Archive Spring 2018

The Impact of SESTA/FOSTA – As our trumptopian world offers up an endless parade of weekly chaos, slipping under the radar was the recent passing of the SESTA & FOSTA Acts. While on the surface such initiatives carry the spirit of something truly good & strives to put an end to sex trafficking, as law they are poorly written, FAR too vague, & carry deep ramifications for the entire scene & how we interact online. The fallout is already being felt as various online providers have scrambled to contemplate just what the new laws will mean. People affected are dating sites, hook up sites, anything listing legitimate escorts or adult services, as well as Pro-Domme’s, & an array of others in the alternative culture. Services such as Craigslist & others have already cancelled services for online personals & the reaction is already being felt on mainstream forums across the net. It’s no secret that big brother has been watching, but his impact just became very real for all of us.  See related articles here...

• Congress Legalizes Sexual Sensorship.
• Microsoft Updates Service Agreements.
• CBS: Microsoft to Monitor Private Accounts.
• Tech Republic: Cloud Services Terminate Users.
• Proposed Changes for Fetlife w/ SESTA/FOSTA.
• Why Internet Advocates Are Against SESTA/FOSTA.
• Rolling Stone: Why New Bill Actually Screws Sex Workers.
• Washington Times: New Bill Shuts Down Online Communities.

Dreamscape is No More – One of the East Coast’s largest & most loved rave-format music festivals is no more. Hosted at Ramblewood in Darlington, MD, last June saw the close of a giant. The official word is that its promoters are shifting gears to focus on their other two festivals & club nights. But like any major event that comes to a sudden & unexpected end, there’s always more to the story than what you read. Unfortunately, it’s not our place nor intention to comment on such issues. What matters is that one of the greats is gone & there exists a deep void that has yet to be filled. See Link for official statement.

The Steampunk Worlds Fair is Cancelled – Collapsing under the weight of deep scandal & continued allegations of sexual misconduct, Jeff Mach Productions lost full support of his base, & all of his events have fallen as a result (including Wicked Fair & The Geeky Kink Event). As the largest steampunk festival in the eastern U.S. & one of the largest in the world, a savior organization tried to initially step in & carry the banner forward. But we believe the reality of what it takes to create such an event was a bit too much. Consequently, they pulled out & there was no one left to take over the magnitude of such efforts. As a result, the World’s Fair & all Jeff Mach events have been cancelled. There are no current plans for a future resurrection.  See Link for public announcement.

Transformus Rises from the Ashes! – As other giants fall, like the Phoenix from the flames one has risen from the ashes! Indeed, Transformus is back! After a temporary hiatus, they now have a new location offering more space & better accommodations to fit the size of its crowds, Indeed, one of the East Coast’s most revered burns is a welcome return.Tickets are currently on sale & available. Please see Mainn Site for details.

Larry Harvey (Burning Man Founder) January, 11, 1948 - April 28, 2018 - Larry Harvey, the founder of Burning Man & main force behind its core principals has recently passed away. Most people grieve such loss, but I take a different perspective…  What an incredible life to have created something that would have such an impact on so many. My god, what an amazing legacy to leave behind!  THAT is a life well lived!  Rest well good sir, you have brought a sense of love & light to the world that burns bright & carries forward forever more. We honor your memory, your life, & the impact it’s had on so many throughout the world. Please See: Journal Memoriam.

Drac’s Ball Celebrates 20 Years! - On April 14^th, Drac’s Ball will host its 20^th Anniversary in Philadelphia. We believe this is the longest running Goth Night on the east coast & possibly the nation. The event is already sold out & plans are set. Twenty years in the scene is an amazing accomplishment. So we salute such an awesome achievement!

Tribalcon Draws to a Close – Offering one of the nation’s most beloved gatherings for Tribal & Fusion Dance, this past February Tribalcon celebrated its final installment. This effectively brought the end of an era to a close for a great many. In short, the rising expenses of travel, lodging, & venue created an inequitable weight on its promoters. The economies of the festival just could not support the rising cost for such an endeavor. So the core promoters have wisely decided to refocus efforts into a single teacher model for those in the community. We wish them well w/ their new endeavors & hope for a fulfilling future as they now venture forward.  See Facebook for follow-up.

Spoutwood Faerie Fest Hosts Its Last – Spoutwood Farm has announced that this May will probably be the last Faerie Festival for the venue. Never say never, as the owners ‘may’ move the beloved festival to a new location (ha! I see what you did there). But as it stands, the plan is to simply let it draw to a close.  Growth is good, but the festival has grown so much that its now stressing the farm, surrounding township, parking, & staff. So, after 27 years of making magic come to life, 2018 will host the last May Day Fairie Festival at Spoutwood Farm.  See Link for announcement.

Klimaxxx Takes a Break while Swinky Fills the Void – As one of the area’s more active swinger nights, the founders of Klimaxxx have decided to step away & take a break. This is a great loss for the scene & we thank them for all their effort to create such a great night. However, in its wake one of their core promoters has stepped forward & created “Swinky” to help fill the void. The inaugural event offered a great night which we hope will build to an amazing future. We wish them luck as the weeks & months progress.

TABU Launches TABU Travel – Baltimore’s most recognized & only ‘on-premise’ club for the Swinger Lifestyle has now launched a new initiative w/ Tabu Travel. Hosting annual trips to such destinations as Hedonism & more, this creates a new dimension for the social circles of the area. Please check it out: Tabu Travel.

Mixtape Draws to a Close – Traditionally hosted at the 9:30 Club, Mixtape offers one of the area’s best & longest running dance nights for the gay communities. Unfortunately, the promoters are moving on with other endeavors. So this brings an amazing night to a close. We wish them well & hope for a bright future in all they hope to be. Their final nights will be Gay Pride at the 9:30 Club on June 9^th, & a final farewell at the U Street Music Hall on Sept. 8^th. See Facebook.

Code DC is now Hummer – DC’s all male night for those into gear, leather, & more has passed the baton. As Code DC comes to an end, Hummer has risen in it’s place. Hosted 1^st & 3^rd Saturdays at the Glory Hole (just off of New York Ave), they offer a very similar night under new leadership.