Words and Photos by Torrey Herbenar

Steve Klassen of Wave Rave is the originator of the parties during the week of the Mammoth on-snow demo. Every year he opens his shop to locals and industry folk alike, and turns Wave Rave from a snowboard shop into what I can only describe as being the most fun house party you’ve every been to.

This year was no exception. The night started early at 7pm with an opening reception for the Après Vita art walk- a Mammoth art tour featuring 18 artists with work in six locations, sponsored by Ambiguous. Wine was served at the upstairs tech area/bar, and attendees got a first look at the artists work featured in the Wave Rave stop of Après Vita.

It was all very civilized, but soon wine turned into kegs as the Wave Rave party kicked into high gear. Steve and Kim Klassen, and their two dogs Coda and were gracious hosts to a packed shop- a few hundred people at least. One of Mammoth’s best new DJ’s, Blue, spun records the whole night. The disco ball was in full effect, the entire Vans crew came out to party, and Matty Thompson (an artist featured at Wave Rave) gave me at least ten hugs. But my favorite part of the night was seeing Jane and Kenny Baer still hanging out until the very end of the evening.

The party at Wave Rave was the perfect way to kick off the week of on snow demo, and the Après Vita art show. Thanks to Steve and Kim Klausen and Dawn True of Wave Rave for such a fun night – and to all the Wave Rave employees who had the shop spotless and free of any beer smells that might still have been lingering the next day.

Oh yeah, and come to Mammoth to check out Wave Rave and support the artists that are part of the Après Vita art walk – on display through March 18th!!