Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2007 Graffiti Wall 1

So much to do, so little time. Christmas ... New Year ... Sydney Festival ... and to cap it all off Mardi Gras! If you aren't worn out by the start of Mardi Gras, you will be by the end.

Fair Day (18th February) is all about Fs: Fun, Flamboyance, Festivities, Frolicking, Food. This is when our community comes together.

The Pool Party is back on 24th February. And so it The Great Debate. These are just a few of the favourites.

Mardi Gras, as usual, concludes with the Parade and Party.

Please feel free to talk about all the Mardi Gras events. Tell us which you have bought tickets for and are look forward to. Tell us what gets you excited. Tell us how good it was for you.

Mardi Gras Graffiti Wall 2007 #2
Mardi Gras Graffiti Wall 2006 #1, #2
Mardi Gras home page

Here we are again

Its very exciting

Can you believe it ????

There are 87 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 87 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 87 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 87 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

When are they announcing the DJs?

I have heard on the grapevine that DJ's have already been chosen. A bit of a surprise this far out in my opinion. A good mate of mine (and a well known DJ name) told me he sent Brad Wright an email about 2 to 3 weeks back asking for his name to be considered for selection only to get an email back saying "sorry we've already picked the DJ's"

Shouldnt the DJ community have been alerted to the fact that NMG were going to pick DJ's so extraordinarily earlier than they usually do ? How many others didnt get consideration because the time frames being so much earlier than in previous years ?

I also hear there are TWO Overseas DJ's and two locals playing the RHI this year.

I hope this wall doesn't once again degenerate into a "party" wall. There's so much more to Mardi Gras than the final party.

This is our party people.
Let's keep it positive here.
Too many want to take us down...
be strong, be enthusiastic, be optomistic

Big up to a wonderful 2007! Party and Parade and Festival and Pool Party and more!

There's been pretty good covereage of the festival launch:
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,20886484-10388,00.html

Pity about the opening sentence, but anyway...

The launch was great - hosted by Claire de Lune, the guide was officially launched by Mark Trevorrow with performances by iOTA, Josh Quong Tart & Byron Tart.

i live a long way from sydney, and next year will be my fourth mardi gras in a row, i normally try to get up there for as long as possible, next year, alas, it will only be for four days over the weekend of the party. i have been planning my trip since about august, taking advantage of cheap flight deals (2 for 1 - thank you jetstar!), finding the cheapest accommodation (may not be sleeping all that much!!!), and waiting with baited breath for the 2007 festival to be launched.

the though of mardi gras sends a tingle down my spine and brings a tear to my eye, being able to walk down a street, into a pub or into a packed party full of smiling, like-minded, happy people who have come together for the same reason is something that so fills me with joy i cannot properly describe it. it is not a feeling that i can experience anywhere else in the world. this feeling is the reason that i come to sydney for mardi gras.

those of you who live in sydney, please do not underestimate how lucky you are to have such easy access to mardi gras and all that it brings with it. your lifestyle in sydney is a direct result of mardi gras and vice versa - enjoy the symbiosis. treat it kindly and celebrate it to the full.

i'll be spending the next few months remembering my fondest mardi gras memories (looking down on my first big party experience from the top of the bleachers in the hordern and realising that i wouldn't be straight for quids - 2004, courtney act's closing kylie ballad - 2005, falling madly deeply in love with a new zealander for 5 days - 2006) and wondering how this next mardi gras is going to top all of that - as i'm sure it will.

so, now that mardi gras has been launched, i can start letting myself get properly excited - countdown boy won't let it be any other way.

PS: my one peev is that no info has been put up on the mardi gras website yet!!! it still reads "Full details of the almost 100 different events taking place during Mardi Gras will be available when we launch our Season Guide on December 6th." c'mon mardi gras, there are people who have been waiting excitedly for the launch - let those of us outside of sydney have a look!!!!

I saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch earlier this year when it was playing at the @Newtown and must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. iOTA is a fantastic performing. Go along and see his performances if you get a chance.

Good to see they are bringing Holding The Man back for Mardi Gras season - will give alot of overseas and interstate punters a chance to see this wonderful play.

Went to see it last night.........was fantastic, well done to the great cast and writer.

The entire festival got uploaded on the calendar... press refresh on your browser to make sure you're not seeing a cached version...

the festival looks great!

I love the orange wallpaper , Its very Mardi Gras !!!!!!!!!

The plain white box with basic black text font is rather dull and not so Mardi Gras

Is this better? (I was actually working on improving it as the comment was posted.)

OUTSTANDING !!!!!!!!!!!!

An awesome story about the MG Festival here:
http://www.samesame.com.au/features/151/Mardi_Gras_2007_Spreading_The_Love

its not outstanding. it is hard to read. black on dark orange.hello?

"its not outstanding. it is hard to read. black on dark orange.hello?"

Somebody has obviously let their annual visit to the optometrist lapse haven't they ? Tisk Tisk.

"I have heard on the grapevine that DJ's have already been chosen. A bit of a surprise this far out in my opinion. A good mate of mine (and a well known DJ name) told me he sent Brad Wright an email about 2 to 3 weeks back asking for his name to be considered for selection only to get an email back saying "sorry we've already picked the DJ's" Shouldnt the DJ community have been alerted to the fact that NMG were going to pick DJ's so extraordinarily earlier than they usually do ? How many others didnt get consideration because the time frames being so much earlier than in previous years ? I also hear there are TWO Overseas DJ's and two locals playing the RHI this year."

Interesting. Why would NMG pick the DJ's so far in advance when traditionally they have normally been finalised in the first week or two of January ? You'd have to feel sorry for the DJ who asked to be considered in mid November only to be told you're too late. Why doesn't NMG tell the DJ community when the selection process is so people can at least let NMG know they want to be considered. It all seems a bit dodgy to me.

The party committee have been planning this party since the last Sleaze party. Heres a tip - get involved with the working group. You can have your say.

"Dodgy?" Dodgy is a promoter making a dj sign an exclusivity contract on Mardi Gras weekend so the will only play the private profit party, not the MG party.

The vollunteers work hours and hours for no $ return. They want a great event. So do I! Rumours are always flying this time of year, its part of the fun leading up to the night.

There is always a disgruntled Dj getting on here spewing bile about the evils of MG, and how they will burn their membership ect ect. Poor souls. Imagine having to play records for a living... they really need our support

Keep it happy people. I am excited about the line up for next years party. Looking forward to the big announcement soon.

Isn't this just a case of head hunting? ie. NMG knows who they want for the party so they go out and hire them. Happens in workplaces all the time. My brother is constantly asked to move to XYZ company because they know his reputation and not because there is a job on offering and he is asked to interview for it. They want him and they ask him Yes or No.

i have also heard that the dj's have been chosen already.

i have heard that there are BIG name headliner DJs for the hordern and the rhi. international.

that may have had some impact on the dj selection process (?)

Heard a rumour from a talent agent in Melbourne who recently brought out some international DJ's to Australia. Brad worked with him to secure a Sydney gig and looks like they have more on the cards.

i think maybe 'shivers' will be getting a play in the hordern

i think maybe 'mezmerized' will be getting a play in the rhi

Please... give up on the community selection process crap that comes up each year. You don't get a world class party through selection by committee (sounds very public service).

What you need is people with talent searching out the best DJ's from Australia and overseas... knowing who's hot right now and who has the ability to play to large crowds. I reckon Mardi Gras has got it right this year.

it's great to see so many old festival events coming back in 2007.

The Great Debate
Comedy Club
Short Story story competition
Pool party
etc etc

THIS is what is so good about Mardi Gras, the fact that there are so many events to attend throughout February!

Here is one for your diaries. Next Friday 15th December Mardi Gras will be holding a Christmas party at Arq and would love it if you came along.

There will be lots of little yuletide surprises in store for you, but predictably Marcus Bourget will be available all night under the mistletoe hoping to spread some cheer.

Entry will be $10 with all proceeds from the door going to the Parade Grants Scheme so just by attending you'll be helping make the 2007 Mardi Gras Parade our best ever.

I just got off the phone to Britney, Whitney, Cyndi,
Stevie & Kylie - they're all performing live on stage at the Mardi Gras party as the Old Diveys.

When do tickets go on sale ?

I want to buy mine as soon as they come out. It's my way of supporting MY COMMUNITY.

hopefully this week

There are only 80 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are only 80 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are only 80 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are only 80 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are only 80 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are only 80 Days to Mardi Gras !

I have a couple of questions and a comment for NMG , so I hope an official type from NMG might answer on this board. (I've never had a whole lot of success getting questions answered on phoning or emailing the organsiation direct..either old MG or NMG!)I think the programme for the festival looks great and I am already writing dates in my diary BUT:

a) I read in the guide that you have to register your number to get the clues re the launch. Usually when these types of systems are used, the cost of the calls and cost of registering have to be displayed. How much will these calls cost and does any of that cost go back to NMG as income or does it all go to the telephone provider?

b) Is there any way you can get detail about the time, place of the launch before the day of the event. I realise that may not be in keeping with the whole concept of the flash mob set up, but there are those of us who like to go to launch but need to plan ahead to be able to get away from work early and travel to Sydney from the south coast. The whole flash mob idea is great for those that have a flexible work schedule and are located in the CBD (assuming that is where the launch will be) but for those of us who need to plan getting to Sydney, child care arrangements etc etc we need some advance notice. I would hate to miss a launch after gonig to every one for 14 years...altho last years effort did make me wonder if it was ever worth gonig again!

c) I also thought that the Red Carpet launch was something I would like to go to...until I saw the price! $85 +BF for 2.5 hours of entertainment with alcohol and canapes!! In a month where I am spending a lot of money on parties, parade entries, movies, plays, other festival events I think it may drop off my radar becasue for me there are events to go to that offer more bang for my buck. Around $45-50, I would have gone

If anyone at mardi gras gets back to you please post the response here. I want to be a part of Mardi Gras but cant afford a $85 launch and i dont have a mobile phone.

no response from mg yet?

Probably been answered here already, but the timing of DJ selection is the same as last year. The DJs were decided in mid NOvember 2005 - same as this year.

Not an 'official' response exactly, but as I understand it, it's not a premium text service, so just standard sms fee to send, and free to receive - hence there were no prices included. I'd assume there'll be enough hints sent out to know pretty much when and the general vicinity in advance. I think it's also safe to assume it's going to be at the start of the festival

I don't think too many people would argue against the fact that Launch needed a fairly radical shakeup.

Otherwise - if you want to keep up to date with this and other festival stuff, subscribe to the Mardi Gras email newsletter from the website.

As to the Red Carpet event - I appreciate it's not a cheap night out, but I actually thought "$85 +BF for 2.5 hours of entertainment with alcohol and canapes" was pretty good value for a summer's evening by the harbour! Have a look at what the standard catering charges are at MCA (http://www.mca.com.au/default.asp?page_id=30), factor in the entertainment and that the night benefits PLWHA and the Luncheon Club - there's not a lot of fat there... compare it to what you pay for dinner & show (without drinks) at Slide - as lovely as that is, this event is and should be a bit more of a special occassion.

Personally, I'm quite looking forward to an event where I can get a bit dressed up, arrive as the sun sets and share a few drinks and good food with old and new friends, discuss what we're going to see and do over the next month in a fabulous location with classy entertainment, then depending on my mood decide to either kick on elsewhere or be home by midnight...

And as you point out, there are also plenty of less expensive (and free) events during the festival, as well as some that are much more expensive. I guess the point of a festival is to provide that range of options.

Just received this via email:

You won't know when, you won't know what and you won't know where until the day, but if you follow the clues then you're in for a totally new Launch experience!

To get clues and rumours about the free Flash Mob Launch text your name to 1300 764 413*

It'll be fast, fun, free and festive! Be in on the secret ­ text now!

*This text campaign will end mid February, 2007. To unsubscribe at anytime text STOP to 1300 764 413. The cost of the text from you to the number above is the standard sms cost (as per your indidvidual contract), per the registration or unregistration text message YOU send. There is NO cost to you to receive sms messages from us.

Also, tickets are now on sale at Ticketek.

I know this won't go down well with some of you, for whom it's compulsory to love MG (and everything about Gay Sydney) but I, for one, just can't get excited about MG season '07. Hedwig? It's a re-run of the show we had a few months ago. Holding The Man? Ditto. As is Miaow Miaow.

Meanwhile, we have Shauna Jensen, who specialises in singing other people's songs, headlining a host of performers at Slide throughout MG, almost all of whom are part of the furniture there! Shauna Jensen, Jeremy Brennan, Edna Markey, Aunty Mavis etc etc. They're just Slide's ususal roster, yet here they are being trumpeted as part of the Festival!

And as for the "cool" Flash Mob launch - LOL. Flash mobbing was "cool" five years ago. It's completely over now. Yet here MG is touting it as a "totally new" experience. Please.

I'm sorry, I know it sounds bitter, but I doubt I could be less interested. The vague feeling of disappointment that this bunch of cobbled together, also-ran events passes for a MG "festival" is about as passionate as I can get.

Thankyou Cee Jay for the info. I also got the email today re the cost fo the SMS's and I am glad it is not going to be one of those services that cost and arm and a leg. I still think that $85 + BF is a bit much for the Red Carpet launch, but hey thats me. I really hope for NMG's sake that there are a lot more people that think like you. I remember there was a very similar event after the launch at Customs House a few years ago (in the times of old MG) and it was a dismal (and somewhat costly failure) as people didn't seem to want to pay that much in what is an expensive month. The event itself was fabulous (yes I went) but there was hardly anybody there. There is a limit to what people think an event is worth. I notice that Azure has already starting price cutting its tickets (prerelease tickets were initally I think $132, now you can buy 3 tickets at $88 or a single ticket online at $99. I also notice that MG party tickets for members are $100. Cee Jay, is there no early bird cheaper member tickets this year??

But I will enjoy the festival as I always do, pick out my faves like fair day, movies, some plays and of course parade and party and have a great time.

One heads up Cee Jay to pass back to NMG...I went to buy tickets for a concert at Fish record in Newtown a few weeks ago and apparently they are no longer a Ticketek outlet. I had to go to the box office at the Enmore theatre to buy Ticketek tickets. Fish records said they only do Moshtix now.

isoboy

it's great that you saw Hedwig a few months ago, Holding the Man when it first appeared, heard all that Shuana Jensen has to offfer, and expereinced being one of the original Flash Mob

It's great you've been there done that.

Myself, I have not experienced any of those things. That might make me behind the times, and not an elite trend setter, but I'm still gonna enjoy Mardi Gras!

I'm running a couple of Mardi Gras events but I'm going to need a bit of help! I've got a grant to do Stand-Up Comedy workshops for women - now I need to find the women! So if you know anyone who you reckon should be a comic then let me know! I'll be hunting high and low for the next few months!

Hi, here are some official answers for you:

I am really glad you like the festival, it's been a lot of work and I really do believe there is something for everyone. Regarding the flash mob, you pay your mobile plans standard cost of an sms for the text you send to register (or unregister) and it costs you NOTHING to receive the messages back. So if you register and it costs you 20 cents per sms you send then that's how much you pay for the whole kit and caboodle.

As to getting the details of the flash mob earlier, you're spot on about it defeating the purpose and 'surprise' nature of this event. NMG has gone for a new format and it is not like past launches at all. It’s new, it's fresh and it's fast. It’s primarily about visibility and fun, not long speeches, bars or bands. I am sure though, knowing the rumour mill that this town is built around, you will have a fairly solid idea of when it is going to be... If people don't understand what a flash mob is I suggest you Google it, as there are some great examples. Essentially people find out info via sms or email and descend upon a location on mass to all engage in an activity for a short amount of time. Examples include in America a pillow fight, in the UK a 'silent' dance party, where everyone danced listening to their iPods.

So I am sure you can see the potential FUN we will have doing this. It's different to be sure, and not 'traditional' but I think it's time to just try something new. Let's just try it and see what happens!

The Red Carpet Launch is a different festival event, not a replacement or alternative launch. It will be a classy event at the Museum of Contemporary Art and like Rupert Everett In Conversation With Bob Downe & Mitzi Macintosh or the Pool Party it is simply another event NMG is putting on to offer something for everyone. We know that some people want to go to a glitzy event but don't want to do Party, for whatever reason, and this event is catering to them. The venue, catering done by a top catering company and fact that you get booze too along with entertainment is a pretty bloody good deal! This event is all about offering something new. It’s another avenue for people to appreciate artists from the GLBTQ community and their friends for a night, because that's what Mardi Gras is all about, celebrating, showcasing and this year loving ourselves sick!

Have a fabulous Mardi Gras,
Danielle - Festival Coordinator

Hi Jason,

My point is that these are not Mardi Gras events - they were already happening! The Festival seems just a case of putting the MG rubber stamp on upcoming shows and events, or also-rans. 'Priscilla' is another example. And Sing-a-Long-a-Sound of Music. And Courtney Act, and 'A Tribute to Dusty Springfield' and the 'Grand Dinners' with Claire de Lune. (Don't they happen all the time anyway?) And Slide's 'Soda Parties', which seem to be on every bloody week! What's THAT doing in the MG guide?

On the positive side, it's good to see they're bringing back the pool party and short story comp. And I'll probably see David Hoyle and Desire Dubonet, who look rather fab. Rupert Everett flogging his book might be slightly interesting.

Holding The Man's current season sold out in record time and absolutely deserves a wider audience, particularly people visiting Sydney for Mardi Gras - and if you look at the availability of tickets on Griffin Theatre's site, it seems the public agrees! I believe the best way to guarantee tickets is to subscribe to the Griffin season (which also means you get to see more good Australian plays through the year).

Hedwig also should be seen by as many people as possible, and had waiting lists for cancellations during its initial Sydney season. These 2 shows are among the most outstanding I've seen seen in a long time (and I've seen quite a few). I'm absolutely looking forward to seeing them both again, and taking friends who missed out the 1st time.

I haven't seen Meow Meow, but everyone I know who has says she is fabulous. You may notice there are several other shows at the Sydney Opera House, including David Hoyle (aka the Divine David) from the UK and Ronnie Burkett's Theatre of Marionettes. His previous 2 visits to Oz have been as part of the Melbourne Festival - this time he's coming to be part of Mardi Gras. This is the first time this show will be seen outside of Canada, before touring to Auckland, London, Manchester & Vienna. Here's just one review:
“10 Days on Earth is art of the highest order. Burkett is an artist. And having painted the marionette equivalent of the Sistine Chapel in all its flash and colour, he’s now content to step back and show us the delight and humanity he can find in a single piece of stone.” ::Toronto Sun (Toronto, Canada)

There are also twenty listings under theatre - new Australian plays, camp classics like Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, plays set in Argentina, Sri Lanka, US (including a whole company coming out from NY), UK, and from Canada. Plus of course music, visual arts, forums, worshops, sport etc...

Isoboy, I'd hope there was something in that lot you havent seen before. BTW Enda & Mavis aren't performing at Slide. Mavis isn't actually doing a show during the festival this year, but will be acting as hostess for the degustation lunch at Bentley Bar with Rupert Everett. Don't know about you, but I haven't experienced that before...

Now if only I was a lesbian (and funny...) I might enrol in the Giggling Gertie workshop as well...

from the party wall. Congratulations to Mardi Gras!

Wow - Boy George at MG
http://www.samesame.com.au/news/local/180/Boy_George_To_Headline_Mardi_Gras_Party

- Fri 15 Dec 2006 17:00:29 Replies: 1, add

Does this mean Boy George is doing a show or DJ'ing at Mardi Gras ?????????

I'm pretty sure it will be a DJ set.

Dear Mardi Gras,

I have registered for the flash mob with the phone number on in the guide/website. I received an email the other day with a different number. Am I registered or do I need to register again?

Directly from a Mardi Gras email sent today...

If you picked up today's Daily Telegraph you'll see there's been some speculation over our line-up. We had planned to give you the news first, but you can't keep a good story quiet!

So here goes. We're pleased to confirm that Boy George will be performing a DJ set at Mardi Gras Party. He's headlining what we think is our best, most diverse line-up yet. We'll be announcing full details to you our members next week.

Boy George is an astonishing talent across many fields: from the millions of records he has sold as a performer and songwriter with Culture Club and as a solo artist, to over ten years as a one of the world's most successful and in-demand International DJ's. He's a successful radio presenter, newspaper columnist, author of a macrobiotic cookbook, and is the co-producer, songwriter and on-stage star of the award-Winning musical 'Taboo' on both London's West End and Broadway in New York.

He's also a member of the world's designer fashion hierarchy. He has been an inspirational and iconic figure for over two decades of street-style. He's also an emerging New York fashion photographer in his own right and the creator of his own B-Rude Fashion Label with outlets in New York, Los Angeles and London

Whatever, whenever and wherever, George has made his mark with an enduring, hugely respected, and resonant series of achievements.

George, you can expect a warm welcome in Sydney

.
Re the comment above that "No one is to whinge about the price of Toybox tickets anymore. Mardi Gras 07 Party general admission tickets on the Ticketek website are $130."

PLEASE give me a break. Toybox tickets are $149!!! At least Mardi Gras has member tickets available at $100. Plus Mardi Gras gives you more hours of partying, more Dj's, more different music styles, more shows. Have a look at all the big straight events and you'll see that $100 (members) and $130 (general) is great value. OR go to Toybox and pay more.
.

Well now that the cat is out of the bag with Boy George DJ'ing at the party the jigsaw puzzle is in place for me.

From my sources that means the RHI line up is Jake Kilby and Greg Boladian opening back to back , Paul Goodyear and Boy George taking on 2nd and 3rd spots (not sure which order) and Dan Murphy closing off in the morning.

The Boy George selection certainly adds a bit of spark to what I believe is a very predictable DJ selection. But the selection of George has certainly firmed up my interest in wanting to go to Mardi gras rather than Toybox.

Pinkboard of course cannot verify this statement *wink*

That would be a bizarre line up in the RHI as Boy George doesn't DJ anthems at all - last time I heard him it was kind of hard house more than anything else.

I think you've got the line up wrong as I'm guessing that there's another international DJ act playing in the RHI.

Re Mardi Gras DJ's for RHI - i think you'll find my source is spot on and that the DJ's I've mentioned above are correct. As for your claim about another international DJ in the RHi well yes there is - his name is Paul Goodyear who now resides in the UK

If you remove Greg and George, then welcome to the old ARQ saturday night line up.

I do wonder how much money could have been saved by hiring a local DJ instead of flying PG (and I presume mrs PG) back from London? I'm sure they ain't travelling economy so do the sums people.

Here we go!
George will be in the Horden. Paul Goodyear isnt the international dj, nor is Mike kelly, but they are both coming back to spin. There are some great live acts booked too......

whe will the full line up be announced?
is there an UAC section this year?

The DJ Spin-off is happening http://www.mardigras.org.au/calendar_detail.cfm?id=32 and it says that they will be playing at the party. So I would say yes to UAC. (I assumed you meant Up and Coming not University Admissions Centre)

OK, *now* I'm excited: a REAL queer icon at MG. George is, quite simply, one of the great gay/queer cultural statesmen, alongside the likes of Oscar Wilde, Quentin Crisp, Leigh Bowery, Andy Warhol, Stephen Fry, Sir Ian McKellan etc. If this story is true, then big congrats to MG.

Re: his DJ-ing skills, George is extremely under-rated in this regard. BG would make - to put it mildly - a nice change from the "sexy" house and the endless girlie trance that Sydney's DJs are apparently obliged to play.

.
.
I will go to that these parties again when I hear people walk away saying that was "amazing" ......not just
"yeah...alright ....yeah really good"
Sorry that doesn't cut it, for a $130 ticket price.

Boy George is a singer, have you heard him dj?

So... lets hope its amazing! then I'll be back for the 30th.
.
.

If this story is true, then big congrats to MG.
isoboy - Sun 17 Dec 2006 15:31:04

No reason to suspect it isn't true - after all, this won't be his first Mardi Gras. He performed Bow Down Mister at the 1995 party and anybody who remembers it will tell you how unbelievably beautiful it was.

Boy George is a singer, have you heard him dj?

That's a very good question, which prompted me to Google "Boy George DJ", and I found this link among many:

http://www.anthems.com/dj-boy-george-profile.php

He palys House and is apparently pretty good at it> I guess his music background gave him an ear for good music.

Yes, it's gimmicky... Yes it has denied another DJ a spot. But there are many other international DJ's that flopped badly at MG in past years so why not have Boy George if it sells tickets and lifts the profile of the event?

As for the $130 ticket price I think we all need to get our heads out of our bums. Theatre and concert tickets for like 2-3 hours enetertainment are over $100, we can't expect MG to put on a decent event that runs for 12 hours, using crepe paper and sticky tape.

i think getting BG for Mardi Gras is a big coup. Well done. He embodies a lot of the fun, camp things that MG used to be about, as well as the struggles that a high profile gay figure has had to deal with in the main stream press (when it wasnt fashionalble to be gay in middle australia/uk/usa etc). Good one! he's a great dj, yes - very underrated by those who don't know. someone at MG obviously does!

I just wanted to say how EXCITED i am that Hedwig is back for another season in Sydney, and as part of the Mardi Gras festival! I saw it twice last year - once in Sydney and again in Melbourne. I reckon its the most exciting stage show I've ever seen. Its for that reason I'm going to see it again this season - with 13 of my closest friends!

Actually that link is very interesting, especially when you get to the playlist link. If he plays half of those tracks it will frighten the bejeezus out of the normal RHI crowd. Meat Katie tracks being played in the RHI - too funny.

.... and what if those tracks get played in the Horden?... and someone much safer, more uplifting, & more commercial is in the rhi? And the dome is something else again...

Im glad you find it funny though....

Then you have never been to an Inquisition Party ? or
in the Dome for Sleaze or like an MG or 2 back they combined Hordern/Dome styles into the Hordern and it was AWESOME........................... not a single girlie
track to be heard.

There are DJ's out there who do not play the girlie stuff you just have to go look for them outside your typical Arq/Shift venues

Di Smith (who will be starring in David Mamet's Boston Marriage at Darlinghurst Theatre as part of the Mardi Gras festival) is featured in Stay In Touch in today's SMH:

Reassessments: Cute comes first if you're a woman on TV
http://blogs.smh.com.au/sit/archives/2006/12/cute_comes_first_if_youre_a_wo.html

More info on Boston Marriage here:
http://www.darlinghursttheatre.com/page/coming_soon.html

Like the Phoenix!

As they will be in Australia around the time of Mardi Gras, how cool would it be if they were headline acts!!

Boy George and Pet Shop Boys now that would be amazing!!

Or maybe scissor sisters??

Anyone heard any other rumours?

The CORRECT number to text your name to for registration of the Flash Mob Launch is 0429 920 370.

You will not have been charged if you sent a text to the incorrect number that appeared in the previous e-newsletter. We apologise for the error.

Wow, I'm so looking forward to MG in 07, mind you, I look forward to Mardi Gras all year round no matter what year... I love the vibe during the festival. I love the lead-up to the parade and then the hugeness of Party (obviously) so I won't bitch, got nothing to bitch about... only thing I'd like to request is maybe some Electro played at Party. I don't mind where but please give us some Electro, NMG! I love my House and I do like a bit of trance every now and then too but Electro just rocks and I reckon it's the way of the future, damn, a lot of the latest Minitry CDs seem to be Electro lately and they're simply yummy! :D

I hear word that Cher will be on Planet Earth at the time of MG... she's GOT to be odds-on for an appearance

The Pope, George Bush , the Dalai Lamar and Queen Elizabeth are forming a quartet and will be singing a few ABBA songs for the RHI 5am show. Madonna and Tom Cruise will be backup dancers.

whats a cher ?

Isn't Madonna in Tokyo sometime around then too?

JGirl - you're going to be a happy lassie.......

I would have thought the wording of the email from Mardi Gras would have got the usual rumours flowing.

They said they would "put our hands on our heart" and promise not to dissappoint with the line up.

Now having been labled a nay sayer further up the wall (of which I am quite proud as I won't blindly support something that is manifestly unfair to those who work hard on the local scene each week), I will say Boy George is a very good choice. I'm waiting to see the full line up before commenting completely.

Well the Pet Shop Boys will be here late March (see below link)

They probably wont get out here again for quite some time, if ever, so it's a little sad to think they might miss Mardi Gras by a matter of weeks... a wasted opportunity if ever there was.

Still, Mardi Gras isn't just about celebrity.

http://www.virtualfestivals.com/festivals/article.cfm?articleid=3098

Yippeeeee!!! Yay! Now I'm even MORE excited about MG (didn't really think it was possible but... :D ). I hope you're a Mardi Gras Party Working Group person saying that (that I'll be happy). Yay yay yay! Thanks Mardi Gras! Now, just get us Kylie for a show and it will be complete! Hehehehe.

Gosh,I feel like I need blinkers when on this site,

I feel like it's 1978,and i've just had some acid before going up to Capriccios to watch Trixie Lamont and her stray girls.
If this site's colour was green-we might all win tatts lotto,as green is a money attracter.

For those who don't know who Trixie Lamont is-

You must be under 50.

i posted this a while back and maybe it was a bit cryptic to be understood, i'll give it another go......

************************

prediction.......
i think maybe 'shivers' will be getting a play in the hordern

i think maybe 'mezmerized' will be getting a play in the rhi

lets wait and see........... - Sat 9 Dec 2006 18:44:18 Replies: add

*****************************

i hope it's true on both counts, would make for a GREAT party

I did see that before. I hope you mean Armin van Buuren for the Hordern? That would be cool. What would be absolutely fantastic would be if NMG could get Tiesto for the 30th anniversary!!!

Mesmerized = Freemasons & Shivers = Amin Van Bruuen
That's a lot of internationals.......

Perhaps you just need to adjust your computer monitor?

Is Nick Cave reforming the Boys Next Door and doing a show in the Hordern? That would be awesome - but he can be a bit morose.

mezmerized ??? no no no no no no no !!!

next you'll be asking for stranger in my house. no no no no no no !!!

I thought that it was the law in Sydney that every DJ had to play Mesmerized in their set - unless they have a tribal exemption. Apparently Manacle are now adopting this as their new door policy, ie, you need to be able to quote a couple of lines of Mesmerized to get in. Based on this, I would assume that I would be hearing Mesmerized multiple times in the RHI, if I was to be in there.

Having just seen a super zjushy pre-release screening of "Dreamgirls" here in San Francisco, my best buddy and I are betting on a "One Night Only" drag show at some point during the party. Jennifer Hudson showing up to belt out her showstopper would be amazing, but she's hitting your shores in January for the premiere (this per the Sydney Morning Herald). And, for the record, the Studio 54esque scene in which a glittering Beyonce and crew sing "One Night Only" is leather boy-licious and made for MG!!!

Congratulations to New Mardi Gras for winging Gay icon Boy George to our Party.
This is a reflection of what our party's are about :
Simply being Gay,and there is no one gayer than the Boy himself.
We are all going to have a hoot with this fond Gay identified celebrity coming to town to celebrate with us.
Well Done Board.

Gary Burns.

So for someone not on the scene every weekend what is the prediction for the Hordern style ?

Love the Hordern when it has its harder edge styles and if its too fluffy trance then we head into Dome for some
Tribal.

One Sleaze they only had the RHI/Hordern and the first half of the Hordern was trancey which was good then about 3am'ish it went harder/tribal and was one of the best nights we have had.

So Manacle have stopped playing "9 To 5"?

no. luke fry is back. we will get plenty of that this xmas too.

hmm, i am getting UNUSUALLY excited about the whole marid gras thing this far out from the festival. I am a fan of mr rupert everett for a LOOONG time, and he will finally be doing a chat/show for the festival! i've got to start thinking about my hair etc etc woo wee

ask kate monroe :-P

absolutely right i mean not
mesmerized should be played ad nauseum every time a dj steps into the box.
as well as i just wanna f*#king dance
best songs ever really
(nobody actually really plays them anymore do they?)

(nobody actually really plays them anymore do they?)

lol if only! I got 2 requests for Mezmerized on the weekend and 3 requests for IJWFD on the same night from different punters!

occasionally they do have to appear to placate the transient customers but neither should be heard at MG again.

who r you? did you play it for me when i asked?

So Manacle have stopped playing "9 To 5"?


god i hope not.its only 20 years old that track. its got another couple decades to go

Hey, hey, hey! Leave Mesmerised alone! I love that song (and I'm a lez!).
Damn, there are so many hot songs I'd love to hear (but I must admit, rarely do)... I'd go mental if Freemasons came back to play at Party. I was unlucky enough to miss out seeing them at Arq (and was soo soooo spewing about it). I reckon I'd love to hear Put Your Hands Up For Detroit or ANYTHING by The Knife (they totally go off) or Yeah Yeah by Bodyrox or Fade or I dunno... Yay for Party! I say YAY!!! :D Yay for Mardi Gras as a whole! :D

Royal Hall of Industries (RHI)- We Love a Sunburnt Country
Freemasons (UK)
Paul Goodyear (Exclusive Australian Performance)
Greg Boladian
Jake Kilby
Dan Murphy
Live performances by the Young Divas and Katie Noonan

Hordern - We Love the Journey
Boy George (DJ Set)
Mike Kelly
Sveta
Mandy Rollins
Feisty

Forecourt - Gaydar.com.au Parade float
Alex Taylor
Sista P
Renae Stanton
Scott Pullen
Plus the first and second place winners of the New Mardi Gras Up and Coming DJ Competition.

Dome- We Love Sensations
Bang Gang DJ’s
Stereogamous
Seymour Butz
Gemma
Ben Drayton
Mark Murphy
With live performances by Paul Mac and The Presets

The Forum- We Love Lycra
David Hiscock
Justin Scott
Jimmy Dee
With special guest DJ spots by Bob Downe and Vanessa Wagner

The Fuse Bar Women’s Space - We Love Girls, Girls, Girls
Beatrix
Beaker
Alexandra
Madame J

There will also be a dedicated members and guest area on the top floor of the Forum. A place away from the crowds to take the weight off your Espadrilles with access to your own bar and bathrooms.

This is taken from a NMG members newsletter...

In embracing our 2007 season theme ‘Objects of Love’, we have A LOT of love to give you.

Only at Mardi Gras can you hope to hear such diverse sounds at one party.

From Boy George to the Freemasons, from the Young Divas to Katie Noonan, from The Presets to Paul Mac.
And of course all of your favourite deck spinners from all over our beautiful country.

The objects of our affection will be on show all over the place at Mardi Gras Party 2007. In the Royal Hall of Industries we will demonstrate ‘Our Love for a Sunburnt Country’. In the Hordern Pavillion you will ‘Love the Journey’. And we know everyone in The Forum will ‘Love Lycra’, we certainly do! Those who hold the Dome dear are slaves to ‘Sensation’…all touchy feely…we love it!

Royal Hall of Industries (RHI)- We love a Sunburnt Country!

Step into the Australian outback surrounded by all of the icons that make our nation special, from chesty Bonds to the Big Banana.

Artists that will be playing/performing in the RHI are:

Freemasons (UK)
Paul Goodyear (Exclusive Australian Performance)
Greg Boladian
Jake Kilby
Dan Murphy

Live performances by the Young Divas and Katie Noonan

Hordern- We Love the Journey!

Whilst we just adore this country, we do love getting out and spreading ourselves around.

The fact that thousands of partygoers from all over the globe fly into Sydney and make this one of the best gay parties in the world makes us burst with pride. In the Hordern we are celebrating our passion for the Journey by turning back the clock to the 1920’s Art Deco era of decadence and opulence when romance and travel went hand in hand.

Artists that will be playing/performing in the Hordern are:

Boy George (UK)
Mike Kelly
Sveta
Mandy Rollins
Feisty

Forecourt

Party under the stars to the sounds from the Gaydar.com.au Parade float parked in the Entertainment Quarter Forecourt. Watch the night sky evolve into daylight.

Artists that will be playing/performing in the Forecourt are:

Alex Taylor
Sista P
Renae Stanton
Scott Pullen
Plus the first and second place winners of the New Mardi Gras Up and Coming DJ Competition.

Dome- We love Sensations!

Touch, explore, feel and taste your way through a world of Sensation. Enter the Dome- if you dare. Release your senses let them be nourished, feed them until they can’t take anymore.

Artists that will be playing/performing in the Dome are:

Bang Gang DJ’s
Stereogamous
Seymour Butz
Gemma
Ben Drayton
Mark Murphy

With live performances by Paul Mac and The Presets

The Forum- We Love Lycra!

‘Let’s get physical’ as Olivia would say, but not without your lycra bike shorts! Think back to a time when leotards and legwarmers were all the rage and aerobics moves made their way out of the gym and onto the dancefloor. The Forum will be transformed into pure retro gold…with a twist of course. Think lean athletes in Adidas, tight little jockey bums and crisp tennis whites.

Artists that will be playing/performing in the Forum are:

David Hiscock
Justin Scott
Jimmy Dee

With special guest DJ spots by Bob Downe and Vanessa Wagner

Fuse Women’s Space- We Love Girls, Girls, Girls!

Think sexy pole dancers, roaming performers, and a whole lot of girl on girl love. Low slung red lounges and a cosy dancefloor to bump and grind with the girl of your dreams.

Artists that will be playing/performing in The Fuse Women's Space:

Beatrix
Beaker
Alexandra
Madame J

For you, our Members priority entry and cloakroom will be just some of the benefits that can you can enjoy. There will also be a dedicated members and guest area on the top floor of the Forum. A place away from the crowds to rest your Espadrilles with access you your own bar and bathrooms.

Tickets

Tickets are now on sale at $130 or $100 for NMG members/concessions.


As a NMG Member you must purchase your tickets in person or over the phone.

They are available from:

Ticketek Website

Ticketek outlets

Or by calling 132 849

Take care of yourselves over the festive season and we will be in touch in the New Year.

Big hugs,

The New Mardi Gras Team

JGirl,

Just got the email. Time for you to go mental!

Yah............. sounds like the Hordern has a harder edge to it !

Will be splitting the time between Hordern and Dome only.

Cant wait.

I have been going to these parties since 1994 and this is by far the strongest and most creative line up I have ever seen at a GLBTQ party.

Mardi Gras - well done. I predict a sell out in advance.

Hordern looks great! And Boy George IS a great DJ. I have one of his Ministry compliations from around 1997 period. He was hot then! Interested to hear what he plays now

WOW

Very strong line up - Party is gonna go off!

Congrats NMG.

As the resident nay-sayer, I do like the overall line up of MG.

I still object to the money wasted on the one DJ as discussed earlier but overall it's not bad.

I wrote the disparaging comment about Boy George being in the RHI and I'm happy to be proved wrong - it makes sense to have him in the Hordern. This is an interesting line up - well done on the DOme line up, it actually sounds like the 21st century has finally arrived.

wow!
thank you Mardi Gras!
Dome line up is totally tight! The Presets rocked Folsom Street Leather Fair in San Fran this year. And Homebake... Talk about versatile!
DJ Gemma too! And Seymour! And the Bang Gang!
I think this is the most unique party line up ever!
Heres to 2007!

I bought my Mardi Gras ticket today. I am excited.

Very very happy MG with the DJ lineup. Was disappointed with the monotony of last year's horden trance-cum-ego-stroke 16 hour set or whtever it was. Can't wait for Sveta to totally rock the room. Have heard Boy George DJ at Ageha in Tokyo...was pretty dull bam bam bam hard house without any sexy beats or funky bass to speak of and dancefloor was empty. Fingers crossed he does better at MG. If not, the dome is looking pretty damn fine too! This party is looking like some of the biggies in the mid-late '90s...if only we could go back to pre-crystal meth happy crowds too!

The simple answer to all of this is Join Mardi Gras then you get your tickets at member prices and it also allows you into the members area so even more value.

It also allows you to buy lots of the festival events at members prices. Musnt foget that as well! Its not all about the party.

yo ho ho

Although it seems a lot of people are very happy with the line-up for next year's Mardi Gras party based on the posts above, I was quite surprised to see that New Mardi Gras have (again) opted not to include a trance DJ. Fans of the "underground" and tribal styles should be very happy though....

I was quite surprised to see that New Mardi Gras have (again) opted not to include a trance DJ.


"again" where have you been the last 5 years? or the last 10 even??

Actually, there was no trance DJ at Sleaze 2006. Correct me if I'm wrong....

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 70 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

Just saw the price for this years MG Party... Lost me I wont be paying that .. Sadly I believe it will mean a much smaller attendance and hence not the same HUGE vibe from MG 06 which was one of the best in ages...

I think the people responsible for this years party have got it wrong.!!! Bring back early bird ticket prices...

Shame shame shame

I love the idea of dancing in the Forecourt under the stars to Alex Taylor, Scott Pullen, Sista P & Renae Stanton.

What a line-up for the Forecourt!

Anybody know where tickets for the Toybox Party can be purchased? We are coming from California and have had no luck finding any information about this event.

Head on over to the Toy Box website... www.toyboxparty.com.au and you'll see ticket information on there. I don't believe it's sold out yet.

Nah, I so disagree. $100 a ticket (if you're a member) is pretty effing reasonable if you ask me. It's not as if it's just any night. The line-up is spectacular (IMO) and well, well worth it. I know MG will put on an outstanding party. Damn, even my girlfriend who is so so so not into going out anymore is excited about Party 07. I can't talk it up enough.... :D
PS I do, however, think it's a little rich that certain clubs on Oxford St think it's ok to charge $50 entry on NYE, now THAT is a rip-off!

Interesting there is no Trance at Mardi Gras considering their main rival Toybox is Trance and successfully so. You'd think NMG would have some trance to counter Toybox and make the decision for people contemplating going to TB a little harder. Particularly with the price difference ($100/$130 versus Toybox's $149). Trance at Mardi Gras has always been popular and in the last few years the hordern has been more crowded then it ever was.

As for those complaining about the price you need to wake up and look around. $130 is good value for music events of this size and $100, members price, is even better.

The deeper you dig the more interesting it gets. I know one of the Toybox dj's. Did you know that the "trance" Dj's playing at Toybox were made to sign an exclusivity agreement, making sure that they couldn't play at Mardi Gras!
I think you'll find Paul Goodyear, Freemasons, ect will play the "trance" that the punters want to hear.
This party is going to be amazing!

Freemason wont play trance, but goodyear might

Sounds like smart business to me?
Why would you want one of the "two" trance djs playing the night before.

good on them.

Mardi Gras membership is what $45 , gets discount at party but generally thats it, plus $100 for the after party ticket is pretty risky when on past events have been pretty hit and miss. Toybox on the otherhand which has increased in strength event on event and is playing trance for bout the same price.

I agree with Steve W, The DJ line up isnt impressive and the guest performers well enough said but yawn, Just hope they wont stuff the best chance they had for making the 30th Mardi Gras decent by loosing out with there choices on the 29th.

We will wait and see, But i will will see you at Toybox

Hey piglet, just out of curiosity, you mentioned that "The DJ line up isnt impressive "... Excluding international DJ's, please tell me in your own humble opinion, which DJ's (and please don't just list only one), would be "impressive".

I ask you the same question about guest performers who made you "yawn" when they were announced.

Your $45 membership entitles you to 2 party tickets!

The (MG) DJ line up isnt impressive and the guest performers well enough said but yawn,

um hullo! i think a yawn is required for the unimpressive (IMHO) line up at toybox. all for the bargain price of $140. As opposed to five areas and 20,000 up for it punters. hmmm.

Wow this vs that. At the end of the day mardi gras party is the biggest gay and lesbian dance party in the world and people fly in from around the world to attend, that's amazing. Personally thank christ the last few parties have been good. New team, new producer, new team, new talent. To me new party.

I think the MG DJ line-up is pretty good.
very excited about Boy George coming back to do whatever
I remember his show last time and it was a delightful surprise!
happy holidays everyone and don't wear your feet out at the sales.

i dont think you would find better jukebox djs than the chosen ones. lets look at it this way. all the money are spent on lights etc. not much $$ left to hire proper djs. if you like lots of lights above your head go for it. if you preffer the music to be good think again...

Out of curiosity, what sort of music do you like? Do you feel this way because none of them are trance-only DJ's? I really disagree with your opinion here but each to their own I suppose... Sveta and Mandy Rollins are both superb dj's and I certainly wouldn't call them "jukebox" dj's... sure, they're not ALL wonderful (without naming names) but I think in general they're at the very least, very good. It also sounds like MG have got some new exciting ideas about the party which I really commend them for. Anyway, obviously this is just my opinion... I'm not one of these people who likes to poopoo Mardi Gras (the organisation), I'm glad for them to exist considering I'm one of the lazy people who doesn't get off my arse to help with any of the organising or setting up... I am a proud member though! :D

um...yawn.
maybe it's not just about the djs.

20,000, when was the last time it was 20,000
hmmmmmmmm

dreams are free.

Steve W and Tue 26 Dec 15:28:36 - both disgruntled DJ's?
or boys who are out every single night ? and probably would look a big yawn to you but for the rest of us
its a FANTASTIC line up and the description of the Halls
reminds me of parties a decade ago.
20,000 hmmmmmmmmm well I think you just might be surprised at the numbers for 2007.

Hope both of you are not going , negative nanna's bring the vibe down.

.
The Mardi Gras line up is pretty good and has some original elements. I think though that they have made a major mistake not including trance given that Toybox is going all out to set up a rival party with a bigger footprint than ever before. And before someone says that Toybox is just a recovery party, most recovery parties dont charge $149 a ticket.

By the way I am NOT a DJ nor disgruntled.
.

i posted this a while back, maybe some of you haven't read it, there are some of you here that i think really need to..... take a minute and let it sink in before responding or bashing me........

**************************

just to give you sydney boys an outside eye on how amazing mardi gras is for some...
i live a long way from sydney, and next year will be my fourth mardi gras in a row, i normally try to get up there for as long as possible, next year, alas, it will only be for four days over the weekend of the party. i have been planning my trip since about august, taking advantage of cheap flight deals (2 for 1 - thank you jetstar!), finding the cheapest accommodation (may not be sleeping all that much!!!), and waiting with baited breath for the 2007 festival to be launched.

the though of mardi gras sends a tingle down my spine and brings a tear to my eye, being able to walk down a street, into a pub or into a packed party full of smiling, like-minded, happy people who have come together for the same reason is something that so fills me with joy i cannot properly describe it. it is not a feeling that i can experience anywhere else in the world. this feeling is the reason that i come to sydney for mardi gras.

those of you who live in sydney, please do not underestimate how lucky you are to have such easy access to mardi gras and all that it brings with it. your lifestyle in sydney is a direct result of mardi gras and vice versa - enjoy the symbiosis. treat it kindly and celebrate it to the full.

i'll be spending the next few months remembering my fondest mardi gras memories (looking down on my first big party experience from the top of the bleachers in the hordern and realising that i wouldn't be straight for quids - 2004, courtney act's closing kylie ballad - 2005, falling madly deeply in love with a new zealander for 5 days - 2006) and wondering how this next mardi gras is going to top all of that - as i'm sure it will.

so, now that mardi gras has been launched, i can start letting myself get properly excited - countdown boy won't let it be any other way.

PS: my one peev is that no info has been put up on the mardi gras website yet!!! it still reads "Full details of the almost 100 different events taking place during Mardi Gras will be available when we launch our Season Guide on December 6th." c'mon mardi gras, there are people who have been waiting excitedly for the launch - let those of us outside of sydney have a look!!!!

Excited!!! - Thu 7 Dec 2006 13:35:21 Replies: 1, add

*********************************

why don't you all just relax and enjoy what you DO have rather than what you may not have (even if NOT may just mean not the right place at the right time)

Um most lads dont even know what trance is! We just wanna party! Toybox is falling at the moment behind MG due to
- the no headline djs at their party
- expensive ticket price
- BOY george !! @ mardi gras!
- The Presets!! @ mardi gras!
- paulmac!!! @ mardi gras
- Sveta, Mandy, Fiesty, dj Gemma @ Mardi Gras
- Murphy, Butz, & bang gang @ mardi gras!....

We havent been to Mardi Gras for a few years - toybox was seriously let down by the music last year, and the promoters seem not to have addressed this at all for next year (6 djs, with no real residencies or recorded productions at all, for $140? )
We can't wait for March!

"6 djs, with no real residencies or recorded productions at all"

i think if you do your homework, you'll find that Mark Alsop is the exception to that statement.

"6 djs, with no real residencies or recorded productions at all"

i think if you do your homework, you'll find that Mark Alsop is the exception to that statement

Not all the dj's work in Sydney. Two come from Brisbane and they both have very extensive residencies behind.
Yes indeed do your homework before you amke the statement.

goodyear plays tribal not trance.

This entire post is laughable.

I mean " toybox was seriously let down by the music last year" what a load of crap.

clearly you were not there.

And then to slag of the coming dj's....rude...

Oh and by the way make sure you buy a ticket and go to mardi gras. Sounds like it will 'rock' your world.

I was refering to the sydney djs, and the 'production' aspect of the original post.

Why is that laughable? I totally agree with that poster.

Toybox would be an amazing party if it's musical policy wasn't stuck somewhere around 1995. The music is the only reason that my friends and I don't go. Everything else, attention to detail, production standards, are amazing, but the music is just bad trance that clearly caters to the 40+ year old crowd who were first around when the tunes came out . Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Hey can't we just accept both parties are great in their own rights.
They both make up for a wonderful weekend of partying in this fab city of ours.
I will be going to both with plenty of friends fom os & is.......it's gunna be one hell of a time partying!!!
Can't wait...........how many more days countdown boy?

Can I just ask why trance fans seem to get so friggin' aggressive about their music? I mean, I love electro and no Mardi Gras-run party has ever had an "electro" DJ but you don't hear me crying or getting shitted about it. Why can't a trance fan like any other kind of music for goodness' sake? Most dj's will throw some trance tracks into their set anyway I think. Don't get me wrong, I do actually like trance but I also like lots of other kinds of dance music. All that's every played in the main arena at a Toy Box party is trance and you don't hear House fans going mental about it.... I think a lot of people on here need to take a chill pill (now, as opposed to at the parties)! Far out, believe it or not, there is more to a party than JUST the music.... I understand that is very important but Mardi Gras is so much more than that....

I'm with you.
.
there is more to a party than JUST the music!!!!

> correct answer.

Also TB is not 'trance '..more like trance bag.
kylie cher...hello.
And as for the 40 +.
Yes then that would explain why the majority of the crowd are under between 18 and 30.

please.

Well clearly they are catering for someone's music style.
Other wise it wouldn't be working.
Maybe it's just not your style and your..... friends.
I have never been, but they also have other rooms with house music...don't they?

Hear Hear JGirl !

I like Trance but its not the end for me if its not played but............ going by some of those DJ's, there will be some trance throughout the night.

Personally I find it boring to hear it for 8 hours straight. I respect that some do, but there is absolutely nothing that compares to Mardi Gras . The Halls , the crowd etc. I move around the Halls to hear the different DJ's. Love having a breather outside watching everyone etc.

I like it a bit lighter/fluffier to begin with then the harder the better by about 2-3am

Anyway, the numbers will tell in the end.

Mardi Gras is all about -
Objects of Love
Lets bring it peoples!
Drop the Mardi Gras vs Toybox feud
Mardi Gras is set to be a truly dynamic evenrt.
positivity - peace - community - amazing gatherings of ourtribes - and a fuggin great dance
there are a lot of people feeding energy into this season enthusiastically
Join the gay army
Recruiting now!

Woohoo! Here here!
Yay for Mardi Gras!
:D

Yes yeah for mardi gras. yeah! ...no yeah!

We as a community should be proud to still have a 40+ crowd.
I remember not to long ago when they were all dying.

and, as someone who is 45, I am glad that I can still go out and listen to music that I can relate to.

and further, if that is called trance, then I must be very hip.
Indeed.

this IS a joke:

just in... due to popular demand, all djs at the MG 07 will be playing trance!!! expect the following styles...

RHI
Freemasons (UK) - funky disco trance
Paul Goodyear - circuit tribal trance
Greg Boladian - smooth trance
Jake Kilby - diva award winning trance
Dan Murphy - trance in a backpack

As well as live TRANCE performances by Young Divas and Katie Noonan

Hordern
Boy George (DJ Set - androgenous trance)
Mike Kelly (naked trance)
Sveta (supermodel electro trance
Mandy Rollins (tribute to the queen trance set)
Feisty (reflections of driving in a trance set)

Forecourt
Alex Taylor (ibiza trance)
Sista P (george benson trance)
Renae Stanton (tricked up trance)
Scott Pullen (summer sex trance)
Plus the 1st and 2nd place winners of the Mardi Gras up and coming DJ competition (playing NEW SKOOL trance)

Dome
Bang Gang DJ’s (tech trance)
Stereogramous (quirky trance)
Seymour Butz (sauna trance)
Gemma (ecclectic trance)
Ben Drayton (funky trance)
Mark Murphy (nik fish wishes he could be so trance set)

As well as live performances by Paul Mac and The Presets (all songs revised to be trance!!!! special performance of sweetness and light - actually this would be good!!!)

The Forum
David Hiscock (computer trance)
Justin Scott (good guy trance)
Jimmy Dee (diva award winning trance, set 2)

With special guest DJ spots by Bob Downe and Vanessa Wagner (all jokes will be phrased 4/4 and accompanied by strings and a thumping drum)

The Fuse Bar Women’s Space
Beatrix (blonde trance with her own live vocals)
Beaker (spunky spikey trance)
Alexandra (eqyptian trance)
Madem’J (stoned and whipped trance)




all djs will select their material from the trance jukebox, which is endorsed by gatecrasher, trade, tiesto, and the jukebox will automatically mix songs since the djs MG chosen have been rumoured to be no good.



would like to hear any other suggestions of what kinds of trance the djs will play, and please djs, correct me if i got you wrong.


for those going to TB, experience the best of one kind of trance....

ps i actually do like trance

for the trance fans, check out a french group called RPO, doing a fresh trance sound

and ... does anyone remember this moment to close the RHI about 10 years ago... one of the last songs was... (see below)

.

I think some of you have missed the point of my original post re no trance at Mardi Gras.

The fact is that Toybox parties (up until now) sell-out. Mardi Gras does not and attendance has been dwindling over recent years.

Next years Toybox Party is taking over the entire Luna Park thus increasing the number of tickets available dramatically. The threat is that while some people may choose to go to both parties, many will choose one over the other given the high ticket price of both events. Mardi Gras simply can’t afford to sell less tickets.

So my point is that while I applaud the Mardi Gras line up to date, I cannot understand why, from a strategic point of view, they wouldn’t have one single trance DJ to make the decision for people considering Toybox a lot harder.

The comments on here about the age of people at Toybox and about trance music are frankly ridiculous. You couldn’t have a younger, sexier crowd if you tried. Does Mardi Gras want this crowd or not?

.

"Can I just ask why trance fans seem to get so friggin' aggressive about their music?"

I reckon it is in some part due to the prevalence of crystal meth. Trance is the music of choice for those who's drug of choice is crystal.

Which is why I am pleased NMG have no trance DJs, and why after one Toybox at Luna Park I wont be going back - the atmosphere there was ugly.

NMG - congrats on the amazing line up - I hope the party is as great as the last few.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

hahaha

I'm 51, love the harder stuff especially hard trance
and some Rob Gilbert tribal.

I have 30 year old friends who only want Retro.

I think hip does date you my dear but we certainly
are keeping with the times !

is there a theme this year for MG?

"I reckon it is in some part due to the prevalence of crystal meth. Trance is the music of choice for those who's drug of choice is crystal.

Which is why I am pleased NMG have no trance DJs, and why after one Toybox at Luna Park I wont be going back - the atmosphere there was ugly."

What a ridiculous post!!! Way too many assumptions and generalisations there, me thinks!

I personally am a bit disappointed that there is not even one trance DJ on for MG, given that there are 5 dance spaces and a number of other music styles represented. For the record, I do NOT expect to be hearing only trance for the whole night - a musical journey is definitely a good thing at the big parties! However, for $130, at the peak of the night in those cavernous halls, I would personally prefer to be hearing energetic uplifting trance rather than underground/tribal or dancey remixes of kylie or madonna. I guess New Mardi Gras have opted for a different style of party, for whatever reason, so good luck to them I say.

JGirl, I think you'll find that people who are into different genres of dance music will be more-or-less equally vocal (and aggressive) if they don't get a hall for their favoured style of music. Not sure if you were around a few years ago when the retro fans were lobbying for a hall - have a look back at the graffiti walls from that era, it's an interesting read....

This has got to be the most funniest and halarious post that I have read here in a long time!

You've made my day - Thank you

Great to see good humour still about in this forum!

thanks! i never received a compliment of pinkboard before. good luck with your set, though if you have been picked, then you are obviously good and need no luck

I have a question to raise to New Mardi Gras. Why have you decided to only accept health messages from the AIDS sector? It's common knowledge nowadays that that sector will not give out warnings about harms and risks associated with crystal meth, for example. Several people have had letters in SX asking for party posters and taglines, such as "crystal-free & sexy", "tweaker-free zone" etc. As these correspondents point out, these strategies have become globally normative an gay events like Mard Gras party, Azure, Pool Party, etc. I think it is tunnel visioned to reject all ideas but ACON's on this, they are only an AIDS council.

OK this trance counter-argument just gets more ridiculous. Firstly trance lovers get labelled as disgruntled DJ's, then old farts, now we are supposably Crystal Meth addicts!!! What absolute crap.

For the record I am looking forward to hearing all different styles at Mardi Gras (though I could care less for retro). But I also want to hear TRANCE at some point in the night.

By the way I am also am not a DJ, am under 30 and don't do crystal meth. So try again!

Yep and what the idiots forget is Trance has been around much longer than crystal meth popularity so dont compare them.
I seem to remember that E's were associated with trance
music in the 90's ?

I like Trance but on a night like MG I couldnt do it for 8-10 hours.
I think? some of the DJ's do play trance anyway ?

To be perfectly honest I am rather suprised that Katie Noonan has been selected to perform at Mardi Gras. What do people think?

Couldnt give a rats arse for shows laserboy said in a nice way.
After about 20 years of partying I can remember a few shows that really surprised me -
RHI - lesbians on stage and they drove out on motorbikes
and sports cars !
RHI - Boy George.
RHI - That guy from Cirque de Soleil being lifted up on those long pieces of material and flung out over the crowd !
and thats about all

I'm not sure that I know who Katie Noonan even is? Is she from Australian Idol?

I'm not sure that I know who Katie Noonan even is? Is she from Australian Idol?

So why not Google the name ? She is an exceptional singer and will bring a touch of class to the party.

Katie Noonan was the main singer in George. You may remember a song from a few years back called The Special Ones, fantastic song! As for her doing a show, I think her voice will be absolutely breath-taking and hearing her live in that kind of atmosphere will be nothing short of spectacular.
Back to the whole trance debarcle.... like I said in a previous post, I'm sure there will be touches of trance thrown into most sets.... I actually hope so as I do enjoy a bit of it at a party!
PS Does anyone remember the Vanessa Amorosi show at Mardi Gras in 2000 or 2002? My GOD, that was the best show I've ever, ever seen! Just amazing! I WISH they did shows like that still.... :D

George? That will be uplifting. Maybe there will be a trance remix of one of the George songs.

http://www.myspace.com/katienoonan seems to contain the most information.
http://www.george.net.au http://www.myspace.com/georgetheband - George are on an extended break. Katie has an album due out in 2007.
http://www.katienoonan.com.au/ is coming soon

From the samples here she has a lovely voice.

The bears with leather aprons tossing cute boys in the air - Sleaze 5 years ago...and Homosutra - also Sleaze the year before that I think. Wondrous!

"The bears with leather aprons tossing cute boys in the air"


Yes yes!!.. that's the one sticks in my mind....with Nine Inch Nail's 'Closer' track....

"I wanna fu*k you like an animal
I wanna feel you from the inside"

Brilliant!

Hey, good question, but it's obvious NMG haven't the guts to give you an answer. You referred to some of the letters, one which correctly noted that 2005 and 2006's International Male Leather (IML) in Chicago were billed as crystal zero-tolerance events, with tweakers and dealers told to "STAY HOME! We have no use for crystal meth at any of our functions," and warned in advance that they would be handed over to the police. IML proved how easy and effective such an approach can be. In San Diego last summer, gay bar and club owners met to discuss establishing a similar policy towards meth in their premises, while in Montreal, the organisers of 2005's Black & Blue festival posted anti-crystal messages on the inside of cubicle doors at every party.

So what won't they do it here? Give you one guess...

New Mardi Gras is under no obligation to reply to posts on Pinkboard. In fact they are under no obligation to even read it. If you would like a reply to something then you need to address your concerns to New Mardi Gras directly.

I suggest you also don't expect them to provide replies in the middle of holiday periods when the volunteers and staff who give so much time to make the whole of Mardi Gras happen are probably taking a short, well earned, break.

NMG is about so much more than the party and parade. They also bring together community to discuss important issues. Sorry to dissapoint, MGographer, but there'll be no discussion or education about the ice crisis, there are just too many other important issues like Bisexual and Lesbian Women's Wellbeing: How to Flourish and Thrive, Classical Fantasies: The Use and Abuse of Ancient Same-Sex Love, The Women's Library, Queer Asian ,Queerspace: Centres and Peripheries Faculty of Design, the Body Electric and a Giggling Gertie Workshop.

Hear Hear Panther !

How utterly stupid can some people actually be expecting an official reply from NMG on Pinkboard. It just makes you scratch your head in utter amazement !

There are only 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 60 Days to Mardi Gras !!

pixcel - The forums you have listed were not organised by New Mardi Gras, but by the community itself. There was nothing stopping members of the community from organising a forum about Crystal Meth. It appears that no one chose to.

Hi pixcel - you seem to have missed one forum from your otherwise extensive list: "What Do Gay Men Want? Sex, Risk, and the Inner Life of Male Homosexuality".
http://mardigras.org.au/calendar_detail.cfm?id=78

In terms of other festival events examining the darker side of gay life, maybe check out David Hoyle's SOS: "Describing the gay scene as ‘the biggest suicide cult in history’...Exploring the underlying issues of loneliness, depression, addiction and mental health - through comedy, tapdancing, showbiz spectacle, and dance-drama" http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/sections/whats_on/boxoffice/event_details.asp?EventID=2056&sm=1&ss=1
There's more than one way to explore 'serious' issues.

On another note, a reminder that entries in the Mardi Gras short story competition need to be mailed by this Friday:
http://mardigras.org.au/item.cfm?id=45&nav=About%20Us&sub=News

See, NMG CAN answer questions in this forum.
With all due respect to David Halperin, I see nothing in the synopsis of his lecture that mentions meth specifically or drugs generally. It does however, sound like another of those academic gabfests for those who lack first hand experience and can only speak on behalf of those in addiction in theoretical terms. Perhaps spending an hour in the A&E ward or listening to the tragedies shared at a CMA meeting would be time better spent. Bureaucrats that insist on creating policy on matters which they do not understand often only cause more damage than good. For example, the 'harm reduction only' advocates refused to admit preventive education on ice. As a consequence, the major component of harm reduction, the needle exchange, is in danger of being closed because so many are shooting up ice and having psychotic episodes of an extremely violent nature. Ironic indeedy. What a fun party we are in for.
Ironic you are listening to Rufus Wainwright. Wainwright’s struggle with crystal meth and subsequent month in rehab have been well documented. He said, “I know I’m just a step away from it happening again for me. It can happen so quickly. It’s like you do it and then an hour later you want to get on the internet wanting to get fisted or something!” and “Recently I went to my doctor and got all the tests done, like a good gay boy should do, and he said: ‘Every new case of HIV infection that I get is due to crystal meth. Crystal meth is always involved.’” He believes the drug is currently the biggest problem affecting the gay community in the US.

"pixcel - The forums you have listed were not organised by New Mardi Gras, but by the community itself. There was nothing stopping members of the community from organising a forum about Crystal Meth. It appears that no one chose to."

Arti, it was the community who approached NMG and formally requested that their parties be tagged crystal-free events - they never even replied except to say that they'd hold it for discussion but that they felt inclined to only accept any health warnings from ACON (who oppose anti-cruystal campaigning). I'd say that seeing as both orgs are meant to operated on community input, and both have been more than friendly in their financial relationship in recent times, the decision was made to put money and politics over public health.

Although I understand the Meth debate is something that is obviously greatly effecting our community, to be honest, I don't see what a Zero Tolerance MG Party would do anyway... it's not as if the party goers produce their drugs to security on entry for inspection. Those who choose to take it to the party will get it in somehow or other, just like they do with all or any of their other chosen party favours. Lastly, not all Crystal users are violent or aggressive or addicts so why should everyone be punished for some people's bad behaviour? Let's face it, all drugs are bad, yes, some are more addictive than others but at the end of the day, they all carry a certain risk.
Right now, I'm just interested in getting in the Mardi Gras mood! :D

I am sick of these anti-crystal people dragging all our community organisations into the crystal mess. They are obviously undertaking a concerted campaign on this wall and in the gay press and frankly the slurs they are making against these organisations are atrocious. If they feel so strongly about the issue they should put thier OWN MONEY up to start an eduction campaign rather than intimidating others. I have never used crystal and do not like being near those that do BUT the anti-crystal brigade should not drag our community organisations into the mess too.

Hey, does anyone have any idea which dj's will be playing at Pool Party? I've not seen anything in the Festival Guide or on the MG website and I'm dying to know... Help me! :D

It's quite simple, JGirl, the crystal-free tags are not about whether such a policy can be fully policed, it's about sending out a clear message about what we know is damaging our community and what we will not stand for. A statement acknowledging this instead of sweeping it under the carpet, just as twenty-five years ago our community refused to be silent about AIDS. That we won't let crystal meth destroy another generation of gay men, as HIV/AIDS did. That we will continue fighting the apathy and cynicism and the misconceptions that allow this disease to grow. It is our most basic measure of self-worth, as GLBTQIs, to have this recognised and opposed by the key organisations which are elected by and representative of us as a community (e.g. NMG).

PS Crystal is the most significant drug re its uniquely combined issues of dependency, harms and other risks - and has no legal substitute drug for treating addiction.

I saw The Presets play at field day on NYD. The most amazing act all day. Dome is going to explode - Mardi Gras is going to be fantastic!

I must say I'm disillusioned with the Mardi Gras party line up and unlikely to go. I've been a volunteer for MG for a few years and been going to their parties since I was 17 and never missed one since.

The reason I go out to a party or club is for the music and spending time with friends, I enjoy house and a bit of tribal but 8+ hrs of that with no trance at all simply won't make for an enjoyable night for me. Out of 30 odd friends who I have spoken with about the line up 21 have already said they aren't going to go if there is no trance at all, 6 are undecided, 1 is going to be working and only 4 are definately going, sure a large amount of my friends are trance fans, but most of us can't justify $130 (or $100 for members like myself) when our favourite music style isn't represented. For a group that is still saying it's in an bad financial position having 2/3 of my friends say they're not going is something they should look long and hard at.

I will be going to Toybox though, as will many of those friends who won't be going to MG this year. It's unfortunate I'll miss out on the atmosphere of the MG party this year as there's nothing like it, but as a customer, I'm not willing to spend my time or money on an event that can't even have 1 trance DJ in it's line up (I think Jake may be the only one to even play a couple of trance tracks at best).

I think the Boy George factor may help ticket sales quite a bit, however alienating a few thousand trance fans will more than counter that. For 2 years in a row trance has had the hordern on 80% capacity or above for the peak parts of the party, so if someone can explain the logic used behind removing a popular music style altogether I would like to hear it.

From a business point of view it simply makes no sense.

As for the Toybox crowd being over 40, crystal queens and Toybox parties being horrible, I think attending one Toybox party might help dears.

"the anti-crystal brigade should not drag our community organisations into the mess too."

How utterly stupid. What do you think community organisations are for? Throwing parties? How doyou think Mardi Gras began? Nothing could be more intrinsic to community cohension than our organisations BEING included and at the forefront of what's happening, as with HIV/AIDS.

The anger levels are rising on this wall. Do not reply immediately if you are angry!

thanks for your comments about the "festival" and especially the comment about me "specialising in singing other peoples songs"....
Slide are the best cabaret venue around in Sydney and I am very grateful that I have been chosen to sing as part of the festival. I had a very succesful cabaret show @ slide in 2006...total 7 shows...so, hardly a regular. the only reason I performed the 7 times was because of demand. And why shouldnt I be included in the NMG festival? Am I not a memeber of the G&L community, who is a performer? Am I not considered to be talented?? The answer of course is yes.
I contribute many hours of my time singing other peoples songs...for free, to raise funds for BGF, ACON and the Aids Trust. i walk the streets of sydney selling red ribbons and raising money for the Red Cross.I rattle a bucket for several aids charities and have never said no when asked to perform.
Many of the other performers you mentioned have also donated countless hours to charity, all because we care and often dont have the $$ to donate, so we give of ourselves and out talent.
I deserve a place in the Mardi gras festival as much as the next performer.
peace out.
shauna

ROFL.
Good on ya, Shauna! Here's to another successful Mardi Gras festival I say!
Hope you had fun at Toy Box on Monday, saw you by the dance floor.

Could not agree more Shauna!

Good luck with the festival and it's good to see local talent being showcased!

Well always 2 sides to a story -

my friends all enjoy Trance but they think the line up and the press out on the MG party so far is so good that friends who havent gone in ages are going. You are assuming the DJ's will play no trance at all and that all the Halls are only playing House and Tribal - WRONG.

But you can vote with your feet. Your friends who are choosing not to go will be replace by friends choosing to go to this MG.

I predict record numbers to this years MG - mark my words and if I'm wrong abuse the shit out of me after the party

Now about this crystal debate ? Is it really NMG who should be making statements against it or should we be
asking organisations like ACON and the like to do something about it ? maybe I am wrong so please reply without anger as I am confused who should be doing it ?
After all wouldnt it be the people at ACON who would be have more knowledge on the subject than other organisations ?

"Now about this crystal debate ? Is it really NMG who should be making statements against it or should we be
asking organisations like ACON and the like to do something about it ? maybe I am wrong so please reply without anger as I am confused who should be doing it ?
After all wouldnt it be the people at ACON who would be have more knowledge on the subject than other organisations?"

It it the responsibility of the host/s of the parties this season to make decision about health warnings - ACON is not the host of MG and in any case is openly opposed to making such warnings: It's no use either NMG or any other organisation passing the buck to either ACON or anyone else.

I actually think the line-up is the strongest I've ever seen at a MG Party (I've only been to four, btw). I'm not a huge fan of most of the styles featured in the Dome, but a lot of my friends generally make a decision not to go to MG/Sleaze Parties because these are the styles they like, and that they're not catered for. Thankfully this year, I'll be able to go to the party with more of my friends

Now who's volunteering for the parade? I do that every year, too. It's quite a lot of fun, and you get to meet all sorts of cool people.

Happy New Year everyone.

by the sounds of it they have made a decision but it's just not a decision you agree with. as far as i'm aware mardi gras has a zero tolerance attitude to all drugs not just crystal.

Why is there this demanding expectation that Mardi gras "must" send these no crystal messages for their parties. Why isnt this demanding expectation also being directed at ALL of the other dance parties - Toybox , Homesexual and the rest ?

Consistency please.

I think your prediction will be right. I really think MG will sell out in advance this year. I like trance but having had my fill at Toybox NYD, I'm looking forward to A Night of H&H Double Whammy (House & Handbag that is) in the RHI. Bring it on!

i will be playing some trance in my set at the party... not a whole set dedicated to trance, but just some NEW NEW NEW killers and a few classics. hmmm, telling you who i am is boring... so go and listen, move around the halls and check things out... you will find me...

is everyone happy? we ALL CAN have what we want... so let's stop making excuses for why we won't go to MG, and trying to spoil the enjoyment of others who want to go. either you want to celebrate your sexuality with 15,000 other fun folks, or you don't... let it go ok?

Check this link below - looks like a MG week launch for the gay cowboy book about the mate of Heath Ledger who was on Australian Story some months back.... they repeated that show last week and I did a web search on the guy and found the book.

http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Booksellers/Default.aspx?Page=CatalogueBook&ID=9781741665451&Type=title

I'm sorry mysterious DJ... a trance song here or there but you wont tell us who you is just not going to cut it. Hmmm do I check out the handbag hall or the classic hits FM 70's - 90's retro space or maybe you'll play a song amongst the live music sets that have taken over the dome...

Retro trance ... Now there's an idea !

Lets have them play "Outlaw" by Olive (1998) on continuous play ... That'll do me !

Just let you know that i've updated the site for mardi gras 07 at:
http://www.ktgraphic.com

What's new in this year?
1. images will be shown and purchased at City Side Properties 174-182 Goulburn Street
2. 1 minute free photo slideshow for download and a 5 min themed-slideshow can be purchased for playing on ipod video and any video players.
3. flash gallery for all major events.

stay tuned and get ready for the festival.

all the best,
Koman Tam

I agree with a previous poster - why this attack on
NMG over the crystal debate and why they should speak out yet no-one screams for the Clubs / Pubs / other
Party Promoters to do so.

Is it because its NMG ? and you just have to attack them ?

If you are truly a person/s who really care about this crystal debate why pick on 1 night of the year or 1 month of the year if you include the Festival etc but why not get involved 24/7 and 365 days of the year. Have your message getting across all the time ?

Just saw the poster - Im a lil late to get on to the latest party line up.
Genius! The Presets live. Paul Mac live. The bang gang djs!!! Seymour and Gemma! ......

Can't wait homos! Bring on a good sound system please

does anyone know if members can take a friend/partner into the members area at the party on their membership card???

I think the original post is more a complaint that Mardi Gras Festival is not actually something separate to what's already happening in this town - that it's just already existing events being re-branded as "the mardi gras" version.

I'm 48 and have every intention of supporting Mardi Gras as I have done for the last 20 years. Sure there are always issues surrounding each event,which may chagrin certain elements in our community but in the end it's what you make of it regardless of the coloured lights and music.It's our opportunity to be together as a force to be reckoned with!Remember, fun starts in the head and no where else! For those who feel that not having trance music is sufficient reason to not go to Mardi Gras,Oh well sorry that you won't be there.
As for the crystal debate,so what? Nothing can be done with people who despite the amount of information on the dangers of this drug continue to use it. You will always have foolish people who take these risks. One historical solution was initiated in 1949 when the Communists came to power in China. The country was riddled with opium dens and other available narcotics. All apprehended users were sent to forced labour camps without any therapy or positive affirmations to mollycoddle them. All the pushers were executed, millions died but they resolved the issue.So far as they were concerned,the best method of education was through fear and the bullet.I am not advocating this strategy. But neither should Mardi Gras be dragged into it. So have a fantastic Mardi Gras season and remember be kind to each other and yourselves as well.
Cheers,Thomas

Does anyone know when the pool party tix go on sale. I've been searching the NMG web site but there's no ticketing info!

if your friend partner is a member as well then they can enter as well. if there not then they can't.

But that is exactly how the Sydney Festival, big day out, Womadelaide ect ect work. Grouping together small parts and players to make a whole.
There is some strong talent and it's a festival Im proud to call my own.
The question is, "what is missing for you?" Maybe if you put forward your ideas to make the festival stronger, other members of the community can help realize your vision.
Positivty, constructive criticism are great. We are lucky to be having great events in all manner of venues.
Good luck Mardi Gras 2007!
x x x x x

It is EXTREMELY MEAN SPIRITED in my opinion that you cannot take a mate or partner (who is a non member)into the members lounge a the MG party. I'm a member but none of my close mates are and I'll be damned if I'm going to go into that area on my own. I think a limit of one guest at a time would be more appropriate.

Last party they gave us bands based on having a member ticket rather than showing our membership card. I don't know whether that was intentional or not.

Actually... I believe members can purchase 2 tickets at the member price, which would give both of them member privileges at the party.

A member can by up to two member tickets. A member ticket entitles you to entrance through the member's entrance where the ticket will be exchanged for a member's wristband which will give you entry into the member's bar area.

SO Mr Extremely Mean Spirited why don't you do a little research (i.e. read the mardi gras newsletter as this policy has been in place for a few parties now) before showing yourself up, hey....

i love mardi gras.

i love the spectacle,

the pageantry of all sorts of folks into the party,

i love that people walk up and say happy mardi gras (in a shop, cafe, parade, or party) just like it is christmas or new years.

i love having so many people stand up and say "not only is it ok to be gay, no it is GRRRRREAT you're gay"

i love lesbians

i love drag queens and kings

i love gay men (intimately LOL)

i love transsexuals for being so bloody courageous

i love sydney for making us feel supported and special

i love mardi gras

politics and preferences are complications. minimalise your mind for a moment and let me know if you agree. please tell me why

"As for the crystal debate,so what? Nothing can be done with people who despite the amount of information on the dangers of this drug continue to use it."

Um, which information is that, Thomas, the pamphlets teaching people how to use crystal? Or the editorials saying it's just another party drug, a scapegoat, and unlinked to risky sexual practices?

"You will always have foolish people who take these risks."

If you take a classroom of kids and tell them that jumping off a cliff will kill you, a few twits will still give it a bash, sure, but the majority will learn to avoid jumping off cliffs.

"If you are truly a person/s who really care about this crystal debate why pick on 1 night of the year or 1 month of the year

Because that is what MG time is for, getting messages across. Did you think it was just a party?

"if you include the Festival etc but why not get involved 24/7 and 365 days of the year. Have your message getting across all the time?"

I do, it's a full time activity - visit www.caama.net

I might be showing my age, but wouldn't one of the more memorable show be the one when kylie first performed at MG in '94. the roar of the crowd when she appeared was unbelievable and the vibe, omg, i am getting a bit of a flashback....

"I might be showing my age, but wouldn't one of the more memorable show be the one when kylie first performed at MG in '94. the roar of the crowd when she appeared was unbelievable and the vibe, omg, i am getting a bit of a flashback...."

The "experience" in the RHI in 1994 for Kylies show might have been unbelievable for you but I have a very different version of that night. I clearly remember the DJ who was playing in the RHI in the 60 or so minutes leading up to Kylie going on stage was playing the most amazing music but the room was so overcrowded with people simply standing on the dance floor (not dancing) and simply waiting there for Kylies show that his music was lost on the crowd, the majority who were all squished up in the RHI all with there backs turned to the DJ and all standing still facing the stage. How totally demoralising for the DJ I thought. This was also compounded by the fact that the show was very late going on stage and people started crowding into the RHI standing around waiting for a show that didnt go to stage on time. Sure Kylies performance was great but I forever cannot feel some sympathy for the DJ at the time. I think it was Tony Svella from Melbourne who was the DJ at the time.

My flashback from MG 1994.............

I wouldn't know, I totally missed the Kylie show (and damn, wasn't I pissed off!!!!).
I love my Kylie!

I was one of those squished down the front and couldnt dance as sardinesville.
Normally dont worry about shows but was finally worth it.

Oh no...not Kylie...please not Kylie....

exactly...love kylie...but enough is enough

Only been to a few Mardi Gras but I love Nikki French when she perfomed mainly because favourite song at the time and still is, Total Esclipe of the heart and she all sang another Celine Dion song I surrender, for any one that does Body Pump is a warm up song they use for there classes

Oh Memories

Kylie and Mardi Gras have become so cliched. Something new please....

No one has said Kylie is performing. People were recounting their favourite memories from past parties.

So did you get your first launch text today?

I reckon it's Slide!

And anyway, so cliche'd? I like what I like... and that includes both Mardi Gras and Kylie and I make absolutely no apologies for it.

Hahahahahaha always someone who gets sucked in

no disrespect, but you must be very thoughtful to feel for the poor dj rather than being caught up with the whole moment (unlike the other thousand or so people)

Maybe I'm just a thoughtful kinda guy who could see the sheer frustration on the face of the DJ who was playing at that time

Its Feb 2nd, which is the same date as the red carpet opening. Are the VIP, invited and rich people buying tickets at $90, and the poor people standing outside the MCA?

No, they are two very different events. Google "flash mobs" to see what you're in for.

New Mardi Gras will hold open auditions on Saturday 20th January 2007 for the New Mardi Gras Party 2007. We are looking for people to volunteer as performers in one main show at this year’s party.

There will be two identical audition sessions:
Session 1 – Registration opens at 10am and Auditions: 11am sharp
Session 2 – Registration opens at 1pm and Auditions: 2pm sharp
Both sessions will be held at Redfern Town Hall, 73 Pitt St, Redfern. The sessions are open to anyone and are a great way to meet new people and to get involved with the New Mardi Gras Party. Please wear comfortable clothing and don’t forget to warm up.

New Mardi Gras Party will be on Saturday 3rd March 2007
from 10pm and rehearsals will be conducted on site in the
RHI and Hordern Pavilion during the week prior to the party. It is imperative that you are able to attend rehearsals, especially technical rehearsals on Thurs 1st and Fri 2nd March. Final dress rehearsal will be held during the day of Saturday 3rd March. Weekday rehearsals will be conducted from 6.30pm. Further questions please contact Brad Wright, Party Producer on (02) 9568 8600 or via email brad@aztechevents.com.au

from Wikipedia

"In modern usage, flash mob describes a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, do something unusual for a brief period of time, and then quickly disperse. They are usually organized with the help of the Internet or other digital communications networks.

The term has also been applied to distributed mobs, who use similar means to coordinate sudden large scale simultaneous actions in multiple locations. An example of such an action is the widespread use of mobile phones in the 2005 civil unrest in France to coordinate widespread social disruption.

In 1800s Tasmania, the term "flash mob" was used to describe a subculture consisting of female prisoners, based on the term “flash language” for the jargon that these women used. The 1800s Australian term “flash mob” referred to a segment of society, not an event, and showed no other similarities to the modern term “flash mob” or the events it describes."

And here I was thinking that a "flash mob" meant the launch would be online using the animation program.

...or at least a mob of people getting together to witness Marcus flashing us all (if only!)

hope seymour is playing this song at mardi gras.

thats his style aint it?

:']

big kidding

I hear the fabulously talented Kyla will be performing at the Mardi Gras party!

You go girl!

From the Mardi Gras newsletter:
Join Caroline O'Connor, Paul Capsis, Katie Noonan, Aunty Mavis, Alex Lewis (Sweeney Todd), Phil Scott (Slide Festival Bar), Denise Hanlon (The Bitch Can Sing II), Jeremy Brennan (Slide Festival Bar), Michael Falzon and performers from 'Showgirls Live' and 'Dags & Divas' for an evening of canapés, bubbly and general deliciousness by the harbour!

Hosted by Bob Downe, get a sneak peek at the outstanding musical talent lined up for you in this years Mardi Gras Festival.

It's a night for dressing up; think glamorous; think...stretch limousines with tinted windows, feathers and diamonds...

Part of the evening's proceeds will benefit the Luncheon Club and PLWHA.

More info and bookings here: http://www.showbiz.com.au/find.aspx?url=TicketsChooseCity.aspx?en=Red+Carpet+Mardi+Gras+Festival+2007+Opening

There are only 50 Days to Mardi Gras

There are only 50 Days to Mardi Gras

There are only 50 Days to Mardi Gras

There are only 50 Days to Mardi Gras

There are only 50 Days to Mardi Gras

There are only 50 Days to Mardi Gras

There are only 50 Days to Mardi Gras

There are only 50 Days to Mardi Gras

There are only 50 Days to Mardi Gras

Countdownboy's enthusiasm is infectious, admirable, and one of those naive constants in this world which propagate faith and hope. Thank you.

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There are only 49 Days to Mardi Gras !! WOO HOO !!!

There are only 49 Days to Mardi Gras !! HOORAY !!!!

There are only 49 Days to Mardi Gras !! YAY !!!!

There are only 49 Days to Mardi Gras !! WOO HOO !!!

There are only 49 Days to Mardi Gras !! HOORAY !!!!

There are only 49 Days to Mardi Gras !! YAY !!!!

There are only 49 Days to Mardi Gras !! WOO HOO !!!

There are only 49 Days to Mardi Gras !! HOORAY !!!!

There are only 49 Days to Mardi Gras !! YAY !!!!

Keep it up countdown boy!

Becoz I cant decide Ill just have to go to both MGP n TB.

Pacing will be the name of the game.

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Seeing as though Mardi Gras have given up on Trance, trance lovers can get their fix at Toybox, Homesexual and a soon to be announced trance party on Mardi Gras night at Arq. I still can't understand why Mardi Gras are handing potential ticket buyers on a platter to its competitors?
.

Whilst I am not a rabid trance fan , I too would ask why NMG have chosen to for go on Trance ? If a party like
Toybox can attract 2,000 upwards 5,000 , then as you say why hand them over to other promoters ?

I like trance but I love being gay. I am so excited about the upcoming party. Theres heaps of options of trance on that weekend but I cant imagine missing the big night - Boy George - Paul Mac - The Presets - more more more. Well done crew. See you on the dance floor!

suprise 3am show in the RHI (a sunburnt country): Bindi Irwin & the Cock Men.

Why is it that trance fans are always so precious?

It's MUSIC, as long as you can dance to it, then I don't see what the big deal is.

I'm not the world's biggest trance fan, but I don't sit here writing "why can't toybox play house?" I just accept that that's the way it is.

MG this year will sell out, mark my words, and people will DANCE to MUSIC, be it pop-house-trance-electro-retro. It's all music.

So true, Boy George, Presets, Paul Mac and Freemasons will no doubt bring more people to the party than local trance DJ's. If Mardi Gras was to bring out an international trance DJ things might be differenct. Toybox that just past got around 3000 people. In the scheme of things thats not a lot of people considering mg will be around 16,000.

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 48 Days to Mardi Gras !!

Hmmmm. It has been interesting reading the posts about MG taking a stance on crystal meth etc. One has to admit that crystal has had a devsatating affect on the gay community and now it does seem that compared to a few years ago crystal isnt so 'cool'. Many of us have dabbled with ice, many of us have had problems with it. I for one was very close to getting hooked but for various reasons I stopped using it on a regular basis. Due to the nature of crystal and by that I mean it's addictiveness, I applaud any anti-crystal messages. From where I sit, MG is in a difficult position. Sure, be anti-ice, anti-G, but MG can never really take a real anti-drug stance as the parties would be obliterated without party drugs. Can you imagine a MG party with zero ecstacy? I certainly cannot.It's sad but it is true. I, for one, wouldn't think of going to a 12 hour dance party without a few pills in my pocket and I am sure that is the same for the majority of people who attend. MG is about celebration, equality and us being us. The parties are the major fundraisers so MG can do it's thing and without ecstacy it wouldn't be able to do it. The botton line is no ecstacy equals no Mardi Gras. A difficult position really as it is for all dance music venues with 'zero drug policies'. Even with $4 mini bottles of water and overpriced alcohol, without ecatacy, none of it would survive. I would be interested to see how MG would comment on that.

If it was all JUST music well why don't they just play classical. Hmmmm.

And I would think 4,000 or 6,000 people would be alot IF they decided to go to Toybox instead of Mardi Gras.

Having been to Toybox New Years Day they are clearly making their parties gayer then any other party around... and that includes Mardi Gras.

So Toybox it is. Yah to Trance!

Personally, I reckon the DJ line up and set times for the RHI in particular have the makings of a pretty good night!

Can't take the Monday off, so anything on Sunday is a no-go, and I can't stand the Lunar Park big-top thingy anyway . . . . I mean, really - 45 min queue for the bathroom? No thanks!

So the RHI at MG is looking like the GO for that weekend. Hope it goes off with a she-BANG!

I went to Mardi Gras last year after 3 years absence & I did have a great time but I think this year they lost the plot,An 80's hasbeen (Boy George),lycra revival & Bonds singlets, it all sounds sooo dated,a line-up 4 a retirement village, all that's missing is sing song round the piano.Hello Toybox!!!

There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 47 Days to Mardi Gras !!

Um, Freemasons = current. Paul Mac = Current. The Presets = current. All our local dj's = current.
Retirement village you say? Could you please give me the name so I can book myself in there in about 40 years? I'd LOVE to call that place home!
Bring on Mardi Gras! I am ridiculously excited and so is my girlfriend. I reckon this is the first line-up where they have been a little innovative! Electro - it's so right now! :D

Go to Toybox then.................

Your post is so funny. Boy George is about the only the
from the 80's and guess what darlin' ? he doesnt play music from the 80's and his DJ'ing is quite popular but the others are all current stars?/Dj's? etc.

The different theming is to attract a broader crowd !
Get it ?

Bonds singlets ! guys still look hot in them !
Get it ?

Last Mardi Gras and Sleaze PROVED that NMG could do and myself and all my friends considered them equal to other great MG/Sleaze events over the last 20 years !!!

Go to Toybox with its same music ( and I'm not knocking
Toybox here ).

Mardi Gras will be a feast sea ! of people with different Halls , different styles of music , different themes. While I enjoy some trance there is no way any other party promoter could get me away from that whole
feel that you get with such a huge crowd. Been doing them for over 20 years and every single time I walk into that forecourt area ( or when it was in the Govt Pavillion) .......... I get goosebumps. When I walk into my 2nd home the Hordern I orgasm ! ha not really but that Hall is amazing followed by usually the RHI if its really decked out with massive lighting rigs...........

boy george is playing all over the world as one of the well regarded djs. i first heard him DJ in 1997, thinking just as you did, but well, my head was on back to front then... until he corrected me with a superb set.

you'd be surprised what a boy who was one of the most influential musicians of the 80s can do with his new instrument. why doubt him? i bet you know all the words to his song... not a criticism, just a testament to his talent.

i hope you come along and experience the fun others will tell you that you missed out on otherwise

Best one ever! Thanks Mardi Gras. Seems like all the people I spoke to this weekend - at phoenix / baddog / kooky / manacle/ are all going to Mardi Gras. Lots of people! The enthusiasm is huge.
I think its sad that it has turned into Mardi Gras vs Luna Park. Mardi Gras is a cultural / community event. We have bigger enemies out there. Please save you Mardi Gras bashing energies - no one is forcing you to go. Have an early night - you better make sure you are "Eyes wide open - standing upright" on sunday at Luna park. (sounds like a aad for crystal meth to me!)
Have a great season!

Does anyone know how long it takes for the new mardi gras memberships to come through.

Retirement Village Line Up????

You must be a trance lover.

Cant wait for mardi gras party this year, fantastic selection of djs and performers, and apart from the upset trance lovers, everyone i have spoken to agrees that the line up is amazing. So im happy to go along for a sing song round the piano!!!!!!!

Hordon and the dome for me
See you there

How dare Mardi Gras not provide a piano bar at the party! I am outraged! Some of I my most memorable parties have taken place around the piano! The thought of all those wonderful evenings at The Albury just bring goose bumps!

Oh..what you mean the party isn't all about me? Well excuse me! The whole world revolves around me!

How can anyone else possibly have a good time to anything else but a sing song around the piano. They just don't know what they're talking about. Do things my way and you will have a good time. You only think you're having fun! Mark my words..........blah, blah, blah

Yep, Hordern and Dome for me as well Michelle.
See ya there.

I think that most of the comments regarding no trance at Mardi Gras Party are quite reasonable. I'm sure there are plenty of trance-lovers out there who would be quite happy to go to the party even if there was only one 3hr trance set over the entire night - not too much to ask, given that trance is a popular style and there are a whole SIX separate dance spaces available at the party! Besides, $130 is a lot to pay for a party where you may or may not enjoy the music styles on offer!

I guess New Mardi Gras have their reasons for not including trance in the music options available at this year's party. Maybe they feel that the party will appeal to a "broader" audience by including lots of DJs who specialise in playing more alternative and underground styles? Unfortunately, despite their good intentions, I think there will be a significant number of ticket sales lost to other "boutique" parties catering to trance fans on that same weekend. I don't think anyone needs to be reminded that this has happened before in the not too distant past...

And for those people who are implying that trance fans are being selfish and unreasonable by voicing their opinions on this board - I can't help but sense that some of you, deep down inside, are actually quite happy that there's going to be no trance at the party (as if, by attending the party, you were going to be forced to listen to it). God forbid if we trance fans returned the favour by actively campaiging against having a retro hall or handbag house.... :p (kidding)

Or maybe just someone who loves trance and wants a reason, any reason, to go to Mardi Gras instead of having to buy a ticket elsewhere...

Hey Trancy Boy, I don't think it's unreasonable at all for you guys to want just one dj to play trance. I really don't. Although I am excited (total understatement really) about this year's line-up, I do find it a little obscure that they didn't cater for the trance fans, however as I've said before on this board, I'd be quite certain that there will be bits of trance thrown in to different sets... your thoughts TB? Does this mean you're not going to Party? I say poo to that!

There are only 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are only 46 Days to Mardi Gras !!

Interstater here - any word on how quickly the tix to the party are selling? Difficult to keep up with the buzz down here!

Maybe thats is sideline NMG could take up to raise funds...have an eckky bar @ Mardi Gras. (hmmm its got a nice ring to it)

I know I'm in an unfashionable minority, but I happen to quite enjoy the odd Old Fashioned Piano Party

In any case, there *will* be a piano (and band) but no drunken singalongs at the Red Carpet event at the MCA - I think we'll leave the singing to Katie Noonan, Paul Capsis, Caroline O'Connor and company. I'm not sure if Phil Scott or Bob Downe do trance, but I guess you never know... http://www.showbiz.com.au/find.aspx?url=TicketsChooseCity.aspx?en=Red+Carpet+Mardi+Gras+Festival+2007+Opening

Of course, anyone desperate for an actual singalong will be going to Sing-a-longa Sound of Music at the State Theatre anyway... http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/artist/969762/?search_redirect=singalonga&tm_link=tm_header_search
...and the showqueens can get their fill of Kander & Ebb at Hats Off! http://www.showbiz.com.au/find.aspx?url=Results.aspx?en=hats+off

On a different topic, congratulations to iOTA and Showtune Productions - Hedwig & The Angry Inch won Best Musical and Best Performance in a Musical at last night's Sydney Theatre Awards. Make sure you book for the Mardi Gras season at the Tomm Mann theatre. NMG members save $5 per ticket
www.hedwig.com.au

Also to Judi Connelli, who won for best cabaret performance and will of course be starring as Mrs Lovett in Opera Australia's production of Sweeney Todd during the festival. http://www.showbiz.com.au/find.aspx?url=Results.aspx?en=sweeney+todd

Not an attack !

but did you or any of the other postings upset about no
Trance ring/contact/email NMG ?

Just been listening to the presets and Paul Mac on myspace. Such amazing sounds. And Freemasons have gone Top 20 in the UK this week. Congrats MG. This line up is genius. We get our tickets this week!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I love Mardi Gras .
If you you want to go to Toybox, Have fun and enjoy your night.
I respect your choice and let me enjoy my Party.
MANY MANY THANKS.

Love your post! Freemasons are also currently nominated for a Grammy award, have just remixed a new Kylie song and their new album is due for release by the end of the month.

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 45 Days to Mardi Gras !!

I Love Toybox
I love Toybox.
If you you want to go to Mardi Gras, Have fun and enjoy your night.
I respect your choice and let me enjoy my Party.
MANY MANY THANKS

same same.

Film Festival guide launch was last night. Watch for it on the streets.

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 44 Days to Mardi Gras !!

Strange ?

No responses so far from those posters groaning about no
Trance re did they contact NMG and what was the reply ?

And here i was thinking that "mardi gras" (note it's plural) was a month long festival ie.

THERE ARE 15!!! DAYS TO MARDI GRAS!!!

It's a countdown to the party you silly silly person.

I don't see you making a monumental effort to boost moral on this board in the way countdown boy does ... sheesh !

they probably dont need to reply as the part is set i stone this year and they dont want to start a firey debate on this wall!

but its OK to get on here and bitch/moan ? if they can get on here and post I think its appropriate to at least email NMG.

What you seem to forget unfortunately before you posted was ....... even though it is set in stone , future parties are not ! so if NMG get a lot of letters/emails/
phone calls moaning about being no Trance ..............
guess what ? future parties just may get it.

Agree ? or another fiery comment !

The countdown to the end of the Mardi Gras Festival (the Party) should be on the party wall. The countdown to the Festival should be on this wall.

Oh bah humbug! It's all Mardi Gras related! Leave Countdown Boy alone, he's lovely!
Speaking of the festival, who's going to what then huh? I'm going loads of things! Yay for gay Christmas! :D

"No responses so far from those posters groaning about no
Trance re did they contact NMG and what was the reply ?"

What on earth would Mardi Gras reply with... me thinks "no there will be no trance at Mardi Gras so go to Arq or Toybox instead!"

Hard to know where to start really... 10 Days On Earth... David Hoyle... Hats Off to Kander & Ebb... Rupert Everett... Hedwig (again!)... Boston Marriage... tickets to Holding The Man are so scarce I might let someone else have that experience this time... Vampire Lesbians of Sodom... The Great Debate... Sweeney Todd... Ross Watson exhibition... Fair Day... Singalonga Sound of Music... probably heaps more, but I haven't got my mind around planning my diary yet... Definitely starting with Flash Mob launch and Red Carpet @ MCA though

I don't make a "monumental" effort because every year it's the same story. This turns into a "mardi gras party wall" and doesn't have much to dowith the festival. as predicted at the top of this wall.

why fight the mindless majority when you know it's a hopeless battle and they won't appreciate your efforts anyway?

Yeah but contacting NMG will at least let them know that there are enough ( or not enough ) Trance lovers so it may figure in future parties. Much as I love Pinkboard
NMG are not gonna take notice of some moaning posts.

Oh and I am happy to dance to trance but can happily cope with what is playing but respect others choices. I've contacted NMG in the past with a complaint and found them very attentive.

I wish they had bought back the singalonga Abba again instead of Sound Of Music. I may be wrong but wasn't it out here not long back?

We are also trying to work out our diary. We had to wait for the Queer Screen guide so we could make sure the bf didn't miss out on too much. So far there are not many nights free, but that may depend on the money. For us there is Perverse Verse, Scissor Sisters, Copacabugger, Club Arak, MG Short Story Comp, Hedwig, Queer Screen launch, Shauna, Fair Day, SOS, Brett, Bush Dance (bf will see a movie that night), Azure, Parade, Party and then home to bed. There are a number of others we might see too!

i know this question has been asked several times, but when and where will the Pool party ticket be sold. there is no information in the mg or ticketek website ??

Having a set of trance from 1pm in the Hordern doesn't seem unreasoanble since that's when most of us are off our faces and most receptive to those dreamy, spiralling riffs. That's what trance is all about surely! It's hard to imagine anyone wanting to listen to it when DTE. And I speak as one who likes it (at 1am when OMF). A few will disagree I know - but not many. And could MG Party survive without E and speed? Not for a minute! Think gin and tonic, tomato and basil, pizza and shaved truffle. These combinations endure. They're delicious when used in moderation.

hellooo kittens. yep, we'll be jetting in for mg again. i've lost count how many years in a row i've been doing this! YEEHAA. can't wait. me and the new girlfriend, she's a saffa and never been to oz before, just waiting on her tourist visa to be approved :-/ hey mardi gras party lineup looks lovely to me. going to toybox too and hell if we've got the energy reckon it'll be homesexual. and really looking forward to seeing all the grrls at tongue twister too..finally a decent girls party, yer know there ain't nothing here in this lil city worth writing
home about in that respect. watch out for the züri boys and girls..we're on our way! xx

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

There are 43 Days to the Mardi Gras Party !!!

Thank you Countdown Boy. That's much better (better to be specific don't you think?)

It's so funny. I organise my schedule around the Film Festival as well. So glad it's out know and I can plan my Festival February at last!!

Yes I would like to know, as the pool party if it's on as it is now only a month away. It's been a great party ithe past and I would like to take some overseas guests which I would like to plan for. Is there a problem here?

Check it the mardi gras web site... Pool Party tickets are now on sale... i hear that Jayson Forbes and Shigeki are DJ'ing with Shelley Legs Diamond in charge of the shows... sounds like a good night out!

"Strange ?

No responses so far from those posters groaning about no
Trance re did they contact NMG and what was the reply ?"

Strangely enough, *lol*, I doubt NMG will be changing the DJ line-up for this year's party even if 100 people call up saying that the would have liked a trance DJ playing at the party. As you have suggested, I will send NMG an email to tell them that the main reason I didn't buy a ticket to the party was because there was no trance DJ included in the line-up. Maybe then, next time, they will include a trance DJ or a trance hall. Until then, I think I'll be using my hard earned money to go to Toybox instead....

Have two friends coming out from San Fran who are excited as hell about the party. They introduced me to one of the bands playing - just checked The Presets website - they rocked Folsom Street Fair late last year and we're getting them live!
Go Mardi Gras - Im sure this party is going to sell out. Poor "trance lover" boycotting such an amazing night - especially when there will be trance played. So do you only hang out with people who listen to trance? Mardi Gras is bigger than a passe style of music! Much bigger than you! I think you'll read your post in 6 months and realize just how selfish your attitude is. We forgive you. x

Hey Trance boy I hear ARQ are doing Trance on Mardi Gras party night - could be the place to go to warm up for Toybox.

See ya at both.....

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 42 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

Never said they will/may change the current DJ's. Pretty sure they wouldnt Trance Boy.
My post suggested you contact NMG.

Go back a few posts and see how Retro campaigned for their space and eventually got and its successful !

I am a Trance lover ( more so hard trance ) but I will be more than happy with the Hordern and Dome. I think you will be disappointed when you find out from friends that the Hordern had trancey sessions throughout. Do you know the styles of all those DJ's ? maybe try something new ? hope you were not expecting only names you know and then when not playing decided to boycott ?

If Trance is as popular as you say and others say about the top DJ's around the world then your campaign may just prove fruitful for the next party if they get enough responses.

There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!

There are 41 Days to Mardi Gras !!

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Trance lovers who are annoyed with the decision not to have a single trance DJ at Mardi Gras should voice their opinion directly to Marcus (Board Chair) and Anna (General Manager) at Mardi Gras.

The easiest way is to go to the Mardi Gras website and fill out the "contact us" form at http://www.mardigras.org.au/contact.cfm?nav=About%20Us&sub=contact

The retro people did this some years back and got a space so get your arses into gear!
-

When is the MG openning launch? Is is on this year? Where?

There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007


There are only 40 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There you go Trance Boy and all other trance lovers.

Get your finger out and do something.

Then let us know what the response was.

And should you decide not to do it, then please no bleating on this wall.

Spoke too soon huh?

Hey all,
I got my tickets yesterday for MG and noticed on there no passouts on the ticket, so is MG doing the same as toybox and not issuing passouts, I know from previous years it is normally not until about 3am,

JAZZ AT MARDI GRAS
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Jazz lovers who are annoyed with the decision not to have a single jazz DJ at Mardi Gras should voice their opinion directly to Marcus (Board Chair) and Anna (General Manager) at Mardi Gras.

The easiest way is to go to the Mardi Gras website and fill out the "contact us" form at http://www.mardigras.org.au/contact.cfm?nav=About%20Us?=contact

The retro people did this some years back and got a space so get your arses into gear!

Go for it Jazz Gal but I dont know a single friend /
acquaintance that has ever wanted jazz.............

"When is the MG openning launch? Is is on this year? Where?"
i would like to know that too and also if there is going to be a trance dj performing at the launch?

Oh my God, I'm dying laughing! A jazz dj at Mardi Gras and a trance dj at Launch. It's priceless! Such a classic... how about a VJ at The Great Debate? Yep, I'd love to see a fusion trance/jazz VJ at TGD! ROFL ROFL ROFL.

There are no pass outs at any events now at The Hordern and associated venues. Its been like this for about a year now.

Bingo at Mardi Gras
BINGO AT MARDI GRAS
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Bingo players who are annoyed with the decision not to have a single Bingo Hall at Mardi Gras should voice their opinion directly to Marcus (Board Chair) and Anna (General Manager) at Mardi Gras.

The easiest way is to go to the Mardi Gras website and fill out the "contact us" form at http://www.mardigras.org.au/contact.cfm?nav=About%20Us?=contact

The retro people did this some years back and got a space so get your arses into gear!

want to know which worldwide superstar(s) are appearing at the Mardi gras Launch???

www.guidetogay.com has the worldwide exclusive!

check out the news release in the news section "The View"

now i am excited about MGLaunch!!!!

Indoor Lawn Bowls at Mardi Gras
Indoor Lawn Bowls AT MARDI GRAS
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Australian Gay Lawn Bowlers who are annoyed with the decision not to have a single lane made available for indoor lawn bowling at Mardi Gras should voice their opinion directly to Marcus (Board Chair) and Anna (General Manager) at Mardi Gras.

The easiest way is to go to the Mardi Gras website and fill out the "contact us" form at http://www.mardigras.org.au/contact.cfm?nav=About%20Us?=contact

The retro people did this some years back and got a space so get your arses into gear!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 39 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

Now you're becoming boring.

Nothing wrong if people want a particular type of music played.

Just ask the Retro people.

But then again negative nanna's do give us a laugh

THE FREEMASONS
http://extreme.colonelblimp.com/directors/sarahchatfield/movies/SC_freemasons_rain_L.mov

Anyone wondering if the Freemasons are appropriate for the party check the gayest clip of 2007. "Rain down Love" features vocals by Siedah Garret (who sang with Michael Jackson and the Brand New Heavies at various points of her career).

A brief bit of history…

Infamously named after a Brighton pub close to the pair's studio, the Freemasons, aka Russell Small and James Wiltshire, have incredibly only been working together in this guise for 2 years.

As one half of Phats and Small, Russell sold over 2.5 million singles worldwide, including the Number 2 UK hit "Turn Around", which stayed in the charts for sixteen weeks and became a worldwide hit, selling two million copies internationally. Three more Top 20 hits followed with "Feel Good," "Tonite" and "This Time Around."

Singers and Producers. The duo's first single as the Freemasons - "Love On My Mind" immediately demonstrated just how powerful this pairing was going to be and was hooky enough to strut straight off the dancefloor into the charts and the long-term memory of clubbers everywhere. Unlike most producers, follow up material was instantly forthcoming and their second single "Watchin" leapt from the top of the Buzz chart onto national radio, to secure them a second UK Top 20 hit. But productions are only part of the story.

Ever since they started, the Freemasons have turned down more remixes than they have taken on. This selective approach to their work has always paid off, securing them a respect from DJs, producers and 'the industry' alike. If you want names dropped, we're talking Faith Evans, Fatboy Slim, Angie Stone, Jamiroquai, Blaze Feat. Barbara Tucker and many more. Most recently the Brighton-based pair have begun working with RnB superstar Beyonce and there are even rumours that a certain antipodean pop starlet is loving the pair's work, so watch this space.

"Shakedown" the debut album for the Freemasons was released on Loaded Records on January 1st 2007.

The Freemasons play in the RHI at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2007 . Alongside Paul Goodyear, Dan Murphy,

Classical & Ballroom Music at Mardi Gras
Classical & Ballroom Music AT MARDI GRAS
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Any members of the Gay Classical Music and Ballroom dancers association who are annoyed with the decision not to have any classical music and ballroom dancing at Mardi Gras should voice their opinion directly to Marcus (Board Chair) and Anna (General Manager) at Mardi Gras.

We havent had a classical ballroom dance at Mardi Gras since 1983 when we all did the Blue Danube (thank you DJ Bill Morley)

The easiest way is to go to the Mardi Gras website and fill out the "contact us" form at http://www.mardigras.org.au/contact.cfm?nav=About%20Us?=contact

The retro people did this some years back and got a space so get your arses into gear!

now when you hpefolly calmed down - read on...

..."rain down love" must be most boring song they have ever written. freemasons production sounds exactly the same. doesnt matter what song you are listening to - they all the same. they are popular because they sell. quality is questionable.
pay them enough money and they will write a song for you too - the package will include freemasons club mix + freemasons dub mix, freemasons instrumental, freemasons radio cut. hopefully you will be performing at MG 2008 with your freemasonsn1 uber-hit.

ps: hopefully they will do their own thing and wont be told what to play as they were at arq.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

im annoyed that billy idol & kim wilde arent performing and what about debbie's on the harry

Interesting comment re re Freemasons at ARQ. Neither David or I told them what to play at ARQ. The boys played what they wanted to play and enjoyed doing. They played an "electro" set at Tank right before and didn't like it at all - but that's the Tank people wanted, when they did play a few of their big popular tracks at Tank the room went wild so they decided to do the same at ARQ.

Please get your facts right before posting about something that you were not a part off.

Hear Here! Freemasons are the top of their game.

Go the classic pinkboard anonymous toxic hater ".. worst song..... pay them enough money and they will write a song for you too... " Really why insult artists that are travelling across the continent to play for us? Your post is simply abusive. If you are going to criticize, at least make your contibution constructive, or at least truthful.

Contratulations to Mardi Gras for booking the best commercial remixers on the planet. The R.H.I will be amazing.

Peace!

moved to Sat 3rd Feb ...

When you feel like going for a ride.

'Who is watching'
Oliver Moldan mix

youll start touching yourself or maybe even someone else.

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Just noticed that Boy George is headlining at a party called "Summer Love" at the Forum (Fox Studios) on Sunday afternoon after Mardi Gras... whats with that? Obviously no exclusive deal signed with Mardi Gras! Summer Love is only $49.
-

..... Is playing in the Horden at Mardi Gras. He is a living legend. He's playing a smaller party at a smaller price to ofset the costs of his tour. This makes his fee a reality for Mardi Gras. Thank goodness for sideshows:

Peaches / Hot Chip / Muse / Tool / are all doing side shows from the Big Day Out this week. Smaller price , smaller venues. It's the way tours happen to Australia. Hope this clears up your confusion.

Arent we lucky that this party is shaping up to be the best ever!

Yay for Mardi Gras party and yay for Boy George and (especially) yay for The Freemasons! They're not boring and their songs don't all sound the same and you know what, if they did, well, I love them so who cares?!!? I'm too excited for words. Party's so gonna rock! Oh and don't worry trance fans, I'm sure Toy Box will be good too!
PS For the record, I love the Toy Box parties so calm down before you go attacking me!

BDO have not banned anything. Read their website. They wanted to stop the incredibly destructive possibility that some disrespectful 'so called' Australian may do something to a flag that would end up on the primetime news. I hope the whole of Mardi Gras is full of MY, and YOUR, flag. Whether we agree with the Union Jack in the corner or not, until we democratically change it, it's ours - live with it or get proactive and actually make a difference and get us a republican flag that represents all modern day elements of OZ society, including Gay etc etc etc etc etc (sorry, forgot all the letters in the PC order).

Exclusive deal = mega $'s

by allowing Boy George to DJ at other parties it wont be as expensive and its not competing with MG night.

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are only 38 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

Who made the finals of the Up & comers this year?

countdown boy, you're getting me all wound up (in a good way)!
Bring it on!

Well, I've bought the Freemasons' album, Shakedown and it's absolutely superb! Can't wait for the RHI! House, house and a bit more house! Yippeeeee!!! :D

Just checked out the 28 forecast on the SMH web site day and Fair Day is set to be fine and sunny (as long as Fred Nile does not curse us and ruin my fave day of the year!).

I heard a rumour about an 'official' after party at The Bank Hotel, does any one know if it is true ? (hoping for another fab night like Fag Tag a few weeks ago)

Yeah, would be cool to have a Ballroom dancing event at next years festival

Just listened to Paul Goodyear's remixes in myspace.com...... Fantastic! Can't wait now to hear them (hopefully) on the big speakers in the RHI, surrounded by the most gorgeous bois and girls in the planet! Bring it on!

i see darling little necklaces of ice volvos, i see scrummy plates of lammingtons worn daringly as hats, i see flannel hats trimmed with the latest corks, i see...oh you get the drift

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are 37 Days to Mardi Gras 2007

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

There are just 36 Days to Mardi Gras

Countdownboy owns 537 fonts and 63 colours! And he's only 23!

he owns 63 colours? whats wrong with my eyes....

If I'm 23 then what the hell was I doing at the 1994 Mardi Gras party ? :[

Looking for a sugar daddy?

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are only 35 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

That must be a first! Someone writing to the papers to complain that there is no men's space before the debate erupts on here. Will we get away without the debate at all this year?

Hahahahahahahahahahahaahahaha

Here we go again.....

is it just me or is it almost the same djs at every mardi gras party nowadays?..i know a very talented gay and local dj who, whenever he plays, has the skill and experience to know what people want to hear and dance to and who has been playing in sydney consistently for the past 7 years. but it seems is always, for whatever reason, overlooked.Is it, again, a case of 'its not what you know its who you know'?

yaaawn,
welcome to the real world. obviously another one without the right connections...

ps: sad but yes - thats how it works

Perhaps you can let us know who this DJ is, where he plays, what he plays. I think MG have done a great job this year. From what I can remember the following people have either not played or havent played for some time:

Scott Pullen
Renae Stanton
Jimmy Dee
Mark Murphy
Ben Dreyton
Gemma
John Seymour
Alexandra
Beaker
Beatrix

Then there are the internationals and big aussie talent:

Freemasons
Paul Mac
Boy George
Presets

To me it sounds like we have a disgruntled DJ? Hard to say when we dont know who we are talking about.

i would really have liked to have seen both DJ Chip and DJ Rado playing at MG 07

i do hope Rado is top of the list for Sleaze 2007, otherwise NMG will miss out on their last chance to showcase one of sydney best djs before he goes back to europe

and well chip??? do i need to explain? he is a sydney gay dj LEGEND!!! one of the hardest working djs, who makes all his rooms work betyter than most.

Hhmmm haven't we been here before about a million times?
I dunno, maybe I'm blind-sighted because I'm too excited about the line up this year... could be... Anyhoo...
Just for the record, being a lesbian, I feel it is a little ridiculous to have a women's space and not a men's space or even to have a women's space at all. I mean, it's Mardi Gras! Isn't this the perfect party to mingle as one? I reckon... but to be perfectly honest, I'm always a little bored by the women's spaces. They just don't know how to party like the boys do! :D

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There are 34 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !

There was an interesting post on party wall 49 regarding the list of DJ's who get selected at almost every party since NMG changed the selection policy to what apears to be "friends only".

As for the person who complained about Chip missing out on MG07, it should be noted this is the first time he hasn't been selected since this new "buddy" system was put in place.

I've been tagged by pinkboard as the resident nay sayer for highlighting these issues so now I (usually) refrain from commenting on any aspect of NMG.

However one incident from this years up & comers was interesting. I spoke with a young DJ who entered the spin off and he happened to mention his entry to someone in the "circle of friends". This certain someone told this DJ he could bypass the process by having a word with someone and this mysterious person would make sure he got to the final stage.

Thankfully this DJ showed some sense of fair play and wanted to be selected on his merits, so he didn't take up that offer and guess what? He didn't make the final cut. This story becomes even more interesting when the rejection letter came from the person he had been told to approach.

What (if anything) actually happens in the women's space? Whenever I've poked my nose in, they looked pretty empty. Boys' spaces on the other hand....

I suggest you write formally to either Anna, Marcus or Brad via the NMG website. Perhaps then you can come back here with their response instead of just posting comments with no evidence what so ever.

Geez some people like to stir.

yeah, some people do like to stir....on the other hand i can easily immagine someone experiencing what is written there.
ps: i find this up & comming one big bull. djs playing for mg should be people who proved themselves already, working weekend after weekend. doing other parties and mg should be the top of the cake. so get your arse out there and work it hon (possibly not with "one night only" kinda music)

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 33 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

"no evidence what so ever"

What evidence would you like to get? If I named names then all sorts of legal issues come into play, as it is my original post was edited by pinkboard, I assume for exactly this reason (thanks gus ). Plus the DJ who told me this would never work again in this city.

I have no agenda with NMG, but IF something like this is going on then it should be exposed.

If anyone should be complaining to NMG, it's the DJ himself but as per my first point, it would be professional suicide to register a complaint against anyone in the inner circle.

Love ya JGirl.....................

as you say its Mardi Gras and we are all celebrating together. One group gets its own space , then another will want there and then another and so on.

We can go to boy or girl only bars/parties anytime during the year but for this one night we celebrate together. My lesbian friends dont like the womens only space either as they like to be out on the dance floor under those fantastic lighting rigs etc.

Just busting for it.

I'm playing at Mardi Gras! I dont have any mates on the Party Group. Your post is insulting to all dj's selected.
The party needed new blood - the energy on ther street is the strongest ever for this years party.
"Issues that should be brought to the public's attention?" This event is bigger than all of us. Bigger than a dance genre from 2002. Get over it!
Bring it on!

I dont often write on this board but Thanks for the loyal support to the above for mentioning me (and rado) as "missing dj's" at mardi gras. I have played that party quite a few times and love doing it as much as anyone...
but only so many dj's & entertainment can be squeezed into one night and this MG i didnt get chosen

...and that is so fine...

and funny enough brad and marcus are my friends or as one put it , buddies... and will remain that way no matter if i never got asked to do it again...

the dj's and such are picked for many different reasons not because they are best friends..

this year i think ill just go and have some hands on fun ... see youz on the dancefloor

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

There are 32 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !!

>Yeah, would be cool to have a Ballroom dancing event at next years festival

Actually - there is one in this year's festival (and in last year's as well)!
Same Sex Ballroom Dance Spectacular:
http://www.mardigras.org.au/calendar_detail.cfm?id=134

Does anyone yet know where this "flash mob" festival launch will be happening?

Many people (how can't afford to subscribe to mobile alerts) would greatly appreciate it if time/date/location details were posted on here as soon as it was announced/discovered.

thank you

JGirl, you're spot on. Women's space always more boring than the "general population" party. I think we should all be in this thing together!

The clues are posted on the Mardi Gras website.

http://www.mardigras.org.au/internal.cfm?sub=Launch&nav=Mardi%20Gras%2007

The latest clue:
Sorry 4 the kafuffle Bubbles but due to unforseen circs we must move Flash Mob Launch to the AFTERNOON of SAT 3rd FEB. If u r a gay u want to be there!

BTW, it's free to receive the messages - the only cost is one standard text message (no premium charges!) to subscribe - and one more if you want to unsubscribe.

It only costs you 1 sms to register, the one's you receive from NMG regarding the flash mob launch are free..it's not a premium SMS service.
It's on Sat arvo but that's all the clue's there are. Stay logged on to pinkboard on Saturday and you might find out if someone puts it on here before they run off to the launch

What CRAP!!! Why have they changed the date from a friday night to a saturday afternoon????

And why was the notice so late??????

I have supported New Mardi Gras through thick and thin, and always defended them when critics bagged them, but SORRY New Mardi Gras - YOU"VE JUST LOST ME.

People have lives and schedule themselves around events - and then you just up and change the date of an event I haven't missed in 15 years just like that at such short notice????

Thanks for nothing!!!!!!!

So, I was taken to the party at ARC as a guest in 2001. Had the BEST time. Totally cheeky, but how do two gorgeous and fun American guys get invited this time around for the party at SLIDE? This is my best buddy's first time to Sydney and Mardi Gras, so thought I'd put this out there...nothing ventured, nothing gained...thanks boys and girls!

J

I subscribed to the sms alerts about two weeks ago, but have recieved nothing. Is there some sort of verification that you're meant to get? I tried again, double checking that I got the number right, but still nothing.
I'd like to attend the launch if poss.

If I was a DJ and I wasn't working, I think I would like to stay at home, watch a DVD and go to bed early....

As a DJ, when I'm not working I love to go out and dance for a change. It's not often we DJ's get the chance to hear our colleagues and friends play, and to dance to them like a regular club goer.

do you often see a dj dance? no... why? because we are working!!! next time you see a dj dance, don't ask her or him anything... they're dancing for once!!!

can't wait for sunrise and sista p at mardi gras forecourt!!!

BRAD WRIGHT CAN YOU HELP PLEASE ?

I'm a fan of some of the DJ's playing at MG and would like to know what times they are playing so I can make sure i dont miss them. Particularly interested in what time Alex taylor is playing the forecourt area as well as david hiscock in the retro space.

BRAD (or someone else) .... Can you please assist ?

The SMH contains an article today about 'Pink Sofa' (a lesbian version of Gaydar) not being allowed to have a float in the parade this year. Last week there was a similar article in SX about 'Sex Pigs' (another version of Gaydar) not being allowed at Fair Day.

Both groups went to the media claiming that they are 'community organisations' which have been treated unfairly and that the sponsorship deal between Mardi Gras and Gaydar is damaging to the future of Mardi Gras.

Guess what, a year ago Mardi Gras was looking down the barrel of bankruptcy again, it is only because of the millions of dollars worth of sponsorship from Gaydar that means Mardi Gras will happen this year.

We all want Fair Day and the Mardi Gras Parade to be fabulous and FREE, but to run free events which cost half a million dollars to stage requires sponsorship; this is a fact of life for all large free events across the gay and straight community.

If Pink Sofa/Sex Pigs etc really want to support Mardi Gras they need to get out their cheque books, not write letters to the media. Why are they so desperate to be at the Parade and Fair Day? I think it is more to do with dollars and cents than ‘supporting our community’.

Keep an eye out on the mardi Gras website. I'm told the DJ times will be posted there soon.

Ummmmmmmm
I'm sorry but NMG has lost you because of one change ?
do you know the reason for the change ?

But to wipe NMG cause of this is just so laughable it defies ................ cant think of words to use its
so stupid.

As for Pink Sofa etc.......... at first when reading this I thought its a community event so there can be no banning of anyone ( unless it incites hatred/trouble ) etc but can also see the point that if these other companies are community groups as well then cough up a
few $'s and dont expect a free ride !

There were rumours again in last Sundays papers that Matt Lucas from Little Britain is on the guest list for this Saturdays Flash Mob Launch. He is performing in Melbourne on Friday night so perhaps thats why the launch was moved to Saturday? Anyway I think we're in for some fun as long as people understand what flash mobs are all about. If you don't I suggest you google "flash mob" and find out.

http://www.thepresets.com

from the Folsom Street Fair (legendary gay leather fest in San Fran) website, where The Presets totally rocked it....

“Drifting through twisting drum patterns and rolling, atmospheric blips, Beams paints a broad brush stroke, where simple deliveries meet sleazy electro and floor-stompers.” - Rolling Stone Australia


"This could be the year for the Aussies. Driving out some of 2006’s most anticipated releases, from Sia to Wolfmother to The Grates, the sound from down under is making its way stateside. Leading the invasion is Sydney's premiere label, Modular Records, whose electronic darlings, The Presets, will be releasing their debut this spring. With enough range that they'll appeal to fans of class acts like Nine Inch Nails, The Faint, Soft Cell, and Daft Punk, The Presets’ sound is equal parts invention and dance-floor friendliness while retaining a special flavor of their own. The Presets have a proclivity for surreal imagery and outlandish drama. You just wait and see.

The Presets are Julian Hamilton (production/vocals/keyboards) and Kimberley Moyes (production/drums/programming). Trained artists in every regard, the pair met studying theory and music performance at Sydney’s esteemed Conservatorium of Music. In a sea of squares, the two stood out like jet black ink blots on a page. Music composition by day, dancing to the Pet Shop Boys, New Order and Acid House by night, they were perfectly primed to create a seamless combination of high and low culture to create a genre all their own. Beams was the answer.

Beams is twelve tracks ranging from cinematic instrumentals to spiky electronic pop to heavy rock. The duo defy categorization in their recorded work, exceeding expectation above and beyond in their sweat-drenched live shows, and release videos and artwork as beautiful as they are twisted. The songs range from “Girl and the Sea” which boasts pristine melancholic vocals laid on top of shimmering synths to “Are You The One” which Julian claims is “English Soccer Hoodlum meets Brazilian House Music”. “Down Down Down” is a fist pumping anthem that sounds like a futuristic machine war. The Presets raise the bar with the title track, “Beams”, tactically positioned as the last song on the record. It is a testimony to their musical gifts; a beautiful classical music composition that is cinematic and smart. Intrigued?

A cursory glance at the cover art for Beams suggests a super-staged and unreal world, unparalleled since the cocaine castle fantasies of Fleetwood Mac sleeves from the late 70’s. Not to suggest that The Presets are anything other than modern. Ladies and Gentleman, without further ado, the futuristic beast that is Beams! "

These fellas played their first ever gigs at Club Kooky and Bad Dog. They wrote the opening track "Steamworks" especially for dj Seymour Butz' Sauna Sessions compilation.

After witnessing The Presets headline the Boiler Room - 12,000 happy punters singing along - with the shout out "Love Fags, not flags" gaining an deafening cheer. These boys are going to bring something amazing to our party.

clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0VD5ymiG3g (down, down, down)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opQMK05ZWec (are you the one?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuvXn0IXtkg (girl and the sea)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqtpIxDT0EM (steamworks)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J4JiqImjIY (summer of love)


This is shaping up to be the best Mardi Gras evah! Bring it on.... See you there. Sorry haters - there won't be any room for you! It's our party!

There are 31 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 31 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 31 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 31 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 31 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 31 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 31 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 31 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 31 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 31 Days to Mardi Gras !

Hi there, if you email me on marcus.bourget@mardigras.org.au I will make sure you receive all the info for the Flashmob. I'm not sure why are you aren't receiving SMS's as its seems to be working otherwise
Marcus

Details just arrived!

You know... when someone can tell me where and when the launch is on without having to send an sms or any other form of extraction, maybe I'll go. Haven't been told by anyone else, two days to go.

Release the details publicly or suffer, as is obviously happening with the now cheaper Red Crapet event, with lower than expected 'crowds'.

I'm a founding member for God's sake - tell me what is happening. Play games with non-members, not with your loyal supporters.

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

There are now only 30 Days to Mardi Gras 2007 !! Hip Hooray !!

Totally agree. If Mardi Gras was censoring someone's political views or telling individuals they couldn't march that would be one thing, but this is a case of a profit-oriented website crying foul because they're locked out by a sponsorship. So what! Pink sofa are just making themselves look stupid.

And as for Sex Pigs? If they think they have a right to a stall next to Kidzone on a Sunday afternoon in the park then maybe they need to get their heads out from up each other's arses for a minute and smell the coffee.

i would rather have sexpîgs than kidzone at fair day... sorry for being gay and hence not reproductive.

Me too, Sexpigs sounds far more entetaining than Kidzone.

Lets start an alternative Fair Day... I would be up for a Men Only, Clothing Optional Event with lots of sex spaces and 'try before you buy' adult product stalls. Sydney Park could be an ideal loacation.

Maybe we could get Sexpigs to open their wallets and sponsor the 'dusk til dawn' event.

I will leave it to you to get it past Sydney Council...

I actually really like sexy pigs. They make the best bacon and eggs rolls.

Two suggestions here:

The Chinese New Year actually starts about the time of Fair Day, and we are entering the year of the Pig. Maybe SexPigs could masquerade as a Chinese New Year stall.

It is common to have places where people under the age of 18 are not permitted: pubs, adult shops, adult internet sites, etc. Maybe Fair Day could have a sealed adults only section where stalls with sell adult materials. Sex is an important part of sexuality, so taking the sex out of Fair Day it hiding that important part of our sexuality.

A pig tent with an 'R' rating perhaps.....or maybe should make that an 'X'

"You know... when someone can tell me where and when the launch is on without having to send an sms or any other form of extraction, maybe I'll go. Haven't been told by anyone else, two days to go.

Release the details publicly or suffer, as is obviously happening with the now cheaper Red Crapet event, with lower than expected 'crowds'.

I'm a founding member for God's sake - tell me what is happening. Play games with non-members, not with your loyal supporters."

Not much more can be said except that people don't like change! It's an innovative, new idea to get people excited about Launch which probably hasn't happened for some time! If it's too hard for you to block out a few hours in your calendar for Launch on a Sat afternoon then who's to say you could have made it even if you knew the exact details! Sheeesh!

<sarcasm>
Maybe 'Pink Sofa' could provide the Dykes on Bykes with logo'd bikini tops and pay all the operating costs of the Women's Only Space at the party if they're that community minded?
</sarcasm>

Ambush marketing is supposedly such a serious issue in other markets such as sport that it's requiring the intervention by State Governments to stop it. Why shouldn't Mardi Gras and their sponsors try to protect their investment?

I'm a founding member too. When I got the guide (picked one up before the mailed one arrived) I immediately sent off the SMS to be part of the Flash Mob. I have now received about 4 SMSs about it.

Part of the excitement of a flash mob is not knowing exactly what is it about. If you want certainty go to the red carpet launch event.

I would like nothing better than to be jammed in to a small space with a few hundred hot sexy men, but... the day that Sydney Council licences that in a public park will be the day that (sex)pigs fly!.

I have been going to Fair Day for 13 years and I don't belive there has ever been adult products or a sex space before. Not quite sure why not having them again is a news story this year?

If anyone knows of a good old fashioned outdoor orgy please post the details here

and if you'd registered you would know by now when and where it is on....the details were sent today

I just got the latest SMS from Mardi Gras:
'Flash Mob Launch Sat 3 Feb, Circular Quay locations, keep yourself free from 3.45pm & make sure u are ready 2 show Sydney Mardi Gras is kicking off!'

I'm passing this on for those people who don't have a mobile phone... although... um... well the thing is, the 'Flash Mob' concept kind of does require that you or a friend have a mobile phone; otherwise it really just becomes a mob.

Well this flash mob thing has me so not interested I wont be attending the launch this years after so many years of supporting it.

I really enjoy the steps of the Opera House or Hyde Park
and could organise a group of friends for the traditional Friday night.

But a Sat arvo and not really knowing is not us.

Enjoy everyone.

"I'm sorry but NMG has lost you because of one change ?"

That's like describing moving New Year's to another date because it's more convenient. It's been on Friday night since Adam was a boy - and if they'd said it was on a Friday afternoon in the Festival Guide I wouldn't be upset. But they kept it secret - and then they deviated from tradition. You might not think that the Launch is an important part of Mardi Gras, as important as the parade even, but I, and plenty of others like me DO consider it important.


"do you know the reason for the change ?"

No i don't know the reason for the change - but then again New Mardi Gras hasn't bothered telling people what the reason was - they've just issued another "apology" for getting things wrong. How many times can we accept apologies for stuffing things up?

Think of it as the straw that broke the camel's back, because I remember a whole lot of debacles that they've been involved in that I supported them and defended them through.

I was dressed as Cleopatra and dancing in the middle of the Hordern when, to my utter amazement, She Appeared. I was completely surprised, thrilled and overwhelmed. My most favorite Mardi Gras Moment EVER!

Minimize the viewer for better resolution. The sound is pretty good, though!

Enjoy!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fubUJfTR7nA

James in San Francisco

Does anyone know if Khunying Sanitree Na Pakin is coming to MG this year??

JGirl,

I respect your postings and no doubt we have been in many the same room at the same time so your comments I can evaluate and are always fair and pretty balanced.

My point as a member of the organisation is that I have already paid my membership fee and if the only thing I expect from this is to be informed, so be it - but I do expect to be informed.

Non-members can be played with however the organisation dares. It's a principle matter for many of us who stuck around and got amongst it in late 2002/early 2003 to help save our Mardi Gras. It's a respect thing - or disrespect as this case shows.

Unless I'm told by my Board and organisation where the launch is in the proper manner (i.e. I don't have to make a phone call even if I had a mobile to get the reply...? - thought about that problem?), then I can't be there.

We need to be as accessible as possible as an organisation and mobile phone exclusiveness is not open.

Hope you appreciate my point of view JGirl.

I've got another brilliant idea to make our Mardi gras party and enjoyable experience for more people ..

All this trance trance chat chat on pinkboard .....

I was thinking lets just play 1997-2000 trance at Mardi Gras then we can have trance AND retro in the same space

Kills two birds with one mighty stone

"Kills two birds with one mighty stone"
now careful there, killing birds because of retro trance? - wish some animal rights activist is reading this too.

Oh my, i had my hands in the air before i knew what was hapenning! Funny there were so many details i didn't remember about the shpw tho'

So the Mardi Gras party is many things to many people but for me it's 3am lip-synching to whatever diva is being played at the time!

Here's a taste of a hands in the air (soon to be) anthem!

La Jennifer Hudson, soon to be bestowed with Diva status and the dance remix of And I Am Telling You!

Click on to www.acidjasmine.com and look for the AcidJasmine Disco Machine!

There are 29 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 29 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 29 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 29 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 29 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 29 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 29 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 29 Days to Mardi Gras !

There are 29 Days to Mardi Gras !

You'll miss a great Festival and Party.

Oh well I'm sure there will be merrier people there.

Couldn't we pass it off as sex education for the children?

Alan Jones, George Pell, John Howard welcome you!
We have no room at the inn!
See you next year!
We'll tell you about what an amazing time you missed until then.

Well, that's your opinion and how you feel, so I have to respect that, even if I don't necessarily agree.
It's just a new concept, I would think they had to do something very different and new and a bit exciting for this year's Launch to get people interested again.
Sorry that it's had the opposite effect on you. I just hope the rest of the festival will bring you back in.
I'm just a MG member, do some volunteering every now and then but that's about it. I tend to get a bit defensive about MG, probably because I don't ever want to imagine a time when we don't have a festival and a parade - it's my absolute favourite time of the year.

the launch has always bored me to tears!

im in it for the party

I'm going to the red carpet launch tonight, and the flash mob launch tomorrow. Both will be a stretch, cause I start work just as both of them finish - but still looking forward to them.
Anyone else going tonight?

And if only 2000 people turn up tomorrow because of the 'must have mobile to find out' exclusive promotion then it will be sad when it could have been twice that number.

OK - after getting the SMH this morning I'm officially excited... going to Red Carpet tonight, Flash Mob Launch tomorrow, Lemon Tart on Sunday, not too bad for the 1st weekend

There are still some tix for tonight if you call 1300 55 66 05 (members have been told to ask for the 'glamour' special!) or online at http://www.showbiz.com.au/find.aspx?url=TicketsChooseCity.aspx?en=Red+Carpet+Mardi+Gras+Festival+2007+Opening
up until 5pm.

There will be limited door sales.

The first sound check has started, the red carpet is about to go down, the bubbly (and vodka!)'s on ice, and the photographers are on their way for the red carpet arrivals...

Here's a clip from last years party when Mary Kiani performed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aclQdEH_7Y

One of the best MG parties I've been to and looking forward to this years party being just as good