Rating: NNNNN
GET EVEN MORE FOR 29 BUCKS
We all agree that lineups suck. Even suckier: waiting in one like a chump when there’s no chance you’re gonna get inside in time to see the band you showed up for. Fortunately, there are some new ways to avoid that headache at this year’s NXNE, thanks to improved NXNE wristbands.
Aside from the ubiquitous three-day pass ($29), which guarantees you no cover at all NXNE gigs and films and also allows you to by-pass the regular queue, you can also take it easy with the one-day NXNE festival wristband ($19 on sale at all clubs), which is perfect if you’re only up for one band-crazed no-cover-charge night.
The NXNE Priority Pass ($149) gets you in ahead of the crowds and gives you priority access to all showcases and films as well as the entire conference, celebrity interviews, panels and networking. If you really want a sure thing, though, you might want to look into the NXNE VIP Super Pass ($249), which, in addition to all the Priority Pass goodies, guarantees you front-of-the-line access by pre-booking your top 10 shows for the weekend. Beats the hell out of pleading with bouncers who couldn’t give a shit how much you love the band.
Of course, seeing bands only counts for a fraction of everything that’s slated over four solid days of organized madness, partying and drinking. (Selected bars are slinging booze till 4 am, so don’t count on getting up before noon the next day.)
Check out the NXNE Film Festival (see pages 64 and 98 ) or the conference (see page 99 and nxne.com), which is nothing like the image you have in your head right now of dull panels and speakers lulling you to sleep with a whole lot of nothing to say. But just in case beer is more important than learning, keep in mind that the conference sessions are licensed.
