Partygoer adding her design to the ShinyHeart wall
Just a little before 9 p.m. people began to line up in what seemed to be some secret alleyway for the kick off party for Digital Capitol Week. I knew this party was going to be exciting when I was greeted by a hostess in a rainbow wig and saw pink flamingos all throughout the alley.
As I made my way around the party people were already starting to participate (initially at the open bar) but also on the graffiti wall sponsored by Shiny Heart Ventures. The gigantic canvas wall encouraged people to express themselves with the spray paint provided and share what they are thankful for. There was a variety of things on there from a giant turtle to the words traffic jam.
What really caught my eye was someone jumping in the corner many feet above the ground on what seemed to be stilts. DC Power Stilts had a demo area in the corner where guests of the party were able to to strap on some stilts and give the experience a try. After being strapped in with elbow pads, knee pads and a helmet, Sterling Whitehead, from Arlington, Va was the first person of the night to give the power stilts a try. After his experience he said, “you feel like a robot moving on them, but it’s a good work out.” It seemed to be a lot of fun.
Final product from a "You're Ugly" interactive photo
As I made my way into Longview Gallery there was a lot going on. “You’re Ugly” by Kenny George was creating interactive photos where participants could add graffiti and deface their portrait using an electronic Sharpie. There was also the DCWeek fun photo booth for people to take pictures with interesting props like flowers and boas to use for avatars on facebook and twitter.
Back outside there was a lot going on as well. There was a fantastic fire show put on by Dance Afire Productions, a collective of professional dancers and fire artists. Lou Valentine, Bronwen Valentine and Katie Desmond put on a simply amazing show that had the audience in a complete trance as they twirled, tossed and even swallowed flames.
There were also great live performances in the outside area as well. Lulu Fall, who did a mix of jazz, r&b and original songs captivated the listeners in the crowd. One of the audience members declared, “she’s awesome, I don’t want her singing to end.”
When I asked Fall what she thought about DCWeek she said she thought the event was amazing. “I like that even though I don’t know about anything digital it’s inclusive and I don’t feel left out.”
Just when I thought I had seen all there was to offer I was invited back into the VIP area.
Located in a speakeasy through a tiny entrance was a room packed with people. There were drinks flowing, free goodies and a private dj spinning tunes. Many of the sponsors, artists, performers, bloggers and regular VIP’s were in that area networking and simply enjoying themselves and having a good time.
One of guests in the area, who didn’t want his identy revealed, said this was one of the most confusing events he’s ever attended. When I asked why he said, “because everyone here is really nice and open. Something you don’t find too often. Social media people are really nice and well, social.”
That said it perfectly.
