Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Stephan Grondin and David Morales @ Parking - November 20, 2010
What a great way to celebrate Parking tenth anniversary, and no better deejays than Stephan Grondin and David Morales to heat up the dance floor. Grondin was flawless in all aspects and dropped song after amazing song creating a perfect warm up for David Morales. Lately our Montreal boy has not stopped traveling, making people dance in Mexico City, NYC, Miami, São Paulo, LA and most importantly in Montreal. Great producer, great deejay, and great entertainer.
Morales began with one of his classics moving on to share his love for house music with the crowd. I believe everyone had an amazing time and yes sir, the place was busy busy busy, and having everyone smiling made it easy to surf around the crowd. Happy Anniversary Parking.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Richie Hawtin, Layo and Bushwaka, Gaiser and Maher Daniel @ Stereo - November 19, 2010
To go early in the morning or a bit after opening time? After a 5 hours long disco nap I decided it was wise to go earlier than I had already scheduled. By 3:30am I was already in and this is when my most expected moment at Stereo began. I’ve been dreaming in hearing Hawtin play at the temple for a while, specially since his amazing set at the Electric Zoo in NYC, and now I finally had the chance to witness a moment in history.
Gaiser, which by the way looks a lot like Richie from far away (same hair style) was continuing with the warm up set started by Maher. Music was cool, volume was still a bit low, but the crowd was already feeling it (more about the crowd later). It was a nice build up with fine techno and minimalist tunes. Live act was promised and this is exactly what Gaiser dished out, and man was he having fun up in the decks.
Stereo was already busy, but not overflowing as I have seen in other nights, which is a good thing because we don’t need sensitive fire marshals closing down the party. Do you want to see what a straight Stereo looks like? You missed it if you didn’t come to this party, it is a very different animal.
There was something else that was bugging me, and somehow I couldn’t put my finger on it, something was not right, and it wasn’t until the back speaker, from the right hand side facing the decks, came alive for a couple of seconds and everyone cheered to the pristine sound we were able to absorbed, this is when I figured out what was missing, and then silence from the back speaker once again.
Desperately I warned whoever I thought could do something about the situation with the speakers, yes speakers in plural because the left hand side one was also mute, actually this one was doing some cracking sounds. Naive for me to thing the technicians were not aware of the problem, I’m pretty sure they were doing everything in their power to rectify the issue, specially since this was a sold out night.
Richie took over at around 5:00am if not earlier, the crowd went wild, and started to spin good tunes, technically perfect, great techno house for the masses, but perhaps I got lost in his story telling. He was spinning, but I don’t know if he was having fun, but again I wonder if the fact he only have half of the power in hands affected the easy way the music flows from him, or perhaps it was only me experiencing this search for perfection. At the same time I must say he does know how to work the crowd, because with the push a button he can make the whole dance floor go wild, and he did just that several times during his set.
It was incredible to see one of my favourite deejays play in one of my favourite night clubs, and frustrating at the same time because I was not getting the real Stereo sound, I tried to shake those feelings off and let the music involve me, but it is Stereo’s fault that I’m actually able to recognize and notice when the sound is not right, if I was a newbie perhaps I wouldn’t had been able to tell the difference, and at this moment I wanted to be a newbie.
The dream to hear Richie Hawtin playing at Stereo is still alive and unfulfilled because it does not count to having him play only for 2 hours, and on top of that, only with half of the speakers. Note to Stereo: don’t bring Richie only for 2 hours, that is not a set, it is just teasing.
Richie finished his set, and it also meant the end of the night for those that had came out exclusively to see him, and somehow Stereo felt a bit more like Stereo again. I walked by the “bad” speakers and guess what? Magically they were working again. Big smile in my face even if Layo & Bushwacka were playing this kind of dark weird music in their first 30 minutes, but then holy macaroni, those boys exploded and they played one of the best Techno House set in the temple. It was just unbelievable what they were doing, and I feel sorry for those who left early and did not had a chance to hear these boys.
Confession of the day, I didn’t know who Layo & Bushwacka were until Friday night, now I want Stereo to bring them again and for an extended set, because they deserved to be showcased even more.
You might think I had a horrible night of partying, mostly due to the sound issue, but it is not true, it was great to see some friends I hadn’t seen in a long time, it was nice to finally hear Richie at Stereo, even if it was a half power, but mostly I’m so happy to have been introduced to this due that save the night musically speaking.
I was going to talk about the crowd, you know, those newbie’s that haven’t been Stereolized yet, the ones that pushed themselves around without using the Stereo etiquette, dropping water bottles and gum on the floor, and the same ones that create those pockets of people talking right in the middle of the dance floor, but I won’t bother, we all know what Stereo is, and one days all those people will learn, specially if they keep coming back.
Stereo, thanks for another incredible evening, and sorry about my rant, but you must admit it was pretty annoying not been able to hear the main musical guest at full capacity, and Richie I think you could had done better, but no worries I’m still your fan.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
American Thanksgiving in NYC?
Victor Calderone and Marco Carola spinning together in NYC, and got to believe I'm seriously thinking in a road trip to the big apple for this event. Victor is just amazing, and Carola blew me away at the Electro Zoo this past Summer.
Yesterday I was asking Stereo to bring Guy Gerber and Marco Carola together, but Victor and Marco are close enough for me. Keep you posted in case I decided to drive down to the US.
Yesterday I was asking Stereo to bring Guy Gerber and Marco Carola together, but Victor and Marco are close enough for me. Keep you posted in case I decided to drive down to the US.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Creamfields Buenos Aires - 10 Years - November 13, 2010
Victor Calderone @ Stereo
My feeling is I will be waking up at 5:00am on Sunday and then doing some morning cardio, the best there is in town.
Matinée Music Edition - NYC - November 25, 2010
It looks like Matinée is becoming a permanent feature of the gay night life in New York City boys and girls, they are promising lots of energy, fun, with a touch of Spain tailored to fit the big apple.
The American Thanksgiving extravaganza will bring Taito Tikaro (Barcelona), Hector Fonseca (NYC) and Theresa (Bogota, but more like Miami now eh?) together at the Marquee Nightclub in Chelsea.
Send me pictures if you go alright?
The American Thanksgiving extravaganza will bring Taito Tikaro (Barcelona), Hector Fonseca (NYC) and Theresa (Bogota, but more like Miami now eh?) together at the Marquee Nightclub in Chelsea.
Send me pictures if you go alright?
Richie Hawtin @ Stereo
In a couple of days, one of my favourite Deejays out there will be gracing the decks of my beloved Stereo. Last time I saw him was at the Electric Zoo in New York City, and I would say he was unreal. I can only imagine what he will bring to the temple.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Maskerade Ball - Press Release & Refunds
Maskerade Ball
Chronicle of a Halloween event that didn’t take place
As the organizers of the Maskerade Ball event that was to take place at the Pepsi Forum on Friday, October 29, the CCGLM, Productions Playground and Produkt would like first of all to thank everyone who purchased a ticket to attend. We also wish to thank all the DJs, including Carl Cox, Fedde le Grand and Joachim Garraud, who were on hand to perform their sets, all the sponsors and partners, as well as the entire staff, who made every effort to see that the event could take place. One thing is for sure, the last-minute cancellation of Maskerade Ball disappointed us every bit as much as it did you.
Ticket refund – All those who bought tickets for the event will be reimbursed in full, according to the methods spelled out in detail at the end of this press release.
The circumstances behind the cancellation
Today the organizers wish to explain the exact circumstances that led to this distressing cancellation. A number of reasons have been put forward on the Web to account for what happened. Among other things there was the question of insufficient turnstiles at the entrance to satisfy the requirements of the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SSIM). Although this point was in fact raised, we were able to rectify the situation to their satisfaction, as was the case for the multiple other requirements of theirs that we were happy to submit to in good faith. If in the end the event was cancelled, it was solely because of a technical formality that the SSIM brought up at the last moment.
The SSIM would not authorize the holding of the event on the grounds that the technical installations plans (sound and lighting), duly approved by the Pepsi Forum’s official engineers, were sent to them by e-mail and therefore did not contain, in a tangible way, the engineers’ official seal. It should be noted that it was the responsibility of Diversio (the organization that runs the Pepsi Forum) to handle that transmission, despite a clause in the rental contract stipulating that “the occupying lessor must, at its expense, obtain all the necessary permits, licenses and authorizations for the event and all its authorized auxiliary activities.” In effect, the organizers’ responsibility was limited to ensuring that the plans in question were supplied to Diversio, who then had to have them approved by their engineers and afterwards forward them to the SSIM. In our capacity of occupying lessors, we had no hand in that process other than doing a follow-up with Diversio to make sure that they acted within the required deadlines – which we did. As Diversio confirmed to us that the plans authenticated by their engineers had in fact been forwarded to the SSIM, we considered this matter settled.
The Service de sécurité incendie having raised the matter of the non-admissibility of an e-mail or fax only on the day of the event itself, it was not possible to obtain the paper copy containing the required seal within the required deadline, even though the Pepsi Forum engineers had clearly approved the plans. Presented by the SSIM with the possibility of seeing the Pepsi Forum evacuated from top to bottom (movie theatres and restaurants included) and of being placed personally under arrest, the senior manager of the Pepsi Forum decided unilaterally to cancel the event, which happened less than three hours before its scheduled presentation.
Respect for the requirements formulated by the authorities
The CCGLM, Productions Playground and Produkt wish to point out that all the requirements formulated in the reference document Paramètres demandés par le SPVM en regard à la tenue d’événement de type rave (Parameters Required by the City of Montreal Police Service [SPVM] with Respect to Holding a Rave-Type Event) from the Section Enquête Multidisciplinaire et Coordination Jeunesse (SEMCJ) – Moralité (Centre opérationnel Sud) of the SPVM had been fully satisfied. We are aware of the validity of those requirements for the safety of the public and we make maximum efforts to respect them at each of our events. We also respected the requirements of the Service de sécurité incendie. The question of the authentication of the plans by the engineers fell strictly within the purview of the managers of the Pepsi Forum. The SSIM had every right to raise a completely valid legal aspect; nonetheless they demonstrated a zeal that one could be tempted to characterize as excessive, all the more so in that we had staged an event of the same type in this setting in September 2009, and with similar technical installations plans. In our view, this was an unfortunate intervention that in no way reflects the outstanding collaboration that has developed over the years with the SPVM and the SSIM.
The reality of obtaining permits
The CCGLM, Productions Playground and Produkt also wish to set things straight for the numerous sidewalk superintendents who state that the various permits should all be obtained well in advance to avoid problems. On that point, it is essential to understand that the final decisions of organizations like the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ), responsible for delivering the permits and the suspensions of alcohol permits, are often handed down a day or two before the date on which the event is held, even if the request has been filed months earlier. In the same way, the final authorization of the Service sécurité incendie is given only on the day of the event, after an inspection of the premises to check on whether these comply with previously established requirements.
Lack of appropriate venues: Montreal’s reputation is at stake
Finally, an important problem has to do with the near absence of appropriate venues for presenting such events in Montreal. Venues like the Palais des congrès can only present a limited number of events of this type because the suspensions of alcohol permits required are of an exceptional nature. The delivery of special permits and of suspensions of permits depends on the final decision of RACJ representatives, who may, depending on their perception of the matter, give a negative response at the very last moment. Thus, the holding of electronic dance music events (which last the whole night) is not negotiated in a fixed and precise regulatory framework, but is subject to a considerable degree of arbitrariness, with results we know only too well. As event organizers who seek to contribute to the international, tourism and cultural celebrity of Montreal, we must make the point that the development of a stable regulatory framework for overseeing this type of event is greatly to be desired in order to avoid tarnishing both the reputation of the city as a vibrant and open place and that of the organizers as professionals who are respectful of law and order. The current case-by-case approach has clearly demonstrated its limitations over the last few years.
Details on ticket refunds
Tickets purchased on the Web (Ticketdriver, Wantickets, Clubzone): tickets will be refunded completely (including taxes and service charges) automatically on credit-card accounts used for the purchase. Allow from 10 t0 30 working days before the refund takes place, depending on your credit card issuer.
Tickets purchased from promoters: contact the promoters from whom you got your tickets in order to obtain a complete refund of the amount paid (including taxes and service charges)
Tickets purchased in boutiques and specialty points of sale: refunds of these tickets can be had exclusively from Blended Productions on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9 and 10, from noon to 6 p.m., as well as on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 11, 12 and 13, from noon to 9 p.m. It is recommended to call Jean-François Grenier at 514.567.9096 before presenting yourself at the Blended Production offices, located at 916b, Ste-Catherine Est, App. 7. No refunds will be available at the points of sale.
Chronicle of a Halloween event that didn’t take place
As the organizers of the Maskerade Ball event that was to take place at the Pepsi Forum on Friday, October 29, the CCGLM, Productions Playground and Produkt would like first of all to thank everyone who purchased a ticket to attend. We also wish to thank all the DJs, including Carl Cox, Fedde le Grand and Joachim Garraud, who were on hand to perform their sets, all the sponsors and partners, as well as the entire staff, who made every effort to see that the event could take place. One thing is for sure, the last-minute cancellation of Maskerade Ball disappointed us every bit as much as it did you.
Ticket refund – All those who bought tickets for the event will be reimbursed in full, according to the methods spelled out in detail at the end of this press release.
The circumstances behind the cancellation
Today the organizers wish to explain the exact circumstances that led to this distressing cancellation. A number of reasons have been put forward on the Web to account for what happened. Among other things there was the question of insufficient turnstiles at the entrance to satisfy the requirements of the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SSIM). Although this point was in fact raised, we were able to rectify the situation to their satisfaction, as was the case for the multiple other requirements of theirs that we were happy to submit to in good faith. If in the end the event was cancelled, it was solely because of a technical formality that the SSIM brought up at the last moment.
The SSIM would not authorize the holding of the event on the grounds that the technical installations plans (sound and lighting), duly approved by the Pepsi Forum’s official engineers, were sent to them by e-mail and therefore did not contain, in a tangible way, the engineers’ official seal. It should be noted that it was the responsibility of Diversio (the organization that runs the Pepsi Forum) to handle that transmission, despite a clause in the rental contract stipulating that “the occupying lessor must, at its expense, obtain all the necessary permits, licenses and authorizations for the event and all its authorized auxiliary activities.” In effect, the organizers’ responsibility was limited to ensuring that the plans in question were supplied to Diversio, who then had to have them approved by their engineers and afterwards forward them to the SSIM. In our capacity of occupying lessors, we had no hand in that process other than doing a follow-up with Diversio to make sure that they acted within the required deadlines – which we did. As Diversio confirmed to us that the plans authenticated by their engineers had in fact been forwarded to the SSIM, we considered this matter settled.
The Service de sécurité incendie having raised the matter of the non-admissibility of an e-mail or fax only on the day of the event itself, it was not possible to obtain the paper copy containing the required seal within the required deadline, even though the Pepsi Forum engineers had clearly approved the plans. Presented by the SSIM with the possibility of seeing the Pepsi Forum evacuated from top to bottom (movie theatres and restaurants included) and of being placed personally under arrest, the senior manager of the Pepsi Forum decided unilaterally to cancel the event, which happened less than three hours before its scheduled presentation.
Respect for the requirements formulated by the authorities
The CCGLM, Productions Playground and Produkt wish to point out that all the requirements formulated in the reference document Paramètres demandés par le SPVM en regard à la tenue d’événement de type rave (Parameters Required by the City of Montreal Police Service [SPVM] with Respect to Holding a Rave-Type Event) from the Section Enquête Multidisciplinaire et Coordination Jeunesse (SEMCJ) – Moralité (Centre opérationnel Sud) of the SPVM had been fully satisfied. We are aware of the validity of those requirements for the safety of the public and we make maximum efforts to respect them at each of our events. We also respected the requirements of the Service de sécurité incendie. The question of the authentication of the plans by the engineers fell strictly within the purview of the managers of the Pepsi Forum. The SSIM had every right to raise a completely valid legal aspect; nonetheless they demonstrated a zeal that one could be tempted to characterize as excessive, all the more so in that we had staged an event of the same type in this setting in September 2009, and with similar technical installations plans. In our view, this was an unfortunate intervention that in no way reflects the outstanding collaboration that has developed over the years with the SPVM and the SSIM.
The reality of obtaining permits
The CCGLM, Productions Playground and Produkt also wish to set things straight for the numerous sidewalk superintendents who state that the various permits should all be obtained well in advance to avoid problems. On that point, it is essential to understand that the final decisions of organizations like the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ), responsible for delivering the permits and the suspensions of alcohol permits, are often handed down a day or two before the date on which the event is held, even if the request has been filed months earlier. In the same way, the final authorization of the Service sécurité incendie is given only on the day of the event, after an inspection of the premises to check on whether these comply with previously established requirements.
Lack of appropriate venues: Montreal’s reputation is at stake
Finally, an important problem has to do with the near absence of appropriate venues for presenting such events in Montreal. Venues like the Palais des congrès can only present a limited number of events of this type because the suspensions of alcohol permits required are of an exceptional nature. The delivery of special permits and of suspensions of permits depends on the final decision of RACJ representatives, who may, depending on their perception of the matter, give a negative response at the very last moment. Thus, the holding of electronic dance music events (which last the whole night) is not negotiated in a fixed and precise regulatory framework, but is subject to a considerable degree of arbitrariness, with results we know only too well. As event organizers who seek to contribute to the international, tourism and cultural celebrity of Montreal, we must make the point that the development of a stable regulatory framework for overseeing this type of event is greatly to be desired in order to avoid tarnishing both the reputation of the city as a vibrant and open place and that of the organizers as professionals who are respectful of law and order. The current case-by-case approach has clearly demonstrated its limitations over the last few years.
Details on ticket refunds
Tickets purchased on the Web (Ticketdriver, Wantickets, Clubzone): tickets will be refunded completely (including taxes and service charges) automatically on credit-card accounts used for the purchase. Allow from 10 t0 30 working days before the refund takes place, depending on your credit card issuer.
Tickets purchased from promoters: contact the promoters from whom you got your tickets in order to obtain a complete refund of the amount paid (including taxes and service charges)
Tickets purchased in boutiques and specialty points of sale: refunds of these tickets can be had exclusively from Blended Productions on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9 and 10, from noon to 6 p.m., as well as on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 11, 12 and 13, from noon to 9 p.m. It is recommended to call Jean-François Grenier at 514.567.9096 before presenting yourself at the Blended Production offices, located at 916b, Ste-Catherine Est, App. 7. No refunds will be available at the points of sale.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
