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Volume 38 Issue 7
December 12, 2000

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Let it Rave! Let it Rave! Let it Rave!
Christmas-themed raves quickly replace conventional holiday activities

BY CHRISTINE BINK
MESA LEGEND
Submitted December 12, 2000

When people think of Christmas, they usually picture holly, candy canes and plenty of bows and ribbons. However, many folks are adding glowsticks, glitter and beaded jewelry to their wish list.

Illustration by Kim Patterson/MESA LEGEND

Raves are the talk of the town, as well as the talk of the season.

What better way is there to celebrate than to get together with 250,000 of your closest friends dressed as Rudolph?

During the month of December, production companies like Soul, 2Bhappy, and E.W.O.K.S. are putting on some of the merriest of events. Local and national deejays gather to combine their powers with multiple turntables and spin your favorite Christmas carol into a techno dream.

The laser lights still hold their colorful awe, but they also shoot out snowflakes and gingerbread men.

Need an accessory for dancing? Try to teach a cardboard reindeer how to "liquify," a common form of rave-dancing.

John "Skitz" Candella, a deejay for Eternal Worship of Kindred Spirits Productions, (E.W.O.K.S.), is a regular at Valley raves. He will also be spinning at "the Nightmare Before Christmas," a holiday rave on Dec. 15.

"We have a pretty cool set-up for this year," Skitz said. "The DJ’s will be dressed like Santa Claus and we have this huge statue of the Grinch for one of our speakers.

"We’ll have plenty of snow and reindeer. Plus, we have coupons for people who get really elaborate with their costumes to get free drinks."

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" isn’t the only party going on. "Happy Holidaze" is blowing up with giveaways, contests and discounts on drinks.

For a double dose of Yuletide cheer, attend both "Mary X-mas" parties Dec. 23 and Dec. 25. Besides separate rooms for those who prefer jungle beats over hardcore tunes, ravers get to dance with Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick.

Prices differ, but most raves are priced from $15-$25. Of course, buying tickets in advance always saves a few bucks, not to mention the ghost of Christmas savings.

"Come dressed as Santa and you might get a few bucks off admission," Skitz said. "You never know, maybe the doorman is in the mood to spread the Christmas cheer."

Although raves are popular, they still aren’t very open to the public. Holiday raves are no different. Each party has it’s own hotline number to call for information about what time the rave starts, what deejays will be spinning, prices, and events, but the hotlines don’t give the location until the night of the rave.

Ravers are constantly talking about "the vibe": peace, love, unity, and respect, (P.L.U.R.), as well as fun.

Partying with a jolly, overweight elderly man never sounded so good.

For more information about "Happy Holidaze" on Dec. 9, call 520-459-4149.
For information about "The Nightmare Before Christmas" on Dec. 15, call 602-209-8989.
For information about "Mary X-mas ‘00" on Dec. 23 or "Mary X-Mas Again!" on Dec. 25, call 602-205-6544.
Information is also available at AZ-Raves.org or Hyperreal.com.

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