Just under four weeks ago, the legendary Tuntenball, Graz’s queer charity ball, took to the stage for the 31st time. More outrageous and spectacular than ever. And sold out for the second year running! That must have been because we at AROMEA were there… As sweet-smelling sponsors and mood-makers. Backed by more than 80 artists: from drag queen Samantha Gold and the Swedish group Alcazar to the Graz band Granadamusik. A colourful mix. That’s diversity for you. And Granada even performed without a fee, purely out of solidarity. We like, and we’re already looking forward to next year: 20 February 2021 at Congress Graz. Stay diverse until then too. Which is why we asked Joe Niedermayer, Tuntenball organiser and chairman of the RosaLila PantherInnen, to tell us a bit more!
Question: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer. Colourful and outrageous. How would you explain the Tuntenball to someone who has never heard of it?
Niedermayer: Over 30 years ago, the Tuntenball was still in its infancy. It’s gone from 140 guests in the university canteen to a well-known charity event at the Congress. The message remains the same: all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. That’s why every guest is a VIP to us! And so, little by little, the Tuntenball became a highlight of the Graz ball season. Side note: the net proceeds of the event go in full to the charitable projects of the RosaLila PantherInnen, for legal equality and the promotion of social diversity.
Question: Sold out for the second year running: the Tuntenball is getting better known and more popular all the time! Surely thanks in part to its great acts. Who did you get to welcome this year?
Niedermayer: Top artists, drag queen flair and the first ever Mister Tuntenball. This year we came up with plenty once again to guarantee our guests an unforgettable evening. Simply the best. Musically speaking, the highlight of the evening was probably the Graz band Granada: one of the most exciting acts on the Austrian music scene! They even waived their fee, purely out of solidarity. That’s how it should be… And of course: disco, baby! Another of the many acts: the disco-pop band Alcazar from Sweden. A special honour: they’ve already had many top chart placings internationally!
Question: If you had to describe the LGBTQ scene as a scent, with all its diversity and tolerance, what would it smell like?
Niedermayer: That doesn’t take many words. Quite simply: sexy, glamorous, outrageous, unique, honest and, of course, beautiful! LGBTQ, in other words. Nothing left to say.
Question: Wherever lots of people come together, a few unwanted smells arise. Especially at balls, with plenty of alcohol, dancing and heat. Which diffuser and which fragrance did you choose to deal with that?
Niedermayer: Of course, a few smells do arise that aren’t quite so sexy, glamorous and beautiful. On the one hand, we see that as a compliment to the organisers. If the party weren’t in full swing, something would be going wrong anyway. On the other hand, nobody has to smell it, of course. Hence: scent marketing. It’s fascinating what you can achieve with it. But there are simply far too many great fragrances on offer. How are you supposed to decide? So we simply went for a different fragrance in every room! Like a colourful olfactory journey! A dream!
Question: How did people react to the scent marketing? Did you perhaps get some celebrity feedback too?
Niedermayer: To us, every guest is a celebrity… And the fact is: the guests love it. There’s certainly no shortage of positive feedback. The whole ball instantly feels different: simply the perfect all-round package. We’re probably the most euphoric ball there is: in the room fragrance and among the guests.
Question: Time to spill the beans: what are the plans for the 2021 Tuntenball? Will it smell good again?
Niedermayer: There are plenty of plans… But let us surprise you! I can reveal one thing, though: the traditional must-haves of the Tuntenball will naturally be there. Which means: our guests’ elaborate costumes, different room concepts, an outrageous atmosphere and much, much more… And fragrances to match are an absolute must in 2020 too. Simply indispensable.Copyright: Tuntenball
Joe Niedermayer on the fragrances from AROMEA
