Fri 18 Feb 2011 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Steven Oates Hoards of people will be welcomed to Wellington for the AsiaPacific Outgames next month with an opening party to remember. Auckland MC, DJ, radio host and Prime Minister-griller Steven Oates is one of those organising Sweatbox, which will run on 12 March at the San Francisco Bath House on the evening of an action packed opening day, which also includes glbt fair Out In The Square during the day. Sweatbox is described as a unique Pacific gay party experience. It will feature New Zealand's Supreme drag diva Buckwheat and trans-Tasman superstar Tess Tickle, plus the reigning Miss Drag Wellington Nikita van der Kamp. Oates will be joined by fellow Auckland DJ James Leuii on the decks, along with top Wellington housecat Souladelic. The rest of the party is remaining a closely guarded secret for now: "If we told you, we'd have to kill and eat you," jokes Oates. "What we will say is that we felt it was very important to welcome our international Outgames visitors with a uniquely South Pacific eruption of sweat, glitter and tribal beats." Oates says everything has fallen into place wonderfully. "I'm sure this party will facilitate more than a few exciting opportunities for visitors and for locals alike." He says the planning team has put a great deal of considered thought and care into planning something to cater for so many people. "It is our responsibility to ensure that every single party-goer has a memorable and safe experience on the night." Oates does not believe New Zealand will have seen a massive glbt event like the Outgames before. "I'm not aware of any New Zealand GLBT event in recent times that has attracted so many overseas visitors and generated so much local heat." Oates will be the MC for Out in the Square, before DJing at Sweatbox. Sweatbox kicks off 10pm on Saturday 12 March at the San Francisco Bath House, 171 Cuba Street. Presales are $35 from 1-night.co.nz and Real Groovy. GayNZ.com will have full live up to the minute coverage from the Outgames.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 18th February 2011 - 11:55am