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.
Kanye West Is Running For President In 2020. Here’s How He Wins.

In August 2015, Kanye West took to the stage at MTV’s Video Music Awards and announced that he was running for President of the United States in 2020. As if wanting to make absolutely sure that we all knew that he wasn’t backing out of his prior announcement, he returned to MTV’s VMA stage on August 28, 2016, and in a manner most “presidential” outlined an anti-urban violence stance as well favorably compared himself to the likes of President Harry S. Truman, automaker Henry Ford, iconic entrepreneur Howard Hughes, entertainment titan Walt Disney, and pioneering Apple tech visionary Steve Jobs. In considering how and why he could win in 2020, that’s where things begin to get interesting.

Yes, the Republican nominee for President stated that, if elected, he would force Mexico to build a wall to contain its potential immigrants. However, Kanye West once said that George W. Bush didn’t like black people. We’re in a political environment where sound bites oftentimes carry more weight than full speeches. In this being the case, Donald Trump’s grassroots appeal being based on enraging/engaging snippets of thoughts could be mirrored by a potential West campaign.
2016’s Presidential campaign has involved Donald Trump making numerous statements about Hillary Clinton’s desire to stay with Bill Clinton after the infamous Monica Lewinsky scandal. By comparison to Kanye’s wife Kim Kardashian being filmed in a globally-distributed sex tape with one-time pop-star Ray J, the Clinton’s failings pale in comparison. While yes, setting up a slippery slope of sex and drama isn’t exactly what we should want to achieve in a presidential election cycle, if Kanye runs in 2020 — especially as a Democrat in the primaries against Hillary — it’s bound to occur.

The easiest way for Kanye West to avoid many of the potential public relations pitfalls of a Yeezus for President campaign will exist in his ability to use his pop-star swagger to overcome public angst. Ever since we elected movie star Ronald Reagan as president in 1980 and Bill Clinton became a late-night and MTV celebrity in 1992, there’s a certain level of superstar cool associated with the American presidency that’s maybe more important than public policy stances. In many ways, arguable public policy know-nothing Donald Trump’s successful obtaining of the Republican nomination can almost entirely be directly related to the 35 years that he’s spent as an global media icon alone. However, we’ve never seen arguably one of the top five most entertaining hip-hop artists of all time running for president. The idea that a superstar is vying for a superstar’s job could literally be more than enough to put him over-the-top.

And let’s also seriously break down the idea that Kanye could release his entire platform as a mixtape, and that mixtape would be FIRE. In a realm of things that could legitimately occur in the world, imagine Kanye’s Watch The White House mixtape being hosted by Barack Obama. Tracks could feature everyone from Beyonce and Rihanna to Jay Z and Nas, Chance the Rapper and Jaden Smith, Kim Kardashian and Amber Rose, Jack U and Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, and the Foo Fighters and Guns N Roses. U2 once released an album on iTunes that magically appeared in everyone’s collections free-of-charge. Zero campaign laws would be violated if private company Apple Music publicly supported Kanye’s presidential aspirations with a similar move. Between blog traffic, think-pieces, potential Billboard chart-topping hits, videos and live performances, that’s an unprecedented media assault that could disrupt traditional campaigning forever.

Debates would be LIT AF, too. When not potentially nervous and speaking without a script onstage at the Video Music Awards, Kanye West is the son of a college professor and well-acquainted with doing compelling oration in front of thousands-to-millions of people. If Kanye’s coached for debates in a manner similar to any other presidential nominee, it’s easy to imagine that he’d actually not just make points, but be really entertaining at doing so, too.
Kanye’s running in 2020. Intriguingly enough, he could easily win.

L8 Lounge

- Venue Type: Underground nightclub with classy, understated decor
- Amenities: Full bar, VIP bottle service
- Hours
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10pm-2am
- Friday, Saturday: 10pm-3am
- Dress Code: Dressy casual, sophisticated and sleek
- Location: 15th Street
- Address: 727 15th Street Northwest
- Contact: 202.271.1171
- Website: www.l8loungedc.com | facebook.com/l8loungdc
Overview
L8 Lounge “is for the upscale and sexy nightclubber in Washington looking for something new” according to the owners who recently opened the new hot spot. It’s an upscale and sexy new club for the sophisticated DC social who is tired of the same old scene.
Decked out in chandeliers and chrome-covered bars, L8 is located on 15th street and is well worth checking out. VIP tables, a full bar, and over 3,000 square feet: the cool atmosphere is perfect for a late night on the town. It’s just a short walk from the K Street corridor and a only few blocks away from sister club Soundcheck.
Photos




Independence Weekend Beach Party at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Independence Weekend Beach Party
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC

It’s Independence Day Weekend and we’re bringing you the beach! No work or school on the 4th of July! Grab your shades and flip flops! We will provide the rest!
No dress code, beach attire is accepted!
Open Bar 10pm-11pm
DJ SAAM
Music: Top 40, House and International
$350 table special: Jack, Stoli, and House Champagne
Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
Dress Code: NONE
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911 F Street NW, Washington DC
Nearest Metro station: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red and Yellow/Green lin
White Out: 7.8.16 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
White Out Party
Friday, July 8, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC

It’s officially time for our post-4th-of-July White Out Party! Come wearing your brightest and best and celebrate the Summer at Ultrabar on Friday July 8!
Featuring 6 Bars, 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- Music: Top 40, House and International, different floors have different styles (see below)
- Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dress Code: Respectable summer-wear
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911 F Street NW, Washington DC
Nearest Metro station: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red and Yellow/Green lines)
Life’s a Beach: 08.5.16 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Life’s a Beach
Friday, August 5, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC

Swing by Ultrabar on your way to the shore Friday night and kick your Summer weekend off right!
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- $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)
Cocktail Dresses & Champagne: 08.12.16 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Cocktail Dresses & Champagne
Friday, August 12, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC

Champagne Open Bar for Ladies 10-11PM
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- $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 Nightclub DC

- Venue Type: Big Nightclub with a small club vibe
- Estimated Size: 1,000 people
- Amenities: 6 Bars, 4 Floors, VIP Table Service, Valet, Coat Check
- Cover Charge: $20-30 (Get in FREE: See “Get Hooked Up” section at bottom)
- Hours: Fri + Sat: 10pm – 3am
- Dress Code: Strictly Enforced. Casual attire: no shorts, boots, athletic wear
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Location: Downtown/Penn Quarter. Near Verizon Center
- Address: 911 F St NW Washington DC 20004. (202) 638 4663
- Website: www.ultrabardc.com
- Atmosphere: Ultrabar is a larger multi-level nightclub appealing largely to the 18-30 crowd. It’s laid out to maximize dancefloor space for those who really like to dance and party, and it definitely gets wild. Boasting 6 bars, 4 dancefloors, 2 mezzanines, and 30+ VIP tables, Ultrabar really sets the standard for Nightclubs in DC.
Venue Overview
Ultrabar is an interesting character. The building itself used to be a bank at the turn of the 20th century, and has retained some of the original bank aspects. Ornate marble accents the bar area wall on the main floor, safe deposit boxes are illuminated behind colored glass in the basement vault (which is now a lounge level), true hardwood floors run throughout the club, and the original trim work and masonry has been fully restored but given a colorful paint job.
Combined with the modern LED lighting, Stainless steel accents, Marble bartops, Glass walls, and modern decor, it makes for an upscale, clean, and inviting atmosphere.

But don’t let that fool you, this place really gets down. Each floor has its own music format, a talented DJ on the decks, and a big bar to boot. And of course, each floor features all the insane lights and pounding sound that you’d expect to see in a club like this. Each floor also has its own VIP section where private tables can be booked. The main floor additionally has two overlooking mezzanines with bars so you can have your drink and look down at the dancing people below.
Virtual Walk-Through
Parties
- DC Dance Party (Fridays)
- Ladies Night (Saturdays)
- 9-10 open bar, 6 bars, 5 levels, 4 DJs. This is DC’s most consistently packed Saturday night party!
Latest Updates from Ultrabar
Get Hooked Up
- Table Reservations: Click Here
- Guestlist: Click Here
- Free Passes: Click Here
Photo Tour: Main Floor


Photo Tour: Vault (Basement)



Photo Tour: Mezzanine (overlooking main floor)


Photo Tour: The Bedroom (2nd Floor)


Photo Tour: Chroma (3rd Floor)


Video Tour: Ultrabar Nightclub DC
What do YOU think?
How was YOUR experience with Ultrabar? Share your feedback below!
Feedback should be insightful, helpful, and intelligent. Remember, the owners of these venues often read and reply, so make sure your complaints are valid, criticisms are constructive, and your compliments justified. If you didn’t like a place, explain what could be improved. If you had a bad experience, explain what went wrong in a civilized manner. If you liked a place, explain what things made it great.
Note: Feedback that does not fit within these guidelines will not be approved.
POP Fridays :: Kaya Jones (formerly of Pussycat Dolls) :: 7/9 @ Ultrabar!
POP Nightlife brings you Kaya Jones formerly of The Pussycat Dolls this Friday at Ultrabar Nightclub DC! She’ll be performing her hits “Dontcha”, “Buttons” and more, and will hang out during the night, keeping things POP and Fresh!
Downstairs on the POP floor (in the newly renovated Vault), You can expect to hear only the best in POP music with Ultrabar resident DJ Maskell all night long!
If you haven’t been to POP yet, come and check it out. It’s a guaranteed good time for everyone…
FREE Download: POP Mix (51MB) (128k MP3) Its 56 minutes of solid POP and Dance mixed by our resident DJ!
The main floor features the main event along with DJ Geometrix playing the best in Top 40 and Mashups, keeping the party HOT! Upstairs in the Bedroom, you can catch the best in Latin Music, and up in Chroma VIP you can catch DJ Spaz!
DRINK SPECIALS
- $3 Guiness Draught
- $4 Dos Equis
- $6 Rum & Cokes
- $6 Patron Espresso Shots
FREE PASS

POP is set to ignite DC Nightlife!
What is POP?
POP is DJ’s. POP is Models. POP is Celebrities. POP is Athletes. POP is movie Premieres. POP is Artists. POP is Theme Nights.
Panorama Productions is celebrating 15 Years in DC Nightlife and Nightclubs, by introducing a new concept. The creators of GLOW, DC’s biggest Electronic Dance Music Event, now bring you POP. Popular Culture and Nightlife at its finest! Grand opening on Friday June 18 at DC’s most POPular nightclub, Ultrabar! Guest DJ for the night, Lady Gaga’s Official DJ VH1 with his unique style of Pop and Mashups!




