by Teresa Chavez, Official Park City Voyeur

Friday night was the official christening of the Festival — it is definitely  Sundance! Total mayhem ensued up and down main street, people were slipping and sliding in a wicked blizzard, trying to make their way to some of hottest shows available.

Downstairs headlined the night with old-school legend Slick Rick, who gave everything up to a grateful crowd. Nostalgia overwhelmed the place, with everyone screaming the lyrics along with the master himself. The intimate atmosphere offered by Downstairs is unmatched by any other Park City venue. You are within inches of your favorite artist, making the whole experience all the more memorable.

Up the street at Harry O’s, the infamous “no show” NAS actually appeared…..for a whole 12 minutes. It was a disappointing experience for the incredibly patient people who not only paid a $100 to see and hear him, but physically endured the blizzard for an hour, trying to get in.

Red Carpet Lounge and Stansfield Gallery are hands down the place to go for an after party. Not only are they easy to get into, but both venues were packed with beautiful people, celebrating the freedom of not being in a theater all day. Hot DJ’s kept the mood lively at both venues and the atmosphere was HOT.  Definitely suggest a visit.

A wild snowball fight ensued later on Main Street, with a police vehicle getting caught in the middle of the barrage. Several arguments erupted between vehicles. Cheers to the people who think they know how to drive in the snow, but really don’t!

Check back soon for more Sundance updates!