WASH June 2012 : Page 2

Publisher’s Note June 2012 PETER ABRAHAMS Publisher Like many Washington Capitals fans, my nights, for at least the beginning of June, were spoken for back in October. Unfortunately, my plans to rock the red into the final days of spring were cut a bit short this year. So, now that my brooding is over, and I’ve cleared the DVR of all things Caps, I’m ready to rewrite my June nights. And we’ve got just to issue to make my task a little easier—and certainly more than enjoyable. Whether or not you’re a hockey fan, you can rest assured that our June Nightlife issue has something for you to do after dark. When I mentioned to readers about our plans for our first Nightlife issue in three years—one that celebrates fun after sunset—more than a few of you conjured images of packed clubs along K Street that bounced to a loud base beat. To be sure, we’ve got a few of those to whet your appetite. But the real entrée of this issue plates up a feast of new ideas. In fact, our editorial staff has done quite a bit to continue to dispel DC’s label as America’s most boring nighttime entertainment city. Growing up, my uncle lived in New York City—Chelsea to be precise. In my mind, it was the antithesis of boring. What I loved about going to New York, was the feeling that even with everything I could take advantage of, I knew that I was only scratching the surface. There was such a sense of cool, urban, limited access. Of course, DC has endlessly been compared to New York. In the past, these comparisons were designed to show how Washington came up so short. But these days, we hear over and over again that we needn’t leave town to feel a similar electricity. This issue is further proof of the journey through the city’s personality and personalities that set the stage for DC’s ever-growing nightlife. So why now? What’s different? For one thing, DC now has life after dark. See our Nightlife Feature for up-and-comers and names you know. The story highlights those who are infusing energy into our scene, whether it’s the public sphere (like the crew at the Corcoran) or at private events, where access is still all about who you know (check out Eric Motley of The Aspen Institute). Like all great cities in the world, people live, work and play here. So many people have given up the commute, while many in the younger generation never battled it. It’s the thousands of people living in the condos and apartments in-town who need places to go, things to do. And that’s not just true of DC. It’s evident in areas like Crystal City and Clarendon, and even Bethesda, where we’re watching the downtown parking lots transform into The Darcy condos and apartments. We are increasingly seeing suburban dwellers in the city after hours, and even those who live in the city, make their way to exciting events all over the metro region, as we saw at the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival last month. Indeed, it has been built, and they are coming. And while, sure, I’d hoped to help the Caps hoist the Cup this summer, I’ll be raising a cup of a different sort. I hope you’ll help me toast our city and all that it’s becoming. pabrahams@ modernluxury. com 2 | | June 2012

Publisher’s Note

Like many Washington Capitals fans, my nights, for at least the beginning of June, were spoken for back in October. Unfortunately, my plans to rock the red into the final days of spring were cut a bit short this year. So, now that my brooding is over, and I’ve cleared the DVR of all things Caps, I’m ready to rewrite my June nights. And we’ve got just to issue to make my task a little easier—and certainly more than enjoyable. Whether or not you’re a hockey fan, you can rest assured that our June Nightlife issue has something for you to do after dark. When I mentioned to readers about our plans for our first Nightlife issue in three years—one that celebrates fun after sunset—more than a few of you conjured images of packed clubs along K Street that bounced to a loud base beat. To be sure, we’ve got a few of those to whet your appetite. But the real entrée of this issue plates up a feast of new ideas. In fact, our editorial staff has done quite a bit to continue to dispel DC’s label as America’s most boring nighttime entertainment city. Growing up, my uncle lived in New York City—Chelsea to be precise. In my mind, it was the antithesis of boring. What I loved about going to New York, was the feeling that even with everything I could take advantage of, I knew that I was only scratching the surface. There was such a sense of cool, urban, limited access. Of course, DC has endlessly been compared to New York. In the past, these comparisons were designed to show how Washington came up so short. But these days, we hear over and over again that we needn’t leave town to feel a similar electricity. This issue is further proof of the journey through the city’s personality and personalities that set the stage for DC’s ever-growing nightlife. So why now? What’s different? For one thing, DC now has life after dark. See our Nightlife Feature for up-and-comers and names you know. The story highlights those who are infusing energy into our scene, whether it’s the public sphere (like the crew at the Corcoran) or at private events, where access is still all about who you know (check out Eric Motley of The Aspen Institute). Like all great cities in the world, people live, work and play here. So many people have given up the commute, while many in the younger generation never battled it. It’s the thousands of people living in the condos and apartments intown who need places to go, things to do. And that’s not just true of DC. It’s evident in areas like Crystal City and Clarendon, and even Bethesda, where we’re watching the downtown parking lots transform into The Darcy condos and apartments. We are increasingly seeing suburban dwellers in the city after hours, and even those who live in the city, make their way to exciting events all over the metro region, as we saw at the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival last month. Indeed, it has been built, and they are coming. And while, sure, I’d hoped to help the Caps hoist the Cup this summer, I’ll be raising a cup of a different sort. I hope you’ll help me toast our city and all that it’s becoming. Pabrahams@modernluxury.Com

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