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

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