Counting Down Hero Party

Counting down to the HERO Party 2008 By Matt Akersten - 18th February 2008 Paul Goodyear from Barcelona Since 1991, Auckland's HERO Party has been the Queen City's biggest gay night of the year. It's moved around a lot - from Princes Wharf, to the Epsom Showgrounds, to the Auckland Town Hall (bathed in pink, with a rainbow flag on top!), to Studio/Galatos, to the St James Theatre… and now for 2008, the party heads into Queen Street's grand old lady The Civic on Saturday 23 February. As usual, lots of different experiences will be offered up to please as many diverse partygoers as possible. There will be seven international DJs, multiple dance zones, tons of local talent, an outdoor smoking area and a separate women's space. Party-goers can also expect stunning full-colour laser and intelligent lighting, big-screen visuals and many other surprises. Dee-Za-Star says "Vote D.A.N.C.E.!" Two elaborate shows will be on offer at the Civic's Wintergarden during the party. A Horny Fire Show will feature Tess Tickle and her friends including Buckwheat, Venus Mantrap, Zoe and Kola, with dancing boys Chris, Tane Mete and the Brazilian Dancers. Tess Tickle says it'll be a "fun, happy show with glamourous costumes and sexy dancing." Later, Dee-Za-Star and her friends will present Vote D.A.N.C.E. - a political rally-style appearance the Star describes as a progressive, theatrical, post modern, high concept drag show. "As elections are so hot this year all over the world, I wanted to take the piss out of the whole campaigning, polling, and rallying that comes with them - but of course with a funky disco edge," explains Dee-Za-Star. "It will not represent any party but that of the D.A.N.C.E. party. Random acts of campaign rallies, ridiculous rhetoric, baby kissing and photo ops will all lead to the climax at 3am main room, Civic Wintergarden." International DJ's lined up for this year include: Dan Murphy from Sydney, Matt Steer from Brisbane, Miss Eleni from Melbourne, Paul Goodyear from Barcelona, Paul Heron from London, Ruby from Sydney and Stephen Simpson also from Sydney. They're supported by local DJ's Antony, DJ Brazil, DJ Dee, Donald Bennett, James Leuii, Justin Sane, Luke James, Marty, Mauri, Tania M and more. Miss Eleni from Melbourne Called Shebar, the women's zone at this year's HERO Party is brought to you by Vixen+Vibe, organisers of the D.thing experience at HERO. Located upstairs at the Civic, the space will feature two lesbian DJs - DJ Miss Eleni from Melbourne and Auckland's DJ Dee, with video by VJ Vixen. There will be two shows during the night: Twisted Elegance is a drag act extraordinaire featuring Jak, Twistit and Killpussy. And Diva Warrior Princess will perform her powerful Warrior in Me with support from two superhero dancers. The HERO Party is NZ's ultimate polysexual dance extravaganza - so whether you're gay, straight, bi, or undecided - who cares! This is a celebration of polysexual pride and diversity… see you at the Civic from 10pm on Saturday 23 February 2008. Tickets are available from Ticketek (www.ticketek.co.nz and 0800 TICKETEK), or from DJ Station, Marvel Menswear and the Women's Bookshop. The party goes until the sun rises at 6am - then head up to Kiss bar at 309 K' Road for their official HERO Party Recovery Champagne Breakfast at 6-11am.