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Metromix whipped it up with the multi-talented fetish model
An invite-only affair at the now smoke-free Ferndale staple
X-Ball 4
It’s time for fetish fans to break out their leather, lace and duct tape (though true fans would never have put it away) and head to Bert’s Warehouse for the fourth annual X-Ball event.
“X-Ball is dubbed a fetish-themed party only because that’s the best way we can describe it,” says Vena, model and host of the event. “We commonly associate the word ‘fetish’ with BDSM, or legs and feet, hosiery, or even an article of clothing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I believe that almost everybody has a fetish and many of them don’t fall into these common categories.”
Guests are invited to wear anything from latex, furry costumes to jeans and a T-shirt. There's just one rule: All private parts must be covered.
“It’s amazing what one can do with duct tape, plastic wrap, ribbons, old uniforms and lots of creativity,” Vena says. “We’re not going to enforce a dress code, but it’s always so much more fun when everybody dresses up and gets into the spirit of the party.”
Some people think the event is all about gratuitous and salacious behavior, but Vena says there's more to it than that.
“Sometimes you just need to let your hair down and not worry about what other people think," she says. "X-Ball will always be one of those times. We don’t judge, and we don’t preach --though there might be a few people dressed as judges and preachers!"
“I just think it’s time for all of us to lighten up, leave our hang-ups at the front door and just have a great time together. As long as it’s legal and between consensual adults, we want to see it.”
X-Ball will be co-hosted by Detroit-born model Noir Halo who lives in California. Performers will include Matthew of the band London After Midnight, the Living Dead Girls Burlesque and the FYL Dance Troupe. DJs for the night will be Dark’s Choir, Phobos and Alexi. The event was originally scheduled to be held at Detroit’s I-Rock, but was moved to Bert’s Warehouse to accommodate unexpected demand.
9 p.m. Friday, Bert’s Warehouse, 2739 Russell St., Detroit, 313.393.3233. $15.
The Bosco turns nine
As the Bosco celebrates its ninth anniversary, family and friends are invited to pull up a seat and make themselves cozy to the sounds of Soulprovidah and DJ Tom T.
“We just do our best to maintain a comfortable vibe, which helps us become a nighttime home for new batches of patrons,” says Daniel Haberman who owns the bar with his brother, Jeremy.
The Ferndale hot spot was named after the brothers' Detroit middle school and is a staple of Ferndale nightlife.
“A lounge should be a welcoming place, not one that hits your pocket before you even step in the door,” Daniel Haberman says. “It’s hard to make guests feel at home if you make them pay to get into their house.”
Other than New Year’s Eve, when there’s a reasonable $10 cover, there’s never a charge to get into the Bosco.
To lead the nightspot into its 10th year, the Haberman brothers have a few changes up there sleeves.
“We are going to install 79 flat-screen televisions and will require that all drink orders be in the form of a Tweet,” quipped Daniel Haberman.
He's kidding, of course. You won’t really have to confine your drink orders to 140 characters and there won’t be any flat screens, but Haberman says they will “continue to make subtle changes going forward with the goal of maintaining our comfortable lounge vibe.”
10 p.m. Friday, the Bosco, 22930 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248.541.8818. Free.
D’Fest
Local music-biz heavy hitters like Paxahau, Exchange Bureau, Detroit Dubstep and Detroit Techno Militia are teaming up to bring you D’Fest at TV Bar on Sunday. The 13-hour house and techno event will showcase 25 DJs on two stages.
The lineup includes Amp Fiddler, Buzz Goree, Nick Speed, Tom T, PowdrBlu and more.
D’Fest is held every six weeks, says Jodie Svagr, event and promotions director for U&I Design. The first event, held June 26 at TV Bar, drew about 300 people. The next event is scheduled to take place October 31 at a yet-to-be disclosed location.
The goal of D’Fest is to unify the people involved in the electronic music scene and offer promoters and DJs opportunities to meet and work with other networks within the city of Detroit.
Noon-1 a.m. Sunday, TV Bar, 2554 Grand River Ave., 313.965.4789. $10.
Napkin notes:
A third Dooley's tavern will open in Mt. Clemens in the old Capers restaurant joining locations in Sterling Heights and Roseville. Free drinks, courtesy of Primetime, will be available from 7-8 p.m., and 98.7 will broadcast live from the new location.
Friday, Dooley's, 235 N Groesbeck
