Post #67380 by thejab on Fri, Jan 2, 2004 2:43 PM

I agree with all of what JT posted. I've gone every year except the first. While many people go to socialize I primarily go to see the bands and hang out with my small group of friends from the Bay Area and LA who go along every year. Every year there are a handful of incredible performances that make it so worthwhile (last year's highlights were Ruth Brown's all R&B set and the performance by Joe Bennett and the Sparkletones). There are many very good bands (I never have time to see them all), some great DJs from all over the world, and there's always a few bands I don't care for. But it's Vegas so there's plenty to do if you don't have the desire or stamina to see all the bands for 4 days straight (there's a free shuttle to the strip from the Gold Coast which is a long and somewhat treacherous walk from the strip).

Also, there's a great car show and some other events (dance lessons and contests, neo burlesque shows, vendors, a huge 24-hour bowling alley at the casino) to keep one occupied. Or as James mentioned you can just park your butt on a bar stool and watch all the gorgeous girls. Most of the girls get decked out and look very glamorous, but too many guys just wear a "uniform" of jeans and t-shirts. I like to get dressed up. The Japanese and European visitors wear amazing vintage clothes more often than the American guys. I'm sure some of the people like to outdo each other in appearance and there is a bit of elitism James referred to. Still, most people there are nice and polite and accepting of everyone. I can't remember any arguments or fights happening even with people drinking so much all night long.

The ticket price is a bargain to me for so many acts.

The rooms at the Gold Coast are already booked up but last year we got some rooms there at the last minute at a low rate through the Southwest airlines web site. It's convenient to stay at the Gold Coast but the rooms aren't that great and you may not sleep too well with people partying all night in the rooms. We stayed at the Rio down the street a couple of times. They have nice huge rooms and slightly better food but it isn't very convenient because it's a good distance to walk, and it's expensive. The Orleans is a good deal but it's a pain to heve to wait for the Shuttle all the time to go to your hotel or the show. So my favorite place to stay now is the Palms across the street. The rooms are big, the beds are extremely comfortable, and the food at the Palms is very good (even in the 24-hour coffee shop). We found ourselves going over there to eat most of our meals because the food at the Gold Coast is pretty bad. But on Saturday night we always go out for steak dinner at the Golden Steer.

If you go try and make it to Sweetpea's meet and greet on Thursday afternoon at the Orleans. Hope to see you there!