australian rozie

A NYE party by two of Sydney’s most eclectic collectives was surely one to look forward to. One, new school with a great sense of retro humour, the other, a legendary Sydney stalwart of groundbreaking underground events. As someone who has spent many dollars and many efforts on NYE events over many years (that’s right I’m no perky spring chickie), this was a refreshing change to the overpriced, overhyped events of recent years. At only $15 at the newly renovated, clean, comfortable upstairs @ Newtown venue, you couldn’t complain. Luckily, Dave & I had freebies because I was taking photos for ITM, so that made it even better. I almost didn’t get in though because for the first time in 10 years I FORGOT MY ID!! My excuse was that I had just got back from Melbourne in the afternoon and had changed bags. Dave of course was not happy - he’d have to drive me all the way home to get it. I decided to try buttering up the security woman first. Fortunately, as Dave is a member of Newtown RSL, she said he could simply sign me in as his guest, whew!

The room was getting quite full by the time we arrived about 11pm. Not many people dancing yet to a great electro/electronic set by OLLO. Alternating between a Frigid and a Popfrenzy DJ each played for half an hour. That would be good if you didn’t like what someone was playing because the next DJ would be on soon. I enjoyed everything that was played that night from 80’s pop, electro, reggae, mashup stuff, classic electronic/rave tracks, hip hop, polka and even metal (it was only one song)! There was big screen Galaga and Pacman for the boys on a side wall. Superlight did some great visuals, which complemented each DJ’s set. I especially enjoyed the old school 80’s scenes such as: Bros, Cyndi Lauper, Family Ties, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Masters of the Universe and G-Force. The midnight balloon drop was a delight as seen earlier this year at Popfrenzy’s “The Prom”.

There were lots of people we knew there which made it fun too. It’s been so hard to convince our various friends to attend the same event together in recent years. I guess we aren’t all mad clubbers and ravers anymore. We left @ Newtown when the security woman from the beginning of the night told Dave he couldn’t sleep there, if he wanted to sleep, he had to go home. So we did. A fabulous night was had and I was happily tucked into bed by the decent hour of 4am.

See photos on ITM here