Fall 2010 – Disappearing, Not Hiding
Every few years, I sort of “drop out” of whatever scene I’m in. I suppose it’s kind of like moving, but without having to go somewhere. I’ve been in the Bay Area since Junior High, so it’s reasonable to assume I’d have to make quantum adjustments to my social life or I’d still be drinking fortified wine in back of the Safeway and watching my friends ride skateboards.
I traded school for punk rock in ’88, punk rock for a career in ’91, a career for entrepreneurship in ’96, entrepreneurship for piece of mind in ’03, and piece of mind for kink/porn in ’06. At each transition, I basically disappeared. Changed my email/phone and sort of walked away. So this is nothing new for me. I don’t regret any of my big life choices, and I’m not ashamed of any of them, but at various points in my life it just gets easier to slip out the back door than keep hanging out while I get sick of the party.
I’ve been kinky for as long as I can remember, and I only plan on getting more perverted with time, but I’m pretty much done with the “Kink Community” for the time being, if not forever. I realize that public dungeons and community groups are important for kinky people, just like all-ages rock clubs are important for artistic youth. That being said, at this point in my life, I have no desire to go to a “play party” or an all-ages punk show in some smelly club. Also, I’ve had a blast doing Rope::Burn, teaching classes, and performing, but the amount of work and/or gladhanding it takes to put on these events has become overwhelming.
So, you’ll probably continue to see less of me out and about. I don’t plan on doing any classes, public shows, or big parties anytime soon. That being said, I still would love to do private lessons or private shows, and I’m open to any and all suggestions of how to have fun being kinky without all the logistics and/or politics. And, if you are someone I know and you want to hang out, just drop me a line.
Sep. 26 – Wild in the Streets (Folsom St Fair)
My plan for the day is below, but things are bound (ha!) to change at any moment. Want to get the latest updates on where I’ll be tying via SMS? Text “FOLLOW MIKE_WEST” to 40404 to get my Twitter updates sent right to your phone. You do not need to be a registered Twitter user, it works for everyone who can send shortcodes. (When the fair is over, text “LEAVE MIKE_WEST” to 40404 to stop the SMSes.)
But for now, here’s my evil itinerary:
Aug 21 – Rope::Burn – Too Cool for School
See pictures from the photo rehearsal.
Growing up in Northern California, it didn’t seem fair — the whole summer is cold and miserable, just about up until the second week of August. Then it got hot, right as I had to go sit inside a stuffy building all day.
Make the best of some bad memories and Join me at Rope::Burn on August 21. We’ll celebrate two things I do like about the American school system: (1) summer vacation, and (2) creepy janitors.
Aug 8 – Rope::Burn Photo Preview
Two (or more) professional bondage models in a live shoot, with real action, and real pain.
Aug 8 (Sunday)
7:30 load-in, 8:00 action
$80
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/118350
For more info, see http://tiedoutwest.com/photo-faq/
May 15 – Rope::Burn – Sproing!
[Dirty Pictures After the cut!]
I could tell you that Rope::Burn is an underground, erotic Japanese rope bondage show. On show night, we feature at least two acts where a beautiful model is tied, tormented, and pleasured before your eyes. Beautiful waitresses serve you refreshing adult beverages while you relax in a nightclub setting.
This is the only show like it in the USA!
Tix available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/97973
Pictures from the photo preview:
Apr 29 – Quick Ties for Dirty Minds – New class in SF!
A brand new class!
Read the rest of this entry »
May 2 – Rope::Burn Photo Preview
Photographers’ preview of Rope::Burn.
Two (or more) professional bondage models in a live shoot, with real action, and real pain.
May 2 (Sunday)
7:30 load-in, 8:00 action
$80
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/109045
For more info, see http://tiedoutwest.com/photo-faq/
Feb 13: Rope::Burn – V is for ….Valentine
The Valentines’ show is the one show every year where I let my soft side prevail. I’ll gently bind a precious flower and pleasure her selflessly while the ropes caress her skin.
Jan 31: Rope::Burn Photo Preview
Photographers’ preview of Rope::Burn.
Two (or more) professional bondage models in a live shoot, with real action, and real pain.
January 31 (Sunday)
7:30 load-in, 8:00 action
$80
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/95066
For more info, see http://tiedoutwest.com/photo-faq/
