Bears celebrate 15 years

When it comes to throwing a great party, few community groups do it quite as well as the Harbour City Bears.

So it comes as no surprise that for their 15th anniversary they’ve chosen to throw one hell of a bash — the Crystal Ball.

HCB spokesman John Carayannis said the group wanted to celebrate its Crystal anniversary in true Bear fashion.

“It’s to say a big thank you to our members — current and previous — as well as previous committee members who’ve shaped the group to be what it is today,” he said.

“We’re distinguishing this party from the other parties by going to a bigger venue, the fantastic subterranean space of the Oxford Art Factory.

“We’re also making sure the music style is different from our regular parties, with  dance and progressive house in the main bar, and a retro-themed room in the Gallery Bar. The music is guaranteed to make you feel uplifted and dance nonstop.”

WHAT: HCB Crystal Ball
WHEN: Saturday, August 21
TIME: 9pm
WHERE: Oxford Art Factory
HCB PRICE: $45 ($55 on door)
NON-HCB PRICE: $65 ($75 on door)
FROM: www.daisytickets.com

Of course every party needs a string of great DJs and, in usual HCB fashion, the line-up for the Crystal Ball is exemplary.

“We wanted to bring in DJs our Bears love listening to, whether it be on our regular nights, or at other parties. And we also wanted DJs who support the Bear community,” Carayannis told Sydney Star Observer.

“We’ve invited Kam Shafaati from Melbourne, who has played at Bear Nation and is a regular at the Laird in Melbourne. He’s also recently played at Inquisition, and we can’t wait to hear what he has in store for us.

“George Roussos is playing the main set and closing the main bar will be DJ Colin Gaff.

“In the Gallery bar we chose Frankie Shin, who has played for us at Underbear and is a resident DJ at the Midnight Shift and is a crowd favourite, as well as DJ Buck Naked, who’s played at Mardi Gras, Sleaze Ball, Inquisition, to name a few.”

Of course it wouldn’t be a HCB event without a few surprises, but to find out what they are you’ll have to be a ticket holder — and those tickets are selling fast.

“There’s been a lot of whispers from other states and overseas about the Bears travelling to Sydney for the festival. So expect a packed party full of hot and hairy men dancing in both rooms. And if early ticket sales are anything to go by, best get online soon to get yours,” Carayannis said.

“We have a few surprises up out sleeve, none we’re willing to divulge. Now, where are we going to put that Crystal Ball?”

The recovery party will be held at Kingsteam Sauna, to rest those weary bodies after dancing for eight hours, followed by Bears on Sunday at the Lord Roberts Hotel from 4pm.

info: Visit www.bearpride.com.au

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