Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 22:01:29 -0800 From: Electric Dreams Subject: Electric Dreams ELECTRIC DREAMS The Wide World of Parties Road Reports Jackson Philips’ excellent road report on White Party Week in Miami last November is up on the web site. (Our apologies - better late than never.) Thanks, Jackson, for your contribution. HEARTS PARTY WEEKEND IN CHICAGO Three EDreams members contributed road reports on the Hearts Party in Chicago (Feb. 13-15). Ben Parsley of Austin, Texas writes... I read a book years ago called "Flow, The Psychology of Optimal Experience". Basically, what the author described as being in "flow" was the experience of doing something that you do well so that everything happens seamlessly and effortlessly. When you are in 'flow' it is as if time stands still and you are on a natural high. For example, when a performer is in 'flow' they can take those watching them into the same emotional space. This year's Heart's Party in Chicago (Feb. 13-15) was in FLOW! Everything was ON: the unbelievable transformation of the Uptown Theater, the alluring music, the amazing lights, and the hot guys. I attended last year's event at The Uptown Theater, and the transformation from last year to this year was amazing to say the least. The first thing I noticed was... HEAT! Thank God, no frozen extremities this year. As I walked through the theatre I saw lots of smiling faces and everyone had the look of awe on their faces that mirrored exactly what I was feeling. Built in 1927, the Uptown is an old movie palace awaiting renovation. The party was held in the huge lobby with the dance floor surrounded by sweeping staircases, old sconces and high ceilings. A fine installation of lasers and cyber lights bounced off the ornate pillars that rise 60 feet to the arched ceiling. Through a window on the second level, you could look into the actual theater with the old seats and stage--untouched for decades. The whole feeling was very mystical. On the stage in front of the dance floor were two huge white cloth figures called the "fly guys." They were about 30 feet tall and apparently had fans blowing inside their tubular bodies, which caused them to "dance" to the music. They were used in this year's halftime show at the Superbowl and also at the opening ceremonies for the '96 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Eventually, the dance floor got a bit crowded (as they tend to do) and as always, I got separated from my friends. But wherever I wandered, I felt at home; wherever I was, there was my dance floor. Chicago DJ Mark Picchiotti took us on a journey... The beat drew you in and never let you go. Where has this guy been hiding? What made it even better was that I was not familiar with most of the music--but I loved it. Later, I found out that he is one of the world's top record producers/remixers. Two live performances were kept secret until that night to try and fulfill that "something extra for the crowd" factor. Sybil sang "Why" at about 12:30 a.m. and Diana King (w/ back-up dancers) sang "Say A Little Prayer" at about 3:00 a.m. Both shows were mixed in to the regular program of music without interrupting the ‘flow’ of the party. The party drew to a close at about 7:00 a.m. and off we flew to cleanup, change clothes, and make our way to 'Breakfast with Buc' at Vinyl. I was dragging a bit, due to the fact that Friday night's opening party at Convent with Joe D'Espinosa (who was fantastic by the way) kept us twirling until the wee hours. Luckily, unlike my younger cohorts, I did manage to get some sleep. I find that my body appreciates me much more if I pace myself rather than rely on the 'staying awake forever' options. At about 11:00 a.m. we walked into a wonderful mix of Buc's famous jazzy dance music, which was perfect for the occasion--mellow but still with enough energy to move you. The Crobar nightclub, home of Chicago's most elaborate sound and lighting system, was donated by Big Time Productions and proved the ideal venue for the closing act of the weekend marathon. Beginning at 3:00 p.m., the T-dance moved to Susan Morabito's beat and within the first two hours the dance floor was packed with ripped bodies and high-energy. Morabito was as ‘on’ as I've ever heard her. The BOHT committee presented an inspired production number to remind us all why we were there; over $1,000,000 in donations since the party's inception. Morabito was followed by Teri Bristol and Montreal DJ Mark Anthony, known for his performance at Montreal's Black & Blue Party last fall. Even Morabito herself decided to stay the rest of the night. Speaking of divas, Dennis Rodman was also in attendance and was spotted paying his respects to Anthony. When the party ended at 4:00 a.m., we knew it was a victory for BOHT, the beneficiaries, and the future of the party. The whole weekend had FLOW. - Ben Parsley produces several well-known parties in Austin, Texas. ------------ Ken Ramonat of San Francisco writes... I can't attest to how "fresh" I actually am on this Wednesday after a great weekend in Chicago. On balance though, I must strongly recommend a February trip to the windy city. Of course, with a DJ line up second to none and a Saturday night space (Uptown Theatre) that positively looked as though it was a rebuilt set from Dino De Laurentis' classic: "Dune", how could one miss? I must say, having taken a year off from "The Circuit" I was simultaneously encouraged and appalled at the "arrivistes" behaviour this weekend in Chicago--encouraged at how beautiful we American boys can be, and appalled at how rude we can be at the same time. What has become of friendly and polite? These guys take this stuff soooo seriously... (And NO, not everyone coming up to talk to you is not trying to pick you up!) Some questions and comments from someone who has taken a year off and is left mystified by those who appear to be "new at this": 1. What's the point of getting on a box (with 2,000 people watching) if you are just going to STAND THERE like the prissy-ass queen from Dallas that you are? 2. Why do southern boys move around in groups of 10 or more, whether on or off the dance floor? Also, do they purposely coordinate their outfits or are they so insecure that must copy one another? 3. What is the significance of those damn glowsticks? Does pink mean something and green mean something different? 4. Drag queens are our HERITAGE, dammit, AND SHOULD BE A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR US ALL! Although it may not be for you, can't one laugh WITH THEM as opposed to AT THEM??? Besides: " What's not to like about a drag queen?" 5. Is one's image so important that one can't goof around and have a good time? (Hint: Maybe guys aren't coming up to you because you are so stunningly beautiful, but because you are so stunningly stuck-up.) Finally, a personal word to a particular 24 year old, middle class, white boy with a so-so body dancing near the stage at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday at The Crowbar in Chicago: That "dyke" and "old troll" you pointed to in disgust happen to be two of the DJs who provided you with some of the magical atmosphere that you and your ignorant ass friends were too closed minded to enjoy this weekend! In closing, I think that I want to write a small pocket reference guide titled: "Circuit Ettiquette -- How to Avoid Being Punched in the Face by a 220 Pound Pissed-Off Guy from San Francisco." Still, I had a great time. HOWEVER, could I expect The Circuit to be anything other than what it is--one less piece of furniture for my apartment (airfare+hotel+tickets+drugs=$1,000)? Still, I LOVE them and don't sell my space on the dance floor just yet. ------------ Tom Hunter of Chicago writes... Well, it’s not just because I’m a Chicago boy, but I thought that this year’s Hearts Party was one of the best parties I’ve ever been to... no exaggeration. As soon as my friends and I walked into the grand Uptown Theater, we knew we were in for one hell of a night. The place was absolutely electric. There was energy shooting from that dance floor into every possible corner, crevice, nook, and cranny of the dilapidated, yet still luxurious Uptown. The grand marble staircase was lined with people watching and dancing in every direction. The music was phenomenal. Mark Picchiotti, who played to the throng from a majestic balcony overlooking the dance floor, let us have it like I’ve never heard before. There was not one dull moment. Because he had never done a circuit party before, I wondered how he would do. My conclusion after this party: Mark Picchiotti is a musical genius, a DJ god, and this party should have put him on the circuit map. The lights were fantastic, too, and truly enhanced the overall experience. There were two huge inflated cartoon figures on either side of the balcony, which would blow up and dance around several times during the party. Two live performances highlighted the evening. Chicago diva Sybil came on early in the party and did a great song, although the name of it escapes me. Much later in the party--to everyone’s surprise--Diana King came out on the stage and sang her soaring rendition of “Say A Little Prayer.” Another treat was seeing “Astro Boy,” whose entire body was covered with glo-sticks. You had to see it to believe it. Some refreshing and welcome changes vs. last year’s party: there was plenty of heat; no problems with bathrooms, and free fruit and protein smoothies/shakes from the great new local restaurant, Energia. Friday night’s Sacred Heart Party at the club called Convent was a great weekend opener with DJ Joe D’Espinoza spinning circuit favorites and some really great house tunes. Sunday’s Tea Dance at Crobar with DJ Susan Morabito was wonderful. Susan gave us a beautiful helping of her signature sound. I swear that only Susan Morabito can play like Susan Morabito. Her sounds is so unique. Sadly, she left us at 10:00 p.m., but then local DJ Teri Bristol came on and rocked the house. Teri plays a more aggressive sound than Susan, and it seemed that everyone was game for the change of pace. Teri’s set was interrupted by another performer, Barbara Tucker, a diva known for “Beautiful People” and “Hot Shot.” Unfortunately, her performance was not well received by the crowd, mostly due to sound problems. After Ms. Tucker left the stage, the party had come to a screeching halt, but Montreal DJ Mark Anthony had us dancing like fools again in no time. It was a great ending to a great Hearts Party weekend. -------------------- Finally, on Feb. 23, the Chicago Tribune published its own sort of road report on the Hearts Party--a 2,100-word feature article on the party circuit, complete with juicy photos. For $1.95, you can download the article (text only) at the Tribune’s web site at . -------------------- The opinions expressed are those of the authors. Reproduced with permission. Members are invited to submit road reports to EDreams@aol.com. Entries are subject to editing. Please--no anonymous entries! The author(s) may not be formally affiliated with the events they are writing about. Copyright 1998 by Electric Dreams, All Rights Reserved Alan Brown, Publisher http://www.partyplanet.com