Virginia bans Uber and Lyft – how does this affect DC nightlife?
As technology approaches seeming to move at a pace faster than the rotation of the Earth, hiccups occur along the way that have potentially seismic consequences. If a DC club-goer and nightlife fanatic in the DMV, the recent banning of Uber and Lyft in the state of Virginia is one of these unintended consequences of technology moving faster than the laws can change. Sadly, this issue ultimately may affect how hard you party and how much you go out, with the hurt potentially extending to the income of the very clubs that we enjoy in the DC Metropolitan area. If the state of Virginia cannot solve its issues with the developing ride-sharing economy, the impact on nightlife culture, though not immediate, will be significant.
The issue for Uber and Lyft is an issue that ride-sharing faces nationwide. Taxi and limousine services are heavily regulated and feature a series of licenses and insurance regulations that Uber and Lyft do not require. Thus, while Uber and Lyft succeed alongside taxis and limousines because they can serve all communities in an efficient, clean and comfortable peer-to-peer manner, they have also in theory been operation unlawfully since starting operation.
As a partygoer, imagine it like this. Say, as a DMV area partier, your favorite style of dance music is drum and bass, and while you like trap and electro, you want more drum and bass in the mix. Since traditional and well-regulated DC nightlife locales aren’t playing what you want to hear, you instead find a very unregulated warehouse rave that plays what you want, how you want it, and oftentimes exactly when you want to hear it, too. Let’s say that said warehouse gets very popular, and government regulators become aware of a) illegal partying, and b) a loss of potential revenue from licensing fees for the space. This is exactly what is happening with Uber and Lyft’s issue with the Virginia state government.
A statement issued by Lyft to In the Capital regarding the issue said the following: “many of the current regulations surrounding taxis and limos were created before anything like Lyft’s peer-to-peer model was ever imagined, we’re committed to continuing to work with state officials to craft new rules for this new industry. We truly believe that if we approach situations like this positively and collaboratively, we can work together with local leaders to greatly improve transportation access, safety and affordability.”
Of course, in a manner similar to our theoretical DC partying situation, Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner Philip Holcomb replied by saying, “I urge the citizens of Virginia to protect their families by using only companies that appear on DMV’s website as licensed transportation services. If it’s not on the list, it’s not recommended.”
The idea of potentially under or un-insured Uber or Lyft operators being involved in automobile accidents or other criminal incidents while transporting passengers is akin to going to said underground nightclub and being exposed to any great number of illicit activities or structural issues in the space. If the underground venue is not insured or licensed, the partygoer has no means by which to ensure that their legal recourse will be handled in a smooth and efficient manner. Thus, it’s not as if the state of Virginia is telling taxi service users to not use Lyft or Uber because they’re bad, they would prefer that people stick to better regulated means of transportation in the DC area.
Any regular DC nightlife fanatic that lives in Arlington County (or anywhere in Virginia for that matter) could tell countless horror stories about attempting to get back home from popular DC-area clubs like Northeast DC’s Echostage. DC-based cab drivers are fare-driven operators, and while one trip across the Potomac River can be a prosperous trip, it’s arguably much easier to pick up three separated fares (that could easily be worth more) in the same time it takes to cross the river and return to the city. Uber and Lyft’s peer-to-peer model almost assuring a driver service (more likely than not to suburban destnations) allows for a balance to occur in taxi services that actually benefits the existing cab companies who are oftentimes unwilling to transport someone to a relatively far-flung locale at a late – yet potentially high income – hour.
“Uber has been providing Virginians with safe, affordable and reliable transportation options, so the DMV’s actions today are shocking and unexpected,” Uber posted in a statement. However shocking these actions may be, the shock they may cause to DC”s developing nightlife economy may be more significant. If Uber and Lyft are taken offline in Virginia and an agreement is achieved that allows for a breadth and depth of taxi options in the DC Metropolitan area, then it’s likely the most worthwhile option. Just like as in dance music and potential DC partying options, when the underground and mainstream can unite, everyone benefits in the end.
Electronic Dance Music of the World Cup
An EDM Guide to the World Cup
Contributing Writer Marcus K. Dowling
For the next month, most of the sports and entertainment loving world will have their eyes focused on South America – namely Brazil – as the 2014 edition of soccer’s World Cup takes place. There are those who feel as passionately about soccer as they do many things, namely dance music. As well, when one considers that top DJ/producers Tiesto, Afrojack, Sebastian Ingrosso and many others take part in a yearly charity soccer match during Miami Music Week, the pairing of soccer and dance does not appear as strange as it would seem.
Keeping that in mind, if looking for a preview of the World Cup that involves dance music, you’re in the right place. While also picking a field of the best eight choices to win it all, some choice dance cuts from those nations will be featured, too. As much as soccer provides a global language by which sports fans can unite, no matter the genre, this list should prove that dance has a similar way of connecting everyone.
10. Portugal
Biggest star: Cristiano Ronaldo
Plays club soccer for: Real Madrid (Spain)
Position: Forward
Must hear Portuguese dance track: Buraka Som Sistema – “Stoopid”
Best described as: A frenetic-paced Afro-centric bass party from the producers/DJs/live band with recording credits with the likes of MIA.
9. Netherlands
Biggest star(s): Arjen Robben and Robin Persie
Plays club soccer for: Robben plays for Bayern Munich (Germany), while Persie suits up for Manchester United (England)
Position: Both are forwards
Must hear Dutch dance track: Sidney Samson – “Trojan”
Best described as: Percussion-laden Dutch house music, and in sounding like 1000 horses galloping out to war, it’s – as per the expectation of a Sidney Samson track – an absolute bass-bin smasher.
8. Colombia
Biggest star: James Rodriguez
Plays club soccer for: AS Monaco (France)
Position: Midfielder
Must hear Colombian dance track: Shakira – “La La La” (Chus and Ceballos Remix)
Best described as: In the spirit of the World Cup, Spaniards Chus and Ceballos give Colombian vocalist Shakira’s World Cup anthem a more fiesta and less carnival-tinged spin. Faster and lighter, it’s built for a vibe-driven big room feel.
7. Belgium
Biggest star: Thibault Coutois
Plays club soccer for: Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Position: Goalkeeper
Must hear Belgian dance track: Technotronic – “Pump Up The Jam”
Best described as: Cheesy? Sure. But, this is an athletic event, so feel almost absolutely certain that this now nearly 30 year old techno-funk workout from the legendary Belgian trio is going to be played in more than a few stadiums.
6. England
Biggest star: Wayne Rooney
Plays club soccer for: Manchester United (England)
Position: Forward
Must hear English dance track: Maya Jane Coles – “Lost In The City”
Best described as: A melodious vocal sets in an insistent groove on this chilled, funky, heavy and deep cut. If not aware of the style of British superstar producer Maya Jane Coles, this is very much par for the course.
5. Italy
Biggest star: Mario Balotelli
Plays cub soccer for: AC Milan (Italy)
Position: Forward
Must hear Italian dance track: Benny Benassi and Gary Go – “Lake This Last Forever”
Best described as: The “Electroman” and master behind “Satisfaction” and “Cinema” returns for 2014 with a big room and festival anthem featuring the soaring and yearning vocal of British vocalist Gary Go and trademark thumping Benassi bassline.
4. Germany
Biggest star: Miroslav Klose
Plays club soccer for: Lazio (Italy)
Position: Forward
Must hear German dance track: London Grammar – “Hey Now” (Tensnake Remix)
Best described as: Nu disco don Tensnake wraps the vocal of UK top-40 diva London Grammar in four-on-the-floor drums and effervescent mood feeling like Giorgio Moroder’s “Chase” headed into a sunset.
3. Argentina
Biggest star: Lionel Messi
Plays club soccer for: Barcelona (Spain)
Position: Forward
Must hear Argentinian dance track: Jesse Rose – Underbelly (Guti Remix)
Best described as: Emotive and deep house maestro Guti gives the funky bounce of Dirtybird Records affiliate Jesse Rose a smoother feel on this remix from Rose’s latest album, The Whole Twelve Inches. Like peering into a hollow African drum pointed into the night air, this one narrows, and widens, providing a sound best described as a warped, elastic feel.
2. Brazil (Host country)
Biggest star: Neymar
Plays club soccer for: Barcelona (Spain)
Position: Forward
Must hear Brazilian dance track: M.I.A. – Bucky Done Gun
Best described as: Combine elements of Jamaican dancehall, American rap, Dominican dembow and reggaeton into a blender. Throw in a heavily-accented female vocal and you get “Bucky Done Gun,” M.I.A.’s 2005 minor hit single from her debut album Arular. Baile funk is Brazil’s most dominant organic national dance sound, and while many, many other DJs and producers make the sound, this single is its most notable mainstream moment.
1. Spain (Defending champion)
Biggest star: Xavi
Plays club soccer for: Barcelona
Position: Midfielder
Must hear Spanish dance track: Maceo Plex – “Conjure EP”
Best described as: A super-emotive vibe-master from Barcelona, Maceo Plex trends from trance to techno, always providing an earnest and honest vibe on his latest release. The Balearic mix of “Conjure” features a horn that makes it feel like a George Michael ballad but is empowered with a dark techno groove.
Moonrise Festival – Pimlico Race Course – 8.9.14 & 8.10.14
Moonrise Festival
Saturday, 8/9/14 & Sunday, 8/10/14
Pimlico Race Course
5201 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
Get Tickets Here
More Info & Lineup
When it comes to Summer festivals near dc nothing is bigger than Moonrise! Taking place at Pimlico Race in Baltimore on August 9-10, Club Glow and Steez Promo have put together one of the craziest lineups of all time. Glow has been busy, from countless massive shows at Echostage to Thank You Festival and now Moonrise.
With four stages and a unique lineup Moonrise Festival will bring something for everyone including production value worth the visit itself (yes, there will be a Ferris wheel). Each stage will offer an expertly crafted experience and they will all come together to form an event unlike anything the mid-Atlantic has seen before with DJs, live performances, bands and much more. Read below for more information.
Phase 1 Lineup
August 9 – Kaskade | August 10 – Bassnectar
Adventure Club | A$AP Ferg | Bro Safari | Carnage | Excision | Infected Mushroom Live | Lotus | Morgan Page | Rusko | Sander van Doorn | DJ Snake | STS9 | Tommy Trash | Waka Flocka Flame | Zeds Dead
Amtrac | Anna Lunoe | Audien | Brillz | Clockwork | Cory Enemy | Crizzly | CRNKN | Dannic | Destructo | Digital Lab | The Disco Fries | Djemba Djemba | Dotcom | Downlink | Drumsound & Bassline Smith | Dzeko & Torres | EOTO | Evol Intent | Figure | Firebeatz | Gazzo | gLAdiator | GTA | Heroes x Villains | JackLNDN | Julio Bashmore | Kennedy Jones | Keys n Krates | Lets Be Friends | Lindsay Lowend | Luke the Knife | Mayhem vs Antiserum | Michael Brun | Mitis | Moon Boots | Mr Carmack | Ookay | Orjan Nilsen | Papadosio | Paper Diamond | Planet of the Drums | Rebecca & Fiona | RJD2 | Robert DeLong | Shiba San | Shiftee | Slander | Snails | Sound Remedy | Tchami | Terravita | Tony Junior | Tritonal | TV Noise | Victor Niglio | Z Trip | Zoogma
2RIP | Alex English | Architekt | Audio Ammo | Beltway Banditz | Bunk Buddha | Des McMahon | Electric Love Machine | Joe L | DJ Knowledge | Matt Goldman | Racecarbed | Roberto Gonzalez | RSK | Team Zapata
Venue Info
Moonrise Festival will be held at this world famous venue a short distance from downtown Baltimore:
Pimlico Race Course
5201 Park Heights Ave
Baltimore, MD 21215
The event will take place in the massive infield of the mile-long race course, which will be transformed into a world of sight and sound, building the event around a massive Ferris wheel in the center. The nature of the venue will allow easier access to concessions and much more space to expand the production and performance areas.
There are multiple parking lots in the surrounding area, and the venue is along public transportation routes.
Rules / FAQ
The Following Items Are Allowed:
- Small handbags & backpacks
- Cameras
- Clothing Items
- Outside food and beverages
- Plastic toys, trinkets & glow sticks of reasonable size
The Following Items Are Strictly Prohibited:
- Illegal drugs
- Weapons of any size or shape
- Glass bottles
- Opened beverage containers or food items
- Alcohol
- Coolers
- Bags larger than a basic backpack
Camping or tailgating is not allowed in or around the venue at any time before, during or after the event.
Hey Mr. DJ, What’s Your DJ Relationship Status
Rock stars have their groupies and today’s mega DJs are not immune to the wave of girls and boys trying to get in the pants of their favorite musical artists. To play the groupie game correctly, you better go in with some good insight in their personal lives. Is your favorite DJ married, engaged, or flying solo?
You better find out before you get a stiletto up your butt from the real women in these DJ’s lives. Check out their relationship status here then proceed with your infatuation, you sickos!
Tiësto
For those of you who want to “Just Be” with Tiësto, now’s your chance. Until early 2006, Tiësto was in a relationship with Dutch model Monique Spronk, two years later, a Dutch newspaper announced that Tiësto and his girlfriend Stacey Blokzijl were going to get married on October 10, 2008 in Cartagena, Colombia. He proposed to her in December 2007 while they were visiting Mauritius. But then, Tiësto cancelled his wedding because he claimed to have a busy schedule and too little time for the preparations, which led to Blokzijl breaking off the engagement.
Tiësto is now an ordained minister, so that we can marry a winning couple in the city most infamous for extraordinary weddings, Las Vegas! You can also catch Tiesto LIVE at the Thank You Festival June 26, 2014 at Merriweather Post Pavillion.
Steve Aoki
The champagne spraying, crowd surfing DJ has been engaged to Australian model Tiernan Cowling since 2010. Currently the electro house musician, Grammy nominated record producer and the founder of Dim Mak Records is still engaged.
You can check her out in action here, in a really weird video and Steve Aoki LIVE at Echostage June 21, 2014 in DC.
Armin
On 18 September 2009, Van Buuren married Erika van Thiel, with whom he had been together for nine years. Their daughter Fenna was born in July 2011, and their son Remy in July 2013. Wonder who the DJ was at the wedding. Sorry ladies this one’s off the market.
Need more proof, watch the wedding tape:
Calvin Harris
According to Forbes, Harris was the highest paid DJ of 2013, grossing an estimated $46 million- WOW! Plus, it looks like he’s just as lucky in love, as the affection between Calvin Harris and Rita Ora runs deep!
In an issue of Elle UK, the beautiful blonde Brit is confessed that her current and only love made her feel something she’s never experienced before, love….awe…
But will it last? Apparently she doesn’t like his music.
Deamau5
In September 2012, Deadmau5 (Zimmerman) began dating Kat Von D. On December 15, 2012, Zimmerman proposed to Von D via Twitter, and they announced that they would marry in August 2013 with an aquatic-themed wedding. They both have several matching tattoos, including the numbers “289m3d22h” on both of their arms, which is sentimental to the day that they met, as well as two black stars underneath their eyes. Zimmerman moved to Los Angeles to live with Von D. In June 2013, Von D announced that they had ended their engagement.
Kat n Mouse…
Avicci
Looks like Avicci (Tim Goldberg) actually dated one of DC’s finest, a GWU graduate back in 2012. But these days, the 24-year-old has switched from team blonde to team brunette with his main squeeze, Raquel Battencort. He reportedly bought a 14 million dollar house in LA because Raquel “had to live here”. The home is even called ‘Casa Bettencourt’.
David Guetta
Catherine Lobé, better known as Cathy Guetta, is a French former discotheque manager, events organizer and socialite. She and mega the DJ have worked on music projects during their marriage and have two children, Angie Guetta, and Tim Elvis Eric Guetta. Though recent reports say the couple divorced in March 2014. News of the split comes just a few short years after the couple renewed their vows in August 2012 in Ibiza.
Afrojack
Afrojack has a daughter Vegas (2012) with his ex-girlfriend Amanda Balk. In April 2014 he was linked to Anouk, a Dutch singer-songwriter and producer, who’s currently pregnant with her fifth child.Is it Afrojacks? Don’t forget the DJ also dated miss Paris Hilton back in 2011.
Laidback Luke
After a first marriage, he announced on the maiden voyage of Holy Ship! that he was engaged to Gina Turner and they married on October 1, 2012 at The View, Piermont, New York. Turner is also a DJ and one half of Nouveau Yorican, a musical side project with her husband Laidback Luke, and half of the DJ duo Staccato. She is also the head of Turn It Records. Talk about a match made in musical heaven!
Kaskade
Kaskade met his wife and fellow snowboarder, Naomi at the University of Utah. Apparently Naomi was hestitant about her husband Ryan Raddon using the name Kaskade as it could remind people of dish detergent. Throughout the years of his success, Ryan and Naomi have maintained their relationship. Currently, they are married and together have three daughters.
Ferry Corsten
The Dutch DJ has been married to Lia Colayco since 2010. He talked about Donate And Dance, an evening with popularly known DJ’s to raise money for the victims in the Philippines.
You can see her in action in this video clip from a Dutch daily talk show. You won’t have any clue what they are saying, but it’s still an action shot.
DC Dance Party: Fridays at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
DC Dance Party
Every Friday 10pm-3am | Ages 18+
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Does a night out with friends sound like the perfect Friday night? Is the regular bar scene not doing it for you? Do you just wanna DANCE? Well, we have you covered with the DC Dance Party every Friday night at Ultrabar! 6 bars, 5 floors, and 4 DJs spinning the best tracks they have to offer all night, we’re sure to have the Friday night party you’re looking for!
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dress code: Dressy Casual. Guys: No boots, no sneakers, no t-shirts, no grungy or athletic clothes, Girls: Keep it classy.
Music Format:
– Main Floor: DJ Kam (Top 40, Mashups, Hip Hop)
– Bedroom: DJ Destroyer (Hip Hop)
– Chroma : DJ Dale & DJ C-LO (Latin & International)
– Basement: DJ George Tsakiris (Dance, Top 40)
Nightmare on F Street: 10.29.16 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Nightmare on F Street
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Join us for our annual Nightmare on F St Halloween party Saturday, October 30th at Ultrabar! Come out and celebrate as we turn F Street into a scene from a scary movie! We will have many surprises waiting for you!
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $350 table special: Stoli, Jack, and House Champagne
- Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dress code: Dressy Casual. Guys: No boots, no sneakers, no t-shirts, no grungy or athletic clothes, Girls: Keep it classy.
Music Format:
– Main Floor: DJ Kam (Top 40, Mashups, Hip Hop)
– Bedroom: DJ Destroyer (Hip Hop)
– Chroma : DJ Dale & DJ C-LO (Latin & International)
– Basement: DJ George Tsakiris (Dance, Top 40)
_________________________
Ultrabar
911 F Street NW, Washington DC | Nearest metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red and Yellow/Green lines)
Date Night: 2.13.16 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Date Night
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Grab the ladies and make it a Date Night for a special Ladies Night on Saturday February 13!
Bottle Special:
- $350 table special: Stoli, Jack, and House Champagne
Music:
- Main Floor: Dance & Top 40
- Bedroom (second floor): Latin & International
- Chroma: Hip Hop & Top 40
- Basement: Mashups
Discounted Admission: See Event Passes
Hours:
9:30pm-3am
Age Requirement and Dress Code:
Open to ages 18+, Proper ID and Attire is Required. Dress Smart. Guys: No shorts, boots, oversized tees, baggy jeans, tennis shoes, etc.. Girls: Keep it classy.
Learn more about Ultrabar Nightclub DC
Location, Info:
911 F St. NW Washington DC 20004. Nearest metro: Gallery Place. 202 638 4663
More details about Ultrabar
Date Night: 2.14.15 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Date Night
Friday, February 14, 2015 | Ages 18+
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2015 at Ultrabar! With great drink specials, amazing DJs, and ladies night specials in full effect (free entry for ladies 21+, reduced entry for ladies 18+), there’s no reason you can’t treat your lady to a classic night out on the town!
Bottle Special:
- $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- To reserve a table call (202) 638-4663
Music:
- Main Floor: Dance & Top 40
- Bedroom (second floor): Latin & International
- Chroma: Hip Hop & Top 40
- Basement: Mashups
Heaven and Hell: 11.1.14 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing and Ultrabar Present:
Heaven & Hell
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Do you dress funny or sexy? Homemade or store bought? Clever or classic? Whatever your choice is for this year, we want to see it! With great drink specials, bottle specials, and 5 floors of music to choose from, this party only has one question: Which side will YOU be on?
Bottle Special:
$150 Absolut vodka
Music:
- Main Floor: Dance & Top 40
- Bedroom (second floor): Latin & International
- Chroma: Hip Hop & Top 40
- Basement: Mashups
Carnival: 3.6.15 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing and Ultrabar Present:
Carnival
Friday, March 6, 2015 | Ages 18+
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
It’s back by popular demand! We took a cue from some of the biggest parties around the world and bring them together for one massive event: we’ve got party favors, confetti, girls, and tons of great music and drink specials!
Featuring 4 DJs, 5 floors, and 6 bars!
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dressy Casual
Music Format:
– Main Floor: DJ Kam (Top 40, Mashups, Hip Hop)
– Bedroom: DJ Destroyer (Hip Hop)
– Chroma : DJ Dale & DJ C-LO (Latin & International)
– Basement: DJ George Tsakiris (Dance, Top 40)
