On Burning Man 2016 And The Evolution Of Festival Culture
Thirty years ago, Burning Man was a festival associated with “radical self-expression” that took place in the shadow of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and ended with the ritualistic symbolic burning of a large wooden effigy-as-man. In 2016, Burning Man is a destination on Instagram near Reno, Nevada where from August 28-September 5, the likes of Paris Hilton and 70,000 of her friends partied on-board a jet-plane as art installation, Jack U played Billboard pop hits, and yes, they still burned a wooden man. Somewhere in the middle of this insanity there’s a lesson about what happens when underground things become mainstream fads because everyone loves a good, cool party that it seems like nobody else is attending.

Burning Man has existed for 30 years, but it was ultimately the festival’s close alignment with mid-2000s leading indie-to-pop cultural staples of electronic music and festivals as communal experiences that arguably put it over-the-top. Over the past weekend, Burning Man’s attendance reached a 40% surge in the past five years. That’s roughly 70,000% growth in the festival’s 30-year history, so it’s probably as good of a time as any to sit down and consider how movements develop and when it’s time to start doing something new.
Getting angry about Burning Man “not being for the scene” anymore is arguably fruitless. From disco to old-school rap, scenes evolve over time, as people, places and economics “conspire” to open culture up to society-at-large. These evolutions welcome in people who bring their unique human backgrounds into what are ideally supposed to be “shared cultural spaces.” Whenever “sharing” occurs, there’s a balance that must be achieved. Of course, when that balance is between wealth and “free-thinking,” the idea that wealth allows for free-thinking to include so much of what we saw at Burning Man 2016, stories like that of a “fancy camp” founded by the son of a Russian billionaire being ransacked make sense.

There’s been recent discussion of moving the Burning Man Festival out of the Nevada desert because of festival taxes being levied by the state of Nevada. If Burning Man were still all about free-thinking hippies on a beach, that’d be a problem. However, confusing what Burning Man originally was with what it is right now is like comparing a McDonald’s Big Mac to a steak dinner at The Palm. In Burning Man 2016 being far more of the latter and less of the former, the idea of taxing the wealth-positive festival makes sense.
Here’s an intriguing solution. Maybe it’s time for the OG burners to head, as VICE suggested in 2015, to Utah. In June 2016, Burning Man’s organizers purchased the 3,800 square foot Fly Ranch in Washoe County, Nevada in order to build year-round Burning Man-style infrastructure. While for some this may seem like an ideal solution for those looking to get away from the growing crowd in Black Rock City, heading to Utah instead could be a winning plan.
In the 2015 Vice piece, Burning Man’s CEO Marian Goodell notes that the Nevada taxes has made the festival’s organizers “ look longingly towards Utah or any other state that might not have levied that.” However, when Goodell also notes, “[w]e have watched the change in the type of people that come to Burning Man, and we’re not gonna get in front of certain things and force issues. We are gonna nurture the process so we all get the best results. Burning Man is an experiment in temporary community, and we’re the stewards of that process,” is it also a nod to potentially taking things elsewhere? When she continues to note that at 2015’s festival may be the most important sign that times have changed and that the festival’s culture may need to evolve:
“I was one of the people who was awakened at 3 in the morning by the sound of thumping music. My trailer was vibrating! Several of us came out, shocked, and couldn’t understand, even though I’ve been doing this for 19 years. We got in the cart and went out and it was an tart car facing its speakers towards the camp. It was past the man and it woke me!”

Again, in 2016, Burning Man was a destination on Instagram near Reno, Nevada where from August 28-September 5, the likes of Paris Hilton and 70,000 of her friends partied on-board a jet-plane as art installation, and ultimately, given how change occurs and things evolve, that’s okay. In looking to discover how to preserve a Burning Man that’s more about good music, good vibes and hanging out on a beach as a wooden man burns, maybe it’s time to think about Utah, and that’s okay, too.
DC Fetish Ball at Ultrabar [10.07.12]
Richard A.D. & The Metro Underground Present
The 2012 Edition of the DC Fetish Ball
Sunday October 7, 2012
DC’s Most Scandulous Affair Offering 3 Levels of Exotic Possibility
DC Fetish Ball brings together some of the scene’s best DJ’s, models, fashion, and nationally recognized talent, the evening brings a level of twisted delight worthy of the nation’s capitol. Brought to you by The Metro Underground at hosted by Ultrabar.
When:
Sunday, 10.07.12 Doors open at 9PM
Admission:
Presale tickets are $20 and $25 at the door. Guests 18 and over are allowed.
Location:
911 F St. NW
Washington, DC 20004
Ultrabar is located at the corner of 9th and F Streets NW less than 1 block from the Gallery Place Metro.
Overview:
Club Level (Main Ballroom): Featured Entertainment, Top DJ’s, Dancing, & Go Go
- Join us on the Main Stage for the erotic & sensual performances of Intimacy Arts & Roma Mafia.
- Special Fetish Fashion Show by Passional, Renee Masoomian, Bunny Made, & others to be announced.
- Featured DJ’s: Mike Saga (Electronic), Dirty-B (Power-Noise/Industrial), Mindcage (EBM/Electro), & others.
- GoGo’s & Pre-show performances run throughout the night.
Mezzanine (to the back of the club):overlooking the Main Ballroom.
- Mezzanine Lounge w/ Bottle Service overlooking the main club, stage, & dance floor.
Second Level (Lounge): Lifestyle Lounge-Social Play Space & Main Dungeon
- Dungeon hosted by D~X~S Rapture w/ Vac-Bed by SLYX.
- Featuring Mistress Tyler, Lydia, Mei, Brendan Lear & Madam Ember.
- Special presentation of midnight body shots by The Metro Underground.
- Special scene play by some of our area’s most erotic couples.
- Offering social play space & dancing w/ music by featured DJ’s.
Third Level: Circus Maximus – Club atmosphere with toys
- Special Play Space offering Demo’s, Electric Play, Full Body Suspension, Sybian, & more.
- Shibari/Rope by Green Eyed Devil. Violet Wand by Dark Electric.
- DJ’s Cosmo & Vlad will keep the dance floor jamming all night long.
Little Black Dress Party – Fri 08.10.12 [Ultrabar]
Little Black Dress Party
What:
Little Black Dress Party
When:
Friday August 10, 2012 9:30pm-3am
Where:
Ultrabar Nightclub
911 F Street NW
Washington DC, 20004
Extra Info:
- Ages: 18+
- Dress Code: Ladies wear your Little Black Dress
- Free entry w/ DC VIP pass
- Tables From $300
- $150 Bottles of Absolut
- $150 Bottles of Bacardi
- Call 202.271.1171 to book
Drink Specials:
- $7 Cosmos
- $7 Apple Martinis
- $4 Coronas
- $6 Rum & Coke
- $6 Sex on the Beach Shots
You can’t have the perfect Girl’s Night Out without your Little Black Dress. It’s something every girl has in her closet! So pull out that ‘LBD’, grab your girls and join us for $7 Cosmos and $7 Apple Martinis for this Friday night at Ultrabar!
Dress Code: Keep it fresh, crisp and clean. No shorts, sandals or baggy anything. You’re going out and it’s not to the mall. Looking ‘put together’ is everything.
Fridays: Carnival at Ultrabar
DC Nightlife Hosts World’s Biggest Party… Every Week!
Club nights in Washington DC are about to get a little crazier…
Carnival Fridays at Ultrabar Nightclub, featuring:
Click Here for Free/Reduced Entry
Panorama Productions is excited to bring Carnival to DC nightlife every Friday at Ultrabar Nightclub.
Drawing inspiration from the biggest party in the world, Panorama and Ultrabar fuse elements of the Brazilian, Portuguese and Caribbean Carnivals as well as New Orleans Mardi Gras into one massive event.
With free party favors, balloon drops, confetti blasts and live performers, Carnival at Ultrabar is DC nightlife’s escape to the no-holds-barred party world.

Cosmic Gate w/ Emma Hewitt – Sat 01.28.12 [Glow at Fur]
GLOW Washington DC presents:
Cosmic Gate
www.cosmic-gate.de
Emma Hewitt (live!)
emmahewittofficial.com
Saturday 01.28.12
Fur Nightclub
33 Patterson St NE # A
Washington D.C., DC 20002-3349
(202) 842-3401
Opening set by Roberto Gonzalez
Doors Open at 10pm, Ages 18+
Famous Tracks: Exploration of Space, Firewire, The Wave, Not Enough Time, Be Your Sound, The Truth, Body of Conflict, London Rain, I Love You remix, Find Yourself remix
Best Known For: Being more popular than Oktoberfest
Cosmic Gate has been rocking out at Glow for nearly a decade and we’re incredibly proud to bring back this longtime favorite to DC! To sweeten the deal, Emma Hewitt will be performing live over tracks like Be Your Sound, Calm Down, and Not Enough Time!
Nic Chagall and Bossi are prepared to transport you on another exploration of space at Glow!


ATB Movie from the New Glow @ Josephine
ATB brings it to DC lounges!
On 11.11.11 dance music icon ATB made a special appearance at Glow Washington DC’s Friday night event at Josephine. It made for an intimate evening for the DC bottle service crowd with one of the world’s DJ elite!
After recent renovations to open the space, Josephine has further become one of the elite lounges in DC. You can learn more about the venue in the DC club guide!
DJ Dirty Hands – Fri 12.23.11 [Pop at Ultrabar]
Pop Nightlife DC presents:
DJ Dirty Hands
www.djdirtyhands.com
Friday December 23, 2011
Ultrabar Nightclub
911 F St NW
Washington D.C., DC 20004
(202) 638-4663
Opening set by DJ Geometrix
Doors at 9pm, Ages 18+
Best Known For:Being one DC’s top residents, Opening Fly Lounge
Dirty Hands has been flying around DC for years dropping the freshest sounds blended with the classics that you love to hear. He knows the DC concerts faithful better than anyone around. He knows how to command a room, work the crowd and keep the party alive!
{tab=Resident DJ Geometrix}
Panorama Productions Resident DJ Geometrix is one of DC’s finest. Not only does he hold weekly spots at Pop @ Ultrabar and the hip-hop room at Glow @ Fur; he is also a co-director of the B2R (Back to Rock) Music School’s Beat Refinery in Herndon, VA.
{tab=The Vault}
Ultrabar is currently hosting a contest to find its next resident! We’re down to the final 8 competitors! Check it out every Friday!
Ultrabar Nightclub in Washington DC was once a bank, and this is The Vault! In addition to a bar and dance floor, the Vault features a hall lined with couches, sunken chairs and intimate escapes in case you meet the love of your life on a Friday night!
{tab=The Bedroom (Latin)}
Latest tracks by DJ SUELTO

With Mario Salsa on the congas, DJs Suelto and Bomba bring the hype every Friday to The Bedroom at Ultrabar. Pop’s Latin/International party features reggaeton, bachata, house and the best in international beats! The Bedroom at Ultrabar Nightclub in Washington DC is a huge weekly draw!
{tab=Chroma w/ Kid Lucky(VIP)}
Latest tracks by KidLucky

{tab=Passes}
{/tabs}
Ambivalent – Thurs 12.22.11 [Glow at Lima]
GLOW Washington DC presents:
Ambivalent
wwww.m-nus.com
Thursday December 22, 2011
Lima Restaurant & Lounge
1401 K Street, NW
Washington D.C., DC 20004
(202) 789-2800
Doors Open at 10pm, Ages 18+
Famous Tracks: Down, Lights Down, Brooklyn Weekdays, Last Track, Perfect Zed
Best Known For:Being down with Richie Hawtin and the M-nus camp.
One of the most successful DJ/producers from DC, Ambivalent spends his time living between NY and Berlin. His affiliation with Richie Hawtin’s M-nus label puts him at the forefront of the global techno movement. Ambivalent’s style tends to be a beat more upbeat when compared to his label’s extremely minimal style of techno.


Geometrix – Fri 12.16.11 [Pop at Ultrabar]

Pop Nightlife DC presents:
Geometrix
djgeometrix.com
Friday December 16, 2011
Ultrabar Nightclub
911 F St NW
Washington D.C., DC 20004
(202) 638-4663
Doors at 9pm, Ages 18+
Best Known For:Killing it every week at Pop and Glow!
Panorama Productions Resident DJ Geometrix is one of DC’s finest. Not only does he hold weekly spots at Pop @ Ultrabar and the hip-hop room at Glow @ Fur; he is also a co-director of the B2R (Back to Rock) Music School’s Beat Refinery in Herndon, VA.
{tab=The Vault}
Ultrabar is currently hosting a contest to find its next resident! We’re down to the final 8 competitors! Check it out every Friday!
Ultrabar Nightclub in Washington DC was once a bank, and this is The Vault! In addition to a bar and dance floor, the Vault features a hall lined with couches, sunken chairs and intimate escapes in case you meet the love of your life on a Friday night!
{tab=The Bedroom (Latin)}
Latest tracks by DJ SUELTO

With Mario Salsa on the congas, DJs Suelto and Bomba bring the hype every Friday to The Bedroom at Ultrabar. Pop’s Latin/International party features reggaeton, bachata, house and the best in international beats! The Bedroom at Ultrabar Nightclub in Washington DC is a huge weekly draw!
{tab=Chroma w/ Kid Lucky(VIP)}
Latest tracks by KidLucky

{tab=Passes}
{/tabs}
DJ Scene: Fri 10/21/11 [Pop at Ultrabar]
Opening set by DJ Geometrix
Friday October 21, 2011
Ultrabar Nightclub
911 F St NW
Washington D.C., DC 20004
(202) 638-4663
Doors Open at 9pm | Ages 18+
Style: Open
With a tour schedule rivaling even Tiesto, we’re lucky to have DJ Scene locked in at all! With numerous Vegas residencies and dates everywhere from Sacramento to Boston and down the eastern seaboard, it’s obvious Scene knows how to rock a floor.
One of the best DJs to party with, Scene is always down to pour some shots, drop some beats and get loose whether it’s rock, top 40, dance, hip-hop or even the occasional dubstep joint!
{tab=Resident DJ Geometrix}
DJ Geometrix Original Production & Remixes by DJ Geometrix
Panorama Productions Resident DJ Geometrix is one of DC’s finest. Not only does he hold weekly spots at Pop @ Ultrabar and the hip-hop room at Glow @ Fur; he is also a co-director of the B2R (Back to Rock) Music School’s Beat Refinery in Herndon, VA.
{tab=The Vault w/ DBK (House)}
Latest tracks by DBK
Ultrabar Nightclub in Washington DC was once a bank, and this is The Vault! In addition to a bar and dance floor, the Vault features a hall lined with couches, sunken chairs and intimate escapes in case you meet the love of your life on a Friday night!
{tab=The Bedroom (Latin)}
Latest tracks by DJ SUELTO

With Mario Salsa on the congas, DJs Suelto and Bomba bring the hype every Friday to The Bedroom at Ultrabar. Pop’s Latin/International party features reggaeton, bachata, house and the best in international beats! The Bedroom at Ultrabar Nightclub in Washington DC is a huge weekly draw!
{tab=Chroma w/ Kid Lucky(VIP)}
Latest tracks by KidLucky

{tab=Passes}
{/tabs}






