What is a party?
--> A party is NOT where ten people hang out in somebody's basement and watch movies or listen to a piece of shit stereo. This is not a party. This is a lame gathering of people who have nothing better to do. Parties usually have some form of participatory activity, not including drinking games or spin the bottle-type bullshit. I'm talking about lounges, moonbounces, swimming pools, or dance floors (of you want to call it that) with big sound, lots of people, and good vibes.
What is a typical sHacK KreW party like?
--> The sHacK KreW throws a lot of different kinds of parties ranging from late night raves to midday, open air band festivals. It's best to imagine 40+ people from very different backgrounds and cliques all having a great time together, while the cops who want to bust the party can only wait outside. If you've been to an underground rave or something like a scaled down version of Ozzfest, this is about the same, albeit on a smaller scale.
When is the next sHacK KreW party?
--> Click here to find out.
How can I throw my own event?
Here are some things that must be taken into consideration before any kind of event is announced:
Location
-----> If you don't have a place to throw a party, you don't have a
party. The ideal space is a large open area that can accommodate high traffic
and sound levels. This means that people have to be able to find the place
relatively easily and be able to get in and out at a decent rate. Furthermore,
sound containment is an important thing to consider. Having sound spread to
unwanted areas is a serious mistake and can lead to getting your party busted by
the cops for no other reason than such. Ideal places might include fields,
warehouses, barns, basements, gyms, or parking lots. It is especially important
to keep in mind how much power you will be using and how many electric outlets
are available for your use, and if they are the correct type. Location is the
most important aspect of throwing an event.
Time
-----> Timing is very important. Throwing a party when nobody will be
awake or when everybody is at work is a very stupid mistake. Try to throw an
event when everybody has time off. Good times usually range from 6:30PM - 9:00PM
starting. Dates are important too. Saturdays are the best, but Sundays are okay
if nobody is doing anything on Monday. Friday nights can work too, but some
people may have other weekday obligations left to fulfill. The best time to end
a party is when large groups of people start leaving. Duh. When 75% of your
original crew is gone, consider calling it quits. Unless your time is restricted
otherwise, keep up with the party!
Type of event
-----> The type of event you will throw determines largely what kind
of crew will show up, what kind of music you will need, and legal barriers. Ask
yourself if you wish to throw a concert, rave, or just a chill session. After
this decision is made, the rest is just details.
Crowd
-----> It's pretty obvious that a bunch of death metal fiends
probably won't go to a rave. Keep in mind what kind of people will show up
depending on the type of event you throw. Invitations are an idea, but the sHacK
KreW feels that invitations serve only to exclude and force a hierarchy upon the
existing social structure. Basically, they suck. Try to throw the kind of event
that will draw good people with good vibes.
Music
-----> This usually coincides with the type of event you will
host/throw. The most important thing is to play music that the crowd will like.
Don't do something stupid and play hip hop with a body of punk rockers in
attendance. It's stupidity. People have done this before, and it usually results
in food being thrown and small fires being set to various personal articles.
Think of the kind of crowd that will show and then think of what kind of music
they would like. This can also be done the other way around, like the sHacK KreW
does it. Remember, loud and continual is the best way to go!
Legal crap
-----> The worst thing that can happen to a good party is to have the
cops drop in and break up the party. Cops are very very anal about these things
and break parties up just because of very small reasons. The main enemy is
"noise pollution" as they like to call it. Make sure you have a permit
if you need one and be aware of any kinds of noise curfews and bullshit like
that. Make sure the noise will be alright with the neighbors too. If people call
the cops but the neighbors don't, the cops won't be able to bust in and wreak
havoc. Another important thing is to keep people inside the area, not exposed
where cops will notice them. This is EXTREMELY important if you have any kind of
controlled substances floating around. One person can ruin the entire party. The
bottom line is to make sure it's okay before you do it. This includes fire codes
and other stupid shit.
Hype
-----> Advertising your event is the key to getting people to show
up. Advertising on the internet works quite well, as does word of mouth. It's
best to give at least two weeks advance notice of your event so people can put
in their schedules before any other party that might pop up. Flyers work
reasonably well, but it's your bad luck if the cops get hold of one and decide
to check you out. It's your responsibility to keep your party hyped, but low-key
enough to keep the cops occupied with more important things, like stopping
crime. Stupid fuckers. It's also best to assume that only 65% of the people you
think will come actually show up. It's always best to keep a little extra space
though. Judging attendance will be easier with each event you throw.
Other important things
-----> Some kind of beverage is usually needed to keep people from
becoming dehydrated. The last thing you want is to have somebody leave your
party in an ambulance. Also remember that there are people willing to help you
out with things. Friends can be your most valuable asset and can save you a ton
of money. Friends can provide you with anything from cheap labor to lighting
equipment. Don't count on anybody to do anything for you though. It's just an
added bonus if a friend does you a favor. Be grateful for it. An important thing
to do is to check around with people at your event to see how they're doing and
what they think of what's going on. You might be able to pick up some valuable
tips for your next event.
Until then, keep it fun, safe, and responsible.
It's still possible to have fun without breaking the law. I must admit though, it is becoming harder and harder. Just don't try stupid shit.