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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Emergency services Since You Asked: Fracking and the LNG pipeline UPDATED: Body found in Greensprings area is Klamath Falls fugitive Mail Tribune online access is free this weekend Record low snowpack worries irrigators and resorts Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency services UPDATED: Body found in Greensprings area is Klamath Falls fugitive Former Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb dies Man who allegedly almost robbed Purple Parrot returns Medford burglary nets guns, electronics and cash Politics and Elections Amid rising scrutiny, governor says fiancee won't have role in administration Ashland aims for diversity, but numbers show shortfall Kent Bush: The keys to decoding the State of the Union address Oregon Legislature convenes, session starts Feb. 12 Education Parent files discrimination complaint against Ashland schools Some gains, some losses Medford reconsiders full-day kindergarten State boosts class time expectation A wealth of experience Environment Commissioners won't object to BLM road closures Mt. 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Live Music in Local Clubs Terrapin Flyer plays Historic Ashland Armory Eric Johnson and Mike Stern at The Rogue Theatre Alcyon Massive and Frankie Hernandez play acoustic at Howiee's Comedian Susan Westenhoefer pulls no punches Theater Classics, premiers highlight '15 season for OSF Randall Theatre presents playwright Charles Ludlam's comedy "The Mystery of Irma Vep" Roy Orbison tribute hits high note Thanks for the Memories Theatre presents 'Cardenio' Thanks for the Memories Theatre presents 'Rent' Music Jesse Cook plays the Craterian Theater Shybo Torres plays South Stage Cellars Here it is! Live Music in Local Clubs Terrapin Flyer plays Historic Ashland Armory Trio Valtorna plays SOU Music Hall Community Events Comedian Susan Westenhoefer pulls no punches Paula Poundstone performs at the Craterian Len Dickson's 'Fall Harvest' to grace Belle Fiore wine label A look at the life and vision of Martin Luther King Jr. Ty Barnett and Ian Harris are 'Divided' Dining Sandwiches and burgers are hits at The Rogue Chef The Vine offers a taste of Italy Cheeseburgers on the cheap Valley View — It's all in the family Patty Groth's Morning Glory is still a delight Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines & Special Sections NEWS NOW UPDATED: Body found in Greensprings area is Klamath Falls fugitive ... Record low snowpack worries irrigators and resorts ... Amid rising scrutiny, governor says fiancee won't have role in administration ... UPDATED: Body found in Greensprings area is Klamath Falls fugitive ... Record low snowpack worries irrigators and resorts ... Amid rising scrutiny, governor says fiancee won't have role in administration ... The Rave wave By Jonel Aleccia MailTribune.com By Jonel Aleccia Posted Jan. 7, 2001 @ 2:00 am Updated Feb 16, 2011 at 8:28 AM By Jonel Aleccia Posted Jan. 7, 2001 @ 2:00 am Updated Feb 16, 2011 at 8:28 AM » Social News It's more than a dance; it's a culture. And while the Rogue Valley versions lack osome of the movement's original urban edge, their techno music and wild colors still draw hundreds to the all-night parties. At 18, Amber is a veteran raver, a Medford girl sporting candy necklaces and green glow sticks who'll drive for hours for the chance to dance until dawn. These days, she doesn't have to. Raves, the all-night dance parties known for bone-jarring electronic music, Mardi Gras costumes and a loving sense of community, are gaining ground in Southern Oregon. I go for the music and because everyone's so nice, says Amber, a bleached blonde who has been to perhaps half a dozen local raves since last summer. You're thinking: ?Why can't the world be like that?� A year ago, the Rogue Valley rave scene was an oxymoron, a joke to those who sought it and a relief to those who hoped it would stay away. But in the past several months, the dark-to-dawn dance-fests have become regular occurrences throughout Jackson County, raising both hopes and fears that the urban movement of music, community and, undeniably, drugs has finally reached this rural region. The rise of raves in Jackson County hasn't come quick enough for Amber and her friends, Doug, 18, and Ethan, 17, all of Medford. The three, who agreed to be interviewed only if they weren't identified, still travel regularly to Eugene and Portland for real raves: all-night gatherings featuring thousands of teens and twenty-somethings and dozens of DJs spinning music known as house, techno, jungle and trance. I don't go to raves in Medford because they still really suck, says Doug, a Southern Oregon University student. But for law enforcement officials like Capt. Ed Mayer, of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, the increased popularity of the gatherings is undeniable. There's no doubt that they're here, Mayer says. They're happening with more regularity all around the county. Promoters and law enforcement officials alike acknowledge nearly a dozen local raves in the past year. They range from a spring event at the Medford Armory that drew some 800 people and a summer dance near Mount Ashland that attracted more than 1,000 to a New Year's bash in Medford that drew perhaps 500. In addition, there have been several smaller dances — crowds of 200 to 400 — at venues ranging from a vacant Ashland hardware store and an old dance studio to Medford teen clubs and rural warehouses. We try to do a small one every month and a half and a big one every two months, says Lance Rowley, a 21-year-old Medford computer programmer. With partners, he has invested several thousand dollars in creating and promoting local raves. In part, the increase has come because there's finally an audience for the scene that began more than a decade ago in Europe and caught on in urban areas throughout the United States. Originally a gritty culture of cutting-edge music and rampant drug use, the rave scene has softened significantly on its way to the Rogue Valley, says Adam Rafalovich, an SOU sociology instructor. Rave culture is a mainstream mainstay, says Rafalovich, 30, who teaches classes on the sociology of popular culture. Everybody knows about it. Today, going to a rave means going to a situation where people will be dancing to electronic music and wearing crazy colors. It's a style of partying that is different. And it's a difference that's appealing to area young people for a range of reasons, say Amber and her friends. Part of it is the music, a fast-paced blend of synthesized sounds mixed by DJs who seamlessly segue from one tune to another at 120 to 160 beats per minute. Part of the appeal lies in the accoutrements of the culture. A November rave at the Historic Ashland Armory revealed dancers dressed in satin, fur, frilly tutus and sparkling sequin tops. Several carried neon glow sticks that traced patterns in the dark as they moved. Others sported candy necklaces, Powerpuff Girl T-shirts and baby pacifiers. This scene's about being cute and fun, says Rowley. It's like Halloween. You dress up in little cute outfits with glow sticks, you meet new friends and you dance all night. It's a place where people can be themselves. That philosophy of acceptance is also a big draw for many ravers, says Amber, who particularly relishes cuddle puddles groups of dancers who offer backrubs and hugs while they rest. Everybody's so loving, she says, describing what she calls core rave values: peace, love, unity and respect, known as PLUR. The acronym has become for some an overused clich?, but it's still a useful shorthand for participants, Amber says. But it's not all hip music, funky clothes and canoodling. Drugs are an undeniable draw for many rave fans. One of the most common club drugs is the stimulant known as Ecstasy. Chemically identified as MDMA or methylenedioxymethamphetamine, the drug taken in liquid or pill form produces profoundly positive feelings for one's self and others. Nicknamed the hug drug, MDMA creates a state of extreme relaxation and empathy while at the same time suppressing needs for food, drink or sleep. The effects of long-term MDMA use are just beginning to be studied, according to a U.S. Department of Justice report. But a 1998 study by the National Institute of Mental Health revealed that MDMA use may cause permanent damage to brain neurons that transmit serotonin, a chemical vital to learning, sleep and emotional function. Local law enforcement officials say they worry about even a single use of MDMA by a young person unfamiliar with its effects. For instance, the drug elevates the body temperature to potentially dangerous levels; users who don't drink water can suffer fatal overheating. There's a danger if Ecstasy is combined with alcohol or other substances, and there are the familiar problems associated with driving under the influence of any intoxicants. People that take Ecstasy don't drive too well, says Medford Police Sgt. Mark Bell. You have a kid here who goes to a rave and he lives up on Skycrest, and he's not going to make those corners. The prevalence of Ecstasy in Southern Oregon remains unclear. No confiscations of the substance have been recorded with local agencies; no arrests have been made. But young people close to the scene say the drug is widely and easily available for about $20 a hit. Bell, who supervises the gang and street crime unit, agrees. I have an informant who tells me it's so prevalent that the price has gone down, Bell said. They thought they could get it for $15. Amber and her friends admit they frequently use Ecstasy and other drugs. I like to mix it with LSD and speed, says Doug. At the same time, the friends contend that drugs are part of most gatherings of young people and that use of Ecstasy or other substances is not a primary focus of even the wildest raves. A lot of people go for the music, they really do, says Ethan. You don't have to do drugs. Promoters like Rowley and Rueben Davis, 29, owner of an Ashland skateboard shop, say they work hard to discourage alcohol and drug use at their events. We're not up to getting kids messed up, says Rowley, who screens entrants at the door and employs security guards inside and outside of his venues. It's not the point of the raves. (Drugs) are going to be there, adds Davis, but that's not our goal with it. We're out there to put on a fun show. Still, the potential for sales and use of a new kind of drug worries area law enforcement officials. We're really concerned based on the fact that the drug is becoming more available and it's targeted toward kids, says Lt. Jim Anderson of the Jackson County Narcotics Enforcement Team. It's packaged so that it appeals to kids. A little pill or a liquid that looks like water is more appealing for a kid to take than something like meth or heroin, which has to be injected. Officers' information about the drug hasn't kept up with its rising popularity, admits Medford Police Lt. Tim George. Tools such as portable kits to test for Ecstasy still aren't available locally. We're just getting our feet wet here as far as the raves and rave culture are concerned, George says. Sometimes the curve can be fast, but meanwhile, we're still swimming in meth. Concern about drug use at raves is valid, say those familiar with the scene. But, they add, it shouldn't be the sole focus of attention. Critics would do well to view the loud music, the wild costumes and the free-love philosophy in the context of other youth movements, says Rafalovich, the sociologist. In the ?50s you had the beat culture, he says. In the ?60s and the ?70s, you had the hippie culture and in 2000 you have the rave culture. It's just a different era. — Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail [email protected] By Jonel Aleccia MailTribune.com By Jonel Aleccia Posted Jan. 7, 2001 @ 2:00 am Updated Feb 16, 2011 at 8:28 AM » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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