Only 20 days until Sleaze Sinsuality. We have now seen 6 of the 7 sins:

Vanity - Lady Vanity	Wrath - Countess of Bath	Gluttony - Earl of Arbroath	Lust - Magda	Sloth - Prince Luke	Greed - Cunning like a Fox

This leaves just Pride. And as they say Pride comes before a Party.

I had a chance yesterday to catch up with with some of the people involved in this year's Sleaze. They have assured me that the problems from the past are being addressed and things are going well. The party is on track to be a great success.

Countdown Boy appears to have succumbed to sloth. So it is up to the rest of us to count down the remaining days to this party.

Sleaze Graffiti Wall 2005 #1
New Mardi Gras home page

Can't wait for this years party - great theme, great DJ's, no doubt a super great and sleazy crowd to get dirty with!

Yay!
margeaux xxx - Sun 11 Sep 2005 21:18:52 Replies: 1, add

All in all very positive vibe, lots of chatter and happy people. Thanx for the invite. Well done guys.
- Sun 11 Sep 2005 22:56:06 Replies: add

Panther - Mon 12 Sep 2005 08:12:38

nicki would look lovely in a nice black harness. anyone agree???
- Mon 12 Sep 2005 19:21:16 Replies: 1, add

Panther - Tue 13 Sep 2005 08:17:00

Most were going to Toybox instead of Sleaze and the ones that didn't have tickets were hoping too even though it is sold out. They talked endlessly about wanting to go at all odds and rejected the Sleaze option when I suggested it.

It reminded me of Mardi Gras years ago and made me wonder is Toybox that good?
Times change but stay the same - Tue 13 Sep 2005 16:08:00 Replies: 1, add

Panther - Tue 13 Sep 2005 18:56:14

17 DAYS TO SLEAZE!!!!!!
- Tue 13 Sep 2005 21:05:57 Replies: add

Adamx - Tue 13 Sep 2005 22:59:23

Also just want to say thank you for those who came down to homesexual on the weekend. I was part of a meet and great before the club opened and was great to put some faces to names, was also great to see home nicely packed afterwards.

Hope that you guys are all looking forward to Sleaze!

p.s Panther, I like this countdown business!
Brad W - Tue 13 Sep 2005 23:55:00 Replies: add

Nah , That was a one off for Sleaze Atlantis (1997)
- Wed 14 Sep 2005 07:51:34 Replies: 1, add

Maybe they live far away from Sydney and haven't attended Sleaze since then....
- Wed 14 Sep 2005 19:28:17 Replies: 1, 2, add

Individuals and businesses can donate Sleaze tickets, or monies for tickets, for re-distribution to disadvantaged youth, people living with HIV/AIDS, people with disability and other GLBTQ people living on fixed or low income. All applications will be assessed based on individuals circumstances and predetermined criteria.

Donate to the Community Angels Sleaze Ticket Giving Scheme.

Further details at www.communityangels.net or donations can be sent to Community Angels c/- Sydney Pride Centre, Erskineville Town Hall, 104 Erskineville Road Erskineville 2043. Please make all cheques payable to Sydney Pride Centre Ltd.
Community Angels - Thu 15 Sep 2005 00:56:25 Replies: 1, add

Adamx - Thu 15 Sep 2005 01:14:59

Adamx - Thu 15 Sep 2005 01:16:57

Panther - Thu 15 Sep 2005 08:16:41

HAVING conquered the pop charts, Natalie Bassingthwaighte's vampish band Rogue Traders will front some even tougher critics: Sydney's gay community.

Off the back of their No. 1 hit Voodoo Child, Rogue Traders are set to rock this year's Sleaze Ball at the Hordern Pavilion, when 9000 barely dressed revellers are expected to get down and dirty on October 1.
- Thu 15 Sep 2005 10:26:26 Replies: 1, add

Rouge Traders would be fab!!!
- Thu 15 Sep 2005 12:11:21 Replies: 1, add

Can't wait to be one of those barely dressed people listening to Rogue Traders.

Glad to see the wowsers have left this page for a while. LET'S PARTY! X
Happy Party Dude - Thu 15 Sep 2005 12:24:00 Replies: add

C'mon... 9,000 people there? That joke's going straight to the pool room!
- Thu 15 Sep 2005 23:55:34 Replies: add

Yes, Sleaze is very good for lesbians. There will be lots there.
Evil Twin - Fri 16 Sep 2005 10:37:00 Replies: add

It's only fitting that the Murdoch press publicises the Murdoch Fox studio event.
- Fri 16 Sep 2005 11:07:56 Replies: 1, add

Life is becoming mainstream. What once shocked people is now very passe.

So, do you have any positive comment to make about what we can do to make Sleaze more appealing ?
Do you ? - Fri 16 Sep 2005 18:49:40 Replies: add

There will be doing a set I would imagine
- Fri 16 Sep 2005 22:10:45 Replies: add

I think the production and concept of the Posters has been fantastic but wouldn't it be smart if marketing tried to make it a bit more appealing to the actual majority of the people who buy the tickets.

I dont know who is spearheading the campaign but maybe they need to be educated on the crowd that goes to these Parties and what plays a big part in the appeal of the event(read:Masses of Hot Men!)if they want to have strong ticket sales. Ticket sales that from what I hear are pretty abysmal so far.

It's great that the advertising has been inclusive of the amazing diversity we have, but it's not condusive to ensuring the future of these events if your not getting the ticket buying majority hooked in as well.

Just something to think about....
- Fri 16 Sep 2005 22:36:07 Replies: 1, add

Here is as an example -

I have an online chat buddy who is only 22 years old and recently moved to Sydney from Brisbane. He doesnt go out clubbing a lot and has yet to experience a dance party run by this current "New" Mardi Gras or the old version of Mardi Gras. He does like to go out once in a while but his knowledge of the gay scene and "what is what" is quite limited.

When i asked him if he was going to go to Sleaze his response was horrible to say the least. He said he wasn't interested in going to "an old persons party where most of the people were twice his age who all wore leather and had their asses hanging out of chaps"

Thats the message that the Sleaze Ball posters this year have sent him. He has measured his perception of Sleaze Ball based on the poster advertising - and who could blame him ? The kid has no other grounds to measure what Sleaze is all about except the current marketing of the event.

If New Mardi Gras are truly interested in capturing the imagination of the young gays and lesbians of this city then the marketing has to be geared at them. The 30's and 40's and even 50's of our community will still be there at Sleaze but if we want these events to continue into the future we MUST get the 18-25 demographic interested in wanting to attend on masse. The fact is that the numbers of 30's , 40's and 50's attending must eventually dwindle as these people move from the party set into a more reserved way of life. Who is going to replace them if the 18 to 25's aren't enticed to make big fox studio dance parties part of their regular social calandar ?

It would be a total shame for my 22 Year Old friend to grow up in Sydney not bothering to attend a New Mardi Gras dance party because he didn't believe the party was catering to him. For young gay boys and girls plucking up the courage to go to their first large scale gay dance party can be a huge decision and one that they may procrastinate on for years. I remember being a young naive 19 year old (shutup Noisy Gyspie) who didn't make it to a dance party till I was 23. I kept putting it off for 4 years because I didn't think it was a young persons thing. Marketing is a huge thing and it needs to appeal to everyone including the demographic that it needs to appeal to for the ongoing success of the events into the future.

I hope my 22 year old mate doesn't keep putting off going to a dance party for years to come. i fear that by the time he might be interested that New Mardi Gras and parties at Fox Studios could very well be a distant memory.

I look forward to catching up with all my friends at Sleaze - yes even you Noisy Gypsie :P - and cant wait for October 1 to come around. See you all there.
-
Stephen Blomfield - Sat 17 Sep 2005 08:57:44 Replies: 1, 2, add

Try getting any Arq or Shift-going punters to THAT one as well!

Wasn't there a Fox dance party a year or 2 ago where they had to change posters at the 11th hour to boost ticket sales?
- Sat 17 Sep 2005 12:57:01 Replies: 1, add

Yeah, it is pretty horrible. Did you point out that it was a tad judgmental, ignorant and ageist for him to have those views, particularly when he's talking about people who have built the culture that he's now able to step into?

I think it is very important to appeal to a wide demographic but it's equally important for 22 year olds to understand that overwhelmingly, the crowd at Sleaze/Mardi Gras is 20's/30's/40's, that everyone seems to co-exist pretty well and that you don't actually stop being gay when you turn 45. No matter how yucky they might find that fact
- Sat 17 Sep 2005 17:02:20 Replies: 1, add

I am an old fart myself, slightly offended but amused - I like to see chaps in chaps.

The party is for everyone
- Sat 17 Sep 2005 17:52:16 Replies: add

Panther - Sat 17 Sep 2005 18:03:58

Sleaze 2005

On Saturday the 1st October, New Mardi Gras will host Sleaze: Sinsuality, the main fundraiser for the 2006 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

If Sleaze is not a financial success it will have a direct impact on what events NMG can put on next year.

Imagine a Mardi Gras without Launch, without Fair Day and without Parade. In fact, imagine if there were no Mardi Gras at all next year or beyond.

This is the reality we are now facing.

The current Board, Staff and Volunteers of NMG have been working incredibly hard to ensure the ongoing viability of the organisation, but we can not work miracles. Current ticket projections for Sleaze suggest that we will sell enough tickets to ensure that we have a good party, pay all our suppliers and leave us with some money in the bank, but that we are not selling enough tickets to secure the future of next year’s Mardi Gras or the future of the organisation.

Mardi Gras is a celebration of all that is good in our community; our diversity, our passion, our freedom and our sense of family. It is a commemoration of who we are and where we have come from. It is also the most highly visible vehicle for what we still need to achieve as a community, and in these conservative political times it is paramount we do not lose this. In addition, Mardi Gras helps to provide the opportunity for many other community organisations to raise their profile and to raise valuable funds during the month of February.

Mardi Gras has already fallen once. We can not, as a community, allow it to happen again.

The October long weekend will see a number of events directed at our community, but it is only the success of Sleaze that determines the shape and form of next year’s Mardi Gras. If you have already bought a ticket for other events in preference to Sleaze, we ask you to dig deep and also buy a ticket for Sleaze. Tickets are available at www.ticketek.com.au . If you do not wish to attend more than one event over the weekend, you can donate your ticket to Sleaze to the Community Angels program run by Lou-Ann Lind and Steph Sands where it will find its way to a good home. You can find out more information about the Community Angels at www.communityangels.net .

If you are unable to purchase a ticket for Sleaze, you can also show your support by becoming a member of the organisation and / or making a donation. All details on how you can help are available on the New Mardi Gras website, www.mardigras.org.au .

Sleaze is going to be an amazing party. Our teams of volunteers, including the very best production talent in our local community, have been hard at work over the last 5 months to ensure that this year’s Sleaze will be a night of the very best in music and entertainment that our community has to offer. Featuring 10 of Sydney finest DJ’s, 8 spectacular shows, 7 sleazy sins, and 2 amazing dance spaces all of which are dedicated to ensuring that you and your friends have an unforgettable night out.

But, at the end of the day, there is only 1 Mardi Gras and we need your help now to secure its future.

Buy a ticket to Sleaze today.

Yours sincerely,
Marcus, Fiona, Michael, Kirk, Susan, Scott, Diane, Glen - The Board of New Mardi Gras - Sat 17 Sep 2005 18:07:32 Replies: 1, add

Even if NMG manages to stay afloat for the next few years, what will happen when the current partygoers ‘retire’ from the scene? It’s obvious, NMG will be gone. 10 years ago this wouldn’t have been an issue, simply because there wasn’t the great number of gay dance parties and decent venues there are now. The culture within NMG has never been supportive of young people being involved, however as much as those in control of NMG (the board and working group chairs and volunteers) will resist greater involvement from young people, the message is simple.

Do or die.

Being under 20 myself, I know not to bother trying to become to deeply involved with NMG, because it’s just as political as your local labour/liberal party branch. I have been involved in an NMG youth working group before, it was a pointless exercise, it’s only purpose being to make it seem like NMG had youth involved in some way.

Every age range needs equal representation and influence.

The posters for this years Sleaze were wonderfully artistic and well presented, but let’s face it, how do drag queens, a ‘nun’ showing off her assets and a bear serving another bear fruit relate to a dance party? I understand they represent the diversity of the community and the sins theme, but people don’t want to spend time figuring out what the hell the poster is for/represents and having to tilt their head to read who is djing, when it is, how much and where.
If anyone can tell me how any of those posters would make young people want to come then do tell, cause I sure as hell can’t work it out. Today’s young queens aren’t into drag shows, and I know many that would instantly decide not come simply because of the posters with the drag queens on it, sad but true.

Today’s youth are tomorrow’s future, till NMG and others realise this and respond accordingly they’ll be in trouble. Young gay and bi guys today don’t feel the need to only be a part of the gay scene like they would have 15-20yrs ago, so they won’t bother coming to gay dance parties if their not targeted appropriately.

I hope NMG has a long and prosperous future, however they have to get their act together, after all it’s better to lose the discriminatory attitude and give some ground than to be stubborn and die slowly while kicking and screaming
young gay guy - Sun 18 Sep 2005 01:34:35 Replies: 1, add

Maybe Sleaze could do a general poster advertising Sleaze Ball and fill that with eye candy ?
A poster at
the last minute worked before........ - Sun 18 Sep 2005 12:43:38 Replies: 1, 2, add

When I first started attending the parties (as a naive 18 yr old, just out of the suburbs ) it was just so exciting to attend a huge event, there wouldn't have been a poster around that could have prevented me from going! But at that time really, the only dance parties around for our community were the big one's held at the showgrounds (as they were known then). For my friends and I at the time, attending Sleaze, Mardi Gras, Hand in Hand, and Pride were simply extensions of our usual Saturday nights out. But what an extension! For me there is nothing like the feel of a HUGE party filled with literally thousands of fun loving party goers.
For me Mardi Gras and Sleaze are not to be missed events!
No longer a baby @30 but I'll be there & lovin' it - Sun 18 Sep 2005 13:20:37 Replies: add

The last poster out last Thursday is a hot man. Sloth is a hot young man with a big lunch. What more do you want?

For people who haven't been before Stephen may have a point.
- Sun 18 Sep 2005 13:23:26 Replies: add

Lil - luscious in leather - Sun 18 Sep 2005 13:38:49

The majority of our community groups are run by people in their 30's, pretty much - if that means "older people" to you so be it, but lets get real. We live in a world where youth enjoys iconic cult status. Flip to the average gay website and count the "older guys" you see. People are homosexually identified from 16 to 106. If you can't deal with that fundamental fact, wait a few years. You eventually will
- Sun 18 Sep 2005 14:00:32 Replies: add

Try getting any Arq or Shift-going punters to THAT one as well!

Wasn't there a Fox dance party a year or 2 ago where they had to change posters at the 11th hour to boost ticket sales?"

That has to be the most ageist, leatherphobic, dykephobic statement I've seen on this board in a while.
You assume that all leather folk are old. Well, I can't deny they are at least more MATURE than you, but I'm only in my early 20s thankyou very much, and the vast majority of my friends (ie the ones from Sydney) will be attending the party too, and I wouldn't classify any of them as an old fart.

And given that one of the main arenas at the party is specifically designed for the younger crowd, and that the Shift is regularly a sponsor of Leather Pride, I'd think you'd try and have a little more faith, and not slag it off before you've found out more.

I mean, let's look at this year's Inquisition for a second, shall we? The Dome, Stage 11 and the Coach Bay, each with a huge dance space. Lots and lots of young, cute hotties. Just as many drool worthy bods on more experienced folk, too. Decorations that just got you hot and bothered. And then the DJs: Mandy Rollins, Neal Crawford, Sveta, Rob Gilbert (from the Beyond parties in Melb.) and a whole stack of other great Sydney DJs.

I've been doing the parties in Sydney for a while now, and the only ones I've consistently enjoyed are the Leather Pride ones.
Flea - Sun 18 Sep 2005 14:01:01 Replies: add

And it's not a case of people misunderstanding the theme or not appreciating the artistic direction, MG should really be commended for the dark and brooding look that the poster's have evoked this year.

But the fact is that SEX SELLS!, I'm 24 and far from ageist! or narrow minded I Think young guys are lots of fun and I also see a huge appeal in older men who know what they are doing. I think what makes these parties so great is that they have such a diverse element in the crowd that goes to them, A Truly rarefied air to find at parties these days.
BUT there has not been anyone, (I and the different groups of friends that I have discussed this with) that we have found to be engaging in the posters this year.
They did a fantastic job with the Lesbian posters but as a gay guy I only have a choice of Bears (who I can see the appeal in for that group) or a twink who looks like he is in serious need of a hot meal or two with that ribcage showing, and thats not intended to be a bitchy comment either....just an observation.
If ticket sales were strong maybe this would be a non issue but if MG are looking for answers then I think this is one of them...The majority of the people that go to Sleaze are Men who go to seek out a great night around lots of other hot men so why ignore that in the advertising!

and as for the lastest adds not everyone has access to the papers and the last time Mardi Gras updated the posters on their website was 3 weeks ago....is it that hard to effeciently promote your own party on your own website??
Nick - Sun 18 Sep 2005 16:07:04 Replies: add

Just because I have a more extensive vocabulary, and am more eloquent than most people my age and older, it doesn’t change my age

The point that has been made that the majority of your party goers at sleaze will/was/should be 30 and under guys, this is typical of most major gay dance parties, so why is the marketing not tailored towards them? The answer as I see it is NMG trying to be politically correct at the sake of ticket sales. If you want the party to be a success you HAVE to focus your marketing on the majority of the partygoers, in other words the 30 and under guys. They have not done this, rather they have tried to show the wonderful diversity of the gay community in a well presented series of posters, but that doesn’t get you ticket sales. The problem with the marketing strategy (if there is one) is the utter failure of it’s ability to attract the people who form the majority of the partygoers, as well as 18-25yr olds who are new to the scene. I think the only guys under 30 who haven’t been to a sleaze before will go due to friends telling them about it, because I know that most of them would decide not to go if they saw the posters and knew nothing about it, forgetting the fact that you have to look up close at the poster to see what it’s for and tilt you head to read it.

How hard would it have been for NMG to produce 2 posters marketed to the under 30 guys, a poster for the bears and a poster for the lesbians? It would have saved time, money and would give the marketing campaign far more teeth than it has now, because the campaign certainly needs it.

Following a politically correct strategy can go to far, as it has in this case, I know of few businesses that would be stupid enough to try and appeal to everyone just as much as the core group of customers, you have to appeal to that core, once you have done that then you can try and widen the appeal to others, but you should never thumb your nose at 70% of your customers to target the other 30% with equal resources.

I have no problem with NMG targeting the whole diverse community over it’s core customers for Sleaze, however if they wish to do that then don’t come bitching that if this Sleaze fails it’s our fault that NMG will be in trouble, blaming the customers is a move to simply shift the blame off of themselves. It’s the job of a Board/CEO to retain and make new customers, not the responsibility of the customers to keep coming back, especially when there are cheaper parties of the same quality or higher around, and their marketing to NMG’s core customers appropriately and getting them.

NMG is a business, bout time it acted like one (atleast in it’s management, marketing and financial management), it may be a business that exists to serve the community, but you can’t serve the community if you don’t exist.

A long post, and I haven’t even gotten to NMG and other community groups shutting out young people from the process. I’ll make this quick though, every age range needs representation and influence within the community, there are many intelligent and talented young people in our community who are ignored, simply because of their age, if they were utilized then a lot of NMG’s attendance problems would be solved by using their knowledge.

I think those within NMG need to take a good look at themselves before they start trying to blame the community if Sleaze fails, gay men may be fickle when it comes to parties, but give us a good experience and hold our interest and we will keep coming back for more, cause no one parties like we do.
young gay guy - Sun 18 Sep 2005 16:11:42 Replies: add

Lil - maybe posters are too intellectual for some ? Also the Blacksmith is not young and still has some leather etc....

Posters have never made one single difference to me , its the Halls and its the DJ's......... as someone posted there is nothing like the buzz from a huge packed hall going off. It can not be replicated in the small clubs.

But ! you have to remember there ARE people out there who judge on looks/beauty etc and its not limited to the young un's
To me the posters are a bit more hardcore ? for want of a word and just maybe besides not appealing, it may scare some thinking the party is going to be like that .

I reckon it would be quite easy for NMG to release one more poster, maybe this time with a twink or two, a lifesaver , a studly footie player and a couple of lipstick dykes...........
- Sun 18 Sep 2005 16:28:07 Replies: add

That aside, sex sells and as much as I love the poster series, I think there may have been a good chance my friends would have gone to Sleaze and not Toybox if there was a dirty big spunk in a few of the posters.
Adamx - Literate @ 22 yrs - Sun 18 Sep 2005 16:41:24 Replies: 1, add

It seems to me that MG have done a great job with the marketing and the younger crowd are the only ones complaining. I felt the same when I was 20! The idea of going to an event called Sleaze put me way off until some friends convinced me to go and I haven't missed one since.

If not having sexy young guys on the poster is the only fault of this years Sleaze then I think they've done a good job! I though the guy in the Sloth poster was hot but I guess I'm one of those sleazy older men.
GT - Sun 18 Sep 2005 17:56:11 Replies: 1, add

I am very disappointed to see Sleaze is not selling well.
Adam's ex - Sun 18 Sep 2005 18:20:31 Replies: add

Didn't someone say that your attendance is compulsory ??

btw, what are you doing for the Recovery?
dirty house fiend - Sun 18 Sep 2005 18:52:21 Replies: add

The Toybox poster certainly didnt turn me on. Actually it doesnt even sell sex so your hypothesis is slightly wrong.

I dont think the poster was under 20 at all either.
Toybox poster sexy/porno ? - Sun 18 Sep 2005 18:56:43 Replies: 1, add

Sleaze has to re-engage people again and It's a sad reality but for Mardi Gras to continue they cannot afford to try and be everything to everyone, not right now anyway... they need nuture and engage the market they already have instead of trying to chase the different sub cultures that only make up the fringe of the attendee's and whilst these groups have probably brought their tickets already there's this big missing gap of guys that have not and dont plan on it either.

It's not rocket science and it's not like there is a shortage of stunning men in this city...why weren't they taken advantage of??
- Sun 18 Sep 2005 20:11:39 Replies: add

Years ago when the parties were huge there was only one or two big dance spaces. Thousands of people attended and it seemed the main reason was to get together with other members of GLTB community and celebrate our sexuality.

These days the emphasis is more on the music and there are now so many different styles that people don't attend if their favourite style is not on offer.

We have to face the fact that the large scale dance party is no longer guaranteed to generate income like it did in the old days and MG will have to find other ways to raise funds.
GT - Sun 18 Sep 2005 21:23:23 Replies: add

Aged 22 or under no doubt You know Adam, if someone came up to me and said, "I was going to go to Sleaze but the poster was really, like, sooooo not hot" I would run out and buy 10 Sleaze tix just to celebrate the absence of one certified airhead. Of course sex sells and yes, Sleaze should have had at least one poster of a filthy dude being - well - filthy, but making attendance decisions solely on the artistic merits of a bloody poster strikes me as being the sort of in depth, considered judgment that a Paris Hilton might make.

If Mardi Gras is about to go under then I'll be sad but to be brutally frank, if celebrating "community" is going to be subject to a bunch of self-proclaimed 'young guys' whining about their apparent complete social oppression in the presence of anyone 23 or older, then maybe it's time that it did.

It's supposed to be about getting in amongst a huge diverse tribe of poofs and dykes some young, some not so young, some gorgeous, some smart all celebrating the continued vitality of queerdom in Sydney in 2005.

If we can't do that without worrying about whether people are the 'correct' age or look , why the hell are we bothering?
- Sun 18 Sep 2005 21:31:07 Replies: add

I usually like to train hard for weeks before the party to get in to better shape; makes me feel much better on the night, but haven't had time to this year and can't decide whether or not to go with the theme. From this post it sounds like Vanity or Sloth would suit me well though
Mr Vain - Sun 18 Sep 2005 21:42:10 Replies: add

NMG is to be congratulated for its bold, intelligent, imaginative, titillating, as well as fun, images for this year's party. The best bit of marketing NMG has done to date.

The sluggish sale in tickets I don't believe has anything to do with twinkies not connecting with these images... What I'm certain of is that the incessant bagging of NMG that goes on in this wall doesn't help at all.

For NMG and for us all, I hope the ticket sales pick up. And there is still time....

Now back to the music... doof, doof, doof. Can't wait!
R - Sun 18 Sep 2005 21:53:09 Replies: add

The posters don't really do anything for me either, but like someone else on here said, it's the DJs, the halls and the people that make the party.
- Sun 18 Sep 2005 22:17:13 Replies: 1, add

There are any number of companies that filed for bankruptcy, and either had a management buyout or some kind of bail-out, only to fail shortly afterwards.

There are reasons for any business failure and sometimes it is not management or marketing or lazy staff. It is the failure to move with the times and adapt to your customers needs. In the case of NMG it's trying to be a 1980's organisation in 2005.

So what if the Parade is an institution? So was Hey Hey It's Saturday. But times change, peoples requirements change, and your viewers/supporters start wandering off.

What if NMG collapsed? Surely Pride or ACON could fill the void.
- Sun 18 Sep 2005 23:52:25 Replies: add

I’m more than willing to consult with NMG, however I won’t hold my breath waiting for them to ask, I know of other young people who would to, unfortunately, as things stand, trying to give your input to NMG seems to be undesirable to them.

I have friends who are young and old, most of them are giving Sleaze a miss this year, and those who are not going to Sleaze have given hours of their time to NMG each year, myself included. How many of those that stick their head in the sand and ignore NMG’s mistakes can say that? If I give my time to an organisation I have every right to critic their mistakes and suggest solutions. I may disagree with how things are done, however I’m still willing to give them help, for how much longer though I don’t know.

I have chosen not to go to Sleaze, the reason behind it is I don’t like some of the dj’s and music styles that are scheduled and I’m not willing to pay $100 dollars, plus drinks and other things if the party can’t cater to what I want, the MG party does, with it’s long trance sets in the Hordern, so I will continue to go to MG if they keep that format. I like house and tribal, however if a party can’t guarantee that there’ll be trance on all night, so that when I wonder back from a different halls/venues then I’m not paying $100 to go.

Many people do go to a party simply for the imagine it presents, judging them, or insinuating that they are unintelligent is arrogant, I go for what the party offers, but if you’re a new to the scene young guy, how do you know what the party offers? They have to rely on the image the party puts forward, and NMG hasn’t put forward an image that’s attractive to young people.

PS: I hope to meet you sometime Adamx, besides being good for my ego, you sound like someone I’d get on well with and if you cute that wouldn’t hurt either :P
young gay guy - See you at MG boys and girls - Mon 19 Sep 2005 00:27:45 Replies: add

Working with Turbo as entertainment co-ordinator is NIDA-trained theatrical designer David Twyman, who has been developing the party’s “Sinsuality” theme.

Twyman admits his agenda for being involved with Sleaze is simple – he wants to help an organisation that has improved Sydney’s gay and lesbian life.

“Mardi Gras has done so much for our community and for Australia,” he says. “I am 25 and did not experience what a lot of people have gone through. Mardi Gras paved so much ahead of me.”

http://www.ssonet.com.au/display.asp?ArticleID=4678
Arti - Mon 19 Sep 2005 08:11:17 Replies: add

NMG has not yet managed to find a way to either prevent the burn out or to support its volunteers. This is an areas that needs some work.

This year's Sleaze has a fresh new team of enthusiastic volunteers, plus a new production manager, so there should be great things happening.
Arti - Mon 19 Sep 2005 08:15:49 Replies: add

Panther - Mon 19 Sep 2005 08:22:17

Sleaze used to be a bit dirty, sometimes shocking and always surprising for some of the more sheltered party goers in the community.

Now it's just so vanilla and safe that it's just like another night at the club.

Last years theme was Porn which should have made for a dirty filthy kind of night, instead it was all very "nice" and safe. The porn images shown seemed to be all the same type of guys with litle to no variation. I don't recall seeing anything for the girls being shown and certainly nothing for anyone who doesn't like hairless muscle twinks.

The lighting in the RHI was way too bright for any kind of sleazy atmosphere to happen at all. Even the horden seemed brighter than usual.

Just as a matter of interest, does Sleaze really need to be held at Fox where we know they don't want anything sleazy at all?
- Mon 19 Sep 2005 08:44:35 Replies: add

Yes, of course I'll be at Sleaze, for the first half of the night anyway. I must then get some sleep before working on Luminere at Luna Park.

Part of the (dare I say, more professional) process with the DJs this party is making them feel more welcome and treating them as the primary and professional entertainers of our parties, that they are. The lovely Terri Duarte, Margeaux and myself have volunteered to try and ensure that happens. Ryan Murphy has been busy consulting on equipment needs (of the DJ and audio variety) as well. To do this, Ryan had to 'give up' the opportunity to submit to actually DJ this time around.

Lots' of people are doing their bit to help make sure this party is different to the ones people have been complaining about over the last couple of years, not the least of whom is Brad Wright, working tirelessly listening to people and working on the complaints of the past.

The email from New Mardi Gras was a little disturbing but does clearly, and honestly, reflect the importance of Sleaze as a Fundraiser, first and foremost.

Whether you want this sort of music or that sort of music is not necessarily the only reason to go or not to go to Sleaze. Your community needs your support if you expect all to happen in February/March next year.

As I've said before, if you don't want to go, I'm sure the office will happily accept a donation to assist the financial planning for next year.

It's a shame that your 22 year old friend thinks it's all about Leather men with their butts hanging out. Perhaps you should take him to a Leather Pride function sometime just to see how sexy (and not ancient) Leather events can be. Or just take him for a drink at Manacle one night - the more relaxed atmosphere can be quite appealing.

Either way, hope you have convinced him to 'have a go' and come along next week? The freedom that young ones like your friend have are there because the 'old farts' did their bit over the last 25+ years. Maybe your friend needs some history education about how Sydney (well parts of it) became so tolerant.

Just a thought.... well, many thoughts actually, but you know Noisy Gypsy...
Noisy Gypsy - Mon 19 Sep 2005 13:01:39 Replies: add

Young Gay Guy you ask:

"The posters for this years Sleaze were wonderfully artistic and well presented, but let’s face it, how do drag queens, a ‘nun’ showing off her assets and a bear serving another bear fruit relate to a dance party?"

How about imagination? Fantasy? Play? Exploration?

The Sleaze posters set a theme that for me has planted a sense of a 17th Century mansion full of debauchery and earthly pleasures on every level. I know the budget is tight but this will be the world I enter into (even if just in my head) and has certainly influenced the costumes I’ve been labouring over and probably all the “costume” people I meet at every party in which I can’t wait to see and HEAR their interpretations. Many thematic discussions will ensue. Then there will be the people I have never met before and all the complements and flirtation… ahhhh a party.

I know it’s hard to believe but a party IS a lot more than the checklist of tangibles (wooden floor, X amount of laser, this DJ that DJ). It is a cultural event forged in creativity from DJs and lighting designers to silly stereotypes like me running around in costume. We are form a distinct culture with many incarnations and this doesn’t happen just anywhere you know.

The Sinsuality campaign is nothing short of brilliant. Don’t you want to dive in and get onto that slothful boy’s bulge and shake him (it) up? As for the blacksmith – the dirty stables combined with the obsession of penis envy takes you off in all directions. I could go on but you get my meaning.

Think a little, imagine, make a wish, have a play, jump in. Do better than the posters even.

For God’s sake you’ve got fairy wings my boy. Fly I tell you!!

Sleaze has the best creative team in years, its time to return the favour and PARTICIPATE –dress up, buff up, get your shirt off, flirt, chit chat idly with strangers, show off, pick up, touch up and most importantly DANCE TOGETHER in those huge halls!

In fact if this is the last party for those of us present lets make it the best and dance with defiance and a joy that we were there till the end.

Now it’s back to the costuming, fine details and a few accessories to make and then I am ready to party.
One man's stereotype is another man's life - Mon 19 Sep 2005 16:08:00 Replies: 1, 2, 3, 4, add

So while a promotor can talk up his or her party until the last moment, even if ticket sales are falling through the floor, NGM can not.

Can you imagine the outcry if NMG said nothing, while continuing to promote the party, and then announcing immediately after the event that budget had not been reached and the organisation was going into administration?

NMG is caught between a rock and hard place on this issue and at the end of the day the choice remains with the membership and the wider community. NMG have, quite rightly, given the community the choice.

Promotors are in it for the money. Mardi Gras is in it for you.
- Mon 19 Sep 2005 19:04:48 Replies: add

Sleaze (and MardiGras too) is not just music and lights, its the creation of a space, our space in which we can escape our mundane existance for one night and become something else, something that we cant be on a regular saturday night out, walking down the street, at the office, or shopping at the supermarket. All it takes is a little creativity, and a hot glue gun.

So just dont stand there in jeans and tshirt expecting a good time to be provided. Join in and become apart of the good time.
Zakalwe - where's my bedazzler?! - Mon 19 Sep 2005 19:22:46 Replies: add

I havent read a post that says the party should be for under 30's or that all the posters should be for young spunks.

Posters are pointing out that they ARE the majority when it comes to these parties. One poster out of seven dedicated to them is not asking too much !
Is it ? - Mon 19 Sep 2005 20:11:53 Replies: 1, add

As for your comparisons with the commercial world: every year the retailers complain that Christmas sales are down, then a couple of months later they announce bumper sales.
Arti - Mon 19 Sep 2005 20:13:09 Replies: add

Thank you... You inspire me with your words!

Now for the costume????
- Mon 19 Sep 2005 20:49:03 Replies: add

I am also working on my costume.
Arti - Mon 19 Sep 2005 21:06:03 Replies: add

Thank you for your post. I enjoyed reading it.
- Mon 19 Sep 2005 21:19:06 Replies: add

All I was really trying to say was that the party is for everyone and you can't cater to every single different group. I think MG have tried to.

I honestly don't know how the young of our community can afford it anyway. I find it hard to come up with the ticket cost myself let alone all the other expenses. When I was in my early 20's and the tickets were around $20 (yes they were that price once) I had to budget way ahead to have the money in time.

Maybe MG could have an under 25 discount to encourage more young people? Just a thought?
GT - Mon 19 Sep 2005 21:32:08 Replies: add

Maybe it could work?
- Mon 19 Sep 2005 21:34:12 Replies: add

On re-reading, it seems the party will go well but Next year's MG festival and NMG itself won't survive ON CURRENT TICKET PROJECTIONS.

Here's an extract:
[i]Current ticket projections for Sleaze suggest that we will sell enough tickets to ensure that we have a good party, pay all our suppliers and leave us with some money in the bank, but that we are not selling enough tickets to secure the future of next year’s Mardi Gras or the future of the organisation.

Sleaze is going to be an amazing party. Our teams of volunteers, including the very best production talent in our local community, have been hard at work over the last 5 months to ensure that this year’s Sleaze will be a night of the very best in music and entertainment that our community has to offer. Featuring 10 of Sydney finest DJ’s, 8 spectacular shows, 7 sleazy sins, and 2 amazing dance spaces all of which are dedicated to ensuring that you and your friends have an unforgettable night out.

But, at the end of the day, there is only 1 Mardi Gras and we need your help now to secure its future. {/i]
- Mon 19 Sep 2005 22:03:29 Replies: add

I know I haven't gotten my tickets yet and neither have any of my mates. We're probably going to do something about it this weekend if we can remember.
- Tue 20 Sep 2005 08:15:57 Replies: 1, add

Where's the lone buglar...?
- Tue 20 Sep 2005 09:42:06 Replies: add

Adamx - Tue 20 Sep 2005 12:44:29

I am so relieved I'm not the only one perfecting outfits and even more relieved the subject has changed.

Zakalwe, arguably a debazzler is a sin in itself - I like where you are headed on this one. You are in fact one of my "costume party people" I meet at every party. I missed your Sacred Heart at MG so I had better not miss your 7 Deadly Sins. -mmm nice little connection there!

Being an old fashioned gay boy I won't reveal what I'll be wearing as I believe what is UNKNOWN about a party is more important than a checklist corresponding to my $100 ticket. Remember going to a party knowing absolutely nothing excepting a string of rumours.

However I will probably be hanging around with my old friend Phylis In (yes a stereotypical drag queen putting all the under 30s off. SHAME on her!!! Don't worry I will have very stern words with her at the party about that - God that'll go down well after spending at least 6 hours doing her make up!) so come up and say Hello to us and even embark on a promenade.

And that goes to everyone come up and say hello.

Personally from inspiration on this board I've made a point to myself already that every arse (good, bad and ugly) I see hanging out I am going to give a slap - or a least a little tickle.

David - Costume assistance - I think leather is a good start for this party. But think what and where you personally want to go with it all. As I mentioned before the 16th / 17th century French and English royal courts is the best aesthetic to follow not to mention their debauchery and excess.

If you get really stuck and you have head with a 21 inch diameter I have Marquis de Sade headdress you can borrow.

Ok - cosie done. I'm now onto an intensive gym/diet regimen to get the torso thing happening.

See you at the party
Scary Stereotype - Tue 20 Sep 2005 14:08:35 Replies: add

I wonder in 28 years time where Toybox will be? Infact were any of us, young and old, will be from this current mood and attitude.
- Tue 20 Sep 2005 16:37:49 Replies: add

If I was interested in going to toybox, I can read all about it there. I'm interested in Sleaze and would like to heal about only Sleaze on this wall.
- Tue 20 Sep 2005 17:59:56 Replies: add

I like the idea of one more poster for Sleaze with DJ's names and times and halls etc with a couple of gym toned spunks upto something ?
Hold the press......................... - Tue 20 Sep 2005 18:55:29 Replies: 1, add

i should say i look HOT!! as a chick
drag slag - Tue 20 Sep 2005 19:41:27 Replies: add

Evil Twin - Tue 20 Sep 2005 23:25:28

"way down" - NMG needs probably around 1000 people above the break even point to fund the festival. I would guess Break even is 8000 to 9000. Capacity is 12,000. Last year sold over 9000. This is down, not way down.

"very grim" - It will be very grim if we have a February without Mardi Gras. No launch. No fair day. No parade.

"think seriously about planning and marketing" - Do you think they didn't think seriously? 9000 people want to attend. They are finding it hard to get the extra 1000. Especially when people like you keep attacking all the hard working volunteers.

This is they type of writing I would expect to find in the Daily Telegraph, not from someone within our community. NMG is a community organisation. By attacking it like this you are attacking our community. If you don't want to be part of the community then go elsewhere. Stop trying to destroy it.
- Wed 21 Sep 2005 08:16:08 Replies: add

My friends and I are punters, and we don't want smaller parties. We love the huge events and attend all of them!
Bring on Oct 1 - Wed 21 Sep 2005 08:38:55 Replies: add

So the question has to be asked,
if sleaze is not selling well, imagaine how bad the ticket sales would be if there were no other parties on that weekend in sydney?

The reality... more parties more choice.

Perhaps Sleaze just needs to pull back on nunbers and stop aming so high.
gluton - Wed 21 Sep 2005 10:14:43 Replies: add

"I still think Sloth is a young spunk. Isn't that one out of seven?"

i for one do not find the image of an emaciated twink (sloth) who looks like he has passed out on g or k appealing. so no - he is not a young spunk. i also think that nmg's portrayal of the only young male as "slothful" (ie. lazy) is very revealing of their attitude toward young gay men. not to mention that his white outfit is as camp and girly as the drag queens!
regarding the other sleaze poster (envy) that the out-of-touch nmg thinks should appeal to most young gay men - that is what you call a "cub" (bear-in-training). so what you have is seven posters that reflect and appeal to the nmg leadership and their friends and none for the majority of party-goers - body conscious, non-leather gay men in their mid 20s to early 30s!
- Wed 21 Sep 2005 11:23:06 Replies: 1, 2, 3, 4, add

A famed lighting desinger, 10 top passionate DJs from the community with a history in the events and a party producer with a fire in his belly to make it work at all costs, countless volunteers is of no consequence to you and you cohorts.

That's just fine there is no point trying to convert you - you know what you want and where to get it. Go for it. But please leave us alone now.

However just out of curiosity though what exactly is sexually appealing to the young, toned and good looking about a psychedelic Jack in the Box which has been the central marketing image of Toybox since its inception?
Mid 30s aging fart - Wed 21 Sep 2005 12:14:18 Replies: add

Adamx - Wed 21 Sep 2005 12:33:09

Look at the toybox and ruby posters and you will see not a body (or photo) in sight, and i believe these parties sell way out ahead of time.

Think back to the better SGLMG posters: voodoo circus, atlantis and weird sleaze to name a few. Fantastic illustrations promising something fantastical, surreal and surprising. I believe these parties did sell out.

It's all in the image people, and although i can see the attraction in some of the posters this year, i'm not drawn to the party for the allure or surprise of the party. (read - this marketing did not work for me)

And dont worry - i am going - but i am going to do my part to assure the season continues next year, and that includes buying a second ticket (for the community angels)!
marketer - Wed 21 Sep 2005 13:16:50 Replies: add

But unless I haven't read them all closely enough, I can't find any post that raises the important question of cost.

Regardless of whether or not they are great art, or whether they're going to persuade any wavering punters to buy a ticket or not, it strikes me that these must be among the most expensive Sleaze posters ever produced.

For a start, in all previous years MG has obviously considered one poster to be enough (well, except that year when Ian Jopson had to come in at the 11th hour to come up with a replacement).

This year it's not one but EIGHT posters. Of course you can see the motive is to try and build interest in the party by releasing new posters in the pre-Sleaze lead-up, and of course there are seven deadly sins (so why did we need eight posters??), but this must have cost NMG a small fortune.

If NMG is getting photography, styling, costuming, sets, art direction, print production, paper stock and distribution for next to nothing then fine and I take every word back, but if not, I'd be asking how NMG can possibly justify such extravagance so soon after an annual meeting where the new board went to such pains to promise the community they would be more focused on limiting expenses.

If NMG turns round and says the cost of the posters is built into the party ticket price, then that would be enough to show me they know zilch about how sensitive the community, and especially young people, are to pricing, and how the high cost of tickets seems to be one of the biggest obstacles to selling them! And that's something the posters don't seem to have helped one bit.
Postman Pat - Wed 21 Sep 2005 13:25:51 Replies: 1, 2, add

You are reading way too much into this. Does the fact that there are dykes in the Wrath poster mean that New Mardi Gras views all lesbians as having an anger problem? No, I don't think so.

I'm not sure I agree that the majority of party attendees are "body conscious, non-leather gay men in their mid 20s to early 30s". But even that were so, does that mean the poster should be boring? What would you suggest? A bunch of G.S.Q.'s (that's Generic Sydney Queens - all wearing low slung distressed diesel jeans with an industrie polo, collar up, of course)? Or maybe just a poster of a headless muscled torso (see hundreds of those on gaydar everyday)? They all sound terribly dull to me.

I wouldn't say that I absolutely love the posters, but I do like them and think the are definitely creative and a bit thought provoking. And if you adjust your attitude dial, I'm sure you'll see that.
RAM - Wed 21 Sep 2005 14:07:21 Replies: add

the poster reflect the diversity in the community. Don't get all bent on not being represented. I am not being represented in any of the posters yet I have logged onto this and the NMG site and/or came to Sydney on Thursday to get the latest SSO edition just to see the next poster. What's more, I think the posters are great, none of them have inspired my costume but I find fanciful, sins and sleaze were enough to get my mind working overtime and I have loved every minute of it. THANKS NMG - only 10 days to go........
Sleaze party dude - Wed 21 Sep 2005 14:27:58 Replies: add

I think if you also had a Toybox on at Fox Studios on the Saturday of the October long weekend instead of Sleaze, with a capacity of 9,000 - 12,000, you would have about the same amount of tickets sold, or possibly even less.

Sleaze is a party that is trying to cater to as many tastes within the community as possible. The Toybox formula, although a great one, only appeals to a niche crowd. This niche may be large enough to consistently sell out a party of 2,000 or so, but it certainly would not be able to sell out a party of around 10,000 as there are whole musical styles loved by our community that are not catered for at Toybox.

The Toybox style is present at Sleaze in the form of Ruby in the Hordern and Luke Leal in the RHI (he and Jake will be doing some trance). It's not like the Toybox crowd is not catered for at all.
- Wed 21 Sep 2005 15:29:43 Replies: add

Any info gratefully appreciated.

Not long now, only 10 days to go!
Sucker for Sparkle - Wed 21 Sep 2005 15:50:47 Replies: 1, add

ii. There is special glue called wait for it : Gem Stone Glue that is definitely available at Art on King but probably most art stores spotlight etc

You will need a strong glue but I advise you use this one as it is acid free and won't ruin the gem and its effect

iii. With this glue they are guaranteed to stay on.

Also - you can put them on you body but you will need Spirit Gum for that - Available at 3 Arts (Chippendale) but can fall off if knocked roughly

I look out for your outfit
- Wed 21 Sep 2005 16:26:07 Replies: 1, add

Buddy - where have you been?! This IS all supplied by the people who do the marketing...they have these contacts who provide all this for NIX.

What does it take people to understand that MG means a lot to people and they lend not only their time BUT professional services. It's not just the dancers, DJs and entertainers' you read about. It's EVERYTHING that makes an organisation function, even the boring bits: IT, legal, accounting, library, PR, HR, database...even down to envelope stuffing & licking.

Geez!
- Wed 21 Sep 2005 18:18:22 Replies: 1, add

There have been times however when MG and Sleaze tickets have been forged and Ticketek have extra security devices that can detect fakes. I have a friend who bought a ticket outside the gate a few years ago and it looked like the real thing but he was refused admission as the ticket was fake.
- Wed 21 Sep 2005 18:19:29 Replies: 1, add

That's 23 years! Surely that's worth celebrating!!
(from central Station records) - Wed 21 Sep 2005 19:06:43 Replies: add

Now, back to the sewing.
Arti - Wed 21 Sep 2005 19:26:48 Replies: add

NEVER has a poster made me go or not go to a party in over
20 years. Its the DJ's first and foremost. End of story.
Second would be the venue for me, if its a small venue then I dont go. Nothing on this earth beats the Hordern and RHI with those massive lighting rigs, wooden dance
floor , and the "feeling" you get when you walk in. After 20 years of doing them, I still get that awesome
buzz. Sitting in the bleachers in the Hordern looking out over that packed dance floor is the next buzz I get.

Surely there aren't that many Paris Hilton airheads around who judge a book by its cover ?
Is there ? - Wed 21 Sep 2005 20:19:15 Replies: 1, 2, add

Can people suggest some unique clothing shops where I can find Sleaze outfits and accessories for these outfits?

Can anyone recomment some good op shops where they always find gems, or similar?

Cheers
clothes4sleaze - Wed 21 Sep 2005 20:40:22 Replies: 1, add

The feeeling of the RHI and the Hordern is just not replicated in other venues around Sydney. I absolutely love being there and getting lost in the sea of people...it's the BEST! Thousands of people all having fun, dancing and chattering away with friends, both old and new. The energy is just fantastic.

Looking forwards to spending time with lot's of smiley, friendly, cheeky characters on October 1
- Wed 21 Sep 2005 20:44:39 Replies: add

There are 10 Days to go !

There are 10 Days to go !

There are 10 Days to go !

There are 10 Days to go !

There are 10 Days to go !

There are 10 Days to go !

There are 10 Days to go !
countdownboy - special guest appearance , cant go to sleaze due to work - Wed 21 Sep 2005 22:14:16 Replies: 1, add

Adamx - Wed 21 Sep 2005 22:58:14

Since when ?
- Thu 22 Sep 2005 01:19:22 Replies: 1, add

This year we have an entirely new production company led by a party producer who knows what he's doing and how to do it correctly. Assisting him and NMG are a team of expert volunteers from the party industry who are working together to resolve previous technical issues. I'm proud to be part of a team that I have absolute faith and trust will deliver the best event possible.

Leaning on my soapbox for a wee moment - it's disappointing to read that some people have decided not to go to the party because they don't like the posters. That seems a terribly narrow-minded point of view for members of a community that's constantly discriminated against in so many aspects of our lives. We are an intelligent and creative group of people, perhaps better suited to coming up with ways to support our community organisation when it's struggling, rather than picking it to pieces.

Off my soapbox again - and will wrap up saying that I'm having a whale of a time putting together an, "Oh-My-God-I-Love-This-Song!" set. I'm looking forward to a really great night and fabulous weekend to follow. Now, off to finalise my outfit
Dan Murphy - http://danmurphy.blogspot.com - Thu 22 Sep 2005 05:02:11 Replies: 1, add

Panther - Thu 22 Sep 2005 08:02:45

But people just don't get it. This is unique organisation and calendar of events - its downright scary that it all could be gone in a few weeks - for what? The poster wasn't right? - not enough trance? - a old fart with his arse hanging out?

I add my GEEZ with you!

See you at Sleaze!
- Thu 22 Sep 2005 09:10:51 Replies: add

xx
- Thu 22 Sep 2005 09:14:21 Replies: add

The majority of repeat attendees at Sleaze will be going based on factors other than the poster campaign.

However, if NMG wants to attract the youth that have never been to any of the big GLBT parties, then they need to project an image of the Party that inspires and perhaps even gives these people the confidence to give the Party a go. Peronally, it took many years for me to get the nerve to attend Mardi Gras / Sleaze parties, partly because I felt I wouldn't fit in with what I perceived were events mainly attended by the more sleazey / sexually aggressive sector of the community -- no offence to those with their butts hanging out of chaps . I was pleasantly surprised this was not the case when I finally got the nerve to go.

In summary, if NMG wants to grow its market, then it needs to broaden and mainstream its marketing to attract those that have never attended before.
- Thu 22 Sep 2005 12:53:53 Replies: add

Oh and...The cover of a book is what invites you to pick it up isn't it????

The poster (or ivitation) is what creates image, excitment, & stimuli.

Its nice that 'you' have no understanding of the importance,but ask a few of your friends,guarantee they will whip you in to shape.
Paris Hilton - Thu 22 Sep 2005 12:54:05 Replies: add

ACCC anyone?!
Corporate Event Producer - Thu 22 Sep 2005 13:18:18 Replies: 1, 2, 3, add

Oh come to think of it - check out Salvation Army on Crown Steet (near Albion) - that's where I got this years belt (of course it will be jazzed up accordingly but the buckle is perfect and you can't complain at $1).

P.S Can the costume makers override the Toybox and Poster/marketing debates?

Probably not - were too busy.
- Thu 22 Sep 2005 13:22:36 Replies: add

My experience was having to walk down that narrow street where the Albury was, just to get to the one and only MG ticketing outlet. Then having to wait in line for about 2 hrs (in the rain) armed with MG Membership Cards, Credit Cards etc, and then finally walking out with 5 tickets (maximum you could buy per membership).

Meanwhile, our American sisters got to purchase theirs, via their travel agent before they left the U.S.

How things have changed!
asignofthetimes - Thu 22 Sep 2005 14:43:35 Replies: add

And as a previous poster has pointed out - it is a PVM requirement that you use Ticketek when leasing RHI & Hordern.
- Thu 22 Sep 2005 15:22:52 Replies: add

has it occurred to you that the lack of representation in the posters of a large gay subculture (while other smaller gay subcultures are represented) is discriminatory and narrow-minded? the problem is not that the unrepresented subculture simply "don't like" the posters. the problem is that the unrepresented subculture appears to be invisible to the very "community" organisation that exists because of their past support and is supposed to represent them and make them visible to the wider society in return! it is sad and hurtful to all members of that subculture and their subsequent withdrawal of support is completely justified.
- Thu 22 Sep 2005 17:37:12 Replies: 1, 2, add

You obviously have come in half way thru the argument/discussion on the posters.

But keep going luv, the world would be so dull without the
dim wits.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaa - Thu 22 Sep 2005 19:42:52 Replies: 1, add

I'm a dyke. I'm not a nun, nor am I mincing around in my frilly underwear perporting to play croquet and I can honestly say that I've never been tied up while wearing a corset ... bugger me!!! I can't possibly go to the party as I'm not being represented. That's it, I'm withdrawing my support for the party!!! I refuse to go!!

C'mon now, get real. Go to the party and have a good time and for god's sake lighten up. You know that the middle of the Hordern is going to be a sea of bare-chested men and the RHI will almost certainly be as well. And most of them will be tanned, buffed, plucked and manicured to within an inch of their lives. Just the way you like them.
She'll be right mate! - Thu 22 Sep 2005 21:04:48 Replies: 1, add

But I agree with most posts that the benefits of ordering your tickets online through ticketek currently outweigh the negatives... also out of interest to save NMG the Ticketek fees would anyone volunteer to sit in a tent in Taylor Square to sell tickets... i doubt it....
- Thu 22 Sep 2005 22:49:01 Replies: add

What about the music? The Sound issues? The shows? What to wear? The Sex? Everything else that this party is about? Making $$ so we have a party and parade next year.

Can you imagine feb with out festival or march without the parade and party. I read some post above saying that somebody would run them in NMG failed. WHO? Who has the balls, the energy, the vollies? As far as im aware there are no other people in the world who do what NMG does that relies so heavily on vollies and only has two full time staff.

People enough bitching about the posters! Personally I think they are the most creative and cutting edge posters we have seen in year. Still not enough for some of you? Perhaps get involved and help?

I also at this point have to agree with Dan Murphy, NMG have a great team and they are looking to change things, the least we can all do is go to the party and and show support for them, for what NMG and SGLMG has achieved and have a bloody good night.
- Fri 23 Sep 2005 00:22:29 Replies: 1, add

Oh Please!!!!

Who cares? Sleaze party will be better for it.
- Fri 23 Sep 2005 07:12:18 Replies: add

hahahahaha
Sleaze party dude - Fri 23 Sep 2005 07:16:27 Replies: add

NMG has done a great job. I hope they don't read this site regularly because they would just give up.

NMG - Take solace in the fact that for every one winging, moaning, sighing, disgusted, hurt, offended or dejected poof out there, there are three who love what you are doing and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

It's just a shame that human nature is to publicly complain rather than praise.

WHAT THE HELL! I am going to against human nature and say THANK YOU...... GREAT JOB..... HERE'S TO THE SUMMER PARTY SCENE.....

Finialised my costume last night for next week. I will be the really hot one.... oh that's right, there are too many hot men and women to pick just one out. What a great party it will be.

Can't wait to the rest of the positive, grateful people there. Negative people - come along anyway if for nothing more than being able to say. TOLD YOU SO..... Guarantee that most of you will be swept up in the sea of people and have a bloody fantastic time.
Sleaze party dude - Fri 23 Sep 2005 07:31:23 Replies: add

I will be using my refund to go to Sleaze. Thanks to Johnnie, Peter and the team.
Johnnie's left eyebrow - Fri 23 Sep 2005 08:00:02 Replies: add

Panther - Fri 23 Sep 2005 08:18:23

I don't think this is true... Inquisition this year did their own ticketing. I ordered on-line, got it in the post, no probs. The way around this is to offer on-line facilities only to members. Make the Non-NMG members walk the extra mile rather than NMG Members. In past years Ticketek offered the member discount, is this just another push to main-stream our parties. It's all crap... everyone wants a slice of our pink dollar. I still don't have my ticket. It might be easier just to spend Sunday at Manacle.
- Fri 23 Sep 2005 09:52:42 Replies: 1, add

And walk away knowing that you are a strong beautiful person and very confident.

you go girl ..no you GO!

least have some thing to say ...pet
paris - Fri 23 Sep 2005 10:35:09 Replies: add

But please NMG, we are giving you a second wind after the very mediocre sleaze last year. Put a world class party on like they used to be...no cutting corners and taking cheap shortcuts, The party is what will restore people's faith in the future if you get this one right.

If this isn't the case then I will not be wasting my time re-newing my membership after the party, I'm confident though that this wont be the case...
- Fri 23 Sep 2005 16:54:19 Replies: 1, add

Come and meet the people behind Sleaze. As a fundraiser for Sleaze the New Mardi Gras Party Working Group are holding a Glutton's BBQ this weekend:

DATE: Sunday 25th September!!!
TIME: 2pm till 6pm
LOCATION: The Oxford Hotel - 143 Oxford Street (in the Taylor square precinct)

Just a reminder Sleaze is on the night of Saturday 1st October (next weekend) If you haven't bought your ticket yet then do so NOW!
They are available to purchase at Ticketek - - - http://www.ticketek.com.au

There is really no need to confirm your attendance.... If you wake up famished on Sunday and just couldn't do without some sausage or you have neglected your weekly fix of meat....Come along and snack on a sausage in the sunshine, with others that also can't resist the sumptuous, mouth watering, sausage.

Look forward to seeing you there.
Party Working Group - Fri 23 Sep 2005 20:05:16 Replies: 1, add

I have attended all Mardi Gras/Sleaze Balls since late 80's.

Now I read NMG almost begging people to go otherwise there may be no Mardi Gras/Fair Day etc next year.

I know the parties are big cash cows but is NMG looking at raising monies from those other events ? Maybe collectors
at Fair Day where a token entrance of of say a $5 note be thrown into the purse ? Not sure on the March etc as they get as many sponsors as they can I presume ?
Curious - Fri 23 Sep 2005 20:27:03 Replies: add

Slap me a sausage in a bun and give me an extra squirt of sauce....
You can eat my sausage... - Fri 23 Sep 2005 22:19:37 Replies: add

Just one thing..

PLEASE DONT CUT THE DANCEFLOORS.

If they even think about it then I pity the team behind it. If the party doesn't do so well then I also pity the NMG board and management. A dance floor was cut earlier in the year and people were torn to shreds, imagine what would happen if NMG cut an event, like parade or launch, fair day or party?
- Fri 23 Sep 2005 23:11:55 Replies: 1, add

What bugs me is all those that either go to the Parade, Fair Day etc or any other free event should also be targeted.

Fine I hear them say, dance parties are not my thing but hey cant expect a free ride all the time.

Can anyone explain what turns them on or makes them go from the Toybox poster ( forget reputations here, people are bitching about posters ) ????????
But I suppose Paris needs to make her posts as well cause they dont please her.
Nicole Richie - Sat 24 Sep 2005 12:51:45 Replies: add

Which happens to be the number of sins that are being memoralised for this party. Choose your favourite.
Panther - Sat 24 Sep 2005 16:15:05 Replies: 1, add

If the satifaction level is high from this Sleaze the punters will be much quicker off the mark to buy tickets for Mardi Gras Party next year and so on. EVERYTHING else will fall into place after that But if NMG are making cuts to the party they are only shooting themselves in the foot in the long run..if people walk away dissatisfied there is no way they will want to support any future ventures NMG takes on...making cuts like Dancefloors this party may save them money now but just wait till they try do another party and then see what happens.

Dancefloors may cost money but damage control costs much more than NMG could ever afford.
- Sat 24 Sep 2005 17:08:45 Replies: 1, add

Panther - Sat 24 Sep 2005 19:53:31

This year, Sleaze is returning to the type of productions that made it famous through the ‘glory’ years. This is the kind of stuff everyone will be talking about well after you’ve cleaned the glitter out of your pores. Stunning production shows on the night will represent the seven sins, here’s your inside scoop!

Show 1 will be Sloth inspired with stilt-walkers and a light display that will blow you away set to an amazing Spanish inspired soundtrack, there’s also something new for Sleaze and given its colourful history, one can only guess. Greed comes next with full on production number in the forecourt area. DIVA Choreographer of the year, Minnie Cooper, is coordinating a J-Lo/ghetto inspired number with more glamour and bling bling than Bobby Brown’s Christmas stocking. Show 3 will be Vanity. Sleaze goes old school with a big community, big budget, big spectacle, big extravaganza number. With choreography by Amy Delves and a soundtrack that features a medley of the best music and 50 performers in an 18th Century inspired production that will have more than a passing resemblance to this year’s awesome advertising campaign. Absolutely stunning.

Show 4, Gluttony, will feature in the women’s space. You can expect something sexy, corsets-a-plenty, tops hats and of course, plenty of food.

Show 5 will be Wrath featuring Opera meet Martial arts with Asian inspired theatrical spectacle with a special guest performer.

Show 6 is Envy inspired featuring a current chart sensation and an envious group of red carpet wanna-bes who will be battling it out to get the attention of a very special guest performer. Prepare for all out drag-queen war as you’ve never seen it before.

Lust on the list…(du dum cha) is Show 7, Lust. Featuring our fave girl band The Frocks and the Sydney Convicts in a summer beach party/Gidget inspired show.

Finally on the rumour mill we hear Rogues Traders are set to play at Sleaze as well as Melissa Tkuatz. Oooowah!
- Sat 24 Sep 2005 20:34:34 Replies: 1, 2, add

Hordern
10pm - 12.30am: Ruby
12.30 - 3am: Chip
3am - 5.30am: Mandy Rollins & Feisty back-to-back
5.30am - 8am: Sveta
- Sat 24 Sep 2005 20:36:43 Replies: add

I just cannot visualise Rogue Traders playing as Melissa Tkuatz. EEEEEEEWWWW.
- Sat 24 Sep 2005 21:32:28 Replies: add

ok so here's the question:
the press release says luke's set will include a show by a special guest? who ??? did he not just re mix the glamorous life for melissa? is it here? does that fit the one am or the four am in the rhi? sounds like the envy is a good glamorous life show theme??

what do you all think?? pretty pointless for me any way as i always wander off with some new freinds to get a drink and some air and miss them all any way!!!

we'll be there this time next week. i am looking forawrd to it- my twelth sleaze!!! hope you all have a great ngith. i will
- Sun 25 Sep 2005 00:05:31 Replies: add

You are so right. We are so spoilt here , yet they want more more more , complain more more more.
I travel extensively, as in SX this week a column bemoaning London for being closed on a Sunday night etc.
As for the US ! they make me laugh. 2am closings, absolutely no $'s put into productions etc. Sure there are some cities
with later finishes but the US is way behind.
Sure Ibiza / Myconos / Berlin etc are all fave party cities but Sydney always has something on . A major party every month at least ( talking straight and gay here ).
If Sleaze fails to get numbers to support MG next year , I will be truly sad but there can be no moaning or bitching about no MG , no Fairday etc............
Its in our hands now - you decide - Sun 25 Sep 2005 10:54:47 Replies: 1, add

No pressure, no you must go , no shame shame shame !

Its a fact and nothing more. You say the last 2 NMG parties have been dodgy so NMG have had their warning and again that is fair enough.

So it seems you can say " WE TOLD YOU SO " but... no one
is allowed to post saying something as simple as its in our
hands ?
Re-read the post and tell us where it states something along the lines of " YOU MUST GO " ......
Take a deep breath - Sun 25 Sep 2005 14:40:57 Replies: add

Lets so how many Pinkboarders can make a donation!
GT - It Really Does Feel Good - Sun 25 Sep 2005 16:39:36 Replies: add

We'll be arriving late for a change, as I'm working till 11 at another venue, straight to the RHI for JK & Luke. Then the Horden for Mandy & Feisty... then toss a coin to decide between Sveta & Dan.

Can't wait for the party!
shanobear - Sun 25 Sep 2005 21:11:22 Replies: add

Even if you're not inclined to be in full costume let's glitz up those demins, add a bit pizazz in what ever way you feel. Glitter, sexy tats, funny moto's whatever. If nothing else it gives us all something to talk about and enjoy the night even more.

Bring it onnnnnnnn!!!!

See you all there - look for something biblical
Sleaze party dude - Mon 26 Sep 2005 07:31:45 Replies: 1, add

I love it when people dress up! There's nothing like seeing people who have made that bit of extra effort to come up with something, just for the party. As you said costumes really do add to the atmosphere of the party, and also to the sense of fun attached to the event.

Go on...break out...it's not another club night, this is OUR night let's play dress up's and add to the fun!
Sucker for Sparkle - Mon 26 Sep 2005 09:44:22 Replies: 1, add

I’m from the US just visiting Sydney- never been to an event like this:

Would love to get some answers to some quick questions:

Will a program list be available- what’s on where/when?
What’s the best time to arrive?
Any pre-parties going on?
Is this a “Bring your own poison” type event- will there be plenty of drinks/bars?
The hardest part- I don’t have a clue what to wear? Any suggestion- can I go in jeans & shirt?
My friend’s having second thoughts about going- would I be miserable if I went by myself?

Thanks for all your helps,

Completely new to Sydney, an event of this nature and this board

Thx

~D
- Mon 26 Sep 2005 12:40:06 Replies: 1, 2, add

I hope that you have an AMAZING time at the party!!!

What to Wear: You can wear whatever you like to Sleaze, but you might get pretty hot in jeans and t-shirt (depending on how body conscious you are the t-shirt is not likely to stay on for long as it gets REAALLYY hot in the halls). In terms of clothing, ANYTHING goes, people will wear all sorts of creations, some regular street wear whilst others will be in an assortment of special party creations. There'll be a cloakroom so you can bring a jacket and leave it there until you're ready to go home. It can feel v cold outside at leaving time after being in the heat all night!

Poison: Regarding drinks, you cannot bring alcohol in to the party, as it is a licenced event.

Miserable by yourself: I doubt very much that you'd be miserable at the party on your own -generally the crowd is very friendly and most people make new friends on the night, but how comfortable you are with that is a very individual thing. If you are smiling and friendly you are bound to meet like-minded others to spend time with at the party! It is shame if your friend decides against going though, it's always fun showing someone new around at an event like this!!!

DJ Set Times + Shows: You can check out: (www.ssonet.com.au) and(www.mardigras.org.au)for further info on the party and set times etc for the DJ's. According to the NMG website there will be 7 shows in total (for the seven deadly sins). You can also access photo's of past party pics (from Mardi Gras and Sleaze) on the mardigras.org.au site which will give you more of an idea of the types of things that people might be wearing.

Arrival time: My friends and I always have great intentions of arriving at the party at 10, but usually dont actually get our acts together until around 11.30. The good thing about getting to the party early is that you can explore everywhere before it fills up and also that you can watch the party start to build. It also extends your night. Be prepared for queues at the entry, and if you're carrying any type of backpack etc to be searched.

Pre-parties: There are lot's going on, but most tend to be at people's homes..getting ready together and having a few pre-party photo's/drinks/shenanigans! It would be nice if your friend did decide to go as you could enjoy all of that together!

I'm sure that others on the board will have other ideas/suggestions for you.

Hope this helps and that you have an amazing night!
Sucker for Sparkle - Mon 26 Sep 2005 13:53:13 Replies: add

"Will a program list be available- what’s on where/when?" Have a look at the NMG Website, especially ook at the media releases, this will explain a lot. I think there was a run down on the events here on this board, have a look back through the messages. BUT... you know, discovering the shows on the night is a lot of fun. The venue is excellent, 2 huge halls (Horden and RHI) lots of atmosphere. There is a big open area inbetween the two halls where people chill and congregate.

"What’s the best time to arrive?"

I'm always there when the gates open, I'm very impatient. Getting there when the gates open means you have time to get changed if necessary, to get your stuff booked in to the cloak room (Usually about 4 bucks) and time to look around find out where everything is, toilets, medical, officials area etc. By the time you do this the place will be rockin...! The place will be in full swing by midnight.

"Any pre-parties going on?" I don't think Pre-parties are a Sydney thing but the Shift and the Oxford will be full of people getting primed for the night. Recovery Parties are the big thing in Sydney.

"Is this a “Bring your own poison” type event- will there be plenty of drinks/bars?" There are Bars in in hall, from memory there is one at each end of each hall, may be one outside as well near all the foodies places. If you bring party favours it's advisable to conceal them, I always stick mine in my undies. There is always the rumours about sniffer dogs each year, but I have never seen them at a gay event. At the Inquisition party they were patting down people at the entry point, I've never seen this at Mardi Gras or Sleaze. If you have a bag they inspect it on the way in. No cameras or weapons like whips, chains, night sticks, hand cuffs etc. also includes your mobile phone camera. Only one pay phone inside. Drinks last year were generally $5.50, seems it goes up 50c each year so bank on $6 for a beer +/- for other stuff.

"The hardest part- I don’t have a clue what to wear? Any suggestion- can I go in jeans & shirt?" You can wear absolutely anything, this is a very non-judgemental crowd. I always wear leather, I guess the idea is to dress up to the theme but truely you can wear anything. Some wear nothing... years gone by unfortunately, haven't seen that since the 80s and the days of sex spaces.

"My friend’s having second thoughts about going- would I be miserable if I went by myself?" Absolutely NOT, the dance floors can be really friendly, the dark back corners can be really friendly, the bleaches can be really friendly. Just keep a smile on your face and it wont be long before you feel wandering hands. I guarantee that you wont be miserable ... not until it's time to go home.

Hope you have a ball... have a good look at the SLEAZE links on the NMG website.
Xane - Mon 26 Sep 2005 14:37:49 Replies: add

The New Mardi Gras website has ouline details of shows and a list of DJ's playing where and when. It's a Mardi Gras tradition not to be too specific about the timing of shows but any Sydney Sleaze veteran will be able to give you a sense of what's likely to be on when.

Peak arrival time is around midnight. However arriving earlier can give you a better sense of layout, lights, where things are etc.

There'll be heaps of informal pre-parties - starting on Friday night when the Oxford St strip will be jumping. If you go out Friday you should find something to do pre-party and checking out the gay press on Thursday - Sydney Star Observer and SX - will also help.

There'll be more bars than you might have thought you ever needed .....

You can wear anything from chaps, a cockring and a smile to jeans and a T. Over to you. It's billed as a costume party but "costume" has incredibly wide interpretation. Most guys are bare chested by 2am.

Would you be miserable if you go by yourself? Depends. The overwhelming majority of partygoers will be chemically enhanced - but it's not compulsory If you're not, it could be hard to get into the vibe but then again, maybe not. The party vibe tends to be very friendly and there'll be lots to look at.
- Mon 26 Sep 2005 14:47:00 Replies: add

Your Sleaze Awaits! We hope you’re all getting excited about this year’s Sleaze because we sure are!

Let’s start with the big news!

Thinking your Sleaze is going to be so big that you’re going to need a holiday afterwards? Yeah, that’s what we thought too – so we’ve been hard at work arranging little lucky draw for our Sleazy friends. Nothing too grand. Just 2 return economy airfairs to Hong Kong courtesy of lovely friends at Virgin Atlantic! In addition, the lucky prize winner will also receive:
• 2 x return economy tickets to Hong Kong courtesy of Virgin Atlantic valued at $2,300
• 4 Tickets to Mardi Gras Party 2006 valued at $476
• 4 Tickets to 2006 Mardi Gras Parade VIP Viewing Area valued at $160
• 2 Tickets to Fantasy NYE Party valued at $380
• 4 tickets to the next DTPM Party valued at $120
• 4 x VIP tickets to Homesexual on 5th November 2005 valued at $120
• 4 x 3 month premium membership upgrades from gaydar.com.au valued at $150
• 2 x Double Passes to Chutney Popcorn screening on 26th October valued at $40 Double Passes Shorts by Ozon screening 23rd November valued at $40
• 2 x Tickets to PROUD (a Pride fundraising club event) on Friday 21 October @ Arq valued at $60.
• 2 x Tickets to Candy Lips on Friday 9 December @ Rogues valued at $60

Can’t say fairer than that can you! I can’t remember the last time, buying a ticket for a night out of top quality music and entertainment put me in the running for a trip overseas!

The competition is open to everyone who purchases a ticket for Sleaze. For full details of the competition, including all relevant terms and conditions please go to www.mardigras.org.au.

Member Benefits at Sleaze

What else? Well we’ve been listening to your feedback about making recognizing and valuing your membership of New Mardi Gras. So for this year’s Sleaze, we’ve spent some time thinking about how we can make your Sleaze experience just that little bit extra special.
First off, there will be a special Member’s entry for holders of ‘member’s tickets’ providing you with express access into the October 1st party. Beyond these gates you’ll also receive a member’s wrist band for priority coat checking- fast tracking your arrival to the sensational Sinsuality.

Interested in meeting and chilling out with other NMG members? In another first for this party, the member’s ticket holder wrist band will give you access to the new member’s lounge. The member’s area is a select space where you can chill out in ‘lovesacs’ or grab a drink from the exclusive member’s bar between dances. Look out for it at the rear of the RHI on the left hand side of the stage and say hello to your NMG friends. Entry is by wristband only. In addition, our women members can enjoy the dedicated LOTL Women’s Space which will also keep the evening pumping while providing a dedicated space for Rapunzel to let down her hair.

Sinsuality is shaping up to be an awesome and unforgettable party. We’ve pulled out the stops for this year’s event – so, really the question is with Rogue Traders, Melissa Tkautz, The Frocks, opera, roller bladers, martial arts, more bling than you can shake a stick at, London Taxis (don’t ask), all out drag-queen war, and a return to the old school, big production, big spectacle extravaganza numbers all sandwiched between 10 of Sydney’s best DJs, including Dan Murphy, Jake Kilby, Luke Leal, Mandy Rollins, Feisty, Chip, Sveta, Ruby, Kate Monroe and Greg Boladian, can you and your friends really afford to miss the hottest ticket in town? I mean even the Black Eyed Peas are going to be showing their faces and soaking in the legendary atmosphere of a Mardi Gras event. No, really? Yes, really!

I know, I know so we’ve told you what and who to expect at the party, but you still don’t really know where and when they’re going to be performing do you? Well, this year all that is set to change. As a special exclusive to you, our valued members, look out for a special member’s newsletter in the early evening of the 1st October listing the times, venues and content of our faaaaaaaabulous shows, celebrating the 7 Sleazy sins and something just a little bit extra because we couldn’t help ourselves.

Really, there’s no excuse not to come and join the New Mardi Gras crew this October long weekend to celebrate the start of this year’s party Season. Just think, you’ll be at the hottest of the weekend’s parties AND you’ll be raising money to ensure that next year’s Mardi Gras season is just as good as last years! There’s nowhere else I’d rather be!

So, that about wraps it up for now – I’ve got to run and finish my costume for Sleaze.

Be seeing you under the mirror ball!

Marcus Bourget
Chair
On behalf of the Board
- Mon 26 Sep 2005 19:07:50 Replies: 1, add

Surely they are not going to be $190 a ticket ? or is there
something included
Type ? - Mon 26 Sep 2005 19:28:31 Replies: 1, add

Panther - Mon 26 Sep 2005 20:07:07

Now fingers crossed the prizes of 2006 parade and party tickets will exist next year.

From what they've said I just carn't see Sleaze 05 being anything but schtunning!
- Mon 26 Sep 2005 20:34:23 Replies: add

Not much word on the lighting... while I don't care for the RHI as a venue, can we expect anything as good as Hordern's rig this year for Mardi Gras???? It's size and general awesomeness really stands out from this yr's party for me! Hope you're cooking up something good Brad - can't wait to see it!
- Mon 26 Sep 2005 20:48:08 Replies: 1, add

Brad W - 2 sleeps until bump in! - Tue 27 Sep 2005 00:35:28

If the organisation goes under once again at least NMG can say they gave the community the chance to respond.

Imagine if the only thing we heard waws "it's all over again". you would be asking why you weren't told prior!
cant win em, always lose em - Tue 27 Sep 2005 10:14:17 Replies: add

I agree with you too. I think it shows good judgement that NMG have issued a very comprehensive newsletter that shows a bit of new initiative. At the same time, I didn't think that what everyone's referring to as the "begging" letter was inappropriate. What's wrong with telling it like it is?? The old MG was always accused of secrecy and not being up front enough about the true state of the organisation. Now NMG is changing that and still the whingers complain.
- Tue 27 Sep 2005 12:29:41 Replies: 1, add

I love the quintessential Sydney touch - member's wrist bands. That's so Sydney 2005! Only 12 months ago it would've been a members lanyard.
- Tue 27 Sep 2005 12:38:35 Replies: add

I'm not saying that NMG shouldn't have flagged a problem with ticket sales, but it could have communicated the message in a different way that would have built some excitement and engaged with those who hadn't bought a ticket yet. It was all about the tone. Look at the newsletter message this week - far more positive.
- Tue 27 Sep 2005 13:48:08 Replies: 1, 2, 3, add

Although sleaze is a party, it is also a fundraiser. People forget that when they compare to private (profit) events like toybox who donate a pitence back to other community groups.
- Tue 27 Sep 2005 18:38:05 Replies: add

What doesnt appeal to you , appeals to others. The so called begging letter didnt work for you but I know people who have gone out and bought a ticket just like some posters have.

And the biggest pain - if you dont like the DJ/music , move to the other hall or if your in Oxford St , move to another club.
It must gut a DJ to read a few posts that slag the DJ like the whole Hall/Club/Venue also agrees with them. Well guess what ? I've seen posts slagging a DJ and I was at the same Hall/Club/Venue and the dance floor didnt empty. The club never empty.
No thought what so ever for a persons feelings.
My dance card for Sleaze is empty - Tue 27 Sep 2005 18:58:41 Replies: add

First I do not agree that it was a begging letter. To me it said clearly that the party will be great. What it also said was if they don't sell more tickets then there will be a reduced Mardi Gras season. This could mean no launch, no fair day, no parade and even no party.

As some other posters have said, NMG and old MG were continually criticised for not telling the members what was happening. This is NMG telling the members what they need to know. Hopefully the members will help to ensure the future of Mardi Gras.

Would you like to suggest a way they could have handled it better? Should they have said "We have almost sold out"? Should they have just kept quiet?
Arti - over 20 years of Mardi Gras - Tue 27 Sep 2005 19:44:18 Replies: add

Count the fingers.
Panther - Tue 27 Sep 2005 20:45:19 Replies: add

Now I don't need to worry if it's good or not, or how much money I spent on the night (which I don't have anyway).

Let me know how it went.
- Tue 27 Sep 2005 23:01:57 Replies: add

Talking up parties is well-established marketing practice - everybody does it, its background noise on Pinkboard and we all see through it. But I hear NMG saying something different. If you want MG to carry on, come to Sleaze. If you don't give a toss, fair enough. But live with the outcome and don't start slagging NMG off for not telling it like it is. I've no idea how many tix they've sold but I couldn't give a big rat's at this point. I'm going because MG has been part of my life - an incredibly important part of it - for a long time and if it's the last time for Sleaze, I want to be there. If it's not, then I also want to be part of ensuring it's not.

Yeah, it's not the same. Fox is a sanitised, whitebread version of what once was and there are heaps of other partying options on the go. Things change, times move on, but Sleaze has been the harbinger of the gay party season for as long as I've been out and I'm stuffed if I'm just going to shrug my shoulders and walk away from it at this point, because Marcus Bourget's heartfelt letter might not have fitted a perfect Marketing 101 parameter. It was honest and upfront and the guy is obviously flogging his arse off to save this beast.

If it means stuffall to people at this point then - yep - maybe it's time for it to go. But I intend to party all night at Sleaze....just in case
- Tue 27 Sep 2005 23:08:11 Replies: add

Retro Retro Retro - yes yes , i know i said I wasnt going but NMG plea for help made me change my mind - Wed 28 Sep 2005 00:32:58

Maybe this might interest you;

"Show 3 – Vanity: Sleaze goes old school with a big community, big spectacle, big extravaganza number. With choreography by Amy Delves and a soundtrack that features a medley of current dance hits and old school favourites over 50 performers will entertain you with an 18th Century inspired production that will have more than a passing resemblance to this year’s awesome advertising campaign! Think massive."

http://www.mardigras.org.au/Media/MediaReleases/MR20050920Shows.htm

- Wed 28 Sep 2005 06:58:19 Replies: 1, add

Dan said above that his set is going to be an "Oh-My-God-I-Love-This-Song!" set.

This should contain a great selection of older songs as well as current hits.
Arti - Wed 28 Sep 2005 08:11:54 Replies: add

How gullible can you get
- Wed 28 Sep 2005 08:53:22 Replies: add

But for those of us who are scantily dressed it may mean padding in strategic places. hehe
Sleaze Party Dude - Wed 28 Sep 2005 09:12:53 Replies: add

Reading this board depresses me

Why all this negativity? You guys are jaded. Here I am- first time in sydney going to an event like this and just reading all your negative reviews.

Geeze- enough to make anyone second guess the decision to go.

Either go or don't- but quit complaining about it
- Wed 28 Sep 2005 09:22:34 Replies: 1, 2, 3, add

Hope you enoy you're first time!
shanobear - Wed 28 Sep 2005 10:40:14 Replies: 1, 2, add

There are some of us who are positive about this and all other parties, but unfortunately the negativity does seem to dominate. They say it's their 'opinion' but it does create doubt in the minds of people like yourself.

Don't let the wowsers put you off going even if it is by yourself. Sleaze will packed with hot sweaty sexy men out for a great time and quite a few of us have a weak spot for you yanks.

I'll be looking for the accent. See you on the dance floor.
Sleaze Party Dude - Wed 28 Sep 2005 10:52:51 Replies: 1, add

Shanobear... Wardrobe...? So you and the BF twin-ing up in something spectacular, don't forget at least some leather. I can hardly wait to see you both.
Xane - Wed 28 Sep 2005 11:34:50 Replies: add

What if First Timer is Female? I hope not, I love American men, they are so... so forward.
- Wed 28 Sep 2005 11:37:51 Replies: 1, add

shanobear - - Wed 28 Sep 2005 11:43:41

But HEY, I'll still be there woopin it up with all and any who want to woop as well.
Xane - Not quite a Showground Dinosoar but surely a Showground Slut - Wed 28 Sep 2005 11:54:17 Replies: add

Murray Hood - www.murrayhood.com - Wed 28 Sep 2005 11:56:54

What can I say? It's a better discussion than the weather.
Grammer School Poof - Wed 28 Sep 2005 12:14:02 Replies: add

Which ever, I'm easy. ooops did I say that? lol
Sleaze Party Dude - Wed 28 Sep 2005 13:39:42 Replies: add

Further Outlook
Friday - Fine, sunny. NW/NE winds.
Sydney: min - 10 max - 24

Saturday - Fine. N/NE winds.
Sydney: min - 14 max - 28
weathergirl - Wed 28 Sep 2005 13:53:21 Replies: add

No i'm 25, male, alcoholic and have an 8 inch cock.

Did i mention 'first timer' applies to a lot of things

looking to get 'sleazy' this weekend
- Wed 28 Sep 2005 14:32:19 Replies: 1, 2, add

I promise to be more careful in the future.

Let's hope I don't make a spelling mistake on my outfit for Saturday night
shanobear - Wed 28 Sep 2005 15:33:59 Replies: 1, add

Yeah right, and I'm Brad Pitts twin brother - only the better looking one.

Look for me on the dance floor..... lol X
Sleaze Party Dude - Wed 28 Sep 2005 15:35:37 Replies: 1, add

Yeah but lets hope you've got a bigger willy than your twin brother Brad. Sheesh , talk about weenies !!!!
big dick man - Wed 28 Sep 2005 17:32:45 Replies: add

Sleaze et trois
Panther - Wed 28 Sep 2005 20:03:45 Replies: add

Now is it wrong to ask what is NMG doing to make $'s elsewhere as well ? How to make more from Launch ? Fair Day ?
etc. After all they are basically a free ride for a lot of people. Maybe a small entrance fee ? Dunno just grasping at straws.
People rightly whinged about last Sleaze and some past MG's etc but............ if more of the $'s earnt from these parties were spent on these parties what an extravaganza we would have. Certainly Dome and City Live with Retro etc could return. Wooden dance floors ! and lighting like you wouldnt beleive !
I work with older queens/dykes and they say " Oh Ive moved on from those parties " but they are the ones who love their Launch, Fair Day etc.........
Make them pay as well - Wed 28 Sep 2005 20:30:29 Replies: add

Anyone interested?
- Wed 28 Sep 2005 22:53:17 Replies: 1, add
Pinkboard is unable to verify this statement.

Anyway, costume- would love to go in theme.... stuggling though, how does one remain cool in 17th century garb?
3 days to go AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhh
xtoffa - Thu 29 Sep 2005 00:29:54 Replies: 1, add

You would think that this great promotion that they are putting up has been designed to get new members to sign up so they receive the benefits this Sleaze and also get access to that special newsletter with the showtimes posted of where the performers will be (I'm hoping someone can copy & paste it up here on Saturday afternoon when they get it please!) but no, I signed up to be a member after hearing about the competition but I got a reply back going
"As per our Constitution, New Members have to be approved at the Board Meeting, and our next Board Meeting isnt until after Sleaze".

You would think that if they are going to put a promotion out there to sign up new members, they would have foresight to have the procedure in place for them to be able to do this and for the person who has just signed up to not feel like they have just wasted $29 to join up because they wanted their Sleaze benefit, and it clearly isnt coming due to their lack of foresight.

Oh well! I'm just hgoping someone can put up those 'exclusive only to Mardi Gras members' performance times, please
loveit - Thu 29 Sep 2005 11:24:04 Replies: 1, 2, 3, 4, add

All seems very positive on this wall.
Well done NMG x - Thu 29 Sep 2005 12:11:52 Replies: 1, add

Bathrooms? Bleachers? the stage...
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 12:39:18 Replies: 1, 2, add

Geez, my theme pre-dates that. Will I look dumb???? And not really confident I will be classed as cool, sexy sleaze I may achieve.

Oh well!

My 1st Sleaze ever and I can't wait!!
Sleaze Party Dude - Thu 29 Sep 2005 13:31:49 Replies: 1, add

You could wear anything or (almost) nothing and not look dumb! All you need is a big smile and all will be well!
Have a great time and hope you meet some nice new party buddies!
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 14:01:54 Replies: add

Whilst members might be reluctant to share their exclusive show info on this board, they might be willing to email you on Saturday if you posted your email address here. They might even suggest meeting you for a dance!
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 14:34:38 Replies: add

OUCH!

Sorry I raised the issue at all. Pardon me for being green.

Well, I guess I will just have to have a sleazy time with all the other pleb, low life people in the Horden. (until I become a member in November, then watch out!!)

Still looking forward to it.

I'll look for your wrist band and be sure to pay homage to be in your presence.

X
Sleaze Party Dude - Thu 29 Sep 2005 15:48:52 Replies: add

I mean I can understand why they want to approve new members because due to the threat of getting 'branch-stacked', but I sent a reply email asking if they could still send me the show times via email and I didnt hear back from them

Also, I am loving Sunday morning. Is anyone catching a ferry to Toybox? :D
pooh-poohed - Thu 29 Sep 2005 16:50:11 Replies: add

Sex at Fox studios is a no-no. It is actually a danceparty. The days of mass orgies is sadly only in memory now. Security will break up any pentetration as it seriously jepordises Fox Studios alcohol licence. Its a bugger hey!

Still there is something extremely horny and titilating aboout the sea of up for it sydney homos and lezzos getting sweaty dancing together. We can dance in peace together. There's an incredible amout of cruising, fondling, frottage, tweaking, snogging and phone numbers being exchanged on the dance floor.

Heres to an amazing party. For first timers and long termers, this is OUR party. Lets celebrate how lucky, sexy and special we really are.

(ps all the sex venues totally rock in the morning and afternoon - oink! just pack yer viagra)
- ok my grammar is shite, but the message is pure - Thu 29 Sep 2005 18:09:19 Replies: add

What a nasty, thoughtless reply! The ad should have made it clear that only existing NMG members could win the (excellent) prizes. Otherwise the committee seem to be doing a really good job and it's great to see spirits picking up. How I wish I could be there. Lots of spicey news afterwards please.
Paul Diamondo - Thu 29 Sep 2005 18:23:40 Replies: 1, add

Since NSW government started policing their f*****-up Liquor Laws and harrassing people for touching each other if there is booze on sale, any and all 'action' has been driven underground, (literally) back to the subterranian bathrooms where subversive activity runs rampant. But that's where you'll find it, typically after the party drugs wear thin (3am-4am) you'll find men making contact like they used to when homosexuality was illegal. In a somewhat ironic twist you'll find free condoms a plenty down there.
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 18:29:24 Replies: 1, add

Looking forward to a really great night nonetheless, and I hope everyone who's feeling good about the night has a fantastic time. Imagine if this were ot be the best Sleaze ever, and you'd listened to the nay-sayers and decided not to go!
Mortee from Maggie - Thu 29 Sep 2005 18:57:12 Replies: 1, add

On the positive side, there's gonna be enough room to swing cats, dogs, giraffes, yacht masts and 40ft poles
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 19:12:33 Replies: 1, add

thanks for that laugh. Much better than the contents of the cutlery drawer sticking out of your back should someone disagree with your post
But I do hope that number is higher - Thu 29 Sep 2005 20:11:10 Replies: add

Lets get buying and make it ours again.
love New mardi Gras too xx - Thu 29 Sep 2005 20:21:10 Replies: 1, 2, add

thank you thank you thank you.
Rock on - Thu 29 Sep 2005 20:22:57 Replies: add

Congratulations to them though for keeping up the good fight for our parade.
a friend of the board - Thu 29 Sep 2005 20:27:17 Replies: 1, add

What a lot of nonsense you write. The law is that alcohol can not be sold at a 'sex on premesis' venue such as legal brothels, saunas, cruise clubs etc. (Apparently you can give it away at such premesis though and not break the law). So it seems some natzi type in the LLB twisted this around to deem MG, or who ever provides a sex space is creating a "sex on premesis" venue and selling alcohol thereby breaking the law. Fox is in no danger of losing it's liquor license if guys "do it" in the corner or in the bogs... Security may break it up due to what may be considered indecent behaviour but that has nothing to do with the LLB. If MG do not provide a sex space then they are meeting their obligation under the law (albiet droconian) and are not responsible for what ever happens in dark corners or in the privacy of a toilet cubical. You need to get off your 'hands on hips' high horse and refrain from saying things like "it's actually a dance party" Yes it a dance party but it's a "Gay" dance party and horny men will always find other horney men, especially at such a big gay event. Bury your head in the sand if it makes you comfortable but in the real world...
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 20:27:29 Replies: add

Agree though that some people's posts had a nasty edge. As suggested earlier, leave your email address here and some nice NMG member might forward you the showtimes.
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 20:34:26 Replies: add

i think we need to explore whether sex at event like sleaze really does amount to the "indecent conduct" that the liquor laws prohibit. if no-one at the event considers the behaviour to be indecent and no one complains then is it indecent in that context?
behaviour that would cause offense to most if it occurred publicly and be considered indecent does not necessarily mean it is also offensive and indecent in a private setting like sleaze where similar values are shared by all there. all we need is a one judge to agree and then the precedent will be set. are there any lawyers out there that can shed some light on this?
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 20:58:04 Replies: 1, add

What do you mean by this?
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 21:10:42 Replies: 1, add

can some one from PWG verify?
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 21:14:46 Replies: add

I AM SOOO EXCITED ABOUT SATURDAY!!!!!!

Now let's talk about the music..... Jake, Luke, Dan, Feisty, Ruby et al --- come on, guys, how's the playlists going....

What do the punters like to hear? Any final requests to the DJ's?
- Fri 30 Sep 2005 08:10:41 Replies: 1, 2, add

Onto the costumes; Has everyone finalised their creations? I am all set!

I am really getting excited now. Hope everyone in here is as well!!!!!
Ready to go - Fri 30 Sep 2005 08:58:30 Replies: add

This weekend represents the start of the Summer party season (not that we had much of a break through winter..) so enjoy safely and abundantly.

Please remember that Sleaze pays for the Mardi Gras Parade so if you still haven't made up your mind, think carefully and get along to it. The whole organisation for this party has been revitalised and it feels like it's going to be a very special night.

Anyway, I hope to catch many of you over the weekend, whether at Sleaze, Luminere, the Shift or Manacle.

Have a great and Sleazy weekend.
Noisy Gypsy - Fri 30 Sep 2005 08:58:39 Replies: add

I'm really excited about this whole weekend. The girlfriend's Sleaze outfit is amazing, and this is good as I can wear my comfy leathers as everyone will be looking at her. We're having pre-party cocktails with our best gay boyfriends and pervy mates, to settle those pre-party jitters (or is it just me who has pre-party stress?)

I love that point in the night too, when sitting in the stands, surrounded by old friends and new friends, the lights going crazy, a sea of sweaty dancing people in front of me, and the music going right through me to my toes. That Special Party Moment.

We might be popping in to Manacle for a cleansing ale on sunday morning, depending on feet tiredness. Noisy Gypsy, hope to catch you up for a gossip, a hug, and a dance at some point too.

Yay and thanks for all the people who worked hard to put this on. I know how much work goes into a big event, and this punter appreciates your efforts A LOT!

See you on the dance floor!
Evil Twin - Fri 30 Sep 2005 10:08:29 Replies: add

Adamx - Fri 30 Sep 2005 13:53:35

does anyone know a good place to go to pre-party- wanna get nice & toasty before i arrive.

wait- i thought the costumes should only apply to the 7 sins- now i'm more confused on what to wear...
- Fri 30 Sep 2005 14:22:06 Replies: 1, add

wait- i thought the costumes should only apply to the 7 sins- now i'm more confused on what to wear...
- Fri 30 Sep 2005 14:22"

Great to hear that you're excited! Not long now

Don't worry about the costumes -it is wonderful if you choose to dress in theme, but honestly ANYTHING goes!

Only another 31.5 hours to go...enjoy the build up
- Fri 30 Sep 2005 14:30:36 Replies: add

18?

21?
- Fri 30 Sep 2005 15:47:50 Replies: 1, 2, add

We're both pretty excited, and I think we've picked a great mixture of the styles we are both known for.

The other guys are playing some doozies too, so hopefully you'll all enjoy the party!
www.jakekilby.com - Fri 30 Sep 2005 16:11:47 Replies: add

Jake and I have pretty much ironed out our set together. I'm confident it's a pretty good balance of vocal house & trance and big room anthems I think. Lotsa stuff you'll know but fresh new mixes of things as well as a few re-edits that we've both done especially for the night. We're happy with it and pretty excited in general!

In fact I'm actually typing this in the studio right now - I've just finished off my remix of Melissa Tkautz's next single "All I Want" that'll be tentativly dropped @ 1am tomorrow night I reckon! World Wide Exclusive Debut folks! (as Molly used to say on Countdown) so listen out for it...
www.lukeleal.com - "music makes you lose control!" - Fri 30 Sep 2005 16:30:08 Replies: add

Not long to go now!

CYA there!
shanobear - Fri 30 Sep 2005 16:56:18 Replies: add

That's a very common practice anywhere honey.

Restaurants, bars, clubs etc all have free invites/meals/tickets that they provide to certain persons.

Theres always a clip board at Arq and Midnight Shift with names of people on the VIP list.

Even if NMG gave away as many as 500 tickets (very doubtful) that just makes it more enjoyable for paying customers - larger crowd = better vibe. And of course the freeloaders have to buy drinks anyway.
- Fri 30 Sep 2005 19:20:09 Replies: add

In fact it is 26 and a half hours.
Panther - Fri 30 Sep 2005 19:22:15 Replies: add

Dan Murphy - http://danmurphy.blogspot.com - Fri 30 Sep 2005 20:30:30

Apart from being poor practice for a community organisation, it would be commercially stupid. And it's not their style - they simply wouldn't insult all their members and supporters who have paid to go!

Looking forward to tomorrow - nothing beats the big parties!!
NMG volunteer - Fri 30 Sep 2005 21:19:41 Replies: add

firstly - NMG doesnt give out tickets as freebies, it gives out special passes. these passes (nothing to do with ticketek) are very limited and only given to people who do some serious volunteer work (i have done quite a bit of work, but not enough to get a freebie - which is fine by me cause the money goes to NMG anyway). Ok - thats the boring goss out the way.

Ive just come back from the rehearsals in the RHI. Let me tell you it is a bloody brilliant performance. WOW. All the sins rolled into one megamix of songs - and they are well done too. Congratulations to the dancers who will be working past midnight tonight (and last night and the night before) practicing their routines.

Lastly - and MOST importantly.... I have something important to tell you. If you are a NMG member PLEASE buy your drinks from the members bar whenever possible. If you arent a member, please get a member to buy them for you. If that bar doesnt make profit then Mardi Gras has to pay the difference. All the other bars we dont give a crap about. Please let everyone you know, know about this. There is extra charge (though NMG did ask them to give a discount which they refused. (NMG makes $0 out of drink sales. Absolutely nothing. NMG get completely ripped off because Fox require that they use the company Fox tell them to use - time to look for another venue me thinks for Sleaze... but thats another story).

Ok kids. See you all at Sleaze!! Noight!

J.
J. - Fri 30 Sep 2005 22:46:23 Replies: 1, 2, 3, add

'There is NO extra charge for using this bar. NMG did ask them to give a discount, which they refused. (FYI - NMG makes $0 out of drink sales. Absolutely nothing. NMG get completely ripped off because Fox require that they use the company Fox tell them to use - time to look for another venue me thinks for Sleaze... but thats another story).
J. - Fri 30 Sep 2005 23:21:51 Replies: add

But where is the members bar and won't it be awkward engaging in a conversation with a spaced out member explaining why you want them to get you drinks?
- Fri 30 Sep 2005 23:34:04 Replies: add

Toybox would have known this when it became the Mardi Gras after party in March. Toybox need not have revealed this in March but we should ask ourselves if any director would have reasonably agreed to allow Toybox to be the after party had he/she have known that this would be the implication.
a friend of the board - Fri 30 Sep 2005 23:43:28 Replies: add

Happy Sleaze everyone - get sinful or get out of town!
www.lukeleal.com - "music makes you lose control!!" - Fri 30 Sep 2005 23:43:59 Replies: add

These independent parties are strategically placed on key dates that detract from the main event that supports our community, our basic needs and essential services.

If we choose not to support the events that support us, then there soon won’t be any. The other parties may be great but the people running the shows should have some respect for the community and not hold the parties on the same weekend.
by Name and address withheld from Sydney | 29/09/2 - enjoy sleaze please buy a ticket. - Fri 30 Sep 2005 23:48:49 Replies: add

that can not be true - has TB taken that much of the market?
can some one from PWG verify?
- Thu 29 Sep 2005 21:14:46

Yes it has harmed Sleaze tremendously. Very very very silly indeed.

The promoters should be careful because we will remember this.
- Sat 1 Oct 2005 01:40:32 Replies: add

NMG would give tickets or passes to VIPs who have given significantly to the organisation. Either in work or money, if you made a sizeable donation to the 'old' Mardi Gras, say $1000 you of would be offered free passes to parade and party. This is a good honest, comercially viable practice. Don't know about the new mardi gras but I expect would be similar.
- Sat 1 Oct 2005 08:02:52 Replies: add

I have seen the actual ticket numbers as of yesterday - they are fine and the fact is that people have bought late which is great because NMG gets more money for the post-earlybird tiks - all good - I reckon that they will get to 7000 by tonight.

I also know that there are a max of 300 comps distributed to Vollies, sponsors, performers, production people and potential sponsors - it will be a profitable party and it WILL be damn good with the shows and performances and most of all the new sound system in the RHI which sounds bloody awesome.

Play safe you all.
- Sat 1 Oct 2005 09:56:47 Replies: add

Panther - Sat 1 Oct 2005 11:17:28

Panther - Sat 1 Oct 2005 12:06:39

happy sleaze everyone!

METROPOLITAN FORECAST
Issued at 11:25am on Saturday the 1st of October 2005

For the remainder of Saturday

Fine, mostly sunny. Light to moderate west to northwest winds tending east to northeast in the afternoon.

Precis for Saturday

Sydney: Sunny.Max 23
weathergirl - Sat 1 Oct 2005 12:48:42 Replies: 1, add

For those of you who will be committing sins, such as getting married out of church or having an abortion, please make sure you attend confession before taking communion. St Mary's will be open from 8am. Headquarters and Signal will also be open.
Pope Benedict the Intolerant - Sat 1 Oct 2005 13:25:58 Replies: add

The best news is that the sound in the RHI is LOUD!!! There are speakers everywhere and the right audio people to handle adjusting specific levels so the neighbours don't complain and it's still pumping inside.

I was in line for nearly a quarter of an hour this morning getting more tickets for friends.

Finally (and most reliably) my Magic 8 Ball's answer to "Will tonight's party be fabulous?" was "All signs point to Yes."

See you on the dancefloor
Dan Murphy - http://danmurphy.blogspot.com - Sat 1 Oct 2005 14:26:05 Replies: add

I know that some people will say keeping it a suprise is better, but when you're walking into the RHI just as the Rogue Traders have finished their amazing performance, you so feel like you've just missed out on something amazing.

If people have concerns, maybe just post it a little later on? I'm hanging out for the Rogue Traders, thats all. (as you can probably tell)
Oxford_St's_Voodoo_Child - Sat 1 Oct 2005 15:52:20 Replies: add

Knowing my luck i will be wandering around somewhere and miss it!
- Sat 1 Oct 2005 19:30:35 Replies: add

Maybe MG will get a few more members for next year.

I do have to say there are a lot of shows and they start early!
- Sat 1 Oct 2005 20:31:14 Replies: add

There are only 10 minutes to go !!

There are only 10 minutes to go !!

There are only 10 minutes to go !!
countdownboy - wish i could be there tonight , but can't .. sad , tear , cry ... have a great nite everyone - Sat 1 Oct 2005 21:49:30 Replies: add

I know that Sleaze is a fundraiser for Mardi Gras but I also believe that New Mardi Gras has an obligation to the punters to put on a world-class party that provides value for money and stunning visual effects.

The big halls need more than one or two lasers. I feel ripped off. I am sick of attending sub-standard parties. In future my party dollars will be spent on other parties like Toybox.

New Mardi Gras the tribe has spoken. You have been eliminated from the race. It’s time to leave the house!
Laserboy - Sun 2 Oct 2005 15:39:24 Replies: 1, add
This is the opinion of the poster.

For us, a successful party. Thanks NMG and all the vollies and DJs and lighting guys. Very glad we went.
Evil Twin - Sun 2 Oct 2005 17:18:29 Replies: add

Very happy crowd and it seemed like it was a GLBT party through and through. Jake & Luke, your sets were hot, hot, hot!
- Sun 2 Oct 2005 18:07:27 Replies: add

The music was generally brilliant too
- Sun 2 Oct 2005 20:57:42 Replies: add

Campest thing I saw all night!
- Sun 2 Oct 2005 21:54:53 Replies: add

Yes the lighting was pretty weak, but really who cares when you have such great music. And the Rogue Traders were fantastic. Overall an excellent party.
- Sun 2 Oct 2005 22:33:20 Replies: 1, add

Lighting in both rooms was really sub standard - RHI was very basic and Hordern while it had a cool rig just always spun around in the roof in disjointed movements whenever I was in there. A real shame after how good Hordern has been, including at this years MG party.
- Sun 2 Oct 2005 23:36:27 Replies: add

We know who is trying to undermine our party. Now stop it please.

Sleaze was excellent, lights RHI lovem, Sound and Dan Murphy especially great.
and yes i went to Boytox too - but do not wish to give you free advertising - Mon 3 Oct 2005 01:44:53 Replies: add

12:30am-ish
SLEAZY (lukes’s Lose Control re-edit) – Dirty South
TILT MY HAT (Luke’s Sgt Slick re-edit) – Andy J
UTOPIA (Luke’s re-edit) – Stereo Star
I SEE GIRLS (Mike Di Scala) – Studio B (mixed in show for the girls space)
SAY HELLO (Luke’s Steve Angello + Sebastian Ingrosso re-edit) – Deep Dish
EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD (Open Air Remix) – Chosen Few
ALL I WANT (DJ Luke Leal Remix) – Melissa Tkautz

Jake's stuff here!

2:00am ROGUE TRADERS SHOW

SO MANY TIMES (H&E Widespread Remix) - Gadjo
SHIVERS – Armin Van Buuren
HYPNOTIC EROTIC GAMES (Aurora Mix) – Soulshaker feat Lorraine Brown
THE OTHER SIDE – Paul Van Dyk

More Jake Kilby here!

3:00am

Have a fun recovery! I'll be spinning Main Arena @ ARQ from 5am till the bitter end if anyone wants to come say hi!
www.lukeleal.com - "music makes you lose control!!" - Mon 3 Oct 2005 02:05:06 Replies: add

DJ Chip got me going on the dance floor and the back to back of Mandy and Feisty gave me the best dance I have had in years ( but I oh so hate those long interludes between the songs makes me lose my dance step ! ) you pair were awesome and I thank you.

Crowd was great/friendly, lighting in the Hordern was great as well. Hordern floor was always packed , even had some punters dancing on cement ( thanks Brad for the wooden dance floors xxxx )

Only thing we missed was that great e walk checking out Dome,City Live , RHI etc. Spent majority of night in Hordern . RHI sound around midnight was loud and friends said later that Kate Monroe was going off and they loved it in there.

Till next time
T. - Mon 3 Oct 2005 10:08:37 Replies: add

correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand there can be no moving lighting rigs anymore ?
If so something must have altered your perception ?
Hahahahahaaa toooo funny - Mon 3 Oct 2005 10:14:15 Replies: add

I really believe that if each of the complainers on here were given the option of setting up the lighting and sound (might as well also add selecting the DJs) to exactly how they wanted it there would be just as many complaints from other people!

They can't please them all... never ever ever... but at least they give it a bloody good try!
- Mon 3 Oct 2005 10:20:50 Replies: add

Why say that about Kate ? dont you realise your comments can gut a DJ like that ? I had friends in there who said it was awesome !
You did the right thing and moved to another hall and found you liked the music there ( you cannot compare Kate's style to Mandy and Feisty's ) so its obvious what kind of music you prefer to dance to.

So please ......if the dance floor empties , you have a legitimate excuse to complain.

If...... it doesnt suit you personally , move on.

But please dont give an off hand comment like that . And before you all say its a persons right - remember there were lots of people in there having a great time.

Sleaze I give you an 8/10 and only reason its an 8 is because budget restraints cut back on the other halls and the lighting.
I give you 10/10 for perseverance and effort.

To those who passed on Sleaze this year , you truly missed a great party.
- Mon 3 Oct 2005 10:46:59 Replies: 1, add

The above poster has clearly put zero thought into his or her comment and clearly stuck the proverbial foot in ones mouth.

Here's a no brainer for you.

Could the fact that the lighting wasn't absolutely brilliant have anything to do with the fact that SOOOOO many people were aggressively and at times quite obnoxiously kicking and screaming and DEMANDING that at Sleaze the topic of the need wooden dance floors in both halls was simply mandatory.

Well complainers , NMG listened to your rants and raves and gave you what you wanted. So it’s an obvious assumption that to give you those highly expensive wooden dance floors (that the silent majority quite frankly doesn’t find to be an issue) that other parts of the party budget couldn't spend as lavishly as one would hope. The lighting was good (not great , but certainly not substandard). And in the big scheme of things the lighting is secondary to the sound system which I felt was sensational in the Hordern and highly improved in the RHI. Lets remember this simple fact, you NEED sound to hold a dance party to but you DONT necessarily need lights to dance. (Although a dance party with no lights could be a very fun thing indeed )

Simple fact is that if more people in the community supported NMG and attended Sleaze then maybe just maybe there would have been more cash to put on a brilliant light show instead of an reasonable one.

Congratulations to Brad Wright and everyone single one of the hard working people from NMG who put on a damn good party given the obvious restrictions they must have experienced in their budget due to the ticket sales. I've got all your names written down in my diary filed under "H" for Heros.
Stephen Blomfield - Mon 3 Oct 2005 11:32:02 Replies: 1, 2, 3, add

I also found the lighting in the Hordern great . Those circles on the screens the laser doing the squares/circles things had me mesmerized.

I've danced on concrete and wooden floors and the wooden floors are THE best.
And also Stephen dont forget the argument about our deaf members who can feel the beat through a wooden dance floor which they cannot with concrete.

I'll vote for wooden dance floors everytime over huge lighting and be satisfied with whatever I get.
Just cause one person has a whinge about the lighting, dont blame those of us who BEGGED not DEMANDED a wooden dance floor.
NMG you did an excellent job - Mon 3 Oct 2005 11:43:39 Replies: add

Caught almost all the shows and they were great. My favourite was Peretta in the Horden. His voice sounded amazing. Loved the effect with the Satyr holding fire at the end of the first Horden show. RHI went off for the Rogue Traders. Closing show with the Frocks and the Convicts was cute. Does anyone know who the singer was in the first RHI show? There were 5 shows which included live singers. This tops even old MG at its height.

Loved the Members Lounge. Great place to go and sit and catch up with friends. The legs were great.

As a longtime party goer it was not hard to see where the budgets had been cut. I wish to congratulate the team on managing to do these cuts without greatly effecting the party. I feel for Allan Parkinson who had less than half the number of lights he usually has to play with. Also, this is the first party where the truss was not permitted to move for OH&S reasons.

And I had so many people tell me how great I looked.
Panther - Church of the Poison Mind - Mon 3 Oct 2005 12:33:35 Replies: 1, add

We all know it is easier criticise than to compliment.

And remember that the people who worked *very* hard to put the party on are part of our community.
Panther - Mon 3 Oct 2005 12:42:28 Replies: add

It was a magnificent effort by Marcus Bourget and his people and I think gratitude to them is coming through loud and clear.
- Mon 3 Oct 2005 14:07:58 Replies: add

I was one of the ones who was close to giving up, having been disappointed with the last MG and Sleaze parties, however I've gotta say I have absolutely no complaints and will definitely be going to MG and Sleaze next year.

I do have a request for the Toybox organisers though. I'd really love to go to one of your big parties at Luna Park, can't you move it to a weekend that doesn't clash with Sleaze/MG? I hear you guys run a great party, but you'll never have the community spirit that you get at a NMG party. Stop competing and try to work together, don't force us to make a choice.
- Mon 3 Oct 2005 14:42:40 Replies: add

Thanks Brad for the wooden floors -- what a pleasure to dance at the Hordern again after BQN. I didn't really notice the scaled back lighting that much but I noticed how much improved the sound at the RHI was.

Loved Rogue Traders, they were fantastic. Loved the counter-tenor and his karati kids at the Hordern -- very cool, very camp.

Caught most of Sveta's set, something I really wanted to do this time around as I've never really listened to her at any great length before and Sveta delivered. She had my arse spinning till the bitter end. I didn't even bother to check out the last show at the RHI. Now how does one classify her style?... Constantly evolving, never complacent, surprises. Incidentally she also dropped Do I look like a Slut? but a different remix. Not as good as that one used by the divine Feisty.

NMG is to be congratulated for putting on a great party, budget cuts notwithstanding. People I chatted to from overseas and interstate all said how lucky we were to have these huge parties. I reckon too. Well done to everyone!
R - Mon 3 Oct 2005 15:35:17 Replies: add

But hey... I do have to bitch to NMG about the members priveleges nonsense. I followed the directions, went to the gate closest to the RHI but was told I can't enter there I have to go throught Bag Check. OK so I do that and ask them about my "Member's" wrist band. No one knew, told me to go to the gate closest to the RHI, but no one knew what to do. It all got to hard so I forewent my member priveleges. I would have liked entry into the members area just to sit down for a bit, but alas I guess it was the first time and I'm sure NMG will sort this out brfor the MG 2006. NMG Please sort this out! Beer $7.50 OUTRAGEOUS!!

BTW my first drug free party, after a nasty (self induced) episode last MG I've sworn myself off the pleasures of the demon MDA,MDMA but this is no self righteous prattling of a reformed user, if it works for you go for it. A rather nice substitute offered up by a buddy who works for the railway and gets drug tested was Vodka and Red Bull ($6) gave me a nice buzz, but rather than loving everyone I found quite a few annoying, that's sad but I can live with it. After cutting a few zzzz'z on Sunday I felt great and have no indication of a dark day tomorrow.
Xane - Mon 3 Oct 2005 16:34:29 Replies: 1, add

SLEAZE was a hoot! Had to behave myself to a degree because i was in the 4am show, so i saw most of what the night in a coherrant state. It really does make a difference having that wooden dance floor, go figure. Liked the idea of munchies at the bar. I found the volunteers to be so friendly and approachable. Especially when i wasn't in a coherrant state. Music, YAY! Congrats to those boys. And girls. And congrats to all at NMG. It is all about the community, and they work so hard to give you SLEAZE, MARDI GRAS, etc.. I am grateful and thank you from the bottom of my heart. xxx
MISS PENNY D XXX - Mon 3 Oct 2005 16:55:36 Replies: add

You're right, NMG did listen to us and maintained the dance floors whilst cutting the lighting.

I was just so greatful that Sleaze went well and appreciated the configuration. Lighting was excellent given the budget, and the floors reverberated from the music and the crowd.

Everyone was friendly and relaxed, many hot costumes and hot guys/gals.

Well done all - you have refreshed the franchise so that it will succeed in 2006.

Only thing I had to agree with was a friend's comment that it really is no longer a SLEAZE party. More a mainstream party. But hey, that's life :D
- Mon 3 Oct 2005 16:56:34 Replies: add

Sleaze was a real community party, dance halls were really pumping (Luke and Jake you were OUTSTANDING) and loved the very friendly vibe outside. Sooo many hot men and stunning girls (and fabulous in-betweens!). I guess Boytox did Sleaze a great big favour in the end. Looks like all those whiney queens, who only find purpose in their lives by bitching about anything and everything(posters, music, lighting, whether the men are beautiful enough etc.) stayed the fuck away and so all I saw throughout the night were these amazing, friendly, smiling faces.

I cant wait for Mardi Gras and Sleaze next year ... and Fantasy to bring the New Year in. See you all there!!
- Mon 3 Oct 2005 17:19:13 Replies: add

Ahem! Perhaps you're just not listening hard enough. Ask your ankles today if they had a great time at Sleaze. Mine did but following BQN my ankles were worn out for a couple of days. Same thing at New Year with Armin.

Anyway - Sleaze was fun. Rogue Traders fantastic. Members' benefits were a really nice touch also. (In retrospect it was about time) Basically, congrats to all on everything except for the price of water.

At $4.50 for a 400ml bottle I think Truffle Group should be shot for profiteering in a captive market. When I complained near the start of the party and got them to front a manager, they blamed it on their market research showing it was an acceptable price and then on Mardi Gras for having approved the price and refused to lower the price. I for one bought only one bottle and refilled all night from the taps (which I don't normally do). Serves 'em right. I was there to financiall support NMG not the Truffles. But apart that at a dance party, cheap and easy access to water is a health and safety issue in my view. Not everyone wants to drink unfiltered Sydney Water - esp some with HIV.
Trance Trance Trance - Mon 3 Oct 2005 17:30:24 Replies: add

I have now been totally vindicated.

You simply cannot put a DJ on in the main hall where the tempo of the music has always been traditionally "up and energetic" who plays groovy house music. Kates music is perfect for an opening slot in the big halls and conversely is perfect for smaller spaces like Dome and City Live.

Kate is a brilliant DJ and the nicest of persons but her music is not up and energetic which is an expectation for the RHI

I do admit that there were heaps of people who bravely stuck it out during her set but similarly heaps and heaps of people also abandoned the RHI and moved to the Hordern which was packed during Kates set. I wandered back into the RHI at 4.30 and there were HUGE gaps in the dancefloor that miraculously filled up after Kate finished and Dan Murphy started. If that doesn't tell you something then nothing will.

If Kate gets chosen for Mardi Gras 2006 I sincerely hopes she gets to play in the Dome or City Live where I know she will be a big hit unless of course she takes up a liking for a more energetic style of music.

Besides this point the party was damn good and I tip my hat to all the people who worked their butts off to provide a great night out.
Aiden - See see , I told you so. - Mon 3 Oct 2005 18:09:14 Replies: 1, add

At least one of the other posters had the brains to go check out the Hordern and said they loved Mandy and Feisty. I had friends in the RHI and loving it.

Different strokes for different folks my boy.

Now , can anyone tell what the style of music Mandy and Feisty were playing around 4am for a good hour or so. That hard hitting, rolling kind of beat ? it had everyone bouncing around howling for more. I like hard trance / hard tribla and it was along those line......truly awesome.
What style is it ? - Mon 3 Oct 2005 18:38:47 Replies: 1, add

12:30am-ish (Luke)
SLEAZY (lukes’s Lose Control re-edit) – Dirty South
TILT MY HAT (Luke’s Sgt Slick re-edit) – Andy J
UTOPIA (Luke’s re-edit) – Stereo Star
I SEE GIRLS (Mike Di Scala) – Studio B (mixed in show for the girls space)
SAY HELLO (Luke’s Steve Angello + Sebastian Ingrosso re-edit) – Deep Dish
EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD (Open Air Remix) – Chosen Few
ALL I WANT (DJ Luke Leal Remix) – Melissa Tkautz

1:15am-ish (Jake)
FEEL THE VIBE (Mike Di Scala Remix) - Axwell
ONE WORD (Chris Cox Club) - Kelly Osbourne
LE FREAK (JPK v's Chris Cox Chic Cut) - GTS
WE BELONG TOGETHER (JPK v's Peter Rauhofer Rework) - Mariah Carey
DON'T CHA (Ralphi's Hot Freak 12") - The Pussycat Dolls
MUSIC (JPK v's Deep Dish Less is More Re-edit) - Madonna
Lose Control (JPK v's Jacques Lu Cont Hypnotic Robotic Mix) - Missy Elliott

2:00am ROGUE TRADERS SHOW

2:05am-ish (Luke)
SO MANY TIMES (H&E Widespread Remix) - Gadjo
SHIVERS – Armin Van Buuren
HYPNOTIC EROTIC GAMES (Aurora Mix) – Soulshaker feat Lorraine Brown
THE OTHER SIDE – Paul Van Dyk

2:30am-ish (Jake)
WINTER (GD Remix) - DT8 feat. Andrea Britton
SLIP AWAY (DBA Trance Mix) - Mohito feat. Howard Jones
SO GOOD (Aurora Remix) - Rachel Stevens
CRUISING/BEACHBALL (Steve Murano Club) - N&K v's Denis the Menace

3:00am end!

A big thanks to my fellow RHI DJ's Greg, Luke (loved working with you homo!), Kate and Dan, and to Marcus Bourget and all at NMG, the Party Working Group, all the volunteers, and all the punters who supported the event and made it such a great night.

A special thanks to Ryan Murphy and Noisy Gypsy for the great sound in the RHI. It may not have been the ear-splitting level of yesteryear, but it was pretty damn fine!

Finally, an extra extra special thanks to Brad Wright who did an outstanding job as Party Producer. With little experience managing the entire production of events this size, but with a desire to make change in the way NMG parties were being produced and bring it back to the community, Brad managed to pull off a ripper of a party. Budgets were cut and hard decisions were made, but the wooden floors were there, the lighting looked great to me (despite the fact that the RHI didn't have 1,356 lasers...) and the people there genuinely seemed to be loving it.

From a personal point of view, this party was one of the most enjoyable parties I have ever worked on, and any past mistakes NMG may have made in the handling of DJ's and providing the best possible environment for DJ's to deliver the best they can in were made up for tenfold at this party.
www.jakekilby.com - Mon 3 Oct 2005 19:40:13 Replies: add

Not too many fancy lights bar the groovy tunnel lazer thingy in the Horden-liked the spinning around ones in the RHI-
Actually I really liked how it was darker in the halls

Looks like I made right decision to flick Toybox my friends said it was lame
cowgirl/boy - Mon 3 Oct 2005 19:44:19 Replies: add

Got there later than planned and arrived in time for the last half of Jake & Lukes set. All the bears were going off and the partner and I were having a ball.

Stayed for the first part of Kates set and loved it too.

Decided to check out the Horden for Mandy & Feisty and have a few dances in there, then socialised in the courtyard on the way back to catch the end of Kate in the RHI.

Really fun atmosphere, friendly people and great sound, lights & music.

Sleaze is always my favourite party and this year didn't dissapoint.
shanobear - Mon 3 Oct 2005 20:47:28 Replies: add

thnx in advance ;. )
- Mon 3 Oct 2005 20:48:34 Replies: 1, add

I want to comment about something from the Sydney Star Observer related to Sleaze. I saw a full page ad about protective behaviours, so that homophobic violence could be minimised. One suggestion was to wear a coat to cover your outfit, so as not to attract attention of homophobes. This is exactly the reason why Sleaze must continue, so that Mardi Gras can continue, and the work done by organisations like NMG can continue. We still have a way to go in our fight.

It's your right to choose not to attend Sleaze, and to choose other parties as an alternative. But if you can, offer financial support to NMG and Sleaze, for the past and future work they will do for the GLBTQ community. I will probably come to next year's parties regadless of how good or toherwsie they might appear to be. But if I can't make it, I will endeavour to become a NMG member and buy (donate) a ticket to support this organisation. Imagine a time when police, and anti-violence organisations don't need to advertise to suggest that we cover ourselves up!
Mortee from Maggie - Mon 3 Oct 2005 21:36:46 Replies: add

And for the record, the dance floor did actually thin out quite somewhat as previous posters have stated.
- Mon 3 Oct 2005 21:49:16 Replies: add

http://www.grunt.com.au/

Sleaze was excellent!!
- Mon 3 Oct 2005 22:32:07 Replies: 1, add

www.lukeleal.com - Goodbye nightclub, hello bed! - Mon 3 Oct 2005 22:51:26

OH! and the one in the courtyardy bit, with the drag queens getting out of the car and doing Hollarback girl. What a lovely surprise to catch as we walked between halls.

It was all good. In fact, the only thing we didn't do this party as per usual was snog Neal Crawford. Hmmm

Tuesday tomorrow. Sleep, eat, get some fresh air and hugs from friends and all will be well.
Evil Twin - Tue 4 Oct 2005 00:33:54 Replies: 1, add

Evil Twin - Tue 4 Oct 2005 09:03:38

Reading some of the critical reviews on this board before the party- i was a bit nervous- but no this was an incredible party- and who cares- ohh one DJ didnt fit in- so what- take the party for what it is- an incredible night.

So are there any parties similar to this? perhaps the wrong board to post for NMG and non NMG parties- but i had such a good time, i want to go out again to sydney events. someone please tell me anything coming up..

and thanks so much- this will be a night i will never forget!!!!
- Tue 4 Oct 2005 10:08:48 Replies: 1, add

ps sound quality excellent, lasers not so good (but we undesrtand why)
crossed legs - Tue 4 Oct 2005 11:09:11 Replies: add

New Mardi Gras will hold our annual Mardi Gras parade and party on Saturday March 4 2006.

Prior to that Fantasy will be held on NYE.

What did you enjoy most about Sleaze?
- Tue 4 Oct 2005 11:14:34 Replies: add

FANTASTIC NIGHT!!! Shame I missed many of the shows (for some reason) but I still had a fabulous time.

Loved the amount of people in costume. Loved the two halls. Loved the mood. Loved everything.

Thanks NMG - so looking forward to MG after party - that will also be my first.
Sleaze Party Dude - Tue 4 Oct 2005 11:21:15 Replies: add

My boyf read your earlier post and my reply and reminded me to mention a very funny incident at the party: we ran into a couple of guys we hadn't seen for ages, but who we knew from past experience as being heavily into their party chemcials. So after a couple of minutes we asked them what they were on, as you do, and they said "ALCOHOL!!!!!" We shrieked "So are we!". A hilarious little camp moment that kind of summed up the vibe of the party for us.
MVR - Tue 4 Oct 2005 12:43:32 Replies: add

Wow- i had a great time- but guess what- i didn't see even one show- and it was even until the last DJ that i had an incredible dance vibe going on. I was so bumed that the music stopped at 8- and we got kicked off the floor.

will post more highlights- as they slowly come back to me...
- Tue 4 Oct 2005 14:36:02 Replies: add

*****************************
LOST!!
*****************************

If anyone may have picked up a single thick solid silver dog tag at sleaze (probably at the DJ End of the RHI dance floor) PLEASE let me know. If was my friends and I was dancing so enthusiastically that it came off. (I know it's a long shot!)

I also think ill read this board less before Mardi Gras. Reading all the negativity here about Sleaze I became really worried about the event. I was expecting a lot less people and crap music. So to all the doomsayers who posted pre Sleaze with negative comments.... up ya bum(s) :P
Adamx - see you at Mardi Gras! - Tue 4 Oct 2005 16:02:55 Replies: add

http://www.petezimagez.com
GT - Tue 4 Oct 2005 18:27:43 Replies: 1, 2, add

What an ace it turned out to be having Ruby start the night off in the Hordern - brilliant move! I have never seen the Hordern so full, and so "going off" so early in the night at any previous party. Ruby's set was definitely the highlight of the night for me, closely followed by JK/LL in the RHI.

It was always going to be hard for a house DJ to follow JK and LL, and my own personal thoughts on the night was that it didn't work well. I stayed for almost an hour, but just couldn't get into it. I know Kate has a devoted and loyal following, but I don't think house was a good choice for the main set in the RHI.

Speaking of the RHI - the sound system WORKED! Best sound I have ever heard in there. And if there was a lower lighting budget than usual, I couldn't tell the difference. I thought the lighting in both halls was excellent.

Both halls seemed comfortably full, and the general atmosphere happy and positive. Quite a few patrons went to a lot of effort to dress in theme, but there also seemed to be a lot of people in jeans and t-shirts. Maybe the ticket price means there isn't much left for the outfit these days?

2003 and 2004 Sleaze balls, being honest about it for a minute, were not particularly good parties. But with Sleaze 2005 NMG has demonstrated, in my opinion, that it has the expertise, talent, imagination, perseverance and financial discipline to deliver a world class community event.

Well done to everyone involved!

jeffgg - Tue 4 Oct 2005 18:49:45 Replies: 1, add

First timer - learn a lesson. Take the negative posts with a grain of salt. Not one of them would have any expertise to speak of in running a party.......... all armchair critics.

Maybe Panther could have a " I'm sorry" Wall for all the slaggers................

If Mandy and Feisty read this wall PLEASE tell us the style of music that you were playing 4-5am'ish. As other posters have said, it was awesome but maybe shorter interludes
Had the best dance in years - Thanks NMG - Tue 4 Oct 2005 19:42:20 Replies: add

Listen sweetie, if we "armchair critics" hadn't perservered, I doubt Sleaze 05 would have amounted to much.

Let's face it, there would not have been dance floors for one, Yeah we were obnoxious but only because we gave a rat's arse about NMG and having a better party this time. We bitched and moaned and said if u wanna make cuts, then do it with the lights. Give us a floor, give us good DJ's and give us a lil glam and 1/2 decent shows.

And I'm thrilled that NMG and Brad took on board these suggestions and did it well.

You admitted the last 2 sleazes were laclustre. If we'd left it to you, this year would have been similar and thus poorly attended, because you didn't have the guts to tell them the truth about what you thought of past events.
- Tue 4 Oct 2005 21:44:26 Replies: add
This is the opinion of the poster.

I hope numbers were as good as NMG needed. If there is a Sleaze next year.... my suggestion is a new venue. (True for MG as well). Take a massive chance. Lets Go outside! - did anyone else get excited at the Parklife venue that had been set up in Moore Park! I know noise is the issue at night- so lets go afternoon, til midnight or something..... and maybe on Sunday- screw Toybox! Imagine the unintended dark spaces created in the Park!
Anyhoo, love to the party producers and vollies.
Xtoffa - Tue 4 Oct 2005 23:07:34 Replies: add

I myself had a ball..... loved the Horden..... toybox good too.. but was a bit too exhausted to properly enjoy.

love to all
sexy chick - Wed 5 Oct 2005 10:02:13 Replies: 1, add

can't wait for another event

ohh and I took a straight friend- he was the one that was iffy about going. Anywho he went and had an incredible time. He was the one in the bathroom just yelling "This is 19 year old cock!"

haha- just shows you what an amazing event it was- where people from all walks of life can come together for one amazing night.
- Wed 5 Oct 2005 17:15:37 Replies: 1, add

Well done everyone and lets keep supporting such a wonderfull organisation.
Matt - Wed 5 Oct 2005 18:36:19 Replies: add

notice some posts saying how much they enjoyed Kate ?

maybe, just maybe, some folks have different tastes/opinions to yours ?
Hmmmmmmmmmmm - Wed 5 Oct 2005 19:43:02 Replies: add

And who said the way the party looked and ran had 'nothing' to do with the whingers on this graffiti wall?
- Wed 5 Oct 2005 19:48:24 Replies: add

Mandy & Fiesty know where it's at!

Let's get dirty
- Thu 6 Oct 2005 09:39:46 Replies: add

Congrats to Marcus, Brad and all the staff and volunteers who staged one of the best parties in a long time. See you at Mardi Gras!
margeaux - Thu 6 Oct 2005 14:26:39 Replies: add

Thank you all involved.

PS. Where has the Party wall gone?
- Thu 6 Oct 2005 21:35:39 Replies: add

Adamx - Fri 7 Oct 2005 10:30:33

DESPITE POOR TICKET SALES FOR SLEAZE, NEW MARDI GRAS SAYS THE SHOW MUST GO ON.

The New Mardi Gras board will meet this week to discuss what form next year’s Mardi Gras season will take after Sleaze ticket sales failed to live up to expectations.

Around 6,500 tickets were sold to last Saturday’s Sleaze party, which is around 2,500 fewer than New Mardi Gras had hoped to sell and 3,000 fewer than they sold to last year’s party.

While a small profit was made from the party, New Mardi Gras chair Marcus Bourget said the lower than expected takings would have an effect on the 2006 festival.

“We’re meeting this week to start consolidating our finances to see where we actually are, and then work out how that will impact on next year’s season,” Bourget said.

When asked if there was any chance Mardi Gras might be cancelled altogether, he said the show must go on.

“There will be a Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras will always go on – it’s too important not to have.

“What form Mardi Gras takes I can’t say at this point. The board needs to sit down and look at the options and see what is realistically achievable.”

Bourget wouldn’t be drawn on which events might be cancelled, although there had previously been rumours Fair Day or Launch might get the chop.

“It’s not fair on the working groups to speculate at this point what we may and may not have,” he said.

Despite the poor sales, Bourget said he was very happy with the way Sleaze turned out.

“I think the organisers did a fantastic job. The feedback’s been excellent. It was a really friendly crowd, really good music, there was no trouble all night, the shows were fantastic.

“I think it was one of the best parties New Mardi Gras has delivered.

“It’s disappointing we didn’t meet our budgeted target, but we always knew it was going to be a struggle and we’re pleased to have broken even and delivered a small profit.”

Entertainment highlights on the night included performances by the band Rogue Traders, singer Melissa Tkautz and a show involving gay rugby team the Sydney Convicts.

The small turnout at Sleaze has been attributed to the number of other parties on the weekend, including the sold-out Toybox at Luna Park on Sunday.

“I think it’s a fair assumption that some people would have gone to Toybox rather than Sleaze. I think that’s an inescapable conclusion,” Bourget said.

“We couldn’t have been clearer in our communication with the community of the importance of Sleaze to Mardi Gras, but people make a choice. We have to deliver events that people want to come to. I think we did that this year and we have to keep building on that.”

New Mardi Gras is encouraging people wishing to hold an event in next year’s Mardi Gras arts, sports and cultural festival to submit their applications before the 14 October deadline.
- Fri 7 Oct 2005 12:14:51 Replies: add

Wanna send a huge thank you the the board of NMG for the trust they put in me with styling it from Ruby to the Roliins/Feisty brigade. It was a bit daunting thinking about it leading up the party, yet on the nite it just came out as right as i could get it.

I had an awesome time playing some fine trance classics (trance is something i thought i would never play at a big party - its beena long time since i have played that genre)and am so glad that most people had as great a time as i did.

Many thanks..........

EMBRACE..AGNELLI & NELSON
HUDSON STREET..AGNELLI & NELSON
U (I GOT A FEELING)..SCOT PROJECT
GOSPEL 2000..16C+
BLUE FEAR..ARMIN
SILVER BLUE LADY..SOHO
A WAY OF LIFE..SHIMMON & WOOLFSON
BRIGHTNESS..AQUAPLEX MEETS JUNK PROJECT
TRANSCEND..CASCADE
SHREDDER..CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE
BLACK MAGIC..THE HELLFIRE CLUB
KATRIA..OCTAVIA
BOBSURUNCLE..BONES & PLANT
LIAR..SD GROOVES
CHANGING MY STYLE..MR GROOVE & VERGAS
JUICE..CHRIS MICALI
SEISMIC SHIFT..ROSS COUCH
ESTRANGED..MERT YUCEL, GOKNIL & SARP
LET THERE BE LIGHT..ENTRENA VS AMO_NAVA
HOUSE MUSIC PNEUMONIA..JORGE JARAMILLO & SHELDON ROMERO
I CAN'T EXPLAIN..BOMBDOGS
I'LL KILL YOU..TERRY GRANT feat JENNIFER HORNE
THRU..KINGS OF TOMORROW feat HAZE
DON'T GET INTO TROUBLE..SUPER CHARGER
EPSILON ERIDANI..MK ULTRA PROJECT
ORGASM WHITE - NO ARTIST
BIG BANANA..SWITCH VS MCGUYVER
DON'T STOP THE FUNK..PHONIK
CAN YOU FEEL IT..PHILLIPE B
MINDKILLER..KPAXX
TALK 2 ME..STEREONOVA
PANIC ROOM..PAUL MAC
Chip - Fri 7 Oct 2005 12:51:09 Replies: 1, 2, add

Glad you had a good time mate...

Thanks to everyone involved with Sleaze. It was an absolute pleasure to be involved and the co-ordination of the various (and sometimes difficult) aspects of a party of this nature was world class - Brad and Aztech certainly did the job.

Special thanks to Terri and Margeaux for the DJ Co-ordination - the thanks I've received certainly reflects your wonderful ability to make the main entertainers of the night feel special and looked after.

Final note thanking Ryan Murphy who gave up the opportunity to submit to play in order to focus on the audio technical aspects of the party. That was a real sacrifice mate and very classy.

Have a good weekend all, albeit somewhat quieter we hope.

Noisy Gypsy - Fri 7 Oct 2005 16:03:14 Replies: add

Adamx - Fri 7 Oct 2005 16:54:20

Well done to all, and thanks again.
- PS. I enjoyed the party as well - Sat 8 Oct 2005 18:23:32 Replies: 1, add

Sydney Sleaze 2005 was voted "The Best Sleaze EVER!"
And da winner is Sydonney - Sat 8 Oct 2005 19:53:40 Replies: add

Well I just wanted to say thankyou so much for your kind comments about my work and hope to be able to continue to bring "our" community images from future events
PetezImagez.com - Sun 9 Oct 2005 01:42:15 Replies: 1, add

There are 146 Days to Mardi Gras 2006 !!

There are 146 Days to Mardi Gras 2006 !!

There are 146 Days to Mardi Gras 2006 !!
countdownboy - so upset i missed sleaze due to work No way will I miss Mardi Gras ! - Sun 9 Oct 2005 17:26:56 Replies: 1, 2, add

That's the next big money maker for NMG on the calendar.
- Sun 9 Oct 2005 18:19:12 Replies: 1, add

It comes as a new report puts the net annual contribution of Mardi Gras visitors to the state economy at $46 million, not counting Sydneysiders who attend the celebrations.

While the centrepiece parade is likely to go ahead in some form next year, it is one of a string of events mainly funded by proceeds from just two parties, which is proving a volatile, unsustainable model.

New Mardi Gras, a company formed to rescue the bankrupt festival in 2002, derives 80 per cent of its income from ticket sales to the parties. But only 6500 people went to the Sleaze Ball, held nine days ago, significantly down on the usual crowd of about 10,000.

New Mardi Gras is confident of a small profit, but Sleaze's primary function is to generate funds to pay for the main festival, which culminates in early March with the gay pride parade up Oxford Street before hundreds of thousands of people.

After reporting a $305,000 operating loss earlier this year, New Mardi Gras' chairman, Marcus Bourget, said the Sleaze Ball result meant "everything is on the table" in a review of next year's festival.

He said he could not imagine not having either a parade or a party, but the organisation had to diversify its sources of revenue - and freshen its line-up - to avoid another collapse.

"If we're actively going in and saying 'we need to challenge every preconception we've got about Mardi Gras, about our events and our season, and address those risks', then I feel really positive [of survival]," he said.

It was a new study, commissioned by the organisation, that showed visitors who travelled to Sydney for Mardi Gras earlier this year contributed $46 million to the state economy.

Conducted by Professor Ian Marsh, of the University of Sydney, and Shaun Wilson, of Macquarie University, it found more than 6100 people came to Sydney specifically for Mardi Gras. On average, international tourists spent $403 on each of their 17 days here, while interstate arrivals spent $279 on each of their 6½ days.

Mr Bourget said it showed how important Mardi Gras was, economically and culturally.

"It's one of those things that defines Australia," he said. "It raises the profile of Sydney and Australia year in, year out."

Despite the continuing battle for economic survival, he is neither expectant of extra government hand-outs, nor resentful of other dance parties.

He is resolute that a sustainable, independent stream of revenue is needed. But if and when it can be found is still unclear.

"There's an expectation, especially in the modern world, that people want delivery of the product right now, and that's not going to happen," he said.
- Mon 10 Oct 2005 07:48:46 Replies: add

I thought it was a GREAT party - loved all of it. EXCEPT - limited seating in the Hordern - it's interesting to note that no one else has commented on this here so maybe I'm just getting old. Oh well.

Speaking of which - I note it's a varied crowd at Sleaze - which is one of the reasons I love it so much. Young (ish), old, boys, girls - it's great. I really enjoyed myself.

So congrats to all - now how come more folk didn't come and how is NMG going to diversify its fundraising efforts?

I have an idea - and it's been mentioned in a post here - let's take it outside indeed! And let's bring names like Lisa German and Paul Van Dyke. Hey - let's go crazy and tap into the straight $$ as well as ours! Put on a really big shooooo.

Well that's my bit. Thanks Marcus - keep up the good work!!!!
- Mon 10 Oct 2005 10:35:40 Replies: 1, add

But on the plus side, they are finally looking at other fundraising avenues.

Finally, I noticed the lack of seating at Sleaze as well. But the music, dance floor, punters and vibe more than made up for that cost-cutting decision. And I'm sure thats why nobody else has mentioned it either.
- Mon 10 Oct 2005 18:29:54 Replies: 1, add

Brilliant. I'm already getting excited!!!!!!!!!
- Tue 11 Oct 2005 11:56:05 Replies: add

I know about the "strong political message" that it's supposed to be sending but, for the participants, it's really more about shaking your booty to make people scream. I don't think a carnival parade up Oxford St says a whole lot more these days than "entertainment" and a strong cultural affinity with sequins. And it's always been far more effective at taking the piss out of cultural stuff rather than politics.
- Tue 11 Oct 2005 12:01:24 Replies: add

venues could put tents/stages together - so could promoters.

I'd like to see this idea explored in a little more detail.
Doctor Jane - www.bigcatz.com.au - Tue 11 Oct 2005 13:47:15 Replies: add

I would like to say a special thanxs to certain DJ’s that put their trust in me to address the sound issue so they would play at the party. I have an enormous amount of respect for each of the DJ’s that played at the party, it was a very special line up something that PWG is very proud of.

Many thanxs to Marcus (the man) for putting his faith in PWG and the heavy processes for getting things right this time round.

A very special thanxs to Norwest Productions for their tireless efforts on the event!

Now that it’s fixed we don’t plan on changing a thing…. Just finetuning the system over the next few parties. With that said I am looking forward to re-submitting for future parties.

Ryan Murphy
NMG Technical Director
Ryan Murphy - Tue 11 Oct 2005 13:51:19 Replies: 1, add

Go ahead Ryan, it was definitely an improvement! Great party, excellent atmosphere and welcome, neccessary changes to sound quality were evident.

Thanks to all for the energy and hard work that was invested in creating the party.
- Tue 11 Oct 2005 15:46:39 Replies: add

1:15am-ish (Jake)
FEEL THE VIBE (Mike Di Scala Remix) - Axwell
(CHART) ONE WORD (Chris Cox Club) - Kelly Osbourne
LE FREAK (JPK v's Chris Cox Chic Cut) - GTS
(CHART) WE BELONG TOGETHER (JPK v's Peter Rauhofer Rework) - Mariah Carey
(CHART) DON'T CHA (Ralphi's Hot Freak 12") - The Pussycat Dolls
MUSIC (JPK v's Deep Dish Less is More Re-edit) - Madonna
(CHART) Lose Control (JPK v's Jacques Lu Cont Hypnotic Robotic Mix) - Missy Elliott

2:00am ROGUE TRADERS SHOW

2:05am-ish (Luke)
(CHART) SO MANY TIMES (H&E Widespread Remix) - Gadjo
SHIVERS – Armin Van Buuren
(NOT SURE) HYPNOTIC EROTIC GAMES (Aurora Mix) – Soulshaker feat Lorraine Brown
THE OTHER SIDE – Paul Van Dyk

2:30am-ish (Jake)
WINTER (GD Remix) - DT8 feat. Andrea Britton
SLIP AWAY (DBA Trance Mix) - Mohito feat. Howard Jones
SO GOOD (Aurora Remix) - Rachel Stevens
CRUISING/BEACHBALL (Steve Murano Club) - N&K v's Denis the Menace
- Wed 12 Oct 2005 09:06:57 Replies: add

I also find it a bit offensive that the anonymous poster at Wed 12 Oct 2005 09:06:57 is insinuating that we must live in a cave just because we dont know current dance music.

Well let me tell you this. Up until 2002 I used to be a week in week out clubbing person. i used to know EVERY song that EVERY DJ played. I knew the lyrics to EVERY song and sung them proudly as I shaked my booty on the dancefloor.

Then my life changed. I stopped going out and now I only go out 2 or 3 times a year and only to the big dance parties. I dont go near nightclubs or bars on Oxford Street anymore.

I dont listen to the radio cause I have other priorities.

With the exception of "Music" by Madonna (I must have been outside or in the Hordern at the time) I don't know ANY of the songs in Jake and Lukes set. Does that make me less important ????

So here's a message to the smarty poster at Wed 12 Oct 2005 09:06:57. Just because we go to a dance party doesnt mean to say we are highly educated on any or all of the up to date current smash dance tracks.

The retro space at the previous 3 NMG parties were a huge smash and brought back people to our parties who feel musically alientated because they dont go out all that often. I'm sure the obvious need to downsize Sleaze this year had a small (but still important) number of people who decided not to go to Sleaze because they were not being catered to by a retro space as was the case at MG and Sleaze 2004 and MG 2005.

I am confident that a retro space will re-emerge at Mardi Gras 2006 for the sake of all us "uneducated cavemen who aren't up to date with all the current hip music"
Caveman Sam - Wed 12 Oct 2005 09:48:37 Replies: 1, 2, 3, 4, add

Contact Pinkboard