[Idi0tb0x]

BAY AREA RAVERS COLLECTIVE

I first conceived of BARC recently during a string of events where the average party attendee was disappointed with the outcomes of their night. Whether this was due to events being busted, paying exorbitant amounts of money for a mediocre event, not hearing any new talent, or just the crowd lacking the cohesion that attracts us all to the scene in the first place, one thing seemed clear: If everyone of those people put their energy into being part of throwing a party that was up to their standards, the results could be spectacular.

The thing that really solidified this realization was a small event that happened in Berkeley a few months back that came together in a short time (two-three weeks) and turned out to be a good night. But it never would have happened were it not for EACH INDIVIDUAL INVOLVED. Literally, every person who was a part of organizing the party brought an essential component to the event. Whether it was lights, or sound, turntables, the space, a DJ, or just their positive energy; if any one of those ingredients had been missing, the party would have just not worked. But because everyone was seriously interested in creating the best possible event, given the limited time and drawing only on their own resources, it all came together beautifully and everyone had a good time.

This reminded me of the “good ol’days” when my crew on the east coast used to pull events together like that, where the goal was not to profit, but just to provide an environment where the ideals and artistry that we upheld could be expressed and everyone could have a good time whether they were a “raver” or just some guy or gal who ended up there by some twist of fate. Nothing was more satisfying than having a great night because everyone put themselves in check and worked as a team, each bringing their own efforts to the event. Where have nights like that gone?

The fact is that the renegades and outlaws and the totally underground “you gotta know someone who knows” kind of events still happen. However, it is my sense that this stuff occurs within preexisting, and perhaps semi-closed circles. Or perhaps it is just simply that the new generation of party people, who likely came into the scene through a micro-massive or just a huge “commercial” rave, either do not recognize or have not experienced the value of these kinds of community driven events. But, the fact is, no matter how big they got, this is where the scene really came from in the first place.

It is truly amazing what one willful and dedicated person can accomplish, just imagine what 20, or 30, or 100 dedicated people could achieve by working together! Picture what kind of event would take place if that group of people worked as a unit, without ulterior motives, to just provide space for our community to happen. THAT would be a truly kick-fucking-ass party.

It will not be the superstar DJ’s, or the profit-motivated promoters, it will not be the record companies; it will be you who is responsible if our scene and our ideals die a quiet death. The simple truth is that we are all the custodians of our culture and if we do not take care of it, who will? If none of us are out there spreading the word and the love and doing the work, then who will?

That is what I hope BARC can be but, it cannot exist at all without all of you and your love of the culture. So will you help? Will you commit what ever you can offer to making a scene that you are proud to be a part of? I hope you will join us in trying to manifest a greater sense of cohesion and high quality community driven events and having a damn good time doing it.

For the party people by the party people, BARC

-Rocky