Raves

Originating in Europe during the 1980s, raves became popular in major coastal American cities during the early 1990s, subsequently spreading to other metropolitan areas. The participation of youth in these events transcends the boundaries of any one nation.

In the beginning, typical raves were late-night dance parties that featured electronic music, occurring in rented or “borrowed” settings. The music was a mixture of digitally created sounds and previously recorded music. Distinct genres included house, jungle, trance, techno, breakbeat, hardcore, and downtempo. Disc jockeys (DJs) spun music, compiling their own unique show, which featured a combination of music, sounds, beats, and lights to create an entire setting for an intense and unique dance scene. DJs attracted a following like any other musical performer, and their artistic styles were promoted by organizers who book events at different venues and nightclubs.

Use of drugs, particularly ecstasy and other “club drugs,” became associated with these events, and a variety of drug-related paraphernalia (e.g., pacifiers, lollipops, and glow sticks) emerged in these settings. Although the prevalence and type of drug use was not well measured at early events, the popular view was that this was a social setting where drug use was prevalent and accepted. Incidents of drug-related overdoses were featured on the front pages of major newspapers, and a few deaths brought a public outcry for action by authorities. In addition, other medical concerns—overheated venues, lack of sufficient hydration following vigorous physical exercise associated with dancing, and the availability of illegal substances of unknown content—resulted in the emergence of safety networks formed by young people themselves. One such network is DanceSafe, a U.S. and Canadian national coalition of organizations in which volunteers promote health and safety among partygoers. In addition, this coalition addresses questions about drugs, pill testing, drug use, and safety of individuals, as well as informing consumers about various legal actions being taken across the United States relating to these events.

Gradually, the original ad hoc rave scene gave way to electronic music dance events (EMDEs) offered in established nightclubs. Although nightclubs provided a more business-oriented setting, the association with drug use on premises continued. In 2003, the U.S. Senate passed the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act (also known as the Rave Act), which specifically prohibits an individual from “knowingly opening, maintaining, managing, controlling, renting, leasing, making available for use, or profiting from any place for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, or using any controlled substance, and for other purposes.” Thus, businesses are under increasing pressure to control their environments and to eliminate drug use on premises. However, little attention has been given to how this might be accomplished.

Attendees at EMDEs are generally young (ages 18 to 25), ethnically diverse, and of both genders. Especially important, these events attract both college students and young working people, thus providing a social setting with an interface between classes. Events are sometimes advertised to attract specialized populations such as gay/lesbian events or special theme [Page 692]nights (e.g., 80's night or holiday parties). Advertising for the events occurs in newspapers, over the Internet, through flyers, and sometimes via word of mouth.

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