This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
While movie buffs are planning to watch as many films as possible, partygoers are searching for the perfect outfit for nights out during the Sundance Film Festival. The party-throwers, on the other hand, are running around trying to make sure that their big events make a lasting impression.
For another view of Sundance, we talked to three party guys: Konstantine Deslis, of Harry O's Nightclub and the Creative Marketing Group; Danny Hill, the Star Bar; and Seth Hill, of Downstairs lounge.
Konstantine Deslis, of Harry O's
What is your most memorable Sundance experience?
ç One of the most historical events is when we had Metallica here at Harry O's in 2006. They played over 2 ½ hours.
What are you most looking forward to at Harry O's for Sundance 2011?
We are very excited about the variety of music that we are going to bring to the table this year. We have some of the biggest rock and reggae bands. I am most excited about Lauryn Hill, who will be performing here with a full band on Wednesday, Jan. 26.
What makes Harry O's a premier party spot during Sundance?
The proof is in the pudding. In the past five years, we have done over 2 billion media impressions. We are the only venue of our kind in Park City that can hold these kind of events. When it comes to Park City, we are the biggest and most historical experience on the block.
Danny Hill, The Star Bar
What is your most memorable Sundance experience?
The party for "The Story of Anvil," a documentary about the heavy metal group Anvil. When that premiered during Sundance, they performed at The Star Bar and invited Scott Ian from Anthrax up onstage. Slash ended up joining them, as well, so it was Scott on one side of the stage and Slash on the other. It was pretty cool to see those icons on stage together.
What are you most looking forward to at The Star Bar for Sundance 2011?
I'm looking most forward to Robert Randolph and the Family Man Band. I have missed all of their shows so far, and this is going to be my first time seeing them. The Dirty Heads will also be playing at Star Bar and I am looking forward to that, and The Wailers will play my stage for the first time.
What makes The Star Bar a premier party spot during Sundance?
We definitely have the track record over the last decade of bringing in everything across the board. We are a very intimate venue for all of those acts coming through. Our sound system in the room is definitely the best sounding in Park City.
Seth Hill, Downstairs
What is your most memorable Sundance experience?
The Oakley event with Shwayze and Mike Posner. We had a surprise performance by John Legend, who got up and sang an a cappella "Happy Birthday" to someone. The different pieces of that night all fit together and Shaun White and a lot of the people that were headed off to the Olympics were there.
What are you most looking forward to at Downstairs for Sundance 2011?
I have a lot of private events this year. Oakley again has their "learn to ride" here and I am really looking forward to that because the event itself is just for their high-end athletes and A-list clientele. They pair them up and send them out to the mountains and then back here for the after-party.
What makes Downstairs a premier party spot during Sundance?
The place is designed with a beautiful wood décor with an intimate setting. When we bring these big-name acts and put them in this setting, the energy is infectious.