Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Archive 2014

A Few Notes for The Metro... 

We've Changed Our Email - Please make note, it seems the spam-bots have found us. we started getting over 400 emails per day of nothing but spam. Consequently, we needed to change our address so Rick@TheMetroUnderground.com will no longer be active. If you need to reach us then you can contact Richard A.D. here. 

The Metro Underground is actively searching for a new venue:  We're currently seeking new locations for our Spring Formal & other events. Potential venues must be able to host 400 (+), be amiable to adult themes, have availability on the weekend (Saturday), access to a good sound, proper ambiance, & be financially viable. Metro access & parking are a plus. Allowing ages 18+ is preferable but not a deal breaker. Central to DC is also preferred (but there has been discussion of moving our spring formal to Baltimore). Most important is a good relationship w/ the owner to build an ongoing relationship that will carry forward.  Please contact Richard A.D. for details.

DC Fetish Ball / Black & White Ball (dcfetishball.com): I want to thank EVERYONE who came out to this year's events. It was an incredible year, no doubt. I also want to thank the incredible team of top talent who come together year after year to make it all happen. It's an honor to host such fantastic affairs, & I'm humbled by the talent, tenacity, & sheer dedication of all those involved. I should have galleries & pics posted soon.  With deep thanks & gratitude,  Richard A.D. 

Changes in Format - In order to streamline our Scene Guide, weekly recurring events will no longer be placed to the Main Calendar except for special theme nights. From now on, please see Recurring Events for ongoing weekly gatherings. 


News from Around the Scene... 

Departed Conventions & Events - Each year as we work on the Metro Calendars, we basically take the pulse of the national & local scene. This year we've noticed a few major conventions & events that seem to be no longer. These include: Colonial Kink, Rubber Ball / Miss Rubber World, Kinetic, Leather Sinsations, Atlanta Bound, Barcelona Fetish Weekend, Queer Playcon, DC Goth Prom, Wicked Woods, Starscape, Leather Cruise, Montreal International Kink Festival, Fires of Venus, Key West Couples Fest, Fetfest, Spooky Halloween Ball, UtopiaCon, & others. There's a story behind each & others are currently on hiatus, but it's worth noting the monumental effort that goes into carrying such affairs forward year after year. We applaud those who keep the scene humming along & those who have put such work into creating those moments of enduring quality.

Maryland Renaissance Festival Explores Opportunities for a New Site (www.rennfest.com): currently located in Crownsville just outside of Annapolis, the Maryland Renaissance Festival is one of the largest & most well regarded festivals of its kind in North America. They currently lease the land upon which the festival is built, but inside sources allude to an issue with the family that holds the lease. Apparently, the core problem comes down to the owner that holds title to the extensive parking area vs the site itself.
       We're not sure of the exact details or nature of the debate, but as a result the board of directors has begun to entertain opportunities for relocation. This could be a power-play to shore up negotiations or it could be an earnest attempt to ensure its viability for the future. In either case, if push comes to shove then this is HUGE news for one of Maryland's most beloved festivals. We wish them well, for merriment in the grove is a favorite way to spend a fine afternoon of merriment with friends. See Facebook Page for official announcements: Facebook.com/mdrenfest

Philly Goth-Industrial Resurrects to Facebook (Facebook Group):  After years of promoting the Philly Goth & Alt. Music scene, their main site was hacked & materials were wiped from memory. Faced w/ starting the entire effort from scratch, their promoters decided it best to shut all efforts down. Can't say we blame them, we'd probably feel the same way.  But after a brief hiatus, they've now resurrected the effort as a Facebook Group. They currently offer updates on club nights & events throughout the area.

The Crucible is on Hiatus - Long time staple for the DC Scene has come to the end of their current lease. The location on M Street has closed, but they're already in final negotiations w/ a new space. Hopefully things will go smoothly & they'll be back in operation soon.

Baltimore Playhouse Reopens - After a fire that ripped through it's previous location, the long time staple for the Baltimore fetish scene has finally found a new home. Established in a 12,000 sq.ft. location, they are now be located at 3010 Washington Blvd. Final details have been taken care of & they're now operational at the new location.

Virginia Unanimously Repeals Outdated Law for Ban on Oral Sex - The Virginia House of Delegates has finally passed a bill to eliminate an outdated law that oral and anal sex a felony (even between consenting adults or married couples). The legislation, which passed the Senate will now go to Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) for his signature. For full article, see: Thinkprogress.org 

Fuel Play Parties are Cancelled & the Venue is Closed - We're not sure the real reasons behind it (although we understand that their numbers had been dwindling), but Baltimore's Fuel Warehouse has been closed until further notice. The official notice is that they had a problem w/ fire code. We'll see how things evolve & keep you posted.