The Sundance 2011 Party Reporter: "Blame It On The Al-titude"

Whether you attribute it to the alcohol-enhancing affects of being four-thousand feet up in the Utah mountains, or more likely to the plethora of amazing parties surrounding the Sundance Film Festival, sundancers all over Park City were clearly enjoying themselves on the first night of this ten day fete. From swag-filled industry bashes to concerts, to movie premieres, here is a roundup of some of the top bashes from the fest’s first night.

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Stella Lounge at the Samsung Galaxy Lift

Stella Artois is stationed at the “Samsung Galaxy Lift” lounge for the week and on day one of Sundance the company hosted a (very) happy hour for those arriving to Park City. The indoor/outdoor space boasted several bars where trained reps for the brand served up perfectly prepared glasses of Stella. “Snow Bunny” girls further promoted the product while guests were served comfort food including homemade chicken pot pies and could play with Samsung’s new Galaxy tablet. Celebrity spottings at the lift thus far include Susan Sarandon, Lil Jon, and E! host Sal Masakela, and the venue will be hosting private parties throughout the week.

Bing Bar

Microsoft’s Bing Bar returns to Sundance for its second year providing a haven for VIPs to relax and enjoy some cocktails on the comfortable furniture in between movie screenings. At night, the dimly-lit venue becomes a raging lounge that stays open late into the night. Last year, Bill Gates himself frequented the Bar and it’s predicted to be one of the hottest spots all week featuring a mix of DJ’s and live music.

A&E Indie Films Party

Just down Main Street, A&E Indie Films was hosting a screening and celebration for their new movie Corman’s World, a bio-pic about infamous movie producer Roger Corman. The small gathering was held at Cisero’s restaurant and featured a wine bar as well as catering by Gordon Ramsey’s company which served up delicious fried risotto balls, “Bison Bites,” and liquor filled chocolates courtesy of the Bailey’s “Warming Hut.” The chic event was well attended by film and television industry-types.

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Ralph Lauren Fragrance Launch (Photo at top of post)

Downstairs at Cisero’s, Ralph Lauren hosted a release party for the company's new team of fragrances called “The Big Pony Collection.” The high profile bash quickly became one of the most in-demand events of the evening. Guests lucky enough to gain access sampled the four new fragrances and had their portraits taken on a ski-lift before enjoying a live set by One Republic. The hyped crowd was very telling of the incredible high energy that surrounds the festival.

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Martha Marcy May Marlene Premiere and After Party

Borderline Films’ highly anticipated feature held its premiere at the massive Eccles Theatre for festival-goers along with press and prospective buyers. Many of the cast and crew also attended the event including Brady Corbett and Elizabeth Olson (Mary Kate and Ashley’s younger sis.) The well-received film left everyone in high spirits as they moved onto The Hotel on Rivington’s Park City popup for the official after party. Those at this private event enjoyed custom Belvedere cocktails including a basil-infused twist on the classic mojito. The young crowed of industry up and comers mingled and partied late into the night.

The Sundance party scene went on effortlessly with no end in sight until revelers slowly began to retreat down snow-dusted main street in preparation for the next morning’s screenings. A wild first night of what will surely be an incredible week.