News & Notes
From Around the Scene
As we now leave the trials of the pandemic behind us, it comes as no surprise that some major changes have taken place, both w/in the scene as well as the mainstream world which surrounds us. But such is the tide of our times, so we continue to push forward in its wake. Rather than returning to normal, we find a new norm & sort out what it all meant. Indeed, if the past few years haven’t given us pause for a deeper contemplation, then I find such individuals have missed a major opportunity for inner reflection & change. Regardless, now moving forward we simply pick up, regroup, & move on w/ life.
From The Metro Underground:
The DC Fetish Ball: In our current times of upheaval & political theater, The DC Fetish Ball continues its ongoing tradition to bring a night of respite & open possibility. In that light, I'd like to thank everyone who made it out to this year’s ball, & to all of those who stand in support. What an epic night! It was truly incredible. The level of energy, entertainment, fashion, & play all made for a truly unforgettable time. It’s an honor to bring such an affair to the scene. I thank you one & all…
Flikr, Tumblr, & Fetlife? As social media continues its slide toward more restrictive community standards, we’re looking into new platforms to post galleries for past events. These are the memories we carry forward & consider this an ever important element for our ongoing efforts. So keep an eye out as the last of our new galleries are posted, & previous pics are moved to a more appropriate formats.
Social Media: we’re on it!
- Join us on Facebook: Facebook.com/groups/131545809506
- Follow us on Instagram: Instagram.com/themetrounderground
- Join us on Fetlife: Fetlife.com/groups/4756
- Also on Twitter: Twitter.com/metroundergrnd
- Videos on Youtube: Youtube.com/channel
- Scene News on Blogspot: MetroNewsletter.blogspot.com
News & Notes from Around the Scene:
Archived postings for each of the following can now be found on Blogspot:
- Archived News & Notes can be found at MetroNewsArchive.blogspot.com.
- Our Current Newsletter can be found at MetroNewsletter.blogspot.com
- Archived Newsletters from 2009-2011 can be found on LiveJournal.
The Bad Fae Ball (Instagram.com/badfaeball): This past spring we stumbled across a newcomer to the scene who really caught our eye. Now in his second year, Harrison Brant Banker Doyle has hit Baltimore with a fresh sense of creative passion not felt in quite a while. His main efforts include the Spring Beltane Ball & the Bad Fae Ball coming in December. Both are gala events with awesome energy, top notch entertainment, & a great crowd. Honestly, they’re reminiscent of our own Spring Formals back when we got this whole Metro-thing going. He also hosts the Erotic Expo in both DC & Baltimore. We hope you check it out, you’ll be glad you did. And don’t skip the after-party! It’s an awesome vibe not seen since the mid-‘90s.
The Naughty Snow Ball Returns (Facebook.com/MischiefDC): A fan favorite for the DC Burner Scene has at last returned! Previously hosted as a gala event by Mischief DC, organizers have once again come together to create a great night of art, music, & intrigue. We're excited to have them back. Keep an eye of their main forums for details coming soon.
Capital Fringe Discontinues (CapitalFringe): the long running DC festival for alternative & independent theater has come to a close.The annual festival has been discontinued as of Jan 2025 due to ongoing issues with suitable venues. The organization has since shifted its focus to cash awards for area artists & efforts to support the community. However, District Fringe has risen from its ashes to carry its banner forward. With a focus on independent theater, the new festival has created an initial following & hopes to continue on.
Baltimore's New Kink Cafe (Instagram.com/kink_cafe): In early September, North Charles Street in Baltimore held a grand opening for the new Kink Café. Offering a brick & mortar location for good food, edgy atmosphere, education, & playful possibility, we expect they’ll fit in well with the Baltimore Eagle & other alternative venues. More reminiscent of San Francisco than the Mid-Atlantic, they are a reminder that Baltimore often plays to its own tune. Follow them on Instagram for more.
After 40 Years, Sigma Comes to a Close (Article): After 40 years in operation, the gay male social group Sigma as finally turned in its banners & has come to the end of an era. Please see article link for more.
The District Eagle (MetroWeekly): Presenting one of DC's newest underground clubs for the gay scene, The District Eagle is a true speakeasy. Located at 1357B U Street (NW DC), patrons first pass through the Lucky Pollo Peruvian Chicken. To the back of the club there is a vending machine for candy. Give a pull to any of the vending levers, then give a strong tug to open a back door. This enters you into the back club area, offering a cruisy vibe of kink & leather with DJ’s, bar, & back areas to play. While the DC Eagle has long since closed, an attempt to carry that same spirit lives on at U Street.
Discontinued:
Main Events:
- Honfest Baltimore, Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, Lucidity, Sonarfest, Megafest, Blerdcon, Transformus. Capital Fringe. Moonrise Festival, Impuse, Colorado Leatherfest, BR NaCK, Crucible Rendevous, Poly Living .
Clubs, Groups, & Resources:
- Loving More (National Poly), Sigma (gay leather group in DC).
Recent Additions:
- Clubs: Harrison Banker Productions (Bad Yule Ball, Beltane Ball, Pirate Prom, & more).
- Groups: Wolfspirit DC (N.Va Fet Group) The Crown & Collar Society (N.Va group dedicated to the expresion of elegance).
- Recurring Nights: Dark Constellation, Sip & Sin, Crucible Rope, Pleasurecation, Yes Daddy, & Rough House.
- Resource: N/A.
All Content Copyright Richard A.D. & The Metro Underground. All Rights Reserved.
No portion of this text may be copied or reproduced without the express written consent of the author.
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