Somewhere, in the heart of Darlingithurts, dwells The Evil Queen. A mild mannered retail employee by day, a superdancer with a killer smile by night. You
may find him in the middle of the dance floor at your favourite club, or if you are one of the fortunate he will take you back to his lair where he will brandish instruments of pleasure with consummate skill.
On the other side of the city, the dark side, there lives a Femme Fatale. She lures the city's hottest women into her lair, there ravishing them before spitting them out onto the scrap-heap of domesticity. Her dark sexy looks are reputedly irresistible.
On a cold dark night, when the lasers are working overtime and the base bins booming, the villains meet to discuss their plans. The night of 4 October is chosen. An oath of secrecy is taken. The details are to remain hidden until the time is ripe.
If you are truly evil or just a little bit naughty, if you been seduced by the
dark side, or if you aspire to deviancy, depravity and delight, then this is
where you must be. Mark this night in your little black book. And let Pinkboard in on your plans, secret or otherwise.
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me (Panther).
Trying to be orignal at Sleaze and what to wear there is so many options going to stay away from Batman theme thought I am guessing will be a lot of jokers
Tickets are on sale from 9am Tuesday 5 August for Sydney’s most spectacular costume party. Scoundrels, deviants and mutants can now secure their place for the sexiest and most creative party of the year, Sleaze Ball 2008 – Villains’ Lair.
The full line-up for the party will be announced over the coming weeks, but New Mardi Gras can now reveal the DJs who will play the Hordern Pavilion on October 4th.
Headliners the Potbelleez will be joined by Alan Thompson, Sveta, Mark Murphy and Deepchild. They will perform alongside big production shows, roving entertainment and the Project Sleazeway costume competition.
The Potbelleez are the “fastest rising stars of the dance scene” according to Rolling Stone magazine. Dishing up breathtaking DJ sets over 6 decks, the Potbelleez have proved their ability to make a dancefloor swoon. Their biggest hit “Don’t Hold Back” was in the top 40 for 23 weeks and the last year has seen them touring widely, DJing alongside the likes of Armand Van Helden, Frankie Knuckles, Axwell and Roger Sanchez.
“The Potbelleez were one of the stars of Mardi Gras 2008 when they rocked the Forum,” said NMG Chair David Imrie. “We had no hesitation in bringing them back to give them a bigger audience in the Hordern.”
“We’ve had great feedback on this year’s theme. After the enormous success of last year’s Zirkus people’s expectations are high, but we’re confident we’ll be able to take it up a level again,” said Imrie.
Tickets are available from Ticketek outlets, at www.ticketek.com.au and by phone on 13 2849. Prices are $99 for New Mardi Gras members, $119 for non-members and $79 for concessions.
does anyone else notice that mardi gras website address is wrong on the poster? i hope that this was just a teaser!!! and they havnt printed thousands with the wrong URL!
"Tickets are available from Ticketek outlets, at www.ticketek.com.au and by phone on 13 2849. Prices are $99 for New Mardi Gras members, $119 for non-members and $79 for concessions."
And where is the early bird special price ?
You'd think NMG would want to get some cash in early wouldn't you instead of waiting for everybody to buy tickets at the last minute.
No early bird price means no need to rush and buy early as far as I'm concerned. My money can stay in my bank account till late September (especially since Sleaze hasn't sold out in over a decade)
Early Bird doesn't provide NMG with 'cash in early'. All ticket monies are held in trust by ticketek until after the event. Ticketing Code of Practice. Complete rort really - do you think ticketek pay interest on the money they hold in trust? Of course not. I feel sorry for NMG. People will be slagging them off, when really their anger should be directed at the venue owners and managers. Sooner the party leaves Entertainment Quarter the better.
So same as this year Mardi Gras no early bird offer which I think is the main reason Sleaze sold out last year and only a saving of 17 dollars for members,
Not really a incentive to be a member come on Mardi Gras you want more members look after us
can we continue on with the party please..............
OK no early bird, I can live with it and I will continue to support the parties.
Where do you suggest the party moves to ? dont even suggest Homebush. Like all the other party promoters who put on parties there or sexpo's etc would have to put up with the crap from Ent Quarter.
Hoping there will be more than 2 halls. Maybe adding in Dome?
All my friends have been hibernating and just busting for this party.
"So same as this year Mardi Gras no early bird offer which I think is the main reason Sleaze sold out last year and only a saving of 17 dollars for members. Not really a incentive to be a member come on Mardi Gras you want more members look after us"
Oh my god. So what would be a sufficient discount to your liking? Don't forget members can buy 2 tickets each at the discounted price so you can save up to $34... almost the price of your membership and we haven't even factored in the Mardi Gras party and festival event discounts you received as well.
"I know what you're saying but Mardi Gras sold out before the party and people like you were gagging and blaming everyone but themselves. 2 months interest on $100 at 0% in your bank account would be $0.00"
Mardi Gras is Mardi Gras and yes it sold out. Unfortunately you seem to have forgot that we aren't talking about Mardi Gras. Sleaze Ball is a totally different beast all together and has not sold out since the halycon days of the mid 1990's. I'll wager you fifty bucks I'll comfortably still be able to buy a ticket by September 30
Secondly, I don't know about your bank account but mine earns 8.50% thank you. Me thinks your bank is ripping you off.
If you can take the time to get on hear and squeal about no early bird then you can take the time and sign up and become a member.
I have saved on my membership fee with 2 tickets at Mardi Gras and now 2 tickets for Sleaze and never used any of the other benefits which would have made an even bigger saving.
So forget about Earlybird . Become a member and save.
"Secondly, I don't know about your bank account but mine earns 8.50% thank you. Me thinks your bank is ripping you off"
It's got nothing to do with banks and events DO NOT make more money by selling tickets early (although it does help greatly with planning what costs they can afford). Ticket agencies keep all money to themselves until the event goes ahead so that they have the ability to refund you your ticket money should the event be cancelled. It's called consumer protection.
Can anyone tell me, if you are a member of NMG, are entitled to 2 Sleaze Ball tickets at members prices or just 1 ticket?
The reason I ask is, I am a NMG member and when purchasing 2 ticket over the weekend I was informed by the outlet who was selling me the tickets, I was only entitled to purchase 1 ticket at NMG membership prices.
Thank you, I look forward to your replies.
why, dont you like Sleaze Ball Graffiti Countdown Wall 2008 #1 ??
i dont think the countdown has got anything to do with empty wall. however i think it is a very unfortunate combination. CB's wild colours on a bright green background.
background should be gentle on eye, not drawing too much attention from the importnant things here - the posts.
or maybe panther is trying to drag the attention away from not exactly tasty countdown ?
(in that case thank you panther, you're doing a fine job!)
"i dont think the countdown has got anything to do with empty wall"
Quite true. The main reason I haven't posted anything until now is that I'm still trying to figure out who's playing!
Even the NMG website only has the names announced a few weeks back. Someone mentioned Beatrix but she's not on any of the posters or advertisements I've seen (I'm not in the city area and don't get SSO or SX).
I havent been back to this wall for a few weeks as it was
screen after screen of countdown and just could not be botheried.
I once asked could it be just one line instead of the many lines as at times it takes ages to download for me etc but got my head snapped off. And probably made countdown boy more determined to make sure that each day you have 1 full screen of countdown. To me its overkill
but its Panthers call not mine but its my choice to visit this wall as often.
Here's the line up that was announced in last weeks SX:
Potbelleez
Alan Thompson
Sveta
Mark Murphy
Deepchild
GI Jode
Luke Leal
Jake Kilby
DJ Beatrix
My only concern is how on earth will they all play in the Hordern...
The main reason I havent posted is because the party is very lacklustre. For the first time in many years - I am more excited about the stuff that is happening the next night. I am sorry but there is no sleaziness to this event at all. Where is the tribal space?? are more djs going to be announced or is this it??
i cant make sense of the line up, with the exception of the horden, and who would have thought sleaze would become is a main room electro event. sorry, not for me.
Got agree with you that the party is lacklustre. None of my friends are going and the people that I have spoken to out and about are also not that enthused about this years Sleaze. I expected Sleaze to be not as big as this years Mardi Gras party but this lineup has got to be very so so.
And yes this is my opinion which counts just as much as anyone elses on here.
So far it looks a bit lacklustre based on the alternatives for the weekend, some announced and some yet to be. It's hard to fathom what NMG are thinking. And is it solely electro this party?
I am personally looking forward to Sleaze this year and I have probably been to at least TWENTY Sleaze/Mardi Gras parties combined so I reckon the lineup of DJ's are great and good on NMG for evolving the music and keeping up with the times!
Alan Thompson playing a harder set is good news and will surprise a few no doubt (although not if you have heard him at ACTION recently)
Can't wait to hear Deepchild as well as he is an amazing talent who writes a lot of his own music.
Bring it on - wanna clock up another Sleaze for sure!
Told you countdown boy would not oblige and cut the postings in say at least half.
I am holding out that Dome/Tribal does happen.
If NMG are hinging the Hordern on electro etc then I may not go this year. Dont get me wrong I am not complaining about electro just not me or my friends. We like at least 1 other choice of room.
But its getting late to suddenly announce more as others seem to be considering whats on the Sunday and for going
Sleaze. I hope not of course.
Well hopefully countdown boy will change his count tomorrow to 6 weeks to go, and do a once a week count until the last fortnight. It does get annoying to have to scroll through all his stuff to see if anyone has posted some real opinion inbetween.
It will be difficult for everyone to do Frisky this year because the Metro only holds about 1200 people, so, its really only a small party.
Sleaze will about 7000 people ( from memory, abou 6500 last year?). Maybe I'm a size queen, but, I love the big parties, and believe we should do our bit for the community and support Sleaze and MG.
I disagreed with that statement as I have 20 friends of mine coming from Brissy for Sleaze. Other dance parties such as Frisky, indulgence, homesexual and other parties that held their party on the same time with Sleaze Ball party are really BAD. They don't care and not supporting Gay's main event. They run their own business and take the benefit from gay community, stealing the crowd. Mardi Gras and Sleaze Ball will be die in the future if people do not want to support their very own main events.
I received an email from the ACTION guys saying that Alan Thompson had been asked to play an 'ACTION' set at Sleaze so I guess he will be playing it harder than he normally would at DPTM
I really don't care if 'everyone' (whoever that may be...sheep?) is doing Frisky this year. Nothing compares to the Horden (with wooden floor)as a gay dance space. Sleaze for me.
There is no venue in Sydney that beats walking into the
Hordern ( and RHI and Dome ). Have been doing it now for about 20 years or more from the first parties in the Hordern when you entered from the other end.
I still get the warm fuzzy feeling when I walk in and who knows how many times I have done that Love the space, the high ceiling , it rarely gets too hot, the bleachers, the space between the bleachers and the dance floor ( the
wooden dance floor ! ) and the usual faces from the many parties I have been to.
I only support NMG parties as all the $'s go to our community. Sure these other parties usually donate something.
I loved my Frisky parties and went to most of them and love Metro for a venue.
But for me the Hordern wins everytime and I know my $'s are not going into someones pocket.
It's pretty damn disappointing to see that the powers that be have caved into the relentless whingers who continue to bemoan about the legendary countdownboy.
Shame on all of you for devaluing somebody who makes such a positive and upbeat contribution to this facility.
I am actually quite glad there is plenty of options to choose from on Sunday night!
My friends and I are doing Sleaze on Saturday to support NMG then on Sunday night we will head out and enjoy our particular favourite dance music style on the Sunday. We are spoilt for choice here are just a few that spring to mind:
Frisky - Metro
Indulgence - Midnight Shift
Homesexual - Home
Extra Dirty - Oxford Art Factory
All the venues and promoters do appear to be showing respect to NMG & Sleaze by not programming anything major on Saturday night.
What will be a great weekend will now turn into a SUPER great one!
So dear poster, you think support of community groups such as "The Luncheon Club/BGF/ACON" is BAD?! I'm sure these groups are only too happy to accept the support these commercial events provide.
Nick Webster at Sleaze last year was the final straw for me. Nothing against Nicki, but "Strawberry Kisses" at Sleaze, I'm sorry.
As for your "stealing the crowd" comment if Mardi Gras put on a party that didn't include shoe-horning every poof/dyke/whatever that has ever played a CD onto the playlist regardless of style it might provide a cohesive evening that the humble punter could enjoy from start to finish.
I sincerely and honestly hope that Sleaze sells out and that the people that go truly enjoy it. I'll be at a party I know I'm going to enjoy.
BTW: Thanks for the count for the reduction in point size. Certainly makes reading the wall much more pleasant!
The lime green was much nicer. This "sea green" is that sort of colour one looks like after throwing up , you know the expression "green around the gills" - same thing here.
I am sorry Panther but truly. You cut back the countdown and that was great and CB just goes and does this.
Way over the top reaction from him and would be great if could be cut down before it gets posted.
It fills an entire screen. It obviously gets up some peoples noses like mine. I dont want to get rid of CB
but I also dont want to be scrolling a full screen per
day.
You poor poor thing. Does your poor little finger hurt due to all that excessive scrolling you have to do ? Maybe you'll get RSI !
Get a grip. Get a life. Start making a positive contribution to this wall rather than whinging like an old woman about something that simply is *not* that important. Sheesh. Unbelievable how picky queens can be.
Now, onto topics that ARE important. Has anybody heard anymore news about a second hall being added into Sleaze yet. There are simply too many DJ names on the bill now to just be the Hordern.
I like the countdown but I dont like the size the posts have come. Thankfully Panther has shrunk them to a more reasonable size.
Makes me laugh though. You have the right to decide what is important and not important but not others making a simple request are picky queens. Truly.
As it stands its the Hordern and told either the forecourt between Hordern and RHI or as has happened in the past the actual bar area as you walk into the Hordern has had DJ's before.
I would lurve a tribal/dirty sexy house Dome but at 5 weeks to go they are leaving it way late to announce anything more. Other parties are advertising as well with no secrets up their sleeves.
I'm on here today to weigh a vote of support for the unfairly treated countdownboy
This guy has posted on here for years in an upbeat positive way. He is a pinkboard institution.
It's disgraceful how a handful of bitter people have come on here and moaned a bit and had CB's creativity cut down. How horribily inconvenient for those people to have to scroll a few extra seconds a day to get to the bottom of the page. And what about the page feature on here that allows your screen to re-set itself to where you last visited ? If you use this feature and visit pinkboard once every second or third day then your poor little sore scrolling finger wont get a heavy workout anymore and you don't have to moan about CB.
Too late though , the damage is done and the only person who ALWAYS makes positive contributions to this wall has had his worked smeared by people who simply don't have anything better in life to complain about.
Now onto Sleaze itself. I'm looking forward to the night but still feeling a bit hesitant about the numbers this party may or may not attract. Lets hope for NMG that it sells ok in the next few weeks.
Well, my BF and I bought our tickets yesterday. (Numbered in the 1900s if that means anything.) Not too sure about Sleaze this year - last year with Nikki Webster was a bit lame - but the theme is great, the best they've done in quite a few years.
With just under 5 weeks to go, why is there not more excitement about Sleaze? The only thing on the wall pretty much is the countdown (which is wonderful, thank you CDB). But why is no-one discussing costumes, or, anything really? I've not got my ticket yet and usually I will get my Sleaze and Mardi Gras tickets within a few days of them being released. This year, I'm not even sure I'm going. I was hoping the posts on this wall would get me in the mood so I would eventually give in and go... but not so it would seem.
Currently listening to: Announcement - Channel 10 man
Sleaze DJ set times and where they will be playing?
Does anyone know the DJ set times for Sleaze and where they will be playing? Allan Thompson at least knows how long his set is for which is 3hrs but where?
It really helps me make up my mind if I will buy a ticket or not.
Bought my Sleaze Ticket today and was quite surprised to see the starting time being quoted as 9pm
As far as i can recall all Mardi Gras / Sleaze parties in the last 10 years have started at 10pm.
Does this 9pm start mean that the finish time is being adjusted to 7am ???????
Is there anybody from NMG reading this message who would like to comment / confirm that 9pm is in fact the correct starting time and also confirm what the finish time is. Might be difficult to educate us about this unless this information gets out there amongst the community. If you want to encourage us to start arriving at 9pm instead of 10pm then what other methods of communicating this does NMG intend to employ other than printing it on the ticket face ?
Maybe NMG should send out this info to members via its regular email ???
From Ticketek's website: The start time for Sleaze Ball 2008 at Hordern Pavilion has changed. The new start time is 9pm.
There's no news on MG's site but if you send them an email or give them a call to find out I'm sure they won't bite! http://www.mardigras.org.au/contact.cfm?nav=About%20Us&sub=contact
So that means its 9pm to 8am (11 hours) with one hour lost when the clock at 2am suddenly becomes 3am.
GOOD GOD , thats so gonna confuse all the queens on the night , none of them will have adjusted their watches forward an hour and when the music stops most will think its still 7am when in real terms it will 8am !
always got confused as to when daylight saving started.... once i got of my tits ( not that we do that} always thought daylight savings started sleaze weekend...would tell everyone to put the clocks forwards....this year i am right for once !!!!
The interesting aspect here is that a lot of people dont like arriving at the time the gates open and normally roll in a few hours later. Those that dont take advantage of the earlier 9pm start and simply arrive at the time they would regularly arrive at are going to be robbed of an hour of party if they stay to the finish time which in real terms is adjusted to 7am
So i think the easiest way for people to approach this event is that it's a 9pm to 7am party and as soon as its over move your watches forward to 8am.
Whether or not people are keen about arriving at 9pm remains to be seen. I predict it will be pretty dead for the first 2 hours - people are creatures of habit, the average time to arrive at these parties I've always found to be 11.00 to 11.30pm - I just cant see too many people making the effort to get there for a 9pm start. Pity the DJ's playing those first two hours
I have missed some posts, and am hoping someone might generously fill me in on (and I'm sure others would like to know) the current state of play with Sleaze. Starting at 9:00 p.m.? Only one main dance "arena"? Any gossip on shows? Any idea how many punters are planned for? Thanks for any info.
Well we arrive between 10-10:30pm sometimes there are quite a few people on the floor, othertimes only 30 or so but within the hour its getting busy.
Poor old NMG again.
Here they it seems opening the party so some whinging queen doesnt bitch about losing an hour and they give us the extra hour and now its moan city about it.
THANK YOU NMG for the extra hour. We normally have a drink somewhere and its quite painful sitting around till around 10pm busting to get to the party . This way we can arrive and have a drink a watch the people arrive which is always fun. Hate arriving when a party is full which we only did a few times waiting for someone. Took long time to get into it.
And hey if its a complete failure what has been lost ?
absolutely nothing.
yes i beleive the sleze party is purely all electro
funny choice since that form of music has dies so much recently.
because of its souless bleep blops i guess..
oh well good luck to those who like that.
I’m looking forward to Sleaze Ball regardless of any of the issues or concerns that have been expressed. It’s funny how over the years parties like this change for the individual and I now get different things out of parties these days to what I got out of them 5 , 10 , 20 years ago. My life experience tells me that most punters go through a number of transformations with dance parties as they get older.
Here’s my experience -
When I was in my 20’s dance parties for me were all about the music and the dancing. Back then in my heyday when I used to go our clubbing most weekends I would know just about every song played at any venue or dance party I attended. All I was interested in was getting lost in the music, hitting the dance floor singing to all the songs and being immersed in a crowd of friends on the dance floor. I always arrived at dance parties within an hour of opening and always stayed to the end. For some reason picking up or getting with guys at the party never entered my head. I’d always kick on to day time recoveries
Sometime around hitting age 32-33 things changed for me. I was still a regular clubber hitting Oxford St most weekends. I still knew all the music and I still liked to dance a lot. But at dance parties I now found myself having sexual urges during the night and exploring dark areas and toilets for short periods during the night before returning to the dance floor. The types of chems taken for me were no different to what I took in my 20’s. I am still staying to the end of the party and I’m still attending day recoveries. I am however ending my Sunday afternoon in places like sauna’s to get rid of all my built up energy
Now in my early 40’s and what a dance party means to me has changed yet again. By this stage I have slowed down and rarely hit Oxford Street. Because I don’t do regular clubbing my knowledge of all the latest dance tunes has gone to the dogs. I don’t bother getting to the party until after midnight, sometimes even 1am. I find myself at parties not knowing hardly any of the music played. I rejoice for a few Mardi gras run parties where a retro space is introduced, it’s perfect for me because I re-live all the fabulous tunes that I danced to in my 20’s and 30’s. But at other parties New Mardi Gras don’t supply a retro space and I am musically alienated once again. Please NMG bring back retro and make the music important again for the musically uneducated like me … At non retro catered parties I hardly dance anymore , I shuffle on the dance floor in short bursts to accommodate friends I bump into who wanna have a dance – The music being played often (for me) is simply noise with no soul. I find myself enjoying the eye candy around me more and more as each party comes and goes. Because I don’t go out to oxford Street I enjoy the parties for different reasons. I run into long time friends I don’t see anymore, we chat about life experiences and catch up on what we’ve been doing in recent times. I find myself hanging around dark areas and toilets a lot more than in previous years. I often have some fantastic sex in the toilet , mind blowing stuff. I don’t care as much about what other people might think of me as I used to. I just wanna have a good time. I never stay to the end anymore. I normally head home anywhere from 5.30am to 6.30am depending on how my night has progressed. I don’t go out to daytime recoveries. I tend to sit online all day Sunday on gaydar cruising for more fun. Often my post party activities at home on the Sunday during the day are the highlight of the weekend compared to the party itself. I vow that I have no need to go to the next Mardi Gras or Sleaze ball cause I only stay there for 50% of the time it’s open , I don’t enjoy or know the music and dancing isn’t fun anymore to current music
So here we are again and Sleaze ball is on in 29 days. All my promises to myself after Mardi Gras in March about never going again are belayed as the days get closer to the event (thank you countdownboy)
These events mean so many different things to different people. I think I’ve gone the full circle in my 20 years of partying at them. I now enjoy exploring the seedier side of my sexuality.
I look forward to Sleaze Ball 2008 as much as I look forward to any post party that I can hopefully organise for my bedroom the next morning
Due to daylight savings kicking in on the night we are pleased to announce that Sleaze Ball will now start at 9pm on Saturday 4th October to ensure that party goers enjoy a full ten hours worth of entertainment and DJ sets on the night.
We came to the decision to start the party earlier as the line up is so jam packed with shows, happenings and fantastic DJ's that we felt it simply had to all be showcased. Daylight savings will kick in at 2am (on Sunday 5th October) and jump the party forward by an hour making it 3am instantly. The daylight savings chaos is really apt for this years theme however it will now have no impact on people getting the full ten hours of this unique overnight party, now in it’s 28th year.
Get in early, stay till the end and see the other dastardly plans explode before you throughout the night. With villains from Disney through to A Clockwork Orange invited who knows what might happen... but for now Sleaze City is safe from daylight savings!
Make sure you arrive at Sleaze Ball early as The Hordern kicks off with Alan Thompson playing from 9pm - don’t miss out on a minute of his set.
Isnt it strange how we all have different experiences.
First parties mid 80's when I was about 30 they were in Dome and then we did Mardi Gras in the Govt Pavillion.
Went out on Oxford St every weekend as well.
For me it was also the music and dancing.
On came Club Hordern by the end of the 80's and we would be there every second weekend and less and less on Oxford St. Still about the music and dancing.
Around 1990 ? Club Hordern got stopped by the locals because of noise issues so off we went to Alexandria Basketball Stadium, some place over Glebe/Ultimo ? and of course Mardi Gras, June Long Weekend, Sleaze, NYE all still at Fox. By this stage was 40 and it was still about the *current* music and dancing and my friends.
So here I am at 52 and only do the main parties and thats enough for me. Never go to Oxford St excecpt for an occassional birthday drink where I escape as soon as I can. The main parties are still about the music and the dancing and being with my friends and I cringe at any music that is a year old maybe 2 years max. As for the music I danced to in the 80's ......... I would walk off the dance floor or out of the Hall. Nothing against Retro but for me I still love the current music styles of
Hard, Tribal, Dirty Sexy House , trance when its not that fluffy crap no offence.....
Sex........ well after all those years ! I have done it
4 times from memory and thats because they came onto me but dont want to waste my time at a party looking for sex when I can get it for 360 days of the year.
The day after I could think of nothing worse than sitting online ............ we gather at someones place and all sit around yakking and taking in a DVD or two and just chilling out with your friends........... unbeatable.
Each to his/her own though no offence meant to anyone.
Its a shame that there doesn't seem to much hype about Sleaze this year. Last years Sleaze was super hot as was Mardi Gras this year. Perhaps the all of the changes at with the board, working groups and loosing their event producer could be impacting them. Lets hope not as they still need Sleaze to generate essential revenue for the festival in 09.
I also believe that the loss of the Shift club and Darlinghurst manacle has indeed forced a lot of people to stay at home a lot more this winter.
I'm firmly of the opinion that there are a hell of a lot more people who live in this city in recent years that have turned their backs on Oxford street but come out in force for the party weekends.
I think there are a lot of queens who have been bottled up at home this winter who are busting to get out to a big dance party in 28 days time , I am one of them.
I have confidence that Sleaze will be a hot event even if the party will be a downsized one. I mean who cares if Sleaze only gets 4000-5000 people, thats more than enough people for the Hordern to be one hell of a hot place to be on October 4. Cant wait.
"I'm firmly of the opinion that there are a hell of a lot more people who live in this city in recent years that have turned their backs on Oxford street but come out in force for the party weekends.
I think there are a lot of queens who have been bottled up at home this winter who are busting to get out to a big dance party in 28 days time , I am one of them."
I have really enjoyed reading the different experiences of long time Sleaze goers. I consider myself one of those, though only been attending since '94. A very different experience for me, as I come down from North Queensland for the parties, so have very little Oxford St experience to go by.
I hope I never forget the exhilaration of my first Sleaze. I paid way more for my ticket than I'd ever paid for any event. I flew down from Brisbane at big expense, using money I didn't have. I was closeted in most areas of my home life, and really nervous that I had made a HUGE mistake.
I walked in through the front gate, which used to be on the other side of the Hordern. I was quite overwhelmed, and not ready to enter a dance area, so just sat off to the side watching the crowd arrive. Nothing in my life has been so affirming of my homosexuality. On a purely pervy note, I was gobsmacked by the array of stunning bodies in their glory. But also to see such huge numbers of happy, excited, friendly people, revelling in an events that put homosexuality in the majority, rather than a minority, was enough for me to decide, within 30 minutes of entering, that I had spent my $ well.
The first show blew my mind. Leather clad poofs and dykes, great dancing, energy, fabby music, and sexiness, along with the flames shooting up from stage level - beyond anything I had experienced before. Aural and visual FEAST!
And a funny little side room with almost no lights, quieter music, LOTS of men pushing closely together, a bondage area ... nothing like I'd seen before, that's for sure.
I too tell myself each time that it will probably be my last Sleaze. But when the time comes, I buy my tickets, book my flights, get really excited, etc. It's so disappointing to read negativity about Sleaze here. It will be what people will make of it. It is still an unparalleled experience for some of us to be surrounded by myriad gays and lesbians.
Sleaze was the event that helped me to come out to friends and family. I knew that there were happy, friendly people out there who would accept my sexuality, and who could be proudly and honorably gorgeous. I would hate to think that anyone would miss such an opportunity today because Sleaze gets a negative wrap. It is still the most easily identifiable Gay and Lesbian party for many non-metropolitan areas of Australia.
Congratulations Sydney, and Mardi Gras, for all of your work to date. Keep it up!!!!!!
What a fabulous letter! Thanks for writing such an uplifting message that captures the spirit of what Mardi Gras and Sleaze are really all about. On another note, much as I love the Dome, it makes sense to have a single venue that gets everyone together.
Yes but the problem then Paul is if you dont like the DJ or the live acts etc there is no real alternative.
Always liked it when had Dome as well as it gave you a choice.
I remember the old days of 1 hall and you just sat around till the DJ was over and hoped that the next one would be good etc.
For me will be there for Alan Thompson then the others dont interest me and then will wait on Sveta adn Mark.
Not bitching ! glad there is a Sleaze just something have become used to ie having an alternative venue to go to or if at places like Home another room.
There have been more DJs announced than can fit in the Horden. This means there will be another area. Whether it is a hall or another area we'll have to wait and see.
Ok then , can somebody please tell me exactly WHERE any dark corners , nooks or crannies can normally be found during the night in the Hordern. Please be specific. Share the love with all of us
There are not out of the way dark corners like Dome has.
You walk in the Hordern and on your left is the bar and toilets and well lit. Then up the left side are usually the bleachers then you come the stairs/exits and that usually has a guard and is not a dark corner.
Coming in on the right hand side is again another bar and well lit. More bleachers then usually the exit out to Dome and/or another bar that is well lit.
You cannot gain access to the back of the stage area.
I am so evil that the darkness that dwells in my soul sucks all light out of my surroundings. Come over to the dark side with me and I will fill you full of dark corners.
Random question. So this will be my third Sleaze, and i'm just so excited I can barely contain myself, but i noticed a trend at these large parties, and wanted to find out the scoop.
There seems to be a km long que in order to get to the stalls in the boyz toilets. Yet all the urinals are free. I would think that a such a large open gay event, guys wouldn't be shy about pissing infront of each other. I always think- what are they queing for? Hook ups? ingest drugs? or is everyone really that shy??? Can anyone enlighten me??? to me it's the rare occasion where we can all be who we want and let it all hang out.
The stalls as you call them are always so occupied for 3 reasons -
1. Boys are sucking each others willies and a whole lot more and don't want others touching.
2. Boys are sharing naughty evil substances with each other and this takes time to organise when you have 3 or 4 hot sweaty bodies all jammed into one little locked space
3. Some actually are doing poo poos
I hope this lesson from mother Sleaze brings you much enlightenment
I can vouch for the poo poo reason. At the last party I had to take a massive and rather uncomfortable (as I had been waiting for over 1/2 an hour since lining up to enter the gates) dump.
But my tip for the Number 2's is get in early, at least before midnight otherwise you hit the 1km queues and I suspect some punters fall asleep in the stalls and thus keep them out of use for quite long periods.
I'm starting to get really excited about Sleaze. I think the choice of DJ's this year is absolutely brilliant. These guys are going to rock the Hordern. I thank NMG for continuing to surprise and not just follow the same old same old, safe and well-worn paths. Let's go harder this year guys.Dark and Dirty. It's the Villain's Lair!
check out same same and Alan has posted on there that he will not being playing his usual type sets.
To quote -
" I will be playing a deeper, techi and electronic set.... its going to be all about basslines and grooves to get you guys moving early and get down and dirty..."
this certainly doesnt sound like the usual dark and dirty
we are used to ? correct me if I'me wrong ?
I have been listening to Deepchild/Potbellez and they are definately not dark and dirty either ?
How long with they be on ? NMG is not answering emails.
Hoping Sveta and Mark Murphy dont come on too late and they will make it dark and dirty but................... it
seems there are so many DJ's that there will be the forecourt and I think I will not go if I find out that Sveta and Mark are playing the forecourt. No offence to them but I am not paying those dollars to be out there.
I dont mind a new style like this electro coming in but am worried how it seems ? to be dominating all the talk.
And before you electro fans get up in arms... just
think how people who have supported by going to parties feel when its seems like a major switch.
And again , if I am reading it wrong be nice when you tell me.
I have been going to Sleaze since the mid 80's and have not missed one ! but this year is looking like it.
I haven't seen any "talk" about this Sleaze being dominated by electro. In fact I haven't seen much about genres at all. All I have seen is someone repeatedly claiming that there is talk about electro.
The quote above about Alan Thompson is on same same
and the post is from Alan Thompson. Its on their forum
for Sleaze. So thats straight from the horses mouth
so to speak.
Then do a seach for Deepchild on youtube and Potbellez
on youtube.
You tell me what kind of music that is ? its called electro.
So with Alan quoting that, then presuming Deepchild and
Potbellez coming on around midnight thats half the party
as electro.
Posters have asked for DJ times and where they will be
and some have contacted and got no replies. Only a few weeks to the party so you would think they would release the details.
Sure we can expect Mark/Sveta to get dark and dirty but where will they be playing ? if its in the forecourt then
I wont be going. Paying a $100 or more to dance outside is not me.
Ok NMG you have three weeks left in which to sell the rest of your tix for Sleaze - how many are left? Obviously not enough sales to open the Dome.
I know a lot of peoples who are undecided about going this year - waiting to hear where & when dj's are playing and what styles they will be playing.
Is it gunna be electro/tehno to start leading to dark and dirty tribal later on or is it a mish mash all night?
Frisky has sold out, cause punters know what to expect and what they are gunna get for their bucks.
Know one knows whats happening for Sleaze and aren't prepared to part with $120 till they do. Otherwise it will be the alternatives on Sunday night instead.
Too right. NMG leaving it very late to advise DJ times etc.
Have always supported NMG and in past they have leaped
ahead of the competition and got the details out there but all this teasing with no real info I dont think is a good idea.
As you say everyone knows what to expect with other parties and one has sold out and my friends who go to
Manacle/Phoenix etc are thinking of not doing Sleaze and just doing the recoveries etc.
After Alan's post on samesame any fans from DPTM may be
disappointed.
An announcement from NMG of who is on when and where would alleviate people's concerns and stop posters
speculating ?
Well NMG need to pick up their game - because ticket sales are very poor indeed.
Fromt the Bang Clothing Website:
"Sleaze Ball ticket bonus offer
Buy 5 tickets or more and receive 1 FREE ticket (only available through BANG Clothing Sydney or Melbourne stores) or see in store staff for clothing purchase offer for 1 FREE ticket offer.
Hurry Limited offer only!
Get in early."
NMG has put out a lineup that does not resonate with the core danceparty - ticket buying crowd. NMG selectors might think that electro/alternative queer is cool - but the fact remains that scene is not what a major party can hang off - and it has shown in there ticket sales.
The horden will be electro all night - whether it be darker electro from mark murphy/sveta or not - it will still be electro. The fact remains that there are no tribal djs in that lineup at all.
What you'll have is horden as variations of electro and handbag/commercial house in the second space.
For those of you who are worried about what the music will be like at Sleaze, does it really matter that much?
For me, every party is an adventure, and the variation in music styles from party to party makes it more fun and more of a surprise. Sure, I like some music styles more than others, but Sleaze and Mardi Gras are unique, and to be enjoyed for much more than just a particular music style.
As for Alan Thompson, I've heard his sets at both DTPM and Action parties, and Summer Gay Day, and all I can say is that I don't think you will be disappointed. I'm definately getting there early this year.
And dont you read ? someone cut and pasted from the
samesame website what Alan Thompson posted there. He has stated it will not be what he usually plays at parties
like DPTM.
This is the first time in years no Dome or at least The
Forum.
I have to sadly admit that a few of the above posters are spot on. When Brad Wright was the production manager of the NMG run parties there never seemed to be any issues getting information or having email enquiries answered.
Whoever is running NMG parties now have gone back to the bad old days of cloak and dagger, keep em in the dark and never communicate with the punters.
If Sleaze Ball fails numbers wise it will be all the fault of the current team who simply have not supplied potential customers with adequate information about this event so far.
Chairman David Imrie , I KNOW you read this board. PLEASE lets get some more info out there in the community URGENTLY so punters can make an educated decision as to whether we will be attending Sleaze ball or not. And while you're at it , get your marketing team to start replying to emails via the website rather than dishing them to the junk folder !
I didnt think Sveta played electro ? Mark Murphy's website says he does so to Arti.................. the party is looking like its Electro for the majority or all night.
As another posted said its not something you would build around a major party.
If they had kept Dome for its dirty/tribal etc then people would have a choice.
I have been listening to electro on the net and I am not hearing anything that would get me dancing for hours.
Electronic is not electro. Electro is about (electronic) break beats. It is a form of electronic, but so is techno, house, trance, and drum and bass.
I have seen nowhere that Alan Thompson has said he is playing electro. He is known for funky house. He is not playing he usual style so I would guess this means he will play a deeper, darker, dirtier house set. There may be a bit of electro in there, but then it is the now dance music.
For most punters Arti they would not know there is a difference but the majority of party goers are used the dark and dirty like we get in Dome.
Its now sounding like its going to be different. You say its the now dance music style ? where else is it played ?
Isnt this a risky thing to do with a party ? base it all on this style ? sure when you have a couple of halls like they did at Mardi Gras but even though The Forum went off according to reports , is that enough to fill the Hordern ?
Just getting worried as the now dance music is something I dont know and I dont like what I have heard on youtube clips. Dont hate it mind you , just something I would not be able to get into on the dance floor.
it seems Alan's post on samesame was deleted as per these
postings -
---------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheOldie
Hey - didnt Alan Thompson post on this forum with what he was going to play ? saying it wasnt going to be his usual DTPM style ?
where did the post go ?
and remember ....I'm old so bit of a tech dummy but was sure the post was
here ?
Yes he did post in this forum saying he wont be playing his usual DTPM style.
Maybe it's another NMG conspiracy as to why the post was removed.
NMG need to get off their arses and let the public know what the night entails (yes we know what the theme and who the dj's are and that is it) - what's the style of music and what venues are being used (is it electro/techno all nightlong? is is just Hordern and forecourt?).
Heaps of people are holding off buying tix until they have a clearer picture as to what the night will be. Otherwise it will be the Sunday day and night parties who will attract the punters.
---------------------------------------------------------
So what the hell is going on ?
I am not bashing NMG but I will soon. All we are after
is information as per above.
Usually 3 rooms, 1 medium 1 big and 1 huge hall, but as you may have read above, we don't actually know!!
Frisky (sold out), HomeSexual, Action & DTPM are all good recoveries for Sun night. Of those above my pick is Frisky (sold out) followed by Home, followed by DTPM.
You'll have a ball whatever ends up happening and however many rooms there are
Wow if that's the case then that's a damn shame. That makes it smaller than the 2002 party "Uniform" that Pride ran on a shoestring after Mardi Gras' demise. I think city live is a must have space as an alternative if you dont like the hordern at the time and dont want to be outside in the cold/rain/light.
Oh yes. 6-8am, the closing dj set at Sydney’s largest (And arguably most publically depraved) Gay, Lesbian, Trans-gender and polysexual dance-party. Good lord.
A full compliment of DJ's are playing inside the hordern and seperate dance space with another set of DJ's is playing more commercial/house music in the forecourt area.
I know that Luke Leal is playing the forecourt sometime around 3am and Jake Kilby is either before or after him.
I dont know the Hordern DJ times , sorry , however standbye for more updates if i hear them
What are you all talking about???? There are DJ's in the Hordern AND the forecourt!!
New 2 Sleaze: Home is @ Home nightclub, Darling Hbr, DTPM is @ Tank, Tank Stream Way, City, and Frisky is @ The Metro theatre. Frisky Tix are few and far between, check the classifides here.
mmm that's a fair call - or $120 if your not a member.
It was sad to lose the RHI (I remember the first year it wasn't included and was the cloak room - devastating!), now to lose TWO more venues in one hit, it's a bit grim. Say it isn't so Mardi Gras! Standing by for your surprise late addition of the Forum!
Taken from the SX website, as per David Imrie's Facebook page... http://sxnews.e-p.net.au/agenda/sleaze-ball-dj-schedule-3927.html
Hhmmm, well, that's confirmation I won't be going - Luke Leal in the Forecourt is an absolute waste in my opinion, Potbelleez for an hour only... completely understand why Sveta got the best spot though! Good for her, she's awesome.
I won't be there but I do hope it's a success for Mardi Gras.
We Love Sounds: Hordern, RHI, The Forum: $79 a ticket.
...Oh and this was the lineup:
Bonde do Role, Van She, Utah Saints, Grand National, Stephan Bodzin, Dubfire, Marc Houle, Mix Master Mike, Steve Lawler, Black Grass, The Potbelleez, Scribe, Superheroes, Grafton Primary, Bag Raiders, Edu K, Duke Dumont, Gaiser, The Goodwill, Derrick Carter, Ajax, Miami Horror, Theatre of Disco, Kid Kenobi, Futurecop, Gameboy Gamegirl, Hans Peter Lindstrom, Ben Morris, David Squillace and Bang Gang DJs
We Love Sounds: Hordern, RHI, The Forum: $79 a ticket.
Yes well , that says it all doesn't it ?
If you're into a feral straight event with no wooden dance floors, bare basic lighting where most punters get so drunk that there is throwing up going on everywhere and everyone dances in lines facing the DJ like robotic morons then sure lets all go to We Love Sounds !
Well - im still gona try and get tickets to Frisky - who knows, I might get lucky.
Ive heard lots of crappy things about 'TANK' - would 'HOME' be better?? Im looking to wear I can dance heaps, with good sounds, TOPs off, and lots of lollies LOL LOL
Fabulous! What a dream line up! It's gonna be trippy and fun.......!
I AM SO THERE!
So looking forward to hearing Potbellez and Deepchild for something new.... And Sveta and Mark for something deep and dirty!! And Alan opening the proceedings is just great. I guess it's all Hordern all night for me and my friends! (No offense to the Foreskin DJ's)
"I replied and said as they cant be bothered replying to my emails then I dont want emails from them"
Don't forget Mardi Gras is run by volunteers. Unfortunately between their day jobs and spending their nights and weekends volunteering they may not have enough time to get back to everyone, every time. Did you try calling the office?
Don't you all remember the Hand in Hand days that were in the Hordern only? I thought they were some of the best parties going around at the time (my first ticket cost $50).
Still it is a shame Sleaze cost $120 for one room and let's face it, the cost of DJs could not have blown the budget? Ahhh those were the days, cheap fuel, food ect..... I think the amount people who attend the party will set the scene for future parties to come...... if any.
But lets hope not, they still beat the crap out of attending the straight parties, I think we are so spoilt for choice today we forget how lucky we are.
Good luck NMG!!!!!!!
Back in those days there was really only 1 style of dance music and thats why those Club Hordern days worked so well.
But by around early/mid 90's all the other styles started coming out and now we are spoilt for choice.
I think any medium to large party has to offer 2 rooms with different styles to attract enough.
My worry with this years Sleaze is the music style. I was not in The Forum for MG as live bands etc not me but have listened to youtube as another poster advised and definately Potbellez will not be me. Dancing in the forecourt though after paying those $'s will be hard but its only an hour. Would have preferred The Forum or Dome as an alternative.
Not sure why NMG have scaled down Sleaze ? as thought the $'s went towards bankrolling Mardi Gras etc and less numbers would mean less $'s.
great- looking forward to G.I jode in the forecourt- she plays some classy tunes. Then off to get my rocks off in the Hordern to the dark and dirty sounds. looking forward to it now .
I think its a great idea to merge Sleaze into one room.
There will be no distractions, no wandering aimlessly back and forwards between venues, looking for lost friends, etc. Also, won't miss the good music/DJs by wandering off in a daze somewhere during the night.
You know what I mean, suddenly an hour can vanish!
At Inquisition earlier this year, with 2 dance rooms, Dome and Forum, it was mostly empty in the Forum all night. Me, and my friends, wasted a lot of time wandering over to Forum to check it out, then back again to Dome.
I'm really looking forward to just partying in the Hordern all night with everyone, should be great fun.
After 20 years of parties I never lose my friends. Sure there are gaps at times where we dont see each as some having a dance in one hall and the others in another hall but personally I think any large party needs 2 different music styles in 2 halls as a minimum. The reason you tend to be wondering aimlessly is usually due to not liking the music in that hall or for me live shows on. If the music is to my liking then I dont move but if its not and dont have a 2nd venue then it means sitting down and thats boring ! I like to dance all night
If you like to dance all night but fear that the one hall DJ's must sit you down during the night then think outside the box for once and do something daring like me ....
I'm gonna take my i-pod filled with classic anthems from the last 10 years and when the DJ's are playing crap one go my little ear piece headphones. Viola !
Part of the fun for me at a large scale dance party is that point in the night (usuallaly 3am) when all of a sudden i go into wandering mode.
yes we 'lose' our friends - and lo and behold we find them again - much to our mutual delight.
alng the way, on our missin to fond our 'lost' friends, i bump inot people i've never met before, have fun conversation about the meaning of life, make new friends and enjoy the passing parade.
thats what makes a large scale dance party so unique. its an experience that cant be replicated in a club or one hall party.
For me its around 1-2am but as now as I dont take that pill anymore , I go wondering with my friends
but as you say , you bump into other groups of friends. Some that you only see at a party, workmates, gym mates
etc. and then re-finding your friends an hour to two later is such a joy hahahahahahahahahaaaaaa
Hordern is our main venue followed by Dome. Usually though the walk starts in Hordern heads over to RHI for a complete circuit around the dance floor out to Dome and a complete circuit around the dance floor over to The Forum and usually up the stairs to the very top , perve over the rail , walk around the other side and down the stairs, more perving over the dance floor and then out and back to the Hordern with the inevitable stop or two along the way as bump into friends.
The we settle into either the Hordern or Dome which ever has the better music as we like hard/tribal/dirty house.
oh STOP I can't TAKE IT ANYMORE!! All this talk of multiple halls, wandering around between venues, making new friends and going on adventures is killing me!!!!!
Yes what has happened with the 3am/4am walk (cruise) around at parties these days - doesn't seem to happen like in the old days. Is it the drugs that are being taken nowadays?
In my 20 years or more of parties never did the 3/4am walk.
Alway took those things around midnight, kick in by 1am and then wait to settle then the walks hit you and off we go
Still get the multiple venues at Mardi Gras. Just a shame not having 2 at Sleaze ( I dont count the forecourt ).
Cant understand why going for a smaller crowd ? would have thought by having Dome with its tribal would get its followers , Hordern I suppose as is but Potbellez not me, then throw in say Retro in The Forum and it would fill with its followers etc and you could have decent numbers.
I don't understand what a dumb organiser Sleaze got this year. Do they have marketing experience ? Know how to attract people, stimulate to get a better catch. If you put DOME at least, eventhough the ticket so ridiculous expensive, people still want to go, therefore you stimulate people to get more ticket buyer. These days, nation economic is going down, fluctuate and volitile, people so carefully spending their money. Last week I went to the SHIFT on friday night at 12:15 am, it was only half full, then at 1 am went to ARQ, believe it or not dance floor downstairs has 1 person dancing, and at the arena upstairs has 3 people dancing. How sad. Now...Sleaze Ball this year has a non-experience organiser, you should look around how many competitor out there who organised dance party as well and more interesting and modern party such as FRISKY and HOMESEXUAL, and EXTRA DIRTY or INDULGENCE who has strong character and theme for their party. So such an old party with more variety crowd, SLEAZE should know how to run their party, you should make a big change to attract more party goer, otherwise you will die gradually. the end of the day is about marketing and fullfill what customer wants. Customer is a king. I know we are all queens, but in economic and marketing, customer is a king. So....Sleaze, please take a lesson and study more....
GO SLEAZE BALL ...... I'll be there on the 4th October to support you, honey.
I am sorry, Potbelleez is just a new comer in music industry. The only popular song he has just "don't hold back", which is just okay for a song, not a fantastic song. I watched his performance at The Forum over recent Mardi Gras, so boring. And now he's performing as a DJ for Sleaze. As a DJ ? from a so-so singer, performing as a DJ ? It's sad...Sleaze Ball, you were so successful last year in ZIRKUS. What are you doing to us this year ? Please wake up !!!!!!!
This is not criticizing NMG but...................
isnt it a foregone conclusion that you could fill Dome with its followers, fill The Forum with Retro then you just have to worry about Hordern.
I'm worried so many seem to be going to other parties this year. I will be at Sleaze but this is supposed to be the big money earner ? and they seem to have turned their collective noses at the sure fire attendees.
Homesexual, Frisky and Indulgence are OLD parties, not "modern" ones.
Sleaze has a very strong theme and has done VERY well in the past 2 years.
I think the decision to reduce the footprint exactly matches the trends you just described... fewer people are going out this year so why have so many venues on offer?
I have no idea why you're calling Sleaze a failure (basically thats what you're doing even before it's held and without knowing how many tickets have been sold), and the organiser "dumb"
From the NMG website; "Recognising that it’s the bad guys who have the most fun we're bringing together thousands of evil geniuses, scoundrels, deviants and monstrous freaks of nature on 4th October for Sleaze Ball 2008 – Villains' Lair.
From the Joker to Agent Smith and from Catwoman to Agent Spalko the Entertainment Quarter will be populated by some of the most colourful characters ever conceived."
I like the idea of the arch nemesis of various super heroe's...Batman came across his fair share of villains over the years.. I'd love to see someone dressed up as 'The Penguin' or 'The Riddler.'
Um, I think you'll find that the Potbelleez are a band & that they will be performing a live set. The Potbelleez do have 2 DJs in their band & they also have a very popular 2nd single out called "Are you with me".
It might help to get your facts right next time...
I think the line-up is great Definitely looking forward to seeing the Potbelleez. Last Sleaze was also fun (I had a hoot playing at it), and this year it'll be nice to just go as a punter.
Ugh
live bands. fine if yr at a concert but just doesnt do it for me at a dance party especially not for an hour. but
respect others like that.
Looks like forecourt for me but dancing outside ? hmmmm
how much am I paying for that ?
"It might help to get your facts right next time..."
Here here! They're very successful and good on Mardi Gras for booking them again. DJ selection is pretty good I think, just not too keen on fewer venues, hence, Frisky for me.
Back in town after 2 years in the far north, just find it interesting that despite being spoilt with fun nights out for the gay community, there is still so much complaining. Dont quite know what you guys actually want cos at the end of the day, you make the night, not just the music and the venue. Is it really that impossible to have a good time and just be happy that you are alive, kicking with your friends and that this city provides more than alot of other places in this country for you to be yourself. Maybe we have it too good here and just dont appreciate the simple things anymore....keep it real guys and where ever you go that weekend keep the whingeing for your therapists. No offence but all this negative energy doesnt make for hanging out with your own kind. Just find where you want to be and make it a night to remember. Otherwise become a DJ yourself and show them how its done...simple. Then you wont have to pay for your ticket in. Beware though, if you decide to entertain this crowd, they may serve you with the same intolerance as you have given.
"Ugh live bands. fine if yr at a concert but just doesnt do it for me at a dance party especially not for an hour. but
respect others like that.
Looks like forecourt for me but dancing outside ? hmmmm"
Actually, the Potbellez aren't playing as a band for an hour. As per the Mardi Gras website they are dishing up a DJ set over 6 decks!
No offence but spoken like a true country girl or at least someone who lived there for 2 years.
Country folk do think we are a bunch of whingers because the truth is we are spoilt for choice.
And we are talking dance parties/clubs on these walls so we do expect them to provide top class entertainment.
And dont assume that we dont appreciate being alive. How dare you assume !
As for kicking around with my friends I do that at movies/dinners/cafe's etc but when we party it is about
the music because shock horror its called a dance party .
Would you rather we all just shut up and accept what is served up to is ? probably do but I certainly wont.
Good on you Kurandagirl. So many people here are relentlessly self-obsessed and negative. It makes for very unattractive reading. Some people are more into music than others and having one hall is a big change from having three or four. But you're right - at the end of the day it's a party.
its a dance party !!!!!!!!!!!! why wouldnt they be into
the music ?
As for Kurandagirl.........well I come from country and living in the country you appreciate anything you can get in those towns but .......................
when you live in the City you are spoilt for choice and you pay for it.
You will never have 100% positive posts. Is there anything in life that is 100% positive ? if you pay for a service or a ticket to a party or a meal and its not satisfactory you have the right to complain. Sure there are those that go overboard but why do you just focus
on this minority or worse still label the whole wall as
negative whingers ?
"if you pay for a service or a ticket to a party or a meal and its not satisfactory you have the right to complain."
You sure do. But it's usually customary to complain after you've received unsatisfactory goods or services. I doubt anyone would take you seriously if you trotted into a restaurant and complained about the food that you haven't eaten yet.
its a dance party !!!!!!!!!!!! why wouldnt they be into the music ?
People go to parties for many different reasons. Music is one reason, but not the only reason. Please respect that other people have different views to yourself.
I used to go to dance parties to dance when i knew the music. Now i dont know the music cause i dont go to oxford st anymore. So I now go to dance parties to perve and maybe score a few hot f-cks in the mens loo
I'm very excited! I just bought my sexy villain outfit from Demon Leather (www.demonleather.com) in Surry Hills (Sydney), got some really great leather stuff like gauntlets, gloves, masks, hoods, hats... Bring on the villainry! Partyyyyyyyyyyy!
Nice to see the reaction from those that responded to my initial note about just being happy that you guys have things to do here with each other. I totally respect that to some, a dance party for 120 dollars has to be good value for money. Thats not my point. When i lived in Sydney for 5 years after being in London for 4, believe me I had saturated myself with the party scene. So I know how important a good night is after a weeks work. And I am not painting you all with the same brush. Its just alittle depressing when about 60% of the chat is negative. And yes I may have just spent 2 years in the country/rainforest, but where you are, I have already been. So all I want to say is if you are nt happy with the party provisions, the only way to make it better is to do it yourself...but maybe we will just have to agree to disagree because we are coming from different places in time. I dont think negativity will make any of you any happier. But what would I know....
a long time away from this wall, but interested in the sleaze buzz...
i was sitting watching the national news around 2 or so months ago, IN GERMANY, pretending i could understand every word (purely for myself), and in amongst finiancial scares, crises in afghanistan and all manner of depressing world affairs, on came a feature (IN the German version of the 6pm-6.30 news!) on... guess who???
THE POTBELLEEZ!!!!
So, given the omission of the story referring to a cancer research development, and such stories, my only conclusion could be: The Potbelleez are as important to Germany as the value of the US Dollar! And more important than medical research!
LOL
Sounds like a good line up to me, and some great after parties INDULGENCE and EXTRA DIRTY!
Mmmm...Extra Dirty sounds enticing. How dirty is it exactly (and I mean exactly)? If I don't go to Sleaze but do go to the after party all sober and rested and rearing to go can I have my wicked way with lots of gorgeous spacy boys (with their full knowledge and consent obviously?
"If I don't go to Sleaze but do go to the after party all sober and rested and rearing to go can I have my wicked way with lots of gorgeous spacy boys (with their full knowledge and consent obviously?"
Save your money and head straight to the saunas/headquarters on Sunday morning and stay all day and night. Am sure you will get your rocks off there.
Why is people think dance parties are for their own sexual gratification - that's so 80's/90's.
It's about having a fun night out with your friends, if ya happen to pick up there then take them home or elsewhere.
"Why is people think dance parties are for their own sexual gratification - that's so 80's/90's"
STOP it with the ramming of your opinion down our throats. A dance party is many things to many different people. Your values do not represent the values of everyone. Show some respect please.
phew, what lasers i hope there will be some retro music, trance and wooden floor! actually i wouldnt mind wooden walls and ceilings too. c'mon NMG tell us!!!
I know's there's set times for DJ's- are there set time for the stage shows. This will be my third sleaze, and i've never once seen a stage show that everyone raves about. I wish they would have a program. Can anyone tell me what stages/rooms/locations and times i should be in to catch any shows this year.
From yesterday's Weekend Australian: POLICE have warned they are cracking down on drug-taking partygoers after arresting 29 people and seizing almost 300 ecstasy pills and other drugs at a dance party in Sydney's west. About 3000 revellers attended the Transmission Dance Party, which started at 9pm (AEST) yesterday at Sydney Olympic Park. Police targeted dealers by using drug dogs outside the venue to nab any revellers trying to take illicit substances inside. One of the people charged with supplying drugs was an 18-year-old man who allegedly had 55 ecstasy pills in his possession. Another man, also 18, was charged for possession and supply of 42 ecstasy pills. The 29 arrests resulted in more than 40 drug supply and possession charges. Flemington Commander, Superintendent Alf Sergi, today said the operation had been "very successful" and warned partygoers that police would be as much a fixture at upcoming parties "as the loud music and crowded dance floor". "We're going to be very, very proactive in targeting these partygoers and the illegal activities associated with these parties," he said. "We have to be crystal clear to these people out there. "We're not going to tolerate drug use and drug activities because it's very harmful to members of the community. "They have to understand that," he said. "That's our primary goal." Supt Sergi said he wanted to reinforce the point that party drugs were not only illegal but they could kill. "We will not let go in our relation to a stand on these issues because they are very, very dangerous for the community," he said. "With young people the message is hard to get through but we will persevere and be relentless at it."
hey kids.... guidetogay,com are giving away VIP tickets to sleaze, on the site it says tickets plus vip access.... thought anyone who might be a bit poor or just wants to head along on the freebie train might wqant ot enter - i have my tickets already but thought you might like to know!
Um, there have always been shows at Sleaze and in recent years both the scenic and performances have out-shone Mardi Gras. I loved Cosima's performance at Zirkus....
And the 6am show at Ghetto Fabulous was f'n fantastic...
The drug detector dogs will be there. I am a criminal lawyer and have represented many people caught at dance parties (gay and otherwise). The dogs seem to be able to smell cannibis and cocaine. I am not so sure about MDMA. From my experience most people freak out and do things that raise police suspicion. They cannot arbitarily search you. Whilst I must say don't take drugs, if you intend to carry them on you, play it cool. Police are lazy and go home when their shift ends. The beginning of large parties are busy. Most people who get charged at the entrance to dance parties give themselves up i.e. they tell the coppers that they have drug on them and it is all over (mind the pun) red rover. Most people lining up at the entry to Sleaze Ball likely have something naughty in their pocket. Police pick on soft targets. If you don't admit you have a herbal gurana pill in your jean pocket, the police have to forceabily search you and this always never happens. Remember with most drug detection work the shift end and the coppers go home. Don't help them do their job- say nothing- and preserve your legal rights. A tip from a tied old criminal lawyer.
Currently listening to: piano music - Shostakovick
Stephen Bull - don't help the police - they are not your friend - Sun 28 Sep 2008 20:48:14Replies: 1
If you missed out on Mardi Gras tickets, don’t suffer the same disappointment with Sleaze Ball - Villain’s Lair. There are not many tickets left and, Member or not, once they're gone they're gone. With explosive DJ’s, spectacular shows, freaky costumes, amazing scenery and an up-for-it crowd, the Villains’ Lair is set to rule your world!
Sleaze Ball will sell out. You have been warned!
Tickets are available (until sold out) from Ticketek outlets, at www.ticketek.com.au and by phone on 132 849. Prices are $99 for New Mardi Gras members, $119 for non-members and $79 for concessions.
There won’t be much time to sit down, so make sure you wear your dancing shoes! And don’t be late; you don’t want to miss a minute of headliner Alan Thompson’s set which kicks off at 9pm!
DJ Simon Caldwell is a new and exciting entrant to the dawn set in the Hordern, replacing Deepchild who encountered scheduling difficulties. Simon Caldwell said, “I am looking forward to getting to play my sleaziest music. I have been collecting dirty low down stuff for years! This is a great opportunity to set it free”.
Also joining the Sleaze Ball line up is So You Think You Dance star Demi Sorono, who says she is excited to be joining Sydney’s favourite drag king D-Vinyl on stage for one of the stage shows Sleaze Ball is renowned for, “I’m thrilled to be performing at Sleaze Ball this year. The show I’m in is so theatrical and a really dark take on the fantastic Villains’ Lair theme”.
I heard a rumor that this will be the last Sleaze Ball due financial difficulties. I hope it is just that a rumor, what the hell would we all get up to in October.
Well what were the furry things wondering around with the cops outside the front gates last year, cats? They arrested a guy in front of me on suspicion and they took him away.
They were sniffers
the latest mix i have heard from Deepchild is on Australia´s LONG DISTANCE RECORDS made by Mark Dynamix (if you haven´t heard of him, google away). it is a hot mix. YES it is deep, but this on a massive system will be something amazing!
i love to go out nd hear someone play something fresh and make sure i make an effort to get on board her/his music train so i can honestly give it a go, and find the fun that is to be had
i wish more people would consider being a bit Platonic, and realising that for all they know, they can a one moment CAN understand that which they didn´t previously understand, and... enjoy the surprise.
we can all go to arq and hear "I just Want to F$§king Drop" music. but what will you hear at Sleaze???? go and find out. embrace the party, and bring your inquisitve, positive energy, and if all else fails (ie the music, in your mind), do it LW style and make fun party games with your friends.
Our favourite, when listening to a DJ not to our taste, in Trade London, was to playing skipping rope, with an imaginary rope, where people must enter and skip imaginary rope (of course held by two people)... AND dance! at least you will laugh, and consider looking for fun in yourselves. a ticket is not instant fun. a pill is not an instant smile. make your night fun, yourself!
DJ Simon Caldwell is a new and exciting entrant to the dawn set in the Hordern, replacing Deepchild who encountered scheduling difficulties. Simon Caldwell said, “I am looking forward to getting to play my sleaziest music. I have been collecting dirty low down stuff for years! This is a great opportunity to set it free”.
Also joining the Sleaze Ball line up is So You Think You Dance star Demi Sorono, who says she is excited to be joining Sydney’s favourite drag king D-Vinyl on stage for one of the stage shows Sleaze Ball is renowned for, “I’m thrilled to be performing at Sleaze Ball this year. The show I’m in is so theatrical and a really dark take on the fantastic Villains’ Lair theme”.
Our spies inside New Mardi Gras have just let us in on a little secret – Sleaze Ball is about to sell out tonight, or at the very latest tomorrow morning.
You know exactly what to do if you haven’t got your tickets yet – put your skates on and get your tickets in your hands before they’re all gone. You’ve been warned.
Well I reckon it will be just fine and dandy with a smallish cosy crowd to snuggle up to.
The problem with the big events with lots of venues like MG is that most people I know of including moi, spent their time darting between 1 venue and the next in the vain hope of catching their favs.
Meanwhile missing out other fab stuff.
I think nowadays the preference is for a 'smaller' big party.
NMG can make a good profit by limiting the size and tickets thus ensuring a sell-out, which then improves the vibe/atmosphere and means punters are more likely to return next year.
How often do we hear of parties just 1/2 full and being rather boring or lacking that excitement?
It's always been one of my bug bears with MG run parties that on average 75 to 90 percent of patrons are male but only 50 percent of toilet facilities are for males. Often the really large facilities at the Hordern (The downstairs ones see queues for days in the mens with the womens empty most of the night. I prey that Sleaze ball will address these problems like they did early this year at Mardi Gras by making both of the large downstairs toilets all male with the girls being able to use the other facilities that are scattered around the Hordern.
The toilet situation used to work so well when toilets were unisex, apparently the site owners wont allow that anymore due to "security issues" - pfffft !
Time will tell whether NMG learned from the positive expereince at Mardi Gras 08 or whether they've gone back to making a mess of things as was the case at the 2007 parties.
Scoundrels, deviants and mutants unite! The sexiest party of the year, Sleaze Ball 2008 - Villains’ Lair is now SOLD OUT. With explosive DJ’s, spectacular shows, freaky costumes, amazing scenery and an up-for-it crowd, the Villains’ Lair is set to rule your world!
To make the most of your Villains’ Lair experience we've put together a few handy tips:
1.Arrive early – don’t miss a minute of Alan Thompson’s set kicking off at 9pm.
2.Make a spectacular entrance – the entrance to the party has changed and will be off Errol Flynn Boulevard (not Driver Avenue as in the past). Note that bag and pat-down searches will be conducted and no liquids are to be taken into the event.
3.Get your members wristband – once through the gate New Mardi Gras members should proceed directly to the members area to collect your wristband which allows entry to the members area and half price cloak check. To get your wristband you will need show your Sleaze Ball members ticket or in the case of concession ticket holders, your New Mardi Gras membership card.
4.Check in your tazer or plans for world domination – a cloak check will be in operation for all your cloak-checking needs.
5.Strut your stuff at Project Sleazeway – anyone with a Sleaze Ball ticket can enter. Just put on your best costume and be at the runway at the Hordern Pavilion forecourt at 10.30pm to register. To find out more click here.
6.Just dance – for the full DJ line up and set times click here. Remember it all kicks off at 9pm!
7.Be safe – getting to and from the party you should walk in groups using well lit main roads or save your legs for dancing and catch a cab. At the party be safe and look out for your friends. Buses will be on hand to whisk you back to Oxford Street at the end of the party.
8.Have fun – bring your inner villain and keep an eye out for superheroes trying to save the day…
To everyone going to Sleaze Ball 2008.
Hope you all have a completely and utterly fandabadozy time - keep yourselves nasty, like any good villain!
Party hard and keep it fun.
I'll be thinking of you all from 9pm tomorrow night. The first Sleaze I would have missed in... I dunno... maybe 10 years. I'm having a quiet October long weekend this year.
Mmmm, I got two tickets at lunchtime on Friday numbered 5400 and 5401, so maybe a total of 5500 or possibly 6000 if they sold out by 5pm-ish.
Yes I left it to the last minute, but I'm seriously pissed off for being told "sorry no more member price tix, only full price". NMG can shove my (non) renewal up their claccka.
OK bitter rant over, can't wait to dance all night with the wife. Gotta find a spot with a bit of space and let loose and giggle from afar at the muscle marys shuffling from foot to foot
"Much easier just paying the extra $20 for a full-priced ticket than renew a 1 year MG membership for $40"
Yeah but you're forgetting about the discounts to Mardi Gras Party, Pool Party, Harbour Party, Sleaze Ball, Homesexual, 50 Mardi Gras festival events and on it goes...
You get more than your membership back in just one or two events alone and don't forget by being a member you are directly helping Mardi Gras survive.
I think a big venue with a couple of smaller venues as in Dome and The Forum is better and I have never had a problem being in one for my fave DJ and never lost friends etc.
I think there's a lot of people who missed out. I had an ad up for an extra ticket for sleaze. On thursday i got only 2 emails of interest. I just ended up giving it away to a friend in my building.
After the announcment came that Sleaze was sold out. I haev received over 25 emails, and dozens and dozens of texts asking desperatly to buy my ticket.
All I can do is laugh....
I simply cannot wait for tonight. See you all there.
Have a happy and safe "sleazy" night everyone!!!!!!!
Good to hear Sleaze sold out should be a good night. Just hope they deliver on the bang for my buck. At $120 a tix I have high expectations for the night, so NMG better deliver.
"So can anyone confirm whether our Police friends have brought along doggies to Sleaze?"
Why would anyone arriving at Sleaze Ball around about now be logging onto pinkboard to answer your question ? I wasn't aware that New Mardi Gras were offering an internet cafe service at this party
Um, I didn't think people at the party would log onto Pinkboard (obviously). However, people who are already at the party may have sms'd their friends who haven't yet arrived or who aren't going and *they* may have replied to the posting. That's what happened with Mardi Gras last year.
My verdict - Good but sloppy in parts. Overall I'd say last years Zirkus was a far superior party then this badly produced mess.
The scenic, video screens and lighting were well done and really made the Villains Lair come to life.
I thought the coreography in the first show was a mess and the explosion of streamers failed to come down at the end (that was the stuff sprinkling down over the dancefloor 10 minutes later). The costumes for the show were great.
Potbellez were a very, very bad fit and were totally out of place (and out of their depth) in the main room at a gay dance party. They were ok in parts but when the screeching singers came on it was painful to say the least. Their hour couldn't finish soon enough for me nor I'd say the thousands who fleed the dancefloor waiting for them to end.
Sveta and Mark Murphy rescued the night and even though I am a trance fan at heart I really enjoyed their sets. Great work guys.
Soooo.... what is the feedback about the party? Good, bad, same-same? I didn't go and am dying to know. My mate went and hated the music but still had a good night. Mind you, my friend ONLY likes hand-bag top 40 remixes so I don't necessarily trust his judgement too much.
Well Sleaze is over for another year and what a miss mash of music with a poor sound system in the Hordon it was.
How bad were the 'The Potbelleez' he sang so far out of key it was agony to listen to - thank god it was only an hour. Sveta was pretty good stringing some beats together but it slid downhill after 4am to a funeral march at 6am where mixing songs to a continued beats per minute or theme just hadn't been thought of. I think we'll just drop the next lounge song in mmmm now and it'll be completely disjointed to everything else. I felt like I should have been in a chillout lounge and not an amped dance hall with 5000 other people all primed and ready to go off. 'God is a DJ' well he may be and maybe thats the problem DJs have - a god complex, but for a gig like this wouldn't you think you would prepare a set, test it on your home turf audience and work out what works and what doesn't. It seems no - i'll just turn up with my box of discs and see how I feel.
What is the story on the sound system? The biggest cheer from the crowd came when the decibels doubled to be shortly returned to half volume. How hard can it be to set up amps and speakers that can pump out a beat without stuffing up. If you need more power get an external generator! Surely sound engineers do this day in day out and it would be plug and play..like Djs they must just turn up and see how it'll go.
So if you're like me and prepared & forked out loads of money for a great night out and were disappointed then please leave a comment or if you disagree then flame me. Either way I've vented my spleen in the hope that future events will be better co-ordinated and DJs put on their dancing shoes and actually try to dance to what they are playing especially during song transitions so they can see if it flows.
Potbelleez: had been on for 5 minutes and a guy next to me asked how long they were on. "1 hour??? you're kidding!". They just seemed so full of themselves doing that dated 90's talking over the music thing.
First show: never met anybody who was impressed
Bar service: Very good, friendly staff
Marquee DJ's: thank God for them when the Potbelleez were on! Their music was much better
Hordern looed great, vibe was right, but what happened to the promised events and happenings throughout the night? I thought they concentrated it in one room to give more, not less of the same.
Seems like 2/3 of the value for the same ticket price.
I've only been to a few Sleazeballs' and this was by far the worst one. The Forum was a joke, just a tent that could hold maybe 50 people. I didn't really connect to the music at all. There was only about a solid hour that i really loved. The one main room thing just didn't work. Thank god it didn't rain hard, or it was of been a nightmare with everyone crammed inside. There also wasn't a lot of people dancing, due to the lack of quality music- all the bleachers were always full, and a massive crowd outside at all times.
When i first arrived and looked at the set, i got excited, but unfortunetly it just didnt' deliver. It'll be interesting to see what others thought, but it will be tough for me to buy a ticket again next year.
The hordern was the best i've seen it done up in years, though the counting down clocks were annoying. I understand the logic with daylight savings messing up everyone's "body" clocks, but don't do it again please.
The potbelleez were ridiculous. If they came on for one or two songs as any dance party 'show' then it might have worked. The problem with only one hall and when one of them sucks you can't go anywhere else. I want a $30 refund because that's what those guys directly cost me (enough said).
Sveta is great, and Mike Murphy's playlist was impressive, but dude, when one song comes nears the end, aren't DJ's meant to "mix" the next song? I heard half a dozen times one track being pounded into the next one.
Yes last year was better. I give last night a 5/10. If getting the dome is too expensive or not practical then time for a change.
haha making excuses not to look stupid?
do you really think people think of pinkboard wherever they go?
this site is fantastic, if you wanna have a good laugh. mainly reading posts like yours. thanks for keeping us entertained
Sleaze ball overall was quite a fun night, although we'd had enough and went home by about 5.30am.
Music
The first 3 hrs were terrible, slow and boring. 3 out of 10.
The Potbelleez were actually quite good, I really like the contrast of having a live act at the party, and everyone was dancing. 6 out of 10.
Sveta and Mark Murphy, were very good, got everyone dancing, but not my favourite music style. 7.5 out of 10.
Lighting
Dance floor surrounded by suspended video screens, and some lasers. Overall, quite fresh and different.
8 out of 10.
Overall, quite a fun party, but definately not in my top 10 parties of all time.
I wasn't impressed with Sleaze Ball, only having 1 venue sucked (don't try and tell me that outside is a venue, if anything it's a chillout space). The music would have been good if you were into trance, which I'm not, where is the music you can sing along to?
The Hordern looked great though, shame they didn't cater for everyone with the music...
I won't be going to another big party with only one venue, even the smaller parties give you more options...
I don't think it was worth the money I spent on tickets, outfit and everything else...
I had a great time. Everyone looks happy and it was a very social night. Both dance spaces were at capacity and I had a bop in both. Thankfully the rain stayed away!
It looked like this year that most people put in a bit of an effort and dressed to theme as well, which for me always makes a great party.
Potbelleez were good, a bit "straight" in their performance style, I was down the front of the stage and there were heaps of people bouncing about to their music.
Though maybe the Potbeleez weren't briefed that gay audiences generally dont always face the DJ when dancing. I think it was a brave choice and good on NMG for giving something different a go.
I think the stage set was amazing, and I enjoyed the shows.
All in all my friends and I had a really fun night.
I can understand the uncertainty of adding extra halls but its really a given isnt it if you have Dome with its tribal/dirty house and say The Forum with its Retro that you will fill those halls.
Then Hordern something along the lines of trance/hard etc.
My first Sleaze have missed in 25 years but from my friends reports glad didnt go as just needed this weekend off relaxing.
Sleaze advertising did not interest me one bit. Potbellez and Deepchild vids I looked at on youtube made me cold and then when someone posted that clip on pinkboard of them Mardi Gras I knew I had made the right decision not to go.
As an act , singing a song or two fine but for an hour I knew they would not be me but there would be no other hall for me to go a dance in and like others the outside
area does not count as another dance area and I dont pay big bucks to dance outside like that.
The first show was fabulous. Great performance, stage decoration was fantastic, dancer costumes were stunning.
Potbelleez, wrong idea to hire him played at sleaze. Since from the beginning his name being announced on the advertisement, everyone started talking about how disaster was going to happen. and it did happen, how disaster it was. please, don't hire him anymore. not again....
The DJ at 6 am was horrible.I was planning to stay to see D-vinyl performance. But the bad DJ made me to go home early.
Not a good treatment for us who paid $120.00 , but we had only one venue. I won't include the outside venue (chill-out venue).
The organiser should hire temporary toilets. It took me 15 mins standing in the queue to have a pee.
There were lots of idiot people who threw their empty water bottles and drinking cans on the dance floor. It made hard for other people who wants to dance.
Maybe mardi gras party and sleaze ball party next year would be having the same thing what we had at sleaze ball 2 days ago. I work hard, I expect to play hard and getting the equal treatment what i have spent with my money that i earned from working hard, not money that falling from the sky. NO MORE PARTY FOR ME, I AM SORRY I AM NOT SUPPORTING YOU ANY MORE, new mardi gras !
The best moments of the night was when Sveta mixed in 'sweet dreams' and 'finally' - after hours of non-descript beats. also very disappointing when the sample from 'gimme, gimme, gimme'/'hung up' came on but no madonna urghhhh
i like my hand bag
thanx to the volunteerz (particularly the cute ones)
I fully support your comments. Instead of putting to much hype in the graphics of the print ads, NMG should focus on the core (basic) fundamentals of what a GAY dance party is about. 1. Get the music right. Without the right music that caters for many tastes, there is no dance party. I can have my own party with my iPod if all else fails!! 2. Potbellezz? Where an why the hell did they come for? The right DJs would have been better 3. Have enough toliets to cater for 5,000! 4. Have people sweeping the floors of empty bottles like was done in the past. 5. Have multiple smaller venues that give attendees the freedom of selecting which music they dance to.
How much longer can attendees be the brunt of such poor events and continue to fork out a sizeable amount of money?
I had a great time and was dancing right until 8am! The Hordern was technologically amazing!
Those screens worked wanders although was trying to figure out all night what those clocks were about and finally it dawned it on me when it said 50 mins to go. Those statues and the stage were awesome (congratulations Justin and the Scenic team). The lighting rig worked really well and was one of the best I had seen in the Hordern. It was also really clever how you gave us an hour of Laser light shows (the rainbow laser was the best!). The acrobatic beast in the corner with the girl was fabulous and totally took my attention of those Potbelleez! The silent shows on stage were visually pleasing as well although were a bit of a blur for me!
Sveta, Mark Murphy and Simon Caldwell you did a great job! That song Sveta played at the start of her set really did it for me (thanks)! Sweet Dreams and finally were good too!
The sound ticked me off a little during and until halfway through Mark Murphy’s set when the sound glitch was fixed. The Potbelleez were really annoying , couldn’t follow their music and could not wait until Sveta’s set started. (Furthermore I came back in the Hordern with 10 minutes left and heard some girl trying to rap and it was just awful!) There could have been some more shows with more Gay friendly singers (I would have really like that).
As a member of New Mardi Gras I really missed my express entrance! You almost had the one venue party right and if you go over history to Pride and Hand in Hand’s, take some of that onboard you’ll get it right next time!
All in All I had a fantastic time, thanks to all that put it on and especially the volunteers! Thanks also to all my Gay Brothers and Sisters that were there too! I can’t wait until my 30th Birthday, the night of Mardi Gras 2009! See you there!
Thought the crowd was great, everyone was up for a good night (thank you everyone, great costumes also), very dissapointed with the Potbellez, thought they were miss-cast for the night (Sveta rescued the party).
The sound system seemed to have a few teething problems, but the lighting was great. The queue for the mens toilets was too long. Could have been more than one venue for a better choice of different styles of music. What surprises me about the big gay dance parties is the fact they have been running for sooo many years and still some of the fundamentals are missed or are not up to standard. There needs to be a 101 handbook for dance parties on how to run a successful night.
The highlight of my night was when I was in the carpark to go home I had the pleasure of changing Sveta's tyre on her car for her and her pals, hope you gals got home safe, it was nice to have met you.
2)Ive been to a few Mardi Gras and now this and there always seems to be a 'LOO' issue - can this simple request of adding some portaloo's be not looked into??
3)Unlike Mardi Gras, I found this party too have WAY too much attitude. I really dont understand why people have to hate on others and be bitchy and mean!?!? If you dont like something about someone thats fine, your opinion, but dont bring someone down just to lift your own self hating persona.
Be back for Mardi Gras - Not Sleaze (at least not for a few years)
Well we had a good time, its all what you make of it. There were a couple of times when things weren't to our taste so we did a bit of a wander around the and came back and when things picked up.
There is no point endlessly wingeing; sometimes you have to use the whats around to make your own fun.
My partner and I had a Grrrrrreeeattttt! time at Sleaze. We arrived in time for some of Alan Thompson's set, which started off the night well. Potbellez were a bit beyond me, but that was a great time to visit the bar, and check out the hot bods, chat with other punters, chuckle at those who had maybe taken the wrong combination of party treats, and cool down a little. Sveta was fab, and Mark Murphy was a great follow-up. I heard parts of the final set in the Hordern, and found it a bit mixed, but it was time to go home anyway.
I saw the first show, and thought it was great! Loved the combination of different ideas. Costumes were visually impressive from where I stood. I was a bit disappointed that the other 'shows' didn't seem to have attention focussed on them. I wished that the bears smearing green mud on one another had been awarded more attention. They were terrific!
For me, as an out-of-towner, some of the things people have listed as complaints help to remind me of where I was and what I was doing. Sleaze and Mardi Gras parties are on a grand scale, with enormous numbers of people. Water bottles, etc, will be dropped on the floor and I'll step on them from time to time as I dance. There will be big queues for the toilets - a good chance to chat and meet others, or have a quiet moment. These issues feel, to me, like part and parcel of attending such huge functions. I guess lots of people on here are used to other big events where these problems don't happen.
Two years ago, I thought I might retire from Sleazes. I have been attending since '94. But I relented and came to Zirkus, and loved it, and it was topped by this year's experience. Congratulations and thanks to everyone from Mardi Gras and the Sydney community for presenting such a fantastic event.
Well done NMG and all the volunteers you should be proud of yourselves. Great scenic and decor. Lighting was fantastic. A few glitches with the sound system but that sorted itself out. Crowd was up for a good night and showed it.
I enjoyed the party for the second half from Sveta's set onwards. Mark Murphy was my stand out dj - phenominal set mate. Stayed till 7am and felt I got my monies worth at $120 a tix.
Downsides were dancefloor was way too small from the previous years. Didn't have any problems with the toilets and I went about six times during the night to both upstairs and downstairs. Didn't queue long for cubicles either for some fun with the bf.
Biggest mistake as majority of people have expressed was headlining The Potbelleez - they were utter crap and didn't fit in at all with the night. Was on a downer till they finished. They truly cleared the dance space and sent everyone outside till they were over.
So overall had a great time see you there next year.
Loved the foam-storm. Loved Sveta mixing in Marilyn Manson and Mark Murphy mixing in Big Pig. Loved the crazy first show. And I LOVED the hot men.
Fearing the presence of doggies, we medicated before the party, only to turn up about 10.30 - without a dog to be seen. Ugh.
Agree - we had a great time with our mates and went wandering for an hour to escape the potbelleez......Not the best Sleaze of all time but not the worst either.
Enjoy the rest of the week boys and girls
sleaze was a huge disappointment this year. the music was very bad, which set a poor tone for the whole evening. the music got progressively worse as the early morning hours ticked on.
def makes me reconsider going to Mardi Gras 09 having now seen again that NMG has missed the mark by so much by not being able to gauge their community
The party, was not really good value for money and the Portbellez part was a real mess. This is a serious disapointment for this year.I expect a better mardi gras this year with a good value for money
We had fun at Sleaze. Happily met up with our party crew in the first half hour, and wandered around perving, chatting, catching up and getting into it. Good to see so many people make an effort with costumes. Loved the screens, lasers, lighting, and the stage setup looked great. Had lots of good dancing, but took a break outside while the Potbelleez were on, as, well, not my cup of tea.
We were front and center in the crowd for the bear show, and cheered loudly for the green messy sexy fun. Very glad we stuck around for the last show, as we spotted a friend in it who had kept it to herself!("Isn't that..? OMG! YAY!)
A good party, as always, made much better by partying with good mates. Thanks vollies and organisers for your hard work.
Whoever came up with the idea of covering people in dye in attempt to entertain us with a "below average stage show" then sending them back onto the dancefloor to piss everyone off needs to go back to the drawing board. Does NMG agree on this stuff as a committee or is one person responsible for each stupid idea? Same goes for the digital clocks on the dancefloor ticking down the minutes.
Sleaze Ball last year was great. How much did I spend ? $120. How many venues were there ? 3 venues.
Sleaze Ball this year is crap. How much did I spend ? same bloody $120. How many venues is there ? 1 ONLY.
What a bloody rip-off.
Hey guys and gals, is it time to say good bye to NMG ?
Had a great time out at Sleaze with lots of friends and new party pals.
Hanging in the forecourt for the first bit we enjoyed all the costumes arriving - my pick of the night was the tall guy dressed as Joker in the nurses's outfit and the smaller guy dressed as a Sunnydale footballer turned vamp
had to take a backseat to the girlfriend in an outfit called scariest ever by many that saw it so lots of fun.
DJ picks were Alan, Sveta, Mark and Simon. The barbie tent had fun grooves for the wandering and chatting outside time. Saw but didn't connect with the midnight show, missed the 2am but loved the 6am bear 'attack' - even happier to discover a special friend in that one.
Got the inside tip for the closing show so sat it out to wait and was super surprised and excited to see a good pal as the super-star lead, loved the SYTYCD dancers & Demi, D-vinyl and the Kings as rock gods. Happy with a good night out plus no stairs to climb. Well done NMG and a happy staff.
Sunday brought fun at Gurlesque then Extra Dirty dancing.
Hope all recovered well
I definitely agree that some promoters need to refer to a "Dance Parties 101" manual when planning some of these big parties. However, I've learnt the hard way that, when ticket prices are steep and you have great expectations, it's a good idea to do a little research before the party by asking yourself: "do DJs A/B/C/D play the style of music that I like?" and "do I think I'll enjoy Performer E's 1-hour show in the middle of the night?" You can work out the answers to these questions by checking out the DJs on their home turf, listening to their promotional mixes (if you can get your hands on them), and checking out the performer's website, recent recordings, youtube clips, etc. Sure, this takes some of the element of surprise out of the night (and we all know that sometimes you'll go to something that's usually not your thing and end up having a blast, due to the company of old and new friends, the vibe etc), but at least you'll have a bit of an idea about what to expect. Besides, you wouldn't fork out $120 for something else (e.g. a pop concert) without having a pretty good idea about what you're going to get from it, would you?
I've been to alot of Sleaze Ball parties and after Zirkus and Ghetto Fabulous I really thought New Mardi Gras were getting somewhere. So in an effort to be constructive here are a few tips for New Mardi Gras based on the last three parties:
1. Keep the marketing guys - the themeing and posters for the last three Sleaze Balls have been great.
2. Keep the scenic and costume guys - boy what talent you've got there!
3. Keep the lighting designers - Zirkus and Villains Lair were designed really well to fit the theme (except for that annoying countdown clock - no one wants to be reminded what time is left)
4. Whoever is signing off the DJ's and talent needs to stop immediately. Nikki Webster (Zirkus) and Potbelleez (Villains Lair) are two recent disasters that come to mind. DJ's especially can make or break a night so you need people that have got a clue. Everyone I spoke to could see the looming disaster with the Potbelleez, except it seems the people who made the decision. Please stop.
5. Introduce more fun elements through the night. It doesn't always have to be a big show or so serious. Look at Toybox or the old Hand in Hand or Pride NYE parties. Does anyone else remember the snow storm?
Can anyone tell me what the last song of the night was in the Hordern please before the last show at 8am.....something about love is all I can remember, I even knew the words but cannot for the life of me remember the sing title and artist!!
I understand what you are saying but when dance parties at the showground have followed a similar format since my first one in 1989 then I don't think it's unrealistic to expect something "similar". Having only one hall where a live band starts playing in the middle of the evening that you can't escape from was a very new format. And running away to the outside smoking area was a lousy option - I tried that and it sucked.
Based on the postings here and from speaking with my friends, those at Sleaze this year were not happy with the music and NMG have 5 months to get it right for the Mardi Gras party. Like a lot of people, I have many friends travelling here from overseas in Feb/Mar and it won't be costing them $120 for a party ticket - airfares & hotels cost them several thousand dollars.
A lot of this year's Sleaze attendees are saying to NMG "you took a chance but it didn't work so please don't do it again".
$120 for what? Besides a few fleeting moments like Sveta et al, I rate this year Sleaze as the worst Ive been too, what was with the go slow (bpm) people were dragging their heals on the floor its hard to get all fired up when its at jumbled up lounge pace. Build up and continuity of style is something that gets us going but that didnt happen for the most part. And as for those 1 hit wonders Potbelleez what a total bore sounded like they were trying to tune their instruments. They cant even do their own song properly.
Annoyed at missing Jode due to the time mix up. She did a fab set at Slide after MG.
Anyway having said that it was fab to catch up with friends.
NMG you better pull your sox up next year or else.
I loved the music at Sleaze (except for the Potbelleez who were a disaster). Sveta, Mark Murphy were great.....and then Simon Caldwell with his sexy grinding heavy beats and minimalist techy melodies had me and my mates (and plenty of others) dancing till the end.
The last song of the night was fab - one of my all time favourites. Chic (of "Le Freak" fame) - the song was "I Want Your Love" from the album C'est Chic (1978/79)
A great sexy tune to end with - thanks Simon Caldwell!
*G*
PS Had a great time at The Shift downstairs Sunday night (thanks Rodney Dean) followed by some awesome songs and dance tunes at LOOSE ENDS at Phoenix (Thanks Matt Vaughn and Stephen Allkins)
Richard here... I was the lighting designer for Sleaze... always enjoy reading the feedback on here post-party, I think I get more feedback from Sleaze and MG parties than any other events I do which is great.
Many thanks for the good lighting and vision comments - this party was the first MG where the lighting and video was all controlled through the same system, meaning that every time we changed a lighting look the video colours and content matched it - our aim was to create a seamless visual look and I think we got pretty close. Already looking forward to taking it to the next level for Mardi Gras next year!
Justin and the scenic team deserve massive congrats - it's awesome to be able to sit down with him before each party and come up with a whole room design that works for both scenic and lighting and the last few parties have looked nothing short of awesome in the set department.
Anyway if you want to see some cool lighting pictures and read our wanky press release on it we've got some photos on our company website - www.mandylights.com and the link is on the front page in the news section.
Thanks again for the compliments, really means a lot and see you all next year at MG....!
Although the Potbelleez weren’t my cuppa, I would still like to see NMG keep taking similar risks in the future because unless the parties continue to evolve they’ll stagnate and die. I’ve been to every Mardi Gras and Sleaze since 1988 – sticking to the same formula will never work as people of my generation settle down/move on/get bored so the organisation should still keep trying something new to attract the youngsters.
For every Potbelleez that doesn’t work there’s The Presets which did work, and people were fairly nervous about live music at Mardi Gras when that was announced.
Loved the visuals – the Hordern looked sensational.
As for the rest of the night, apart from Alan Thompson, I couldn’t get into the music. I thought that Sveta’s set, which I had been looking forward to after the Potbelleez, was dreadful! Just noise that I couldn’t dance to. Once the scratchy version of “Finally” assaulted my ears I knew it was time to go. But hey – what do I know? People above said that she saved the party and was fantastic.
And there’s the challenge for NMG – make the music generic enough not to offend everyone and please no-one, or take a risk or two. I’d still like to see them take a risk or two...
Or maybe (because I have heard a lot of people say that they aren’t into big parties except for Mardi Gras any more) change tactics. If Sleaze is the big fund raiser for Mardi Gras, maybe downsize and instead of one big fund raiser, have two or three smaller parties throughout the year and spread the financial risk. Try out different venues, cater to specific crowds. Get away from the Entertainment Quarter/Fox.
Harbour Party this year was a risk, especially given its recent history, but it worked – perhaps NMG could give another venue a go with something completely different in mid-winter, something else again on the October long weekend.
Well, I’m rambling but perhaps diversifying instead of focusing on one event to raise funds could be the way to go...
PS - big thanks to NMG and the volunteers for all the hard work that went into the night. There will be a lot of bitching this week but hopefully some kudos for you guys as well.
For me Sleaze was nothing more than a perve fest and catching up with people I've not seen for ages. Musically the party was the most appalling disaster in a total of at least 40 Mardi Gras run parties I've been to going back as far as about 1988.
Normally at these events I'm on the dancefloor about 75% of the night grooving away to sounds that suit my musical taste. At Sleaze on Saturday I stepped onto the dancefloor in the Hordern for a total of *****ZERO***** minutes. What a load of rubbish we got dealt up. And as for that incompetent piece of nonscence called the potbellez well if I was in a aeroplane with them at 30,000 feet I would have gladly hit the seat eject button on them. They should be banned from gay dance parties for all eternity.
Now I love dancing at my big parties but so very poor was this event musically that I did something I normally don't do. Because I love dancing getting sex isn't normally on my mind but with nothing for me to dance to (and no I was not going to dance in an outside tent) that by 4.30am I was so over it that I inadvertently made eye contact with a group of hot boys and hey presto within 10 minutes we were all walking out the gate heading home together. Lets just say that by 4.45am the music in the bedroom was fantastic and the extra activities were far better than ANYTHING that Sleaze Ball 2008 had offered me and my four newly found friends
My summary of the night is that if you can only run one hall at a party the DJ's selected have to be the type that play more commercial music as this is the type of music that appeals to the majority of party people. If you want to choose DJ's that play music that is left of centre then a second (smaller) hall has to be found for them. The DJ's in the Hordern on Saturday night would have been far better suited to a space like the Dome. Then there is the retro music aspect that has been ignored in the last few NMG parties. This MUST return for MG 2009. I'd even heard a rumour that some on the NMG committee would like to do retro in either the Hordern or the RHI, this in my opinion has enormous potential especially when you see how packed Palms and the Shift downstairs are week in week out.
Anyway thats my rant over.
Sleaze 2008 was the biggest dud in living memory. Amazing though how a dud party made me change my priorities on the night to the extent of being rewarded with the company of four gorgeous men for most of the day on Sunday morning. Maybe NMG should keep producing crap parties, at least then my focus changes to other activities
See you all again on March 7, 2009 - Hopefully with a more competently run event.
I decided not to go to the Sleaze Party this year and opted to go to Dirty Sunday night. I frequent Dirty once a month at the Phoenix. I'm very disappointed with the choice i made. The room was as usual filled with sexy guys which were fun to dance with. The party lacked atmosphere. The music was Boring. It was the same as the other monthly nights at phoenix but on a bigger scale.
If it wasn't for Eric the night would've been a total flop i'm sure. It showed he was the drawcard for the party. Should've gone to Action as they seem to be able to seperate their monthy nights to their bigger parties.
but Mark K you have to be careful. What goes well in a smaller hall ie Retro in The Forum does not mean it will translate well into something like the Hordern.
The Potbollez and others apparently rocked at MG and they were in the Forum.
Not sure of capacity of The Forum ? say 1000 ? then for Hordern its got to be around 5000 or RHI around 7000 or 8000.
RHI has usually done quite well with its handback/commercial type music that appeals to the crowds and the Hordern has usually done well with a mix of
trance/hard.
I dont understand the poster 13:25:22 - why would Dirty put on a different night just because its a long weekend ?
If it was as boring as other weekends then why are you going ? To put something on different to the usual Dirty party could mean suicide for the promoters ?
Also, if total paid ticket sales were 5500 how do they justify an additional 1500 given away. No problem with people who volunteer or work on the party in some way but who were all of the other people?
Agreed, the music was a disgrace, everyone i spoke to there said the same. NMG organisers, what were you thinking ?, im sure you guys/girls would of pre-listened to the sets. It was hard, heavy and sounded repetitive. I like the potbellez, but they were a total downer on the night. In the future please stick with reliable DJ's that can guarantee a good set.
Thanks god i went to frisky, it was an incredible night of music and entertainment, those organisers really know how to put on a party. GET THEIR HELP FOR THE NEXT NMG EVENT.
There were definite freebie give-away Sleaze tickets because I saw one myself.
A friend tapped me on the shoulder at the party and said he'd been given a free ticket from somebody else. It was a bit bigger than a business card, coloured, and laminated.
So yeah, how does a party "sell-out" if a significant chunk of tickets were "complimentaries"?
What about all the punters who would have paid $120 but could not due to this sellout?
The Hordern looked terrific. The theming, the lights, the shows... a minor quibble: what's with the countdown thingy? Unnecessary distraction. I wanna get lost in my parties, not constantly reminded of time!
The DJ's were very good, especially Alan Thompson -- what a set to get a party started. RESPECT. And Sveta. I also liked Simon Caldwell's minimal tech. Not normally into this type of music, but I LOVED it on the night as I danced my arse off. How courageous to deliver something different! That's what Sleaze should be about. Daring. Potbeleez I found annoying. They were 50 minutes too long!
Keep evolving our Parties, NMG. Or get predictable, stale and perish.
Thanks to all the wonderful vollies. Another successful Party. Yay!
Next time im taking my ipod to the party just in case.
I tried really really hard to get into it but just couldnt.
If it wasnt for our friends most of us would have gone home much earlier.
Mardi Gras had real opportunity following on from a good Mardi Gras Party to re-establish Sleaze as a mojar event in the calendar and reverse it's steady decline over the passed years- there was so much good will to wish it a great success but MG could not at the end of the day deliver. They failed by making 2 fundamental errors. One was the appalling DJ selection the other handing over the hall to a live band for one whole hour. The only escape was to leave and go home. You are only as good as your last party and the concesnus out there in the community is that Sleaze was a disaster and will not be supported again. Maybe next year Mardi Gras can downsize sleaze to a bus shelter. How many more chances do these people think they deserve. Bad music, bad entertainment and what was with that forecourt space. Was it so much more expensive to get the dome? I will give credit for the scenic and lighting design people. Please stay Mardi GRas needs you but whoever was responsible for getting the Potbellez, developing the show concepts and DJ selection should be marched out the door and never to return. After 30 years you would think at this stage they could get it right. Mardi Gras we will not forgive further mistakes. I will definately do Mardi Gras but for me and if it fails I'm well and truly done for good. Successful MG pary or not I'll never do Sleaze again. Once an event of 18000 with 5 halls now 5000 with 1 hall. Next year maybe they should hirs a bus shelter. It then may just sell out.
Currently listening to: The Show is Over now - Petula Clarke
Thanks Mark. I share your opinion about the party. It was a complete disaster. i managed to stay till the end, and if it is posibly the music just get worse.
Zi
It has to be a combination of evolving and predictable.
This Sleaze was more on the evolving and a lot of my friends did not go and showed no intereste especially when the advertising started and they were pushing
Potbellez and Deepchild. We listened to various music and
vids of these people and they did not interest us.
Also the 1 Hall is a mistake when evolving. As other posters have said if they had added in Dome with its usual music style ie predictable and Forum with say Retro ie again predictable then you would have its followers going no matter what was happening in the bigger hall.
As to what to do in the Hordern will leave up to those that know ? I have always loved the Hordern when it has the harder edge styles of music and its always been packed.
As you say , posters remember the last party and with a supposed disaster, next years will be looking dodgy especially of other parties like Frisky/Toybox/Dirty go up against them. Oh and Frisky/Toybox/Dirty are predictable parties.
Okay - maybe I'm a bit harsh. But one hall being dominated by self-indulgent Potbellez rubbish for an hour, and hours of flat music either side, meant that the only saving grace (for me) was the excellent lighting and hall design.
I'm all for organisers taking risks, but only where partygoers are provided alternatives.
Any other party at that price with only one real hall will be boycotted by anyone with any sense in the future.
Okay So a friend tells me that the guys who did the music selection for the last few years all walked out after Mardi Gras this year because of the way NMG treated them. Sleaze was apparently a new group. Can anyone confirm this?
Have to agree with a lot of the posts above. Last year's Sleaze was fantastic. Best for a number of years. So was really looking forward to Sleaze this year. On the plus side, lighting was great when the lasers came on, crowd were great and clearly up for a good night. Well organised, easy to get in and out, toilets and bars all worked well. On the minus side, music very disappointing. Don't know anyone who enjoyed it. We were all busting for a long and happy bop, but it all fell flat after hours of waiting for the music to get better. Potbellez OK for five to ten minutes, then we all went outside until they were over. Tried to get into the Forecourt, but no atmospherere, no crowd, and no lights. Ended up going home early. Mardi Gras 30th was also really disappointing music wise, so this could be it for us and the big parties, but I so don't want it to be over yet!
Thanks to all the volunteers for all your efforts and hard work!
I am not too sure if NMG organisers have been looking around at all the other dance parties over the past 10 years eg: Armin Only, Tiesto, Gods kitchen, Parklife, Global Gathering etc... . But one thing I have noticed that Sleaze has lacked....... RESPECTABLE INTERNATIONAL DJs. Sure, support the local talent and put a few of them into the roster, but please NMG have a look around and see what brings the crowds to the big events. I have attended other dance parties at the same location (Hordern, RHI) with sellout crowds and the same price for tickets ($120) and these organisers seem to make a profit and have hardly any complaints. If you blame funding to be a problem then hopefully the new funding from state government will fill the coffers a little. Because of so many big parties on offer today, if Sleaze does not take another approach to their DJ/music policy, it will not survive the current market climate.
It is quite disappointing to read so many negative reports about Sleaze. I really believed that NMG had built up a great deal of goodwill and support after the successful staging of Sleaze in 2007.
Fortunately I decided to give Sleaze a miss this year due to the following reasons:
Why did New Mardi Gras select The Potbelleez to headline the party? They are NOT sexy, sleazy, gay or remotely interesting. They are a commercial, mainstream band / group of DJ’s that have had a couple of average Top 40 singles. Giving them the midnight to 1.00am slot at Sleaze was a disaster just waiting to happen. Who will be headlining next year’s Sleaze party – Kyle and Jackie O?
I was disappointed with the selection of a number of the DJ’s for Sleaze. Considering there was only one indoor dance space, the options were extremely limited if you did not like one or more of the headlining DJ's. I refuse to pay $120 to dance outside. I can dance outside any day of the week. The use of outside dance spaces and white tents reminds me of backyard parties in suburbia – to be avoided at all costs unless you are Shazza & Dazza or Kath & Kim!
The poster and advertising did not inspire me. I am over the cartoon characters that have been used in the last three sleaze posters. It is time for a change - a sleazy, sexy change!
Also very little information was released about the party when the tickets went on sale. Who in their right mind would buy tickets to a dance party without knowing all the facts? I am so over New Mardi Gras drip-feeding us information about their parties! It does not build excitement. It creates uncertainty and rumours and ultimately results in punters deciding to attend other parties ahead of Mardi Gras and Sleaze.
Definately will be skipping any NMG events from now on. Thank god Toybox will be on the Sunday after. At least there I know what I am getting for my bucks.
I generally agree with the negative comments about the Potbelleez. Maybe if they played their two singles and nothing else, it would have been bearable, but an hour of that awful, super hetero bravado on stage left me very cold and limp.
Thank godd(ess) for Sveta. Her set made Sleaze a very very good party for me.
I do feel for the multitudes of fans of dull handbag/commercial house who were left with nothing but a tent to dance in. (Loved the reference to suburban 21st birthday parties!!). I'm all for NMG putting harder, edgier, dareisay more interesting music in the Horden, but the shift-palms-arq-slide crowd need stuff that they can dance to as well. I went to sleaze specifically for Sveta and Mark Murphy, coz I like the kind of music they play. If the DJs were the sort that play commercial handbag stuff, and that's all that was on offer, I wouldn't have gone. Without wanting to sound smug, I always do my research before forking out over $100 for a ticket.
My biggest gripe though is the fact i had to pay $120 after I was told members' tickets were all sold out. I wrote to NMG (politely) about this but haven't heard back. Meanwhile, they keep sending emails reminding me to renew my membership. mmmmmm....
and why Alan thompson he doesnt fit the Slease angle either and he also is 50% owner of the competing DTPM franshise in Sydney DOH! mardi gras the problem MG has is these silly people who choose the line up and ALWAYS get it wrong
i thought the party was still worth going too even tho it wasnt nowhere near as good in the past
music, well at the start horrible but then it did get a lot better. in my opinion if you want to hear really good music just go to either toybox or frisky. those 2 dance parties will always blow your mind away music wise
Well, if you feel it's such an easy task, get in touch Mardi Gras and ask to be put on the DJ selection committee.
Oh and bare in mind that it's a volunteer position and you won't be paid for the time you give!
Loved the crowd!!! The people who dressed up really blew my mind away....some fantastic costumes there. Lighting and all that stuff....fantastic.
Okay, now,.... (drum roll)... the music......what utter crap!!!What was NMG thinking??!!! Couldn't stand the music, nothing worth dancing to...luckily I ran into an old boyfriend outside and was talking to him most of the time the Potbelleez were playing, so I was spared the agony of their entire set. To those of you who actually stayed inside the hordern for the whole hour......my thoughts are with you.
Music was slightly better in the forecourt...but that's not saying much...tried to dance there for a while but it was too cold.
My NMG membership is due for renewal..hmmmm.....I really don't think I can be bothered.....I mean forking out money for parties as lack-lustre as this last sleaze was......I'd rather spend my money on hair products.
I guess that's the point: 'it was just a dance party' where unfortunately the fundamental ingredient missing was MUSIC. Handbag, retro or just plan pop would have sufficed the mases and let them go from shuffling their feet, side to side off the floor, to a real party. Music to sing to, music to bop to, and music that would catch the heart strings and get you looking into someone elses eyes with a big cheesy grin!!! When you say dance party that's what it means, to leave feeling exhausted, uplifted and connected with 5000 other people and a few new friends to go home with.
The comments illustrate more of a disappointment of what could have been and the hope that next time more care is given. Unfortunately success in NMG's eyes was it was a sell out event and I notice SX seem to only have glowing reports of peoples enjoyment of the best party ever. I guess those who pay for the advertising space deserve a good wrap up story.
'glink! - negative hyperbole doesnt help' but if you don't say something then nothing changes and NMG goes the same way as MG, which no one wants to see happen! Take it as Creative Criticsm for a brighter future where next year hopefully more than one hall will be on offer!
I had a great time at Sleaze Ball. Initially, I was only planning to stay until 2 or 3am, so I could go home and get some sleep before heading out on Sunday day - but the vibe was so good that I didn't leave until 6am.
Sure, I had reservations about some of the music that was played. The Potbelleez had their moments, but wasn't really my cup of tea. When they played their two hit songs, though, the crowd did go nuts.
The sound issues in the Horden were a bit obvious as well, but it's often difficult to avoid such things. I think Sveta and Mark in particular did a wonderful job working with these issues, and both of them produced great sets.
The outside area was a HOOT! I spent quite a bit of time out there, in particular Beatrix and GI Jode were going off like a firecracker! I'd heard just as good reports about Luke and Jake, but unfortunately I was too exhausted to see either of them.
Bumped into LOTS of friends who I haven't seen for a long time, including some older friends who don't come out on the scene every week anymore, and lots of interstate friends.
The Hordern lighting and scening was top notch, and some of the costumes were outrageous! The 'Lost Boys' were definitely my favourite (their make-up was flawless!), followed by the 'Pope'.
"The comments illustrate more of a disappointment", perhaps, but the majority of what I'm reading online makes it sound like the Taliban were murdering cute little puppies on stage or something.
OK people, you didn't like the music, I think you've all made that perfectly clear, but "soul destroying" as one poster put it, come on!
Creative criticism should be encouraged (especially by NMG!) and good on the few posters who actually done that. But all this shrill ranting and raving is not an effective way to get your point across. The people who really need to hear all the feedback will just tune you out, I mean wouldn't you, I sure would.
When I went along it was like a group of people at the top had already made major decisions like dj’s, performers, theme. It was not a process as experienced in other committees where everyone had an equal opportunity to participate.
How do you join the party committee, how is the party chair elected (these questions still remain?).
Do you have to be invited???
The people at the top may need to step down and remove themselves completely.
So to quote why don’t you go along and join the DJ selection committee is unfair!
If only it was that simple, there needs to be new young blood in New Mardi Gras committees. It’s not as simple as wanting to attract younger crowds to parties, youth need to be there participating at a committee level also.
My fear is that there will be a time where selfish people have denied the opportunity of others and this directly impacts on the operations of NMG. Furthermore is this a case of history repeating itself?
It would be great to see some advertising in gay press and listed on their website inviting people to come along and participate at this level. This would include all details of relevant committees, where they meet, what time it is on, who to contact, etc.
The next theme is United Nations (who thought of that?) so it would be great to see a level of transparency never before experienced. Do I think this will happen, not a chance!
Maybe its time for NMG to rebrand Sleaze as it no longer represents or compares to any of those parties from yesteryear.
Change the music styles played to cater for majority of the punters. The dirtier darker tribal/trance music will always be catered for at the recovery parties on the Sunday night. Try a more house/retro/funkier soul style as this seems to be what people are screaming for.
Maybe do a smaller Sleaze party over June longweekend in just the Dome.
Time for some forward thinking NMG and time to clear out the dead wood in your committees and get in some younger brighter talents.
Before I start I'm happy to acknowledge that the below post represents my opinion and that some of the facts in it can not immediately be verified by pinkboard.
In my opinion last Saturday nights disaster all comes back to the secretive, dirty and grubby way in which NMG conducts itself these days with the manner in which DJ's are selected.
At least with the old Mardi Gras you got a semblance of transparency with adds being run in the two Sydney gay rags asking DJ's to submit an expression of interest to play at Mardi Gras or Sleaze. Many lesser known DJ's back in those days probably never had a realistic chance of being selected but at least they felt a part of the community spirit and that they were at least "in the mix" so to speak
This current mob have a policy of picking DJ's they know (ie, choosing their mates) so far in advance of the event that it's incomparable to understand why you would do that. I am already aware of 2 DJ's who have been told they are "shoe-ins" for Mardi Gras 2009 as well as being told what hall and time slot they are being targeted for. Mardi Gras is still FIVE MONTHS away - what on earth would possess any organisation to choose DJ's so far out from the event ?
I clearly acknowledge that each organisation that puts on a dance party has the right to choose DJ's how they see fit. However with a community based organisation like NMG there HAS TO be a better way than the current secretive cloak and dagger system of selection
After running adverts in the gay papers about 3 months out from an event Old Mardi Gras used to then choose it's DJ's 7-8 weeks out from the event which was more than adequate in my opinion. During the 1990's (I'm not going to say which year) I clearly remember getting a phone call for my 1st ever Mardi Gras DJ job on January 8 which gave me a total of only about 50 days to prepare myself for the biggest DJ job of my life up to that time. It was tons of time including the fact that I was also balancing my DJ work with a full time job at the time.
Sleaze was a poor party musically. And despite how fantastic the lighting and set up of the Hordern was none of that carries any weight for most people. The music content at the party makes up 95% of the party, everything else runs a very distant second. Remember the old chestnut, you can run a dance party in the dark but you can't run a dance party without music.
Saturday night reminded me of an old age people's home where everyone was shuffeling around the Hordern dance floor rather than bopping up and down as is the case when popular music is being played. It was as though people were simply going thru the motions.
NMG's current policy of secretly choosing DJ's so far out from the event in my opinion is the major contributing factor to why Sleaze Ball 2008 was such a disaster. That as well as the fact that they failed to recognise that the majority of punters prefer to hear commercial music which was not on display at Sleaze except for being in a cheap and nasty tent in freezing winter conditions !
All NMG run parties should have at least two halls as a pre-requisit from Mardi Gras 2009 and beyond. No more excuses please for the levels of incompetence shown at last Saturday's event (Note how I call it an event rather than a party).
As D:Ream's smash hit from the early 1990's states "Things can only get better" (and if they don't get better then God help us all)
A disgruntled NMG member - who is not going to renew his/her membership - Thu 9 Oct 2008 10:19:17Replies: 1
Perhaps MG can run a comp or a poll and list maybe 5 of the main SYD DJ's, to see who is voted as most popular to fill a main timeslot in one of the big halls...
That way the vote is up to the public, and if there are complaints, people only have themselves to blaim!
There are always a handful of "Thank you" passes that get left at the gate for most events. Sometimes people pass them on to friends if they can't use them so someone else can enjoy the fun. This doesn't affect the general sales and is factored into the bottom line.
Definitely keep the ideas flowing because we know NMG read posts on boards like this one but very careful about having "the public" vote online for their favourite DJ.
This happened at a party that I'd rather not mention because the DJ that won was actually the one who was able to get the most friends to vote for him. It totally backfired and it's very difficult to control that.
I don't like to whinge without offering a solution so here's my idea (and you're all free to pick it to shreds without hurting my feelings). Send out MG volunteers to the clubs & parties armed with a few questions about music, DJs and party themes and select people RANDOMLY to find out what does & doesn't appeal to the masses.
As ridiculous as it sounds, gathering statistics like this actually works to fix millions of problems whether it be where to build a new road, setting up a restaurant, writing a computer program or electing a new leader.
If NMG made a statement "these are the DJs playing at the MG party because 80% of you said you like their style of music" then we'd probably only have 20% of the whinging we are getting now!
I think the numbers are not there these days for NMG to provide two halls - hence my suggestion at rebranding the Oct longweekend party and putting on a smaller Sleaze Party (palying dirty/Tribal)in the Dome over the June longweekend.
Then we could have the mutiple halls (4 max) for Mardi Gras to cater for everyone. Girlie Handbag/Funky House in RHI, Retro in Hordern, Dirty/Tribal in Dome and Trance in Forum (making sure all the lasers are in the Forum of course). And if anyones music style is missing let them download to their ipod, problem solved.
Why not get a panel of qualified DJ's to vote on who should play at the parties? They could vote on which local and interstate dj's get to play and which os dj to bring out. Limiting each dj to one gig a year that is Sleaze or Mardi Gras.
An open invitation to NMG Chairman , Mr David Imrie
Dear Mr Imrie,
We all know you read this board because you have in the past made comments on here on certain topics.
I now offer you a challenge to take this opportunity to reply to the reams of disgruntled patrons who have offered up constructive comments about why Sleaze Ball last Saturday was not in their eyes a success.
As the figurehead of NMG your silence at this time in my opinion would be akin to burying your head in the sand. You need to speak up on behalf of NMG and at least acknowledge the critisism that has been levelled at Sleaze Ball.
It's all well and good to say that the party sold out, but the sell out figure was so low compared to previous events that a "sold out" tag in my opinion doesn't carry much weight at all.
The ball is your your court David. At a time when the general feeling was that Sleaze was poor we need strong leadership to at least exercise your right of reply in this matter.
I look forward to your comments and feedback. Please don't ignore this opportunity. The members of NMG who thought they copped a raw deal on Saturday night deserve to hear from the people that matter.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO to Retro in Hordern.
The Hordern is purrfect for either hard styles or trance for the lasers etc.
Others have posted in the past that Forum purrfect for Retro as in the whole feel/look of the place. What works in a small hall may not work in a larger hall. You could need something like 5 times more Retro fans to fill the Hall which seriously doubt would happen. At the last MG party where it was trance then harder styles in the Hordern the place was packed. So how do you put those
4000-5000 people into the Forum ????????????????????
I am amazed at the negativity being leveled at NMG over sleazeball. Just about everyone I know who went had a great time (but all agree that the Potbelleez didn't work).
I do recall a busy dancefloor with most people enjoying the music. The production and scenic was of a very high standard.
I also do not know of any other event where the community gets to choose the djs. If you don't like the ones playing don't go.
Could you imagine the response of the Frisky crew if everyone who went to their parties started insisting on having a say on who was going to play.
I had a great time at Sleaze. Can't wait for MG 2009!
There is nothing wrong with admitting " we tried something slightly different and got it wrong".
Other posters have said the party must evolve and it did to a point and didnt work.
To those calling for the party to evolve then think about the success of Toybox or now Frisky or the regular parties held at the clubs like Dirty/Indulgence/Bad Dog etc. These are tried and true parties and they are successful.
You have to have a certain amount of the same thing to attract people and as others have posted its along the
lines of
Dome- tribal/dirty house
Forum - Retro
Hordern - hard and/or trance or combination
Could then play around with other spaces to evolve them and see how they go. If they dont work then not a major problem as the other halls would be doing OK.
Firstly, re a DJ committee, I think people need to stop harking back to things worked in the old Mardi Gras days - remember they went spectacularly bankrupt!
I don't actually think it matters whether its a committee or an individual who decides which DJ's are playing as long as whoever it is is in touch with what the punters want. Its not that New Mardi Gras get it completely wrong but they have made enough mistakes that its become blatantly obvious to everyone that their system (or people calling the shots) needs a major overhaul. They are clearly out of touch.
The Potbelleez were fine at the start and the finish and perhaps somewhere in the middle but I've still got that women who was screeching that 80's rap ringing in my head. Whoever booked them clearly didn't understand what their hour long set was going to entail - though the predictions of the people I spoke to prior to them coming on unfortunately came true.
For me dance parties are about having fun with my friends, dancing to music I enjoy and taking away a few magic moments. Honestly, I still managed to have a great time at Sleaze but the only magic moment I've got to tell people about was how undeniably crap the Potbelleez were. The scenic, lighting and costumes were fantastic but the choice of DJ's continually let New Mardi Gras down.
To Mardi Gras: Please change the people or system involved in choosing the DJ's and please learn how to create those magic moments (these are the moments that people spread by word of mouth which helps create the buzz for your next party).
I agree. I really enjoyed Sleaze this year, and there were a lot more people enjoying the music in the Horden right up until 8am compared to a lot of other years.
SX newspaper will always be glowing of Mardi Gras events despite the obvious truth that Sleaze was appalling because to report otherwise would mean them losing the advertising dollars that NMG pumps into SX.
It's a straight out case of gutless unthruthful reporting of an event the save its advertsing revenue.
The ONLY way for the message to get across is for EVERY pinkboard reader to bombard the letters to the editor section outlining your disgust with the biased nature of SX's reporting and the displeasure you experienced with Sleaze Ball.
The same also applies to Star Observer if their reporting is also biased towards NMG
Is there much to be gained from airing dirty laundry in SX or Star Observer by going on a head hunting excersize on NMG board members? We seem to be doing a great job here on pinkboard.
Why denigrate what has been and hopefully will be again two great events on the calendar while pumping money and services back into the GLBT community. Actually just looking at New Mardi Gras' web site I don't see much of where the money actually goes to benefit the community except to run parties so maybe they really do deserve a complete bagging -> Our general objective is to raise the visibility of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities. We do that in many ways but the most notable of these is the Mardi Gras Parade.
whoa hang on a minute. Almost everyone you knew who went to Sleaze had a great time? I hope Mardi Gras the best of success and I wouldn't throw negative feedback at them unless it was warranted, but please, almost everyone I know including myself who went agreed the entire evening was one let-down after another.
If Mardi Gras is meant to say to their supporters "stuff you don't come if you don't like our party" then sadly, yes, that's exactly what will happen. That's not a solution in my books.
I think we all agree to some extent that Sleaze ball was not the best party that we have been to.
But I would have an educated guess that more than a few went with the presumption that you weren't going to enjoy it anyway for one reason or another:
The Theme
Only 1 hall
Potbelleez
Music / DJ choice
Start time
Cost of the ticket
and the list goes on.....
We are all critics but when it comes to volunteering, organising, voting for board members, coming forward with ideas instead of criticisms after the event we can all put our hands up and say that we are guilty of that.
This year NMG missed the mark, let's not shoot the messenger or ourselves in the foot and end up with nothing on the Oct long weekend to the scale that Sleaze is.
Apart from sleaze and frisky, what else sold out last weekend?
You don't know what you've got till it's gone.....
What do the members of an Australian public do when they don’t like a government? We get to vote for another party or independent!
What do the members of New Mardi Gras get to do when we don’t like our board? We don’t get to vote them out! The board needs to return to a situation where they are voted in by it's members!
Who elected David Imrie as Chair? (not the members). Without this transparency we have little influence over decisions made, even our AGM this year was postponed at the last minute. C’mon what is going on ???
What a load of crap. This year's New Mardi Gras election process was held in accordance with the constitution. The fact that only a few people nominated for the board, and that all nominated were deemed elected was not the fault of those who nominated. The process is completely transparent and above board.
In fact there have recently been ads calling for applications for the unfilled board positions. If you want to have your say then put in your application now.
My take on all of the above criticism is that we have obviously been very spoilt in the past with some of the fabulous events that NMG have produced and when we get one dud everyone screams blue murder!
I have always thought the ticket price was great value when you consider the logistics on putting on an event of this scale as you only need to be a volunteer in helping set the halls up to realise what a huge operation it is.
I personally feel very lucky to have experienced probably over 20 Mardi Gras and Sleaze Balls so thank you to everyone involved as I have had some of the happiest times on those wooden dance floors and will always be a supporter of these community driven events.
Lets keep our gay and lesbian community strong and positive so that the next generation of young men and women can inherit some fun in their lives too.
LONG LIVE NEW MARDI GRAS!
What's going on is that enough members didn't care enough to turn up to the AGM so a quorum could not be reached! Under the constitution if enough members do not turn up they are legally required to reschedule and re-advertise the AGM which is exactly what they did!
Who elected the board? Well technically no one because they didn't need to. In fact not enough people put their hand up to fill all the vacant board seats let alone requiring it to be taken to a vote. To my knowledge there are still a couple of board vacancies remaining.
What's going on is that not enough people give a shit to get involved.
If you want elections then you need more people to nominate themselves and then you need enough members to actually turn up to the AGM. Easy???!!!
I had a good time as Sleaze. I would not say it is one of the best Sleaze's that NMG have put on, but neither was it as dire as some have said.
I loved all the people who put in effort with their outfits. There were some amazing costumes. There were lots of people who went to enough effort to get themselves into the mood. Putting a question mark on a green t-shirt may not seem like much, but it adds so much to the night. Sleaze is really the only big costume event we have left.
I loved the stage, a cross between an old haunted house, the Tardis and the Jupiter 2. The first show was colourful and fun. The condom/dalek show was just the right weirdness for that time of night, as was the green show. Didn't manage to stay for the end so missed the closing show. I also missed Project Sleazeway as I was inside dancing.
I enjoyed a lot of the music. I enjoyed the start of the Potbelleez and was having a good dance, but I then went wandering. I realised later they didn't really capture me. They weren't on for that long and so didn't spoil my night. With Simon Caldwell the music seemed to change dramatically. I didn't manage to get into this (though many did) and so went home about 7.
For me parties are about a whole lot more than the music. It is being there with friends and beautiful strangers. It is the spectacle of the staging, the lighting, the costumes and the beautiful strangers. As I am getting older it is also about being in a completely different mind space and finding a different relaxation and enjoyment.
I also find the costumes an important part of Sleaze. Coming up with costume ideas, then creating the costume for me builds anticipation and excitement. Seeing others also putting effort into their costumes and then the conversations that start because of the costumes are great.
As I said the board needs to return to a situation where we the members get to vote the board in.
This needs to happen by way of community campaign the next time nominations are called. We need to vote the Chair in as well, then and only then can we be assured of leadership.
There have been posts in that last few days calling for David Imrie to show Leadership and respond to members of the community however we have not heard from him.
To disregard quite a serious post as a load of crap is inappropriate moreover it was never stated that the process was not above board!
This is our New Mardi Gras so we need to construct organisational change in a constitutionally sound way!
It's always been my opinion that NMG doesn't properly represent our community when they have always buried their heads in the sand like scared ostriches anytime any form of critisism is pointed at them.
Silence in my opinion, simply put, is a form of guilt.
I am so glad not to comment. After all, so many of the 'commentators' admit they weren't even there.... hearsay in the gay scene - now that's an accurate way to go. Unfortunately, due to Shine and Frisky commitments, I was unable to witness and make a judgement, so I wont.
What I will say is that NMG is a community group and so much of the work is volunteer, so when you are a serious vile bitch here, you are attacking the little people who give their time and energy for you.
I suggest you write to the GM and Board as it's doubtful anyone is listening here, given they are all recovering from hundreds of hours of work...
Have a fab time between now and March 7 - maybe you can even find time to help someone else in the world.
And yes, this is the opinion of this non anonymous poster
Woohoo! Thank you for the sensible, not nasty, post, Noise Gypsy!
Really, all those who bought a ticket knew what they were buying a ticket for - surely everyone's heard the Potbelleez songs on the radio (they're played about 60 times a day)... as for the other dj's... well, they play pretty much every week. It was clearly advertised in the press that it was only going to be 1 (inside) room.
It never ceases to amaze me that after every party, people get on here whinging about the "cloak and dagger" act of Mardi Gras. Talk about paranoia! If MG aren't responding to emails, ring them. If they're not returning your calls, keep ringing them. I understand it's annoying, but I also understand that people are busy and have their own lives and are only volunteering.
That is enough being nasty and viscous towards the volunteers who run New Mardi Gras.
Not enough people nominated to fill the board positions. Not enough people were present to make a quorum. Why? Because there was no concern about the previous party.
The processes are completely transparent. Any member can nominate for the board. Anyone can become a member just by subscribing to the aims and objectives. The people who have volunteered to give up their time are not the ones to blame for any perceived lack of representation.
Why would anyone bother to be on the New Mardi Gras board when the community, for which it works so hard, can only respond with vitriol when the slightest thing goes wrong?
Have any of you any idea how much work the volunteers (including board members) put into making a party happen? Weeks and months of evenings prior to the event. Much of their non-working hours in the days before the event, though some take annual leave so they can spend even more time getting the party ready. They deserve a week or two to recover before starting work on the Mardi Gras party, and parade, and festival, and fair day.
Would you rather these dedicated volunteers packed up and went home so that you didn't have a Sleaze or Mardi Gras to go to? I thought not.
And what exactly do you expect David Imre to say on here? That NMG will never again invite anyone to play a 1 hour set in the Horden? That he is sorry you were so upset by 1 hour of music you didn't like that you will need to be in therapy for the next year?
You all complain about spin, but then you put such a spin on your criticism. Your complaints and threats are out of all proportion to the upset caused.
Did you actually go to the party? You only make reference to other peoples comments and haven't made a comment like - well I had a great night!
People are not directing their angst towards the volunteers of NMG just the decision makers (unless you're including board members as volunteers). The venue, the lighting etc were all fantastic and everyone did a great job in preparing for a great night including all the punters who came through the door and looked up to see those great pieces of art on each side. Full credit to all the relentless hours it took to create a great night.
The fundamental ingredient which was amiss and has caused the vitriol of comments was the music, people have tried to make constructive comments on how to improve the future for the music. For without the music or variety across venues, no matter how many hours of effort goes in by volunteers it goes by the wayside. Give me a dark room, 5000 people and great music and we'd really see how sleazy people could get!!
Like all things in life get the basics right and you'll succeed! and if you don't take a minute to listen to your customers, your doomed to failure!
We always go to the Mardi Gras Party and Sleaze. The fashion now seems to be the smaller commercial parties held the day after the community event. We go to the community party because if I am going to give more than $200 to a group for a party, I would rather give it it a community group than a PO Box in Surry Hills. I did not enjoy Sleaze- likely getting too old for these things and for various reasons did get off. NMG obviously did a huge amount of work. I don't blame them for the fact I went home at 3pm and I did not waste my money. Grow up and get on the team.
You are taking the thread off topic to be a criticism against the volunteers who have done a great job there is no doubt. It is rooted in disappointment in a party that has been great for god knows how many years I've been going and supporting the cause of MG and this year failed to deliver.
Pinkboard provides the only avenue to discuss the issue and possible ways to avoid another dissapointment next year. If it seems a bitch session it is only because of peoples passion for it to be a success next time.
The secret is out! DJ set times for Sleaze Ball 2008 - Villains' Lair have been announced and here’s how it looks:
Had a great time out at Sleaze with lots of friends and new party pals.
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