to all our foreign friends.

Perhaps, Sleaze Ball will be bigger and grander this year. Sound problems in RHI improved, its shows out staging anything we've seen so far. Supporters of the community appearing in person and not on a 5 second video clip! Hordern handed back to the likes of Leal/Crawford. Inter-venue lighting improved, i.e. no dark/semi-lit out side areas.
NMG cirtainly did demontsrate they are a capable bunch. Congrats again.
u.w. - and lets not forget the people of those 80 countries... - Wed 9 Mar 2005 00:33:34

And why people don't get involved in oprganising things might also be about feedback provided being labeled as cretinous. Forgive me for not understanding that the opinion of some people is far more valid that the opinions of others.
m from nq - Wed 9 Mar 2005 00:41:34

Superdome is a bit of a ways from the parade. Would you be providing free shuttle buses? A few years back there was a MG "overflow" party at the Eveleigh Rail workshops and THAT was a shocker.
- Wed 9 Mar 2005 00:50:36

The lighting in the Horden was brilliant - I got stuck in those lasers more than once which one does love to do. I thought it was a bit of a risk giving 4 Strings 10hrs, but every time I went into the Horden the place was pumping so I guess it paid off. Although why we couldn’t have had a couple of local DJs do the same...?????

Loved the cube screens in the RHI and the staging. But I have to say that my little ol clock radio could have pumped out the tunes louder than the system in that hall.

The shows... honestly, if we can’t get someone that EVERYONE can identify with then why bother! Too often during a show I hear people asking the question, “who’s that?” What’s the point if only a handfull of people get it?

Ok, now the thing that REALLY pissed me off... The main reason for me buying a ticket to the party was the fact that Feisty had the closing 3hr (I repeat, THREE HOUR) set in the Tribal space. I fluffed around all night, having fun, waiting for 7am for *my* party to start. And Feisty did not disappoint! I have to mention that the sound in Stage 11 (City Live) was crap, in fact I think the whole venue sux, but that aside, Feisty was brilliant! Then, without warning, the venue was shut down at 9.30am. Ok, I can hear some of u say, “oh it was only half an hr early”, and granted, half an hour out of 12hrs is not a lot. BUT, half an hr out of 3hrs, IS A LOT! I paid for a ticket to hear 3hrs of Feisty, NOT 2 and a half. Whoever made the decision to finish early obviously had NO RESPECT for the people still dancing or Feisty. I don’t care if there was only half a person left crawling on the dancefloor, it was advertised that the space would b open till 10am and we should have had the choice to b there till 10am. NOT A HAPPY ENDING!

Why, after years and years of MG parties and Sleaze Balls r there STILL these stuff ups? Does anyone who organises these parties actually attend them?

I hear that approx 19,000 people attended the party. If on average, people paid $100 for their tix, that’s $1,900,000. I realise it costs a hell of a lot to put on such a party. But after I read other comments on Pinkboard and hear what my friends have to say, it would appear that about $20 was spent on common sense. I’m sorry to be negative, but I have to ask WHY?????
tg - Wed 9 Mar 2005 04:54:43

I totally understand your frustration Jake - our only motivation for making noise over this subject is that everyone experience the best performance possible from all the DJs involved at our big parties. But when we try to draw attention (and garner outside support & understanding) to these technical issues we are either shouted down for not doing enough or accused of fuelling our massive egos. (Believe me, if I wanted to fuel my massive ego, I wouldn't post on or read Pinkboard) And here we are, 12 months after I said my piece about the RHI sound being unacceptable and it's just as bad (if not worse) only now DJs are being disrespected and verbally abused. Talk about backward steps. I guess the reality is, not enough people care enough after the party season is over and they're off the dancefloor. For us of course it's basically our workplace and we're just trying to get the photocopier fixed - lol.
www.lukeleal.com - 100% sobriety = no come down. ever! - Wed 9 Mar 2005 06:38:02

Well said Luke.
www.djjustinscott.com - Wed 9 Mar 2005 08:12:19

Ryan Murphy - Wed 9 Mar 2005 08:46:54

err why can the horden be loud and it right nxt door
- Wed 9 Mar 2005 08:47:53

Along with Elroy and Seymour, they made a great night even more special, so thanks to them, and the rest of the DJ's.
embe - Wed 9 Mar 2005 09:36:30

The Fox and Lion has not and will not ever be a proper dance space.

I felt disappointed and I also felt sorry for my favourite Retro DJ Steven Blomfield who played a great selection of Retro tunes to have been shafted in a space that was not within a bulls roar of being acceptable.

This is now two NMG parties in a row that Retro lovers have been shafted. We had the Sleaze Ball debacle last year in that open area and now we get shoved in a space that in most peoples opinions was wholly inadequate.

I dont understand why Retro wasn't in City Live this party after the overwhelming success it had their for MG 2004. People say that the Fox and Lion was used in preference to City Live to avoid the queues from last year. To that I say let us queue , at least we will have a decent dance space to party in rather than paying $100 for a ticket to what felt like my local suburban pub.

What also burns me up is the fact that the music styles in the Dome and City Live during Saturday night considerably crossed over and were at times pretty identical especially after 5am. So we had one style of music on Saturday night hogging two dance spaces while Retro which is the only style of music to have truly embraced City Live as a venue was stuck in that pathetic excuse for a dance space.

Besides that complaint however I thought the party was good about a 5/10. Lots of friendly people and I caught up with lots of old friends I hadn't seen in ages. The RHI continues to be a disaster but I think I spent about a total of about 20 mins in there. I know you cant please everyone all of the time but after the joy and success of Retro at MG 2004 in City Live the next two parties since then have been failures from my perspective.
Retro Retro Retro - Wed 9 Mar 2005 09:38:38

As I understand it, the Horden is properly sound proofed and the RHI is not.
- Wed 9 Mar 2005 09:52:26

I am all in favour of keeping DJs happy and giving them the right gear as I think it makes them play better, and makes for happy fun party. It makes me sad to think people don't get that.
Evil Twin - Wed 9 Mar 2005 10:02:54

...So you're saying the Buck Naked & Fiesty were playing the same style as GI Jode? I wasn't in City Live but I find that hard to believe.

What are other people's opinions on this one? I'm curious.
- Wed 9 Mar 2005 10:52:14

1. Stage 11 had teh Air Conditioning set to Arctic. There was a queue to get in, but the venue was half empty. Totally wrong for tribal house. Sveta played brilliantly, Feisty played well, but most of the crowd had either left or couldn't get into the venue (we know a number of people who tried to get in but couldn't bother queuing and the venue was hardly packed). I do think Buck Naked should take part of the blame for people not sticking around for Feisty. His set went on a journey, unfortunately it was on a journey away from tribal house into a valley of despair.

2. DJs in the DOme were fantastic and most of the leather crowd were in there, but you needed sunglasses to dance.

Suggestion: Swap funky house & tribal house. If Sveta had of played the same set in a darkly lit Dome, the party would have been legendary. And there would have been some sexual tension at the party. (not sex, just some tension would have done).

3. 4 Strings went on far too long in the Hordern and couldn't mix to save his life. Especially liked the part at 9am where he just left a gap between the tracks. We all thought he was closing and doing an encore so we left the venue. Maybe he should have spent more time mixing and less time trying to conduct the crowd.

Suggestion: Imagine how good the Hordern would have been if Luke or Neal played the last 4 hours and 4 strings was given a normal length set.

However, it's not all negative, generally the lighting design in most venues was pretty interesting -especially the Hordern, was lit really well. The live band outside the Dome was good. The breaks area was a good innovation. Full points for trying to do a few different things this year.

Didn't spent much time in the RHI as it's not my cup of tea, but caught some of Ryan Murphy's set and he had the crowd screaming and shouting, so a big tick to Ryan.

And on a positive note again, 10 out of 10 to Sveta for I think the best set I've ever heard her play (and I've heard a few from her as well!)
- Wed 9 Mar 2005 11:14:38

...So you're saying the Buck Naked & Fiesty were playing the same style as GI Jode? I wasn't in City Live but I find that hard to believe.

What are other people's opinions on this one? I'm curious.

Absolutely not - heard a good hour of GI Jode's set, which was really good. GI Jode was playing dubby funky house (loved "Dear Prudence"). Feisty was playing a full on tribal attack, in pretty typical Feisty style. We left her set and went straight into the Dome so I can compare both. We also went back to Stage 11 (with the 50 or so people left in there) and Feisty was still playing full on tribal.

Buck Naked I think crossed over too much, he strayed a long way from tribal house and was playing kind of slow progressive house for a while (a long while in fact).
- Wed 9 Mar 2005 11:18:31

I think I know what happened as I was watching the DJ booth when this happened - happened in Stage 11.

They left the talk over switch on at the end of Sveta's set. Buck Naked started his set and you could see that he couldn't get any volume. Sveta seemed to realise this and went up and switched off the talk over switch. This of course caused a massive sound burst - and yes just about destroyed our hearing.

My opinion, Sveta probably should've told Buck about this before going back up to fix his sound.

Of course, I didn't see or hear what they said to each other, so I could be wrong.
- Wed 9 Mar 2005 11:26:36

As to the comment above, I'm afraid the sound problems you heard were related to the inadequate mixer they provided for us in the hall. The back anouncements on our sets were pre-recorded onto CD so no talk over mechanisms were used. I simply leant over to try to help him with his sound problem.

They refused to upgrade our mixer when we asked for it during our soundcheck. We were assured that the mixer was one that was always used in that venue and it would hold up for the night. As you heard, it did not. They did however end up changing our foldback after all the DJ's banded together and insisted that the original equipment was inadequate.

Thanks to everyone involved and I hope that people keep supporting the Mardi Gras party so future generations of punters have the option to experience the largest party in the southern hemisphere in all it's diversity.
Sveta - Wed 9 Mar 2005 12:11:07

What are other people's opinions on this one? I'm curious.

Two completely different styles ( Feisty and G.I jode).Both very good at their own style. Think they would have a good laugh at being told they sound the same!
Go Girrrrls - Wed 9 Mar 2005 12:52:06

umm... the 3 minute piece that i think you are talking about is a little song called 'Never'. just so you know -the track was produced by tiesto and was taken from the queer as folk soundtrack. it was a number 1 US single and tina performed the vocals on it. i thought it was more than relevant.
baby boy - Wed 9 Mar 2005 12:56:55

umm...why did NMG not use Mandy, Sveta and Feisty in Stage 11. Ok, so Sveta and Feisty played and both played very well, but, it was advertised as a tribal space. All three play different to each other but are never put in the same space to play a tribal set.
Sveta and Mandy have a huge fan base, playing around Australia and OS. Sveta is a 'DJ Goddess' and Mandy Rollins is 'Queen of Tribal House'.
Please NMG. Please.
tribal fan - Wed 9 Mar 2005 14:17:19

Let me say to all the DJs and concerned members who are totally fed up with the less than expected production standards at our NMG parties - There is an AGM coming up. Get organised, get a number of your own elected and change things. It's well overdue for the Board to get a kick in the butt after they allowed some of the most unbelievable, disgraceful and even homophobic treatment of DJs to occur in the last few months, especially last Friday in the RHI.

If Board members try hard to change things but still don't succeed (as many did this party), sorry guys, we need leaders, not diplomats. We need strong leaders who can make the tough decisions and fix the problems, not be led up the 'garden path' once again and try to smooth things over post-damage. There is just too much damage now. It's far, far too late.

Time for changes at the leadership level so that the DJs that entertain us every week of the year actually want to be a part of the 2 big gay parties, Sleaze and Mardi Gras. It is an absolute disgrace that people like Luke and Jake will not even submit and others who worked on this one have said that, after the way they were treated, they will not next time. Wrong guys - don't walk away. Fight for your rights and fight for your fans' rights to hear you. If you are not a member, join before the AGM. You have enormous support out there. We'll organise a public meeting (not one choreographed by NMG) to discuss these issues next month sometime. Anyone interested?
Noisy Gypsy - NMG Founding Member #71 - Wed 9 Mar 2005 14:21:25

Yep. Count me in.
www.lukeleal.com - Wed 9 Mar 2005 14:42:16

Brad W - www.lightwright.com.au - Wed 9 Mar 2005 15:01:05

Yeah why not... might get some answers!
Brad W - www.lightwright.com.au - Wed 9 Mar 2005 15:02:34

Hope Toybox was fun. We missed you at the Party. Had no boy to blather to in Stage 11
Evil Twin - Wed 9 Mar 2005 15:06:42

Yep. Count me in NG.
Juzzy - Wed 9 Mar 2005 17:47:08

Ryan Murphy - Wed 9 Mar 2005 17:50:25

Maybe just a little fine tuning ?

- City Live back to Retro
- Dome back to its tribal
- Hordern keep it with its harderstyles

As for RHI sound , I thought it much better ( but yes not perfect ) than Sleaze.

10 hour sets - never again please. If you dont like a DJ its easy to fill in the hours in other Halls till the next one but if you love the harderstyles of music and not getting it then you have to fill in 10 hours elsewhere.

Lighting was great/mesmerising.
Fine tuning................................. - Wed 9 Mar 2005 18:46:18

If you want to re-live the night, JJJ mixup broadcast sets last Saturday from Red Light Disco Team, Neroli and Feisty. They can be streamed from the J's website until this coming Saturday.

I don't know if the actual MG sets were broadcast, if that's the case then Red Light and Feisty would have been live, with Neroli's a delayed broadcast. If anyone can clarify this I'd love to know!

´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´
- Wed 9 Mar 2005 19:48:30

I have been waiting a few day to put my post on about mardi gras.

The Parade,
For my first parade I enjoyed the experience and I was proud to be part of it with all the hype in the marshall area and the parade seem to go quickly,

The Party,
My second party and though it was bigger and better than last year. I enjoyed Nikki French and Tina Arena and I was lucky to catch a live version of take me away from 4 strings and a hot dancing boy show in the retro area.

The only thing I thought was wierd was to have a speech straight after Nikki French's number when most people just wanted to dance.

It would good to have seats in the RHI so you can just sit down and listen to the music.

But if Mardi Gras gets better and better every year it is worth getting in early and buying my ticket
sammy d - Wed 9 Mar 2005 20:38:45

It's not the the opinion isnt valid. It of course is. I might, say, have an opinion that the triceps or calf muscles on some of the male dancers were way too small according to stereotypical community standards. Valid opinion. But i wouldnt express it lest people, rightly, thought I was an eedjit.
Are you SERIOUSLY arguing that the length of the hair on the female dancers should be considered by the organisers of the Mardi Gras party? Are we, this community, that shallow and sensitive and caught up in our own image of ourselves?
- Wed 9 Mar 2005 22:08:15

My friends who went to Toy Box are raving about it. After a absolutely fantastic 12 hours at MG party, I thought I couldn’t handle another party. Perhaps next year…

There was a comment about the co-chairs speech after the first show. I actually liked it. This has been my second MG party, and both times, I’ve cheered them on with lots of emotions backing me up. Especially considering that one of those 80 countries happens to be my country of birth.

There’s another comment about imagining Luke Leal/Neal Crawford set at Hordern. I don’t have to imagine, I can actually remember! Luke Leal- Neal Crawford with Brad W. s lighting in Hordern at Big QueerNation was probably one of the most memorable party moments of last year. Come to think about it, rest of Big QN was actually a pretty forgettable!

The problems of RHI has been highlighted again and again. Hope there’ll be change before Sleaze, or at least by next MG Party.

I thought Darren Hayes was really good, but his show was rather simplistic for MG party. Compared to the other shows (and I did see all of the shows in RHI,) Darren Hayes’ show was small and unentertaining! It could’ve been done in stage 11!

Dave - Tue 8 Mar 2005 17:05:11
Cubes at the back…they scared the sh** out of me when they started to rotate. But they came in handy. We decided, under one of them would be our meeting place in RHI...you have to admit, it's hard not to notice them!
I shouted “NEXT!” at the big QN last year when Kristine W. started to make a speech…the last show at this party was really good! Who on earth would do such a thing?!

4 Strings: 10 hours was a bit too much! I loved their music, still…10 hours!

There are points that need improving. But, overall…NMG delivered! Sydney rocked! Well Done!!!
u.w. - Let them speak...let the DJs speak! - Wed 9 Mar 2005 22:53:29

yep thats one. the mix of NEVER (by the roc project feat. tina arena) that tin opened her show with was the TIESTO mix - as featured in QUEER AS FOLK and on the soundtrack. tina performed the track at G-A-Y in the UK, and it was a #1 billboard dance single in the US.

not too shabby!
me - Wed 9 Mar 2005 23:04:50

Interesting that this was the bit of my original post that held your attention. Cause I thought I was saying that I didn't think that the dancers and their performances this year were representative of, or appealing to, gay and lesbian sexuality. This is the first time I've seen this in the shows - previously, I have felt that there was a very strong element of gay and lesbian sexuality being presented, and I loved the shows for that. I wondered if anyone else thought the same - a simple yes or no would have cleared that up for me.

But, I stand labeled rightly, it seems, and eedjit. And from now on, I'll keep my eedjit opinions to myself. I just hope I can somehow get clever enough to one day post here again. Apologies ofr being so bold.
m from nq - Thu 10 Mar 2005 00:09:20

Thanks for your help (backs out of the room bowing)
m from nq - Thu 10 Mar 2005 00:13:24

I was sat behind Wayne G and what i think was Darrens manager while they were discussing a meeting they had just been to with Mardi Gras, they were saying about Mardi Gras not wanting to put a show behind Darren and leaving him on stage on his own, they were both shocked such a thing was suggested (something to do with budgets was repeated) and from what i heard had to argue to get some dancers to take part, does anyone know why Wayne G was helping with the show?
- Thu 10 Mar 2005 00:32:34

I also thought more people could have taken the effort to dress up this time round. It was the most lame effort I've ever seen in all my 16 Mardi Gras. We all dress up every year, except a few who get cold feet beforehand, and then those always complain they regretted not doing it afterwards.

People, it's Mardi Gras, not a sunday BBQ! Make an effort!
Jamison - Thu 10 Mar 2005 01:03:56

NB - what is this rubbish about the Hordern returning to its Harder style. There has never been a harder style in the hordern. The Hordern actually probably worked best at Mardi Gras 2004.
- Thu 10 Mar 2005 08:50:48

I thought the party was great - a few glitches (what happened to the subwoofers in the hordern?), but they can't be helped. Murphy's law applies here, and we could afford to cut NMG a little slack.

Admittedly I didn't go in the RHI all night.
happy camper - Thu 10 Mar 2005 11:05:58

Thank you New Mardi Gras for giving us back the Dome!

Sensational.
Sensible Shoes - Thu 10 Mar 2005 12:12:51

Thank you New Mardi Gras for screwing over the needs of retro fans!

Disgraceful.
Not sensible at all - Thu 10 Mar 2005 12:18:01

****** Thank You Sveta ******

You connected with the room so well. I love the way you make eye contact with the punters, share a smile. The applause at the end of your set was the most heartfelt i've ever been lucky enough to be a part of. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
- Thu 10 Mar 2005 12:20:42

Unfortunately, one of the CD decks was determined to give me a hard time by skipping, and to make matters worse, about halfway through the set I lost my monitor speakers! They just completely cut out and I was left with only my headphones and the ambient noise from the dancefloor.

http://danmurphy.blogspot.com/2005/02/saturday-night-at-arq-upstairs-take-2.html
Arti - Thu 10 Mar 2005 13:01:09

Did you seek permission from Dan to reproduce that quote here ?

A bit rude if you didnt.
- Thu 10 Mar 2005 13:08:51

The quote is from a blog in the public domain. As long as Arti attributes it to Dan - which he has - what's the problem? Anyone can go to Dan's blog and read it by follwing the hyperlink Arti provided.
Let's not get too precious - Thu 10 Mar 2005 13:58:40

Evil Twin - Thu 10 Mar 2005 15:18:25

Is there some sort of a decision by New Mardi Gras to frustrate the hell out of us by supplying two totally crap spaces at its last two parties ?

Why is it that at last years Mardi Gras we were given City Live which was a huge success yet for the last two New Mardi Gras run parties we have been served up crap ?

Whatever happened to the old saying when you're on a good thing stick to it ?

I was bitterly disappointed at Fox n Lion. The middle to latter part of the night was subjected to a great selection of retro music in a room with no atmosphere. Shame on you New Mardi Gras, I wont be going to another of your parties unless you put Retro back into a decent space. Retro music fans seem the only people that really like Stage 11, give it back to us and stop treating us like leppers
Mad frustrated and angry - Thu 10 Mar 2005 15:30:16

I move that NMG put shuttle buses in place for future parties, its soooo hard to walk that Dome - RHI Marathon isn't it?
My 5 cents worth - Thu 10 Mar 2005 19:40:09

NB if you were a Hordern fan you would know exactly what posters are asking for . For quite a few years now Hordern has played hardhouse ( Rachel Auburn was awesome)
hard trance and hard nrg.

10 hours is too long if you dont like a DJ's style as evidenced all night by the floor never being packed but yes still busy and at other times huge gaps where you could spread your arms and not touch someone.

Just remember others have opinions as well.
Harder the better - Thu 10 Mar 2005 20:15:08

RHI-sound -average-

I think all they did was lower the sound in the Horden so that the RHI didnt seem so low-thats how my ears percieved it anyway as i can recall the Horden being louder in the past
In BOTH HALLS when someone clapped their hands to the music i could hear them which means low volume-IMO

PARTYGOERS-boring!! its a BIG party,make an effort with your dress people it adds to the colour of the night

DID I HAVE A GOOD TIME-of course i always do but these are my observations which i feel could really lift the party if they were addressed
always room for improvement - Thu 10 Mar 2005 20:23:23

I take it that what you were/weren't wearing wasn't screaming out "look at me .. look at me"?
- Thu 10 Mar 2005 20:25:49

Howcome it was ok for these people to hear new music then but not now? It's like some awful FM radio station programming.

It's not a wedding party peeps, its Mardi Gras. Or is this just parochial old Sydney and its lack of music awareness?

A Soulful House room please!!!!!
Deep Groover - Fri 11 Mar 2005 10:54:52

NMG is run by volunteers and I am sure it gets them down reading all this negative feedback. Especially when I personally saw thousands and thousands of smiling faces enjoying themselves all night at the party.

If you want NMG to take any notice of Pinkboard then you will have to make an effort to make it constructive rather than just whinging.
Panther - Fri 11 Mar 2005 10:58:01

your Yang - Fri 11 Mar 2005 11:04:04

Did you see the last show???

It was something special!
- Fri 11 Mar 2005 11:33:57

Sensible Shoes - Fri 11 Mar 2005 10:38:13

You guys sure are brave dissing the Retro fans. I have previously requested that they "give it a bone" and have been attacked for my narrow minded views.

As for City Live - that place was going off in a big way. I thought I was going to die when Sveta played Sweet Dreams.
- Fri 11 Mar 2005 12:13:40

It was a very sobering moment seeing the RHI in that guise in 2002. It hurt. And whilst we all danced along that night the conversations were sombre and noone knew whether we would have Mardi Gras the next year.

If you are miserable about last saturday night's party then count your lucky stars you can hate the shows, music, sound etc as you very nearly didn't have that option just a few years ago.

NMG are not above criticism but I think we need to remember we are not out of this phase of our history in which we are rebuilding. We are no where near out of danger yet. There is a long way before we assume the mantle and comand the power which categorised the 1990s. But remember Mardi Gras, from its very inception, has always been about participation.

The current board has been under immense stress but have carried the events to frution. At this stage, in our current context of rebuiding the organisation and events, does it really matter that the sound wasn't perfect in the RHI or that some dancers had long hair? Or you didn't like the shows? We can only work with what we have got.

Personally I could still dance very happily in the RHI and I loved and heard every show. In 1980 the first Mardi Gras fundraising party was held in Paddington Town Hall - according to records of the event the venue wasn't adequate but one of the reasons it was held was to have funds for possible police action against the event. Presently I don't think we have it so bad but as in 1980 we need to work together to get around current problems.

We need to constructively pull together just as the DJs are doing so to rectify the problems they encountered on Saturday night - hopefully they will be able to influence the Terms of Reference for the next production company NMG appoints. Or perhaps memberhsip, sponsorship and immense volunteering will bolster so much to bring us back to the point where we can produce the events ourselves?

One day.

I say three cheers for the board and everyone that has worked on making Mardi Gras happen this year. It was great!
- Fri 11 Mar 2005 12:15:55

Thanks Mitzi you're a star!!
- Fri 11 Mar 2005 13:27:49

Stars and style on our night of nights By Ian Gould

http://www.ssonet.com.au/display.asp?ArticleID=4137
- Fri 11 Mar 2005 14:34:57

Well if you look closely it does say "Special photo edition" on the front cover - and with 17 pages of colour images of parade, party and recoveries, plus other pics sprinkled throughout the few pages of text, I think they kinda delivered on that...

btw, it appears you missed this article:
Parade and party return in style By Ian Gould
http://www.ssonet.com.au/display.asp?ArticleID=4132
CeeJay - Fri 11 Mar 2005 16:02:41

Gat Décor - Passion
S Express - Hey Music Lover
Madonno - Vogue
Sister Sledge - We Are Family
Ultra Nate - Found A Cure
David Ginero - Ain’t Nobody
Ultra Nate - Get It Up
Sandy B - You Make The World Go Round
Gloria Estefan - Everlasting Love
Lonnie Gordon - Happenin All Over Again
Kim Wilde - You Came
Hazell Dean - Searchin
Deborah Harry - I Want That Man
David Morales - Needin U
Wham - I’m Your Man (acappella)
Earth Wind and Fire - September 99
Lisa Stansfield/Scoundrels - People Hold On (bootleg mix)
Diana Ross - Chain Reaction
Musique - Keep On Jumpin
Jimmy Somerville - You Make Me Feel
Tina Turner - Disco Inferno
Eurythmics / Aretha Franklin - Sisters Are Doin It
Amii Stewart - Knock On Wood
Joey Negro feat Taka Boom - Must Be The Music
Diana Ross - I’m Coming Out

And congrats to NMG for putting on a great party, I've been to many "big" events gay and straight over the last few years and more often than not they disappoint due to poor organisation, dodgy sound, DJs not living up to expectations, etc etc. Yeah I had my grumbles (poor sound in the RHI being the main one!) but there was so much going on at the party I was never bored for long. Special thanks to the Dome DJs, you made my night
Chris Kenny - Fri 11 Mar 2005 16:03:26

A bumper crowd of more than 450,000 turned out in force to cheer on the 28th annual Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
After a scaled-down Parade in 2003, when it looked as if there may be no Parade at all, and a rained-soaked 2004 event that kept numbers down, 2005 will be remembered as the year that Mardi Gras returned to its fabulous best.
Around 130 floats treated an enthusiastic crowd to a mix of protest, politics, satire, camp and plain old fun.
Now in their 18th Mardi Gras parade year, the Dykes on Bikes joyfully led proceedings along Oxford Street.
Soon after, the mood turned sombre as New Mardi Gras’ own lead float and marching group highlighted in spectacular fashion the more than 80 countries in the world in which homosexuality is still illegal.
More than 80 people carried the flags of countries which outlaw and severely punish homosexuality, such as Pakistan and India. Closer to home, these countries include Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Singapore and Malaysia.
Prime Minister John Howard and US President George W Bush featured prominently in the procession. The two world leaders' likenesses appeared getting married in cheeky protest against their opposition to same sex marriage. The political and legal discrimination against same-sex marriages was a stand-out featured in the 2005 Parade.
On another float, a mock Prime Minister chased a mock Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone around some dancing superheroes called the Incredi-gays.
New Mardi Gras Co-Chair, Mark Orr, had this message for Mr Howard. "The fight for equality is not over. Our relationships won't be second class,” he said.
Radio host John Laws who complained in his talk show about two gay men in reality renovation program ‘The Block’ also came under fire in this city-stopping march, known across the globe for its pillorying of high profile figures.
Play School's controversial My Two Mums segment, which came under fire from most sides of politics for depicting a girl with lesbian parents, also earned its spot on Oxford Street.
Eight-year-old Brenna Harding and her real-life two mums, Vicki Harding and partner Jackie, were named chiefs of the parade and rode at its head in a convertible car.
"It's a bit special", Brenna, perhaps the parade's youngest participant said. "You get twice as much stuff, and if one's angry the other one will stick up for you".
One of her mums, Jackie, said being chiefs of the parade was an ideal opportunity for people to see them as a happy and ordinary family.
“It's about our freedom to love who we want to love,” she said. "It's about our right to be a family in the same way that other families are families. It's about our right to know Brenna is safe and happy at school.”
There was also a celebration of late Queen front man, Freddy Mercury, a gay water polo display in the back of a ute and well-received entries from the state and federal police forces.
More than 40 men went as Dafydd from the cult television comedy Little Britain - a mere fraction of the more than 6,000 gay and lesbian parade participants.
Other highlights included the mock marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.
Police did not make a single arrest during the parade – an amazing feat given that almost half a million people had converged on the shortened Parade route.
Superintendent Darryl Donnelly from the Surry Hills Local Area Command says it was an amazingly well organised event.
"It's testament to the wonderful planning between the event organisers, the police and the other government agencies that we've been able to operate so effectively tonight with no major incidents to speak of," he said.
"Everyone that's involved in the whole planning of the Mardi Gras operations really deserves a pat on the back."
The Parade concluded with a show-stopping performance at Taylor Square from Cher-impersonator, Candi Stratton, who had travelled the Parade route in a stretch limousine.
cut and paste - Fri 11 Mar 2005 16:58:28

Even with this warning there were a number of households that wouldn't tolerate the noise and were put up in hotels due to their protests.

I have no idea whether NMG still letterboxes the area or can afford to appease people in hotels but one thing is certain alot of very wealthy, well connected and less than sympathetic people to Mardi Gras live nearby.
- Fri 11 Mar 2005 18:25:34

Great Party but no more 10 hour sets please.
When's the next one - Fri 11 Mar 2005 19:09:32

I have no idea whether NMG still letterboxes the area or can afford to appease people in hotels but one thing is certain alot of very wealthy, well connected and less than sympathetic people to Mardi Gras live nearby.
- Mar 2005 18:25:34"

And a lot of them are gay.....the tension around the old Showgrounds site, Bob Carr's decision to flick it to Rupert Murdoch on a 99 year lease, noise from the site and the wishes of residents who have every right to expect that their right to peace should be respected, is.....complex.

But lest there be any doubt, one of the most vociferous advocates for Centennial Park residents against a noisy Fox site has been Clover Moore. Anyone who thinks that shes's about to collaborate in exposing them to 12 hours of unrestricted auralshock has got to be kidding.

The site is in the inner city, we live in the inner city, so do lots more other people - and they all vote. If anyone thinks that we have the right to impose our extraneous noise on everyone else - beacuse it's 'us" - they need to think again. It's about compromise.
- Fri 11 Mar 2005 20:54:32

Compromise, correct.

And the best form of compromise is for the Centennial Park trust to spend some money properly soundproofing the RHI.

This has positives on many fronts -

* A Soundproofed RHI will appease the residents.

* A Soundproofed RHI is a positive move in upkeeping an important Heritage Listed building

* A Soundproofed RHI could be used more cost effectively by other organisations besides the 2 G&L Parties there each year.

It's such an easy solution to what far too many people paint as a complex problem, when it isn't.
Aiden - Fri 11 Mar 2005 21:07:51

Sveta - about 4 tracks into your set you played Trancesetters - Beatfreak. I thought that I was going to explode with happiness. What a moment.

Girl you had it going on like I've never seen you before.

Thankyou.
- Fri 11 Mar 2005 22:10:09

The letter box drop used to be part of the licensing conditions imposed on the Site. This is no longer the case - so it doesn't happen any more.
embe - Sat 12 Mar 2005 06:53:09

It is still part of the licensing conditions and it still does happen. I have organised it for a few of the past years. It usually happens a week before the party now.
- Sat 12 Mar 2005 12:26:08

Because, sweetie, back in the day they would complain. These days everybody sues and uses their political and legal connections.

It's the "Don't F*** With Us" generation.
- Sat 12 Mar 2005 12:55:40

And I'm still waitng to see if anyone got the snowstorm reference, God I can't be that OLD can I?
Fluffy - Sat 12 Mar 2005 17:01:57

Jeez! Here's me not even realising that we had to be on 'the cutting edge' - whatever that is.......
- Sat 12 Mar 2005 18:08:58

Not sure. The Martini Club played, but "really funky" is stretching it!! They play a load of covers....
- Sat 12 Mar 2005 20:43:25

Soundproofing is an incredibly costly process which involves either coating a surface in a thick layer of material such as foam or completley re-building the roof of the RHI.

It's not just as simple as buying some bits of pink material to hang in the roof. The main noise issue in the RHI comes from the vibrations of the tin roof, which are cause by the vibrations from the PA.

The RHI is a heritage listed building. This means that ANY kind of alterations are almost impossible to be made. When a building is heritage listed, the entire building becomes included in the listing. Ripping the roof off or covering the building with a soundproofing material would adjust the visual appearance and could be seen as damaging or altering the original construction. Although it seems far fetched, changing the structure or appearance of the RHI roof would fall into the same category as suggesting that we paint Fort Denison pink - it might be a great idea - like having a sound proof roof would be fantastic (As would having a pink Fort Denison) but unless the modifications are for structural reinforcement, unfortunately you're not allowed to screw with a heritage listed building.

The Hordern had its changes made to continue its tradition as a live music venue. The RHI is only a music venue for MG, and so modifications would be incredibly costly and would not be in line with its intended use. Any kind of soundproofing would change the image of the building, and would also probably reduce rigging allowances in the venue (which already can't take the weight of many concert designs)

Simply getting on here and proclaiming that sound proofing is the answer to all the problems of the world is not the soultion. Bitching about sound companies is also not the answer. It's time to consider the facts:
- Loud low (bass) frequencies in the room cause vibrations which in turn creates external noise.
- In the case of the RHI, you have a few options:
a) Limit the amount of bass in the room (which was done this year) and tune frequencies to the suit the venue.
b) Go and dance in the only other tin shed in Sydney - the Dome at Homebush - where you can make as much noise as you want.

Audio engineering is an incredibly technical subject that changes entirely based on which venue you are in. The RHI was never built to house dance parties, so part of the deal in having MG at Fox is that you have to put up with the bad points as well as the good points. While Fox has the great Hordern, Dome and Stage 11 rooms, you need to put up with the fact that its out of the city, the RHI sound can never go high, and that its always going to be a long cold walk from RHI to the Dome.

An audio company doesn't go out to screw up a gig. Hats off to the guys who did their best to put in a new system, and they did a f***ing great job of it, much better than the guys in the previous years.

So, instead of slamming the production company and audio company, why don't you offer some constructive criticism or appreciate the fact that MG changed audio companies this year and spent a week with audio engineers taking noise level readings, etc all around the venue, Moore Park and Randwick?

They're doing the best they can. There's a saying in the entertainment industry that "you can't polish a turd". The RHI as a dance party venue, is that turd, and you guys need to work out if you want to live with the smell or flush the venue entirely.
- Sat 12 Mar 2005 21:11:35

Retro Retro Retro - Sun 13 Mar 2005 09:54:14

"The new "Mash Up" Tent was by far OUT247's favourite. This new music genre for the party, introducing partiers to breaks, mash and electro was so sheik and rock star that it was by far the most energetic and heart pumping dance space. Hopefully, we will see more of it next year."

Breaks for Stage 11.....
21st Century Music Lover - Sun 13 Mar 2005 15:44:18

This is the best explanation of the RHI sound limitations I've ever heard/read. Thank you whoever you are. I agree with nixing the RHI and scaling down the party somewhat, though I can't imagine NMG would want to lose the income that ticket sales from RHI numbers provide.
luke - flush!flush!flush! - Sun 13 Mar 2005 17:04:02

spiderkitten - Sun 13 Mar 2005 19:07:49

10hrs for a set is just too long. If you dont like a DJ its easy at a party the size of MG to enjoy the other spaces and come back to listen if the next DJ up is to your liking when there are 3 or 4 DJ's playing.

I thought some of his mixing was off but as not an expert thought it was just his music.

Also those awful long interludes between songs he had just bought you right back down. Also caused people to go have a wonder.

Dont DJ's ( those who do these long interludes ) realise that you take away the beat for too long and you just come back to reality ? not talking about short interludes but his were way too long. Corny as it sounds I was lost in the music and then the beat disappeared for so long I found myself going off for a wonder elsewhere.

Like you say
Bring back the Hordern as we've grown to love it - Sun 13 Mar 2005 19:51:34

How old are you d(r)eary?

So really , how loud do you want it ?
? - Sun 13 Mar 2005 11:49:22

so i have to shout to be heard-then we are pumping!
is loud is good - Sun 13 Mar 2005 20:02:40

I think what you are referring to is what's know as 'atmospheric breakdowns' although they take place within tracks not in-between them (unless 4 Strings was actually playing beatless interludes in-between tracks - lol - I don't know, I wasn't there) You can hardly blame the DJ for these, it's the artists or producers of the tracks that put them there. Of course it's up to the DJ to program their set so you don't get to many tracks with 'atmospheric breakdowns' in a row - otherwise you end up with a stop/start rhythm that can seriously reduce the energy on the floor. (This can be, sometimes, harder than it sounds.) Or, many DJs pre digitally-edit tracks, cut the breaks down, overlay beats and add drum rolls to keep the momentum going.
luke - beat politics! - Sun 13 Mar 2005 21:02:10

a. the sound level in the RHI is a disgrace of epic proportions and must be remedied at all costs
b. the sound in the RHI is not only acceptable but preferable at its current level
c. the RHI is not really necessary and should be dumped altogether

Which bowl of porridge should Goldilocks... sorry... NMG decide is just right?

PS... "How old are you d(r)eary?"
Ageism and insults are not usually the best way to win an argument
CeeJay - Sun 13 Mar 2005 22:20:11

Thanks NMG for taking some chances
- Sun 13 Mar 2005 23:28:14

Totally agree with you... dont usually remember much about MardiGras party (!) but ill never forget Lisa Germans Hordern set last year. WOW, yes lets have her back!!
Adamx - Sun 13 Mar 2005 23:48:03

Dj's that carry on with all that sort of showmanship like he did last Saturday leave me completely cold.

In my opinion DJ's that jump up and down like lunatics waving their arms around and trying to draw attention to themselves are simply trying to hide their inadequacies as technically sound DJ's.

DJ 4 Strings mixing started out OK at Mardi Gras but as the night wore on his technical ability faded fast. I heard him from 12am to 6am, by that time he had repeated 4 or 5 songs and his mixing had deteriorated to a bit of a shambles in my opinion. I shudder to think how the last 4 hours till 10am went along, I left and looked for somewhere more entertaining to party in one of the other halls.

All of the above just strengthens my opinion that in hindsight a 10 hour DJ set was quite a foolish decision by NMG.

Give me a humble quiet hard working DJ anyday compared to these silly types that want everyone to watch them and worship them rather than listen to what they are actually playing.

This clown on Saturday did not impress me with his theatrics, he did (albeit for the first few hours) impress me with some of his musical selection.

Dj 4 Strings - BLAH !!!
Luke B - Mon 14 Mar 2005 00:18:45

Oh yes, I remember Lisa...her set was f#&@!! fantastic! Yes, yes...can we have her again, if not for MG then for Sleaze this year?
- Mon 14 Mar 2005 09:15:57

Then we can forget the RHI, and limit each dj in the hordern to 2 hours. (mittigating the calderone/4strings effect).

Theres also the option of making the dance party a 10-12 hour long daylight event in the sydney football stadium on saturday and ending the festival with the parade, with us all walking out and heading back down flinders and oxford to the city waving to all the heteros while we're off our faces

Or we could all get geneticly modified to become str8 and then go to two tribes at homebush saving us all a lot of trouble

In terms of any alternative idea thats actually been proven in the market place / real world. The one that has worked is Tropical Fruits.

So, lets move mardigras to dapto? mittagong? walgett?

Im sure we will all be in the RHI again next rear.
perspective is a bitch - Mon 14 Mar 2005 12:11:15

LOL. Admittedly, Mardi Gras was the only place I've seen them. But I can assure you they were funky as hell! To keep a 5am Dome crowd pumped between DJ sets is no small feat.

As far as them doing covers... their last track was The Weekend. My god, they did it well. Anyone who was there KNOWS what I'm talkin' about!!
- Mon 14 Mar 2005 12:19:43

And yes to whoever a few days ago - the highlight of dj 4 strings was that impromptu dance right in front of him by that spunky chick - such a dirty perv me.....

Lisa German for Sleaze!!!

ps Had a great time and thank you mardi gras!!!
- Mon 14 Mar 2005 12:40:44

A couple of points:

Well that's what DJ's do at 'straight' events mostly with the kiddies all dancing and facing the DJ; anyone can tell you that playing to a 'gay' event is totally different; and

It sounds like he was trying to emulate DJ Tiesto; have you seen the Tiesto in Concert DVD?
- Mon 14 Mar 2005 13:12:51

For the first time in about 10 years I missed this year's party and stayed home so that I can also report that we couldn't hear a thing !
EREL - Mon 14 Mar 2005 13:30:10

Perhaps the RHI needs to be something other than dance venue for Big Gay Dance Parties, if the sound can't be fixed. Imagine that as one big foam party room! oooer! Or a line of showers, or sprays. Or a bit of chill out with live R&B. Or video lounge, with installation piece or movie (remembering Barbarella in the Dome). Bring Fenalla in from The Sound Lab and have alternative beeps and bloop music. And a coffee cart. The ACON Massage tables. And the other end can be coat check, saving on one marquee. I dunno.

All these things won't tax the lack of soundproofing. But there's no cost efficient solution to fixing the venue to bring sound levels up to Hordern standards. So we either suck it up and accept quieter dance music in the RHI, or do something else instead.
Evil Twin - Mon 14 Mar 2005 16:39:47

Here here...I am with you, they were the highlight of my night (even if it was for only 30 mins)!!
- Mon 14 Mar 2005 16:56:15

I think split it into sections like they used to do at the dock parties in Melbourne - make it a combined cloakroom, chill out and lounge space with heaps of seating & beanbags and pinball machines and video games (sponsored by playstation perhaps). Some chill out & low key funky breaks DJs, no real dancefloor, candy stands, food stalls, fairy floss, masseurs, have internet access and have lotsa cool visuals on screens, maybe even footage of what is happening in the other halls & spaces. make it innovative and 21st Century.
www.lukeleal.com - just some ideas - Mon 14 Mar 2005 17:16:09

I realise that there could be a film being shot around the same time as our parties and that the timing may not work out, but its a thought.
- Mon 14 Mar 2005 17:45:45

He must of been so bad for you to stay and listen to him for 6 whole hours.
- Mon 14 Mar 2005 19:02:16

I have just returned from a weeks leave to read Jake Kilbys comment. Jake I usually don't post on here but I found your assertion personally insulting.

Your email was discussed at the music sub group meeting after you sent it. It was discussed at great length (some 45 minutes as I recall) and you were informed of this by a member of that group ( I know this because he relayed your surprise that it was discussed and I believe suggeseted that your comments might be a little more constructive in their criticism). That you have not received a reply is entirely my omission as I was tasked by the group to reply. In the work around DJ selection I ommitted to send it although it was drafted.

I will reply to you in the next few days after I catch up with real work in my normal job. I feel that it would be churlish in the extreme to send you the original reply as events have somewhat overtaken us. I find your assertion that "I couldn't be bothered" to be unecessarily inflammatory particularly as you were aware of the circumstances.

The music sub group worked extremely hard over a short period of time to accomplish the selection process for the final line up. I would like to thank all of them and the members and volunteers who made up the listening panels
Thomas Cosgrove - Mon 14 Mar 2005 21:52:05

Ah well. After a week + has passed, I still think I had a good time. Lets hope something new and amazing will astonish us next year.
Evil Twin - Mon 14 Mar 2005 23:04:43

Mardi Gras Party 2005 was only the second time I had been to a MG party. First was last year but this year I had a 1000% better time. I thought it was perfect and I wish my silly unfit body could of carried me onwards past 7am

Anyway since I've been really interested in annual Sleaze Ball. I can't seem to find much info about the event and I know the guys counting down will be able to help

- Is Sleaze as Big as the Mardi gras party, eg, are all Halls used and do as many people go?

- If more then one dance space is used will there be different styles of music. I like the more harder & uplifting stuff. I was totaly blown away by 4 strings!
Should I expect similar music at sleaze?

- How do you compare the two? Lighting, lasers, atmosphere, crowd, clothing....???

Just wanting to know as madi gras has left me craving more!!!

PS My silly unfit body will be ready for October! hehe
Sleaze Virgin - Mon 14 Mar 2005 23:56:51

There are exactly 200 Days to Sleaze Ball!!

There are exactly 200 Days to Sleaze Ball!!

There are exactly 200 Days to Sleaze Ball!!

There are exactly 200 Days to Sleaze Ball!!
countdownboy - I think this is a good way to close down this wall , don't you think ?? - Tue 15 Mar 2005 00:04:46

Actually there is a cost effective way of producing sound within the RHI. This was documented and prepared for NMG by a "committee" made up from a number of industry professionals. I was a member of this committee. After six weeks of work on preparation of advice for NMG members of the committee disbanded/resigned as they felt that the efforts that had made were wasted owing to the fact that NMG decided not to take their advice. After the premonitions from Launch Night and Fair Day (both events sound production disasters) we would have thought that NMG would have started to listen to what we had to say. Mind you we started out on the right foot; obtaining the information that we needed to complete the complex process of recommending a better solution for sound production for the party but as soon as we made recommendations that went against the grain of certain individuals preferences (no one in NMG) (No prizes for guessing either) we came up against barrier after barrier. When the RHI DJ’s arrived to a sound system configured in the exact way the committee warned not set things up… the revelations of a disaster of epic proportions unfolded. A useless DJ position in the center of stage with all the scenery pointing to a vacant hole, delayed sound slapping off the rear walls and side walls in every direction, sound only coming from one direction (blasphemy at a gay event) and the list goes on. I hope that the person (not from NMG) that was responsible for implementing his failed design squirms in his seat as he reads this. All I have to say is I told you so! Next time listen to someone who knows. I stand my own personal production record having system engineered countless successful dance events with production companies that know what they are doing.

The short answer Luke is – with the right people on the job you can do anything. ( But you knew that )

(spits out lemon on floor and half a cup of acid)

xxxxxxxx
Ryan Murphy - Tue 15 Mar 2005 08:30:39

If NMG want to persist with this apparent mediocrity, I fear a lot of our top line DJs will not bother with MG or Sleaze parties anymore, possibly putting MG and Seaze parties in danger of losing out to smaller parties that are prepared to have decent sound systems and the DJs many of us love to hear. Please don't let MG/Sleaze degenerate into 'just another party'.
- Tue 15 Mar 2005 11:52:01

But....DJ's DID submit, DID consider it an honour to play and overwhelmingly - they DID play. I think that NMG would have to own that there are real issues here to be sorted but let's not automatically assume that there's only one side to the story.
- Tue 15 Mar 2005 12:15:54

Its not so much "smaller parties" its BETTER ones that are providing a point for comparison (and dissapointment).

Many DJ's and industry people are frustrated because as professionals they know how much better it could actually be. It has nothing to do with DJ's complaining for personal reasons, they want a better party for all.

People who have experienced Toybox are fully aware of what can be done and how much better life is when things are done right. Thats why it sold out 2 months before the day it was on, even with an untested venue in a scary location.

lets put it in laymans terms :

You dont drill your own teeth with a black and decker. You go to a dentist.

So when you have sound problems, you get 4 well regarderd experts on a working group and ask them to write you a report and make recccomendations. (great idea)

Then what happens? The report gets totally ignored. And in fact much of what the experts said NOT to do, is done.

I think complaints are justified. Someone needs their ass kicked.
Go The Box. - Tue 15 Mar 2005 13:12:30

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