| However, they became
so disillusioned with the negatives that they were encountering
that they decided to do something about it. This is their
story.
Gary has been raving since 1989, Martin was a late developer
and started in ’90! They met at a club called Zest in
’91 and became friends. Out they went, all over the
country and they partied hard.
They became vexed at the rip-off’s and negative things
they were encountering in a scene that they cared about. They
both had their own businesses and so were self employed. It
was then they decided that they could put on a party and do
as good as, if not better than, some of the parties they had
been to. Gary had always wanted to put on a party and so had
Martin, so together they decided to do it.
Together with a friend at the venue and DJ Mongoose, they
came up with the name. All 3 of them developed the concept
and another friend, MC Magika also helped them with encouragement.
So, the name was finalised and they called the party Vibeablite.
They planned to stage the party at Venue 44 in Mansfield,
but had no idea really of how to go about putting it on! Mongoose
and Magika gave invaluable help, advice and assistance. Inspiration,
funding and foresight came from Martin and Gary.
The whole promotion was done by themselves, not an easy task
driving all around the country giving out flyers, believe
me!
They decided to make their events totally ticket only. All
the money for the event had been provided by themselves, so
even if no-one turned up, all the DJ’s would get paid.
This was a party for ravers, put on by ravers, because they
had seen what ravers wanted. They knew what to provide for
them. The first event was a sell out and they had to turn
people away, so much was the response. The hard work had paid
off.
Even when one of the main DJ’s billed to play failed
to turn up, Gary and Martin purchased bottles of water to
the same value of his wage and gave them out free! (loads
of bottles!!). Their second party in October 1993 sold out
again and 200 people were turned away this time, the party
was another hug success and the word was spreading fast.
The third party was on 5th November with the Carl Cox Concept.
This party sold out in 4 days! And again people had to be
turned away - this time 6-700!
Vibealite had started as a hobby for Martin and Gary (The
Krafty Crew) putting on quality events by ravers, for ravers,
but the hobby was taking up too much of their time and consequently
their own businesses were suffering.
Martin decided to let Gary run Vibealite as a business, but
still remains actively involved, however. This was a joint
decision.
The demand for entry and membership was great, but many were
too young to be allowed in so they had to adopt a proof of
age policy, and a membership scheme was introduced.
Upon seeing the amount of underage ravers who were interested
in the parties, Gary and Martin decided to organise parties
for under 18’s. These take place on the first Saturday
of each month from 5pm-9pm. These events have also been very
successful, I have been to a couple, and to see the kids enjoying
themselves is tremendous. Gary and Martin got a real buzz
from them and they know how to party too!
From July till November last year, the Kraft Crew staged
a retrospective night called ‘Rewind’, which was
on the first Saturday of each month. Then that night changed
in November to American House, called ‘New England’
until April 1995. Now they run the ‘After Club’.
This night started in May 1995 and opens when all other clubs
close from 1am-8am, playing House of all types - hard - upfront
- bouncy - new and old and of course loads of anthems.
In April ’95 the Krafty Crew introduced the Midlands
only all night monthly Techno event - Tomorrows World. This
is a night-and-a-half for headstrong Techno-ites, hard and
fast with top DJ’s from USA and the rest of the world,
you can be assured of quality events staged by the Kraft Crew.
Martin and Gary still go partying and clubbing. They go out
as ravers to mix with the people and see what they want and
need, they listen for DJ’s they want to book. Kraft
Crew have implemented drug awareness programmes at Venue 44,
and ensured that all the staff have a basic First Aid knowledge,
from the door staff and security, to the bar staff.
Martin and Gary are often found walking around and in amongst
the crowd with fresh fruit and water - which they give out
to people, nice little touch - not much, but well respected.
They feel very strongly about the scene in which they are
actively involved and do everything in their power to provide
a top quality night and value for money, no matter what event
they promote.
Gary has enforced the provision and installation of a fresh
water drinking fountain, another company run the bars, cloakrooms
and refreshments and he is still unhappy with the other company
because of the prices of the facilities. He has taken these
points up with them and they are curently under review.
They also feel very strongly about the split or division
within the scene and believe that what they provide at Vibealite
is what makes the party and vibe unique and it was like it
was in the beginning, all types and categories of music was
played throughout the night, a little bit of everything for
all tastes, and that is why the Vibealite vibe is the way
it is. They can educate and introduce new music to people.
The hobby that they started has now grown into a full time
job, but a job which is truly enjoyed. Those of you who know
the Krafty Crew, know that is true. Everyone is made to feel
welcome by the crew and the ravers, it’s a family, personal,
that’s what contributes and makes Vibealite a people’s
party.
The Krafty Crew are committed in putting on quality events
to the future, even after the problems they have experienced
over the years, losses of huge sums of money, nearly having
the venue closed down and taken away from them! The success
lies a little in the fact of hard work, commitment and the
fact that they enjoy and believe in what they are doing.
They say when they no longer enjoy what they are doing, then
they will stop.
The Krafty Crew have taken the whole concept of running a
club and providing parties one step further - awareness, safety,
friendliness and enjoyment with value of money.
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