Ahhh interesting re; Afterlife lifting the dance floor. Well I'm always thankful for the dance floor. My legs just wouldn't hold up to all those hours dancing without it.

And aren't we eternally grateful for them

that year one of the parties didnt have them was the worst and remember lots whinged. How others dance that long on the hard cement floor is beyond me. Couldnt dance for long periods.

We have been spoilt with the wooden dance floor and hope any budget cuts in the future dont include getting rid of the dance floor. I actually think I would not attend.

Funny how the gay parties have virtually always had them even back to the Bachhnalia/Sweatbox/Zoo etc parties.

I didn't see or hear of any arrests but the police were everywhere. I must say, the pat downs this year were so non-intrusive - just a little pat of the pockets and that was it. The woman that "did" me actually apologised first - "sorry, I've gotta do it". No problemo's! Heaps better than Mardi Gras this year, which of course, was due to the hoo haa of Azure. Poo! I hope things go back to nice and normal next year.

It has been a long time since a NMG party has resulted in so many positive comments on Pinkboard. Congratulations to everyone involved. You really nailed it!




TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have it on (reasonably) good authroity that someone was caught with a small quantity of drugs at the patdown (pulled from their pocket), which was then confiscated, and security then called police and had that person arrested.

Just curious as to what "Gary - Toybox Rules" thought about Sleaze? Gary - where are you? Tell us what you thought!

I did see somebody surrounded by guys in black with the jackboots and everything just outside the gates when I arrived around 11:30

But there wasn't the preposterous sight of 4 sniffer dogs as there was pre-election time at the Mardi Gras party. Geez that was a crock.

So many people off their chops, but I guess one arrest in 7,500 shows the policing works.

re: bathrooms
at least one bathroom is made strictly gals only
it's a delight to be able to go pee and check your face without being elbowed out of the mirror.
Overall it was a very lovely party with lots of well mannered peoples enjoying each other's gorgeous costuming

Does anyone know the attendance number? Seemed busier than last year....

The concept of Back to Back DJ's playing against each other in the one set of music should be put on the back burner for future NMG run dance parties.

In the main, This concept DOES NOT WORK.

Unless two DJ's can show NMG that they have a proven track record at being able to deliver in a B2B arrangement then they should NOT be thrown together like two (or three) experimental monkeys to an unsuspecting crowd.

Last Saturday the Hordern B2B DJ's were awful. Just awful. In their own right they are very VERY talented and good DJ's but what happened on Saturday night was disgusting.

As a dancer and a punter I do NOT appreciate being jerked around from one style to the next within one set of music. In a normal (single DJ) arrangement if I dont like what a DJ is playing then I can move on to another hall but on Saturday I found myself stopping and starting for most of the night in the Hordern never EVER getting into a groove. Little wonder the single DJ's in City Live were so damn popular.

Please please PLEASE NMG , Stop this INSANE process of loading your parties with Back to Back DJ's all in the name of trying to jam as many DJ names as possible onto the party's performance bill.

It stinks.

It's bad form, and

It's disrespectful to the paying customer.

For the 30th Anniversary party PLEASE lets just get back to basics and pick DJ's who perform to the best of their ability whilst performing in their own right rather than having to compete with each other.

Can understand the girls side but for the guys that one bathroom in the Hordern is just not big enough.

Also I NEVER look in the mirror so never guilty of shoving anyone out of the way Bgrrl

Does anyone know the attendance number? Seemed busier than last year....

I believe the numbers for sleaze were actually down on the previous year. Around 6500. Im sure we will get the run down in sx tomorrow.

Firstly, Sleaze was AWESOME.

But when you mentioned about not getting your groove it
rang a bell for me and my friends. One song would be great, you'd be getting into it, then the next was totally different and just put you off/out ?
Just couldn't settle properly but we moved around to the other halls.

With one DJ you just know/feel where they are going with their set and it usually glides along beautifully in regards to the beat etc.

Of course there are proven B2B that have worked in the past.

Just an opinion, not a complaint or whinge or anything against Sleaze.

Regarding back to back DJ's

I must say that I agree. I thought Sleaze on Saturday was excellent with the exception of the disjointed music in the Hordern caused by the back to back DJ's

I am a huge fan of Alex Taylor but I thought he was made to look ordinary because of the tug of war that seemed to be going on in the DJ box between the 3 DJ's playing that set.

I also agree that back to back DJ's are a cheap nasty marketing tool used by NMG to have as many DJ's names on the bill as possible. Please don't do this again for the big 30th MG party next year - The people attending this event deserve better.

Jeeez!!!
Seems MG can't get it right can they?

Book tried and tested DJ's ,,, accused of same old same old!
Book some new up and coming talent ,,, they haven't served time/ played a big room or got it by devious means!
Try something creative to mix it up and create a new sound ..."disrespectful to punters" (That one really threw me ... What the ???)

I'll admit the middle set wasn't as seamless as the other two but hey it still rocked!

Maybe MG should just let y'all bring your iPods in and just provide lights and lasers. Should make everyone happy then.

Oh I see cause you disagree with the B2B you say NMG cant get it right.

but then you say the middle seat wasn't seamless so its OK to post your feelings ?

From what I have seen from the posts they all say Sleaze rocked.

This is just some feedback and when you read about it the main 2 things that have come out of the posts was
the squishy smaller dance floor in the Hordern and the
B2B.

Nothing wrong with feedback, you had some.

Most of my crowd didnt like the back to back thing either. Some person above used the word disjointed and thats the perfect word to describe it in my opinion.

I also think its bad for people who may be fans or followers of a certain DJ to have other DJ's sharing a set with the one they want to hear. I too enjoy Alex Taylor when he plays but found that having other DJ's being imposed on me during the timeslot that Alex was playing to be quite upsetting for me.

It's not fair on the party goers who follow a certain DJ to have to endure another DJ in the same timeslot particularly if that "other" DJ doesn't have the same flow as the other

In the end I spent a lot more time in The Forum than I had initially planned on due to the yanking nature of the back to back arrangement in the Hordern.

Whats that saying ......something about too many cooks in the kitchen ????

Despite the ugly way in which the music in the Hordern was presented the night was as most agree a great success. The scenic was great as were the shows and the vibe was really good. I just hope NMG ditch this God awful back to back thing for next years big one !

That's a real shock. I really expected a sell out sleaze with up to 2950 displaced toyboxers back on the market... but then again... maybe there was no where near that many toyboxers back on the market after all. I have TB ticket # 81 and was by no means early in purchasing.

You know I would have thought people would know by now that numbers on tickets are no indication of how well a party is selling.

A promoter usually gives out batches of tickets to venues and it could have happened, Adam, that where you purchased your ticket was the venue who received tickets -#0 to #100.

Another shop may have had tickets #2000 to #3000.

Come on people - numbers on tickets are HARDLY and indication of how well a party did or didn't sell.

I too didnt think much of the back to back DJ's. I didnt like them & neither did some others I spoke to on the nite. I dont believe its a good thing for the customers to be jerked around like that and hope that NMG does not go down this path again unless it's a case of two DJ's having a proven track record regarding playing together. Quantity has never , and will ever, be a substitute for quality

Kate & Alex have played B2B successfully at previous parties. shame it didn't hit the right note for some of you this time. personally was having too much of a good time to notice.

Sleaze was a good party for me and I am thankful for attending after initially decising to go to Luminere and then having the carpet pulled from under my feet. The obvious effort put into Sleaze coupled with the very dodgy reasons for Luminere's cancellation will see me support MG next February and not Toybox. As for the current discussion about B2B DJ''s I would like to input my thoughts. For my 10 cents worth I too found the B2B DJ sets very difficult to get into ... all of them ! It just didnt flow for me and I always got this un-nerving feeling that they were all up there trying to out-do each other rather than work with each other. I even saw a couple of times when certain DJ's swapped into the playing position at the console that they jumped up and down and waved their arms around trying to draw attention to themselves as though the crowd needed to be told that DJ #1 had been replaced by DJ #2 Using B2B DJ's for the sake of having more DJ names on the party playlist is not doing the customers a favour , it's actually doing them a dis-service as far as I am concerned given what I heard last Saturday. I'm with others on this topic , scrap the B2B's for next years Mardi Gras

"I believe the numbers for sleaze were actually down on the previous year. Around 6500."

Not correct. It was close to a sell out.

re: It was close to a sell out.

Samesame reports only around 6000. That would make it approx 75% of capacity. Last year there were 7200.

http://www.samesame.com.au/reviews/1420/Party-Sleaze-Ball-Zirkus-2007-Entertainment-Quarter.htm

Regardless of size, it was a fantastic party.

Thanks, NMG, for a great party. My mates and I loved it.

I thought we'd spend most of our time in the Hordern, but in the end we were in the Forum. But I see this as a good thing. There was something for everyone.

Yes I too felt the music was inconsistent and disjointed until 4am. Still had an awesome time though just thought it would have been good to have music to consistently dance to.

Ticket 81 was merely an observation... Anon, you can't tell me that your views on ticket numbering is correct either, UNLESS you are one of the toybox promoters. And nor can I. I've read all the arguements about ticket numbers. The anonymous post on the party wall about 1700 sold is interesting... Does anyone remember toybox extending the "members ticket" period when it ended??

I just want to register my amazement at Sleaze Ball!! the party was the best party i have ever been to! the lasers, the fire over the dance floor, the shows, the people, everything was totally awesome!! Im so glad im gay... :D Thanks to those who pulled this event off!!

The Back To Back DJ thing was in my humble opinion the only thing wrong with what was a pretty damn fine dance party.

It certainly was the talking point on the night with many comments all concurring with previous ones on this board about how muddled up the DJ sets were.

I'm dead against throwing multiple DJ's into a combined set because of this reason and I would trust that New Mardi Gras wake up to themselves and allow DJ's to be able to express themselves properly when the 2008 party rolls around.

Failing the above critisism I had a really good Sleaze Ball and thank all the hard working volunteers for putting in the hard yards. Well done !

Lots of boys and girls who go to Toybox would've been going to Sleaze anyways. There are some who will choose one over the other but a lot of people use the Toybox parties as a recovery, meaning they go out the night before. I'm sure Sleaze picked up some from the cancellation but who knows exactly how many?

Can we have:

RHI - Girlie House
Hordern - Trance/Tribal (with plenty of Lasers)
Forum - Retro
Dome - Dark & Dirty whatever

If ya gunna do B2B again do it in the RHI.......don't think it matters that much with 'girlie house'.

This should cover just about everyone and keep punters happy. See ya there with bells on.

Even though I thought the numbers were down on last year I still had a reasonably good time by myself, but for some reason I thought it was a bit tame. Maybe I didnt have the legs or it was the non continuity of the j's.

BTW; TB have lost me (and my friends) with their failure to tell us the real reason why it was cancelled. I don't buy that bull about one of the guys being sick. Even if he was, thats no reason to inconvenience thousands of people, many from interstate and overseas. TB can FO.

Don't worry with all the positive posts about Sleaze people will realise that NMG have got their act together and the last few MG and Sleaze parties are easily equal to what they did late 80's/90's parties.

Most org's get a bit bland/blase and MG lost the plot a few years back and put on average parties but the revitalised NMG have now proven we have what it takes to put on major parties.

The 30th is gonna be huge. I have scores of friends who didnt go to Sleaze due to work or overseas etc and every single one said they are there for the 30th. With announcement of Cyndi Lauper and more to come its shaping up to be the party for 2008.

I'm not an expert so I can't comment about the B2B issues.

If I like the music I dance and if not I just plod along.

Can I please urge all those with good constructive feedback to join NMG.

After all we need the connoisseurs of party music to make it happen.

So please join NMG and make a difference!!..

Mardi Gras should immediately stop using the back to back method when selecting DJ's. It just doesnt work in my opinion. it's not fair on the DJ's and it's definitely not fair on the dancers. What happened in the Horden on Saturday night with the whole night being B2B Dj's was pretty damn ordinary in my opinion and put a dampner on what I considered a really good party.
Not only do B2B sets stifle the creativity and flow of the DJ but it also does not offer the dancers on the floor a smooth ride... I hope NMG learns a lesson on this one and chooses DJ's in their own right to play certain timeslots for our big 30th anniversary event next year.

OK OK OK

I think the B2B message has got across everyone.

Lets not spoil the after glow from what was a great
party.

Sleaze proved the gay community still puts on the best parties around. Go to a straight party - no wooden floors, not "things" happening around you, just head banging music and lights ( not knocking that ).

I loved the feel of the parties in the 80's/90's and Zirkus bought that back.
You were always entertained whether from the music , sitting in the Hordern bleachers watching the lighting, the walks and the people not to mention the perves just made/makes an awesome night.

It's interesting to note that a poster as far back as 2nd August 2007 placed a post on this forum expressing their concern at the apparent over use of Back To Back DJ's for Sleaze Ball. And now we have confirmation from a stream of posters in the last few days all disappointed with the concept last Saturday night.

Hindsight can be a wonderful thing somethimes as can constructive feedback. I genuinely hope New Mardi Gras are big enough to take on this feedback for future events and dump the Back to back concept as a tried, but failed idea.

Personally I commend MG for taking a risk and at least trying the B2B thing, nobody these days takes any kind of creative risk wether for financial reasons or fear of criticism. For some people it didnt work, others may have a different take on it, but good on MG for getting out there and trying it!

Nobody has said the B2B thing wasnt a risk worth taking. It's been taken , and in the main the response hasn't been overwhelming. Risk taken, now it's time to put that particular risk on the shelf. Tried , tested , failed , Next.

OK

the message has got across about B2B.


Lets discuss our favourite parts of the night.

Dont tarnish Sleaze over this. Its not like the dance floor was empty was it ?

My fave was a good tribal dance in Dome then on the floor in the Hordern with me in the middle of a laser dispaly and when I looked up I was completely surrounded
by lasers. Orgasm moment

god with no b2b's at mg it's going to be an utter bitch fest on pinkboard when it comes to the dj announcement for mg heheheh

Doubt it as they will have the RHI so there is at about
3 or 4 DJ's.

Then if they take over the Fox & Lion there would be another 3 or 4 per upstairs/downstairs area and if they have another tent then who knows...................

of course then it will be someones favourite who isnt playing which will cause the dummy spits

actually im outraged by the DJ's they've chosen for mardi gras. i can't believe they're not catering to my taste in music. they've really shot themselves in the foot with this me and ALL my friends (the imaginery ones too) have decided to boycott mardi gras in protest. it's like a slap in the face for years of loyal support.

blah blah blah... it goes something like that doesn't it? just warming up for when the flaming really starts

So what is your DJ wish-list for Mardi Gras 08?
Which DJs from Sleaze played well enough that they should be billed to play at the 30th Anniversary?
What MG-veterens would you like to see spinning at MG08?
And what MG-virgins would you like to see play?

So when and what was your favourite moment at Sleaze 07? What did you like best about the party?

I have never been a fan of the shows previously but actually really enjoyed the shows this year (first time ever) as I loved the make up and costumes. It was theatrical and I enjoyed it.

The laser's were great and had some good chats whilst wandering about.

Dunno re virgins just yet, but wish list would go something like this (in no particular order or hall) -
Sveta (hot hot HOT)!
Shigeki
Luke Leal
Jo-Jo
Chip
GI Joe
Neroli (these girls completely rocked it at Sleaze).
Mandy Rollins
Ryan Murphy
Rob Gilbert
Dan Murphy (even if he's been quite rude to me by not replying to 1 simple question I asked him several times on MySpace)
That's all I can think of for now but they're my faves.
Bring on Mardi Gras 08!

I missed Rob Gilbert at Sleaze............

loving his style at the moment.

Want to have his baby.

Did I seriously type GI Joe?? God, I obviously meant GI Jode! Ugh, sorry!

Maybe Gi Joe would play some better music though :P

4 am, the trance starts with a bang, then WHAMMO the lasers kicked in..

Oh my freaking god I have died and gone to heaven for the next 4 hours my mates and I didn't move from the one spot


Loved it

somebody has already touched on this and I would like to develop further. my favourite thing is the fact that a young man has delivered what he asked a group of us was possible. three years ago in a small pub in kensington fifteen of us or so sat around a large table having dinner and beers and we were asked if we thought it was possible to deliver large parties of the calibre of the ones in the mid 90's or if the large parties were over. we all agreed that we thought it was possible but would be hard work. im biased as im a mate but it looks like the parties are definitely back on track and he has done what he set out to achieve.

what sort of trance was played? was it the usual tb 'summer rain'-style crap? track examples please.

"what sort of trance was played? was it the usual tb 'summer rain'-style crap?"

It was definately not the predictable Toybox playlist. The music was new and in parts quite voluminous.

Lovely.

I can't remember the tracks that were played, I can say that the trance earlier on in the night I couldn't really get into but for the last couple of hours, I was in heaven(not a trance head, just like it sometimes) - I do know there were a couple of tracks played which were on my favourite trance cd (Gods Kitchen Worldwide from about 3-4 years ago) and I loved it... not up to date with the new stuff so can't comment on that, although I don't think I heard Summer Rain at all (thank God). :D

News story from the New Mardi Gras website...

Membership Now Open!

Membership is a great way to show your support as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the world's greatest gay and lesbian festival.

When you join New Mardi Gras not only do you get the satisfaction of knowing that you are assisting a volunteer organisation stage world class events but you will also be rewarded with:

Discounted tickets to over 50 Mardi Gras season events.

First release / discounted tickets to our fabulous parties including Pool Party, Harbour Party, Mardi Gras Party and Sleaze Ball.

Members-only release tickets to our exclusive Parade viewing area.

Special offers throughout the year from some of Australia's leading entertainment and production companies.

Plus much more to come!

Membership is now open so to find out more or join online today, simply click here...

www.mardigras.org.au/membership

For me, it was one of the best parties I've been to. Great to see so many dressed up looking hot, colorful and glamorous. I to was floored when the lasers kicked in. WOW!

I'm glad the other major party was cancelled because me and mine were planning on leaving Sleaze early to make that and have enough energy. So happy I could stay.

Thank you to all.
XOX

I joined NMG online last week, and added a small donation.

I think this new organisation is really hitting its strides, and has some incredible momentum happening.

The great thing is that they run on the smell of an oily rag, so are in no danger of emulating "Mardi Gras" (which simply wasted too much money and when the income dropped they went bankrupt).

2007 has been a triumph and 2008, the 30th anniversary is set to be the best yet.

After the effort so many went to to dress up for Sleaze 07, I hope we can ALL make an effort for MG08.

So lets all get our $45 memberships, save heaps on party tickets, get a say at Meetings, and just feel a part of the whole doggone shebang!

I took advantage of the discounted 3 year membership already.

Ditto JGirl... we will be there and so will they.

I think people would be blown away if they saw the level of commitment and passion that the volunteers who run Mardi Gras have (a little known fact is that Mardi Gras actually only has 2 full time employees). These volunteers give up many hours after work, on weekends and sometimes have to take days off work to make it happen.

Not all of us can give up our time so for me, being a member is a small way I can help contribute. Plus I get cheaper tickets and other benefits... plus I help to keep the party gay!

I want to put in my 2 dollars worth re B2B DJ's (in days gone by I'd only put in my 5 cents worth but inflation is inflation isn't it)

I think the concept of back to back DJ's sucks.... big time.

I dont believe back to back DJ's properly rewards the punters with a smooth dancing experience and I think its an unfair marketing tool used by NMG so that they can have a falsely inflated number of "name" DJ's for the pre party advertising campaign.

I hope they never use this insideous system again after what I heard at the party - I think all of the negative feedback we've all read on this board certainly solidifies this debate.

As far as Sleaze is concerned , I had an average night and i rate the party a 7/10

I was disappointed that the more commercial music was shoved into the tiny Forum space. Why is the most popular type of music stuck into the smallest space ... logic escapes me. Thank God the RHI will be back for Mardi Gras next year !

Finally .... A message to NMG ..... PLEASE PLEASE allow one of the larger downstairs womens toliets from either the RHI or the Hordern to be used by BOTH sexes. PLEASE properly and FULLY utilise the facilities that are available. A huge womans only loo for the Hordern AND the RHI is a waste of resourses particularly since 80% of the party attendees are male.

I think you'll find the decision regarding toilets is something that Venue Management (Playbill) control which NMG have no influence over.

You forget how many Forum holds to say how many Hordern holds.
If you put the crowd from Forum into Hordern they would have occupied about 20-25% of the Hordern space.

I do agree however that the Mens toilet issue has to be looked at either all same sex toilets or if block half the womens toilets in Hodern for female only eg when you first walk in maybe that first row of toilets on your right is male and everything else further on in is female or for Mardi Gras nominating either Hordern or
RHI as female only. The proportion of male to female requires this so would be great if NMG could discuss with
Fox Studios ?
We all know what happens with queues ie think Toybox !

I dont think MardiGras did the back to back DJ thing as a way of "inflating" the number of DJs, I think it was a geniuine desire to experiment with something different, to differentiate from other parties, and to create a bigger vibe this year.

If it didnt work 100% thats fine, they'll know for next time, but at least they took the risk which hardly ever seems to happen these days. You'll note though, the dance floor was packed all night, so though you may not have like it, a lot of other people were enjoying themselves.

Personally I think some of the DJs were more sucessful at the B2B format than others, so I dont think this discounts the idea of B2B altogether. Just the DJs have to be the right ones when utilising B2B.

At Mardi Gras, I'd really like to see about 35 DJ's back to back in the Hordern. They'd each get to play one song, or maybe get another go later in the night if everyone stuck to radio edits...

The failure to attract positive feedback from Sleaze ball regarding the concept of back to back DJ's cannot be ignored by New Mardi Gras for next seasons big anniversary event. I too hope that the idea gets the boot primarly due to the spasmodic & incohesive way in which the music seems not have been programmed on the night. It was the only downer for me in what was a pretty good night.

As for the amle toliets dramas - one can only agree. With girls making up a small minority of the party (I think 20% is fair) it seems totally irrational that they have access to these huge toilet spaces and men are blocked from using them. Geeze , we're all grown up's and we live in a unisex toilet gemeration when it comes to loos used at nightclubs so whats the big deal ????

I admit ONE larger toilet space should be allocated to girls within the whole party but the big downstairs loos at the south western ends of both the Hordern and the RHI can NOT continue to BOTH be girls only facilities for the big 30th anniversary. Surely one of these can be opened up to both sexes ?

C'mon NMG , show some common sense please.

Settle people.................................

I think the B2B message has got across and the toilets
issue.

Lets not lose sight of how great Sleaze Ball was. Dont
let it get overtaken by this B2B thing.

I'm a member are you ? have you contacted NMG with your comments ? filled in the questionaire they sent to all members last week ? I did.

It's one extreme to another with you lot... Rob Gilbert & Sveta, Mandy & Feisty, Paul Mac & Seymour Butz, Jake Kilby & Luke Leal, Shigeki & Jayson Forbes, GI Jode & Neroli - MG has used back to backs for years - they've all worked really well and now because a few of you didn't like a B2B2B set the whole concept of back to backs is now the worst thing ever. I seriously hope NMG don't look for inspiration from these walls... fickle fickle fickle...

"settle people"

Excuse me. Please dont for one second try to silence people from expressing a very valid (and constructive)opinion. So what if a stack of people have made comments saying how bad an idea the B2B issue was, so what if a lot of people have expressed disappointment at the unsatisfactory toilet arrangements at Sleaze ball - Everyone is entitled to express an opinion if they want to. Stop trying to stifle the conversation. There maybe many people coming onto read pinkboard for the first time since Sleaze who also might want to tell us their opinion, and who are we to say they cant ?

I think NMG were very short sighted to the predominately male attendance at Sleaze. With anywhere from 75 to 90% of the party attendance being male then SURELY you have to supply 75-90% of the toilet facilities to the men. Having this HUGE ladies only toilet under the Hordern was a total waste of time.

NMG need to severely re-think what toilet options they provide at MG next year because what happened at Sleaze (as well as at Mardi Gras 2007) were both unacceptable in my opinion.

The Back to Back DJ's is also something i could have done without , way too much stopping and starting and unable to get into a groove as far as I was concerned , ended up spending most of my night in Dome and Forum because of it

Please


Where in that post was there anything about silencing
your speech ?

Dont be so hysterical.

It has been said once before and lets just say it again. Mardi Gras have no say over the toilets, its a venue decision and probably based on licensing. Im sure though that NMG are aware of the concerns on pinkboard and will bring it up with the venue.

This year was my first sleaze ball, and i pretty much liked all of it. The different places you could dance, the amazing lasers, the awesome shows, the kick ass costumes and cool people... Hope there are plenty more to come!!

Well, every cloud has a silver lining! If people are unhappy in the Hordern, more will go to the Dome and turn it into a lovely steamy, crowded, sexy hotspot. Yum yum!

"It's one extreme to another with you lot... Rob Gilbert & Sveta, Mandy & Feisty, Paul Mac & Seymour Butz, Jake Kilby & Luke Leal, Shigeki & Jayson Forbes, GI Jode & Neroli - MG has used back to backs for years"

You miss the point. In the recent past NMG has normally used maybe ONE set of DJ's in a B2B arrangement. At Sleaze it was the whole night in the main hall. The comments on this board would clearly indicate that it was not appreciated.

Bold move and thumbs up for trying something new , however it didnt work out and it is hoped NMG scrap it as a failed experiment when it comes time to selecting the Dj's for MG 2008

rubbish... all the b2b whinges have been about the b2b2b =- GI Jode & Neroli's set kicked arse as did Tim Graham's and Pete Newtons...

rubbish... Scroll back and read (properly this time).

Quite a few comments are dishing out on ALL of the B2B sets played on the night.

But a comment about the above is that a number of those groupings had played together before: Mandy & Feisty regularly, Rob & Sveta at Beyond, Paul Mac & Seymour Butz at all sorts of venue. I'd add Alex Taylor & Chip to that list - did Sleaze last year & also Slide regularly. I think its great to do something new -but its too big a party to take risks with DJs who haven't played with each other before. Use B2B when appropriate if the DJs have proved that they play well with each other.

Over the top reaction was right.

No one said you cannot post. The poster was just asking people to settle down. I too dont want Sleaze Ball reviews spoilt but B2B - it did not destroy the night. The dance was busy. I didnt like it either but just moved around other Halls.

" So what " , " so what ", " this isnt China" , " free
speech country"...............................
wish you could put that energy into a more worthy
project like world peace or starving countries.

"Mardi Gras have no say over the toilets, its a venue decision and probably based on licensing. Im sure though that NMG are aware of the concerns on pinkboard and will bring it up with the venue."

I very much doubt this.

At both NMG parties in 2006 and every party prior to that the girls toilets under the RHI and the Hordern were allowed to be Unisex. Then at both 2007 parties this changed. If it was a Fox decision (which I doubt) how come it was made just this year ?

As the hiring party NMG SURELY has the right to allocate the toilet space as it sees fit. Having those two huge toilets downstairs under the two big halls for the women when they only make up about 15% of the attendance is sheer stupidity in my opinion especially when there are plenty of other smaller womens toilets scattered around the area as well

I'm gonna raise this directly with NMG via email - whether or not I get a reply remains to be seen. I will however advise you all if I do get a reply.

And I'll also raise the hideous back to back DJ's concept - in my opinion this cannot be allowed to happen for Mardi gras party '08. I found ***ALL*** the B2B DJ sets at Sleaze to be too stop and start and never did i get into a groove. Thank God for the Forum DJ's, it was a bit cheesy but at least it was consistant.

Look - Sleaze was AWESOME.

But that comment about Mandy & Feisty and others doing the B2B thing......... yes have danced to them and they were great.
The Sleeaze B2B2B thing didnt work for me all the time. As most posters have said in different words it was the consistancy/beat whatever that changed that made it hard to get into. It was not bad. Just you'd have a nice beat going then on would come some totally different style of music. A complete change. One time we were dancing it was almost a trancey beat going and the next song had a rap type beat and seems like that is what put people off ie the constantly changing beat and/or music type. You were never sure and so thats why I think it didnt work as well as it has in the past. Those DJ's mentioned as doing great B2B all play similar styles it seems to me and so it works.

As for the toilets............ doesnt matter who's rules, NMG need to discuss with Fox. All for the ladies having their own toilet but as others point out the ladies in Hordern and RHI are massive and they dont need all of that.
Agree to make one of them as ladies on and the rest all Unisex. Maybe the RHI as all female as its pretty big and any girls that dont want guys in their toilets have that for themselves and the others who dont care can still use the Hordern or whatever as they will be Unisex.

But please lets not degenerate into moaning over this and tarnish Sleaze as a great party. I too am now a member and will pass on these thoughts to NMG.

How is it that making important yet more importantly "constructive" feedback is deemed to be moaning and tarnishing Sleaze. C'mon , let people have their fair say.

The fact that these two issues have been highlighted so frequently on this board DOES tarnish the event. If these two issues weren't in play then the rating for Sleaze 07 would have been "excellent" rather than "very good".

I hope NMG take the feelings of the customers on board

There are many B2B djs that work, they know each others styles intimately and can read why they have played a particular track and anticipate where they should go from there - thus maintaining a groove. The triple B2B was a nice try - and it is very good that NMG went out on a limb - it shows a real wilingness to take risks. As stated previously - it didnt work. Oh well, we live and learn. Possibly not the right dj combination, because the concept can create magic when its the right djs working together. I felt they were competing with each other a bit - i mean this in a musical way and thats why it didnt work for me. They (the djs) were removed from the mood of the crowd on the floor. Everyone wanted a more seamless groove at that time of night, but the djs were creating too much texture. It's not the be all and end all of an otherwise fantastic party.
The toilets ARE an issue that NMG needs to address. I experienced the same thing at MG earlier this year. I honestly do not see what the big deal is with unisex toilets - especially in the RHI. Maybe keep the smallers one in the dome as female/male (i understand girls/guys need their own space), but surely if a couple of guys or girls go into the toilet of the opposite sex, there should not be such a heavy handed response. Its just not necessary. we are adults after all??!! This approach does not take into account that there are many people with medical conditions who sometimes need to go to the toilet STRAIGHT AWAY and cant go over to the other side of the venue. My friend was one of them, after he explained to security WHY he needed to use a toilet at that moment - he was refused any assistance point blank (and rudely). It sure makes people feel special. Maybe security need to be briefed to make discrsionary judgments on these things.

ATTENTION BRAD WRIGHT -

Hello Brad,

Can you please shine some party director knowledge on us regarding this important issue of the under utilisation of the large downstairs toilets under the Hordern and the RHI. Seems strange that these toilets have been unisex up until the two NMG 2007 parties.

Surely there has to be a better way ?

Your thoughts ?

highlighted so frequently by about 10 people out of a total audience of what 6000. yes right. pass the pipe when you're done with it love. I need a bit of light relief myself.

our wish list is:
More male/unisex toilets......
No B2B2B......
Dome - darker (as in lighting) and edgier music
Forum - keep the retro disco
Hordern - tribal and trance with plenty of lasers.
RHI - camp house
Fabulous shows as per this years Sleaze.
anything I've forgotten?

"anything I've forgotten?"

One more thing.....a bigger wooden dancefloor in the Horden.

So for Mardi Gras 30th party in 2008......
our wish list is:

and just who are you speaking on behalf of?

"and just who are you speaking on behalf of?"

Me for starters. Thats a damn fine wish list and i give it my thumbs up of the day award !

Definitely agree here, RHI really needs to be the dedicated camp house space - please!!!

Dear New Mardi Gras,

Re - Feedback and Questions (NMG parties 2007)

I was a willing participant at both Mardi Gras and Sleaze Ball this year and have to report that I had an enjoyable time.

There are two aspects of these events that I did however find unsatisfactory and would hope that you take on my feedback to ensure a better experience in 2008

Firstly My Feedback -

I found the party committee's decision to use DJ's in the Hordern for Sleaze Ball 2007 exclusively in back to back arrangments to be a bold and innovative move. It's great to try new things but unfortunately I felt the idea was not at all successful. I felt that throwing DJ's into a shared set arrangement caused a disjointed dancing experience for the punters on the dancefloor. Please do NOT use Back to Back DJ's again unless they have a proven track record of playing together on a REGULAR basis.

Secondly, My Question -

What has happened in 2007 regarding the toilet arrangements at our parties ? In 2006 and in previous years the two big toilets underneath the Hordern and the RHI have been allowed to operate as unisex facilities - this year there has been heavy handed security keeping the female sections of these toilets only for females.

At parties where the male attendance is at least 80% you guys need to better organise toilets facilities that cater to this majority. Having these two large female toilets at our parties being policed as female only spaces (and most of the time being almost empty) is extremely poor management of the available resources. I'm not for one minute suggesting all toilets be unisex , just the two larger facilities under the two main halls.

Please reply to me advising why in 2007 the toilet policy was changed for Mardi Gras and Sleaze. Please also reply advising what steps NMG will take at its 30th Anniversary Party on 1.3.08 to ensure that toilet facilities will better reflect the uneven percentage of genders attending the event.

I look forward to your reply

I believe it is the tone with which the "constructive criticism" is given that attracts this type of response. Many posts say "Why doesn't NMG do ..." This reads as if the person is whinging.

Instead, if the posts say, "Hey NMG, how about doing ..." this reads as a constructive suggestion and the response is more likely to be "Great idea!" Or if someone says "I found ... was not a good as I think it could be" this is taken as constructive criticism. It then creates an opportunity for someone to propose a solution.

It is often not what is said, but the way it is said.

Firstly totally agree with you Panther on your comment.
Like the "this is not China" post......... that sort of post begs a sarcastic reply and the way others address NMG as if its a demand !

As for the wish list -

am with you 1000% on this. My best times from over 20 years of these parties has been when my 2 favourite Halls - the Hordern has that mixture of trance/tribal especially the tribal in middle of the night and if the trance is too fluffy/commercial for me , head of to the Dome for some dirty/sexy/grinding/darker style
and my friends love the Retro in Forum and the camper
stuff in RHI.
Its just a tried and true formula that works in my
opinion.

no, i think mardi gras should do something completely different for the 30th. i think one of the reasons that NMG's parties have been improving event on event is that they have the confidence to go out on a limb and try new things... changing the footprint for Sleaze O6, live music MG 07, production and lasers and (at long last trance!) in Sleaze 07... they're out there thinking about each event and working out how to keep evolving and engaging the audience.... sitting on their rumps and rehashing a 'tried and true' formula is a recipe to move nowhere or perhaps backwards. there are so many other competing high quality events out there... MG needs to keep striving and re-inventing itself if it wants to keep its slice on the pie. i for one would love to be able to walk into MG08 with no clear idea of what was going to happen... where's the excitement in knowing what music is being played where, etc... same same same same... I hope they keep challenging themselves and I hope we as a community are charitable enough to forgive their mistakes and congratulate them on their successes... i'm sure they're all doing the best they can to make the 30th something magical...

Agree, agree, agree! But us Camp House RHI lovers would like some lasers too. Lasers are are great accompanyment to Camp House, not just Trance. We have really missed lasers in the RHI at the last few parties. And, in the spirit of constructive comment Hey NMG, how about maybe just one in The Forum?

Re tiolets, I am sure most of us girls would be more than happy with just one girls only tiolet, in either RHI or Hordern. No need for both, although it can take us longer to get our duds up & down at 3.00am when they are all hot & sweaty!! (I know, I know, too much info!)

Can't wait for Mardi Gras 2008....feels like the old days when we started getting excited around November cos Mardi Gras was only three months away! And then there was Xmas...and then there was "Our Xmas" in Febuary to early March.

Here Here Party Girl aka Laser Lover!!

I share your enthusiam for the lasers in the RHI in conjunction with Camp House. At a big dance party I enjoy music that is energetic and fun! I LOVVVE the laser's and will often spend time in the Hordern just to get my fix, although the music generally isn't to my taste in there. If at all possible (and perhaps this relies somewhat on early ticket sales??) I would be so excited to have lasers in both halls...and of course decent sized timber dance floors...and...and...and our lists could be almost endless if allowed to be!

I also agree with your comments re; the toilets. The reality is the process is a bit slower for females than males 'nuff said.

Sorry you are so way off the mark there.

Go to MG 2008 without knowing what is being played !

We have already seen the Trance crowd desert to parties like Toybox. Posters like Retro Retro Retro who will only go if there is a Retro Hall.

My comment of tried and true is basically right. You have to appeal to the crowds to get them to buy tickets.
What other music styles would you suggest if you are wanting to change the halls around ?

Gamble with say makeing the Hordern another style means you may not attract 4000-5000 people as their music style is not being played.

Of course you can change/add things in slightly but to do a dramatic shift aware from the basics that people want is a risk no-one would take. end of story.

Theming/Lighting/Shows/added little things happening around the place will add excitement to the place and you dont have to advertise these with the exception of any "Names" who will be in the show. You can surprise people with great lighting/great shows/great performers.

Which crowds? There's a whole generation of gays and lesbians that don't identify with what mardi gras has to offer so don't presume that you or retro retro retro are the core staple mardi gras fodder or who they should be trying to attact. mardi gras went in the right direction last year with the live music and stuff and they should keep moving in that direction and mixing it up to keep attracting new audiences... time to move with the times and not be stuck in the past or blandly repeating the same thing year after year after year...

Sorry disagree.

What would you do ? change all the music styles in the Halls ? if you did or didnt advertise what you were doing it would be suicide.

The party has to be based on what the majority like and that has been for years now
RHI - commercial/handbag/camp etc

Hordern - trance/tribal/harder styles

Dome - dark and dirty

over the last few years they have added in Forum as Retro and has been great success. Sure you can add in some other halls/tents if you want but not too much more except for Fox and Lion or putting up a tent say next to The Forum.

You have to be able to attract a crowd and those 4 halls alone will usually guarantee you good numbers. Sure we went through a few dud years but hey everyone has workedf for a company or patronised a venue that has its tired years then perks itself up as NMG has done.

But of course adding in scenery and/or extra lighting and different shows or roving performers will give it a different feel but when it comes down to it , majority are there to dance and if they cant go to a Hall they know will be playing their music then they will go
elsewhere.

Yes, some of us are complete, total Dome addicts and need our annual fix of dark, dark dirtiness! Turn down the lights I say! And last person out turn them off!

So with you there

My 2 fave halls have always been Hordern when it plays the harder styles/tribal.......... not into fluffy trance but accept others are so skip on over to Dome
for awhile and get fix there

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

The Dome is NOT fluffy trance thank you very much! Never was, never will be!

Ummmmmmmmm

cant read luv ?

never said Dome was fluffy trance. I said I like the harder styles in Hordern if it gets too fluffy trance I skip over to the Dome etc.............

So gonna apologise

I apologise unreservedly.

A rarity on these Walls - an apology !

True gentleman.

In which case I'll have sex with you for doing that

Hey Brad , I refer to the post last Thursday at 10:29:29

Can you please advise if you can supply your thoughts on this important matter ?

Fanks

or Last person in................ turns them off

Now that the Sleaze Wall has closed it is a perfect time to add your memories to the Mardi Gras Memories Graffiti Wall.