Are you ready for a party? \u00a0Bears from around the world are coming to Palm Springs to make a big splash!<\/p>\n
The first International Bear Convergence event will be held in Palm Springs, President’s Day Weekend, 2014. The event attracting men from all over the world, associated with the LGBT subset known as \u2018Bears\u201d, will bring hundreds of thousands of revenue and tax dollars to a city that already hosts the White Party and Dinah Shore Weekend.\u00a0 Over 1500 men (roughly a third being international attendees) are expected to attend this event being hosted at the Renaissance Palms Springs Hotel. \u00a0The hotel is already over 90% sold.<\/p>\n
Some of the event’s largest sponsors are MillerCoors of Chicago, Illinois, Monster Energy Drinks, Svedka PNN Media Group and TheStandardPS.com. \u00a0Dj’s on board for this event \u00a0are Dj David Knapp, DJ John LePage, Dj Candy vs Ryan Jones, Dj Doug Jackson & Dj Chub Jim \u00a0There will be pool parties daily and dances that will go into the wee hours of the night.<\/p>\n
Andy Bell of Erasure will be performing at the Sunday night event with DJ John LePage, making it a very memorable evening for the guests and residents of Palm Springs. \u00a0Tickets are available at the door to the public and doors will open at 9:30. \u00a0Andy is set to perform many of Erasure’s greatest hits and a few new songs from Erasure’s upcoming album.<\/p>\n
In addition, on hand, to host the event will be featured entertainer and muscle-bear funnyman, Peter Bisuito<\/p>\n
Local retailers, businesses owners and restaurants will benefit and are excited about the expected attendance of men from all over the world.<\/p>\n
Event Producer Steve (Stevo) Harris and Co-Producer Chris Vance are determined to make their mark in the Worldwide Bear event circuit as this winter event will attract those seeking the perfect location for sun and fun.\u00a0 \u201cIt was a long time coming\u201d says Harris. \u201cThe Bear Community has grown considerably over the past ten years and it\u2019s time to place an event in one of the gayest cities in the world with the most perfect weather\u201d \u00a0\u201cWe want our guests to come with an open mind and open expectations,\u201d says Harris. \u201cBears are a very friendly crowd, this is definitely a convergence … it\u2019s not a circuit party, it\u2019s a weekend of celebration!\u201d<\/p>\n
Pool parties, dances and mixers are part of the weekend activities. Top entertainment and DJ\u2019s are expected to draw in hundreds from surrounding cities.\u00a0One of the highlights of the International Bear Convergence will be Sunday\u2019s main dance on February 16: The Furrageous party in the Renaissance\u2019s California Grand Ballroom, featuring a live performance by out singer Andy Bell of the group Erasure.<\/p>\n
Steve Harris is the former Editor in Chief of A Bear\u2019s Life magazine and produced such events as Bear Trek in White Plains, New York, Big Bear Adventure Weekend in Big Bear Lake California and Bear Heat dance events in Palm Springs, California. He is also the CEO of Diversity Platinum Rewards, Incorporated.Chris Vance is the producer of \u201cBearNight\u201d a monthly dance event for the Bear Community in San Diego, California as well as “Furball” an annual dance event\u00a0during San Diego Gay Pride.<\/p>\n
Schedule of Events<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Thursday February 13<\/b><\/p>\n Thursday Night Street Fair<\/p>\n (Complimentary)<\/p>\n 7:00PM-10:00PM<\/p>\n Palm Canyon Drive (between Amado and Baristo Roads) becomes an old-fashioned street fair, with musicians, food, arts and crafts vendors, and a farmers market.<\/p>\n Early Bear Party at Hunters<\/p>\n (Complimentary)<\/p>\n 9:00PM-2:00AM<\/p>\n Drink and dance to the hottest dance and pop hits with DJ Chub Jim.<\/p>\n Friday February 14<\/b><\/p>\n Registration<\/b><\/p>\n 9:00am-Noon & 3:00pm-8:00pm<\/p>\n PLUNGE 1.0 Pool Party<\/b><\/p>\n With DJ Sean Mac<\/p>\n $20 (Included with Run Pass)<\/p>\n Noon-4:00PM<\/p>\n The weekend includes a series of Four Pool Parties<\/b> called PLUNGE<\/b>. Soak up the sun, drink and splash around with hot, furry men and featured DJs. Private cabana rentals available for $400 per day, while they last. Bottle and bar service available. Grilled-to-order food available all day.<\/p>\n Meet & Greet T-Dance<\/b><\/p>\n $15 (Included with Run Pass)<\/p>\n 5:00pm-9:00pm<\/p>\n Poolside welcome party with complimentary buffet and music.<\/p>\n Meatloaf<\/b><\/p>\n with DJ Paul Coals<\/p>\n $20 (Included with Run Pass)<\/p>\n 10:00pm-2:00am<\/p>\n A frisky night of bears, music, cruising and mayhem.<\/p>\n Saturday February<\/b> 15<\/b><\/p>\n Registration<\/b><\/p>\n 9:00AM – Noon<\/p>\n Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Excursion)<\/b><\/p>\n $38 (Additional Cost)<\/p>\n 8:00am – 12:30pm<\/p>\n Ascend 2.5 miles with breath-taking views of Coachella Valley to a pristine wilderness aboard the World\u2019s Largest Rotating Tramcars. Price includes tram ticket and transportation to and from the tram. Bus leaves hotel at 7:45AM and returns at 12:30PM.<\/p>\n PLUNGE 2.0 Pool Party<\/b><\/p>\n With DJ Ryan Jones and DJ Candy<\/p>\n $20 (Included with Run Pass)<\/p>\n 10:00AM-4:00PM<\/p>\n BearHeat<\/b><\/p>\n With DJ Doug Jackson<\/p>\n $30 (Included with Run Pass)<\/p>\n The California Grand Ballroom<\/p>\n 10:00PM – 2:00AM<\/p>\n Submit to a primal, seductive night of hot men and music at BearHeat, IBC’s Saturday night dance party. Break out your favorite uniform or leather and dance to the pounding tunes of our featured DJs.<\/p>\n Late Night Pizza<\/p>\n $10 (Included with Run Pass)<\/p>\n 1:30am-2:30am – Terrace<\/p>\n Sunday February <\/b>16<\/b><\/p>\n Hungry Bear Brunch Buffet<\/p>\n $18.95 (Additional Cost)<\/p>\n DATE Restaurant Terrace<\/p>\n 9:00AM – 2:00PM<\/p>\n PLUNGE 3.0 Pool Party<\/b><\/p>\n with DJ David Knapp<\/p>\n $20 (Included with Run Pass)<\/p>\n 10:00AM-4:00PM<\/p>\n Sunday Funday Beer Bust<\/b><\/p>\n With DJ Easy Tiger<\/p>\n $10 (Included with Run Pass)<\/p>\n 5:00PM -8:00<\/p>\n Complimentary draft beer, while supplies last, music and grilled specials available.<\/p>\n FURRAGEOUS\u00ae<\/b><\/p>\n With DJ John LePage & featuring a live performance by Erasure’s Andy Bell.<\/p>\n $40 (Included with Run Pass)<\/p>\n The California Grand Ballroom<\/p>\n 10:00PM – 2:00AM<\/p>\n Furrageous\u00ae is the grand finale of the weekend .This high energy dance party is sure to overload your senses with a full spectrum of lasers, lights and visuals. Erasure’s Andy Bell will perform Erasure’s<\/p>\n top hits including “A Little Respect,” “Chains of Love,” “Always” and more!<\/p>\n Monday February <\/b>17<\/b><\/p>\n PLUNGE 4.0 Pool Party<\/b><\/p>\n With DJ Chub Jim<\/p>\n $20 (Included with Run Pass)<\/p>\n 9:00AM-2:00PM<\/p>\n Farewell Happy Hour at Hunters<\/b><\/p>\n (No cover)<\/p>\n Enjoy Happy Hour prices and music.<\/p>\n