How to Succeed at Sundance Without the Burden of Being a B-List Celebrity

What the hell is an Ultra Lounge? Why would someone wait in line for 2 hours in the freezing cold for the chance to party with Pauly Shore?

Honestly I don’t know, yet there I was again carrying another 20 pounds of prominently branded crackers, jackets, lotions, sunglasses, headphones, body spray, water bottles, flash drives and chapstick. Tons of chapstick. Not to mention stumbling upon secret Banksy stencils in an alleyway.

Banksy Artwork in Park City

Besides the films, what really happened at all of these top secret exclusive events with lists that are harder to get on than a Mormon missionar? What was hot at Sundance this year?

Here’s the rundown on the best "Unofficial” Sundance parties and lounges from opening weekend:

1. AXE Party
Held on the top floor of Park City’s Sky Lodge overlooking Main Street, AXE presented DJ Steve Aoki, Danny Masterson, and Mia Moretti. Wandering around this beyond-capacity event was a bit surreal. Between Adrian Brody on the dance floor surrounded by Victoria’s Secret models, and Bob Saget dancing on a couch, it was like a VH1 special. Also in attendance? Martin Short, Khloe Kardashian, Vince Shlomi (of ShamWow fame), Christopher Macdonald (Shooter MacGavin from Happy Gilmore) and a herd of Victoria’s Secret models. Check the video here

Musically, Mia Moretti’s DJ set, featuring Caitlin Moe on electric violin, was a unique highlight. The effect was a "live remix" of some super popular jams by MGMT and others. I don’t know if the crowd was quite ready for the exceedingly violent blonde explosion or the ear-screeching violin, but it definitely set the mood for rowdiness and alcohol abuse.

Of course all of the B-list celebs and the gorgeous view of Main Street, didn’t stop Danny Masterson (That 70’s Show) AKA DJ Mom Jeans from playing Lady Gaga while text messaging. Check the video here

2. Runaways After Party presented by Bing
Joan Jett on the dance floor and Frankie Chan on the tables, Microsoft’s Bing lounge was a pretty hot spot throughout the festival—not the easiest place to just waltz in. A reappropriated mining museum, the atmosphere was more of a bizarre, well-lit cocktail party than dance party rager. Celeb sightings: Q-Tip, Danny Trejo, Sting and Bill Gates.

Franki Chan DJ's Joan Jett's Runaway party at Microsoft's Bing Lounge.

3. 8: The Mormon Proposition party at House of Hype
Celebrating such an emotional and powerful film, the party for 8: The Mormon Proposition was a bittersweet event. Footage and photos of the Prop 8 protests were displayed around the bar, and an inspirational speech by both the director of the film and CEO of the Human Rights Campaign brought about a raucous applause along with tears in the eyes of those that were personally hurt by the hateful and illegal actions of the LDS Church.

Although the typical disco attitude of Sundance’s Queer Lounge was noticeably absent, the party had the energy of revolution rather than a poppers-infused disco.

4. Skintimate / New Low Party at the Greenhouse Actors Mansion
At a secret location at the top of some inappropriately long stairs and a garage that actually goes through the mountain, the cast of New Low met up with SLUG writer Jimmy Martin to discuss the film.

Long Stairs from Park City Main Street

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