Before Google and Facebook, Myspace, texting, or even wide acquisition of mobile devices of any kind, intense social events could still be quickly organized, particularly in urban centers. As recently as 1992, for instance, the "Chutes + Ladders" rave was conceived, planned and carried out with military precision -- and that mostly by students from the University of the Arts along with a few independent entrepreneurs.
First, a theme: Chutes and Ladders. Down the chute w/DJ X LAX and guests . . . Up the ladder to carnival . . . Arrive early and often.
Door charge: $5 to spin 10 til 3. "For Boys and Girls." [no one under eighteen permitted, if memory serves].
Venue: 3868 Lancaster Ave "FAKE HOUSE" (Cool: In 2011, you can look it up on Google Maps and see the building's exterior. It was essentially a vacant warehouse space sort of like the Silver Factory interior of the mid-60s).
Information: 732-9955 "a DIVA Production." HQ: Café Diva, plus some of the organizing artists lived in my apartment building at 1225 Spruce.
In a city such as Philly, an event could be organized quickly and successfully. The little handbills were distributed just about anywhere and everywhere, for cheap. And it was an open secret. Anti-rave backlash from "squares" came later. Most people could journey to and from the Fake House on foot, by bike, by street car, and by subway. No automobiles required. I suspect it's the same now in the Middle East, even when the internet is down, albeit for somewhat if not entirely different purposes.
Today's Rune: Separation (Reversed).
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