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| HERO LAUNCH PARTY |
2 February, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Maritime Room, 1st Floor, Maritime Museum
Viaduct Basin, Central Auckland |
Celebrate the start of this year's HERO Festival in style at
the HERO Launch Party. Join MC's Buffy & Bimbo, Festival organisers and
performers, along with their friends, for an evening of cocktails and canapés
by the harbour.
Guests will receive a complimentary 42 Below cocktail along with nibbles on
arrival. A cash bar will be available for the remainder of the evening.
Entry free (invite only) - Contact eventimento@xtra.co.nz for invite. |
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| POST LAUNCH PARTY |
2 February, 9:00pm - Late
Witch Bar, 152 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby |
Continue the HERO launch festivities with sophistication at
Witch Bar on Ponsonby Road.
Entry free. |
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| WIGS ON THE WATERFRONT |
4 February, 11:00am - 5:00pm
The Viaduct Harbour, Central Auckland |
"Wigs on the Waterfront" is a fundraising event for the
"Cartier Bereavement Charitable Trust", founded in the memory of the late
Courtney Cartier. Courtney was a drag artist and one of the Caluzzi girls who
performed at K Rd's Caluzzi Cafe. This trust has been set up to provide those
effected by HIV/AIDS (and other related issues) with the knowledge that their
passing will be treated with love and dignity even when family and finances are
not available.
This popular entertainment event made its debut six years ago on the trendy
viaduct harbour waterfront. It sees both drag queens and artists performing and
spreading their fabulousness around a day of total campness and drag
entertainment.
Popular MC's Miss Ribena and Miss K will host the day along with guest spots by
other celebrities. "Wigs" will feature some of the country's top drag artists
as well as a large contingent of entertainers and artists from a broad spectrum
of the entertainment scene.
The rain date for this event is Tuesday 6 February (Waitangi Day). |
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| GABA FRUITS IN SUITS |
7 February, Start 5:30pm
Aucklander Bar, Rendezvous Hotel
Mayoral Drive, Central Auckland |
The Gay Auckland Business Association (GABA) are set to kick
off their HERO Festival in style at the first Fruits & Suits event of the
year. There will be door prizes.
Members Free, $10.00 Non-Members
More details: www.gaba.org.nz |
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| "ALL GAYT ACCESS" EXHIBITION |
Starts 8 February, 5:30pm
Morgan St Gallery, 9 Morgan Street
Newmarket |
The Morgan St Gallery will open for the 2007 HERO Festival
with an exhibition of art by gay and gay-supportive artists.
There will be sculpture (both indoors and outside in the courtyard gallery),
glass, bronze, woodcarving and ceramics, as well as painted and mixed-media
works in the main gallery rooms.
Come and enjoy "All GayT Access" in our cool leafy space.
Entry is free. A percentage from any art sales will go to support Rainbow
Youth.
More details: www.morganstgallery.co.nz |
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| DRAG-AEROBICS WITH BUFFY & BIMBO |
9 February, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
TAPAC, Performing Arts Centre
Motions Rd, Western Springs |
Join Buffy and Bimbo for an aerobics workout with a
difference. The Fabulous Makeover Girls will teach you one or maybe two of
their more energetic routines. Come appropriately dressed for an evening of
camp moves, kicks and splits but please - no stilettos or drag shoes - trainers
or runners only.
The highlight of this drag-aerobics workout is that you will be invited to join
Buffy and Bimbo when they perform these routines at the Big Gay Out on Sunday
11 February 2007.
Cost: $5 (pre-purchase), $6 at the door.
More details: www.buffyandbimbo.com
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| FILM IN THE VINES - DE-LOVELY |
10 February, 5:00pm onwards
Movie starts at dusk
Coopers Creek Vineyards, 601 SH16, Huapai |
As part of the 2007 Hero Festival, Coopers Creek Vineyards
are screening the film "De-lovely" in their vineyard at Huapai.
"This film is an enchanting musical ode to the legendary composer Cole Porter.
From Paris to Venice to Broadway and on to Hollywood, the lives of Cole and
Linda Porter were never less than glamorous and widely unconventional. Although
Cole's thirst for life and liaisons with fellow men strained their marriage,
Linda never stopped being his muse, inspiring some of the greatest songs of the
twentieth century."
Starring Kevin Kline as Porter and Liz Smith as Linda, the movie also has
knockout musical performances from Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow,
Diana Krall, Alanis Morisette and Robbie Williams.
The film will be screened at dusk and patrons are invited to bring a picnic
tea, their blankets and seating from 5pm, to enjoy the pre-movie entertainment
for which a general admission charge will apply. Gourmet platters will be
available from the kitchen for those who wish to dine at reserved picnic
tables. Wine will also be on sale from the award winning Coopers Creek range to
compliment this fantastic evening in the Vineyard on State Highway 16 just
north of Huapai.
This popular event sells out in advance and the demand for tickets is twice the
capacity of the venue.
Film Duration: 120 minutes
Tickets: $15
Gourmet Platters are also available: $40 per couple.
This is a Cartier Bereavement Charitable Trust fundraiser.
Bookings: Phone Coopers Creek - (09) 412-8560
or email jason@cooperscreek.co.nz
or email wayne.wains@clear.net.nz
More details: www.cooperscreek.co.nz
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| BIG GAY OUT |
11 February, 12 Noon - 7:00pm, Coyle Park
Pt Chevalier |
The 2007 Big Gay Out will be bigger and brighter than ever
before - featuring a diverse line-up of top performers, a dance tent, a wide
variety of food stalls, bars and a focus on fun events throughout the day!
The New Zealand AIDS Foundation has been involved with this event since its
inception, and views it as an important chance to engage with the gay community
and distribute safe sex information and resources.
Free Entry - Donations can be made on the day to support the work of the New
Zealand AIDS Foundation.
Click here for photos from
last year's event.
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| BIG GAY OUT RECOVERY PARTY (R18) |
11 February, 7:00pm - 12 Midnight
Witch Bar, 152 Ponsonby Rd |
This early evening 'Tea Dance' starts immediately after the
Big Gay Out finishes and is the perfect way to complete your Big Gay Out
festivities. Join DJ Donald Bennett & friends for a fun evening of dancing
and socialising that starts and finishes nice and early (for those with work
the following day).
Free entry.
Click here for photos from last year's event.
More details:
www.salvation.co.nz
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BRIAN ANDREWS - A PHOTOGRAPHIC
RETROSPECTIVE SPANNING A DECADE |
12 February, Gala Opening, Aotea Gallery
Aotea Centre at THE EDGE
6:00pm - 8:00pm (Invite Only) |
13 - 24 February, Aotea Gallery
Aotea Centre at THE EDGE
8:30am - 5:30pm (Week days)
10:00am - 4:00pm (Weekends) |
A photographic retrospective spanning 10 years based on the
work of Brian Andrews. Since Brian came 'out' 10 years ago he has captured such
memorable events as Hero Parades, the Big Gay Out, Pride Marches, drag queens,
individuals, civil unions, leather men and much more. Many of these photos have
never been seen before.
"Brian has given so much to the community over the past ten years so this event
is an opportunity for us to give something back to him" says Jonathan Smith,
event organiser and sponsor.
Brian has chosen 100 photos, 10 for each year he has been 'out', plus a special
selection of his male photographs and a collection of photographic collages.
Copies of all photographs will be available framed or unframed, the sales of
which will help fund the exhibition.
Free entry for the exhibition. Invite required for the Gala opening.
Proudly supported by THE EDGE and GABA.
More details: www.gaynz.com |
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| HEROIC FEET |
14 - 28 February, The Depot Artspace
28 Clarence Street, Devonport
10:00am - 5:00pm (Weekends) |
The Depot's "Heroic Feet" Exhibition pays homage to this
undervalued appendage with unique and unpredictable creations.
Entry is free. Most art will be for sale.
More details: www.depotartspace.co.nz |
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| HERO BOWLING TOURNAMENT |
14 February, Starts 6:45pm, Tenpin Takapuna
2 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna |
Sail City Bowling are a lesbian and gay ten pin bowling
group hosting a special HERO / Valentines Day bowling tournament.
Entry Fee: $20.00
Contact: Larry - (09) 376-2600
More details: www.agbo.org.nz
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| HERO TENNIS TOURNAMENT |
16 February, 5:30pm - 10:30pm
West End Tennis Club, 2 Fife Street, Coxs Bay |
An evening of social tennis in a round-robin format with
changing partners. This fun event caters for all levels of abilities and is a
fundraiser for Gayline / Lesbianline.
There are good prizes, plus a cash bar, BBQ and desserts.
Phone Gayline to register (303-3584).
Cost: $20
Special thanks to Westend Tennis Club and Malcolm Pacific (Immigration) Ltd. |
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| IT'S A D THING |
16 February, Starts 8:00pm
The Marco Gallery
47 New North Road, Eden Terrace |
It's a D thing, performance & bars in a lively jaunt
through lesbian history. Dyke bars from three eras, art, performance, video.
All welcome. Come dressed for your favourite era. Raffles and prizes.
Free entry. Cash bar.
More details: www.marco.org.nz |
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| A [LESBIAN] BODY OF WORK |
16 February - 3 March
By Jo Mears @ The Marco Gallery
47 New North Road, Eden Terrace |
A [Lesbian] Body of Work is primarily about Queer Female
culture, emphasising the diversity of Lesbians through common dress
codification and labelling. It examines the way in which Lesbians label
themselves and also the way they are stereotyped by mainstream society. The
work explores historical aspects such as passing or dressing in drag, the
culture of 'Butch and Femme' and the 'Lesbian Sex Wars'; as well as
contemporary translations.
These mannequins are all identical in size and shape reflecting the
stereotypical view of Lesbian women as being a "type". In reality Queer women
come in many different sizes, shapes, heights and types.
The Queer Female community is comparatively small, is often marginalised and
sometimes seems invisible. The aim in producing these artworks has been to
create a body of work in which Lesbians can see themselves reflected and be
made visible.
Opening night party ("It's A D Thing") on 16 February at the Marco Gallery.
More details: www.marco.org.nz
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| FLIRT (R18) |
17 February, Starts 10:00pm
Bacio, 309 Karangahape Road (above Kiss) |
Girls just wanna have fun and they love to Flirt! Flirt is a
monthly women's night and is proud to be part of the 2007 Hero Festival. The
theme for the night is Super Heroes. So hunt out those leotards, capes or
armour and come dressed to release some girl power. A portion of the door sales
will be given to a charity, there will be shows throughout the evening and
prizes for the best costumes. The famous Flirt Police will be out and about
playing cupid. So make sure you don't miss this fabulous Flirt Night.
Tickets: $10 at the door.
More details: www.wannaflirt.co.nz |
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| SAUNA SESSIONS (R18) |
17 February, Starts 10:00pm
URGE Bar, 490 Karangahape Road |
URGE Bar is pleased to bring back top Sydney DJ Seymour Butz
to Auckland for his unique brand of hot and sexy dance sounds. He has packed
out 490 K'Rd before and we are delighted to bring him back to New Zealand.
Don't miss out on a steamy night of "hortizontal dance manthems".
Cost: $10 at the door
More details: www.urgebar.co.nz |
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| CHOCOLATE FISH SWIM MEET |
17 February, Starts 7:30pm
Tepid Baths, Sturdee Road, Auckland City |
Team Auckland Masters Swimmers present a swimming festival
full of fun races and events. These are not serious, and winners are awarded
chocolate fish for their efforts. This is a family friendly event, with many
taking the opportunity to bring along their children to join in the fun.
Audience participation is encouraged and rewarded as well! Team Auckland uses
this event as a fundraiser with all the proceeds going to a community charity -
in the past, Rainbow Families and Rainbow Youth.
All ages and abilities are catered for. The events will be followed by a BBQ
and refreshments.
Cost: $10 on the night |
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| HEROIC GARDENS |
17 - 18 February, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Various gardens, Auckland-wide. |
This year's Heroic Gardens is a fund-raiser for The Burnett
Centre / Wellness fund for people living with HIV and AIDS. This event is a
much enjoyed part of the Auckland Summer calendar and appeals to a broad
spectrum of the community, while providing an opportunity to see a diverse
range of gardens and to meet the garden owners.
As a February event, the festival celebrates a subtropical aspect of Auckland's
gardens and its summer life-style. It is also a chance to be inspired while
supporting a worthwhile cause.
The 2007 festival will showcase gardens from the past as well as some new ones.
Many of the gardens have featured in magazines and on television and most of
the garden owners will be present to talk about the 'how-and-why' of what they
have achieved.
Cafes, raffles, sculpture and plant sales will again be part of the Festival.
We regret that children under 12 cannot be admitted unless in a carry pouch -
most gardens are unsuitable for prams or push-chairs.
Cost: $30 (valid for both days)
More details: www.heroicgardens.org.nz |
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| COCKSURE WORKSHOP |
18 February, 2pm
Gay Mens Health Centre, 2nd Floor,
31 - 35 Hargreaves Street, College Hill |
Life begins at 40? It can if you're COCKSURE, a workshop
designed for gay and bisexual men aged 40 and over.
Phone Gayline to register (303-3584).
Entry free.
More details: www.nzaf.org.nz/cocksure |
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| THE HERO DEBATE |
19 February, Opera Factory
7 Eden Street, Newmarket
6:30pm - Entertainment & Refreshments
7:30pm - Debate |
Hon. Judith Tizard MP presents the Kim Crawford Fourth
Annual Great Auckland Central HERO Debate, featuring Hon. Chris Carter MP, Hon.
Lianne Dalziel MP, Maryan Street MP, Hoani Jeremy Lambert, Russell Brown,
Steven Gray, Buckwheat, Ross Thorby and Dame Catherine Tizard.
This year's moot: That "wickedness is a myth invented by good people to account
for the curious attractiveness of others."
A cash bar will operate and il buco pizza will be on sale throughout the
evening. Proceeds from the debate support the Cartier Bereavement Charitable
Trust and Labour.
Tickets: $25 theatre style or $250 for a table of four, cabaret style including
your first bottle of Kim Crawford wine and snacks. Available from il buco
(Ponsonby Rd), www.herodebate.org.nz
and Judith Tizard's electorate office (Three Lamps Plaza).
Click here for
photos from last year's event.
More details: www.herodebate.org.nz
or phone 360-2782.
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LIVING CREATIVELY WITH HIV/AIDS
WORKSHOP |
21 February, 10:00am - 3:00pm
The Marco Gallery
47 New North Road, Eden Terrace |
"I am much more at peace and much healthier when I listen
chiefly to my own body's signals. The real source of my strength and healing is
within..." Allan Stinson
This programme involves participants in movement, art-making and
creative-writing activities to re-engage their imagination and self-awareness.
It is aimed at stimulating imagery and behaviours that can release and decrease
stress to assist with boosting the natural immune system. This workshop fosters
support and the processing of complex emotional issues associated with
HIV/AIDS.
Cost: $130 (Waged), $110 (Unwaged)
More details: www.marco.org.nz
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| HERO FILM PREMIERE |
21 February
Rialto Cinemas, Newmarket |
The premiere of the film "Running With Scissors" at the
Rialto Cinemas in Newmarket. This event is a fundraiser for Gayline /
Lesbianline and is sponsored by Rialto Cinemas.
Tickets are $20 and a complimentary glass of wine will be served on entry.
Tickets are available from the Gayline office (303-3584) and from volunteers.
Cost: $20
More details: www.gayline.org.nz
Film details:
www.rialto.co.nz
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| HERO PARTY (R18) |
24 February, 10:00pm - 7:00am
St James Complex, 312 Queen Street |
The HERO Party is NZ's ultimate polysexual dance
extravanganza ... gay, straight, bi, undecided ... who cares ... it's an excuse
for a party and what a fantastic party it is!
This is always one of the most festive and colourful nights of the year -
featuring multiple dance spaces, international DJs, stunning laser lighting and
massive shows.
Features include:
- Multiple dance zones.
- Stunning M2 lasers with visual projection.
- Psyklonic mirrored objects.
- Spacious outdoor zone.
- Fabulous big-room shows.
- 42 Below cocktail bars.
- Women's Flirt zone.
- TranSpace ft. Ramone, Lindah E + more.
Increasingly now, HERO is also being recognised as an essential part of any
"Mardi Gras Down-Under" tour, so enjoy the HERO experience for yourself, and
make sure you're in Auckland for the HERO Party on February 24th, 2007.
Click here for photos from last year's event.
More details: www.heroparty.co.nz
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| HERO AFTER-PARTY (R18) |
25 February, 7:00am - 10:00am
Grand Circle (top level of St James)
312 Queen Street |
For those wishing to continue with their HERO festivities
after the main HERO Party closes, there will be an after party starting at 7am.
Just take the St James staircase all the way to the top!
Entry Fee: Free with your HERO Party stamp.
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WELCOME to HERO 2007! This year's Festival runs for a three
week period and is Auckland's ultimate celebration of pride and "Polysexual"
diversity. Whether you're gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or just a friend
of our colourful "rainbow community" there's something here for you!
This year's Festival has a large number of events, ranging from drag shows and
art exhibitions, to sports events, movies, gardens and picnics... It also
includes debates, workshops and of course lots of parties!
The Festival kicks off with a welcome party on February 2nd... it builds with
the fabulous Big Gay Out on February 11th... before finally climaxing with the
infamous HERO Party on February 24th.
HERO is now in its 17th year, and if you thought last year was fun, you'll find
HERO 2007 bigger, better and even more flamboyant than ever!
Of course the HERO Festival is only made possible by its volunteers. So a big
thank you to all those enthusiastic people who have put tremendous amounts of
time and effort into organising the events that make HERO happen!
The HERO Festival is your Festival. It's a time of celebration and a time of
community pride. It's a time for hard fundraising, and for even harder
partying!
If you have any questions regarding HERO or would like to be involved, then
please email us at: info@hero.org.nz
HAPPY HERO!!
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The infamous HERO Festival is Auckland's annual gay pride
celebration and has been running for nearly two decades.
This festival runs for a three-week period in February and showcases a variety
of events that target Auckland's diverse 'polysexual' community (gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and metro).
The Festival contains a wide range of events - some big, like the hugely
popular Hero Party, the Big Gay Out and Heroic Gardens, right through to the
smaller 'meet and greets' and sports tournaments. There is something for
everyone.
HERO Festival events are widely recognised as being safe, fun, and
entertaining, thereby attracting thousands of people every year.
If you'd like to run an event as part of the next HERO Festival or you'd just
like a big more information, then contact us now at:
info@hero.org.nz
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The HERO Festival is run by the community for the community.
It is a collection of events, coordinated by the HERO Brand Management Group
(HERO BMG), and run by event organisers and individuals.
The HERO BMG is a not for profit organisation comprised of community
volunteers. Its goal is to develop the HERO brand through a selection of events
that are consistent with the festival theme.
The HERO BMG is responsible for coordinating the HERO Festival and providing
promotional and event support for event organisers.
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The HERO Charitable Trust has met to officially commence
planning for HERO 2008.
We regret to announce that there will be no HERO Parade in 2008 despite a strong
offer to organise, and the offer of a sponsorship deal. While the Auckland City
Council has been exceptionally helpful, the desired date of February 23 for a
parade was already taken for a StarLight Concert in the Domain. Due to conflict
with both resources and traffic/crowd management, approval was denied. An offer
of the first Saturday in February, the only close available date, was deemed
unsuitable within the HERO calendar.
However, plans to push ahead to for a possible Parade in 2009 are already in
motion. Expressions of interest from potential organisers for a possible 2009
Parade are being called for, with a closing date of Friday 3rd July for submissions.
Submit to: PO Box 3132, Auckland or email info@hero.co.nz
Meanwhile, planning for next year's Hero Festival begins NOW!
Tender is open now for submissions to organise the 2008 HERO Party. Potential organisers
for the 2008 Party are asked to submit proposals no later than 5pm Friday 18 May
and a decision will be announced Friday 1st June 2007.
Submit to: PO Box 3132, Auckland or email info@hero.co.nz
As always, the BMG (Brand Management Group) is seeking new volunteers with fresh ideas
so that each year's BMG continues to be in-tune with what the community seeks from the
next HERO Festival.
Contact: PO Box 3132, Auckland or email info@hero.co.nz
(Contact: Michael Bancroft, Hero Charitable Trust Chairperson, 027-495-5863)
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In 2007 it’s not enough just to be gay - it’s all about
being the Gayest.
42 BELOW wants to know how gay you can go - and as proud sponsors of the 2007
Hero Festival, the world’s gayest vodka has joined forces with George FM to
find the nation’s 42 Gayest Songs and kick off the Hero hype.
Over the next 42 days, George FM will count down the 42 Gayest Songs, which
listeners can vote for by texting their preference to 968. Each day, one lucky
voter will win a bottle of totally fruity 42 BELOW Passionfruit Vodka.
Each daily winner will also be invited to the George FM / 42 BELOW Gayest
Garden Party. This fabulous affair will take place the day before the Hero
Party on Friday 23 February in the gorgeous George FM gardens.
42 BELOW mixologists will serve up the gayest cocktails in town, exotic
hostesses will dish out the gayest entertainment this side of K Rd, and all 42
Gayest Songs will be played out in order throughout the afternoon, with all the
action broadcast live on George FM from 4pm - 8pm.
So get into the Hero spirit and be in to win - vote for your Gayest Song,
listen to George FM, pour yourself a 42 BELOW vodka and get your gay on.
Because it’s great to be Gayest!
More details:
www.georgefm.co.nz and
www.42below.co.nz
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One of the stars at this year’s HERO Party is sexy Melbourne
DJ Scott Anderson!
Scott began his DJ'ing career at the infamous VM’s (Virgin Mary’s) on
Commercial Road in Prahran, Melbourne at the tender age of 18. This was the
start of what was to become his biggest hobby (and most expensive habit) -
buying records every week!
Now aged 27, Scott has played at numerous big Aussie dance parties including
1999 / 2000 Millennium Party (Darwin), Beyond, Rawhide, Trance Nation, Red Raw,
Revolution and XTC (Melbourne).
In 2006 this rising star also played in the Hordern Pavilion at Mardi Gras as
well as at Tropical Fruits for New Year’s Eve... and now he’s playing at HERO.
This is Scott’s first visit NZ, so come and hear his music for yourself and if
you’re lucky, get to meet the man in person!
For more about Scott - Click here
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The 2007 HERO Festival guide is going to be a 48 page A6
mini-booklet (the same size as an Infusion magazine if you've seen one of them
before), containing information about Festival events, along with editorial
content and advertising. There will be a minimum print run of 10,000 copies in
mid-December, for distribution in early January.
This is obviously a great opportunity to get your brand in front of the gay
community while supporting HERO at the same time. Production and distribution
of the 2007 HERO Festival Guide will be funded solely by advertising and (to a
lesser extent) sponsorship, with any surplus going straight back into HERO to
help with promotion of the Festival itself.
If you're interested in placing an ad in next year's Festival Guide or have a
cool idea for an article, then fire an email to:
mail@m2events.co.nz and we'll send you out some more
information.
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Do you have any photos, stories or memorabilia from past
HERO Festivals? We want to hear from you if you do!
We are compiling an archive of HERO Festivals, so this is your chance to make a
contribution.
Email us at: info@hero.org.nz
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| Check out these links to our sponsors, media partners,
supporters and other great community websites: |
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