Vampire Ball in New Orleans
Shannon Faircloth
has heard about Anne's annual Ball. I was going to go last year but
something came up. Has anyone here been to one and if so how was it?
Shannon
Erick
Hi Shannon,
Yes, I've been before, and it has the potential to be very good: there
are a lot of people who turn up in the most spectacular costumes, and
for that alone it's worth going to one Ball, at least. Unfortunately,
the overall quality varies from year to year, according to people
who've been to several of them, so it might be worthwhile to touch
base with someone who knows what bands will play, and where the event
will be held. (I.e.: large site, small site - crowding, in otherwords
- smoking, etc.,)
This is obviously easier if you live in or near New Orleans, but you
might find people here in this ng who could fill you in on some of the
details of this year's production.
Cheers,
Erick.
=========================================
"And can it be a dream, that in the end,
man will find joy in deeds of light and
mercy, and not in cruel pleasures ?"
- Dostoyevsky
=========================================
Keith
Hey,
That sounds like a good idea.
I've heard the ball can be very cool. Is there a guest list of any
kind or do you just show up? Some friends and I were thinking about
going to it this Halloween.
Blaze-The Dreamer
>
>That sounds like a good idea.
>I've heard the ball can be very cool. Is there a guest list of any
>kind or do you just show up? Some friends and I were thinking about
>going to it this Halloween.
You have to buy tickets ahead of time. They can be bought at www.arvlfc.org.
(click ,I think, 'coven party' at the top of the screen.) And the address to
buy them through snail mail is also there. BUT, they give first dibs to the
members of the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club, first. So, if your not a
member you will probably have to wait, unless you join.
Blaze ~The Constant Observer and Dreamer~
"I project a definite innocence. A lot of that is just the way I grew up." ~
River Phoenix R.I.P. 1970-1993
"Tell me how bad I am. It makes me feel so good." ~ Lestat-Queen of the Damned
m&v
Faircloth) wrote:
>Halloween is just around the corner again and I was wondering if anyone
>has heard about Anne's annual Ball. I was going to go last year but
>something came up. Has anyone here been to one and if so how was it?
>
>Shannon
We (my husband and I) were to the Mother of All ARVLFC balls, the Memnoch Ball
as St. Elizabeth's Orphanage. It was ghastly, overcrowded, had many locals who
were not dressed for Halloween, yet stood there and goofed on everyone who was
dressed as"Vampire's Through The Ages" as suggested by the theme that year.
There were young boys in their late teens drunk and puking on Ann'e property, in
her house on her carpets,and some people were tearing at her miles of velvet
drapes, etc. I would not attend another ARVLFC ball if I were paid to go. If
you like being bombarded by many people, some who looked to me to be real life
gools...then go! Then again, I am not a lover of most people, particularly big
crowds of them who actually think they are vampires! :)
Victoria
Owen Liebich
The venue was way to small for the thousands of people that bought tickets,
you had to stand on line for hours just to get in, then you cold barely
move once inside, and I got in just as Annne left, so I missed her Q&A
session. You had to pay for food and drinks, which were expensive and not
worth the price. I stayed for only an hour. It was a giant waste of time
and money.
I did attend "The Memnoch Ball" in 1995. That was much better, although
very crowded. It was the the only Coven party Anne hosted herself, and
everything was included in the price of the ticket, unlike any of the other
parties. It was at one of her residences - St. Elizabeth's - and it was so
cool to be able to wander around the massive building. One room held her
doll collection, the courtyard had fortune tellers and tarot readers, there
was food, drink, lots of giveaways, many different bands, The costumes
fabulous, etc. It was lots of fun.
By the way, Anne does not host the Annual Gathering of the Coven. It's put
together by the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan CLub members, and Anne has
nothing to do with it other than show up and talk to the fans for a bit.
You have to be a member of the fan club to get tickets. They have a web
site - check it out at ARVLFC.ORG (but it and the club are pretty lame, in
my opinion). I have not heard good reviews about many of the annual
gatherings, and if they are anything like last years, I would avoid it like
the plague.
But, New Orleans is a fabulous place to visit, and Halloween is especially
fun, so it's a great time to go, party or not. There are many other events
and parties then, so there's plenty to do, and there's nothing like the
free show on Bourbin St.!
Ritchie Champagne
says...
> You are extremely lucky you did not make it last year. It was HORRIBLE!
> The venue was way to small for the thousands of people that bought tickets,
> you had to stand on line for hours just to get in, then you cold barely
> move once inside, and I got in just as Annne left, so I missed her Q&A
> session. You had to pay for food and drinks, which were expensive and not
> worth the price. I stayed for only an hour. It was a giant waste of time
> and money.
Well, last year was a debacle. The 1997 Gathering was a smashing success
held at Tipitina's Warehouse and it seemed that most people really
enjoyed it. because of that, we booked the venue for our 1998 event.
About four weeks before the 1998 party, the deal was reneged on by the
Tipitina's management who were in a power struggle with the management of
the building which eventually petered out with Tipitina's and the
Warehouse people severing ties. So, in four weeks, we had to put
together an event. Everyone involved, including Anne's staff, thought
the venue was workable, though the elevators would be a problem. We
tried to get the venue we are using this year but unfortunately it was
already booked. It was the best we could do and that's the most I can
say.
>
> I did attend "The Memnoch Ball" in 1995. That was much better, although
> very crowded. It was the the only Coven party Anne hosted herself, and
> everything was included in the price of the ticket, unlike any of the other
> parties. It was at one of her residences - St. Elizabeth's - and it was so
> cool to be able to wander around the massive building. One room held her
> doll collection, the courtyard had fortune tellers and tarot readers, there
> was food, drink, lots of giveaways, many different bands, The costumes
> fabulous, etc. It was lots of fun.
That's right, everything was included in the price of the ticket. Anne
spent a couple hundred thousand dollars (at the least) on that night.
Without that kind of funding you're not going to get free food and
alcohol. I should also add that Victoria's experiences as she wrote
earlier were true as well. Anne insisted on doubling the number of
people attending the function and after that party it was decisively
agreed upon that free alcohol was a mistake and would never happen again.
As for the price of the food and drinks, visit a New Orleans area club or
restaurant and see if the prices are any better. The vendors were all
from those places. It seems that even though we have been doing these
things for ten years, people have become spoiled by Anne's one year of
generosity and that is unfortunate because she won't be doing it again.
One year of people standing on velvet chairs and vomiting on velvet
curtains and putting cigarettes out on her hardwood floors was enough.
>
> By the way, Anne does not host the Annual Gathering of the Coven. It's put
> together by the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan CLub members, and Anne has
> nothing to do with it other than show up and talk to the fans for a bit.
Not exactly true. She is kept advised every step of the way in the
planning. Whatever she wants goes. Last year she wanted Michael Koerber
to play the Appassionatta onstage and it happened. Like Anne, we want
attendees to have a good time so we plan a show that people can take in
while they socialize (which has always been the goal of the party -
bringing people together). When people aren't happy, whether because
it's crowded or whatever, we get the complaints but very workable
suggestions that we can implement.
> You have to be a member of the fan club to get tickets.
Not true again. Members get first dibs and sales are only open to
members right now. The primo section of our venue this year will be
strictly for members and their guests. Later, the venue will sell the
remainder of tickets to the public. We are using a massive place and
there's plenty of room. At midnight we will be showing the IWTV movie.
> They have a web
> site - check it out at ARVLFC.ORG (but it and the club are pretty lame, in
> my opinion). I have not heard good reviews about many of the annual
> gatherings, and if they are anything like last years, I would avoid it like
> the plague.
If you are so sorely disappointed, you should stay away. I hope you will
email me privately and tell me why we are so disappointing, especially
the web site. We have received no criticism on it other than the non
members who can't get to the goodies inside. Tell us what it is that you
want the we don't have. If we can do it, we are always looking for
constructive criticism.
>
> But, New Orleans is a fabulous place to visit, and Halloween is especially
> fun, so it's a great time to go, party or not. There are many other events
> and parties then, so there's plenty to do, and there's nothing like the
> free show on Bourbin St.!
>
That's for sure! Having experienced this many times, I have yet to tire
of it!
>
> Shannon Faircloth wrote:
>
> > Halloween is just around the corner again and I was wondering if anyone
> > has heard about Anne's annual Ball. I was going to go last year but
> > something came up. Has anyone here been to one and if so how was it?
> >
> > Shannon
>
>
>
It's sort of like the Star Trek movies in that every other one seems to
go as planned. This year will be great because we have a professional
staff at the State palace Theatre who are experienced in putting on
events like ours as well as even larger ones. No last minute surprises a
la last year as we have every detail locked down with legal contracts and
deposits. We have more seating than we can possibly use. The exclusive
member area will feature additional perks still under planning. We hope
to see everyone there on Friday, October 29, 1999. Then we'll see you
all over the city the rest of the weekend.
--
Ritchie
_______
V V
http://www.arvlfc.org
"I dreamt I held in my arms the severed heads
of my younger brother and sister."
Vittorio The Vampire by Anne Rice
Kevin
Shann...@webtv.net (Shannon Faircloth) writes:
>Halloween is just around the corner again and I was wondering if anyone
>has heard about Anne's annual Ball. I was going to go last year but
>something came up. Has anyone here been to one and if so how was it?
Hi Shannon! I've never been to the Ball, but I received an invitation this
year and am really looking forward to it!
Kevin
Kevin's World
http://kevito.com
m&v
-snip-
> It seems that even though we have been doing these
>things for ten years, people have become spoiled by Anne's one year of
>generosity and that is unfortunate because she won't be doing it again.
>One year of people standing on velvet chairs and vomiting on velvet
>curtains and putting cigarettes out on her hardwood floors was enough.
Oh Ritchie, that was so horrible I had to leave the party after an hour. I
heard Anne give her little speech, I asked her a question when she and Kirsten
were on that podium, but after that I could not bear the undeniable disrespect
for Anne which was going on. So awful. BTW, I never blamed ARVLFC for that at
all. You guys work endlessly, for no money, to maintain the club and the events.
For that I am grateful. I even have such a soft spot that I am going to rejoin
just to show support of the club. I doubt I'll ever attend another Coven
Gathering, but I just don't like large crowds. Since you've been President of
the Club, it has shown great growth...IMO.
>Not exactly true. She is kept advised every step of the way in the
>planning. Whatever she wants goes. Last year she wanted Michael Koerber
>to play the Appassionatta onstage and it happened. Like Anne, we want
>attendees to have a good time so we plan a show that people can take in
>while they socialize (which has always been the goal of the party -
>bringing people together). When people aren't happy, whether because
>it's crowded or whatever, we get the complaints but very workable
>suggestions that we can implement.
Yes. My entire reasoning for driving over to New Orleans from Denton where I
live was to be with other Rice fans, who deeply loved and understood the drama
of the characters and of Anne's purpose for writing the books. I desired to be
near and to socialize with people of like minds. The Memnoch Ball was barely
conducive to such an event! I felt so sorry for you guys and Anne's
family...who LIVE there.
>Not true again. Members get first dibs and sales are only open to
>members right now. The primo section of our venue this year will be
>strictly for members and their guests. Later, the venue will sell the
>remainder of tickets to the public. We are using a massive place and
>there's plenty of room. At midnight we will be showing the IWTV movie.
OOoooooooooooooooo. You are enticing me Ritchieeeeeeeeeeeeee! Can you reveal
where it will be?
>If you are so sorely disappointed, you should stay away. I hope you will
>email me privately and tell me why we are so disappointing, especially
>the web site. We have received no criticism on it other than the non
>members who can't get to the goodies inside. Tell us what it is that you
>want the we don't have. If we can do it, we are always looking for
>constructive criticism.
Ya see, a true gentleman. I'm always amazed at your decorum. I find the
website to be wonderful. I actually learned some things I never knew about, and
I am not even a member to the goodies! That will change, though. My check is in
the mail.
>
>It's sort of like the Star Trek movies in that every other one seems to
>go as planned. This year will be great because we have a professional
>staff at the State palace Theatre who are experienced in putting on
>events like ours as well as even larger ones. No last minute surprises a
>la last year as we have every detail locked down with legal contracts and
>deposits. We have more seating than we can possibly use. The exclusive
>member area will feature additional perks still under planning. We hope
>to see everyone there on Friday, October 29, 1999. Then we'll see you
>all over the city the rest of the weekend.
Ah, you answered my earlier question. I have to go look the State Palace
Theatre up on the Internet. Hopefully they will have a great site to see.
BTW, those who are thinking of attending from out of town, may I suggest you
stay at one of the Prytania Inns. Some have parking, but be fore warned that
parking down in the French Quarter is virtually impossible during a party
weekend...and I would not suggest parking just anywhere because they will tow it
within an hour or so.
Victoria
Owen Liebich
the details on this year's Annual Gathering of the Coven www.arvlfc.org
Erick wrote:
> On Sun, 4 Jul 1999 01:26:40 -0600 (MDT), Shann...@webtv.net (Shannon
> Faircloth) wrote:
> >Halloween is just around the corner again and I was wondering if anyone
> >has heard about Anne's annual Ball. I was going to go last year but
> >something came up. Has anyone here been to one and if so how was it?
>
Owen Liebich
disappointed", I AM staying away from the fan club and future gatherings. (I
will continue to read Anne's books and check out the NG, though) Why should
anyone become a member when all you get is one lousy newsletter a year rehashing
the same old stuff? I became a member in order to obtain tickets to the
so-called "exclusive" annual gatherings, but then anyone and everyone can get
tickets, members or not, which is another problem with the gatherings. A bunch
of people who don't even know who Ann Rice is always seem to attend and ruin it
for the fans. I suppose the web site is fine for forum discussions, etc., and I
haven't been there in months, so maybe it's better than it used to be. It seemed
that for months after last Halloween nothing was updated, so I finally stopped
visiting it.
Ritchie Champagne
says...
> It's always some excuse, isn't it? And by the way, since I am "so sorely
> disappointed", I AM staying away from the fan club and future gatherings.
Geez, I admit the gathering was screwed up and explain why, mostly for
the benefit of those who don't know what happened, and I get this back.
Too bad, really. Still, though, no suggestions, as usual...
Victoria
>It's always some excuse, isn't it? And by the way, since I am "so sorely
>disappointed", I AM staying away from the fan club and future gatherings. (I
>will continue to read Anne's books and check out the NG, though) Why should
>anyone become a member when all you get is one lousy newsletter a year rehashing
>the same old stuff? I became a member in order to obtain tickets to the
>so-called "exclusive" annual gatherings, but then anyone and everyone can get
>tickets, members or not, which is another problem with the gatherings. A bunch
>of people who don't even know who Ann Rice is always seem to attend and ruin it
>for the fans. I suppose the web site is fine for forum discussions, etc., and I
>haven't been there in months, so maybe it's better than it used to be. It seemed
>that for months after last Halloween nothing was updated, so I finally stopped
>visiting it.
While I respect Ritchie and the ARVLFC, I agree with the sentiments you stated
about joining to attend an exclusive party of Rice fans. The Memnoch Ball was
horrible for one main reason: Far too many people who not only didn't read an
Anne Rice book, but who most likely never read anything, nor knew how to read.
Lot's of toothless, if you ask me. I expected, or desired to meet with
intellectual people who read Rice and with whom I could "fellowship" in the
glory of the undead. We dressed to the nines, my husband was The Mummy, and I a
Vampire through the Ages (my version was somewhere in the 18th century). I saw
many authentic looking costumes, it was all very nice till I went inside to see
the vomit commission. The teenagers who didn't even have on costumes and who
were laughing and pointing at people who did have costumes on. I thought the
trio playing in one of the rooms were a delight, but I could not even GET TO the
ballroom dancing, which I would have enjoyed. I didn't get to see the chapel
where Dora....bla, bla, bla.
Now that I know it is open to the public, I find no real reason to rejoin other
than to support a few people who work VERY hard at that fanclub for virtually no
pay. On the other hand, I do always wonder where all that money from memberships
go? Maybe not for me to know. But I do agree that, the Gathering of the Coven
should be exclusive, not open to the trash.
Yes, I'm elitist. Sue me.
victoria
Ritchie Champagne
<5C7C7345C1198DFC.85312F04...@lp.airnews.net>,
ani...@ticnet.com9 says...
>
> Now that I know it is open to the public, I find no real reason to rejoin other
> than to support a few people who work VERY hard at that fanclub for virtually no
> pay. On the other hand, I do always wonder where all that money from memberships
> go? Maybe not for me to know. But I do agree that, the Gathering of the Coven
> should be exclusive, not open to the trash.
>
> Yes, I'm elitist. Sue me.
>
> victoria
>
Well, I'll say two things:
1. Blame Anne for the oversrowding and non members at the Memnoch ball in
95. She insisted on releasing additional tickets after we sold out and
she insisted that we not be an elitist organization.
2. Where does the money go? Have you paid for paper and printing lately?
Or postage or the mailing company who does bulk mailing? How about the
phone bill or the computer to assemble the newsletter on? How about a
web site, the costs of its webmistress and the printing of the
merchandise that is sold on it and at the parties? The merchandise
eventually pays for itself but not for a while. The cost of putting on
the Gatherings is staggering and hopefully ticket sales offset that cost.
Paper, printing and postage are our biggest expenses (even though I get
the paper at cost or close to it since my actual job is at a paper
company).
Ritchie
Victoria
wrote:
>
>Well, I'll say two things:
>
>1. Blame Anne for the oversrowding and non members at the Memnoch ball in
>95. She insisted on releasing additional tickets after we sold out and
>she insisted that we not be an elitist organization.
>
>2. Where does the money go? Have you paid for paper and printing lately?
>Or postage or the mailing company who does bulk mailing? How about the
>phone bill or the computer to assemble the newsletter on? How about a
>web site, the costs of its webmistress and the printing of the
>merchandise that is sold on it and at the parties? The merchandise
>eventually pays for itself but not for a while. The cost of putting on
>the Gatherings is staggering and hopefully ticket sales offset that cost.
>Paper, printing and postage are our biggest expenses (even though I get
>the paper at cost or close to it since my actual job is at a paper
>company).
>
>Ritchie
I understand that, but Ritchie, when I was a member I received one newsletter.
I subscribe to some very expensive, glossy, upscale magazines like Garden
Design and Fine Gardening, and I get twelve very thick issues for about 25
dollars. I am actually not doubting you, but how many members are there? If
there are 5,000 members (which there were at least that in 95) at 15 dollars
each, that would be 75 thousand dollars. Add in the addition of tickets at 15
dollars to those 5 thousand members, another 75 thousand dollars. I am not sure
I understand how long it takes the club to "catch up" and start paying for
itself as far as the merchandise, but the club has been around since when?
Quite a while now. At least 6 years that I know of. Is it there are not enough
volunteers to help manage this properly? I am not prying or trying in any way
to discredit you or the club, I would like to understand better. I have to tell
you, I would prefer to pay 50 dollars for a ticket to the Gathering of the Coven
each year, than to have every shlub come and goof on some very interesting
people. That's why I don't belong any more. I disagree with Anne's idea that
OUR fan club, dedicated to the characters cannot do as it wishes with regards to
being elitist in that no outside people can attend private parties. I don't
understand that. I do understand the Memnoch Ball, she paid for that. But why
must the fan club be forced to have virtually no added benefit than the people
who do not even read? That's the part which I don't fully get.
You are, however, the most respectful, decent man at the helm of ARVLFC, and I
truly mean that. No matter what the controversy, you always remain a gentleman.
For that I applaud you.
victoria
Ritchie Champagne
<9734216CABD7926F.252556DD...@lp.airnews.net>,
ani...@ticnet.com9 says...
Thank you, Victoria. Well, while we are not legally connected to Anne,
if she wants us to do something we must do so, if we want to continue to
enjoy her blessings and assistance. This year's Gathering will feature
added and exclusive benefits for members. For instance, the Theatre is
laid out in balconies and we are keeping the pit and orchestra
exclusively for members and their guests. The fact of the matter is that
not enough members attend the parties to make them viable if they are to
be totally exclusive. And, I must say, I have personally seen many of
the belligerent people at these parties turn out to be members or the
guest of a member. As for the finances again, there never has been 5000
members at any given time. Our member numbers are currently somewhere
around the 9500 range BUT the active membership is a whole lot less.
People join and don't renew or they drop out for a year or two and
rejoin. Some never return. The most we've ever had at one time was
probably 3500 and that was around the time of the IWTV movie's release.
It fluctuates wildly. So, the membership money comes in sporadically.
Overseas memberships don't even pay for themselves what with the postal
rates these days so they are a complete loss financially but we're not
really of a mind to change that. A friend of mine runs a school and he
runs into the same problem. His staff of teachers see the school at
capacity and they feel they should get a raise. They fail to see that
the oodles of cash they think they see still has to pay salaries,
supplies and lots of other things including the biggie: insurance. The
frequency of newsletters is a thorn in my side. As the one who puts them
together it is my responsibility and I won't put them out unless I have
good stuff. The newsletters have changed a lot since I took over and I
try to give people something to read. However, it's hard to do so when
Anne's not really doing anything or won't say what she's doing.
Victoria
>Thank you, Victoria. Well, while we are not legally connected to Anne,
>if she wants us to do something we must do so, if we want to continue to
>enjoy her blessings and assistance. This year's Gathering will feature
>added and exclusive benefits for members. For instance, the Theatre is
>laid out in balconies and we are keeping the pit and orchestra
>exclusively for members and their guests. The fact of the matter is that
>not enough members attend the parties to make them viable if they are to
>be totally exclusive.
If I would be assured that the members would be privy to a section away from the
riff raff (not that I'm sure there's riff raff within the membership base :-) )
I would have returned each year. Of course I may be in better position than
many who come from far away. The party is a 10 hour drive for me, or a 45
minute jet trip from Denton, Texas.
> And, I must say, I have personally seen many of
>the belligerent people at these parties turn out to be members or the
>guest of a member.
I'm aware of that. Maybe raise the fees and attract a different audience? I
have no really organized suggestions other than the one I gave about trying to
avoid every drek pot into the party. Oh, and certainly no more free booze is a
champion I support. Matter of fact, booze should be very expensive with
bartenders who cut people off who appear drunk. Maybe give chips at the door to
people so drinks will be limited to three? Something like that. Very
complicated, I can see.
> As for the finances again, there never has been 5000
>members at any given time.
Actually, now that you remind me, I did know that. I forgot you didn't give out
a previously used number to a new member. My fault.
>The newsletters have changed a lot since I took over and I
>try to give people something to read. However, it's hard to do so when
>Anne's not really doing anything or won't say what she's doing.
You have work cut out! I don't even know how to tell you what I'd like to have
in the newsletter which would interest me. I am on the Internet so can find
just about anything in the world about anything in the world!
Thanks for the answers. If I think of anything constructive I will get in
touch.
respectfully,
Victoria