“Docked at Hard Rock” in Lake Tahoe, Featuring the Art Car “Christina”
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe was the only place to be over the weekend. “Docked at Hard Rock” took place both Friday and Saturday nights and featured the amazing “Art Car” Christina.
Event guests at the Docked at Hard Rock celebration on Friday, Nov. 1, were treated to nationally acclaimed DJ Justin Martin. Based in San Francisco, the DJ/producer first entered the electronic music scene in 2003. He helped develop Dirtybird Records, during a time he also booked various international festivals.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, Zach Sciacca thrilled the large crowd. He’s better known as DJ Z-Trip. The DJ/producer is from Phoenix, Arizona. Like Justine Martin, he performed atop the Christina art car. Z-Trip was awarded “America’s Best DJ” in 2009. He is still as popular today and a pioneer of the mashup movement. In addition, LL Cool J, Public Enemy and Dan the Automator are a few of the respected artists Z-Trip has worked with.
The exclusive “Docked at Hard Rock” event became a huge pool-side party, featuring the fun vibe of live music, art, plus several charity functions. The appearance of Christina was the yacht’s first venture on private property for the public.
In addition to the acclaimed DJs, the crowd was treated to fire spinners, Psychedelic Sailors dancing atop the boat, Boots ‘n Cats Gogos, a 104-degree giant hot tub, plus special guests. The party kicked off both nights at 6 p.m. Later that night, the party moved indoors to the Vinyl Nightclub and Center Bar.
Jordan Laub is the event promoter and owner of VELUFUR and was quoted, “Christina’s unique story sets the tone and provided the theme to commemorate an authentic local institution in a meaningful way. Reflecting Lake Tahoe’s status as an environmental leader and Hard Rock’s corporate principles to that end, we’ll also be raising funds for organizations including The Tahoe Fund and Artech dedicated to promoting sustainability and cultural enhancement.”
Christina is a 65-foot long and 35,000 pound yacht. For years, it could be seen traveling across world famous Lake Tahoe. For those who have attended Burning Man, you will remember seeing the Christina art car traversing the Playa for almost a decade. Christina was designated “Queen of Black Rock” on three occasions. She held up to 140 passengers each trip around the Nevada desert floor.
Flipper “Flipper” Manchester is a South Lake Tahoe construction company owner and the current owner of the art car Christina. The yacht was dry-docked at the historic Tahoe Keys Marina and Flipper has hired to demolish it. But he had an innovative idea to save it and convert the yacht to an art car. The boat’s massive hull was painted with the turquoise waves of Lake Tahoe. For years, it was a popular attraction on the Black Rock Desert Playa in northwest Nevada.
To make its grand appearance at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe was no simple feat. In mid October, Christina was trucked along a route from Gerlach along State Route 447 to Interstate 80, onto US-395 to US-50. The route was chosen to fit under overpasses and stay away from more congested routes. Finally, once the Art Car” Christina arrived in South Lake Tahoe, she was reassembled.
Party guests could also rent comfortable daybeds, cabanas and reserved tables. Plus, bottle service was also available to purchase.
Charles Manchester was asked by Lake Tahoe Action magazine:
How did the “Christening of Christina” and “Docked at the Hard Rock” celebration come about?
“Executives of the Hard Rock who’ve attended Burning Man and heard her story approached me with the concept to bring her home. They saw the Christina as a vehicle to continue what goes on in the Playa for Burners throughout Northern California, Nevada and beyond”
He continued, “They recognized that it’s more than a party – how it moves people, and determined a way to have a good time, promote art and benefit local non-profits. The entire concept resonated with me. Everybody who knows her and local burners from Tahoe/Reno are all going to be there. I’m excited that the boat will be here and am looking forward to hanging out with my friends and having fun.”
Then Charles was asked, What is the future hold for the Christina?
“I planned to take her back down to Burning Man, and she might be going to other events like Coachella Valley and Las Vegas Electric Daisy. I have some folks in Seattle asking me to bring her up there to keep the vibe alive. From a transport standpoint, we’re installing metal plates enabling us to pull her apart and reassemble fast. Making it tear-down and reassemble is fast for transport. And yes, I’d do it all again.”
Be sure to check out the many upcoming events at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe. The Life of Luxury offers VIP access to over 50,000 events around the world. It’s time you make your dreams come true with a VIP experience! Please contact us today.
