The Party's Over

The Phoenix rave scene loses a hot spot — and may put another one on ice

A A A Comments (103) By Sarah Fenske Thursday, Oct 25 2007

The old warehouse on South Fourth Avenue was a rarity for Phoenix, and not just because it's a cavernous old building in a city that has so few of them. What really made it unusual: It was a place to rave in a town where raving is hard to do.

The man known as "Boo" with a young partygoer.
Performance Photographx
The man known as "Boo" with a young partygoer.

Location Info

Venue

Icehouse

Map

Icehouse

429 W. Jackson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Category: Music Venues

Region: Central Phoenix

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The kids called it "Boo's Warehouse," after the building's manager, 61-year-old Michael "Boo" Booher. And for months on end, neighbors say, Boo hosted raves that packed 'em in by the hundreds.

It was quite the scene, but like all scenes without the proper permits, it was destined to come to an end. Two weeks ago, the Phoenix fire marshal caught wind of a rave called "Bloodfest 3." When the party went off, even after the Fire Department's warnings, they shut it down.

And what the fire marshal found at the scene was scary enough to give even the most laid-back parent a coronary.

We're talking eerie special effects, with cobwebs and skulls adorning the walls. We're talking hundreds of kids, many distinctly underage — fire officials estimate more like 14 and 15 years old than 17 — ready to party the night away. Most frightening of all: The party was set to happen in an old building with only one exit and those flammable cobwebs just about everywhere.

Fire-prevention specialist Brian Scholl was there. He realized almost immediately just how dangerous the warehouse was.

"I've been doing this six years," Scholl says. "And this is the worst thing that I've run into. The place is just not safe. You've got only one exit and these scary little stairways. I was afraid to walk on them, and that was with just two people ahead of me."

Take a panicky crowd during a fire, Scholl adds, and those "scary little stairways" suddenly become much, much worse.

But while the Fire Department's shutdown that night is hardly shocking, plenty about the bust at Boo's Warehouse is.

For one thing, while the Phoenix Police Department accompanied fire officials to the scene, the cops issued zero citations and arrested nobody. In fact, a police spokesman says, they didn't even write up an incident report — despite all those underage kids. (The kids, according to the chat rooms at www.azedm.com, ended up partying in the desert.)

This is much different than busting a homeowner for throwing one loud party. There's a reason that the fire marshal takes this stuff so seriously: It would take only one cigarette to spark a tragedy like that at the 2003 Great White concert in Rhode Island — a fire, a panic, and 100 people dead.

Yet neighbors allege that underage raves were a fixture at the warehouse. Helen Hestenes owns the Icehouse just across the street and has hosted some raves, too, although hers are strictly legal. Hestenes says that she and her staff have witnessed no fewer than 24 unlicensed parties at Boo's site in the past year.

And here's the funny part. Hestenes isn't the warehouse's only neighbor. Next door is the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

Seriously. The warehouse is at Jackson Street and Fourth Avenue. The Fourth Avenue Jail, where deputies process arrestees at all hours of the day and night, sits directly across the street.

But there's no record indicating that anyone in the Sheriff's Office did a thing to question why there were hundreds of underage kids next door, sporting angel wings and sucking lollipops. (Not surprisingly, Captain Paul Chagolla, the sheriff's spokesman, didn't get back to me with a comment.) Instead, it took Hestenes to get the city's attention — and she's now facing retribution because the rave kids aren't exactly thrilled about their party being busted. The sheriff's deputies apparently chose to look the other way.

And that might be very funny. After all, despite the obvious danger, no one's died.

But there's one big problem.

Boo, the nice old dude who let the kids party at the warehouse, is a convicted child molester.

In 1998, Michael L. Booher was charged with molesting a 7-year-old girl in Pima County. Court records indicate he coerced the victim, who happened to be his girlfriend's daughter, into urinating on his genitals. The clincher for Tucson detectives: Booher's girlfriend, horrified to learn about what had happened, said that particular act was something he'd asked her to do, too. Booher pleaded guilty, served four years in prison, and was released in 2006. He's now a registered sex offender.

When I finally managed to reach Booher just hours before press time on Tuesday, he acknowledged his criminal record but insisted there had never been an incident since he began allowing raves at the warehouses. "I haven't done anything and I haven't thought of doing anything," he says.

But still, I think it should be obvious: This is exactly the kind of guy you don't want hanging around a bunch of cute high school girls tripping on Ecstasy!

If anyone from the Sheriff's Office had bothered to check out the pulsating dance music next door, or even just called the Phoenix Police Department to say, "Hey, something's not right here," they would have ended up talking to Boo. And you'd hope, at some point, someone would have done a background check or even a simple Google search (like the one done by yours truly) and realized they had a perv on their hands.

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  • '96 FOREVER 08/06/2010 10:19:00 AM

    Truth be told, there would be no Phoenix Rave Scene without Helen and the Icehouse. It's a AZ Dance Music landmark.

  • raving 101 07/26/2009 3:47:00 AM

    But there's no record indicating that anyone in the Sheriff's Office did a thing to question why there were hundreds of underage kids next door, sporting angel wings and sucking lollipops. i didnt know it was illegal for anyone to eat lollipops or wear angel wings? when did that law come into affect?

  • Samantha 06/03/2009 7:56:00 PM

    As an ex-raver I have raved at boos warehouse. But, I had no idea that BOO was a convicted childmolester. That is sick and discusting. This article tought me and my friend alot thanks.

  • Noob Ravers STFU 04/13/2009 4:29:00 PM

    Will you dumbass kids that have only been in the scene for a year please stop posting. You make these immature idiotic comments and no one is going to take anyone from the scene seriously with you kids running around wearing a pound of kandie on each arm and giving each other back rubs.

  • Skitz 03/20/2009 5:45:00 PM

    well, i just wanna say its not what you all make it out to be. You just wanna shut us down cause you have a problem with how we like to live. Shit if you only knew how good raves are your whoever you wanna be just the regular old you. Try and shut the rave scene down IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN

  • Skitz 03/20/2009 5:43:00 PM

    well, i just wanna say its not what you all make it out to be. You just wanna shut us down cause you have a problem with how we like to live. Shit if you only knew how good raves are your whoever you wanna be just the regular old you. Try and shut the rave scene down IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN

  • Fox 03/14/2009 7:02:00 PM

    I honestly think that it's simply a matter of desperation. Hennesy can't afford her venue and ravers prefer one where the venue isn't run by a raving bitch. I mean, I'm sure it's torture for her to look across the street and see hundred of people having the time of their lives, but getting back at someone who has served his time and learned his lesson is absolutely uncalled for. In closing. The rave scene will never disappear. There are multiple raves every weekend and if one venue shuts down another one will be found. If safe venues are taken away, then the ravers will simply find new ones, ones that maybe aren't so safe. If this is a matter of safety for your children, let things continue as they are. Like the article said, no one has died. What parent would be upset about his or her child partying at a fenced in venue right next to the police department. You aren't going to get any safer than that.

  • Fox 03/14/2009 7:01:00 PM

    I honestly think that it's simply a matter of desperation. Hennesy can't afford her venue and ravers prefer one where the venue isn't run by a raving bitch. I mean, I'm sure it's torture for her to look across the street and see hundred of people having the time of their lives, but getting back at someone who has served his time and learned his lesson is absolutely uncalled for. In closing. The rave scene will never disappear. There are multiple raves every weekend and if one venue shuts down another one will be found. If safe venues are taken away, then the ravers will simply find new ones, ones that maybe aren't so safe. If this is a matter of safety for your children, let things continue as they are. Like the article said, no one has died. What parent would be upset about his or her child partying at a fenced in venue right next to the police department. You aren't going to get any safer than that.

  • sally 02/16/2009 10:35:00 PM

    thats so lame. lets the kids do what they want, if they get hurt its their own fault. they arnt trying to hurt anyone or cause any harm. this city is just way to dramatic. get over yourself.

  • mike 11/11/2008 9:03:00 PM

    i almost begin to wonder if the sheriff is involved with that warehouse

  • Chris Flaherty 04/11/2008 11:29:00 PM

    Its easy to blame the promoters and party throwers but wheres the parents? Maybe if parents knew how to properly take care of their kid they wouldn't be at a party til 7 in the morning. I hate people who like to dish out the blame but can't take it. Stop blaming the world for your problems and own up!

  • KPR 03/14/2008 3:44:00 AM

    Just read this article online, and am amazed at all the critical comments in regards to the Icehouse and the New Times and the writer of the piece, Sarah Fenske. However, knowing nothing at all of the 'rave scene' in PHX, one brief sentence in the article makes me think there was indeed, bias on the part of the writer. Describing Helen Hestenes' great difficulty with playing by the governmental rules and regulations while trying to stay in business, the writer states "Back in 1999, in fact, the fire marshal gave Hestenes and her then-husband a cease-and-desist order after they applied for a liquor license to host an event...". Does Ms. Fenske really intend to paint a picture of a business woman, in planning for an upcoming event; acquiring a permit form, filling it out, and submitting it to the proper authorities ONLY to receive in reply a Cease-and-Desist order? I've filled out quite a few forms and submitted them to quite a few agencies and have, many times, gotten the run-around, but never have I turned in a form only to receive a swift kick in the butt that is a cease-and-desist order. Other than that, I've found Ms. Fenske to be a credible and talented writer and look forward to reading more of her articles online.

  • Kate 11/22/2007 8:15:00 AM

    If there is really such an issue with these kids going to these events, where the hell are the parents? They should be the ones stepping in and managing where their children are allowed to go and what they are allowed to do. What parent is allowing their teenage daughter to leave the house dressed in a bra and panties to go to a club run by a sex offender? Why are these parents giving their children so much freedom? They are children, for god's sake, and they need boundaries. Parents need to step up and set guidelines. If you don't want your kid going to a rave, don't let them. If you don't want your kid dressing like a slut, don't let them. You buy their clothes. You drive them around and/or buy them cars. They live in your house. You set the rules. Quit trying to make the rest of the world responsible for your children. I am appalled at the fact that there is obviously such a presence of underage kids at these functions, and that these venues are being so irresponsible about carding their patrons. But I am more appalled at the parents of these kids who obviously don't give a shit about what their kids are up to. And kids....for god's sake, be a kid, at least for a couple more years. Because you have the rest of your life to be an adult, and it's not that great...trust me.

  • not a dumb ass 11/19/2007 3:45:00 PM

    ok first i think wht boo did was the WORST thing someone could ever do and is unforgivable. ok now that i have said that i think it is completley RETARDED for people to think because parties are being thrown at his venue that some damn underage orgy is going on. yea it is kinda weird but its not like the parties are themed for child molesters or half off for convected sex offenders. we're talkin about one guy here, one old ass guy i should add. its not like there arn't, and im pretty sure that there are a few, child molesters and sickos at other parties and raves especially at the icehouse, unless they start doing background checks for all at the door. Next, yea i dont think it is cool for little kids to be out that late even if they are with there parents its real easy to get seperated and lost. but as far as 15 year olds and all that. People we put 15 year olds in prison for life, if they're responsible enough to pay for something with they're life im pretty sure that they are old enough to to tell some old fart to go fuck himself.

  • Angel 11/07/2007 5:29:00 AM

    Completely ignoring the small idea of media ethics in being responsible in writing a non-biased, non-opinionated, factually based article to inform the readers of said article of what actually happened and is happening, we can find an article that is possibly worth reading and paying attention to - enter the grain of salt. Fact. Michael "Boo" Booher is a registered sex offender in the State of Arizona. He was charged and plead guilty to the molestation of the 7 year old daughter of his then current girlfriend. What isn't mentioned in this article is everything that was found afterwards. It mentions nothing of the police report itself. It has no notes that bring about the small bit of information that says the girl was coerced into making the accusations against him. It says nothing beyond "He was accused, he plead guilty, he served time." That alone is a misrepresentation of the facts, as when I last checked, omission of any information that may change the outcome of a decision is still providing false information; lying, if you will. Regardless, if "Boo" did anything near the accusations, that is something he will have to live with for his time here. Yes, I am absolutely one thousand percent against anyone who would assault a child in any way. However, everything I've read and noted says he has served his time and payed what he had to for something that was truthfully never founded to be true or false. He has his rights to live his life, make his money, and enjoy his time as long as he violates no court orders stating he is supposed to stay away from children or a certain age group - and look, there aren't any. So, somewhere the courts didn't think him enough of a sexual predator to bother with such restrictions. Leave him be, and let him have his life. Fact. Helen absolutely did call the Fire Marshal on the Warehouse. Why? Who knows. Some claim it was for fire violations. Others say it was because Blood Fest chose not to hold their event at the Icehouse (minus the small issue that the Icehouse already had an event going on that evening). Having spoken directly to some of the officers, detectives, and the fire marshals that were involved that evening, the majority of them admitted solely to Helen having called them, as well as the "anonymous" call that was brought in on the Warehouse regarding the liquor board violations. Again, so what. Helen has her motives - none of them have been proven to be true or false one way or another. She could have the best intentions for the people at these raves, or she could be in it purely to make a profit. However, the Icehouse itself cannot be held liable for the owner being a good or bad person. She is currently receiving exactly what she deserved for effectively shutting down one of two rave sites in Phoenix - her business in raves has gone south. The last rave to be held at the Icehouse took a huge loss by only receiving around 2% of what they expected in ravers. Anyone who would speak of Helen as a good influence to the raving community should note that what she did on the night of Blood Fest was cost the promoters plenty of money for the thousand or so ravers that never got in due to it being shut down, as well as cost the other two thousand that never made it out to the desert their money after they had to be forced out post-payment. Thousands of dollars were lost on both ends of the spectrum that night, and now the only two sites currently in Phoenix for raves have been hit hard in being able to hold them with any sense of a profit. Make your own decision about who should be blamed there. Raves will continue. It's unfortunate the past few have undersold due to this single article. The action of one woman and one reporter have cost many people plenty of money. When it comes down to it, the entire scene itself has suffered much more tremendously due to all of this. Most of you simply need to forget, forgive, or at the very least move on so these events don't stay gone. These places are a way to allow kids and even quite a few adults to get out on the weekend, enjoy their nights when they can't make it into bars or dance clubs, and have a good time. The minor instances (which this article so "factually" presented as a regularly occuring issue on kids "tripping on ecstasy") of drugs and alcohol stands nothing against how many are there to simply enjoy themselves. Make your opinions and your choices, and stick to them, but don't think your own actions will come without consequences you didn't see.

  • mookow 11/05/2007 11:07:00 PM

    joe shmo is a dumb ass, well written article...

  • Toastie 11/02/2007 3:17:00 PM

    The one thing i have to say is SAVE BOO'S 2 many memories were in that place dont let it go down with out a fight RAVE ON!!!!

  • Scott 10/28/2007 7:25:00 PM

    The last comment by Lame would happen to be from one of Skyes ex b/fs friends. What is funny about this is the reason she left him is because he cheated on her with a 17 year old and he is in his late 20s. So really unless you have something more intelligent to say and would like to do it with your name posted and not "lame" or "anon" don't post because you're just proving to be a immature child yourself.

  • this is lame 10/28/2007 6:48:00 AM

    comment 70 "dice" sounds like a little boy complaining about bullshit. obviously u care enough to read about this. stop being a little bitch. ps- boo is a child molester. period. pss- dj skyee is a FAKE

  • Your Mom 10/27/2007 2:42:00 PM

    I find it entertaining that the ones who are "boycotting" the IceHouse are the same people who haven't been in the scene very long. Those of us that have been around for 10+ years have seen the rise and fall of MANY venues but the IceHouse has ALWAYS been there. The fact that people are defending a convicted child molester is disturbing. Im sure these are the same teens that are rolled out every weekend romping around in their panties and bras. I could give 2 shits if you boycott the IceHouse because you know what? Without YOU the scene is a better place for the veterans to enjoy what we have continued to focus on for all these years: THE MUSIC. And Skye, you need to STFU already. Since when have you been the be all know all of the Phoenix rave scene? You have passed off other people's mixes as your own, you have stolen artwork from a popular website and passed that off as your own, You have lied about being friends with well known Dj's and producers, you have sex with carebears, you pose for disgusting pictures and you are a shitty DJ. You have only been in Arizona for what, 3 years now? Take your fake ass back to Indiana where you belong.

  • phaze 10/27/2007 12:07:00 AM

    wow i havent seen this much bullshit in a message board since before the nexus board went down. i just love how easy it is for ppl to stand in judgement against each other. for those of you ready to stone boo, i hope when the day comes and you need mercy, there are less judgemental ppl than yourselves around. God help us all.

  • Scott 10/26/2007 8:46:00 PM

    This article mostly sounds like a advertisement for the Icehouse. Then again the writer of this article is actually friends with Helen. Extremely bias article in my opinion. It just seem's like Helen is trying to make it impossible for the venue to even open again. Helen does not care about the safety of any of the younger crowd that goes to these events. Helen being on a first name basis with most of the city officials? Well that explains why the Icehouse has been around for so long she obviously kisses some ass or has been paying people off. Calling the Icehouse a 100 year old fortress? The Warehouse across from her is as old as the Icehouse and better built. Considering it was used as a printer company for the longest time and the Warehouse attached to it being used for events has massive fire doors seperating the new and old building from each other. As well as the Warehouse being solid block and concrete not really anything that can burn and it has a Fire Sprinkler system as well. What was Helen worried about exactly? Kids getting sick from inhaling dust? The warehouse did have Licensed and Bonded Security working at it the same Security that also works at the Icehouse.

  • Mr no name 10/26/2007 6:31:00 PM

    Apart from the general story , the ice house sucks , a friend of mine told me there would be a �great� rave so I went with him and paid the 26 or 30 dollars to get in the door , it was my first and last trip to the place , low and behold , one of the worst ratio�s I�ve ever seen in my entire life, excepting perhaps coyote ugly up in new york new york . There must have been like 15 guys for every girl . Damn if I wanted to party like that I�d have gone to a gay bar .

  • Ang 10/26/2007 6:13:00 PM

    In all honesty the evidence points to the Ice House owner acting out of not so altruistic motives. Firstly, if she claims to have witnessed over a dozen illegal parties there in the course of a year, why would she just now be bringing this to the authorities attentions? If you see someone dangling a baby out a car window at 55mph, do you wait a year and for 12 more instances to report/try to stop it? Even the way the article was written and its obvious bias suggest that money is a factor. Why else mention that taxes are going up and that staying in business is getting harder? "Boo's" house is also not the only place these types of events occur without permits or inspections, so should she truely be looking out for the kid's safety shouldnt she be leading campaigns against other locals as well? Dont get me wrong, I wholeheartedly agree that there need to be checks in place to make sure events are held at apropriate venues and have environments appropriate for minors. Playing the weepy dramatic "Oh won't someone please think of the children" card in this case seems hard to swallow and manipulative. Seems the attempt to skew the situation backfired in this case and has angered the very money she was hoping to lure back to the ice house. Sounds like the ravers could put her out of business if they lay off the drugs enough to remember to boycot the ice house.

  • dice 10/26/2007 4:40:00 PM

    BLAH BLAH BLAH get over it already please let's just go back to the desert stop your whining plur

  • Captain Obvious 10/26/2007 11:48:00 AM

    You people are hopeless. God help us all.

  • Deon Walker 10/26/2007 5:03:00 AM

    Wow! I was going to stay out of this, yet this article is a direct attack on the raving community. Accused of having flammable cobwebs, ouch! Ive been raving for 2 years and try to meet everyone who goes. I have never met a 14yr old without a parent. Not to say they are not there, they could be duct taped and hidden away under the "scary little strairway." Haha. I have been to desert, house, icehouse, Boo's and the same ravers also go to all, so if some are 14 and 15, they are at the icehouse too. I thought when they never checked my ID at the legal party that I was just too old, who knew? I did meet a family at Earthdance that took their 8 yr old. Sweet Kid, we all gave him Candie, (braclet to show hope for peace, love, unity and respect) Wow, Rhetorical commentators said it best, especially 10 & 66. Comment 62 �welcome to being a true Raver. You are right, no little girl on Boo�s arms at Dreamz n Drumz or any other rave, only with me at 43. Ok, Ravers are not defending Boo�s actions or his past, yet I must defend the innuendoes that there was and is inappropriate touching at the raves themselves. I have never been touched at a rave in bad taste; then again, I�m not prime age for getting groped. Then why is it every time I go to a sports bar or a dance club, some drunken dude tries to grab my ass? To me, my choice is simply to RAVE ON. At Raves I get hugs from all and accepted by all. Human Touch is important, it is impossible to cure disease or live without the bio-magnectics of human touch. Why Boo? He gives people vision and hope. He dreams big, and he is never about money. He is about giving Arizona�s talented DJ�s a chance to do what they do best, and to make it big. He envisions a time and place where our DJ�s do not need that day job that they hate to work at to just get by. A legal place where the promoters don�t have to pay 5000.00 for a junky place they may lose money on. Boo knows he will be only a small part of this success and it takes a whole community to make this happen. Maybe he is trying to make up for his past. Whatever it is, this isn�t about him, and he knows it. I do know he is willing to do his share and do it now. Why Rave, to me it would take a book to explain. With this world in division, chaos, war, and not knowing the purpose of the violence, the rave scene gives this generation hope of unity and peace. Raving brings musical artist that are fresh and new together with the visual art of special effects, lighting, dancing, rhythm, to bring beauty to all the senses. New Science and Quantum Physics are finding the materials things are made of are strings of vibrating energy. The art of blending all these energies is truly most beautiful. I want to thank the raving community for making my life filled with more joy. Thank-you promoters, owners of property, vendors, behind the scene and girlfriends that do most of the work, thank you ravers for the amazing light shows and APPROPRIATE back rubs that are so awesome. Thank-you sound, lighting visuals, and especially DJ�s for the beautiful memories of the art that will stay in my mind forever. Hey Matt- Would you do a rave called "FLAMMABLE COBWEBS?" Peace be with you all, Mom

  • Envy 10/26/2007 4:46:00 AM

    Wow, really biased aren't we? This is load of bullocks. Really it is. This won't follow through.

  • steve 10/26/2007 4:35:00 AM

    I think my IQ went down 10 points by reading those comments.

  • Katelynn 10/26/2007 2:47:00 AM

    THIS IS RIDICULOUS. NOT EVERYONE WHO RAVES DOES DRUGS PUH-LEASE. WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE THEM OUT AT HOUSE PARTIES GETTING FUCKED UP AND DRIVING HOME? COME ON DUMBFUCKS. THERE IS NO HARM AND IM PRETTY FUCKING SURE IF BOO TRIED SHIT 1 OF THE 100'S OF PEOPLE WOULDVE SAID SOMETHING. GO FUCKING WRITE SOMETHING FACTUAL WORTH READING.

  • jd's girl 10/26/2007 12:03:00 AM

    First of all *NOBODY* can say that they are perfect and have never done anything wrong in the past. Yea what boo did to that girl is wrong but people do change and it is obvious that he has. He is such a kind hearted person. Many of my friends and myself know boo personaly he is a changed man and i dont care what anyone says about him. you all *THINK* u know him but ya really dont. And the whole helen thing, shes soooo lucky that people that throw awsome parties are throwing them there cuz if she didnt have them she would have nothing.

  • Adam 10/25/2007 10:53:00 PM

    "Pretty telling that you do" that's just rich Hide you kids, people, I might try to pull a reverse-R.Kelly because I have the balls to see a human being behind an untraversable taboo, though disgusting it may be. sorry for lying about leaving, but I had to call out your shit on that one.

  • Captain Obvious 10/25/2007 10:52:00 PM

    Adam - If there are injuries and/or deaths associated with said DUI, absolutely. Snorting coke and draft-dodging -- not even in the same ballpark. And no, you didn't explicitly defend child molestation, and I never implied that you were. But you also weren't originally trying to simply "remind witch burners that people can change." Please, nice straw man. (Adam): "If it isn't a condition of his parole to avoid minors and there are no new incidents, what relevance does Boo's past even have?" What relevance?? What an INCREDIBLY naive and dangerous mindset, given not only the recidivism rate of pedophiles, but also the fact that this incident directly involves adolescent children. Again, you can't be serious.

  • Adam 10/25/2007 10:32:00 PM

    Captain I'manass: I did't explicitly defend child molestation anywhere. I just tried to remind witch burners that people can change. I'll concede that my accusation of your voting history was childish. But you don't think extreme DUI at least approaches molestation? I guess as long as the kids aren't alive to remember... my last response... it's been swell

  • Captain Obvious 10/25/2007 10:21:00 PM

    Adam - I actually had Clinton in '92 and '96, Nader in 2000 and Kerry in '04. But, I must say, kudos for attempting to politicize pedophilia! Not terribly surprising that you'd try to lump me as a Bush-loving neo-con simply because I don't equate snorting coke and draft-dodging with forcing a helpless seven year old girl to urinate on someone's genitals. Pretty telling that you do, though.

  • Sarah Sinner 10/25/2007 10:12:00 PM

    Adam....You just blow me away....I back you 100% my friend.

  • Adam 10/25/2007 10:07:00 PM

    to Captain Obvious: George Bush snorted coke, dodged the draft, and wrapped his car around a tree after getting shitfaced...but that sure didn't stop anyone from this state from electing him. (probably including you) I love how people only believe in second chances when it's their own ass on the line...

  • Captain Obvious 10/25/2007 10:01:00 PM

    "Finally, she gets straight down to lowbrow sexual humiliation. If it isn't a condition of his parole to avoid minors and there are no new incidents, what relevance does Boo's past even have?" You can't be serious.

  • Sarah Sinner 10/25/2007 10:00:00 PM

    DirtyDave is right... I called myself a raver...and ya know what...I'm not...I would go and help work the parties..and enjoy the music but honestly... I wasn't what most would call a "raver". Granted I never drank or did drugs while attending a party...I had fun and enjoyed myself..but seriously...take a step back and look at what you're up against...I know most of you are going to back your scene....as you have in years past... Keep the faith...Thats all thats gonna keep it going.

  • Adam 10/25/2007 9:29:00 PM

    I was gonna write up some long winded treatise breaking down the low brow tactics employed by the amateur author...but I lost my motivation overnight. eh, no I didn't... A respectable journalist, though she may not consider herself such, would've ended the article with a report on a warehouse shut down because it was deemed hazardous by the fire dept. Instead we are subjected to a switcheroo of Nancy Reagan scare tactics followed by a sickening plug for a business affiliate. She reminds us of childish emotional stigmas surrounding "butterfly wings" and bumping techno, and insinuates that raving is a punishable offense under the law. She tries to scare the reader with undertones of drug use, while she herself sells the reader the most overly addictive mindfuck available to the masses: blind fear. Certainly there's nothing inherently wrong with staying up late listening to repetetive music in a dark room while wearing ridiculous clothing? Certainly the author doesn't actually care about minors out past curfew, lest she'd advocate nightly SWAT raids of every movie theater nationwide. She brings up harmless items that subconciously remind us of drugs, but does she know the stats behind drugs at rock concerts and in legal clubs? Oh, wait, baby boomers could relate to getting stoned at Pink Floyd or snorting blow at Studio 54...better pick an easier target. Finally, she gets straight down to lowbrow sexual humiliation. If it isn't a condition of his parole to avoid minors and there are no new incidents, what relevance does Boo's past even have? And while I'll admit the Icehouse is an indispensible legal venue to the scene, it isn't really much more than a dirt lot with four walls and a partial roof. Also, if you can't see this Helen broad's "concern" for what it really is, then you, sir or madam, are hopelessly naive. I'll avoid the nitty gritty details for the sake of the scene, but believe me, it ALL goes down at the icehouse...PLUS ALCOHOL. This article did give me one fleeting glint of hope: that if I lose my ambition and barely sqeak out of college, there's always the New Times... Directly addressing the author: I love how you think putting a period after "Seriously" where a comma would produce an identical effect is "stylistic" or something...XD Cute. Even worse than the Feather(brain)ed Bastard's brand of tacky alliteration. The New Times is devolving into a sensationalist rag only useful for its coupons and restaurant reviews. There's a section on this site called "Murder City" about the few scattered killings in one of the safest large metropolitan areas one could hope to live in. Sounds bullshit to me. One of the pitfalls of running a free publication is that I can take an entire stack and drop it in the dumpster without sacrificing a cent of my own. I encourage ravers to do the same. too bad the paper is too coarse (see:cheap) for my ass... -Adam

  • Captain Obvious 10/25/2007 9:07:00 PM

    You're all making my point for me. "No one knew! That's the point! Blah blah, fucking blah..." Yeah, but now that you DO know, YOU'RE STILL PISSED THAT YOU CAN NO LONGER ATTEND PARTIES AT THIS SICK FUCKER'S VENUE. And for those of you that actually knew his past, yet still defend him, you obviously don't have children. Someday you'll understand. But probably not, because you selfish little twats only give two shits about this child molesting douchebag because he has (had) a venue that you could party at. How fucking sad. PLUR(R) my ass.

  • Boo? More like poo 10/25/2007 8:55:00 PM

    Boo should be called Poo because that's what he wants on his chest from a 15 year old.

  • Ty 10/25/2007 8:54:00 PM

    I would have understood the situation better, if they told us that they were shutting us down because of just fire marshal issues. But no, they told us there were too many people, and that Helen wanted the rave at the Icehouse instead of at Boo's. I do believe the last bit of information. If you saw the stair cases, they weren't that narrow or rickety, and I never saw any cobwebs or skulls that would prompt me to question the risk of a fire. Helen has shut down another rave called Club Party Monster. She then moved it to her own venue. Now, it seems like a nice enough gesture, but if you see that she has trouble with her own finances, why shouldn't she take advantage of the situation she herself created? Greedy. People saw what she did int he past, and made no mistake to see what she was doing now. Taking business away from Boo! Being a greedy woman with no remorse! Like all of the ravers at the scene, I was PISSED. The whole situation sucked, I never got my money back, and the rave was too far for me to drive. So thanks alot Helen. I hope you choke on a dick.

  • Moosey 10/25/2007 8:50:00 PM

    My first rave was at boo's warehouse, it was probably one of the most incredible experiences i have ever had in my life. I turned down all the drugs that were offered to me, i heeded my mom's words. I met someone the most amazing people in the world thanks to boo's warehouse. At boo's warehouse, it isnt all free reign there, he has...er had restrictions that everyone followed. you cant condemn a man for his past, unless you want to be condemned for yours, a past is history, doomed to repeat it's self? possibly, most likely not. It seems to me by Boo opening this venue for us, was like his way of apologizing for his past. Many people who knew boo, or has met him had known about his past, but they still accepted him knwoing he changed. I mean is that impossible, can someone not change? or is your head to far up your ass to believe someone can? I have something for you all, what about the other old guys checking out ass at the raves? couldnt they be molesters too?? i mean why so much attention on the owner, so sad really, such a nice guy he was. Boo doesnt..uh didnt only host raves, but he went to them. I saw him at Dreamz & Drumz last weekend. and not touching or doing anyhting inappropriate with any 'little' girls. Raving is about PLUR, and if you all dont know what it is, then im sorry. And i agree...raving in phoenix is hard. and this makes one less venue, but we'll make due wont we guys? I know we will

  • jay 10/25/2007 8:49:00 PM

    HAHAHAHAHAHA BOOO IS A FUCKING CHILD MOLESTER WHO WOULD OF KNOWN??? NO ONE! thats the point. Yeah he should not be forgiven. But he shouldn't be held for. Ravers get ready to say hello to a way more underground scene.

  • Skrinkle 10/25/2007 8:43:00 PM

    Okay so Boo is a nice guy but ya that place was getting old i like being in the desert more its funner and we needed to find a new place anyways so stop bitching okay most new ravers i'm not saying that i hjave been raving longer but whatever like ther real real newbies ne to fucking lear what P.L.U.R(R) fucking is and at least while your at a rave lean to live by it dont bring your bullshit drama into the one place where we all are supposed to get along and dont think of a rave as a place where you go just to get fucked up its not being at raves means your there for friends and a good time and i'm pretty sure you DONT need drugs to have a good time i mean come on me and most of my friends have noticed what drugs do to you so we all chose to stop doing them and just look at all you stupid kids on them and just laugh cause we cant believe how fucking stupid we look when we all did that so pleas learn what P.L.U.R(R) is and live by it that one night out of your whole week and please if your 16 or younger and a girl please try not to look like fucking sluts and just be in a bra and panties its showing off shit that you DON'T have to show off haha

  • dirtydave 10/25/2007 8:42:00 PM

    You know what else people are missing from this article? The fact that the RAVE SCENE IN PHOENIX HERE IS DEAD... GET OVER IT PEOPLE! If you don't believe me, go watch some vids on YouBoob or MyWaste and checkout how massives USED TO BE. Or better yet, go check out current events going on ANYWHERE IN EUROPE. They are held in big outdoor arenas, indoor stadiums, and huge clubs where everything is legal and goes off without a hitch. No dirty piece of trash warehouses, no slimy security to boss people around, and no piece of shit promoters who just want their cut and then CALL THE COPS ON THEIR OWN PARTY (Earthdance anyone? LOL to all you suckers who wasted 45 bucks on a stupid fucking Tucson party). Look, the scene as a whole is just done with. Raves will NEVER come back, so just face it. I've personally tried to have faith. I've been in this "scene" since 93, probably when most of you kids weren't even old enough to wear training pants, so I know what I'm talking about. Nothing is the way it used to be thanks to the Rave Act that passed back in 2000/2001 and thats how it is. Sometimes, legislation is passed unbeknownst to those it will most effect, and thats just how lawmakers like it. If you didn't know, the biggest ruling in the Rave Culture passed as a RIDER on another bill, to disguise it passing. Go look it up if you want to find out more. But it's not just Phoenix, it's everywhere. It will never get back to the 'day, that's why people say "back in the day". Just like the new Woodstock sucked total cat balls compared to the original, some shit never is as good as the original. The Rave scene here, as with many other places, is just like a bad movie sequel. Some of the faces are the same, the ideas are rehashed, and its that same old soundtrack from 5 years ago that never seems to get any fresher. If you all want to move into the now, wait until you're 21, start finding out more about your community (i.e. issues you can Vote on, since most of you claim you're 18) and get involved. Make the clubs a better place, since you must realize by now that Warehouses and desert parties are a dying (if not already dead) breed. I challenge a response to this post that doesn't just say something like "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE FUCKHEAD", because honestly, I do know what its like. I went to parties here back in 97 that had big headliners (Moby and Juno reactor at the ICEHOUSE, when is THAT ever gonna happen again?), and massive crowds, and people digging it until the sun came up. Sometimes you gotta move on to better things people; it's the evolution. Adapt or just continue to suffer in the dredges of the culture with dirty old men and bitchy warehouse czars who rat out their competition. Oh and in case you haven't noticed, I don't have "bias" towards either party in this article. Both groups can be seen at fault. The scene is for the people and by the people, not to be facilitated by grandpa and the wicked witch. Peace out bitches

  • Mr WiX 10/25/2007 8:38:00 PM

    Hey Tyler the guy ruined his own reputation. The question that should be asked is Did Boo see out the rave scene or did the rave scene find him? If it was him doing the looking then it would seem a little strange. But if he was just trying to make moey for his ware house you can't really say he was on the "prowl"

  • Tyler G 10/25/2007 8:27:00 PM

    Mind your own business man. your right parties have been goin on there for almost a year and we've never had a problem. thanks for ruin our fun. We appriciate it. Ravin in Phoenix is hard to do and you are helpin to ruin the best place there is to rave. Think before you write things you dont know what your talkin about. Why dont you talk to some of the ravers instead of making this one sided story. Boo's a nice guy. Your past is your past and ive NEVER seen him act sexually toward any raver. Dont try and ruin a mans reputation. dont write this try and scare parents. Its people like you that make it hard to have a good time. feel free to email me. Id love to sit down and talk to you about what went on there. Maybe then you'll realize how your story has no facts in it at all. I cant believe they let you print this.

  • Mr WiX 10/25/2007 8:23:00 PM

    There are very few people defending Boo if you've read all the post you'll notice that. No one knew until just now. Well at least to my knowledge. I'm not going to attack his name or character, i don't need to. it is up to each individual to decide weather or not he has paid his debt to society. Personally i feel rape, molestation and murder are unforgivable crimes, but if other want to trust him that is their prerogative.

  • Captain Obvious 10/25/2007 8:14:00 PM

    What's (not surprisingly) being missed here is that you "children" (literal and pejorative) are advocating and supporting a CONVICTED CHILD MOLESTOR. THE SICK FUCK HAD A SEVEN YEAR OLD GIRL TAKE A PISS ON HIS JUNK. LET ME REPEAT: THE SICK FUCK HAD A SEVEN YEAR OLD GIRL TAKE A PISS ON HIS JUNK. What the fuck is wrong with you idiots? PLUR(R) is simply an acronym to you people. Any semblance of what the scene actually was or meant died sometime around 1995, when the majority of you fucktards were wearing diapers and sucking you're mom's teat. If you had any sense of "responsibility," you'd not contribute ONE FUCKING CENT to that sick bastard by attending parties at his venue. But since all you silly, selfish little "children" care about is your stupid fucking "scene," it's not surprising that you're all willing to overlook something as "minor" as SEXUALLY ASSAULTING A HELPLESS SEVEN YEAR OLD GIRL.

  • jason daniel 10/25/2007 8:11:00 PM

    haha fuck new times. and fuck helen. i agree with comment 52. by john. the rave scene is a place to meet up with friends. its not a drug party. its not even a party. its like going to any night club. take a look at adult night clubs and nude joints. they have alcohal, and they have people sneak in drugs. but hell, u even have 8th graders sneaking in cocaine into school. its not a surprise. and theres definately no difference. unfortunately theres not much u can do to stop ppl from doing drugs. theyre going to find a way to sneak shit in. but dont ever blame it on the rave scene. or the ravers. and no, ravers are not just 15 years old. there are adults too. the only problem i see with the rave scene is all the trend followers trying to spoil it because theyre bored and theyre just looking for a new trend to follow. other then that...i see no problem or danger in raving. if they eventually shut down Boos warehouse, then theyre wasting their time. because people will find new locations. so fuck new times, fuck helen, and fuck anyone who agrees with the bullshit posted on this panzy ass site.

  • artemis green 10/25/2007 8:02:00 PM

    YEA THIS IS A BUNCH OF BS...but sux 4 the kids...ya know...damn idk that all i could say for now...just sux

  • John 10/25/2007 7:43:00 PM

    Okay, first of all. FUCK YOU. The rave scene isn't what you THINK it is. Its like hanging out with your friends. NOT EVERY SINGLE PERSON IS UNDER 18. NOT EVERY SINGLE PERSON DOES DRUGS. They come for the music. Boo should really consider fixing up the stairs and more exits BUT you are a really close minded person and I lost complete respect for the new times.

  • A 10/25/2007 7:11:00 PM

    I'm sorry but I dont agree with the person who wrote this Frankly there are more then 1 exit including the huge loading dock doors that can be opened to allow people easy access in and out of the venue.

  • David Corpus 10/25/2007 5:53:00 PM

    Here is a picture from inside the warehouse during "Bloodfest3": http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g310/TORIandROBERT/BloodFest%203/BloodFest3040.jpg I got there after it was shut down, so I did not get inside, but that sure looks like FIRE SPRINKLER PIPING at the ceiling. The firetrap comparison of the Great White show in RI is total bunk- that club had no sprinklers and their FD was quoted saying a sprinkler system would have contained the flames and saved all the lives and loss there. "Boo" was not the person who was promoting/throwing the rave, he was leasing the space to the promoters. Was "Boo" even there? The promoters cannot be blamed for the shutdown, but I now know it will take a major event or a change of ownership to EVER get me back to Icehouse. This is a case of Helen being upset the Boo was getting away with something that she was previously caught on and her feeling Boo's warehouse needs to follow the same rules, also known as JEALOUSY! Helen, you are a loser, and Boo is not as creepy as Tom.

  • Scott 10/25/2007 5:35:00 PM

    PPhunk Skye has never spun naked. Have you been smoking too many drugs yourself? Has she posed nude for websites? Yes? Do you have to be 18 and over to see these sites? Yes.. So really I think you're graspin at straws here. Helen does what she does out of greed and has so for the past 15 years. She over charges for the Icehouse. I'm sorry 4-6k for a venue you get no lighting and no sound with. Secondly she violates fire codes her self by having the building continously over the occupancy permit. But it is put in the contract as a clause where the only person who does get in trouble for it is the promoter. Same with the under 18 kids being in the venue. Because she has never really enforced there and just was told to act like you're checking IDs.

  • chairmenmeow47 10/25/2007 5:34:00 PM

    and LOL at this: "people fued with money in their pockets" i'm not sure what "fued" means, but if you think the people at the new times are millionaires skye, that is pure hilarity. take your generic "eff the media" statements to a bigger corporate media outlet. we are lucky to have a news source like the new times in this murdoch controlled world!!!! at least they are willing to stand up to the wanna-play-cowboy-sherriff who tries to keep us from having fun!

  • chairmenmeow47 10/25/2007 5:31:00 PM

    i agree with fry! and it sucks that a bunch of half-a$$ed promotoers ruin it for everyone. there are many events that are strict about the 18+ thing. and every business owner is in it for the money, DUH, THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT A BUSINESS!!! i'm just thankful that we've had a legal indoor/outdoor venue downtown to party at for so many years. it's a shame shoddy promoters ruin it for everyone :(

  • patch 10/25/2007 5:20:00 PM

    you need to do more than call around and get statments. go to an icehouse party and go to one of boos. the cops still walk through both partys there is securtiy at both partys and yes there are underage kids at both partys and extacy at both partys. they are boath the same helen doesent evan id untill cerfew anyways. so she just has the cops walk through at cerfew and hastle a bunch of kids that look young. and guess what the SAME thing happens at boos. the only beef is what you said helen is losing the where house and cant stand to see ae con doing so well when she is losing everything. just dig a little deeper next time! you know boos where house is activly trying to get the drugs out of the sceen for instance securty has gone undercover and we have Dance Safe come out to educate the kids on how bad all the drugs are as weel as to give them knowledge.

  • dirtydave 10/25/2007 5:14:00 PM

    "My modeling and my Djing are in no way connected. ;]" LOLOL... First off, if you really call being "hypnotized" into faking orgasms for a pay service modeling, then knock yourself out. Secondly, if you call ripping off other peoples mix CDs and slapping your name on them DJing, then hey, go for it! Skye, you are a scam and a fake and no one wants you around this "scene" anymore. Go peddle your wares in another town because the truly hardcore already know you for the shill that you really are. Oh and PS, nice shot of you and the CareBear on Youtube, very classy, mom would be proud!

  • dice 10/25/2007 4:58:00 PM

    yeah it's SUPPOSED to be 18+ but i've been there multiple times for raves and i'm under 18. She just doesn't really enforce the age that much but sometimes she does and that scares the little underage ravers

  • dice 10/25/2007 4:53:00 PM

    By the way..........I agree with what Hype said in his first comment. he's right

  • deejay Skye 10/25/2007 4:49:00 PM

    "Helen will loose more money if she isn't allowed to let underage kids in." THE ICEHOUSE IS 18+. or is supposed to be. always has been since I have been around.

  • dice 10/25/2007 4:47:00 PM

    The Icehouse is a fun place but Boo's is way better. I know Boo also and I have never seen him try to molest anyone or anything of that nature. The thing about the Icehouse, most 'underage' ravers don't like going there anymore because of what happened at Anime Nation 3. The cops came swarming in and arrested everyone underage. Helen will loose more money if she isn't allowed to let underage kids in. I like Boo's and I like the Icehouse but I don't like all this crap thats going on, it's ruining the rave scene and making people sour. Whatever...

  • deejay Skye 10/25/2007 4:43:00 PM

    Do i run around at parties with no clothes on? no. could i? sure, since i am over 18. do i choose to? hell no. my personal life is no one's buisness, really. My modeling and my Djing are in no way connected. ;]

  • P-Phunk 10/25/2007 4:43:00 PM

    xerox, ok sorry i was wrong you were still in oshkosbgosh. you were in like what 4th / 5th grade. so even in 99 (the height of the scene) you didnt even know what EDM was. how long have you listen to EDM like 3 months been to a few "raves" ha ha ha you call them raves.

  • xerox 10/25/2007 4:38:00 PM

    Yeah P-phunk you nailed me a 21 year old going to college is defiantly still wearing diapers. So wait p-phunk was it your generation that use to carry wip-its at rave, yeah wasn't that one of the highlighted points on date line. I can't remember being so young and new to the scene and all. At no point has any rave generation been 100% legit, so by claiming yourself as someone who can judge is bullshit. The police always get up on our shit when articles like the one you read get posted. Do to this article I am sure we will see some aggression to try and enforce the scene again. Doe to the actions of some we might suffer. Mostly as Skyee said, and I agree with, is how legit the icehouse is. First party I went to there I met a grip of kids under 18 all dressed as you said in scandalous clothes. What I find interesting though is when you talk to most ravers the clothes don�t ever come up, funny what some people notice�and yes that was insinuation asshole.

  • P-Phunk 10/25/2007 4:36:00 PM

    well Skye maybe these girls are just looking up to you www.eroticbpm.com - search Dj Skye they see you naked spinning rekords your a role model great job!

  • deejay Skye 10/25/2007 4:35:00 PM

    oh, and i had to mention that i have been to the icehouse numerous times. even played out there. i'm not saying i'm boycotting the venue, i'm just saying that the place needs to be run better and that the 18+ rule should be in effect like it should be.

  • deejay Skye 10/25/2007 4:25:00 PM

    i just had to mention how i love it how people above have stated that the icehouse is run like it should be and follows all the rules. how many times have i seen 14-16 year olds runnign around in there? Most of them now don't even know what a shirt is or how to put one on either. the icehouse has fucked up too in the past, with that and the occupancy limits in the rooms there as well. when they start following the 18+only rule (and we NOT see little 16 year olds running around half naked), and i don't see tons of kids packed in the smaller rooms, (talking packed side to side which isn't a fire hazard, correct? ;) ) i'll say the icehouse is doing what they say they are doing. until then, i'll just keep thinking that they are out for money as it seems to me that's what they are doing.

  • P-PHUNK 10/25/2007 4:23:00 PM

    listen xerox i have been in the fucking scene since 1991. how long you been around a few months. so shut your face. you have no idea what you are in for but just so you know here is a taste see the majority of these "ravers" are dumb young kids who were still in diapers when the SHIT WENT DOWN!! I HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE COPS (LIKE 50+) AT EVERY EVENT. COPS ON CATWALKS, BEING FOLLOWED HOME, PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING A EVENT AND BEING ARRESTED FOR NUMEROUS THINGS. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ALL HAVE JUST STARTED. HAVE FUN WITH THE NEXT 1-5 YEARS WITH THE SCENE AGAIN. O and once you take your clothes off and do porn your creditability goes out the window, plus i have noticed thatthere are a bunch of underage girls running around in lingerie. the cops are going to have a field day with that. i smell DATELINE. TO CATCH A PREDATOR...HMMMM

  • xerox 10/25/2007 4:19:00 PM

    Hey p-phunk, I�m going to put this in terms your illiterate ass might understand, go fuck yourself. It�s because of ignorant corrupt bitches like you our peaceful scene suffers. You narks are all the fucking same, only care about who�s lining your pocket. Threaten our rave scene all you want, it has been through harder times from what I hear and it�s still here. Yeah and she might have helped the scene in the past but this is a blatant knife in the back, and nobody should support a trader besides those that have traded with them. Seriously respect is one of our main basic morals and she has shown a complete disregard for it, as well as you trying to break the unity of our scene through your threats.

  • Phonik 10/25/2007 4:07:00 PM

    Everybody badmouthing helen needs to shut it. did you not read this..."Hestenes says that she and her staff have witnessed no fewer than 24 unlicensed parties at Boo's site in the past year" that means that is 24 parties you all should be thankful for having there. she merely had enough and put an end to a dangerous situation before someone got hurt or molested. its not like she had an anti-rave task force go in and start hauling people to jail. be thankful for what you had and still have.

  • P-Phunk 10/25/2007 4:00:00 PM

    let start out by saying i agree with the article. first off if There is only one exit in a big building and it catches fire YOU ALL DIE! Second the man that was letting you use the warehouse is a convicted sex offender, registered at that. did no one at any time research the 61 YEAR OLD MAN interested in hosting parties for underage kids. the man has only been out of jail for a few years. this has happened very recently. i agree with helen. you all might not reAlize how much she has done for the scene because after the nile shut down that was and still is the ONLY LEGAL VENUE IN PHOENIX. PISS HER OFF ANY MORE AND NO MORE PARTIES, cuz if you think another one will happen at "boo's warehouse" you naively wrong. the sherrif, phx police, phx fire will not let it happen and alot of ppl will go to jail and the scene will undergo scrutiny like it did from 98-01.

  • Mr WiX 10/25/2007 3:53:00 PM

    I'll be at Fright Nigh For Sho

  • Philty 10/25/2007 3:52:00 PM

    This article is so bias that its not even funny. I have been on the rave scene for a good 2 years now and it has been a wonderful experience for me. From what I know, Boo is a wonderful man that does not deserve to be slandered in such a matter. He has love for our scene unlike Helen. The writer of this article should be ashamed for trying to attack Michael Booher! He is always helpin us out in every way he can. And as far as the warehouse's safety goes... I FEEL VERY SAFE IN THE WAREHOUSE. It's a safe environment to party in, always was and always will be. I can tell you for a fact that BOO's WAREHOUSE has always had waaaaaaay better security than the icehouse providing safety for all of us ravers. BLOODFEST 3 was a party I was greatly looking forward to and the warehouse got shutdown due to that money hungry bitch: HELEN. Well fuck HER, and fuck the ICEHOUSE!!! you wont ever see me there again :) LONG LIVE THE WAREHOUSE!!!

  • DFrag 10/25/2007 3:46:00 PM

    +1 with what Fry said, 80% of the people posting in this comment section just need to STFU because you are all bias and most of you are new in comparison to how long this scene has been around. Also, learn how to fucking spell before people really start to think even worse about us. I will be playing at Fright Night this sat at the Icehouse as well, lets not burn bridges when the LEGAL promoters are doing things right, and the illegal promoters are getting their panties in a bunch. STICK AROUND KIDDIES, THIS IS NOTHING NEW. AND BOO, SHAME ON YOU FOR EVEN ALLOWING UNDERAGE KIDS INTO YOUR VENUE, YOU SICK FUCKER.

  • Andrew Press 10/25/2007 3:38:00 PM

    I wonder if the writer actually took the time to go IN the warehouse, where I and about 20 other local artists collaborated on some art installations there. An amazing drip artist from Seattle came and did huge portraits on the wall. Writers from LA came as well and left their mark. Boo had great plans to make the art on the walls ever revolving, new stuff up every month for the kids to look at an admire. There were even talks about trying to focus on getting some of the crowds from first Friday. I've always supported the New Times and often sided with the paper on it's opinions about Phoenix and Sheriff Joe, but this is a fluff piece, and what's worse, it smears a good man's reputation. I'm not much of a raver and I probably wouldn't ever have attended a party at the Ice house anyways, but this definately persuades me to never, ever step foot in that venue and to speak out as much as possible about Helen and her shady dealings. I happen to know, as someone who was close to Boo while he was throwing functions, that he worked with her on a regular basis. She is a traitor to her scene and to her friends. I urge the writer to go back and look at this story again. Look at new life being breathed into an old and dying building and about a scene that flourishes with love, peace, and happiness while the rest of Phoenix wallows in plastic, hipster, scottsdale bullshit. It's probably too late to save Boo's Warehouse, but it's not to late to bring a balanced opinion on this subject.

  • Mr WiX 10/25/2007 3:14:00 PM

    What is this another artical to bash many of our lifestyles, an artical trying to protect our children, or an artical to protect your economic interests? Forget Helen weather or not her intentions were in the right place. Yours certainly are not. The "RAVE" community is built of kids who want to be a part of something, Who dosen't? Some kids play sports, some join choir and some join the Spanish club at ages far younger then even there teenage years.The rave scene is no different we are a community of artist be it of dance,music or hell even making silly little bracelets is art. We go to raves to share our art with one another, We go to have a sense of community, we go to bond with people, we go at the weeks end to take a break from the stress the work or school week had on us. The press paints a negative picture about what they THINK is going on within OUR community every chance they get. They always claim it is in someway protect our youth. You think the majority of us are drug addicts and hoodlums and some of us are. those type's of people exist within any community. So take your prejudice and shove it up your ass. I proud to be a part of a community that has very few prejudices. We welcome people of every race, gender, sexual preference and income level and allow them to be not only themselves but a part of OUR community. Sorry we don't need your publication to tell us where to meet up on a Saturday night so we can compare dick sizes, talk about who has the most expensive car, pick up "Bitches" and listen to the music that is pushed upon us by assholes much like your selves. If you haven't noticed we will spend all night in a shitty warehouse where there is a chance of danger or trek out a hour and a half to the desert to be with each other. Like i said this is a community and try as you might you'll will never destroy us. If your trying to protect children use your publication to help our community and keep us out of the desert 50 miles from the nearest hospital in case something shitty happens. Until you do I'll be sure to use your paper to pick up dog shit with and nothing more . I'll also encourage other to do the same. Take the time to look and the great things within our community and write something about that.

  • Fry 10/25/2007 2:51:00 PM

    I cant believe u people are attacking Helen. seriously so what if she is about money? She is a business owner!!!! and obviously a concerned mother. I'm glad she shut this down. I'm glad she brought to light the fact that "boo" was a convicted sex offender throwing illegal rave events in a dangerous warehouse. You people attacking her are making the entire rave community just look even more foolish. I am ashamed to have any association with you people. The owner of the ice house and their motives shouldn't be an issue. The issue should be the fact that you all made yourselves look stupid in the first place because you were going out and supporting events that were less than legal in the name of "rave" and electronic music. This does nothing but hurt us all. If the owner of Pepsi found out that Coke was creating their product using illegal methods do you think Pepsi wouldn't say anything to the authorities? The promoters using this warehouse, the warehouse owners and "boo" are all guilty of putting people at risk of death. Electronic music and culture has died a little bit more and lost more legitimacy thanks to irresponsible party goers and promoters. THANKS! I will be performing at the Ice house this Sat for Fright Night and proudly. Turning you back and boycotting a venue because the owner called some one out on illegal practices is laughable.

  • Nate 10/25/2007 2:46:00 PM

    Well its kinda funny how ive been to numerous raves at the icehouse and ever single one had the same underage kids there that went to every rave at the warehouse across the street. Sorry to say but shes lying out here ass when she said that everyone that goes to the icehouse has to be 18 because that has never been enforced.

  • CoZmo 10/25/2007 2:29:00 PM

    ok so to the person who wrote this article clearly you are uneducated in the underground scene and you show no initiative in trying to become knowledge in the scene either. a suggestion like everyone else has said DO YOUR RESEARCH don't just blather away on topics you know nothing about. and how dare you accuse 15, 16, and 17 year old girls of Tripping out on Ecstasy. Were you there?? Do you accurately know if they were or not. For a while now people have been parting at Boos and nothing the you were suggesting happened has happened. There is this little thing us rave have with each other and its called PLUR and if your real hardcore its PLURR which stands for Peace Love Unity RESPECT and RESPONSIBILITY. Obviously you didn't and don't understand that concept because if you did you wouldn't have said what you said about Boo. anyways what you have done to our scene was wrong. You , in my eyes, have harmed the potential new ravers and have scared them into not wanting to rave because of what happened. THANX ALOT. I things like this the make people from outa state who want to throw parties out here not want to come!!!!!

  • WOW 10/25/2007 2:05:00 PM

    IF YOU WOULDA DID BETTER RESERCH YOU WOULD KNOWN THAT HALF THE RAVES THROWN THERE WERE ALL FUNDRASIERS FOR FRIEND WHO HAVE PAST AWAY AND HELPED FAMILY WITH COST GOOD DEEDS HAVE BEEN DONE AT BOOS AND IT NOT JUST ALL FUN AND GAMES THEY HELP PPLS LIVES POST THAT

  • leanne 10/25/2007 1:59:00 PM

    i think that people are wrong to judge others on there past and i think its really fucked up that you acknowledge his past WHEN IT HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with kids raving in a warehouse that "boo" manages. I am extremely disappointed in you, New times. why don't you go find some other scene to bring down and stay away from ours.

  • Natalie 10/25/2007 12:14:00 PM

    I Think This Article Is Pointless. Raving Has Been Going On For DECADES! Why The Hell Are You Deciding To Report About It Now.. Its Because You Have Nothing Better To Do, If I Were Your Boss Id Fire You.. Do You Think Your Going To Get The Kids Introuble, Im Only 14, I Rave, Ive Been To Boo's Many Times, No I Dont ''Trip On E''. And Half Of The Kids Dont, I See Very Few Kids My Age, And My PARENTS KNOW I RAVE!!! You Guys Will Never Stop The Party, I Can Guarantee That.

  • Skrinkle 10/25/2007 11:33:00 AM

    Wow Thats Gay MY Parents know that i go to raves whenever i want and i tell them where they will be at they dont really care they know i have tried drugs big deal Everyone hates the icehouse anyways haha soo i dont see the big deal about throwing it at boos at bloodfest 3 there had to be less people there than at Underground but no the party still got shut down ohhh and i have see little 13 year olds at the icehouse so dont say theat its 18 and older

  • Hype 10/25/2007 7:20:00 AM

    Personally I was glad to see Boo's shut down, I never liked the venue, but I can understand the uproar this caused amongst party goers. As dirty as it was, it was safe. There was security at every party, cops did drive by's to check on the place during parties, and there were pleanty of exits. The stairs were crappy, but they were old. They were still sturdy, and if it was that big of a deal, they could have been rebuilt for a couple hundred dollars. The fact of the matter is that the New Times is and always has been biased towards the rave scene. But you cant expect normal minds to understand it. It takes a certain type to be a raver, and we all know that most reporters, parents and government officials arent those types. The only thing we can do is try to show them that our scene is no more dangerous than any other. All scenes have drugs, shit you walk into Myst or any other night club on a friday or saturday, and you'll see hundreds of people drunk or rolling or stoned or on something, dancing and groping, just like any other party. New Times promotes concerts, where there are drugs being used, people being harassed, assaulted, robbed, killed, but you dont hear them talking bad about those shows, because they get payed to promote them. Raves are for underagers who love the music that is spun by DJ's in the clubs, but arent old enough to go in because of liquor licenses. You cant blame someone for liking a certain type of music. In closing, Boo's Warhouse was bitter sweet for me. I dont think boo deserved to be ridiculed like he did in the article, criminal or not, he was clearly rehabillitated since his charge 10 years ago. He showed nothing but courtesy and kindness to everyone that entered that door, and never once crossed the line. I would know, I was outside with boo and the promoters more than I ever was in the parties. Fuck Helen, Fuck The New Times, and Fuck whoever wrote this crock of shit. Your views are worth about as much as writing skills. Go back to writing articles for a high school newspaper.

  • xerox 10/25/2007 7:17:00 AM

    Leave it up for a half ass news reporter of a half ass paper to give some BS story full of fill ins where they were obviously ignorant. Honestly as far as something to line my cage with, good material. Hey maybe next we can talk about how violent raves are and all of the malicious riots that have spawned from the...(because this writer would take the last line seriously...yes...it was sarcasm.) Maybe next time you wright do something called research, won't make you look like a jackass to those who know better.

  • DJG 10/25/2007 6:45:00 AM

    One little exit my ass.... That warehouse has the main entrance, 2 huge loading docks in the front and 2 in the back of this place, (easily opened. event attendees open then and stand in them to get cool all the time.) and those are just the ones I know of. And what fire hazard???? I think the statement in the article that says Helen is on a first name basis with many city officials says it all. I hope the ice house meets a fiery end.

  • anoanymous promoter 10/25/2007 6:18:00 AM

    hmmm tax increase? wow really? hmmm funny. i thought the tax bracket was shrinking in that area ACCORDING TO THE FREAKIN OWNER OF THE WAREHOUSE! OH yea its not boo either. electricity? hmmm well her power sucks so bad that any decent sized stage that doesnt want thier amps or sound boards friend by her crappy 220 amp direct link better bring a generator!! its not like shes still freakin processing ice! its light lights and more lights that shes paying for. and ive seen the bill for boos which has been plugged into and his venue is two sided and bigger and more floors so hmmm. how much did she say now? and she charged about 6000+ at a recent event their? wow. with her high base price and raising the prices if u want all ages, well gee...shes struggling? hmmm.....helen..... DO U GAMBLE??? HAHAHAHA! OHHHHBOYYY LOL. WELL FOR YOUR INFO SHE CHARGED PARTY MONSTER ABOUT 9000 FOR CHANGING THE VENUE THEN CHANGING BACK WITHOUT EVEN BREAKING CONTRACT. SHE HAD THEM REPAY THIER 2500 dollar deposit which the other she kept and they still payed more. and lost so much. you know....its not cool to see a grown gay man cry. oh yea oh yea shes reeaaalll sentimental. u know i heard about this article last week. but never did i think any human reporter could be so damn closed minded.

  • j 10/25/2007 6:16:00 AM

    as a journalist i would hope you could try to report the news with alot less of your personal opinion and more facts....i hope you noticed how many of those "underage ravers" had cameras, mind your P & Q's as Boo once told us all...because we all will be watching....and laughing when you fall. (pun intended)

  • Anonymous Larry David 10/25/2007 6:14:00 AM

    What does that case # prove? That Helen maybe got a traffic ticket? Or disturbance ticket? I put my last name in that system and half of my family pulled up for traffic violations and accidents. Far from fingerbanging 4 year old girls my friend.

  • anonymous promoter 10/25/2007 6:05:00 AM

    oh no i myself as a promoter acknowledge what helen has done for the icehouse and how long shes been around. but heres the catch. wy not just go to boo or the owner if they are as SHEEEEE SAAYYYYSSSS so called good friends and boo even owns a key to her venue! i mean why be so vindictive? yes the icehouse is a valuable place for electronic music events and alot of credible promoters use that venue. my promoter friends shouldnt be punished for her stupidy or absurdness. look at a previous party that was supposed to be for the repavement of the icehouse. those behind the scenes know the cost of repavement. which just for the west courtyard i have checked isnt nearly as much as the party made. but ok giving her the bnefit of the doubt, i thrive on providing what i promise at my events. what do ppl see when she promises repavement and 3 months later theres nothing? yea sure sure they are just ravers and dont know what they are talking about right? wrong. if you say your gonna do something and you promote and throw a party for that purpose.. then u do it. bottom line. based off what what she makes from "raves" and galas and first annual partys and new times events etc etc. the property taxes and maintenance (what little their is) do not cost nearly as much as what she makes. so wheres the money go? bad credit? new car? certainly not to the building where i see duct tape and red dust covered stages. and 400 kids in a 200 max occupancy room. or the cheap astro turf in the front so she doesnt have to pay for lawn services except weed pulling. and on the boo man subject: i have spoken with him. he did not deny his past. but had remorse for it. no exscuses will be made for him. but the man is getting old. perhaps hes trying to make peace with what hes done wrong by putting smiles on ALL AGES FACES before he goes. he has been there for many many people when we needed help the most. ive even seen him help the homeless people that you guys nor the city care to do anything about! so the next time you wanna worry about boo why dont you try worrying about the homeless guys trying to rape the ladies coming from the parties and the sherriffs walking right past it. oh and by the way... helen has had all ages in her venue. and has gotten paid for it. sheesh its not like shes even ever there for the parties to even see it happen! what she cant see she cant be blamed for is her motto. now as far as the stereotypes for raves go.... you know so called emo kids right? gays? or homos? maybe loners, queers (no negative referrals intended) candy kids (doesnt mean they pop pills) transsexuals, hermaphrodite, heterosexual whatever u can think of. u know all these teens young adults or even adults? well why do we have so many numbers? heres why. its just like the gay community. ITS A PLACE TO BE YOURSELF! yea their are drugs. but you have no idea how much the security (which are about 5 off duty police offers actually) try to keep it out as much as possible. even if it means sectioning off the party to search ppl. oh but wait! hmm didnt helen just have a party at her venue a few months back called CLUB PARTY MONSTER?? hmmm ever seen the movie? wow! gee i wonder how much cocaine or drugs were in there!!! sheesh! bottom line.....u wonder why ur kids are loners or dont talk to u or are rebellious? its not because they are at a rave. its because u dont understand why they go to the rave. helen wants money. she will continue to get it....for now. boo is a good person who made a mistake obviously. and although what he did was bad, that was years ago and no one deserves public humiliation unless he did this at a rave. oh and by the way....they cobwebs were not flammable. i have the proof. want more? everything in that warehouse that night was bought from party city. party city has to pass regualtions before they can put somethign out on the shelf. otherwise they face a lawsuit! hmmm i think u should get your facts right. ur on a roll!!!! hahaha

  • Info 10/25/2007 5:48:00 AM

    Ohh..... poor Helen.. she must be SOOO persecuted and must be the kindest lady in world.. just caring for the children.. Case Number: M-0741-3445525 Case Category: Criminal Case Title: St of Az vs HESTENES Court: Phoenix Municipal Judge: UNKNOWN Filing Date: 03/14/2006 Disposition Date: 09/29/2006 Party Name: HELEN R HESTENES Party Type: D 1 - DEFNDT/RESPNDT Date of Birth: 12/30/1958 Citation: PCP20069009044 Count 1: LOCAL CHARGE Disposition Date: 09/28/2006 Disposition: JDGMT GUILTY/RESP SENT IMPOSED Wonder what this is about? Sarah Fenske states Criminal tickets that happened to Boo a decade ago. Also, just curious Who supports the Ice Arena that Helen owns? THE NEW TIMES!!! Ever wonder WHY the police rarely break it up if ever since it is right next door? Apparently Sarah didn't care to research and wonder why, instead bring harsh assumptions which harm more than she initially intended. *tisk tisk* This is a poor day in press history Poorly researched, one-sided perspective, choosing who to put blame on, and choosing who to glorify...

  • deejay Skye 10/25/2007 5:38:00 AM

    yeah if i'm so "off base" then why don't you actually read what the comments and statements above have implied. Or are you too ignorant to look at other people's viewpoints and go along and listen to stupid comments made by people who don't even know what they are talking about. yeeeeaaaah. nice to see people slandering other people's opinions too? I thought this was america and freedom of speech is hella awesome, and i tend to use it to my full advantage- not to mention telling the TRUTH about this particular situation that people don't know the whole story about and only know the facts that are unbiased that have been fed to them by articles such as this and certain promoters/venue owners who only seem to care about money and nothing else. i guess this is america afterall, greedy money taking bastards who can't take competition. and yes i'm talking about the icehouse because if the statement about them shutting down boo's is true, they were just pissed off because they lost a large amount of people booking "electronic music events" at the icehouse and boo's warehouse actually took over- exp. after not having to deal with overpriced venues such as the icehouse. and yes, i have personally seen underage drinking and drug use at the icehouse many many times and it's going to happen, keep happening, at any venue unless the venue owners actually grow balls and HIRE DECENT SECURITY, which at past parties at boo's warehouse there has been very professional inhouse and outside security who have been doing their jobs. Helen is just bitter because electronic events have been happening at another location where people have enjoyed themselves.

  • asdf 10/25/2007 5:36:00 AM

    Helen did not tip off the police and fire departments because she was concerned for anyones safety. Her motives were money oriented. About a month ago a huge rave,Party monster, was set to be at the ice house. When promoters and party throwers were told that party monster would be 18+ they decided to move it to boos house. Helen, not wanting to lose money made the party all ages.. Since then Helen has been responsible for for busting 4 parties. This is not because she has a concern for anyones safety.. only for the money that these parties pull in. I understand Helen even said there was alcohol being served at Bloodfest 3 which was totally false. Alcohol has never been served at this warehouse. Your story is very biased and this scene would greatly appreciate you getting your facts straight, before you go glorifying someone whose motives are not what you think they are. You have the website.. so get the facts.

  • Scott 10/25/2007 5:28:00 AM

    LD you're a idiot. I've been in the scene for 10 years and promoting for 8 years. Helen has always been abount money. Plain and simple she hasn't done shit for this scene except try to destroy it at times. Helen does not care about the scene at all she cares about how much money the events can put in her pocket. How long have you been in this scene? 4 years perhaps? The new times usually writes great articles but I guess when it comes from someone who pays for advertising in the paper and they use the venue the article becomes as tainted as Sheriff Joe himself.

  • Anonymous Larry David 10/25/2007 5:21:00 AM

    You "ravers" don't even fucking know how much Helen has done to the AZ rave scene. Totally ungrateful people... LOL @ DJ Skye and Scott's commentary. So fucking off base it's not even funny. Rave on! LD

  • sweetie 10/25/2007 4:56:00 AM

    wow this is rediculous the rave scene is so far from what you steriotype it as! and i totally agree with the first comment helen is just out for money ravers like boos better it's a better enviornment the ice house is a party kill concerned my ass how about talking to people on our side? don't be a biast ass hole. the ice house is too comercial and you're obviously siding with it because you throw your party there thumbs down x 130258927598347593475394579375394875 YOU SUCK.

 

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