News & Notes
From Around the Scene
First, a Quick Update from The Metro...
Also check out The Metro on Facebook& Fetilife. Twitter then updates from Facebook.
So stay in the loop & follow the scene w/ multi-faceted updates from across the spectrum...
The Metro Celebrates 3 Years in the Scene (!): We went live on Feb. 10th, 2009 & are still going strong. It's been one hell of a ride, so we'd like to thank everyone who's stood in support over the past few years. The annual build-out for the full site is now complete. We've added some new groups & clubs, deleted a few elements which have since dropped out, & finished a full work up for the 2012 calendars. Changes were also made to resources & culture as well. The seasonal newsletter & national/regional PR will be coming out soon. Constructive input is always appreciated. We'll keep you updated as things progress.
The DC Fetish Ball (DCFethishBall.com): We'd like to thank EVERYONE who came out to make the 2011 Edition of the DC Fetish Ball such a spectacular event! It was an epic night & our best affair to date. We've already been compared to similar events on the national stage. Humbled to be mentioned in such an elite circle, we're ecstatic that we could bring something on this scale to the DC Scene. Our deepest thanks for all those who stood in support & all those who made it happen.
Links for Pics can be found at DCFetishBall.com/Pics & Metro Events.
So stay in the loop & follow the scene w/ multi-faceted updates from across the spectrum...
The Metro Celebrates 3 Years in the Scene (!): We went live on Feb. 10th, 2009 & are still going strong. It's been one hell of a ride, so we'd like to thank everyone who's stood in support over the past few years. The annual build-out for the full site is now complete. We've added some new groups & clubs, deleted a few elements which have since dropped out, & finished a full work up for the 2012 calendars. Changes were also made to resources & culture as well. The seasonal newsletter & national/regional PR will be coming out soon. Constructive input is always appreciated. We'll keep you updated as things progress.
The DC Fetish Ball (DCFethishBall.com): We'd like to thank EVERYONE who came out to make the 2011 Edition of the DC Fetish Ball such a spectacular event! It was an epic night & our best affair to date. We've already been compared to similar events on the national stage. Humbled to be mentioned in such an elite circle, we're ecstatic that we could bring something on this scale to the DC Scene. Our deepest thanks for all those who stood in support & all those who made it happen.
Links for Pics can be found at DCFetishBall.com/Pics & Metro Events.
News & Notes from Around the Scene: For Spring 2012...
Blogspot Archives for Previous Postings Can Be Found Here: Archive for 2011. Archive for 2010. => Coming Soon.
The Rogues & Weekend Themes at Renne-Fest - Many noticed that The Rogues were painfully missing from last year's Renaissance Festival. Rumors have flown that there was a falling out w/ its organizers but the official party-line is that this was not the case. Apparently, it was decided to change things up a bit & rotate in new bands to keep the venue fresh & different. However, as a festival favorite there is a very good chance that they'll be returning in future seasons. Also missing were the well loved themed weekends (Pirate, Celtic, etc). This too will hopefully return as such flair offered a sense of fun & frivolity to the normal seasonal calendar.
Changes at Bound & Entre Nous - After years of discussion, Todd & Jen have finally moved to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Still at the helm of his various endeavors (which include Bound, Entre Nous, XOXO, & DC Bukkake), Todd now handles promotions online & has turned over the reigns of local management to Phoebe (Bound) & Bella Bliss (Entre Nous). Thus far, the nights haven't suffered & maintain a strong following. Although missed, Todd & Jen do make trips back to DC for their larger functions, so you can catch them at the next SMB, Goddess Ball, or NYE Perv Ball.
Club Midnight Spurs Romance - With Valentines now upon us, it seems love was in the air at DC's Club Midnight. Ebony Tara Scurro of Eidilon Career Solutions (see Resources) was recently married to her beloved fiance. Where did they meet? Saturday's Club Midnight. But it seems this wasn't the only brush w/ love on L Street. We count no less then 3 other couples who met & have since married because of a chance encounter at DC's longest running goth night. Maybe they're putting something in the drinks... ;-)
The Crucible Rises - Possibly some of the biggest news to hit the scene is the reopening of The Crucible in DC. After closing its Half Street location due to increased rent, it took an arduous effort to become reestablished elsewhere. They have since settled in at a redeveloped warehouse at 16 M St. NE DC. The biggest changes revolve around issues regarding their occupancy permit. They are now licensed as a private social club so you may no longer pay membership fees at the door. Almost all events require paid membership before attending any function. This is not a problem, however, as membership is readily available online for an annual fee of only $20. We applaud such efforts & wish them luck as they finally turn the page to a new chapter. See website for more: www.the-crucible.com.
Von Gutenberg Launches their "Fantasy Event List" - From the mad mind behind the ever building Von Gutenberg Empire (including the Von Gutenberg Fetish & Fantasy Ball, Magazine, Blog, Online Store, & Social Media), now comes his latest initiative - The Von Gutenberg Fantasy Event List. Similar in nature to the Fetish Events Page (only much more proactive on the part of Eric its promoter), this promises to be a an excellent resource for national & worldwide events. See: www.FantasyEventList.com
Skin Two Releases Issue #62 - Highly regarded as one of the world's leading magazines for the fetish culture, Skin Two has just released its 62nd edition: The Fetish Style, Fashion, & Nightlife Issue. Covering top fetish nightlife events, from their own Skin Two Rubber Ball to Barcelona Fetish Weekend, the German Fetish Ball, Kink in the Caribbean, & more. Also featuring full fashion spreads from Mademoiselle Ilo & HMS Latex of Paris, Abigail Greydanus of Los Angeles, Jane Doe & Kaori’s Latex Dreams of London, Dawnamatrix & more. Purchase your copy here: SkinTwo.biz
Weekend Camps Restyle to a Festival Format - Driving off the success of last year's events, both Fusion & Fetfest have now set the tone for regional weekend camps. Moving from the more structured elements of a weekend retreat, they have made evolutionary changes to meet the new climate of participant desires. What then is the difference in style & format? Primarily it's a matter of price & accommodations. Previously, such venues offered a single price format which included cabins, food, classes & activities for those in attendance. Now under a more 'ala carte' configuration, tent camping is available, food is an option not a requirement (you can bring your own), & early bird incentives have dropped prices to as low as $100. With supply & demand now in higher equilibrium, a larger number of those attending may then work to transform such retreats from smaller gatherings into a more festival atmosphere.
New Playspace Available - With intentions to be available around the 2nd week of April, there is a new space available for clubs & groups interested in a weekend or overnight getaway. Located on Maryland’s Easter Shore, amenities include a 3-level 4,500 sq ft colonial estate. Accents include 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a 30 x 40 party deck, & views of the tidal river throughout the mansion. A fully equipped dungeon is in progress & will be available as well. The great hall has vaulted ceilings w/ a pool table & vintage coke machine. Once completed, the kitchen & bathrooms will all be fully updated w/ new appliances & fixtures. The main grounds cover 7 full acres which are hidden by a dense line of pine trees so privacy is not an issue. A screened gazebo is down by the river & there are also 2 large bandstands (25 sq.ft) framed w/ a roof. Future plans include the build-out of a large spa behind the house, but this has not yet been implemented.
Located just 55 minutes NE of the bay bridge, it is an easy drive & definitely striking distance for both DC & Baltimore. While Ramblewood offers proper infrastructure for full scale events, festivals, & major camps, the new venue provides an excellent opportunity for smaller retreats & weekend getaways which are more attune to an individual group. Please contact Rick@TheMetroUnderground.com to be placed in touch w/ the owners.
Entice "Falls" to Community Pressure - One of the largest Swinger Conventions consistently held in the Northeast has fallen to public pressure. Entice of Candlelight Productions has held a swinger convention for several years just outside Niagara Falls. Numbers consistently expect over 600 couples (over 1,200 people) for a 4-day romantic getaway. Unfortunately, community pressure forced town officials to take action. The means used to squash the event from moving forward? Body Paint... There's a Zoning Ordinance that disallows body paint for anything expect children (say for a clown painting kids faces at a carnival). No body paint means open nudity in a public space so the legalities got sticky. In the end, the event organizers decided that w/ such public pressure against them it was best to take such efforts elsewhere. Unfortunately, their site has since gone inactive so future activities are uncertain.
Chesapeake Summer Gathering Has Been Canceled - Please Note: the 9th Annual Summer Gathering for the Chesapeake Pagan Community (traditionally held at Ramblewood in Darlington, MD) has been canceled. If you've already purchased tickets then they will be refunded through the groups treasurer. There is no further information at this time. See: ChesapeakePagans.org
Chesapeake Polyamory Network - CPN was a structured organization holding topical discussions, culture gatherings, & local parties until November, 2010. At that time it was dissolved due to dwindling interest & a lack of numbers for its efforts. Although the group is no longer served as a formal organization, it does carry forward as a community resource through Yahoo Groups. Former members create gatherings on their own merit & chat is still active. See Yahoo Groups.
Phase I Rises as the Old Apex Closes - Formally Badlands, one of DC's most recognized venues for the Drag & Gay Community has since closed its doors. The operation was formally up for sale, but the economy hindered such efforts. To which, the owner finally closed his doors & left town for good - an abrupt end which left no notice to either his employees or the community.
However, all is not lost for one of DC's best venues. Resurrected in the former space is the new & improved Phase I. Owned & operated by the same people who brought you Phase I on Capitol Hill - well regarded as the longest running lesbian bar in the U.S. If opening night is any indication of the times to come, then Dupont night life is in good hands. A line 5-deep stretched all the way down the block & people were willing to wait in slush, rain, & snow for a chance to check out the new space. We wish them well. If you get a chance to stop in then please take good care of Kit at the bar - one of our our biggest supporters. :-)
Upcoming Concerts:
Sat: Feb 11th - Dub 101 Richmond (Facebook): Selling out in city after city, Dub 101 takes its show to Richmond.
Fri: Feb 17th - Emily Autunm LIVE (rechertheatre.com/Shows): At Baltimore's Recher Theatre. Tickets are $15.
Sat: Feb 25th - Dub Nation (www.930.com): Live at DC's 9:30 Club. Tickets $15. Doors at 10pm.
Fri: Mar 9th - Dub Nation (rechertheatre.com): Live at Baltimore's Recher Theater.
Mon: Mar 12th - VNV Nation (www.RamsHeadLive.com): comes to Rams Head Live in Baltimore. Tickets $20. Doors at 7pm.
Wed: Mar 21st - The X-Tour w/ Excision (RamsHeadLive.com): Dub Nation comes to Rams Head Live. Tickets $25. Doors at 8pm.
Wed: Apr 4th - The X-Tour w/ Excision (www.930.com): Dub Nation comes to the 9:30 Club in DC. Tickets $25. Doors at 8pm.
May 25th-28th - Deathfest (www.supremebrutality.com/fest): Baltimore's own Death-rock Festival held at Sonar.
Sat: June 16th - Starscape Festival (www.StarscapeFestival.com): One of the region's largest & best Rave-Format Concert Festivals.
July TBD - Pex Summer Festival (www.pexsummerfestival.com): An experiment in joyful expression through music & art.
Sat: Aug 11th - Dub 101 Richmond (Facebook): Selling out in city after city, Dub 101 takes its show to Richmond.
Back to Top. The Rogues & Weekend Themes at Renne-Fest - Many noticed that The Rogues were painfully missing from last year's Renaissance Festival. Rumors have flown that there was a falling out w/ its organizers but the official party-line is that this was not the case. Apparently, it was decided to change things up a bit & rotate in new bands to keep the venue fresh & different. However, as a festival favorite there is a very good chance that they'll be returning in future seasons. Also missing were the well loved themed weekends (Pirate, Celtic, etc). This too will hopefully return as such flair offered a sense of fun & frivolity to the normal seasonal calendar.
Changes at Bound & Entre Nous - After years of discussion, Todd & Jen have finally moved to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Still at the helm of his various endeavors (which include Bound, Entre Nous, XOXO, & DC Bukkake), Todd now handles promotions online & has turned over the reigns of local management to Phoebe (Bound) & Bella Bliss (Entre Nous). Thus far, the nights haven't suffered & maintain a strong following. Although missed, Todd & Jen do make trips back to DC for their larger functions, so you can catch them at the next SMB, Goddess Ball, or NYE Perv Ball.
Club Midnight Spurs Romance - With Valentines now upon us, it seems love was in the air at DC's Club Midnight. Ebony Tara Scurro of Eidilon Career Solutions (see Resources) was recently married to her beloved fiance. Where did they meet? Saturday's Club Midnight. But it seems this wasn't the only brush w/ love on L Street. We count no less then 3 other couples who met & have since married because of a chance encounter at DC's longest running goth night. Maybe they're putting something in the drinks... ;-)
The Crucible Rises - Possibly some of the biggest news to hit the scene is the reopening of The Crucible in DC. After closing its Half Street location due to increased rent, it took an arduous effort to become reestablished elsewhere. They have since settled in at a redeveloped warehouse at 16 M St. NE DC. The biggest changes revolve around issues regarding their occupancy permit. They are now licensed as a private social club so you may no longer pay membership fees at the door. Almost all events require paid membership before attending any function. This is not a problem, however, as membership is readily available online for an annual fee of only $20. We applaud such efforts & wish them luck as they finally turn the page to a new chapter. See website for more: www.the-crucible.com.
Von Gutenberg Launches their "Fantasy Event List" - From the mad mind behind the ever building Von Gutenberg Empire (including the Von Gutenberg Fetish & Fantasy Ball, Magazine, Blog, Online Store, & Social Media), now comes his latest initiative - The Von Gutenberg Fantasy Event List. Similar in nature to the Fetish Events Page (only much more proactive on the part of Eric its promoter), this promises to be a an excellent resource for national & worldwide events. See: www.FantasyEventList.com
Skin Two Releases Issue #62 - Highly regarded as one of the world's leading magazines for the fetish culture, Skin Two has just released its 62nd edition: The Fetish Style, Fashion, & Nightlife Issue. Covering top fetish nightlife events, from their own Skin Two Rubber Ball to Barcelona Fetish Weekend, the German Fetish Ball, Kink in the Caribbean, & more. Also featuring full fashion spreads from Mademoiselle Ilo & HMS Latex of Paris, Abigail Greydanus of Los Angeles, Jane Doe & Kaori’s Latex Dreams of London, Dawnamatrix & more. Purchase your copy here: SkinTwo.biz
Weekend Camps Restyle to a Festival Format - Driving off the success of last year's events, both Fusion & Fetfest have now set the tone for regional weekend camps. Moving from the more structured elements of a weekend retreat, they have made evolutionary changes to meet the new climate of participant desires. What then is the difference in style & format? Primarily it's a matter of price & accommodations. Previously, such venues offered a single price format which included cabins, food, classes & activities for those in attendance. Now under a more 'ala carte' configuration, tent camping is available, food is an option not a requirement (you can bring your own), & early bird incentives have dropped prices to as low as $100. With supply & demand now in higher equilibrium, a larger number of those attending may then work to transform such retreats from smaller gatherings into a more festival atmosphere.
Summer Camp vs. Fusion - As change takes hold, Dark Odyssey carries both formats on its annual calendar: Fusion which is scheduled for June, then Summer Camp which takes place in September. But is there really a difference? Very much so... There's actually a great discussion on this topic through Fetlife Groups => Fetlife.com/groups/756/group_posts/1583879
New Playspace Available - With intentions to be available around the 2nd week of April, there is a new space available for clubs & groups interested in a weekend or overnight getaway. Located on Maryland’s Easter Shore, amenities include a 3-level 4,500 sq ft colonial estate. Accents include 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a 30 x 40 party deck, & views of the tidal river throughout the mansion. A fully equipped dungeon is in progress & will be available as well. The great hall has vaulted ceilings w/ a pool table & vintage coke machine. Once completed, the kitchen & bathrooms will all be fully updated w/ new appliances & fixtures. The main grounds cover 7 full acres which are hidden by a dense line of pine trees so privacy is not an issue. A screened gazebo is down by the river & there are also 2 large bandstands (25 sq.ft) framed w/ a roof. Future plans include the build-out of a large spa behind the house, but this has not yet been implemented.
Located just 55 minutes NE of the bay bridge, it is an easy drive & definitely striking distance for both DC & Baltimore. While Ramblewood offers proper infrastructure for full scale events, festivals, & major camps, the new venue provides an excellent opportunity for smaller retreats & weekend getaways which are more attune to an individual group. Please contact Rick@TheMetroUnderground.com to be placed in touch w/ the owners.
Entice "Falls" to Community Pressure - One of the largest Swinger Conventions consistently held in the Northeast has fallen to public pressure. Entice of Candlelight Productions has held a swinger convention for several years just outside Niagara Falls. Numbers consistently expect over 600 couples (over 1,200 people) for a 4-day romantic getaway. Unfortunately, community pressure forced town officials to take action. The means used to squash the event from moving forward? Body Paint... There's a Zoning Ordinance that disallows body paint for anything expect children (say for a clown painting kids faces at a carnival). No body paint means open nudity in a public space so the legalities got sticky. In the end, the event organizers decided that w/ such public pressure against them it was best to take such efforts elsewhere. Unfortunately, their site has since gone inactive so future activities are uncertain.
Chesapeake Summer Gathering Has Been Canceled - Please Note: the 9th Annual Summer Gathering for the Chesapeake Pagan Community (traditionally held at Ramblewood in Darlington, MD) has been canceled. If you've already purchased tickets then they will be refunded through the groups treasurer. There is no further information at this time. See: ChesapeakePagans.org
Chesapeake Polyamory Network - CPN was a structured organization holding topical discussions, culture gatherings, & local parties until November, 2010. At that time it was dissolved due to dwindling interest & a lack of numbers for its efforts. Although the group is no longer served as a formal organization, it does carry forward as a community resource through Yahoo Groups. Former members create gatherings on their own merit & chat is still active. See Yahoo Groups.
Phase I Rises as the Old Apex Closes - Formally Badlands, one of DC's most recognized venues for the Drag & Gay Community has since closed its doors. The operation was formally up for sale, but the economy hindered such efforts. To which, the owner finally closed his doors & left town for good - an abrupt end which left no notice to either his employees or the community.
However, all is not lost for one of DC's best venues. Resurrected in the former space is the new & improved Phase I. Owned & operated by the same people who brought you Phase I on Capitol Hill - well regarded as the longest running lesbian bar in the U.S. If opening night is any indication of the times to come, then Dupont night life is in good hands. A line 5-deep stretched all the way down the block & people were willing to wait in slush, rain, & snow for a chance to check out the new space. We wish them well. If you get a chance to stop in then please take good care of Kit at the bar - one of our our biggest supporters. :-)
Upcoming Concerts:
Sat: Feb 11th - Dub 101 Richmond (Facebook): Selling out in city after city, Dub 101 takes its show to Richmond. Fri: Feb 17th - Emily Autunm LIVE (rechertheatre.com/Shows): At Baltimore's Recher Theatre. Tickets are $15.
Sat: Feb 25th - Dub Nation (www.930.com): Live at DC's 9:30 Club. Tickets $15. Doors at 10pm.
Fri: Mar 9th - Dub Nation (rechertheatre.com): Live at Baltimore's Recher Theater.
Mon: Mar 12th - VNV Nation (www.RamsHeadLive.com): comes to Rams Head Live in Baltimore. Tickets $20. Doors at 7pm.
Wed: Mar 21st - The X-Tour w/ Excision (RamsHeadLive.com): Dub Nation comes to Rams Head Live. Tickets $25. Doors at 8pm.
Wed: Apr 4th - The X-Tour w/ Excision (www.930.com): Dub Nation comes to the 9:30 Club in DC. Tickets $25. Doors at 8pm.
May 25th-28th - Deathfest (www.supremebrutality.com/fest): Baltimore's own Death-rock Festival held at Sonar.
Sat: June 16th - Starscape Festival (www.StarscapeFestival.com): One of the region's largest & best Rave-Format Concert Festivals.
July TBD - Pex Summer Festival (www.pexsummerfestival.com): An experiment in joyful expression through music & art.
Sat: Aug 11th - Dub 101 Richmond (Facebook): Selling out in city after city, Dub 101 takes its show to Richmond.
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No portion of this text may be copied or reproduced in any mannerwithout the express written consent of the author