The impact of the
ruins on culture and psyche of Detroit is immeasurable. Rave culture,
with its driving force of techno beat, arose here because of the availability
of huge empty spaces that could house the parties.
What a difference
a few hours made. When I arrived back at the Eastown at 2:30 AM, a sea
of bodies writhed in the open dance space in front of the stage as music
belted forth from 15 foot high banks of speakers, all as it they had been
there for years, an outstanding tribute to PLURkids
Productions. The rave was in full swing.
Rave?
The word rave is a term that arose to describe electronic music parties,
usually organized on an ad hoc basic and located in out-of-the-way
locations. Old factories have been a favorite venue in Detroit,
most famous of these sites is the former
Packard Plan.
The term rave,
which embodied the wild fun and adventure experienced at these parties,
unfortunately was seized upon by the media who unfairly sensationalized
the events as drug-crazed debaucheries to the point where even party
organizers feel it necessary to no longer use the word.
I use it here in
its best and original sense, as occurred at this well organized and
secured event, to portray the sheer fun and excitement that was
generated in the long and now historic night. I refuse to let the
ratings driven-media take ownership of this word.
ON TO THE RAVE
CLICK TOUR AT UPPER RIGHT
TO GO TO THE CLASSIC TOUR